Grafts

[The-Last-Rogue]

Apparently, in the latest Pathfinder Chat, a bit of discussion regarding grafts was tossed around.

I am all for grafts:

Grafts are cool. They open another option for PC's; thematically, I can see them fitting well in Pathfinder with its diverse cultures, variant magic (sin magic for now), and the hints dropped that Demon and Devils may play a larger role in this world.

However, if I can offer one caveat . . .

Grafts should be rare and risky. I don't want every 4th BBEG to be involved with grafts -- make them more the realm of certain cults, or magicians, or . . .you get the point... and secondly I really feel that grafts should have some severe drawbacks to go along with some very unique benefits -- I mean cutting off your own hand to put a demon's claw there has to be detrimental a little.

thoughts?

[Eyebite]

I agree.

But, on a related note, am I the only one that really wanted to play a monk character similar to Harbinger (from Dungeon #120) with a tentacle?

Pesky rules...fiendish tentacle grafts making you evil...psshhh. What, I can't have a demonic tentacle growing out of my side that I use to strangle people and still be a good guy?

[Cosmo]

Eyebite wrote:

What, I can't have a demonic tentacle growing out of my side that I use to strangle people and still be a good guy?

It didn't make me evil...

Spoiler:

..ler than usual.

[Mike McArtor]

Eyebite wrote:

I agree.

But, on a related note, am I the only one that really wanted to play a monk character similar to Harbinger (from Dungeon #120) with a tentacle?

Pesky rules...fiendish tentacle grafts making you evil...psshhh. What, I can't have a demonic tentacle growing out of my side that I use to strangle people and still be a good guy?

Yeah, the lack of moral ambiguity is the only part of D&D's alignment system I don't like.

"That guy rescued a box of kittens out of a raging inferno while casting shield other on an orphan about to be squished by a wagon! He's totally a good guy!"

"Yeah but, ew, he has a tentacle on his right hip. He's obviously evil."

[Eyebite]

Ultimately, grafts are a good thing when used sparingly. Less is more.

I think Last Rogue hit the nail on the head. When used sparingly, they can make a BBEG so much cooler.

[Cobbler]

I like grafts too. In my campaign world, grafts are actually symbiotic insects that dig permanent tendrils into their sometimes willing hosts. Neutral, mindless appendages that are bought and sold in shadier markets. Still rare, still objects of fear and revulsion - but not inherently evil.

There are forearm ones that shoot-out deadly stingers as good as any rapier, layered carapaces that provide AC bonuses, and large, lumpier ones that attach to the back to provide sneaky stingers, climbing foldaway legs, or carapace-popping insect wings.

Can't wait to submit them to Varisia's Bestiary!

Cheers