Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Vaelon 01-10-06, 09:14 PM	I have a player in my lvl 1 campaign who wants to be inflicted with curse. He got his idea from Kelemvor's curse where he turns into a savage panther when he doesn't receive payment for a deed done. He wanted to have a druid who is curse to where he turns into a wolf whenever somebody doesn't respect the forrest. [before I go on let me just say that I am a Co DM for this adventure. Our original DM decided it would be better for me to DM rather than play since I could bring some danger to the game as he was a very nice DM] We tested it out on our first day and it bombed.... well it was okay for him as he slaughter an Npc within seconds. My Co-DM let him buy a pack of war dogs (9) So when the NPC start bad-mouthing his grove, [he curse activated] he and his war dogs slaughtered the man. So after that situation ended, I wanted to 86'd that idea. But he still wants to have a curse and my Co-DM doesn't wanna say no, because he thinks it could be beneficial to the game.
kallisti23 01-10-06, 09:32 PM	It sounds to me like this player is using his "curse" idea as a way to power up his character. A curse definitely implies something bad; this player shouldn't get free powers with no cost- that wouldn't be fair to the other players. I would not allow a PC to have such a curse. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if the curse had some negative effect that counter-balanced the power it gives him. As it stands though, this curse is just a free power-up for the PC and I recommend stripping him of it as soon as you begin your next game session.
RabbitoutofaHat 01-10-06, 09:40 PM	Curse eh? You could take more of a horror aspect and base it off what a lyncathrope experiences. Waking up with ripped clothing (if there lucky enough to have any at all) dried blood crusted about their mouth in some strange place they don't know how they got there or where they are. After the player realises it is a curse and not a combat aid he might want to seek a way of removing said curse. Quest hook. Mauling an npc although incredibly easy is not the best idea. Think about it, the townsfolk become scared to come out as a horrible wolf threatens their way of life and they need some brave adventurers to slay it :schemes:
Lord Ian Stark 01-10-06, 09:52 PM	Hmm well if he turns into a wolf and ravages those who wronged the woods there will be trouble to pay when he is hunted down. Also have his character unconcious during his wolf time so he basically has no clue what he's done. Besides waking up with a nasty bloody taste in his mouth and dirty/ripped clothes he won't know what or how it happened. Even if he knows of his curse, he doesn't remember what he does in wolf form. Don't give him bonuses to his character sheet. This may steer him away from the idea as it doesn't really help his character in any way.
Gnome_Dragon_Disciple 01-10-06, 10:37 PM	Also, make it so that he doesn't need to be in earshot of the disrespect to have the curse trigger. He could be in a room full of friends when he inexxorably turns to a wolf and kills them all (friends NOT in the party... at first). Or maybe, ten levels from now, he could turn into the same lame wolf, utterly defenseless against what forces he's angered in his defense of the forest.
Moon-Lancer 01-10-06, 11:35 PM	I’m playing with a druid that kindof has a curse. Gift, Curse, some deal. Instead of asking for something completely unreasonable and outside the rules, I built the character to reflect the curse, and use it as a way to explain The characters power. If the character wants to turn into a wolf when nature in trouble and he is too low of a level to use wildshape to explain this, he can use the spell Aspect of the wolf. Its in sc. pm me if you don’t have the book.
Rez 01-11-06, 04:03 PM	I wonder how many I know who want 'curses' and be very powerful...at level 1. Anyways :P Druids don't view their 'abilities' as curses nor their wildshape abilities. I never heard of 'Aspect of the Wolf' spell (I'd think if it could change you into a wolf that early in the game...might be a bit broken). Closest thing I can see to balancing the idea out is 'Lycanthrope'. Someone threatens nature, curse kicks in, you change. Until the 'danger' is gone you stay in the 'wolf' form (probably evil as well towards most). Another idea: Animal Companion (and can the aspect of the wolf spell idea...dum de dum..) :P Perhaps the Animal Companion is a wolf and the bond between Druid and Wolf is quite strong. Perhaps more like a wizard to its familiar...see through the wolves eyes, hear through its ears, ect. To balance it out-when nature is in danger anywhere especially your druid grove, your wolf and you /swap/ minds. Have fun. :P
Vaelon 01-11-06, 07:28 PM	Well thanks a lot guys the replies. I hadn't even finish the post when I had to leave and you guys Totally helped a bunch. Do you guys have any other Idea's for a curse for a character? I was trying to think of a Curse that doesn't transform the character. Something a little more subtle that could provide good roleplaying aspects without overpowering him or ruining the story unexpectantly.
