Binder of Unbound Forms
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 10th
Slot -; Price 38,000 gp; Weight 4 lbs.
Description
This is a slim, leatherbound folio containing ten yellowed parchment pages. These are unable to be marked, absorbing all conventional pigments. Ink mixed with an eidolon's blood, however, is capable of permanently staining the pages. A summoner willingly damages his eidolon for this, causing it to lose hit points equal to the number of evolution points it possesses. This damage is healable as normal. This mixture is usable in the book to sketch or describe a variant form of the eidolon. Doing so takes one hour and fills one page. At any time after, this page is activated by tearing it from the book. The page is consumed by gray flames and the linked eidolon is reshaped into the described form. Tearing a page is a move action for the user, transforming is a full-round action for the eidolon. If the eidolon is not currently summoned when a page is torn out, the page is expended with no effect.
The eidolon is wholly remade by this; even switching base forms if desired. Evolutions are re-assignable as well, the number of points that may be changed equaling those sacrificed to create the page. The eidolon also gains temporary hit points equal to the original sacrifice. An eidolon remains in this form and retains these temporary hit points for one hour before changing back. Each page is usable only once, though multiple pages may be prepared at a time.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Items, rejuvenate eidolon, transmorgrify ; Cost 19,000 gp
I like this one. I started out somewhat dissatisfied with the intentional wounding of an eidolon to obtain the necessary "ink" to draw something in the book (which I'd rather see called a "book" or "manual" rather than a "binder" despite the pun). But, bringing those lost hit points back as temporary hit points when you use the book to modify your eidolon's shape is a cool buy-back.
I also like that they're using some of the new rules here. Yes, it's a little SIAC-ish with regards to modifying the eidolon's evolutions, but this item is doing it in a way that you can't simply achieve with that combination of spells. For instance, this thing lets you modify the eidolon's base form when the spell specifically denies that. And rejuvenate eidolon is normally just a healing spell for your eidolon, not the equivalent of false life or aid. The only disappointing thing here is that they misspelled transmogrify and didn't catch it with a spellchecker. I'm trying my best not to hold that against them too much.
Vote to Keep.
I actually don't like that it lets you modify the base form (with 3 hardcover books out containing summoner info, so far none of them have a spell that lets you change the eidolon base form, so it's clear that's something we're avoiding), but other than that I do like the idea and execution of this item.
Keep!
You come up with a bunch of variations for your eidolon for various scenarios. You add them to the binder. Now all the value in making you choose evolutions is gone; you've got a SAK of eidolon options always ready; the perfect key for any lock.
I do not recommend that you vote for this designer.
Ryan, I don't see that as any more problematic than having a bunch of scrolls ready with different spells, or even having a bunch of summon monster scrolls available so you can pick a monster that has exactly the abilities you need (that's actually the summoner's shtick, given that they have it as a SLA).
I admit this item wrecks the action economy (the transmog spell normally takes an hour to cast, so it's not combat-feasible, but you could use this item in combat).
I think the primary reward for this designer (if they make it into the Top 32) is that they need to realize the areas where the item came off weak...and why. With the transmogrify spell normally taking an extended casting time, this item is skirting that constraint in such a way that it's definitely not a simple SIAC in anymore. But that should also impact the value of the item. Granted, it's a 10-use consummable at 3,800 gp a use. And it's basically granting you transmogrify along with some false life for your remade eidolon. I still like the concept. And the attention to detail is significant. I also think it's innovative to introduce an item that plays with the summoner class and eidolons, in general.
That makes me a strong Keep on this item, but I'm also looking forward to how this designer grows over the course of the competition.
I share Ryan's concerns.
This is a weak reject from me.
I concede Neil's points, though, and think it should be kept around. Neil may want to golden ticket it. I dont think it is as strong as some of the others that we have unanimous or three keeps on.
I've said in other reviews that knowing an empty design space and filling it is worth rewarding. But sometimes something seems more novel (and thus better) simply because it is in an empty design space, that is not the same as it being a good item. So yes it fills an empty space, but I think it does so in a way that conflicts too much with how eidolons should operate. Making this item permit in combat transmorg of the eidolon seems to go too far to me and a superstar author would recognize that.
By the way, I hated the name when I first clicked on the link. But now knowing what it does I dont mind it as much. I still think the name is clunky. The problem being that in the name "binder" seems like a verb when it is actually a noun, the item is actually a binder. I dont think that in fantasy gaming we would normally read the word binder and think it is a noun (since most people envision the three ring binder from school when they read that word) and thus I think most people read that word, as I did, and think the verb as in "to bind". Maybe this is a tad esoteric, but we have all stressed the importance of good naming and I thought this deserved some comment. This really needed to be a tome or compendium or some other appropriate fantasy synonym for "book," but not binder. Maybe folio or cyclopedia (or if you want to get all fantasy, cyclopaedia), omnibus, quarto, or some other such word you could easily find from an online thesaurus. Just not "binder."
