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Krafus
Learned Scribe
246 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Mar 2005 : 14:14:08
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| The god-banning magic obviously eventually failed, but I get your point and George Krashos'. In their own way the Artificers must have been as arrogant as the Netherese, and their emperor more arrogant than the rest. |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2005 : 17:28:56
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quote:
Originally posted by edbonny
Originally, each chapter was to end with an adventure. For Chapter 5: The High Forest, there was inspired by Rich Baker's newest fey'ri novel. I set it in a lost Siluvanede citadel called Sunspires and it involved a few "young" fey'ri who, although evil, did not wish to become tools in Sarya's lust for vengeance. For chapter 7, I had a Shoonach era underground laboratory where the Shoon monarchs would conduct longevity experiments (i.e. torture) on pure/goodly races. The abandoned area was littered with undead remannts of fey, gold dragons, elves, etc. as well as potions/staves/etc. of healing and curing which were created from the body parts of those good creatures.
Hopefully these adventures will be published someday  Both of them sound just great! |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2005 : 17:35:33
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Well met, Ed!
The Lost Empires is a great book, but I wish to ask you a couple questions regarding the ancient deities and their domains:
1) Shouldnīt all the deities have the "alignment domains"? For exmaple, Bhaal should have Law and Evil, because he is Lawful Evil? I thought this rule was adamant 
2) Moanderīs domains list Slime, but not Plant. Isnīt Moander more associated with rotting plants and plant monsters than slimes? Though I remember that in F&A one of his avatarīs abilities was to "vomit" green slimes. Anyway, my list for his domains would be: Chaos, Corruption, Destruction, Evil, Plant.
Thanks again for your great contribution into this tome!  |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2005 : 21:50:38
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quote:
Originally posted by Asgetrion
Well met, Ed!
The Lost Empires is a great book, but I wish to ask you a couple questions regarding the ancient deities and their domains:
1) Shouldnīt all the deities have the "alignment domains"? For exmaple, Bhaal should have Law and Evil, because he is Lawful Evil? I thought this rule was adamant
2) Moanderīs domains list Slime, but not Plant. Isnīt Moander more associated with rotting plants and plant monsters than slimes? Though I remember that in F&A one of his avatarīs abilities was to "vomit" green slimes. Anyway, my list for his domains would be: Chaos, Corruption, Destruction, Evil, Plant.
Thanks again for your great contribution into this tome!
Hi Asgetrion,
I don't see any problem with giving each deity their alignment domain. I imagine that one reason for leaving those domains off helps avoid overloading any one deity with too many domains. This is especially true when you want a deity to really stand out from his peers by defining him/her with a unique domain.
As for Moander, I would avoid giving him the Plant domain in 3e. He is more associated with decay and destruction --- while the plant domain is more about life, growth, and life-nurturing druidic things that seem to be the very opposite of what Moander stands for.
- Ed |
Edited by - edbonny on 23 May 2005 20:36:19 |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2005 : 19:11:42
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quote:
Originally posted by edbonny
Hi Asgetrion,
I don't see any problem with giving each deity their alignment domain. I imagine that one reason for leaving those domains off helps avoid overloading any one deity with too many spheres. This is especially true when you want a deity to really stand out from his peers by defining him/her with a unique domain.
As for Moander, I would avoid giving him the Plant domain in 3e. He is more associated with decay and destruction --- while the plant domain is more about life, growth, and life-nurturing druidic things that seem to be the very opposite of what Moander stands for.
- Ed
Thanks for the answer! You may be correct about the Plant domain, though I am not sure about giving Moander the Slime domain either (I donīt have my books right now with me, so I have to check them later)
But enough with grumbling! I really liked what you revealed about those unpublished adventures taking place in Shoonach and Sunspires! I hope that they will be published someday... canīt wait
Keep up the good work! |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Asgetrion
Master of Realmslore
Finland
1564 Posts |
Posted - 25 May 2005 : 01:58:58
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Sorry Ed! That smile in the post above should be  instead of (meaning that I really look forward seeing them printed!) |
"What am I doing today? Ask me tomorrow - I can be sure of giving you the right answer then."
-- Askarran of Selgaunt, Master Sage, speaking to a curious merchant, Year of the Helm |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 02 Jun 2005 : 22:18:41
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Ed- I have a couple of questions on Jhaamdath
1, what gods other than Auppenser did they worhsip? Same as the Chondathans? Did the Psilords all worship Auppensor or only some of them. I realize that Auppenser was kind of the official state deity.