Vaelon 01-11-06, 07:28 PM	~~~~~sorry I submitted twice~~~~~
Vanulf 01-11-06, 10:41 PM	one thing to consider is to make him a "stock" wolf from the MM, Remember it's a curse not a wild shape ability (natural spell feat would have no effect). It might be cool for a couple of levels but when he gets above third level and his hit points and BAB drops down to that of the wolf it will get old, fast. Imagine the party coming across a group of ogres in the woods uprooting trees and whatnot, and your Druid suddenly shifts into a CR1 wolf with 13 HP's, AC 14,and a BAB of +1 with no spell casting ability. I'm sure your player would be sure to go to the nearest Cleric to have it removed (and just to be evil not have the Remove Curse work)
revnk 01-11-06, 11:20 PM	Well thanks a lot guys the replies. I hadn't even finish the post when I had to leave and you guys Totally helped a bunch. Do you guys have any other Idea's for a curse for a character? I was trying to think of a Curse that doesn't transform the character. Something a little more subtle that could provide good roleplaying aspects without overpowering him or ruining the story unexpectantly. One of my favorite classic curses is in the Greek myth of Cassandra. Apollo gave Cassandra, a mortal, the power to see into the future. Apollo apparently did so as an act of favoritism, but Cassandra then spurned the god's romantic advances. As a punishment, Apollo did not take away the gift of prophesy--instead, he cursed Cassandra so that all who heard her prophecies refused to believe her. She was treated as a pariah for her "lying," doomed to watch as all those she tried to warn spurned her and ignored her warnings. Folklore, myth and legend are full of other classic curses. The PC might be doomed to never settle in one place (any attempt to settle down or set up a fortress or base ends in disaster). The PC might be doomed to have all who love him perish (not recommended for PC relationships, but a succession of NPCs could die in his wake). Destined to kill his best friend is another standard gem. More mechanical curses--but classics of fantasy RPGs--include effects that reduce ability scores or restrict the use of magic or items; these kinds of things are easily implemented, but not necessarily that interesting. In any event, a "curse" is a punishment, not a boon. A curse like Cassandra's might have superficially improving effects, but all who encountered Cassandra suffered, and Cassandra herself was punished for being a harbinger, pessimist and liar. Your player's original curse may have overtones of The Incredible Hulk, but the Hulk (despite his sad and tragic backstory) really is a superhero--his "curse" is actually an empowerment fantasy. But that's really another discussion. Hope that helped get you going in the right direction. A google search for myths, folklore and curses may help inspire you, too. Good luck!
turtlemonkey 01-12-06, 03:36 AM	Yeah i must agree if its a curse it definally needs a downside, be it through acutal power or role playing... one "curse" on of my PCs have now is the spell touched feat (dont remember which one) that sucks life away from people who are dying (in negative hp)... why is this a curse? his back story is his home was attacked, and he was shoved into a portal to escape.. portal dropped him and another person into a random location (so besides the other guy, he didnt have anyone else) also.. the guy that appeared with him was dying... and despite his best efforts... he couldnt save him.. instead he actually helped kill him through his "curse"
BW0222 01-12-06, 03:57 AM	I'd allow it. Any time anyone disrespect the forest he becomes a wolf. His Int drops to 2, he drops to 2 hit dice, and he forgets everything. Just like in the Ladyhawk curse he has no memory of anything which happened to him in wolf form. His cloths fall to the ground and you control him as an NPC -- just like a lycanthrope. No need to explain what happens when the curse takes effect... he can leave the table and come back when he resumes his human form. First time... he wakes up nude in a childen coup to the sound of some six-year-old girl screaming. Her father arrives with a pitchfork and demands to know who killed all his chickens and why this guy is flashing his kid. Second time... he wakes with a leghold trap around his foot. It's cold, rainy, etc. A couple of trappers come along and set him free if he promises not to run around the woods drunk anymore. Third time... he wakes up in a cave injured and some elk gore marks on his side. Several wolves are outside the cave. They freak when they see this guy come out and proceed to tear him apart. Forth time... he wakes up in a small cage on in the back of a cart with a lot of subdual damage. Several gnomes outside are shocked. They explain they are the dog catchers and some towns folk reported a wolf running loose in the city streets. They baited it into an alley, tossed a net over it, and beat it with saps. When the druid says he wants out... they take him to the city guard who lock the druid in a cell and refuse to let him out until he swallows some belladona cocktails and remains in human form until after the next full moon. Fifth time... he doesn't wake. However, his scorched body appears next to some minor noble and his guards. Apparently someone make some comment about building a new summer house in the woods and needing to clear some trees when a stranger in town turned into a wolf. Fortunately, a passing wizard recognized the creature as a werewolf and managed to hit it with a pair of empowered scorching rays.
