paizo.com Recent Posts in Expanding Eidolon Optionspaizo.com Recent Posts in Expanding Eidolon Options2012-07-18T12:00:01Z2012-07-18T12:00:01ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsTsolihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#122012-07-30T06:59:11Z2012-07-30T06:59:11Z<p>Hello. I've been looking into getting more evolutions for different reasons. I'm starting up a Final Fantasy- themed pathfinder game and Summoners are huge in this world. As a result, I've been searching around for all sorts of evolutions, making my own, and I have quite an extensive list. I'd be happy to share what I have, but I'll just let you know that much of the additions come from the Ultimate Magic book, as well as an eight-page splashbook called Advanced Options: Extra Evolutions from the paizo online shop. </p>
<p>I'm also looking for more, so if you've got a lead on further useful evolutions, let me know!</p>Hello. I've been looking into getting more evolutions for different reasons. I'm starting up a Final Fantasy- themed pathfinder game and Summoners are huge in this world. As a result, I've been searching around for all sorts of evolutions, making my own, and I have quite an extensive list. I'd be happy to share what I have, but I'll just let you know that much of the additions come from the Ultimate Magic book, as well as an eight-page splashbook called Advanced Options: Extra Evolutions from...Tsoli2012-07-30T06:59:11ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsSmiloDan (RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#112012-07-29T22:47:28Z2012-07-29T22:47:28Z<p>Cephalopod Eidolon form</p>
<p>Size Medium; Speed 20 ft., swim 20 ft., jet (200 ft.); AC +2 natural armor; Saves Fort (poor), Ref (poor), Will (good); Attack 2 tentacles (1d4); Ability Scores Str 12, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 11
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Free evolutions: jet, reach (tentacle), swim, tentacle (2). The cephalopod treats its tentacle attacks as primary attacks. It has the jet universal monster ability as a free 1-point evolution. </p>
<p>Suggested Evolutions:</p>
<p><b>1-Point Evolutions:</b> basic magic, bite, climb, gills, improved damage, improved natural armor, low-light vision, magic attacks, pounce, pull, push, reach, resistance, scent, skilled, sting, swim, tail, tail slap, tentacle, unnatural aura.</p>
<p><b>2-Point Evolutions:</b> ability increase, constrict, energy attacks, flight, grab, immunity, keen scent, minor magic, poison, shadow blend, shadow form, tremorsense, trip, </p>
<p><b>3-Point Evolutions:</b> blindsense, burrow, damage reduction, frightful presence, major magic, see in darkness, swallow whole, web.</p>
<p><b>4-Point Evolutions:</b> blindsight, breath weapon, dimension door, fast healing, incorporeal form, large, life sense, no breath, spell resistance, ultimate magic.</p>Cephalopod Eidolon form
Size Medium; Speed 20 ft., swim 20 ft., jet (200 ft.); AC +2 natural armor; Saves Fort (poor), Ref (poor), Will (good); Attack 2 tentacles (1d4); Ability Scores Str 12, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 11
Free evolutions: jet, reach (tentacle), swim, tentacle (2). The cephalopod treats its tentacle attacks as primary attacks. It has the jet universal monster ability as a free 1-point evolution.
Suggested Evolutions:
1-Point Evolutions: basic magic, bite, climb,...SmiloDan (RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32)2012-07-29T22:47:28ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsDrejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#102012-07-24T09:13:28Z2012-07-24T09:13:28Z<p>Maybe 1 evolution points at 1st level and 1 evolution point every two levels therafter. That's 10 out of 26, still much.
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1 at 1st level plus one every three levels? 7 out of 26, more manageable.
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1 at 1st and 1 every four levels? 6 out of 26. Maybe the right number as 1 at 1st and 1 every five levels for a total of 5 out of 26 might be not enough, or would it be?</p>Maybe 1 evolution points at 1st level and 1 evolution point every two levels therafter. That's 10 out of 26, still much.
1 at 1st level plus one every three levels? 7 out of 26, more manageable.