2, The Utaxioa (I cant remember how to spell it correctly)- Are some of these lingering arond in the cities now water covered in the vilhon.
3, Were all of the Jhaamdathan human? were they mixed race with some psionic race as a trace of their ancestry giving them psionic powers.
4, What were their relations with Netheril. Did some of the Netherese flee to Jhaamdath?
5. Is Jhaamdath being taken over by Unther in -1500 to -1000 still canon, or should it be ignored (from races)
6, Mystryl or the previous Mystra (not sure which) imprisoned Auppensor? Why ? And how does the current Mystra feel about Psionics and Auppensor
7. Would the chosen try and interfere with a new spread of psionics across the realms or a freeing of Auppensor.
8. What would a Jhaamdathan Paladin/Psiwar look like and who would he worship, Tyr?
p.s. I'm thinking of taking Jhaamdath in a different direction in my own campaign i.e. Netherese survivors show up in -390, and try and undermine the Psiocracy. The future emperor is one of these arcanists, and it is he who takes control in the bloody coup. I gotta say though I dig the star wars aspect of the whole thing. |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2005 : 15:29:19
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Hey Octa,
Good questions!
<<1, what gods other than Auppenser did they worhsip? Same as the Chondathans? Did the Psilords all worship Auppensor or only some of them. I realize that Auppenser was kind of the official state deity.>>
1. Worship of Auppenser was most prevalent in the 12 cities, where psionics was nurtured. Out in the towns and villages, his presence was dramatically less prevalent, and other gods were more prominent. These gods (primarily Chauntea, Tyr, Oghma, and Aumanator) were more a part of the exurban Jhaamdathans daily life are the gods that are worshipped by the Chondathans today.
<<2, The Udoxias Are some of these lingering arond in the cities now water covered in the vilhon.>>
2. I would imagine a few Udoxias survived the tidal wave and lie under the rubble in the Vilhon. One exists under Hlondath, the yuan-ti city built upon the ruins of Lirremar, 6th city of the sword. That artifact could well account for the greater prevalence of psionics found in that city.
<<3, Were all of the Jhaamdathan human? were they mixed race with some psionic race as a trace of their ancestry giving them psionic powers.>>
3. The Jhaamdathans were all human. I could see some DMs allowing elan offspring (say perhaps one or both human parents were psionicists of some sort) or even spontaneous elan birth (or elan traits emerging at puberty) perhaps arising from prolonged exposure to a udoxias.
<<4, What were their relations with Netheril. Did some of the Netherese flee to Jhaamdath?>>
I would guess that Jhaamdath traded regularly with Low Netheril but they otherwise had little cause to interact with each other politically. In time and if both empires had not fallen, each one's slow expansion would have inevitably brought conflict. Imagine the super-psions vs. the super-mages mega-battle that could have been.
As for refugees, I am sure Netherese survivors would have ended up almost anywhere on Faerun depending on their resources and prior contacts (family [I married a psion], trading partners, joint arcane-psionic research, adventuring friends, etc.). I would think that some Netherese arcanists would have enjoyed visiting the pristine white Jhaamdathan cities and perhaps maintained a tower or retreat there. Jhaamdath was, after all, a stably run realm suitable and thus attractive as a place to visit. So yes, I am sure more than a handful of Netherese survivors came to Jhaamdath.
<<5. Is Jhaamdath being taken over by Unther in -1500 to -1000 still canon, or should it be ignored (from races)>>
5. I go with the retcon'd timeline, although you can explain this as a long series of border skirmishes that never went anywhere.
<<6, Mystryl or the previous Mystra (not sure which) imprisoned Auppensor? Why ? And how does the current Mystra feel about Psionics and Auppensor>>
6. Auppenser was not imprisoned. His death would have ended psionics permanently on Toril. He was sent into a long regenerative slumber from which he is only now beginning to awake from. That move saved psionics from being eradicated.
<<7. Would the chosen try and interfere with a new spread of psionics across the realms or a freeing of Auppensor.>>
7. I don't really see that happening. Psionics is not really a threat to them the same that divine magic is not a threat to the Chosen either.
<<8. What would a Jhaamdathan Paladin/Psiwar look like and who would he worship, Tyr?>>
A Jhaamdathan "psi-knight" would have worshipped Auppenser then. A modern day version could worship Tyr or Auppenser (provided he learned of the psionic god's existence). I would lean with Auppenser solely simply because of the psionic aspect of the class. Tye is really not about magic or psionics). As for what such a class might look like....hmmm, if I had to pick a prestige class off the top of my head, I would go with a psionic version of the Eldritch Knight from the DMG.
