Reading a book about conspiracy theories and how they can be easily debunked.
But it has me in the mood for a serious Conspiracy X game with heave doses of paranoia, subjective reality and black ops every where.
Might have to try that sometime.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Marvel Heroic Roleplaying
Well unless you have been living under a rock this last week the newest, hottest game on the market right now is Marvel Heroic Roleplaying from Margaret Weis Productions.
It is kinda-sorta billing itself as the spiritual heir to TSR's old Marvel Superheroes Game (aka FASERIP).
The new book out is called "The Basic Game" , obviously meant to recall the "Basic Game" of MSH and there is even a forward from Jeff Grubb. So MHR has a pedigree, of sorts, but how does it stack up to it's forefather?
Well...
I will be100% honest here. The rules took me a bit of reading, re-reading, asking other players and spending some time on RPG Net to understand. AND I Am still not 100% sure I got it right.
I have played around with Cortex+ before. I like ti for what it is and I'll admit I was a little concerned when I heard that the Marvel Game was going to use Cortex+. I like it for Smallville and Leverage where drama is important. I even suggested using it for a Modern Supernatural game, but I was not sold on it as a Supers game.
At this point I should point out that "Supers" might not be a good genre for this game. After all, "Supers" is not even in the title at all and the assumption here that everyone has powers of some sort.
In many ways this game is exactly as my friend Greg describes as the "Antithesis of the OSR".
This game is about building characters, the relationships between them and the drama. Which, if you think about it, is kinda what Marvel Comics is about. Does it matter really what the Hulk's strength is? No. Just that he is really damn strong. Can he pick up a tank and throw it? Sure if the Watcher (the GM, I kinda like that) says he does then he does. That simple. If it is a challenge, say can he out punch The Thing or Thor, then that is a different matter.
I think back to a scene I remember reading years ago. Spider-man teamed up with the Ghost Rider to catch a common foe. They are obviously very different kinds of heroes and they have their own way of doing things. The bad guy was actually not essential to the story, so much so that I can't even recall him. But the issue was more about their contrasting styles and more about how Spidey was horrified when Ghost Rider used Hell Fire on a bad guy. This sort of thing is perfect for these rules.
So I am going spend some time this week with this game and looking at the support information out there and how one can use this game.
My opinion of the game has gone up since I first picked it up. So who knows where I'll be by this Friday.
It is kinda-sorta billing itself as the spiritual heir to TSR's old Marvel Superheroes Game (aka FASERIP).
The new book out is called "The Basic Game" , obviously meant to recall the "Basic Game" of MSH and there is even a forward from Jeff Grubb. So MHR has a pedigree, of sorts, but how does it stack up to it's forefather?
Well...
I will be100% honest here. The rules took me a bit of reading, re-reading, asking other players and spending some time on RPG Net to understand. AND I Am still not 100% sure I got it right.
I have played around with Cortex+ before. I like ti for what it is and I'll admit I was a little concerned when I heard that the Marvel Game was going to use Cortex+. I like it for Smallville and Leverage where drama is important. I even suggested using it for a Modern Supernatural game, but I was not sold on it as a Supers game.
At this point I should point out that "Supers" might not be a good genre for this game. After all, "Supers" is not even in the title at all and the assumption here that everyone has powers of some sort.
In many ways this game is exactly as my friend Greg describes as the "Antithesis of the OSR".
This game is about building characters, the relationships between them and the drama. Which, if you think about it, is kinda what Marvel Comics is about. Does it matter really what the Hulk's strength is? No. Just that he is really damn strong. Can he pick up a tank and throw it? Sure if the Watcher (the GM, I kinda like that) says he does then he does. That simple. If it is a challenge, say can he out punch The Thing or Thor, then that is a different matter.
I think back to a scene I remember reading years ago. Spider-man teamed up with the Ghost Rider to catch a common foe. They are obviously very different kinds of heroes and they have their own way of doing things. The bad guy was actually not essential to the story, so much so that I can't even recall him. But the issue was more about their contrasting styles and more about how Spidey was horrified when Ghost Rider used Hell Fire on a bad guy. This sort of thing is perfect for these rules.
So I am going spend some time this week with this game and looking at the support information out there and how one can use this game.
My opinion of the game has gone up since I first picked it up. So who knows where I'll be by this Friday.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Undead: I Don't Like Level Drain
I don't like level draining attacks from Undead.
I have never liked them. I also don't like 3.x "Negative" levels solution either, although it is getting closer.