1 at 1st and 1 every four levels? 6 out of 26. Maybe the right number as 1 at 1st and 1 every five levels for a total of 5 out of 26 might be not enough, or would it be?Drejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)2012-07-24T09:13:28ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsMaverickWolfhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#92012-07-19T02:08:06Z2012-07-19T02:08:06Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Drejk wrote:</div><blockquote> Both elemental eidolon and constructed eidolon are quite powerful, granting lots of immunities that grow in usefulness on higher levels as effects they protect against become more common. Still, I wonder if half evolution points for either is right. This would make such eidolons into decent defenders but lacking in offensive power.</blockquote><p>I think half is probably way too harsh. Perhaps a drop in effective level (with a minimum of say....1 evolution point/level until it's effective enough to be above 1st)?Drejk wrote:Both elemental eidolon and constructed eidolon are quite powerful, granting lots of immunities that grow in usefulness on higher levels as effects they protect against become more common. Still, I wonder if half evolution points for either is right. This would make such eidolons into decent defenders but lacking in offensive power.
I think half is probably way too harsh. Perhaps a drop in effective level (with a minimum of say....1 evolution point/level until it's effective...MaverickWolf2012-07-19T02:08:06ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsDrejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#82012-07-18T16:14:00Z2012-07-18T16:14:00Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Bardess wrote:</div><blockquote> I'd like an object base form... why couldn't an eidolon appear as a geometric solid, or a book, or a living armor? </blockquote><p>Geometric solid or a book could be made as floater - unless you mean immobile eidolon, but that would have to be a whole Summoner archetype based upon alternate immobile (and probably less combat-oriented) eidolon. Living armor is still a biped (unless it's living horse barding armor), but it would require adding evolutions simulating it's quasi-construct nature.Bardess wrote:I'd like an object base form... why couldn't an eidolon appear as a geometric solid, or a book, or a living armor?
Geometric solid or a book could be made as floater - unless you mean immobile eidolon, but that would have to be a whole Summoner archetype based upon alternate immobile (and probably less combat-oriented) eidolon. Living armor is still a biped (unless it's living horse barding armor), but it would require adding evolutions simulating it's quasi-construct nature.Drejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)2012-07-18T16:14:00ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsBardesshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#72012-07-18T11:42:59Z2012-07-18T11:42:59Z<p>I'd like an object base form... why couldn't an eidolon appear as a geometric solid, or a book, or a living armor?</p>I'd like an object base form... why couldn't an eidolon appear as a geometric solid, or a book, or a living armor?Bardess2012-07-18T11:42:59ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsAratrokhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#62012-07-18T10:12:15Z2012-07-18T10:12:15Z<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Humanoid Serpent (Serpentine alternate form)</span>
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As biped, except: <b>Speed</b> 20 ft. <b>Attack</b> 2 claws (1d4), tail slap (1d6); <b>Free Evolutions</b> tail, limbs (arms), claws, tail slap</p>Humanoid Serpent (Serpentine alternate form)
As biped, except: Speed 20 ft. Attack 2 claws (1d4), tail slap (1d6); Free Evolutions tail, limbs (arms), claws, tail slapAratrok2012-07-18T10:12:15ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsDrejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#52012-07-18T09:47:30Z2012-07-18T09:47:30Z<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Brute (Biped Alternate Form)</span>
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As biped, except: <b>Attack</b> slam (1d8); <b>Free Evolutions</b> limbs (arms), limbs (legs), slam</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Centepide (Serpentine Alternate Form)</span>
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As serpentine, except: <b>Speed</b> 20 ft., climb 20 ft.; <b>AC</b> +4 natural armor; <b>Attack</b> bite (1d8); <b>Free Evolutions</b> bite, climb, improved damage (bite), improved natural armor, reach (bite)</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Flier (Base Form)</span>
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<b>Starting Statistics: Speed</b> 20 ft., fly 60 ft. (good); <b>AC</b> +2 natural armor; <b>Attack</b> bite (1d6); <b>Ability Scores</b> Str 12, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 11; <b>Free Evolutions</b> bite, flight (winged, +40 ft.)</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Floater (Base form)</span>
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<b>Starting Statistics: Speed</b> 5 ft., fly 20 ft. (perfect); <b>AC</b> +2 natural armor; <b>Attack</b> bite (1d6) or tentacle (1d4); <b>Ability Scores</b> Str 12, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 11; <b>Free Evolutions</b> bite or tentacle, flight (magical)