<<p.s. I'm thinking of taking Jhaamdath in a different direction in my own campaign i.e. Netherese survivors show up in -390, and try and undermine the Psiocracy. The future emperor is one of these arcanists, and it is he who takes control in the bloody coup. I gotta say though I dig the star wars aspect of the whole thing.
[/quote]>>
Interesting development. And very believable. What better way to reclaim your lost imperial power than by taking over another empire.
- Ed |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jun 2005 : 17:54:55
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Ed, thanks so much for your answer, Jhaamdath has really captured my imagination. So much so that as I was thinking about the elven high mages calling in the tidal wave I actually got mad, like really mad, that they could in their arrogance destroy at least a million innocents. It is especially shocking given the fact that it seems that Jhaamdath actually tried to keep from destroying their homeland for 4000 years before that.
I guess it shows how radical the precursors of the Emerald Enclave really were. Even so I cannot imagine that these elven high mages could justify their actions at a true neutral alignment.
So am I also right in assuming then that Auppensor was willing to grant spells to anyone who used Psionics, Pallys, Black Guards, etc....
I get the part about Mystra now, Auppensor suffered from some kind of wound that would have killed him losing so many followers at once.
I think that Paladin-Warmind-Psiwarriors could be part of some 'heretical' sect of Auppensor worshippers who lived in a Temple in the hinterlands of Jhaamdath, somewhere near the head waters of (I can't remember the name now) the river going into the vilhon at its terminus. My players can stumble on its ruins and the pally can learn about warminds etc... |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jun 2005 : 18:53:21
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So on re-reading it looks like the war against the elves was pretty genocidal itself so maybe less of a surprise on the Tidal wave.
Here is what I am thinking about the paladin/warmind combination-
There was a heretical order in Jhaamdath called the Knights of the Broken Chains worshipping mainly Ilmater. These knights were dedicated to ending slavery in all of its forms and so also had the support of Auppenser. Most of the members of the Order were ex-slaves who had been freed from Coramshan and Chessenta, and brought their worship of Ilmater with them from Coramshan. They were quite radical and had a number of fortresses on the Jhaamdathan hinterland from which to raid and free slaves in the surrounding territories. Their headquarters was in the valley at the headwaters of the vilhon in the deepwing mountains, which according to the vilhon reach guide book is now overrun by beholders. As their symbol all Knights of the Broken Chains wore broken manacles as bracers. While not accepted by Jhaamdathan society the church of Auppenser forbade their eradication, and they served as a 'free' first line of defense against Jhaamdaths neighbors.
The order was composed of Paladins and monks of Ilmater who had multiclassed in various psionic disciplines. And a few NG clerics of Auppenser.
My PCs three of whom are going to be Elans were the leaders of these knights and were a pally/warmind, psion, Cleric of Auppenser. Near -276 the Knights of the Broken Chain had discovered how to make Elan. The three PCs were old heroes (80 years old or so) and handing off their power to their apprentices. These apprentices convinced them to undergo the process to make themselves Elan knowing that it would make them youthfull again. Since the process was poorly understood it was not known that they would re-emerge at first level. On this take making an Elan restores youth at the expense of erasing or fading away the persons abilities as they become younger. The three PCs are placed into special coffin-pods to complete the change which takes one year.
The evil soon to be emperor strikes at this time now that three of his most implaccable foes are out of the picture. Everyone in the realm thinks the three heroes dead. The emperor (still just one of the council of blade lords) convinces the Jhaamdath that the Knights of the Broken Chain must be wiped out (ala knights Templar), and so the army moves against the chain. Knowing that the Elan making process is yet incomplete the three apprentices of the PCs move the three pods somewhere else and work magic on them to hide them from the emperor (perhaps the Dodurian crypts). They then return to battle the future emperor and die or kill themselves to deny him the knowledge of their masters location under torture.
For 1500 years the PCs sit in the pods, since they cannot awakent themselves and the pods act like a sort of temporal stasis. That is until they are awoken by...... I havent figured out what awakens them but they do get woken up and start as my PCs in 1372. |
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daarkknight
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2005 : 01:35:02
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Ed,
First, I want to say great work on LEoF! I'm even more happy to see the bonus material you've been kind enough to post here about Jhaamdath, Auppenser, and psionics in general.
I'm ecstatic about your answer concerning a Udoxias underneath Hlondeth. After reading your bonus material, I was going to put on there as my campaign is heading there, and one of my players is a psion attempting to help Auppenser return to his prior status. That sounds like the perfect discovery to help in that endeavor.
