| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Feb 2005 : 14:38:24
|
I recently was given the writeup of the Favored Soul class from Complete Divine, and must admit that I like the concept a lot. I'm giving serious consideration to allowing it into my campaign, but I'm a little gun-shy about adding non-PHB core classes for fear of balance issues.
I also am a little dubious about some of the granted abilities of the class, particularly at higher levels. Energy resistance and damage reduction would only make sense for certain deities, and the whole wings thing is silly, IMO.
So, have any of you used the Favored Soul in your campaigns? What have you done to give Realms flavor to the class? How do they fit in with the clerics of various faiths? Have you discovered any dangerous balance issues?
Second, have you altered the class in any way? Can you suggest any suitable replacement powers or feats in lieu of those listed above?
Thanks!
|
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
Edited by - Brother Ezra on 05 Feb 2005 00:30:13
|
|
|
Mystery_Man
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2005 : 14:46:43
|
| page number? |
 |
|
|
Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2005 : 15:28:11
|
| pp. 6-10. |
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
|
|
|
Mystery_Man
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 04 Feb 2005 : 15:47:22
|
quote:
Originally posted by Brother Ezra
I recently was given the writeup of the Favored Soul class from Complete Arcane....
No wonder I couldn't find it, it's in the Miniatures Handbook, not Complete Arcane. The Warlock is on page six of Complete Arcane. 
What type of method are you using for character generation? It looks like they are going to have to have high scores in both charisma, and wisdom to be effective.
The spells are fixed so that's good, no bonuses for the ability score modifyer
I wouldn't worry about the wings, the fly spell/potion/scroll comes earlier than level 17. :)
Energy resistance in meaninless because spells can do the same thing, it just means that it frees up some spell slots for him to use elsewhere. A nice balance IMHO.
Damage reduction sounds fine the way it is.
Seems to me to run fine the way it's written. I would watch out at higher levels though, being able to spontaneously cast devine spells like a sorcerer means that meta-magic feats are easier to prepare for (no preparation) since he'll just be using up spell slots and not have to memorize them.
As far as the weapon focus, I'm make him take a hit (maybe a level hit) on any weapon that may be favored by a diety whose alignment conflicts with his own. So he'd better be careful with his choices. |
|
|
|
Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 00:46:40
|
quote:
Originally posted by Elf_Friend
quote:
Originally posted by Brother Ezra
I recently was given the writeup of the Favored Soul class from Complete Arcane....
No wonder I couldn't find it, it's in the Miniatures Handbook, not Complete Arcane. The Warlock is on page six of Complete Arcane.
Whoops! Sorry about that! The 3.5 version is on pp. 6-10 of Complete Divine, not Complete Arcane. I edited my initial post. Sorry about the confusion.
quote:
What type of method are you using for character generation? It looks like they are going to have to have high scores in both charisma, and wisdom to be effective.
I use the traditional 4d6 drop lowest method.
quote:
The spells are fixed so that's good, no bonuses for the ability score modifier.
Well, they do get bonuses to number of spells cast per day, based on charisma. Known spells are fixed, though.
quote:
I wouldn't worry about the wings, the fly spell/potion/scroll comes earlier than level 17. :)
Can you think of a suitable substitute for this granted power? I just don't like the concept of wings springing spontaneously out of a character's back, and am looking for something else to replace it with. As you mention, the availability of flying magic makes this power somewhat moot anyway.
quote:
Energy resistance in meaninless because spells can do the same thing, it just means that it frees up some spell slots for him to use elsewhere. A nice balance IMHO.
I could see a deity with an energy specific domain granting energy resistance (such as Auril granting cold resistance, or Talos granting electricity resistance), but what does energy resistance have to do with Bane, or Waukeen, or Lathander? I'd like to get some suggestions for replacement powers that would be applicable for ALL faiths, or some deity-specific ones.
quote:
Damage reduction sounds fine the way it is.
I do suppose that I could justify the damage reduction ability for any faith.
quote:
Seems to me to run fine the way it's written. I would watch out at higher levels though, being able to spontaneously cast devine spells like a sorcerer means that meta-magic feats are easier to prepare for (no preparation) since he'll just be using up spell slots and not have to memorize them.
Okay, balance looks okay, but I think I also want to tweak for FR flavor as well. Can you suggest any suitable replacements for the energy resistance and wings ability?
|
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 01:33:36
|
quote:
Originally posted by Brother Ezra
I could see a deity with an energy specific domain granting energy resistance (such as Auril granting cold resistance, or Talos granting electricity resistance), but what does energy resistance have to do with Bane, or Waukeen, or Lathander? I'd like to get some suggestions for replacement powers that would be applicable for ALL faiths, or some deity-specific ones.
