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Post by ewookie on Feb 10, 2013 15:09:43 GMT -5
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Post by ewookie on Feb 10, 2013 16:15:00 GMT -5
i just had a look at the IQ18 Shape Shifting spell in the HOW core i purchased and downloaded before christmas...
Shape Shifting (T) IQ18 EN8 R:Self Caster changes form into a creature it [he/she] has seen for the duration of the encounter. Caster assumes ST and DX of new creature but retains IQ. Returns to original form if unconscious or time of spell ends
too much leeway. caster can choose any creature he/she wants. add 'seen within [time-frame]' and it's golden.
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Post by chrisrice on Feb 10, 2013 17:40:23 GMT -5
I'd probably just make it "...changes into a creature he/she is familiar with." By familiar, I would mean has had several close encounters with and studied in some detail.
I'm a bit less concerned with the power of the spell now as I wouldn't let a beginning Wizard have a spell higher than IQ12. So it would take some time and money for a Wizard to get to the stage they could learn this spell.
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Post by ewookie on Feb 10, 2013 17:59:02 GMT -5
...and they'll all try to find a way to pick the most deadly creature in the universe, potentially leading to lengthy discussions between player and GM. i like the way 'seen within [time-frame]' makes it adapt to the current adventure.
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Post by chrisrice on Feb 10, 2013 18:04:01 GMT -5
I would think trying to "study and have several close encounters with" the most deadly creature in the universe might be somewhat hazardous to your health...
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Post by ewookie on Feb 10, 2013 18:12:52 GMT -5
yes, it would...and that's what happens within an adventure anyway. otherwise, the player makes up some story about how their character has been studying the MDCitU between adventures. as a GM, you now have 4 choices: 1. simply accept their shenanigans and get on with the adventure at hand 2. deny their request and create a sour mood 3. run them through a series of those 'study' encounters before getting on with the adventure at hand 4. try to remember if they have actually encountered MDCitU enough times in your campaigns or accept their word that they have in someone else's campaigns.
you're right, there should be some risk involved in their 'study' of a deadly creature...that's why i prefer my way.
...but i'm also looking at it as a way to impersonate a recently encountered NPC as well...
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Post by chrisrice on Feb 10, 2013 18:18:42 GMT -5
See your point. I think it depends on the groups and players you have.
I'd be tempted to play a quick adventure just with the player in question where Dragonlord Ken gets eaten by (I mean, goes to observe and study) Smaug at the lonely mountain.
He'd probably stick to wolves and bears after thatl
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Post by ewookie on Feb 10, 2013 18:28:35 GMT -5
lol yeah, i guess i'm a softie...
on another note, i'm having background thoughts about creating the MDCitU...
Creature Name: M'Ducitu These deadly creatures are thought to be nothing but myth and legend as no one has ever actually seen one (or lived to tell about it)...
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Post by ewookie on Feb 10, 2013 18:30:32 GMT -5
See your point. I think it depends on the groups and players you have. I'd be tempted to play a quick adventure just with the player in question where Dragonlord Ken gets eaten by (I mean, goes to observe and study) Smaug at the lonely mountain. He'd probably stick to wolves and bears after thatl his descendants would
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Post by chrisrice on Feb 10, 2013 18:33:44 GMT -5
Ah, yes.
He'd be dead.
Forgot about that!
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Post by ewookie on Feb 10, 2013 22:19:41 GMT -5
See your point. I think it depends on the groups and players you have. I'd be tempted to play a quick adventure just with the player in question where Dragonlord Ken gets eaten by (I mean, goes to observe and study) Smaug at the lonely mountain. He'd probably stick to wolves and bears after thatl actually, what if DLK has and uses the Invisibility spell? he may come out of the affair with a Smaug grin on his face. sorry. i had to beat the dead horse so i could make that pun.
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Post by chrisrice on Feb 13, 2013 3:58:52 GMT -5
Arghh..! Just noticed this pun.
I'm going to have to take experience points off for that. LO!
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Post by ewookie on Feb 13, 2013 10:36:56 GMT -5
really? please, tell me you're just blowing smoke!
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Post by reaperwolf on Nov 30, 2014 4:38:58 GMT -5
The problem being it's as easy/taxing to shapeshift into a mouse as it is the Tarasque. As written it's just so prone to abuse and what if the player wants to shapeshift into something outside of what's been published, what then? Sure the Referee can cobble something together but the problem remains.
True this is an IQ 18 spell and unless the Referee allows players to raise their Attributes with XP, a human PC will have to invest all 10 Hero Points into one Attribute leaving them with 8's in STR, DEX, and END and lest we forget, spells cost END to cast.
What I'd prefer in a Shapeshift spell is by spending X END the character buys purchases the STR and DEX scores of the shape he/she wants to assume and also purchases natural attacks, special abilities and defenses, senses, movement rates, etc. by investing additional END. I'd spot the PC with STR and DEX scores equal to his/her own and build from there.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2014 9:53:41 GMT -5
handle as you wish but i wanted to make sure you are aware that spells are handled like skills. a character can increase their spell skill. an IQ 10 character can learn an IQ 18 spells. however, they suffer a penalty when trying to cast it.
casting bonus/penalty = caster IQ + caster skill level with spell - spell IQ level
so, IQ 10 character with Shape Shift +1 will roll 3d6 vs. IQ to cast but he will add 7 to his roll.
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