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| #1kuma_kodeSep 04, 2008 20:31:29 | So, I'm starting a d20 Future campaign, and I have four main races: Humans, Deva (Fraal with another name, cause I liked them), the Ixtl, and the Asura. However, I'm wondering if the custom races are balanced. My first impression is that the Ixtl have too little and the Asura have too much, but when I actually go to thinking about it, I confuse myself and wonder how much the abilities are really worth. So, I ask for you opinions on them. Ixtl The Ixtl are large, heavily muscled reptiles who hail from a desert planet. They average between six and seven feet tall and usually weigh two to four hundred pounds. They have large, dull scales that range in hue from scarlet red to sandy tan to muddy brown. They may also possess multiple shades in spots, stripes, and patterns. Ixtl have wide, short snouts armed with sharp teeth. They have brightly colored frills under their chins and along their back, running from the top of their head to their tails, which they can flatten or raise at will. These frills serve many purposes. When raised, the surface area helps cool the Ixtl's blood as well as attract mates. They are also raised when an Ixtl is aggravated or elated. Ixtl are simple creatures who are surprisingly friendly, despite their beastal appearance. Their natural progress level is roughly equivalent to that of medieval earth, though contact with the Asura has artificially enhanced the technology of the planets in which Asuran control overlaps the Ixtl. Because of the seemingly benevolent nature of the Asura, the Ixtl often serve as the muscle the Asura lack. The Ixtl have a Progress Level of 2 (without Asuran enhancement) or 6 (with Asuran enhancement). Ixtl Statistics Type: Humanoid (Reptilian) (Ixtl) Size: Medium. The Ixtl do not suffer any penalties or gain any bonuses due to their size. Ability Modifiers: +2 Strength, -2 Intelligence, -2 Charisma. The Ixtl are heavily built, but their brains are not as advanced as other races. Speed: 30 feet. Natural Armor : Ixtl's hard scales grant them a +2 natural armor bonus to Defense. Skills : Because of their strong tails, Ixtl gain a +2 racial bonus on Swim checks and Balance checks. Free Language Skills: Read/Write Ixtl, Speak Ixtl. Asura The asura are small, weasel-like creatures. They stand roughly 4-6 feet tall, and weigh considerably less than a human of the same height, usually between 80 – 120 pounds. They are long and thin, with flexible joints and the ability to switch between bipedal and quadrupedal movement without difficulty. Their thin fur is usually dark, with black and midnight blue being the most common, with dark red and maroon being much less common and white being almost unheard of. Fur color does not appear to be a basis for discrimination in Asuran culture. Asurans are creative, resourceful, and deceptive. They usually do not create their own technology from scratch, but instead steal from other races and create their own versions. They have developed an amazing aptitude for reverse-engineering and combining the technologies of various races, making them one of the most advanced and formidable races in the galaxy. They discovered the primitive Ixtl and, instead of eradicating them, shared their technology. The Ixtl, as a result, worship them as gods. The Asura and the Ixtl quickly drew up an allegiance, which the Asura exploit to their best interest and the Ixtl are none the wiser. Asura Statistics Type: Humanoid (Asura) Size: Medium. The Ixtl do not suffer any penalties or gain any bonuses due to their size. Ability Modifiers: -2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, -2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence, +2 Charisma. The Asura are thin and graceful, but not very strong. Instead, they have developed their minds. Speed: 30 feet. Darkvision : An asuran can see in total darkness out to a range of 60 feet. They still suffer a -4 circumstance penalty on Spot and Search checks made in the darkness, due to their inability to distinguish colors. Skills : Asurans are highly inclined to working with technology. They have a +2 racial bonus to Computer Use checks, as well as to Craft (Mechanical) and Craft (electronics). They also gain a +2 racial bonus on Escape Artist checks due to their slender, flexible bodies. Free Language Skills: Read/Write Asura, Speak Asura. |
| #2grimgrinSep 07, 2008 22:03:45 | As a basic rule of thumb a 0 ECL race is has a reach of 5ft, balanced attribute scores, a minor ability (near equivalent to a bonus feat), and a bonus of up to +4 to an skill or set of skills. The Ixtl have a natural +2 AC bonus. This a fairly powerful feature at first level but becomes less dangerous at higher levels. I would say it is a +1 ECL bonus and could be balanced with a minor flaw such as a slower speed (can't run or -4 to climb) or the creature has difficulty wearing body armor (increase armor check by 2 or DEX penalty by 1). Since the armor bonus is their only natural power you can safely ignore it for a "FUTURE" based game since hi-tech armor (or cybernetics) easily surpasses it. The Asura possess classic "Darkvision" to 60ft but they already have a skill penalty that hampers the utility of this ability. They have a few too many skill bonuses for a 0 ECL race. I would suggest limiting the race to a +2 bonus to Escape Artist, and a +2 bonus to either Computer Use, Craft (Electronics), OR Craft (Mechanics). |
| #3nix4Sep 08, 2008 8:45:54 | Comments/THoughts in RED I agree with all the statistical changes that Grimgrin mentions. So, I'm starting a d20 Future campaign, and I have four main races: Humans, Deva (Fraal with another name, cause I liked them), the Ixtl, and the Asura. However, I'm wondering if the custom races are balanced. My first impression is that the Ixtl have too little and the Asura have too much, but when I actually go to thinking about it, I confuse myself and wonder how much the abilities are really worth. I really like these races, after some statistical tweaking and a bit more content regarding their homeworlds and backgrounds and relationships I think these would be quite nice! Another thing that might be good, is to give each race something technologically unique to make them a bit more interesting. For example, if the Asura steal technology, then maybe most of their combat craft are around hacking and draining enemy ships as opposed to be tough or fast or having powerful weapons. The Ixtl are PL2 so there isn't a whole lot to say there, do they worship the Asura as gods perhaps?? |
| #4iron_stomachSep 13, 2008 20:45:51 | I would say that the lizard men do need to have something like an increased purchase DC for armor. The Vrusk have a +3 natural armor and this seems to balance them out. |
| #5Luis_CarlosOct 20, 2008 14:51:31 | Did anybody play with any alien race from d20 Future? I have d20 Menace, and srd d20 future. Are the other aliens race cool? How are their racial traits? |