Hello there, everyone!
Based on the Japanese occult art of onmyodo, the onmyoji base class is a "pet class spellcaster" that focuses on placement of warding talismans and the invocation of Shinto deities, all while being attended to by a kami bound to some flying origami paper.
Needless to say, this may be the craziest Interjection Games release since the tinker, and I need your help to ensure that the end product is something that you all will like to play rather than something that I think looks nice. To that end, I'm opening up the in-progress document, warts and all, to public scrutiny.
Current contents
Onmyoji base class
- Talismans
- ~30 prayers for talismans
- Petitions
- ~20 petitions
- Shikigami
- 5 Shikigami feats
Here's your link to the Google Drive alpha!
More will be added daily until the class' release. Come on in, and let's build something amazing together!
Do you have Green Ronin's Advanced Bestiary? If so, some comment about the Ofuda template (and its related feat) might be in order. [I think I got the template name correct...]
The Rite Publishing Way of the Samurai (PFRPG) includes a wizard archetype called Onmyoji that also uses both origami and shikigami as part of her schtick - if that can offer any inspiration or direction to your development.
Real world onmyoji weren't just shinto based, however, as with many Japanese beliefs they are often syncretic with many/all religions practiced. Onmyoji practices involved Shinto, Budhhism and Taoism. There was also a Ministry of Onmyodo, as part of the Imperial government. Onmyoji were responsible for determining the cycle of lucky/unlucky days to determine which days of the year holidays and other important events were scheduled for the coming year. These activities were done around the time of the New Year. Also onmyoji were responsible for preparing wards to protect the Imperial court each year.
The Seven Lucky Gods, as far as I can tell, are assimilated from Buddhism. Their inclusion should give the final product the feel you want.
Really excited for this class.
I did like the Onmyoji in way of the Samurai, but as an archetype of wizard it missed out on a lot of uniqueness that a base class of its own could bring to it I feel. Kaidan's fluff is awesome, though, and I'm eagerly waiting for the campaign book to get to my grubby kickstarter hands.
I'll add some comments to the document starting a bit later tonight.
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The Rite Publishing Way of the Samurai (PFRPG) includes a wizard archetype called Onmyoji that also uses both origami and shikigami as part of her schtick - if that can offer any inspiration or direction to your development.
Real world onmyoji weren't just shinto based, however, as with many Japanese beliefs they are often syncretic with many/all religions practiced. Onmyoji practices involved Shinto, Budhhism and Taoism. There was also a Ministry of Onmyodo, as part of the Imperial government. Onmyoji were responsible for determining the cycle of lucky/unlucky days to determine which days of the year holidays and other important events were scheduled for the coming year. These activities were done around the time of the New Year. Also onmyoji were responsible for preparing wards to protect the Imperial court each year.
Alright, I feel like I have to respond to this one. The calendar thing, though I had found it all over the place, was quite confusing to me, and this clarification is exactly what I need to try to bring this class a little closer to its roots.
Two petitions are going up thanks to this, sir!
Alright, my good man. I've tried to parallel the setting of the calendar with the Lucky Day and Unlucky Day petitions. Let me know what you think!
A good representation in game terms, I think - I approve.
New content: friendship feats!
Make an alliance with one of the seven lucky gods and make their associated petition ability significantly more powerful. Be careful: you can only be best friends forever with one god at a time!
This is going to be a day 1 purchase for sure. The trick will be finding a campaign to play it in haha. Can't wait!
Thanks for all the great feedback, everyone! The onmyoji is laid out, minus a cover, and will be uploaded for sale sometime in the next 24 hours.
Interjection Games' next project is Ultimate Composition. As there's a new base class, expect a public beta of that, too. The archetypes and new spells for the book will remain a Kickstarter backers-only thing.
Bought this recently, really liked it. Only thing missing is a list of petitions and amulets by level - like how spell lists are organized.
Added the Onmyoji to the classes available for my players, and probably will convert some villain into an onmyoji, or just toss an original one in a future session.
And using all those classic japanese pictures to illustrate the book was very smooth. Could've used an iconic to represent the class though. Just saying!
I hear ya, mate. Iconics are something I avoid because I can build half a spellbook in the time it takes to make one iconic. Shall we meet halfway? If the onmyoji gets into a hardcover, I'll make an iconic for the class!