See "Level" to me has always been an abstraction, a short hand way of saying you are of a certain skill and power. But the level itself doesn't mean anything. Loosing them is not even properly scary. Really it isn't.
Play some Call of Cthulhu or Kult where there is no such thing and I can tell you, things are scary enough.
I also don't like them since it has nothing to do with why an undead needs them or even would be able to do this. If you say the undead "feed" on levels I counter with "ok, why do they even bother with 0-level humans?" OR more to the point, how do 0-level humans survive as long as they can/could/need-to-for-plot-reasons?
Take the example of Dracula. Are you saying Lucy, who we can assume was attacked by Dracula multiple times, but let's just say three, was at least 6-level? 6th level in what? Mina and Harker too?
Lets look at this from the perspective of a low-level character. Loosing a level is bad news. How about from a higher level one, well...bad yes, but not as bad.
Look at the example of the Magic-User. At 8th level they can cast 2 4th level spells, but after a vampire attack they...forgot them? Ok so memory loss is not an uncommon thing after an attack, but something that specific? Ok, so maybe you can stretch and justify it there, what about a Cleric. He doesn't memorize spells, he prays for them. Now after an attack from a vampire he is no longer worthy for these magics? Lost me there.
For me, level drain never made much sense at all. If it is an abstraction of "Life Force" then we already have that in something much more precious than a level and it fits better. Ability Scores.
Constitution is listed in the AD&D 1 Player's Handbook as:
Let's say the average Constitution Score for everyone is 10. Some one like Lucy, described as frail and weak might only be an 8 or even a 6. Certainly enough to survive multiple attacks, not more than say oh... three. Mina, who is described as robust and full of life survives more attacks.
The draining attack needs to be tied into the type of undead, how it was made and what it needs. We already have a precedent for it; the AD&D Shadow drains Strength. Vampires, who feed on blood (or was that forgotten in AD&D?) should feed on Constitution. Other undead then fall in line.
The Monsters
Skeletons, Zombies, Ghouls and Ghasts
The various members of the "Walking Dead" typically do not have drain attacks, though some could have fear based ones. Zombies, Ghouls and Ghasts can also number among the "Hungry Dead" where they eat the flesh, living or dead, of others.
Ghosts, Banshees, Poltergeists
These creatures feed on fear for the most part, so causing fear is their primary goal. The Banshee can kill with her scream and the Ghost can prematurely age a victim.
Drain: None.
Restore: Damaging, HP restored as normal, aging can be reversed
Lich
The mere touch of a Lich is a paralyzing cold attack that has less to do with actual temperature and more to do with the chill beyond the grave.
Drain: None. Paralyzing
Restore: Damaging, HP restored as normal
Mummy
The rotting disease of the mummy is well known, but mummies can also attack via a draining attack. This attack, sometimes known as the Mummy's Curse, will drain the victim of Dexerity and Charisma. Worse yet, the curse is applied after only 1 successful attack and the the abilities are drained at the rate of 1 point each per day till one of them reached 0. At this point the victim dies and can not be raised. They will then on the next full moon become a zombie.
Drain: 1 point of Dexterity and Charisma.
Restore: Remove Curse, Heal or Wish only.
Shadows
Shadow already drain Strength. As intangible, incorporeal creatures they lack the physicality needed to interact with the world. Draining Strength then makes them feel more alive, but it is temporary.
Drain: 1 point of Strength.
Restore: Natural healing, 1 point per hour of rest.
Spectres
These frightful ghostly shades are the result of a curse. They are removed from the physical world, but loathe it. Like the Shadow, the Spectre drains away Strength, but it can also drain Wisdom. Strength is lost much the same way and for the same reasons as a Shadow. Wisdom, the center of reason, is drained because it was something the Spectre lacked to get itself cursed in such a way.
Drain: 1 point of Strength or Wisdom
Restore: Magical healing via Restoration or Heal spell.
Vampires
These apex undead predators feed on the life force of their victims. They drain the blood (and thus the Constitution) from their victims. A vampire can choose to drain 2 points of Constitution per attack, but many will toy with their victims, draining only once per night.
Drain: 2 points of Constituion
Restore: Natural healing, 1 point per week of complete bed-rest.
Wights
Most wights were soldiers or fighters in their lives. Some of that keen intelligence lives on in undead flesh. Since their lives were cut short due to their physical prowess, or lack thereof, the wight jealously steals Strength from it's victims. It does this with a cold touch from beyond the grave.