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<span class=messageboard-ooc>Floater redone to be smarter.</span></p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Naga (Serpentine alternate form)</span>
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As serpentine, except: <b>Attack</b> bite (1d6) and sting (1d4); <b>Free Evolutions</b> bite, reach (bite), reach (sting), sting, tail</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Runner (Biped Alternate Form)</span>
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As biped, except: <b>Speed</b> 50 ft.; <b>Attack</b> bite (1d6); <b>Free Evolutions</b> bite, fast [x2], limbs (legs)
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<b>Special</b> runner base form can take mount evolution despite being biped</p>
<p><b>Fast</b> Increase land speed by 10 feet. Can be selected once at 1st level and one more time at each of 5th, 10th, 15th and 20th levels.</p>Brute (Biped Alternate Form)
As biped, except: Attack slam (1d8); Free Evolutions limbs (arms), limbs (legs), slam
Centepide (Serpentine Alternate Form)
As serpentine, except: Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.; AC +4 natural armor; Attack bite (1d8); Free Evolutions bite, climb, improved damage (bite), improved natural armor, reach (bite)
Flier (Base Form)
Starting Statistics: Speed 20 ft., fly 60 ft. (good); AC +2 natural armor; Attack bite (1d6); Ability Scores Str 12, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 7, Wis...Drejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)2012-07-18T09:47:30ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsDrejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#42012-03-22T13:16:31Z2012-03-22T13:16:31Z<p>That was my initial thought as well, but when I started to puting it on paper it brought problems with which free evolutions it should get, why there can't be intelligent bipedal or intelligent quadruped or intelligent serpentine eidolons. So after all considerations I finally decided it to be template independent of base form - in the same way as small eidolon is a template independent of base form.</p>That was my initial thought as well, but when I started to puting it on paper it brought problems with which free evolutions it should get, why there can't be intelligent bipedal or intelligent quadruped or intelligent serpentine eidolons. So after all considerations I finally decided it to be template independent of base form - in the same way as small eidolon is a template independent of base form.Drejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)2012-03-22T13:16:31ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsAzten (alias of Dragonborn3)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#32012-03-22T12:35:58Z2012-03-22T12:35:58Z<p>I think Cerebrant should be a base form instead of a template.</p>I think Cerebrant should be a base form instead of a template.Azten (alias of Dragonborn3)2012-03-22T12:35:58ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsDrejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#22012-03-22T12:18:39Z2012-03-22T12:18:39Z<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Cerebrant (Eidolon Template)</span></p>
<p><b>Ability Scores</b> -2 Str, -2 Dex, -2 Con, either +6 to one mental ability score or +4 to one mental ability score and +2 to second mental ability score.</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Floater (Eidolon Base Form)</span></p>
<p><b>Starting Statistics: Size</b> Medium; <b>Speed</b> 5 ft., fly 20 ft. (perfect); <b>AC</b> +2 natural armor; <b>Saves</b> Fort (bad), Ref (good), Will (good); <b>Attack</b> bite (1d6); <b>Ability Scores</b> Str 12, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 11; <b>Free Evolutions</b> bite, flight (magical)
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<span class=messageboard-ooc>Yeah, yeah, I know, eidolons normally don't get flight before fifth level. However without hover a great array of interesting forms (beholder-like, flying heads, hovering jellyfish, etc.) are impossible to create because there is no possibility of changing base form and none of the existing base forms is appropriate to create them.</span></p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Constructed Eidolon (Eidolon Template)</span></p>
<p><b>Defensive Abilities</b></p>
<p><b>Constructed (Ex):</b> The constructed eidolon body is constructed of physical components, and in many ways functions as a construct. For the purposes of effects targeting creatures by type (such as a ranger's favored enemy and bane weapons), constructed eidolon counts as both outsider and construct. It is immune to death effects, disease, mind-affecting effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, and any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless). Constructed eidolon is not subject to nonlethal damage, ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, or energy drain. It is not at risk of death from massive damage. It has bonus hit points as constructs of its size.</p>
<p><b>Evolutions</b> Constructed eidolon receive only half the base evolution points, rounded down. Bonus evolution points (e.g. gained from Extra Evolution feat or half-elf summoner favored class bonus are not halved).</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-bigger>Elemental Eidolon (Eidolon Template)</span></p>
<p><b>Type</b> Change to Outsider (elemental) with one additional subtype selected from the following: air, cold, earth, fire or water.
