Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Oneiros 04-12-05, 02:36 PM	For some reason, the idea of "tattoo magic", whatever the actual base mechanic, has always been an intriguing idea to me. There's several feats and prestige classes using the idea from various publications, and I plan on sifting through them to see which I think are suitable for my campaign. Something else struck me recently about the concept - this would be an excellent "fluff" rationale behind the fire-and-forget method of spellcasting. Instead of wizards actually memorizing spells each day, (and inexplicably "forgetting" them), what if they actually scribe their spells on their skin each day as a tattoo? When each spell is cast, it disappears from their body. Daily spells would actually function more like scrolls this way, and would be the reason why wizards get Scribe Scroll as an automatic feat at first level. I'm picturing something like Indian Henna body art, mostly on the face and hands. Flavor-wise, I think it would be a great step in giving my home-brew some distinctiveness. I don't want too many mechanical changes stemming from this, so can anyone see any pitfalls to the idea? Some of the things I can see: Erase:: The description says "Erase removes writings of either magical or mundane nature from a scroll or from one or two pages of paper, parchment, or similar surfaces." Writings on the skin could be assumed to be excluded, so no change there. (Or, Erase could still work as described, requiring a touch attack, and a caster-level check vs. the spell tattoo's DC.) Sorcerers:: The fact that sorcerer's wouldn't require these tattoos is one of the reasons they are viewed with suspicion (already the case in my world), as they are not as easily identifiable. Divine Casters: Continue to function as described, as they aren't "forgetting" spells, they are using up what was granted to them for the day. This helps distinguish them from arcane casters further. Metamagic Feats: These now require a permanent tattoo when the feat is taken, regardless of the spellcaster's class. Meta-magic tattoos are normally placed on the chest or back. Some casters go shirtless to show these tattoos off, while others keep them hidden. Spellcraft: The same uses of this skill with regard to scrolls apply to spell tattoos, but since tattoos are more unique to each wizard, add +5 to the DCs. This allows PCs the possibility to learn spells from fallen foes without having to find a spell book, but only those not already cast. Oh, and the tattoos are water-proof ;) Any other ideas/comments are welcome.
moth 04-21-05, 06:24 PM	that sounds really cool. I'd love to see this in play.
Kapawww!! 04-21-05, 07:14 PM	This is a pretty neat concept some ideas: With Spellcraft, perhaps allow PCs to learn spells by looking at other wizards tattoos before they cast it (or even if they never cast it). Basically this means that other wizards can decipher the tattoo markings to see what kind of spell the opponent is capable of casting. just some random thoughts.
The Thing in the Night 04-24-05, 01:12 PM	For added flavour, check out the old Mind's Eye WotC feature for Improved Psionic tattoos-it's basically "Psychic Circuitry". It would adapt very well for spells.
The Stray 04-24-05, 03:58 PM	There's a varient Spellbook in the complete Arcane where instead of having a tome, the wizard actually scribes his spells into his skin and prepares them from there... I agree, I love magical tatooes. IMC, there is a wizards who can make temporary tatooes (with a varient of the Brew Potion feat called Scribe Tatoo), and he can also make premenant magical tatooes (With the Craft Wonderous Item feat). These permenant magic tatooes take up spaces on the body, but they can't be stolen or lost (unless a foe is REALLY determined and doesn't mind a little wetwork). They cost double whatever the item they are emulating would cost (so a Tatoo of Orgre's Strength costs 8,000 gp, for example)
Sonn Athion 04-24-05, 04:29 PM	These permenant magic tatooes take up spaces on the body, but they can't be stolen or lost (unless a foe is REALLY determined and doesn't mind a little wetwork). I used that once in a highseas campaign that landed the PCs in the Jungles of Chult.. They received special tatooes on the side of their face and neck that boosted their Con.. I thought it was cool at least.. and they didn't complain