Drain: 1 point of Strength
Restore: Magical healing via Restoration or Heal spell.
Wraith
The Wraith is a more power incorporeal undead than the shadow, but not quite the twisted evil of the Spectre. The wraith attempts to drain any ability score it can, targeting the lowest score and draining it till the victim reaches 0. They do this not so much out of malice, though that is certainly true, but because they need the life force the ability provides.
Drain: 1 point of lowest Ability Score.
Restore: Magical healing via Restoration or Heal spell.
Succubus
The kiss of the succubus is as deadly as it is desirable. Men (and women) who have survived it can barely describe it, but all agree that no mortal embrace can ever compare again. While the succubus can withhold the draining feature of her amorous attack at will, she won't often do so. This is because the attack of the succubus will drain Wisdom as well as Constitution. Any victim that has lost more than 1/3 of their total Wisdom score becomes hopelessly in the thrall of the succubus. Only a Wish or similar magic can save them. Once the succubus has used up her pawn she may opt to drain Constitution as well or only to finish of the hapless mortal and return to her master with their soul.
Drain: 1 point of Wisdom and Constitution, or 2 points of Wisdom or 2 points of Constitution
Restore: Magical healing, till 1/3 is lost then only via a Wish
Guidelines for Abilities Drained
Other undead or other demons may also have a level draining attack, here is how to convert those attacks to Ability Draining and how to choose which ability is the most appropriate.
Strength or Dexterity: Any attack where the creature is incorporeal, lacking a true body or is otherwise reminded of their own past physical life. Ex. Shadows and Wraiths lack true physical forms and Wights were mostly fighters.
Constitution: The basis of life-force. It is used in system survival roles and adds to hitpoints. Any creature that drains life will drain Con.
Wisdom: The basis of willpower and the desire to continue on. Also the "mature" side of our minds. People with less wisdom give in to temptation easier.
Intelligence: The domain of the mind. Anything to do with mental prowess, psychic awareness or magical talent lies here. Ex. Mind Flayers feed on the minds of others, they "eat" Intelligence.
Charisma: The personality of the character. Also tied to willpower. Some faerie creatures will drain the life and personality out of a person by draining their Charisma. Ex. The Leanan Sidhe or Psychic vampires.
There are certainly other ways to do this and we can even argue which ability various undead can drain. But I think ability drain is far superior to level drain.
I have never liked them. I also don't like 3.x "Negative" levels solution either, although it is getting closer.
See "Level" to me has always been an abstraction, a short hand way of saying you are of a certain skill and power. But the level itself doesn't mean anything. Loosing them is not even properly scary. Really it isn't.
Play some Call of Cthulhu or Kult where there is no such thing and I can tell you, things are scary enough.
I also don't like them since it has nothing to do with why an undead needs them or even would be able to do this. If you say the undead "feed" on levels I counter with "ok, why do they even bother with 0-level humans?" OR more to the point, how do 0-level humans survive as long as they can/could/need-to-for-plot-reasons?
Take the example of Dracula. Are you saying Lucy, who we can assume was attacked by Dracula multiple times, but let's just say three, was at least 6-level? 6th level in what? Mina and Harker too?
Lets look at this from the perspective of a low-level character. Loosing a level is bad news. How about from a higher level one, well...bad yes, but not as bad.
Look at the example of the Magic-User. At 8th level they can cast 2 4th level spells, but after a vampire attack they...forgot them? Ok so memory loss is not an uncommon thing after an attack, but something that specific? Ok, so maybe you can stretch and justify it there, what about a Cleric. He doesn't memorize spells, he prays for them. Now after an attack from a vampire he is no longer worthy for these magics? Lost me there.
For me, level drain never made much sense at all. If it is an abstraction of "Life Force" then we already have that in something much more precious than a level and it fits better. Ability Scores.
Constitution is listed in the AD&D 1 Player's Handbook as:
"Constitution is a term which encompasses the character’s physique, fitness, health, and resistance. Since constitution affects the character‘s hit dice and chances of surviving such great system shocks as being changed by magic spell or resurrected from the dead, it is of considerable importance to all classes."Instead of levels I say Vampires (and I'll get to other undead) should drain 2 points of Constitution. It fits better. The more blood loss you have the weaker you become. The less likely you will survive a system shock.
Let's say the average Constitution Score for everyone is 10. Some one like Lucy, described as frail and weak might only be an 8 or even a 6. Certainly enough to survive multiple attacks, not more than say oh... three. Mina, who is described as robust and full of life survives more attacks.