One question though. You refer to the Udoxian Contact feat in the Encyclopedia Jhaamdathan entry for udoxias. I've not seen it anywhere. Did I miss it? Or will you be posting it soon?
Paul |
"That's it!"
Quote attributed to Talor Stormhammer, paladin of Helm, when fighting a frost giant. |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2005 : 13:58:41
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quote:
Originally posted by daarkknight
Ed,
One question though. You refer to the Udoxian Contact feat in the Encyclopedia Jhaamdathan entry for udoxias. I've not seen it anywhere. Did I miss it? Or will you be posting it soon?
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for reminding me about the Udoxian Contact feat. I will post it today (today being Friday - June 17).
- Ed |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jun 2005 : 14:09:05
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Wow!!!
More good info coming from Mr Bonny? I will stay alert today for this...  |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
twitter: @yuripeixoto
Facebook: yuri.peixoto |
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daarkknight
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jun 2005 : 16:20:57
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Ed,
Here's another couple of questions for you. I don't know if they will be answered in the Udoxian Contact feat, and if they are, forgive me.
First, how many feats and powers are typically imbued within a udoxias?
Second, can any psionic creature use any power that is imbued within a udoxias? For example, could a 7th-level psionic warrior enact
true metabolism on himself, since he has 15 power points and it requires 15 power points to enact the power?
I'm sorry for the "crunchy" questions this morning. I hope to come up with more "fluffy" questions later.
Paul |
"That's it!"
Quote attributed to Talor Stormhammer, paladin of Helm, when fighting a frost giant. |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jun 2005 : 14:06:09
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quote:
Originally posted by daarkknight
Ed,
Here's another couple of questions for you. I don't know if they will be answered in the Udoxian Contact feat, and if they are, forgive me.
First, how many feats and powers are typically imbued within a udoxias?
Second, can any psionic creature use any power that is imbued within a udoxias? For example, could a 7th-level psionic warrior enact
true metabolism on himself, since he has 15 power points and it requires 15 power points to enact the power?
I'm sorry for the "crunchy" questions this morning. I hope to come up with more "fluffy" questions later.
Paul
Hi Paul,
I posted the udoxias feat on Friday but I'll repost it here for easy reference. It should answer your questions... Ed
Udoxian Contact[PSIONIC]
You are able to tap into a udoxian.
Benefit: You become instantly aware when you have stepped within range of a udoxias. As a full round action, you may contact a udoxian, gaining instant knowledge of all powers and feats that it contains. This contact lasts for as long as you remain within the artifact's range, or if you choose to end the contact.
When in contact with a udoxias, you have access to many of its special abilities. A udoxias can contain knowledge of psionic feats and powers. As a full round action, you may temporarily acquire one feat or a power of the udoxias, however, you temporarily give up one feat, or one power of the same level. This swap lasts for as long as you remain in contact with the udoxias, or if you choose to end the swap. You cannot acquire a power that is a higher level than you could normally manifest. You do not benefit from and cannot use any udoxias-acquired feats for which you do not meet the prerequisites.
(NOTE - A typical udoxias contains all the powers of a single discipline or subdiscipline in the XPH, a few new powers, all metapsionic feats, and 50% of the psionic feats in the XPH. This "formula" is what can be found in a typical Jhaamdathan udoxias. It could theoretically contain any number of feat and power combinations). |
Edited by - edbonny on 21 Jun 2005 13:57:49 |
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daarkknight
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 21 Jun 2005 : 01:02:00
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Wow!
First, I don't know where I missed the feat, but dang!
I thought I was making it too powerful when I was just running through what I thought the udoxias of Lirremar should have concerning feats and powers. I guess I'll have to adjust some things a bit now, though I don't think my player will complain. Thanks!
Paul |
"That's it!"
Quote attributed to Talor Stormhammer, paladin of Helm, when fighting a frost giant. |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2005 : 20:58:35
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Ed- Do you think a direct convert of Eldritch Knight for psionics would capture the Psi knight, i.e. make the requirements the ability to manifest a third level power, and switch SpellCraft to PsiCraft, Know(arcana) to Know(psionics) etc....
Also since you are the resident expert on Psionics in the realms even though this is only a semi-realmsy topic- How do you feel about allowing all arcane caster prcs a psionic version with the above changes, so harper agent, etc.... |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jun 2005 : 21:16:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Octa
Ed- Do you think a direct convert of Eldritch Knight for psionics would capture the Psi knight, i.e. make the requirements the ability to manifest a third level power, and switch SpellCraft to PsiCraft, Know(arcana) to Know(psionics) etc....