Phael 01-12-06, 04:05 AM	First time... he wakes up nude in a childen coup to the sound of some six-year-old girl screaming. Her father arrives with a pitchfork and demands to know who killed all his chickens and why this guy is flashing his kid. Second time... he wakes with a leghold trap around his foot. It's cold, rainy, etc. A couple of trappers come along and set him free if he promises not to run around the woods drunk anymore. Third time... he wakes up in a cave injured and some elk gore marks on his side. Several wolves are outside the cave. They freak when they see this guy come out and proceed to tear him apart. Forth time... he wakes up in a small cage on in the back of a cart with a lot of subdual damage. Several gnomes outside are shocked. They explain they are the dog catchers and some towns folk reported a wolf running loose in the city streets. They baited it into an alley, tossed a net over it, and beat it with saps. When the druid says he wants out... they take him to the city guard who lock the druid in a cell and refuse to let him out until he swallows some belladona cocktails and remains in human form until after the next full moon. Fifth time... he doesn't wake. However, his scorched body appears next to some minor noble and his guards. Apparently someone make some comment about building a new summer house in the woods and needing to clear some trees when a stranger in town turned into a wolf. Fortunately, a passing wizard recognized the creature as a werewolf and managed to hit it with a pair of empowered scorching rays. :evillaugh :bow: Evil. I L:love:VE it.
MarkB 01-12-06, 04:40 AM	If you want a curse that's a proper curse, then make him linked to his home forest much as a Dryad is to a tree. He can travel from it, but whatever affects its health affects his. If there's a forest fire, he takes fire damage. If loggers start chopping out parts of it, he takes a point of CON damage each day it happens (which he can heal with a night's rest as normal for stat damage). If someone (other than himself) causes the forest to flourish, such as with plant growth, he gains temporary hitpoints that persist for 24 hours. If a blight afflicts the forest, he is sickened until it is cured. He has a +1 bonus to all saves during spring, but a -1 penalty during autumn. ...etc. I'm sure you can think of a few more effects, if necessary.
Gailbraithe 01-12-06, 05:41 AM	Getting wild shape at level one is not a curse by any definition. As a DM, I would nix the idea entirely. If that can't be done, then I have the following solution: A small child, age eight or nine, is running through the forest, having gotten seperated from his parents. He has a bow and arrow set his father made for him. The kid is an amazing shot with the bow, and has been running through the woods using frogs and sparrows as target practice. He is indiscriminately killing animals for sport and jest. The kind and the "cursed" druid come into contact. The cursed druid transforms into a wolf and mauls the child. The parents, Neutral Good humans, appear just in time to see the wolf-druid mauling and killing the child, then transforming back into a man. Many things are possible here. They could flee to town, round up a posse, and head out to slay the "werewolf". The father could be a Paladin, and take it upon himself to slay the "werewolf". Lots of different ways to handle it, all of them make it a real curse.
Rez 01-12-06, 08:48 AM	I like the 'scorching rays' EVIL! :P Ok. What about this: The druid is cursed. The farther he is away from nature, the harder it is on him (aka will saves increasing in DC depending on how the farthest forest is). Yet if he enters a wooded area/natural area, automatically he reverts into a wolf..... And each time nature is 'wounded' he feels the pain in one form or another...