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<span class=messageboard-ooc>It should be remembered that cold subtype grants cold immunity and fire vulnerability while fire subtype grants fire immunity and cold vulnerability.</span></p>
<p><b>Evolutions</b> Elemental eidolon receive only half the base evolution points, rounded down. Bonus evolution points (e.g. gained from Extra Evolution feat or half-elf summoner favored class bonus are not halved).</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Both elemental eidolon and constructed eidolon are quite powerful, granting lots of immunities that grow in usefulness on higher levels as effects they protect against become more common. Still, I wonder if half evolution points for either is right. This would make such eidolons into decent defenders but lacking in offensive power.</span></p>Cerebrant (Eidolon Template)
Ability Scores -2 Str, -2 Dex, -2 Con, either +6 to one mental ability score or +4 to one mental ability score and +2 to second mental ability score.
Floater (Eidolon Base Form)
Starting Statistics: Size Medium; Speed 5 ft., fly 20 ft. (perfect); AC +2 natural armor; Saves Fort (bad), Ref (good), Will (good); Attack bite (1d6); Ability Scores Str 12, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha 11; Free Evolutions bite, flight (magical)
Yeah, yeah, I know, eidolons...Drejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)2012-03-22T12:18:39ZForums: Homebrew and House Rules: Expanding Eidolon OptionsDrejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nk2d?Expanding-Eidolon-Options#12012-07-19T01:36:43Z2012-02-01T20:57:40Z<p>I was wondering about adding more options to evolution lists. First because I would like to see more varied Eidolons and second because I am considering using evolution rules beyond Eidolons (two of my current pet projects is using evolutions to build vestiges for slightly reimagined Binder and making an evolutionist base class that gains evolutions as it's primary feature).</p>
<p>I'll start with review of universal monster abilities from Bestiaries (abilities that are already covered by evolutions are omitted. Numbers in parentheses are vague estimations of evolution point costs.</p>
<p><b>Ability Damage (?):</b> Eidolons can deal ability damage with poison so I think it would not be unreasonable to allow them deal modest amount of ability damage with their attacks through other ways.</p>
<p><b>Ability Drain:</b> Rarely opponents are meet more than once so ability drain would be pointless most of the time.</p>
<p><b>All-Around Vision (1-2):</b> Grants immunity to flanking. Reduces combat advantage gained by multiple opponents and reduces possibility of falling to sneak attacks, but they are used against PCs moderately often or rare.</p>
<p><b>Amorphous (at least 4, probably more):</b> Grants immunity to extra precision and critical damage. Would be quite powerful ability as it is not granted to PCs often.</p>
<p><b>Amphibious:</b> Effectively available by combing gills and swim evolutions.</p>
<p><b>Attach (1-2?):</b> Comparable to grab I think, not suffering from size limitation but also does not bestow grappling penalties to the opponent.</p>
<p><b>Bleed (?):</b> Eidolons are already capable of inflicting continous (ability) damage with poison and can gain bleed damage with feats (Bleeding Critical, some style feats) so I think that they could be given bleed damage as evolution. Judging the point cost and damage per round is needed.</p>
<p><b>Blood Drain (4?):</b> How one may not want to have vampiric grappling eidolon? Exact priving should be based upon Constitution damage inflicted.</p>
<p><b>Burn (+1 or +2):</b> Logical expansion to Energy Attack (fire) evolution. Again, Eidolons are already capable of continous damage so it should not be more unbalancing.</p>