So swap out the energy resistance for something similar but still in line with the deity's interests. Bane could grant resistance to charms, calming effects, or positive energy. Lathander would do the opposite -- resistance to spells causing negative emotions or to negative energy. Waukeen is a bit trickier, but you could justify granting resistance to things that reduce ability scores, I guess -- someone who isn't healthy isn't going to make as much gold. 
Of course, I could be mistaken about your goals with this one, since I'm not at all familiar with the PrC.  |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
Mareka
Learned Scribe
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 07:39:23
|
When I read Favored Soul, it struck me as a class made for the planetouched. Both the Celestial and Fiend templates give damage reduction and energy resistance. Many celestials and fiends cast spells at will. For Genasi, energy resistance could be switched out for immunity to poison, sleep, paralysis or stunning (as an elemental) and DR switched to immunity to critical hits and flanking (also as an elemental). Elementals don't normally cast a lot of spells at will though, so maybe encourage genasi characters to focus more on their element when choosing spells. But, for aasimaar and tiefllings it's a very flavourfull class, IMO.
The sudden appearance of wings does seem kind of silly, I agree. They could be sort of phantom wings that are only there when the character is actually in flight. Or maybe they start growing and developing over time from first level. Some planetouched might even be born with undeveloped wings.
The FRCS refers to aasimaar and tieflings often being blessed by specific deities. Though this idea does tie the class to a race rather than being open to everyone. You may not want to do that.
|
|
|
|
Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 13:28:16
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Brother Ezra
I could see a deity with an energy specific domain granting energy resistance (such as Auril granting cold resistance, or Talos granting electricity resistance), but what does energy resistance have to do with Bane, or Waukeen, or Lathander? I'd like to get some suggestions for replacement powers that would be applicable for ALL faiths, or some deity-specific ones.
So swap out the energy resistance for something similar but still in line with the deity's interests. Bane could grant resistance to charms, calming effects, or positive energy. Lathander would do the opposite -- resistance to spells causing negative emotions or to negative energy. Waukeen is a bit trickier, but you could justify granting resistance to things that reduce ability scores, I guess -- someone who isn't healthy isn't going to make as much gold.
Of course, I could be mistaken about your goals with this one, since I'm not at all familiar with the PrC.
Good suggestions! Thanks Wooly. In my Damara campaign, the prevalent deities are Ilmater, Tyr, Chauntea, Waukeen, Moradin, Yondalla, Auril, Silvanus, Talona, Tempus, Grumbar, Waukeen, Orcus and Kiaransalee. Energy resistance works fine for Auril; do any specific granted powers come to mind for the deities mentioned? Immunity to poison might work for Talona, and immunity to critical hits should do for Grumbar. Any ideas for the others? |
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
Edited by - Brother Ezra on 05 Feb 2005 13:40:57 |
|
|
|
Brother Ezra
Learned Scribe
USA
268 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 13:39:44
|
quote:
Originally posted by Mareka
When I read Favored Soul, it struck me as a class made for the planetouched. Both the Celestial and Fiend templates give damage reduction and energy resistance. Many celestials and fiends cast spells at will. For Genasi, energy resistance could be switched out for immunity to poison, sleep, paralysis or stunning (as an elemental) and DR switched to immunity to critical hits and flanking (also as an elemental). Elementals don't normally cast a lot of spells at will though, so maybe encourage genasi characters to focus more on their element when choosing spells. But, for aasimaar and tiefllings it's a very flavourfull class, IMO.
The sudden appearance of wings does seem kind of silly, I agree. They could be sort of phantom wings that are only there when the character is actually in flight. Or maybe they start growing and developing over time from first level. Some planetouched might even be born with undeveloped wings.
The FRCS refers to aasimaar and tieflings often being blessed by specific deities. Though this idea does tie the class to a race rather than being open to everyone. You may not want to do that.
You know, the class does seem well-suited to the planetouched. It's a lot easier to rationalize the granted powers with a tiefling or an aasimar. However, since planetouched are very rare in my corner of the Realms (half-fiends being the exception due to the history of Orcus in the region), I'd rather not tie the class into a racial requirement; I'd like it to be available to any race. As I mentioned above, Grumbar and Auril are the two 'elemental' deities that would work for energy resistance. I like the idea of immunity to critical hits (a la elemental), and immunity to sleep, poison, etc. will work for other deities in the region.