The draining attack needs to be tied into the type of undead, how it was made and what it needs. We already have a precedent for it; the AD&D Shadow drains Strength. Vampires, who feed on blood (or was that forgotten in AD&D?) should feed on Constitution. Other undead then fall in line.
The Monsters
Skeletons, Zombies, Ghouls and Ghasts
The various members of the "Walking Dead" typically do not have drain attacks, though some could have fear based ones. Zombies, Ghouls and Ghasts can also number among the "Hungry Dead" where they eat the flesh, living or dead, of others.
Ghosts, Banshees, Poltergeists
These creatures feed on fear for the most part, so causing fear is their primary goal. The Banshee can kill with her scream and the Ghost can prematurely age a victim.
Drain: None.
Restore: Damaging, HP restored as normal, aging can be reversed
Lich
The mere touch of a Lich is a paralyzing cold attack that has less to do with actual temperature and more to do with the chill beyond the grave.
Drain: None. Paralyzing
Restore: Damaging, HP restored as normal
Mummy
The rotting disease of the mummy is well known, but mummies can also attack via a draining attack. This attack, sometimes known as the Mummy's Curse, will drain the victim of Dexerity and Charisma. Worse yet, the curse is applied after only 1 successful attack and the the abilities are drained at the rate of 1 point each per day till one of them reached 0. At this point the victim dies and can not be raised. They will then on the next full moon become a zombie.
Drain: 1 point of Dexterity and Charisma.
Restore: Remove Curse, Heal or Wish only.
Shadows
Shadow already drain Strength. As intangible, incorporeal creatures they lack the physicality needed to interact with the world. Draining Strength then makes them feel more alive, but it is temporary.
Drain: 1 point of Strength.
Restore: Natural healing, 1 point per hour of rest.
Spectres
These frightful ghostly shades are the result of a curse. They are removed from the physical world, but loathe it. Like the Shadow, the Spectre drains away Strength, but it can also drain Wisdom. Strength is lost much the same way and for the same reasons as a Shadow. Wisdom, the center of reason, is drained because it was something the Spectre lacked to get itself cursed in such a way.
Drain: 1 point of Strength or Wisdom
Restore: Magical healing via Restoration or Heal spell.
Vampires
These apex undead predators feed on the life force of their victims. They drain the blood (and thus the Constitution) from their victims. A vampire can choose to drain 2 points of Constitution per attack, but many will toy with their victims, draining only once per night.
Drain: 2 points of Constituion
Restore: Natural healing, 1 point per week of complete bed-rest.
Wights
Most wights were soldiers or fighters in their lives. Some of that keen intelligence lives on in undead flesh. Since their lives were cut short due to their physical prowess, or lack thereof, the wight jealously steals Strength from it's victims. It does this with a cold touch from beyond the grave.
Drain: 1 point of Strength
Restore: Magical healing via Restoration or Heal spell.
Wraith
The Wraith is a more power incorporeal undead than the shadow, but not quite the twisted evil of the Spectre. The wraith attempts to drain any ability score it can, targeting the lowest score and draining it till the victim reaches 0. They do this not so much out of malice, though that is certainly true, but because they need the life force the ability provides.
Drain: 1 point of lowest Ability Score.
Restore: Magical healing via Restoration or Heal spell.
Succubus
Drain: 1 point of Wisdom and Constitution, or 2 points of Wisdom or 2 points of Constitution
Restore: Magical healing, till 1/3 is lost then only via a Wish
Guidelines for Abilities Drained
Other undead or other demons may also have a level draining attack, here is how to convert those attacks to Ability Draining and how to choose which ability is the most appropriate.
Strength or Dexterity: Any attack where the creature is incorporeal, lacking a true body or is otherwise reminded of their own past physical life. Ex. Shadows and Wraiths lack true physical forms and Wights were mostly fighters.
Constitution: The basis of life-force. It is used in system survival roles and adds to hitpoints. Any creature that drains life will drain Con.
Wisdom: The basis of willpower and the desire to continue on. Also the "mature" side of our minds. People with less wisdom give in to temptation easier.
Intelligence: The domain of the mind. Anything to do with mental prowess, psychic awareness or magical talent lies here. Ex. Mind Flayers feed on the minds of others, they "eat" Intelligence.
Charisma: The personality of the character. Also tied to willpower. Some faerie creatures will drain the life and personality out of a person by draining their Charisma. Ex. The Leanan Sidhe or Psychic vampires.