What I like:
Yay! Summoner item! Still not too many of those around yet.
What I love:
Nice theme & visuals on this one. As far as the effects go, it's basically transmogrify-in-a-can, but I think the can is packaged quite nicely here. Plus it does at least one thing transmogrify can't do, so it's one of those wondrous items that lets you break the rules it's built around a little.
What needs a little sumptin' sumptin'...
The punny name is really not needed. Among other things, 'binder' isn't really the right word; that makes me think of a classic high school Trapper Keeper, presumably with unicorn stickers and rainbows.
Like I said above, I think this is a good use of a spell in a can, but... I think you could have saved yourself a good chunk of your word count by just saying 'it works just like transmogrify, except the base form changes too' rather than essentially restating exactly what the spell effect is.
As far as the mechanics go, I dislike the idea of it being a move action for the summoner and a full round for the eidolon; just have it be a standard action for both and make everyone's lives easier. I'm also not sure... is the player supposed to make notes of the actual changes he wants to enact when he prepares the page? Or does he just get to say 'I draw a picture of my eidolon looking different', and then get to declare those different evolutions on the fly? From the theme of the item, it feels like it should be the former, but from a bookkeeping perspective, I can see how that would really annoy. But either way, i would have liked to see that specified in the writeup.
All in all...
I like this one. It could use a little bit of clarification, for me, and you'd have had room for those clarifications if you'd made better use of simply drafting in existing spell effects, but otherwise, even if it's not 100% there, I'd want this, both as a player & DM. Congratulations and welcome to RPG Superstar!
I like versatile and adaptable characters. It's why my greataxe-swinging barbarian carries javelins. Sure, he may prefer to use his axe, but at least he can still contribute in a fight against flying harpies. However, summoners are already one of the most versatile characters around, so we need to think carefully about giving them more options that allow them to adapt on the fly.
I think this designer took that into consideration. Pages in the binder need to be prepared in advance and (as I read it, though it would have been nice to have seen that specified in the entry) all the changes must be declared when a page is prepared. That takes more than a little planning. Of course, some pages might never get used, but that's a risk the character must be willing to take upon preparing a page.
Also, the inked page might be based on a smaller pool of evolution points, assuming that the summoner gains a level between drawing blood and using the page. However, this isn't made clear in the entry.
Overall, I still like it, despite the few unanswered questions. With a little tweaking, this could be a great item. Congratulations on making it to the Top 32.
I like this item; it's a set of cool tricks for the summoner. This item definitely breaks the rules in the sense of allowing summoners to do dramatic things that they usually can't manage on the fly. But I don't really see any reason to think that it breaks the game by making it unfun or the summoner overpowered (especially since this is an expensive consumable). I also think there's a lot to be said for an item that lets a summoner's player experiment with the full flexibility of the rules for his character type.
I like this. It's got some cool mojo going on with the changing forms thing, but I do agree that maybe changing base forms is a little too much - that's the point of a base form, after all.
Still, I like this item, and will be suggesting it to my summoner player next session.
Congratulations Jason!
I am a big fan of eidelons and in large part that is because the evolutions let you build any type of creature you want while maintaining balance. I do not think you overstepped it balance wise, but I feel cheated that a choice has been taken away from character generation. The concern is a bit meta-gamey, but is still there. I would limit this to changing base forms or to evolutions but not both, I honestly do like the item. Good luck!
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I loved reading the pun in the name. My problem is that its a book, not a binder. The term binder seems out of place, and is thus disappointing to me.
As far as the ability, I find it a book-keeping nightmare. I basicly get to keep 10 alternate character sheets for my eidolon. At least the Transmogrify spell is a non-combat option, but here you get to do it mid-combat and completely rework your stat block.
And what happens if you have a picture drawn and then gain a level and more evolution points?
Hey Jason, congratulations! I'm making the rounds on everybody's items (although, I should probably be writing an organization...), so here goes!
What I Like
I'm generally a fan of expanding options. This allows Summoners to feel like a master strategist as they prepare ten pokemo-- I mean, forms for their Eidolon. I might normally think that changing base forms is overreaching a bit, but 4,000 gp per transformation is nothing to scoff at.
Needs Improvement
Not much that hasn't been covered, but let me say: it might be nice to have the option of "editing" an unused page so that it stays viable. Like I said, 4,000 gp per page is nothing to scoff at, and it would be a shame for this item to not be fully useful.