Also since you are the resident expert on Psionics in the realms even though this is only a semi-realmsy topic- How do you feel about allowing all arcane caster prcs a psionic version with the above changes, so harper agent, etc....
Good question and one with a lot of merit. Rules-wise I think most of the arcane-to-psion swaps are possible. Fluff/flavor-wise, the swap would need to make sense. This looks to be easier the more generic a prestige class is (as opposed to region specific classes). I can easily see an archpsion or a psionic devotee, but not a Red Psion of Thay or Psionguard of Silverymoon. A Harper Agent is definitely doable but the character taking it would very likely be the first One ever and would therefore be paving the way for others to follow.
Ed |
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daarkknight
Seeker
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2005 : 01:37:20
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Ed,
I've been reading about Tyr once again from Faiths & Pantheons to assist a player who worships the Maimed God, and I've come across the reference to Valigan Thirdborn, a lesser deity of anarchy who rose to power in -269. It states that his rise to power coincided with the ascendance of Exarch Thelasand IV, who pushed Emperor Dharien (or is it Dhorien) to war with the elves.
Do you have any information that you've come up with concerning this Exarch Thelasand IV? Just curious.
Thanks,
Paul |
"That's it!"
Quote attributed to Talor Stormhammer, paladin of Helm, when fighting a frost giant. |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jul 2005 : 21:07:04
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quote:
Originally posted by daarkknight
Ed,
I've been reading about Tyr once again from Faiths & Pantheons to assist a player who worships the Maimed God, and I've come across the reference to Valigan Thirdborn, a lesser deity of anarchy who rose to power in -269. It states that his rise to power coincided with the ascendance of Exarch Thelasand IV, who pushed Emperor Dharien (or is it Dhorien) to war with the elves.
Do you have any information that you've come up with concerning this Exarch Thelasand IV? Just curious.
Thanks,
Paul
Hey Paul,
I had overlooked the Valigan-Exarch connection although it clearly is part of the tale of Jhaamdath's destruction (and Tyr's arrival and subsequent involvement with the empire's fragmented survivors.)
At the time of Valigan's "appearance" in Jhaamdath, Auppenser's followers were being harassed, persecuted, and shut out by the more imperial-minded militants of the empire. Valigan could certainly have seen the imperial dreams of many Jhaamdathans as an opportunity to inject future chaos.
That would bring us to Thelasand. I do not see any true Jhaamdathan worshipping a god of chaos unless that god sought out someone receptive. Persecution can open the door to many unforeseen consequences. It seems very likely that the awful treatment "Auppenser-loyalists" received would inevitably give rise to a Jhaamdathan who was sorely disenchanted with the imperialists (in this case, Thelasand, an ancient noble family whose persistent devotion to Auppenser caused the family's recent downfall). Such a person would be perfect for Valigan to use as an agent of anarchy.
Valigan approached Thelasand. The god nurtured dreams of dismantling the harsh regime that was the cause of Thelasand's personal misery. Thelasand was offered revenge against the cruel imperialists and their ways. Bloodshed would, of course, be needed to free the region of Jhaamdath's lust for empire. But to accomplish this, it would be necessary to strike from within and on high. Thelasand would need to position himself to make this happen. He would need to be emperor if he were to bring down the empire.
And so from humble beginnings and with secret aid from Valigan, Thelasand feigned to be an imperialist as he rose his way up through the military and government. His military campaigns were conducted in ways that benefitted Valigan greatly by causing great carnage and devastation.
Flush with fame and military success, Thelasand easily gained access to the emperor and was able to influence him in matters of imperial policy. The imperial-minded Jhaamdathans were certainly open to most any option that enriched or empowered the empire (and also enrich the participants). The Valigan-inspired idea for an imperial navy, when proposed to the emperor by Thelasand, seemed to be a logical step to grow the empire. As for the elves whose forests would supply the ships' wood? The wholesale slaughter of elves would be a small if not inconsequential price to pay.
And so we come to the last days of the empire. Thelasand was no doubt highly pleased with himself. In a relatively short period of time, he became a powerful player in Jhaamdathan politics. In a year or two, he would be in a position to slay the emperor and take over Jhaamdath. Then he would begin his plans to dismantle the psionic empire, disband its armies, free the 12 cities, and throw the entire region into anarchy.