There are certainly other ways to do this and we can even argue which ability various undead can drain. But I think ability drain is far superior to level drain.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Zatannurday: Deviant Art Cosplay
Zatanna at London Expo Oct 2011- 4 by *Andserkiel on deviantART
Zatanna. Trick Time. by *IamLizbit on deviantART
Zatanna at London Expo Oct 2011- 2 by *Andserkiel on deviantART
Penguin and Zatanna by *Andserkiel on deviantART
Poker Face by *Andserkiel on deviantART
"I'm a spellaholic." by *Andserkiel on deviantART
Zatanna by ~esophia on deviantART
Zatanna Preview Collage by ~ProtectorKorii on deviantART
Giovanni Zatara's Daughter by *Andserkiel on deviantART
Zatanna Zatara by *Andserkiel on deviantART
:DC: Like Magic by *Eva-No-Jutsu on deviantART
Zatanna by ~KaitoEinsam on deviantART
Zatanna's magic! by ~KaitoEinsam on deviantART
Zatanna by ~KaitoEinsam on deviantART
Zatanna Zatara by ~KaitoEinsam on deviantART
Friday, February 24, 2012
20 Questions
The latest OSR Blogger meme is making it's rounds.
This one comes from Untimately, http://untimately.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions-rules.html
Here are mine.
http://untimately.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions-rules.html
http://dungeonsddx.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions.html
http://lasgunpacker.blogspot.com/2012/02/utimately-20-questions.html
http://backtothekeep.blogspot.com/2012/02/another-20-questions.html
http://daddygrognard.blogspot.com/2012/02/untimatelys-20-questions-and-my-answers.html
http://the-city-of-iron.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions.html
http://d20dialectic.blogspot.com/2012/02/untimate-quiz.html
Others to be posted I am sure.
This one comes from Untimately, http://untimately.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions-rules.html
Here are mine.
- Ability scores generation method? 4d6, drop the lowest arrange as desired. I am not interested in average people, I want heroes in my games.
- How are death and dying handled? Dying at 0hp, death at -CON
- What about raising the dead? Only clerics can do it. Elves and Witches can't be raised, only reincarnated.
- How are replacement PCs handled? I keep a stack of sheets handy. I can always work a new PC into the ongoing story.
- Initiative: individual, group, or something else? Individual
- Are there critical hits and fumbles? How do they work? Yes. Critical hits on natural 20s, double damage. Fumbles on a 1 and attack is lost and "something bad" happens.
- Do I get any benefits for wearing a helmet? For AC, no. For role-playing effects yes. So if a character is wearing a helmet and a shot misses I'll say it glanced off their helmet.
- Can I hurt my friends if I fire into melee or do something similarly silly? I give players the benefit of the doubt that they have worked together and know what works and what doesn't. I am more interested in drama and story than whether or not they hit each other.
- Will we need to run from some encounters, or will we be able to kill everything? Oh, HELL YES. Sometimes the only recourse is to run away.
- Level-draining monsters: yes or no? Not really. Undead drain abilities like STR, CON, CHA or WIS as needed. Trust me, my undead are plenty scary even with no draining ability.
- Are there going to be cases where a failed save results in PC death? No. Bad rolls should NEVER dictate a game's outcome. Yes bad things happen, but we have that, it's called "Real Life". The game is about heroes and their struggle, not a bad roll or a bone-headed DM that can't see past that. Besides, there is enough to kill you in my games that I don't have to resort to passive/aggressive ways to kill characters.
- How strictly are encumbrance & resources tracked? Eh. If I think the players have too much then I mention it. With magic anything is possible.
- What's required when my PC gains a level? Training? Do I get new spells automatically? Can it happen in the middle of an adventure, or do I have to wait for down time? No new levels until the characters can get trained, and that means in between adventures. Spells have to learned. Most wizards have schools as sources. Which means I get to limit which spells they have access too.
- What do I get experience for? Good role-playing, defeating (which is not the same as "killing") monsters, treasure, completing an adventure.
- How are traps located? Description, dice rolling, or some combination? Traps are left where traps would be located. NO random death traps.
- Are retainers encouraged and how does morale work? I use old D&D Basic morale (1-12). Retainers are group NPCs and have to paid and taken care of.
- How do I identify magic items? Wizards have a basic chance based on level. Otherwise a spell.
- Can I buy magic items? Oh, come on: how about just potions? There is exactly ONE place where you can in my world and it is very famous.