<p><b>Change Shape (?):</b> Something more along the lines of <i>disguise self</i> as a humanoid/animal could be available or true polymorph effect limited to mostly cosmetic effects.</p>
<p><b>Compression (?):</b> For all those large or huge eidolons. Should be costly, otherwise it would be too obvious choice for anything larger than Medium.</p>
<p><b>Construct Traits (8?):</b> Maybe gained as a constructed quality possessed by Inevitables. Should be pricey.</p>
<p><b>Damage Reduction (2-3?):</b> Damage type-based and material-based DR options in addition to alignement-based DR would be nice.</p>
<p><b>Disease (?):</b> Long term effects are of little usef to PCs most of the time. They might get their use in certain circumstances.</p>
<p><b>Distraction:</b> Quite powerful ability. Should be only available (if ever) when we get Eidolons with swarm subtype.</p>
<p><b>Energy Drain:</b> Unlimited energy drain is another ability that might be too powerful if made available to PCs.</p>
<p><b>Fear:</b> Eidolons can have frightful presence but I would not be completly opposed to limited fear abilities.</p>
<p><b>Ferocity (probably 3 or 4):</b> Could be available. Would save spending feats on Endurance/Diehard for Eidolon. Question is how much points it should be worth? Also, it would be quite obvious choice for Summoner to pick with Aspect.</p>
<p><b>Gaze:</b> Really, really depends upon condition bestowed - it should also be limited to active gazes (unless the condition caused by the gaze would be dazzled). Constant passive auras (which regular gaze actually is) are quite powerful abilities as they don’t eat resources (either limited uses or actions) while bestowing conditions that are normally staple of more limited abilities.</p>
<p><b>Heat (+1):</b> Improved version of energy attack (fire).</p>
<p><b>Immunity:</b> Immunties to certain types of effects and conditions could be added. I can see having immunity to gaze effects and patterns being part of blind monster eidolon. Also, immunity to posions and immunity to diseases (currently available as a very specifc package with 6-point undead appearance evolution).</p>
<p><b>Paralysis:</b> Rather too much to be made avaialable to PCs.</p>
<p><b>Plant Traits:</b> Something like plantlike subtype for outsiders would be good (similar to constructed quality).</p>
<p><b>Powerful Charge (#):</b> Yes, please. Cost should be adjusted for extra damage - 1 point per 1d6?</p>
<p><b>Regeneration:</b> We have got fast healing. Regeneration would be overkill unless it would be limited somehow (like x rounds/day and stopped by common type of damage).</p>
<p><b>Rock Catching:</b> Very specific ability. Probably too specific.</p>
<p><b>Rock Throwing (3-4):</b> To make a viable giant-like builds. Should require slam attack and large size as prerequisites.</p>
<p><b>Stench (?):</b> Or how to make your party hate your Eidolon. Like most constant aura effects should be pricey if allowed.</p>
<p><b>Telepathy (2+):</b> Eidolons can already communicate with their masters. This would make the eidolon into universal translator - good thing to have in case of multi-utility eidolon.</p>I was wondering about adding more options to evolution lists. First because I would like to see more varied Eidolons and second because I am considering using evolution rules beyond Eidolons (two of my current pet projects is using evolutions to build vestiges for slightly reimagined Binder and making an evolutionist base class that gains evolutions as it's primary feature).
I'll start with review of universal monster abilities from Bestiaries (abilities that are already covered by...Drejk (alias of Wojciech Gruchala)2012-02-01T20:57:40Z