pyrokinesis trait: is it fair? [Archive] - Wizards Community

pyrokinesis trait: is it fair? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
MythMage
01-02-05, 06:25 PM What do you think of this trait:

Firestarter [trait]

You possess a minor form of pyrokinesis.

Benefit: You can produce a jet of flame from your fingertip similar to the "firefinger" option of Prestidigitation. (See Tome and Blood, page 80)
As a standard action, you produce a jet of fire up to 1/2 foot long. The flame cannot hurt you, but fires it starts can. You can use the flame to make a touch attack that deals 1 point of fire damage, or you can attempt to hit a flamable item on your target. If you hit the object (such as exposed scroll, light cloth, etc.) it catches on fire and may catch the victim on fire (DM's discretion, depending on the target) Also, you can use the ability to light a torch as a standard action, rather than the normal full-round action.
This is a spell-like ability of the Evocation [Fire] school.

Drawback: You are not reflexively afraid of fire or being burned. In fact, you find flames mesmerising and beautiful. You must consciously remind yourself that fire can burn and hurt you, slowing your reflexes when threatened by it.
You suffer a -2 morale penalty to AC and saves against fire effects and anything that deals fire damage.
trapspringer
01-02-05, 06:36 PM Hmm. The draw-back isn't directly related to the benefit. Maybe something that penalizes ranged attacks? I mean, it doesn't seem broken, just a bit away from the recomendations. I can't see it would be game-breaking. At all. I think it may be unapealing. -3 ref agains the most common type of big damage for the ability to start a fire with out a tender twig.
MythMage
01-02-05, 06:59 PM Good point. I decreased the penalty to -2.

Also, note that this trait is the prerequisite for a feat tree of more powerful pyrokinetic abilities.
MythMage
01-02-05, 11:13 PM Do you think that this trait's benefit (without the drawback) would be okay as a General feat, without being over- or underpowered?
TLomon
01-03-05, 01:23 AM Add a prerequesite of Psionic Ability (satisified by Wild Talent feat), and have it cost 1 psi point per use. After that, I think it would be ok.
strenoth
01-03-05, 03:44 AM one PP to use? it's WEAKER than a 1st level power (weaker than a 0th level spell for that matter), AND it has a draw back!!!!!

it's fine as is. No need to give it the cost fo a 1st level power to use.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MythMage 01-02-05, 06:25 PM	What do you think of this trait: Firestarter [trait] You possess a minor form of pyrokinesis. Benefit: You can produce a jet of flame from your fingertip similar to the "firefinger" option of Prestidigitation. (See Tome and Blood, page 80) As a standard action, you produce a jet of fire up to 1/2 foot long. The flame cannot hurt you, but fires it starts can. You can use the flame to make a touch attack that deals 1 point of fire damage, or you can attempt to hit a flamable item on your target. If you hit the object (such as exposed scroll, light cloth, etc.) it catches on fire and may catch the victim on fire (DM's discretion, depending on the target) Also, you can use the ability to light a torch as a standard action, rather than the normal full-round action. This is a spell-like ability of the Evocation [Fire] school. Drawback: You are not reflexively afraid of fire or being burned. In fact, you find flames mesmerising and beautiful. You must consciously remind yourself that fire can burn and hurt you, slowing your reflexes when threatened by it. You suffer a -2 morale penalty to AC and saves against fire effects and anything that deals fire damage.
trapspringer 01-02-05, 06:36 PM	Hmm. The draw-back isn't directly related to the benefit. Maybe something that penalizes ranged attacks? I mean, it doesn't seem broken, just a bit away from the recomendations. I can't see it would be game-breaking. At all. I think it may be unapealing. -3 ref agains the most common type of big damage for the ability to start a fire with out a tender twig.
MythMage 01-02-05, 06:59 PM	Good point. I decreased the penalty to -2. Also, note that this trait is the prerequisite for a feat tree of more powerful pyrokinetic abilities.
MythMage 01-02-05, 11:13 PM	Do you think that this trait's benefit (without the drawback) would be okay as a General feat, without being over- or underpowered?
TLomon 01-03-05, 01:23 AM	Add a prerequesite of Psionic Ability (satisified by Wild Talent feat), and have it cost 1 psi point per use. After that, I think it would be ok.
strenoth 01-03-05, 03:44 AM	one PP to use? it's WEAKER than a 1st level power (weaker than a 0th level spell for that matter), AND it has a draw back!!!!! it's fine as is. No need to give it the cost fo a 1st level power to use.