So, according to the rules laid out in the 'Blood of Angels' book. An Aasimar can trade out their spell-like ability for a unique feature, one of which is a 20ft natural fly speed with poor manuverability.
They can also has wings, but that's besides the point.
While I think it's a cool feature, it does sort of undermine the whole feat tree that lets Aasimar fly, unless you wanted to improve your speed and maneuverability I guess.
I guess this isn't so much of a rules question as a "what is your opinion of this rule" question. Hoping to hear some good feedback, thanks guys.
Well it is a GM special thing. That chart isn't allowed in PFS, so the only way to get flight there is through the feat tree.
but yes i do agree it makes the feats, and how hard it is to get flight, kind of superfluous.
My opinion is that it is an optional rule subject to GM's whim and fancy, the GM could just as easily say Elves can fly too.
It's not core, and in 99% of cases wont fly, pardon the pun.
That said, the gravitas of flying at a 20' move speed is severely overstated.
@ asthyril It's worth nothing than I don't play PFS, so it's not an issue there.
@ Shifty How is it not core? Last I checked it's published by paizo and a lot of the material therein is pretty tied to Golarion. Again this is mostly an opinion based argument/discussion not looking to stir up trouble. I'm assuming by 'core' you mean PFS?
20ft fly speed may not seem like much but a 1st level character would never have to save vs. a grease spell, pass any climb related skill check without rolling, be able to cross any form of water, a bunch of minor things like that which other characters cannot do.
Not to mention it's value to a caster, being able to fly safely out of reach of all melee harm right from the get-go is fairly legit.
I do agree with you about this book (and the teifling one) being GM-permission heavy though.
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My opinion is that it is an optional rule subject to GM's whim and fancy, the GM could just as easily say Elves can fly too.
It's not core, and in 99% of cases wont fly, pardon the pun.
That said, the gravitas of flying at a 20' move speed is severely overstated.
Particularly given the poor maneuverability, since they'll be starting life with a -4 to all of their Fly checks, and it's a DC 15 just to turn left or right by spending 1/4 of your movement.
Particularly given the poor maneuverability, since they'll be starting life with a -4 to all of their Fly checks, and it's a DC 15 just to turn left or right by spending 1/4 of your movement.My opinion is that it is an optional rule subject to GM's whim and fancy, the GM could just as easily say Elves can fly too.
It's not core, and in 99% of cases wont fly, pardon the pun.
That said, the gravitas of flying at a 20' move speed is severely overstated.
Aaah, there we go, I knew I was forgetting a drawback somewhere along the line. Not a huge one mind you but an annoyance to be sure.
I used it in a build & added a DC 30 to fly up from the Strix wing-clipped alternate racial trait, just for fluff.
They are not 'core' rules, they are not simply 'selectable' by players, and are 100% subject to the GM's acceptance, and certainly not something allowed in PFS - mind you nothing says you are a PFS player so that could be moot :)
Variant Abilities and Physical Features
GMs may customize their aasimar NPCs using the following chart, or allow their players to do so by rolling a d%. Players with a particular character concept in mind may consult their GM if they want to select a specific variant ability.
They are a variant rule.
They can't simply trade out an ability for a fly ability, they have a 1% chance on a random roll IF the GM even opens the conversation and allows them to take that shot. Your original post seemed to be implying that they could just pick and choose the ability, as opposed to it being maybe one in a thousand chance.
Seeing as it's already been stated that it's not a PFS, and it was for a specific concept design. I made a Marvel Angel/Archangel build. I was allowed the substitution and played it as Warren struggling with his "mutant" ability until he gained the Angel Wings feat.
That was directed toward Hevvyd, as he was asking :)
So with regards to his original statement "it does sort of undermine the whole feat tree that lets Aasimar fly" I have to answer as "not really, as it's probably never going to happen, and if it did it would be because of significant GM fiat"
Well its a 1% item on optional variant rule table that stipulates it required GM's permission to even consider - I hardly think we will be seeing it breaking the game as we know it any time soon, indeed I doubt we would ever see it in play, because in effect it is a houserule :)
Not meaning to sound harsh, I was more suggesting that it's existence in print does not mean it would really see the light of day and has about a 0% chance of ever affecting him (or anyone he knows) and to relax :)
If the GM is okay with the table, he may also be okay with allowing the player to select the ability without rolling (as per the "Players with a particular character concept in mind may consult their GM if they want to select a specific variant ability." part).
So it's not that unlikely to happen :)
On to the OP's question: My opinion is that I don't like the variant abilities for Aasimar and Tieflings, but then I also don't like the variant heritages for Aasimar and Tieflings either.
Then again I could probably ask the same GM if my Elf can fly too, hey if we are allowing stuff on the basis of concept and all :)