How I Feel About You as an Opponent
I do feel that the item leaves something to be desired. What you have going for you is your willingness to step out into unexplored territory. I played it safe in that respect this time around, so you've got an edge on me there. I look forward to meeting you on the field of battle. :)
Congratulations, and good luck!
I'll be quick here, I want to say something to as many as possible before the deadline of organization (though I realize most of have probably submitted by now).
b]Analysis[/b]
Name: "Binder of Unbound". An oxymoron (opposites applied to each other). Is this trying to be clever? Or is it a joke? I don't know, but I guess it catches attention. Honestly I agree with a lot of people, you need a better word than "Binder".
Template: The only real issue I notice is one "-" after slot, where it should have been "none", "--" or the slightly longer em-dash "–". Other than that I don't spot anything.
Description: Looks fine. I'm trying to be quick, so I can't look as detailed as I'd like, but I don't see anything on a swift look.
Effect: Change Eidolon allright, I get that but base form? In my opinion the blasted things are fairly versatile and powerful as they are. I guess it might be need for a very water-oriented campaign.
Overall: I'm not really impressed, but you've got an idea for something that not in the game, and you seem to present it well enough
Good luck...
As several people have pointed out, it is great to see the summoners getting some love. The class definitely deserves some items of its own, and this would be a fun one for any summoner to own. Anything that makes people more likely to explore/play the summoner class is a good thing in my book.
I think the whole area of the game dealing with eidolons is ripe for expansion, so congratulations on helping to do some trailblazing here!
It's hard to comment on this item since I've never played a summoner. I'm not sure if the item makes me want to play a summoner as I research whether this is useful or not.
Yes, that is every vague and circular. That's my prerogative.
-X
This is kind of powerful, but I like it anyway. I love versatility! I think as long as the GM made it so you only ever find like one of these, it's cool. Trying to decide what forms to prepare and especially when to use them creates some cool tactical options. I'm kind of with those who don't like the hurting-your-eidolon requirement, though (I get the flavor; I just don't like it). Overall, a great item, though. Good job!
P.S. Sorry you dropped out of the competition. I think you had potential!
I like the concept of being able to play with your eidolon’s form, but unfortunately am not familiar enough with the class to say more.
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Binder of Unbound Forms
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 10th
Slot -; Price 38,000 gp; Weight 4 lbs.
Description
This is a slim, leatherbound folio containing ten yellowed parchment pages. These are unable to be marked, absorbing all conventional pigments. Ink mixed with an eidolon's blood, however, is capable of permanently staining the pages. A summoner willingly damages his eidolon for this, causing it to lose hit points equal to the number of evolution points it possesses. This damage is healable as normal. This mixture is usable in the book to sketch or describe a variant form of the eidolon. Doing so takes one hour and fills one page. At any time after, this page is activated by tearing it from the book. The page is consumed by gray flames and the linked eidolon is reshaped into the described form. Tearing a page is a move action for the user, transforming is a full-round action for the eidolon. If the eidolon is not currently summoned when a page is torn out, the page is expended with no effect.
The eidolon is wholly remade by this; even switching base forms if desired. Evolutions are re-assignable as well, the number of points that may be changed equaling those sacrificed to create the page. The eidolon also gains temporary hit points equal to the original sacrifice. An eidolon remains in this form and retains these temporary hit points for one hour before changing back. Each page is usable only once, though multiple pages may be prepared at a time.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Items, rejuvenate eidolon, transmorgrify ; Cost 19,000 gp
Note:
Fair is foul and foul is fair supposedly . Basically, though, does this item have any useful application in a spa?
Books tend not to mix too well with water or other liquids (including pre-lunch cocktails) so no.
Assuming for a moment that it’s more convenient to pay taxes than to circumvent the system, does this item look likely to be a tax-deductible business expense for a succubus art-dealer?
No. This is a horribly minion specific trick, and not one terribly easily explainable to most tax officials as being applicable to an art dealing business. Unless there's a bet involved, this just isn't worth the hassle.
Is the item useful in a strawberries-and-cream-tea context?
And again, no. Succubi do not do the 'summoner' thing. In fact most succubi detest summoners, with their over-inflated egos and tendency to try and use brute magic to boss their betters around. The only reason to invite a summoner along on the date is to be the 'third party' entertainment, with the summoner in question being hideously tortured as background flavour, and such a scenario isn't likely to benefit from the presence of one of these books.
Other Comments?
About the only point to this item is burning one which a summoner has just bought in front of their face, to see if it makes the wretch in question cry.
Gollum Rating: