TCG - Why don't you reskin the StiX (?) From the ARG.
Change some stuff out and keep the basics.
Not a bad idea, but I'll have to look at the Strix closer.
Harakani,
Are you findiing the winged elves interesting or ludicrous? Depending on if I can properly balance them, I mean.
Interesting: I've been intrigued by the fact elves seem to undergo Lamarckian evolution before. The idea of them developing wings is unusual, but sort of makes sense: they'd be evolving towards a different ecological niche. I'd tend to have them somewhere where they were moving towards living in the sky pre-wings... using magic or even just gliders. Somewhere with thick air, altitude and thermals. Near a volcano, maybe? Or a mountain range near the desert?
That said, there are numerous winged races in pathfinder already - what is it about winged elves that you find so compelling?
Interesting: I've been intrigued by the fact elves seem to undergo Lamarckian evolution before. The idea of them developing wings is unusual, but sort of makes sense: they'd be evolving towards a different ecological niche. I'd tend to have them somewhere where they were moving towards living in the sky pre-wings... using magic or even just gliders. Somewhere with thick air, altitude and thermals. Near a volcano, maybe? Or a mountain range near the desert?
That said, there are numerous winged races in pathfinder already - what is it about winged elves that you find so compelling?
The race is not a new idea and i'm sure you realize I didn't make them up. I've always liked elves and the lamarckian evolution thing lends itself to various sub groups. I've read books before that had them in it and I think it's a cool idea. I imagine them living on impossibly high mountain tops with homes worked into the side of a mountain much like many real life birds do, but with an elven flair of course. Since the ARG came out and I saw the other quasi-flying race options I figured why not elves?
I would figure at lower levels the wings would allow gliding until they get stronger (aka level up and take a feat). I just like the idea of being a familiar yet exotic race. I'm still trying to consider what to give up to balance the wings, but there is precedent with other races. I'll use that as a guide.
Lets put it this way. If I were to find myself in the pathfinder universe I would want to be an elf and given the option an Avarael. ;-)
If you are open to me trying it out that'd be cool, but if not I am happy to be a regular elf who eventually learns to fly via magic.
Edit: It may be more trouble than it's worth. I am playing a mage after all. Flight is just a few levels away. ;-)
I'm open. I feel the new setting allows for more flexibility in character creation. Re Edit: That's actually what worries me. I figure look at the gliding wings maybe? I'm happy to say that in the right conditions, with the right thermals (or a levitate spell) you could gain altitude, and no matter what level you are having an undispellable feather-fall can be helpful.
Then again, the full wings mean unlimited flight per day.
There's also the vestigal wings racial trait, which could replace weapon fam and says that your race used to fly, but is become ground based again. That gives +4 to fly skill. Personally I think it is a bit meh.
As far as unlimited flight goes, Paizo actually did that themselves for Sylphs through a feat (with another racial feat requirement)
Wings of Air
The winds lift you, carrying you where you want to go.
Prerequisites: Airy Step, character level 9th, sylph.
Benefit: Your bonus on saves against effects with
the air or electricity descriptors and effects that deal
electricity damage increases to +4. In addition, you gain
a supernatural f ly speed equal to your base speed (good
maneuverability). You may only f ly with this ability when
wearing light armor or no armor.
The required feat gives half the save bonus and negates the first 30 feet of a fall.
EDIT: I posted this in the other thread as well, but I made a breakdown with the ARG for an Orc based Oni. Let's just say it scores very high when it comes to Race Points, mainly due to spell like abilities. I've been conservative on the Ability modifiers.
Orc based Oni
Type
Outsider (Native, Orc, Oni, Shapechanger) 3 RP
Size
Medium 0 RP
Speed
Normal 30 ft 0 RP
Ability Scores
Greater Paragon +4 Str, -2 Dex, -2 Int 2 RP
Language
Standard (Common + Racial and up to 7 optional) 0 RP
Racial Traits
Advanced Dexterity +2 Dex 4 RP
Natural Armor +1 NA 2 RP
Lesser SL ability Charm Person 1/day 1 RP
Lesser SL ability Invisibility 1/day 2 RP
Lesser SL ability Darkness 3/day 6 RP
Greater SL ability Deep Slumber 1/day 3 RP
Greater SL ability Fly 3/day 9 RP
Greater Change Shape 6 RP
(Can take form of an Orc or Half-Orc as per Alter Self)
Fast +10 ft speed 1 RP
Orc Ferocity 2 RP
Weapon Familiarity 1 RP
(Greataxe, Falchion, Orc weapons as martial)
Claws 2 1d6 Claw attacks 2 RP
Low-Light Vision 1 RP
Weakness
Light Sensitivity -1 RP
Total 41 RP
Somewhere around 9th level unlimited flight becomes really common. It's a 5th level spell if nothing else. Prior to that gliding is useful, but not the end all. I think I should give it more thought, but I'm still open to ideas.
True: and honestly, once you can fly for 10 minutes, you're almost as good as if it was all day.