Hi,
I am planning on a rather significant event happening in my campaign, which will result in anyone nearby (including the PCs) possibily being affected by the pseudonatural template (from Lords of Madness). The problem I have is, as written, there is no "downside" for a PC to acquire this template, aside from any flavour you can give it. That is, there is no loss of charisma based on the change in form, there is no mental effects due to the transformation, for example.
So I was wondering if anybody has anything in mind, game mechanism-wise, for someone being affected by the pseudonatural template?
As I noted above, I was thinking maybe a charisma loss, but how much would be appropriate?
Also, as this is the result of a Tharizdun-y effect, I was thinking of applying an "Insanity" score, as per the Madness domain, but without the domain benefit (so basically a wisdom reduction), to account for an alien nature affecting the brain.
Ideally, these penalties would offset the "pluses" incurred from the template (specifically the "true strike" ability which is pretty good).
The PCs are in the 12-16th level range, so it should be something that will offset the CR gain from the template as listed.
Also I need a way to cure this, but in that regard I was just thinking a greater restoration as being necessary to remove the template.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance,
Greg
I am planning on a rather significant event happening in my campaign, which will result in anyone nearby (including the PCs) possibily being affected by the pseudonatural template (from Lords of Madness). The problem I have is, as written, there is no "downside" for a PC to acquire this template, aside from any flavour you can give it. That is, there is no loss of charisma based on the change in form, there is no mental effects due to the transformation, for example.
.
So I was wondering if anybody has anything in mind, game mechanism-wise, for someone being affected by the pseudonatural template?
.
As I noted above, I was thinking maybe a charisma loss, but how much would be appropriate?
Check the Book of Vile Darkness warp touch table. (p 31)
I'd suggest rolling 3 times
Roll one getting 01-40 (use d4 as the tens place, treat a 4 as a 0, and double 0 as '40')
Roll two getting 11-70 (use d6 as the tens place, then add +01%)
and Roll three 01-100
If you are feeling kind, treat 01-10 as 'roll twice'
I'd also consider giveing the willing deformity feat as a bonus feat to any who chose to keep the template.
Check the Book of Vile Darkness warp touch table. (p 31)
I'd suggest rolling 3 times
Roll one getting 01-40 (use d4 as the tens place, treat a 4 as a 0, and double 0 as '40')
Roll two getting 11-70 (use d6 as the tens place, then add +01%)
and Roll three 01-100If you are feeling kind, treat 01-10 as 'roll twice'
I'd also consider giveing the willing deformity feat as a bonus feat to any who chose to keep the template.
Thanks for the input. I've had a look at that table (never used it before and haven't picked up BoVD in a while) and it's got some interesting things there, but some of there are actually benefits. :-)
Maybe I'll pare down the table to only negative effects. I've already decided to make the "alternate form" of the template a permanent form (unless cured) rather than giving the (N)PC the ability to look normal. And possible extend the -1 on attack rolls, etc to also apply to all interactions with any other human/humanoid (although, I'm thinking it should be higher, even as high as -10 on any Cha based roll).
Anwyays, thanks for the input. I'm gonna stew over it a bit.
Greg
Maybe I'll pare down the table to only negative effects. I've already decided to make the "alternate form" of the template a permanent form (unless cured) rather than giving the (N)PC the ability to look normal. And possible extend the -1 on attack rolls, etc to also apply to all interactions with any other human/humanoid (although, I'm thinking it should be higher, even as high as -10 on any Cha based roll).
Anwyays, thanks for the input. I'm gonna stew over it a bit.
You are most welcome, I hope you can make use of it.
The negative effects are all in the 01-40 range
so using a d4 for the tens place (treat a 4 as 0)
and a d10 for the ones place (treat 0,0 as '40')
Would get you only negative results.
(Easier than trying to reconfigure the whole table)
I've planed to use the table once, although the party
actually avoided ever having to roll on it.
Hi,
I am planning on a rather significant event happening in my campaign, which will result in anyone nearby (including the PCs) possibily being affected by the pseudonatural template (from Lords of Madness). The problem I have is, as written, there is no "downside" for a PC to acquire this template, aside from any flavour you can give it. That is, there is no loss of charisma based on the change in form, there is no mental effects due to the transformation, for example.
So I was wondering if anybody has anything in mind, game mechanism-wise, for someone being affected by the pseudonatural template?
The only referance I have to the pseudonatural template comes from the Epic level handbook (pre 3.5) My best guess would be that since the template actually gets stronger as you gain hit dice. Maybe make the penalty to CHA checks -1per HD to reflect the alternate from becoming more and more horrific as they gain power.
The Pseudonatural Template in the Epic Handbook is much different and far more powerful than the one in Lords and Madness and Complete Arcane. The lesser ones are more in line in strength with the Celestial and Fiendish templates
Thanks For the info. In the mean time another answer occured to me.
If the N/PC's are going to be locked into the alternate form maybe give non affected NPC's an initial encounter attitude of hostile. Then add any penalty to the CHA check (Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate)to adjust their attitude.
The Pseudonatural Template in the Epic Handbook is much different and far more powerful than the one in Lords and Madness and Complete Arcane. The lesser ones are more in line in strength with the Celestial and Fiendish templates
The one from Complete Arcane still gives you a lot of stuff. At level 10 you get energy resistance 10, damage reduction 5/magic, spell resistance 20, true strike as a swift action once a day, and the outsider type. I think that's a fair bit more than the PF celestial/fiendish templates.
Still, would love to see some kind of 'alien weirdness' template. The entropic template just doesn't cut it. :)