Thanks for the suggestions! Keep them coming! |
"Suffering is the touchstone of all spiritual growth."
-St. Sollars the Twice-Martyred |
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 17:03:35
|
quote:
Originally posted by Brother Ezra
quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Brother Ezra
I could see a deity with an energy specific domain granting energy resistance (such as Auril granting cold resistance, or Talos granting electricity resistance), but what does energy resistance have to do with Bane, or Waukeen, or Lathander? I'd like to get some suggestions for replacement powers that would be applicable for ALL faiths, or some deity-specific ones.
So swap out the energy resistance for something similar but still in line with the deity's interests. Bane could grant resistance to charms, calming effects, or positive energy. Lathander would do the opposite -- resistance to spells causing negative emotions or to negative energy. Waukeen is a bit trickier, but you could justify granting resistance to things that reduce ability scores, I guess -- someone who isn't healthy isn't going to make as much gold.
Of course, I could be mistaken about your goals with this one, since I'm not at all familiar with the PrC.
Good suggestions! Thanks Wooly. In my Damara campaign, the prevalent deities are Ilmater, Tyr, Chauntea, Waukeen, Moradin, Yondalla, Auril, Silvanus, Talona, Tempus, Grumbar, Waukeen, Orcus and Kiaransalee. Energy resistance works fine for Auril; do any specific granted powers come to mind for the deities mentioned? Immunity to poison might work for Talona, and immunity to critical hits should do for Grumbar. Any ideas for the others?
Hmm, let's give this one a try... As with many of my suggestions, YAMMV (your actual mileage may vary).
Ilmater: resistance to wounding spells or abilities (vorpal blades, inflict wounds spells)
Tyr: umm... Immunity to chaotic effects and abilities? Or maybe bonues against chaotic critters?
Chauntea: immunity to wounding effects or negative energy
Waukeen: already got her, above
Moradin: Hmm... perhaps either immunity to effects that would incapacitate the character? Or an immunity to stone-based weapons and attacks?
Yondalla: Man, these racial ones are tricky. Perhaps the same immunity to incapacitation mentioned above, or bonuses or lessened damage from larger races?
Auril: I think she already gives immunity to cold attacks...
Silvanus: definitely an immunity to negative energy, maybe something versus abominations or fiends?
Talona: immunity to poisons, obviously, but how about also against incapacitating attacks?
Tempus: bonuses to combat abilities, or immunity to incapacitating attacks/effects (boy, I seem to reach for that one quite readily, don't I?)
Grumbar: how about an immunity to air or lightning attacks/energy?
Waukeen: again?!?
Orcus and Kiaransalee: both would likely be the same, from what I recall of their portfolios. Immunity to positive energy is the most obvious one. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
|
Mareka
Learned Scribe
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 20:42:30
|
Here's a few more ideas to add to Wooly's:
Ilmater: immunity to fear, endurance feats, diehard feat, Divine Grace like a paladin
Tyr: save bonus to chaotic spells, evil spells, or ability to call a mount like a paladin.
Chauntea: energy effects work for her, instead of wings she could shift into a specific animal or use Earth Glide as and earth elemental
Waukeen: immunity or save bonus to enchantment spells, or mind effects, maybe the Splendorous Attire ability from the Goldeye prestige class instead of wings.
Moradin: Defensive Stance like a Dwarven Defender?
Yondalla: Wooly's right, the racial ones are tough
Auril: cold resistance as said, electricity and other weather type resistance also works, Air Walk
Silvanus: immunity to poison, paralysis, stunning or polymorph (as a plant), the Endurance feat, or natural AC
Talona: immunity to poison, disease, vermin wings maybe
Tempus: Diehard, immune to criticals and flanking, any feat that minimizes outnumbering in combat, a mount like a paladin
Orcus: as kiriansalee below; demon wings sort of work for Orcus
Kiriansalee: immunity to death effects or negative energy, permanent protection from good effect
Grumbar: energy resistance to earth effects, immune to criticals and flanking, or earth glide as an earth elemental
I find prestige classes are a great place for ideas and it's easy to see what character level a PC should aquire the ablities for balance issues.
|
|
|
|
Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36877 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2005 : 22:29:27
|
| Mareka prolly did a better job with that than I did. I was just winging it, and I didn't even think of feats or class abilities. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
Favored Soul - Your experiences and alterations