As mentioned earlier, persecution can open doors to unforeseen circumstances. While the Chondalwood was being ravaged, I doubt Thelesand foresaw the fast-approaching day when his empire would destroyed by elven high magic. I imagine that Valigan was well aware (if not thrilled) that Jhaamdath's doom was nigh.
In the end, both participants in this saga lost. Thelesand never realized his dreams to take down the imperialists. And Valigan's successful plans for anarchy would ultimately lead to his death at the hands of Tyr.
- Ed |
Edited by - edbonny on 07 Jul 2005 21:10:39 |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36804 Posts |
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Chosen of Moradin
Master of Realmslore
Brazil
1120 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 13:09:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
Now that's an interesting bit of lore... 
Iīm echoing you! Mr. Bonny, as I see, have found an incredible artifact of the Jhaamdath old time, "the mind of infinite space", one item that have an incredible capacity to store and create good Realmslore.
And beyond that powerful item, he is the happy owner of one other artifact: "The soul of the great scribe", that grant him the power to be ready, at all times, to share his wonderful and interesting lore with us.
Thank you, Mr. Bonny! All the residents of the Keep are very happy with your kindness and good will.
And, talking about it, when we will see your work in another sourcebook? There are something that you can say about your next projects?
Yuri "Chosen of Moradin" Peixoto |
Dwarf, DM, husband, and proud of this! :P
twitter: @yuripeixoto
Facebook: yuri.peixoto |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 08 Jul 2005 : 19:09:03
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Ed, continuing on with the psionic PRCs. It seems like wilder is odd man out, an EK convert is not good for a wilder because you lose so many skills. I know this probably wouldn't occur in Jhaamdath because of the dominance of psions, but any ideas on a wilder PRC. The slayer from XPH is pretty clearly overpowered. What I was thinking to give it more of a Jhaamdathan twist is to make a version of the EK, with the same requirements but lots of interaction feats like Diplomacy, Gather Info Etc... for wilders who came to Jhaamdath and wanted to serve the 12 cities, in the role of diplomats and investigators kind of like the Jordain. Their high charisma's would be perfect for this, as well as lending themselves to be expedition leaders, ambassadors, etc......
So are there any plans for more official lore on Jhaamdath appearing in the realms in the future. |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jul 2005 : 21:27:15
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quote:
Originally posted by Octa
Ed, continuing on with the psionic PRCs. It seems like wilder is odd man out, an EK convert is not good for a wilder because you lose so many skills. I know this probably wouldn't occur in Jhaamdath because of the dominance of psions, but any ideas on a wilder PRC. The slayer from XPH is pretty clearly overpowered. What I was thinking to give it more of a Jhaamdathan twist is to make a version of the EK, with the same requirements but lots of interaction feats like Diplomacy, Gather Info Etc... for wilders who came to Jhaamdath and wanted to serve the 12 cities, in the role of diplomats and investigators kind of like the Jordain. Their high charisma's would be perfect for this, as well as lending themselves to be expedition leaders, ambassadors, etc......
So are there any plans for more official lore on Jhaamdath appearing in the realms in the future.
There is no more official lore for Jhaamdath coming up. But you never know what Wizards or Paizo might be looking for next (and hopefully tap me to do).
- Ed |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2005 : 23:20:03
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Ed see what you think of this?
Jhaamdathan PsiKnight- In the heyday of the Jhaamdathan Empire, powerful Psionic Knights guarded the land and supported the Church of Auppenser's dictates that society live in a balanced way. As such a specialized order of Knighthood patrolled Jhaamdath rooting out radicalizing/evil elements of their society. Foremost amongst these was The Order of the Golden Sword (NG and N). Members of this knightly order specialized in combat with the two bladed sword and two bladed scimitar, a favorite weapon amongst Jhaamdathan blade lords. They also served as diplomats and explorers.
Hit Die: d6.
Requirements
To qualify to become a Jhaamdathan PsiKnight a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Alignment: Must be either true neutral or neutral good in alignment.
Deity: Auppenser
Feats: Two weapon fighting, Weapon Focus (any sword), Exotic Weapon Proficiency (two bladed sword), Psionic Weapon, Udoxian Contact Feat
Skills: Perform(Poetry) 2, Knowledge(History) 8.
Spellcasting: Able to manifest 2nd-level psionic powers.
Languages: Able to read Jhaamdathan (this generally requires a Speak Language skill rank for each dead language).
Proficiencies: Proficient with all martial weapons.
Special: The character must find a mentor who already has levels in the Jhaamdathan PsiKnight and spend at least ten days studying in the mentor's company. During this time of study, both mentor and student must spend at least 8 hours a day in training, or study the ancient text- 'The Way of the Blades of Auppenser' for 10 days, at least 8 hours each day.
Class Skills
The Jhaamdathan PsiKnights class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Craft (Int), Concentration (Con), Diplomacy (Cha), Escape Artist(Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Intimidate(Cha), Knowledge (psionics, history, nobility and royalty, religion) (Int), Listen (Wis), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Psicraft (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), and Tumble(Dex). See Chapter 4: Skills in the Player's Handbook for skill descriptions.
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Class Features
All the following are class features of the Jhaamdathan PsiKnight prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Jhaamdathan PsiKnights gain no proficiency in any weapon or armor.
Powers Per Day/Powers Known: At Jhaamdathan PsiKnight levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 , 8, and 10 the character gains new powers (and powers known, if applicable) as if he had also gained a level in a manifesting class to which he belonged before adding the prestige class level. He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained (improved chance of turning or destroying undead, metapsionic or item creation feats, and so on).
If the character had more than one manifesting class before becoming a Jhaamdathan PsiKnight, the player must decide to which class to add each Jhaamdathan PsiKnight level for the purpose of determining their manifester level.
Sword Focus (Su): A Jhaamdathan PsiKnight may perform a special rite to make a single two bladed crystal sword into a focus for his manifestations. The Jhaamdathan PsiKnight gains +1 manifester level with any manifestation powered through his sword focus.
The rite to create a sword focus requires three days and 1,000 gp in magical materials as well as a masterwork weapon. Magic swords may be attuned as sword foci. A PsiKnight may attune only a single sword at a time; if he loses the weapon, he must repeat the rite to create a new sword focus.
Settled Mind (Su): The Jhaamdathan PsiKnight recieves the benefits of the
combat manifestation feat for free.
Channel Power (Su): Twice per day as a free action when attacking an opponent in melee a Jhaamdathan PsiKnight may manifest a power through his weapon. The psiknight gains a bonus on his attack roll equal to the number of power points spent on the power, and if the attack hits the target is treated as if they were struck both by the melee attack and the power manifested. The manifested power must be either a ray effect or target a creature. If the power is capable of targetting more than one creature, only the creature struck by the attack will be affected. The target of the attack is the target of the power manifested in this fashion and power resistence and saving throws occur normally as if the creature had been targeted by the power or struck by the ray. A Psiknight may only spend 1 power point per manifestation conducted in this fashion. At 3rd level the Psiknight may use this ability 4 times per day and may spend up to 3 power points on each manifestation. At 7th level the psiknight may use this ability up to 5 times per day and may spend up to 5 power points on each manifestation. At 10th level the psiknight may use this ability up to 6 times a day and may spend up to 7 power points on each manifestation.
Settled Body(Su): The Jhaamdathan PsiKnight receives a +4 bonus on tumble rolls made to move through an occupied square.
Settled Dance(Su): When executing a full attack option the Jhaamdathan PsiKnight may take a 5' step in between attacks with a total movement not to exceed their normal movement rate.
Sublime Sword (Su): At 5th level, the save DC of any power manifested through the Jhaamdathan PsiKnights sword focus increases by 1.
1st +1 +0 +0 +2 Sword focus, Channel power I-------------------
2nd +2 +0 +0 +3 Settled Mind_________+1 manifester level
3rd +3 +1 +1 +3 Channel power II______+1 manifester level
4th +4 +1 +1 +4____________________+1 manifester level
5th +5 +1 +1 +4 Sublime sword________-------------------------
6th +6 +2 +2 +5 Settled Body_________+1 manifester level
7th +7 +2 +2 +5 Channel power III_____+1 manifester level
8th +8 +2 +2 +6 ___________________+1 manifester level
9th +9 +3 +3 +6 Channel power IV_____-------------------------
10th +10+3 +3 +7Settled Dance_______+1 manifester level
For other orders of PsiKnight substitute above-
1, The Order of the Rainbow (CN and N) Wield Oversize Offhand for Exotic Weapons Proficiency (two bladed sword). Flashy swordmasters for hire, and mercenaries in the employ of many wealthy patrons within and without Jhaamdath.
2, The Order of the Redoubt (LN and N) Shield Bash for Exotic Weapon Proficiency (two bladed sword). Incorruptable order of palace guards and citadel defenders all over the 12 cities. The most numerous of the various orders.
3, The Order of the Vigilant Sword (NE and N) Power Attack for two weapon fighting, and cleave for exotic weapon proficiency (two bladed sword). Sworn to seek out the enemies of Jhaamdath in foreign countries- with a we will do what we must attitude. |
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edbonny
Forgotten Realms Designer
USA
157 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2005 : 14:34:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Octa
Ed see what you think of this? Jhaamdathan PsiKnight- <snip>
Hey Octa,
Very cool class and very much in harmony with the Jhaamdathan way of being. Awesome powers, pretty balanced. Nice! The Orders are really interesting and a great idea on taking a class made for one "social purpose" and quickly adapting to others. I like it alot!
I might rework the Channel Power ability could be used (think of the PsiKnight having to use the the Quicken Power feat to accomplish the same thing)... perhaps doubling the cost of the channeled power, expending one's psionic focus, or cutting back on the number of times it can be used a day. Doing any of those things might even allow your Jhaamdathan PsiKnight to gain a manifester level at each character level.
You've got some excellent work here! :)
- Ed |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2005 : 18:22:03
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Glad you liked it, I thought it worked well. I was worried the Channel Power might be too much. I nerfed the same ability from the Ruamarthi BattleMage, but thought that losing 3 manifester levels would be enough. I'll look at the Quicken Power meta feat.
I was thinking about making weapon spec a prereq so the PC would have to take 4 levels of fighter, then giving back a manifester level since with Psion the max would then be 14th at level 20 with a bab of +17. Plus flavorwise it shows the dedication of purpose that might be expected of Knights of Auppenser.
So just so you know if you ever feel like slipping this in a WOTC product, go for it.
I felt that putting in a NE component was necessary since lots of PRCs of N deities ignore the fact that they can have evil worshippers.
A group of knights dedicated to doing whatever it takes to preserve the empire operating outside of said empire would be useful, and keep the viscious infighting to a minimum. Plus I am sure these guys and the elves would have some viscious viscious battles, :) Them squaring off against a bunch of blade singers would be a combat that would make George Lucas proud.
Thanks for getting back to me. |
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Octa
Learned Scribe
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2005 : 21:06:43
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Thinking about the quicken thing-
Suppose you take up the class as a 2/6 ftr psion-
When you get your 1st Channel you are a 6th level caster so you are 1 level ahead and you get to use 2ppts on the Channeled spell with the +1 for the sword focus.
At 2/6/3 you get to use a 4ppt power, with quicken you would be at 2ppt and expend focus.
at 2/6/7 you are an 11th level manifester and get to use 6ppts on your channel versus 5ppts on quicken.
at 2/6/10 You are a 13th level caster and get to use 8ppts on focus versus 7ppts on quicken.
So the ppts are about the same the difference is in the focus which is a big deal because its a move action.
So basically the class as written gives the ability to cast a spell through the sword focus as a quickened power without using up your psionic focus.
So one could make quicken power a pre-req and let the character have free psionic focus to cast a quickened power through the sword x number of times a day.
But the straight psion is still better with Quicken but only at higher levels and that they can use it as manytimes a day as they want.
For the straight psion its-
8. 11. 15 18
2ppts at char level 8= sword channel 1 versus 2ppts for the psiknight
5ppts at char level 11= Versus 4ppts for the psiknight
9ppts at char level 15 and versus 6ppts for the psiknight
12 ppts at char level 18 versus 8ppts for the psiknight.
So the negative on the sword channel is that you have to hit the target or you lose both the attempt and the ppts.
At low levels they are about the same. Focus is a big deal though. anyways, let me think about it somemore, maybe 2 times a day at channel 1, 3 at channel 2, and 4 at channel 3 and 5 at channel 4 is enough.
So Yes I would use the number of times a day as above but add 4 onto the number of ppts it uses up the characters manifester level-
So manifester channel 1 spend 5 ppts for a 2ppt effect (1 for free with focus)
probably the best thing to do is to allow them to use it 4 times a day no matter what level of channel they have. |
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Dargoth
Great Reader
Australia
4607 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2005 : 01:06:26
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Hey Ed
Next year where apparently going to see a Complete Psionic source book, assuming its not "feature locked" why not see if you can slip a PrC for Auppenser into the book?
I know Complete Psionic will be generic not an FR source book but the last 2 Complete books had "how to use this material in the Forgotten Realms or Eberron" |
I am the King of Rome, and above grammar
Emperor Sigismund
"Its good to be the King!"
Mel Brooks |
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Questions for Ed Bonny
