| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Lemernis |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 13:12:13
I have a quest idea that depends on an alchemical basis for gradually robbing minds of the power of thought and understanding, such that that metaphysical energy is stored and made useable to enchant an item. It's a research project being conducted by an evil cleric-mage, using kidnapped subjects.
Based on your knowledge of magic in FR, does an alchemical basis for such a process sound plausible? And if so, what types of alchemical reagents might be used?
Basically, I need to salt an item to be discovered as a clue for this process. If the process isn't alchemical, then I'd very much appreciate suggestions as to what type of process could be used, and what sort of item could be left as a clue. Having a mindflayer involved came to mind, but such a creature is going to be too high level for the party. |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| sirreus |
Posted - 13 Sep 2007 : 17:43:16
it sounds slightly like the phaerim's magic drain. it happens over time too. it's worth looking into. there's also a spell in 3e that makes the subject take a penalty to will saves. perhaps you could tweak it some.
good luck. |
| Rinonalyrna Fathomlin |
Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 17:54:33
quote:
Originally posted by Lemernis
I have a quest idea that depends on an alchemical basis for gradually robbing minds of the power of thought and understanding, such that that metaphysical energy is stored and made useable to enchant an item.
Well, start off by using excessive amounts of alcohol (half-serious)... |
| Kiaransalyn |
Posted - 05 Sep 2007 : 06:32:36
Here are some ideas I've had:
1. If you have The Illithiad you may want your cleric-mage to make use of resonance stones (page 82.) These stones are imprinted with an emotion and radiate the emotion that they contain. Your cleric-mage may have an unusual one that allows him to drain a victim of an emotion even though he is not psionic. The trapped emotion could then be used to discourage enemies if the emotion is negative, such as despair and depression or encourage allies if it is positive. And he may even want to use the positive emotions to influence good-aligned character. An NPC might initially think the cleric-mage is untrustworthy but then after experiencing the resonance stone the NPC may view him in a much more favourable light.
2. Something akin to the Feed ability of the Barghest from 3rd Edn Monster Manual. Link to SRD - Barghest.
3. Use the Hypnotism spell from 2nd Edn PHB, page 135.
4. Vampiric Mist from Monstrous Manual, page 254.
Perhaps what your cleric-mage can do is use hypnotism to ensnare his victims then use an energy drain effect to drain the victim. He then uses the negative energy to charge weapons, etc. Maybe your character underwent some Sharran ritual whereby he was infused in negative energy?
Anyway, I hope these ideas are useful to you. |
| Lemernis |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 23:07:23
Btw, the item that the cleric-mage is attempting to make is one that may impart a number of spell effects, all of which twork in some way against consciousness (understood as illumination). I haven't quite figured out specifically what the item will be (maybe a staff), but some of the spell effects it could impart include: Blindness, Sleep, Deafness, Feeblemind, Power Word Blind, Symbol, Stun, Rigid Thinking and Confusion. |
| sleyvas |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 21:41:22
Hmmm, 2nd edition, all I can think of is the feeblemind spells and the later spells that came out for blanking memories (can't think of the name).
Third edition though, I do believe that you can create scrolls & concievably potions which are of spells with metamagics applied. If doctored with the proper illusions for taste and coloration, a potion with "delay spell" metamagic applied should work. Granted, you're limited to 5 rounds of delay and it raises the level of the spell by 3 and potions can't be above 3rd.... so this would pretty much only work for 0-lvl spells. Guess it'd be easier to slip a micky into their drink. |
| Lemernis |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 19:16:00
Love the response about beer, hehe!
This is a 2nd ed. AD&D, btw.
I have nothing against psionics in FR. But this is, for the villain, who is a human Nightcloak of Shar/Mage, intimately connected with Shar's neverending battle against light in all of it's manifestations. Metaphysically, in this cleric-mage's working of the Weave, the consciousness he's stealing from his subjects is a form of light.
The party is low level and could handle some Shadows summoned by the villain. But I think involving any sort of psionic monster is probably beyond them.
Even if there's no 'documented cases' of such magic in FR, I think I should be able to fudge this if I can find a list of reagents to look through. Then I can probably find something suitable for a potion he's cooking up and giving to the subjects. That's the direction I was seeking to take it, anyway. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 15:19:24
quote:
Originally posted by Kiaransalyn
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I was thinking it could be psionic in nature also. :)
It kind of screams it, doesn't it? (I guess somebody will say it mind-blasts it.)
Indeed it does, at least to me but I wasn't sure if I wanted to offer that suggestion because a lot of people don't enjoy psionics or believe psionics "belongs" in FR even though psionics has existed in FR since 1e or even before it was published. |
| Kiaransalyn |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 15:17:49
quote:
Originally posted by Kuje
I was thinking it could be psionic in nature also. :)
It kind of screams it, doesn't it? (I guess somebody will say it mind-blasts it.) Anyway, I shall have a look through my various psionics books this evening and see what I can find. Assuming another scribe doesn't beat me to it and that Lemernis hasn't discounted the option. |
| Kuje |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 15:06:18
I was thinking it could be psionic in nature also. :) |
| Kiaransalyn |
Posted - 04 Sep 2007 : 15:04:35
This is a nice question but the answer is quite tricky.
But first I should get some flippancy out of the way.
quote:
Originally posted by Lemernis
I have a quest idea that depends on an alchemical basis for gradually robbing minds of the power of thought and understanding,
Beer works very well for this, so I'm told. 
quote:
Originally posted by Lemernis
I have a quest idea that depends on an alchemical basis for gradually robbing minds of the power of thought and understanding, such that that metaphysical energy is stored and made useable to enchant an item. It's a research project being conducted by an evil cleric-mage, using kidnapped subjects.
As I understand it, is it worth asking you about psionics? Or have you already considered such an option?
The only magical/alchemical things I can think about at the moment involve fairly high-level spells. |
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