I'm currently in the process of introducing the Deva into my campaign world (along with all the other PHB2 races and a few MM races). Currently, the Deva rule a scattered people called The Oathbound, and interact with the party as enigmatic, untrustworthy aristocrats.
I've given them some small powers, which, when they become playable, I'd like to transfer over to their racial stats. See what y'all think about these changes, and if there may be some balance issues I'm not seeing. These are in addition to a deva's normal stats.
• Luminescent Body: A deva's skin glows slightly. This effect illuminates the area in a burst 1 centered on the deva. The deva can activate or deactivate this effect as a minor action.
Deva in my world are blue, not purple, and glow with a soft blue light. Think Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen.
• Divine Tongue: A deva understands all speech directed at him, and if desired, anyone he speaks to understands him. A deva must still understand a language to read it, or to understand words not directed at him.
The deva were created to serve as peacemakers and messengers of divinity, and so needed to be able to speak to many different people. They were thus given the ability to speak to anyone and to understand anyone. Their role in the world has been forgotten, but their abilities remain useful.
What are you taking away? The Deva is already a really well designed and balanced race, and I'd hate to have that come into question in your games because you've decided just to give them a whole bunch of stuff without removing some things to compensate. The Deva is the last race that needs a hand-out..
EDIT: ALSO, DR. MANHATTAN IS SEXY!!!
The Deva is already a really well designed and balanced race
+1
EDIT: ALSO, DR. MANHATTAN IS SEXY!!!
-1
What are you taking away? The Deva is already a really well designed and balanced race, and I'd hate to have that come into question in your games because you've decided just to give them a whole bunch of stuff without removing some things to compensate. The Deva is the last race that needs a hand-out..
EDIT: ALSO, DR. MANHATTAN IS SEXY!!!
The idea is that these two items are largely neutral in power. They don't really do much, after all. Do you think that these would actually make Deva overpowered?
Im not going to say its overpowered, I will point out that you have given them a Paragon level feat at first level. The feat was published in Dragon Magazine issue 374 called "Remembered Mother Tongue" which gives you the ability to speak Supernal, allowing you to speak to and understand anyone.
If the glow is not controllable, ie able to be turned off, then I think the benifit of it is out weighed by the negative of never being able to hide. THe only time glowing would be a good think is also the only time you would not want to glow.
-Nerp