Malevol's page

Still, I think he may become a very interesting and effective villain if given a grand scheme.
Since the entry is creative, i'm willing to give the author the benefit of doubt (and of his well written entry), and bet he just has such an idea in store : I vote for Rustin !

Too frequently, economics in a fantasy world are mere copies of modern free markets, rather than being even mildly medieval or fantastic.

This entry gives the DM an opportunity to introduce The merchant guild, with a true fantasy background : Bravissimo !

Remember, a vote for Varrush is a vote for not having to stat up a high-level rakshasa monk yourself

Moreso, in my view, a vote for Varrush is a vote for reading more of Mr Bailey's excellent prose :

His eyes, orbs of unreflective tar, lack any hint of mortal empathy

This is true poetry, unseen elsewhere in the submissions (and very rarely read in RPG publications, i think);

By the way the sentence is powerfully evocative of the true evil of Varrush, I mean his lack of regard for other sentient creature (and not his hedonism, a worldview per se as harmless as any) !
Put Varrush at the head of any unjust social order, willing to do anything to preserve his previleges, and you certainly got a proper villain.

People seem to me quite harsh on this one :

While not conform to what the examiners may expect, the idea can provide a evening of play : a scenario in the Ravenloft or Cudgel spirit, with potential for exploration, rich interaction with NPC, investigation, fight, maybe moral dilemna.
Not so common, and maybe more useful than another ready-to-be-transformed-in-statblock lich lord.

AMong "rage powers" is the "Knockback" (even in alpha 3) "Anyone hit by the barbarian’s melee attacks this round is pushed back 5 feet, if possible. This power is used as a swift action before any attacks are made. (4 rage points)".
I feel like it goes against a general rule that no power should affect an opponent regardless of his abilities : then I suggest that the opponent got a saving throw, or that the ability be converted to something similar to an "improved bull rush" feat, or that it gives an additional bonus to bull rush.

Giving up one high level spell slot for one charge in a wand sounds like a n unfair trade to me, as most one charge staff effects are similar to low level spells.

A lower price would be more appropriate, except if the aim is to forbid staff recharching during adventures. I suggest the following price/rule : a nth level spell (or spell slot) would put n charge back in the staff.
Or myabe a lower rate, but with added flexibility, as in the following rule : once a staff is "atuned" to a caster (a one day long ceremony), that magic-user may cast spells into the staff, recharching it of half the spell level of the spell cast, rounded down (i.e. an improved invisibility would put 3 charges back in the staff). A caster may only be attuned to one staff at a time.
BTW, concerning the controversial 10 charges limit for the staff ; i suggest to change it to a limit equal to the level of the caster to whom the staff is atuned.

Erratum : in my second version of the rule, Greater invisibility would put 2 charges back in the staff
Sorry

Giving up one high level spell slot for one charge in a wand sounds like a n unfair trade to me, as most one charge staff effects are similar to low level spells.
A lower price would be more appropriate, except if the aim is to forbid staff recharching during adventures. I suggest the following price/rule : a nth level spell (or spell slot) would put n charge back in the staff.
Or myabe a lower rate, but with added flexibility, as in the following rule : once a staff is "atuned" to a caster (a one day long ceremony), that magic-user may cast spells into the staff, recharching it of half the spell level of the spell cast, rounded down (i.e. an improved invisibility would put 3 charges back in the staff). A caster may only be attuned to one staff at a time.
BTW, concerning the controversial 10 charges limit for the staff ; i suggest to change it to a limit equal to the level of the caster to whom the staff is atuned.