- Can I create magic items? When and how? Yes. Of course. Where do all the magic items in the world come from. It takes research and craft and years of work though.
- What about splitting the party? No. That's suicide in my dungeons. Former party members tend to come back as flesh eating undead.
http://untimately.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions-rules.html
http://dungeonsddx.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions.html
http://lasgunpacker.blogspot.com/2012/02/utimately-20-questions.html
http://backtothekeep.blogspot.com/2012/02/another-20-questions.html
http://daddygrognard.blogspot.com/2012/02/untimatelys-20-questions-and-my-answers.html
http://the-city-of-iron.blogspot.com/2012/02/20-quick-questions.html
http://d20dialectic.blogspot.com/2012/02/untimate-quiz.html
Others to be posted I am sure.
Prestige Class: Witch Priestess
Continuing with my new witch Prestige Classes for d20/3.x/Patherfinder.
Earlier I posted the Queen of Witches, today I want to post something I feel lacking in the Patherfinder witch; A connection to the divine.
One thing I felt the early batch of witch books for the d20 game did well was the inclusion of a good amount of Prestige Classes. There were all sorts really, but the ones I liked the best allowed the witch to take an aspect of what made her a witch and explore it in detail. The Witch Priestess is one such class. I suppose to fill out the mix I would also include an Arcane Witch, an Occult Witch, maybe some sort of expert on Charms and another on Potions. But that would be for another day.
Here is the Witch Priestess. All content below this point is consider Open.
Section 15: Witch Priestess, Copyright 2012, Timothy. S. Brannan.
OGC Declaration: The following text content is considered Open Content for term of the OGL.
Witch Priestess
To a witch religion and
witchcraft are the same thing and worship is a fairly private affair; it is
something she does with (or even without) her Patron in her own way.
To the Witch Priestess though,
religion, witchcraft and worship are far more important and she is considered
to be a leader in the witch’s religious community and life.
Not all witches are called to
become a Witch Priestess and the sacrifice is great one. The witch becomes more like a cleric in many
respects. She gives up advancing in her
arcane spellcasting and begins divine spell casting as a cleric of the same
level. The Witch Priestess does have healing
powers, but she cannot convert spell energy into healing energy as a cleric
can.
Hit Dice: d6
Requirements To qualify to become a Witch Priestess, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria:
Knowledge (Religion) 8 Ranks
Knowledge (Witchcraft): 10 Ranks
Feats: At least one Witch feat.
Special: A Witch Priestess must belong to a coven.
A Witch Priestess typically has a high wisdom.
Class Skills The Witch Priestess class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Alchemy) (Int), Craft (any) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (religion), (Int), Knowledge (witchcraft) (Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier
Class Features All of the following are class features of The Witch Priestess prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Witch Priestess gains no proficiency with weapons or armor.
Special: The Witch Priestess gains special powers at each level of her progression.
Spells per Day: The Witch Priestess begins gaining Divine spells as a cleric of the same level. The Witch Priestess can though add her levels to levels of witch for determination of DCs or level based effects. Levels of witch do not however add to her levels of Witch Priestess when casting divine Witch Priestess spells. For example a character with 10 levels of Witch and 3 levels of Witch Priestess will cast witch spells as a 13th level witch, but Witch Priestess spells as a 3rd level caster. NOTE: A Witch Priestess with levels in a divine spellcasting class may opt to continue to progress with those spell levels, they will not however add to her casting of witch spells. So a character with 10 levels of Witch, 3 levels of cleric and 3 levels of Witch Priestess can cast as a 10th level witch and as a 6th level divine spell caster.
Divine Spells: The witch may cast spells as a cleric of the same level. She uses the same list of spells as does the cleric. She still cannot use spells that are contrary to her alignment or beliefs; that is no Raise Dead spells. Domain: The Witch Priestess gains access to a clerical domain of the appropriate type. They gain the spells and associated powers as a cleric with this domain. At 8th level the Witch Priestess gains a 2nd domain.
Occult Powers (Su): At 3rd level the Witch Priestess gains additional occult powers as if she were a witch of that Tradition. The Witch Priestess will choose occult powers form her own Tradition first always at 3rd level, then branching out to the other Traditions for her next Occult power. Note: Some witches call their Occult Powers “Hexes”. These witches may choose a new Witch Hex at these levels. The first Hex must be of the Minor sort. The second Hex may be Major or Grand as appropriate.
Bonus Feat: The Witch Priestess gains an additional feat. She may choose from Witch or Cleric/Divine feats if she meets the requirements.
Form Coven: The Witch Priestess can form a new coven. If she is part of a coven now she will leave, with no ill will, to form her own coven. The number of witches she gathers is equal to 1d6+ her Charisma modifier. These witches will be under 6th level for a total number of levels equal to the Witch Priestess level + her level as a Witch. For example a witch with a 17 Charisma can have a maximum of 9 (3 + 6) witches. If she is a 10th level witch and a 5th level Witch Priestess the she can have a maximum of 15 levels of witches in her coven. So possibly 8 1st level and 1 7th level or any combination thereof.
Drawing Down the Moon (Su): Once per day the witch priestess can recall a number of spell levels equal to half her level (witch and witch priestess combined) rounded down. The witch must complete a ritual to regain her spell levels that takes a full round. Once complete the witch regains the knowledge of the spells lost.
Charge of the Goddess (Su): The witch at this point is such a force for her Patron that she can summon the Goddess’ own power into herself. The witch radiates an aura of Fear at 15’ to all her enemies. She gains a bonus of +2 to all her saves and AC. She also gains +3 to all offensive attack forms, spells (spellcasting and DCs) or weapons. This charge lasts for a number of rounds equal to the witch’s Wisdom score. It may be performed only once per day and takes one full round to perform.
*A Witch Priestess may choose to continue advancing as any divine spellcasting class she also has.
Earlier I posted the Queen of Witches, today I want to post something I feel lacking in the Patherfinder witch; A connection to the divine.
One thing I felt the early batch of witch books for the d20 game did well was the inclusion of a good amount of Prestige Classes. There were all sorts really, but the ones I liked the best allowed the witch to take an aspect of what made her a witch and explore it in detail. The Witch Priestess is one such class. I suppose to fill out the mix I would also include an Arcane Witch, an Occult Witch, maybe some sort of expert on Charms and another on Potions. But that would be for another day.
Here is the Witch Priestess. All content below this point is consider Open.
Section 15: Witch Priestess, Copyright 2012, Timothy. S. Brannan.
OGC Declaration: The following text content is considered Open Content for term of the OGL.
Witch Priestess
Hit Dice: d6
Requirements To qualify to become a Witch Priestess, a character must fulfill all of the following criteria:
Knowledge (Religion) 8 Ranks
Knowledge (Witchcraft): 10 Ranks
Feats: At least one Witch feat.
Special: A Witch Priestess must belong to a coven.
A Witch Priestess typically has a high wisdom.
Class Skills The Witch Priestess class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Alchemy) (Int), Craft (any) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (religion), (Int), Knowledge (witchcraft) (Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier
Class Features All of the following are class features of The Witch Priestess prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Witch Priestess gains no proficiency with weapons or armor.
Special: The Witch Priestess gains special powers at each level of her progression.
Spells per Day: The Witch Priestess begins gaining Divine spells as a cleric of the same level. The Witch Priestess can though add her levels to levels of witch for determination of DCs or level based effects. Levels of witch do not however add to her levels of Witch Priestess when casting divine Witch Priestess spells. For example a character with 10 levels of Witch and 3 levels of Witch Priestess will cast witch spells as a 13th level witch, but Witch Priestess spells as a 3rd level caster. NOTE: A Witch Priestess with levels in a divine spellcasting class may opt to continue to progress with those spell levels, they will not however add to her casting of witch spells. So a character with 10 levels of Witch, 3 levels of cleric and 3 levels of Witch Priestess can cast as a 10th level witch and as a 6th level divine spell caster.
Divine Spells: The witch may cast spells as a cleric of the same level. She uses the same list of spells as does the cleric. She still cannot use spells that are contrary to her alignment or beliefs; that is no Raise Dead spells. Domain: The Witch Priestess gains access to a clerical domain of the appropriate type. They gain the spells and associated powers as a cleric with this domain. At 8th level the Witch Priestess gains a 2nd domain.
Occult Powers (Su): At 3rd level the Witch Priestess gains additional occult powers as if she were a witch of that Tradition. The Witch Priestess will choose occult powers form her own Tradition first always at 3rd level, then branching out to the other Traditions for her next Occult power. Note: Some witches call their Occult Powers “Hexes”. These witches may choose a new Witch Hex at these levels. The first Hex must be of the Minor sort. The second Hex may be Major or Grand as appropriate.
Bonus Feat: The Witch Priestess gains an additional feat. She may choose from Witch or Cleric/Divine feats if she meets the requirements.
Form Coven: The Witch Priestess can form a new coven. If she is part of a coven now she will leave, with no ill will, to form her own coven. The number of witches she gathers is equal to 1d6+ her Charisma modifier. These witches will be under 6th level for a total number of levels equal to the Witch Priestess level + her level as a Witch. For example a witch with a 17 Charisma can have a maximum of 9 (3 + 6) witches. If she is a 10th level witch and a 5th level Witch Priestess the she can have a maximum of 15 levels of witches in her coven. So possibly 8 1st level and 1 7th level or any combination thereof.
Drawing Down the Moon (Su): Once per day the witch priestess can recall a number of spell levels equal to half her level (witch and witch priestess combined) rounded down. The witch must complete a ritual to regain her spell levels that takes a full round. Once complete the witch regains the knowledge of the spells lost.
Charge of the Goddess (Su): The witch at this point is such a force for her Patron that she can summon the Goddess’ own power into herself. The witch radiates an aura of Fear at 15’ to all her enemies. She gains a bonus of +2 to all her saves and AC. She also gains +3 to all offensive attack forms, spells (spellcasting and DCs) or weapons. This charge lasts for a number of rounds equal to the witch’s Wisdom score. It may be performed only once per day and takes one full round to perform.
| Level | BAB | Fort. | Ref. | Will | Special | Divine Spellcasting* | ||||
| Save | Save | Save | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||
| 1st | +0 | +0 | +0 | +2 | Divine Spells, Healing | 1 | ||||
| 2nd | +1 | +0 | +0 | +3 | Domain (1st Domain) | 1+1 | ||||
| 3rd | +1 | +1 | +1 | +3 | Occult Power / Hex | 1+1 | 1 | |||
| 4th | +2 | +1 | +1 | +4 | Bonus Feat | 2+1 | 1+1 | |||
| 5th | +2 | +1 | +1 | +4 | Form Coven | 2+1 | 1+1 | 1 | ||
| 6th | +3 | +2 | +2 | +5 | Drawing Down the Moon | 3+1 | 2+1 | 1+1 | ||
| 7th | +3 | +2 | +2 | +5 | Occult Power / Hex | 3+1 | 2+1 | 1+1 | 1 | |
| 8th | +4 | +2 | +2 | +6 | Domain (2nd Domain) | 4+1 | 3+1 | 2+1 | 1+1 | |
| 9th | +4 | +3 | +3 | +6 | Bonus Feat | 4+1 | 3+1 | 2+1 | 1+1 | 1 |
| 10th | +5 | +3 | +3 | +7 | Charge of the Goddess | 5+1 | 4+1 | 3+1 | 2+1 | 1+1 |
*A Witch Priestess may choose to continue advancing as any divine spellcasting class she also has.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
New Releases Thursday
So each year I let everyone know about the new releases of some of my favorite women in Urban Horror from two of my favorite authors.
Here are the previous posts, 2010 and 2011. Here I am only a couple days late.
First up is the new Calliope Reaper-Jones book from Amber Benson, How to Be Death.
When we last left CRJ she was assuming the role as the new Death. Don't pretend that just because she has the power and station means she has anything figured out yet. I think this is my favorite cover of all the books so far. Out on Feb 28.
Also new is Rachel Morgan's latest adventure from author Kim Harrison, A Perfect Blood.
If Calliope is Death, then Rachel is Dead. Or at least that is what they keep telling her. She was declared dead at the end of the last book and now no one from the FIB, to her Demon teacher Al or even the DMV can do anything about it. Maybe Callie could help her...
I like this cover too. We get to see more of Rachel. This one is out now.
Here are the previous posts, 2010 and 2011. Here I am only a couple days late.
First up is the new Calliope Reaper-Jones book from Amber Benson, How to Be Death.
When we last left CRJ she was assuming the role as the new Death. Don't pretend that just because she has the power and station means she has anything figured out yet. I think this is my favorite cover of all the books so far. Out on Feb 28.
Also new is Rachel Morgan's latest adventure from author Kim Harrison, A Perfect Blood.
If Calliope is Death, then Rachel is Dead. Or at least that is what they keep telling her. She was declared dead at the end of the last book and now no one from the FIB, to her Demon teacher Al or even the DMV can do anything about it. Maybe Callie could help her...
I like this cover too. We get to see more of Rachel. This one is out now.
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