So, I was inspired to work on a system which reflected certain Greek myths about "heroes" and being descended from the gods (Heracles, Perseus, Odyssus, etc), either distantly or directly. To further this, I also ran across SKR's Bloodlines variant rules while hunting for a pre-existing rule sets for inspiration.
While reviewing the material, I decided on a basic paradigm:
Paradigm
1. Feat-based, selected at level 1 only or at any level provided one invested in a homebrew trait.
2. One does not choose their deific ancestor/bloodline. Randomization will help prevent any potential min/max efforts, though choice still plays a part (see #4). Exceptions are at the GM's discretion.
3. Power levels: the feat will progress at roughly 3 intervals with different types of benefits.
4. Based on the domains and portfolio of said deity, the player will have a variety of skills/minor powers to choose from allowing for some minor optimization.
5. These "divine scions" will always be hunted by something (be it the agents of an opposing deity, some horrible creature/nemesis from their past, or to prevent a vague prophecy of which they are presumed to be a part of.
Sample Template
1st level : select two skills from a list of 3 skills. These are always class skills; if already class skills, you gain a +1 bonus on said skills.
6th level: select from a list of 2-3 powers. gain this power with listed limitations (sample below borrowed from the Divine Scion prestige class - by no means the actual powers I'll attach to a domain).
11th level: select from a list of 2 attributes relating to the deity; gain a +2 bonus in one of these attributes.
Example:
The Lady of Chains (Domains: Charm, Evil, Knowledge, Magic, War)
1st Level: Choose two skills from the following list: Diplomacy, Knowledge (any one), Stealth. These skills are always class skills. If you already possess these skills as class skills, you instead gain a +1 competence bonus on skill checks with these skills.
6th Level: Select one domain from the list below. You gain the associated power as a spell-like ability. Your caster level is equal to your character level. DC is Charisma-based.
Charm: beguiling gift 3/day
Evil: detect good constant
Knowledge: identify 3/day
Magic: detect magic constant
War: true strike 3/day
11th Level: Choose one attribute from the following list: Strength or Charisma. You gain a permanent +2 bonus to that ability score.
Alternatively, I've considered granting the 1st level power of a Domain (nothing else) at level 6 instead of trying to come up with balanced and competitive powers for each domain and 21 deities.
Obviously, I'd like to make this as "balanced" as possible. Constructive criticism and comments appreciated.
Bump.
Well this certainly has awesome potential.
This has awesomeness potential enough for its own campaign.
Well this certainly has awesome potential.
This has awesomeness potential enough for its own campaign.
Thanks for the interest, guys. I spent a little bit more time working on getting a rough draft of the idea in place and actually have something "presentable," albeit still a little rough around the edges.
The document can be found here: Rough Draft: Divine Scion (Feat & Mechanics.
The feat expands upon the material I previous posted. The current prerequisites for it are still "in-the-air" as I'm not yet certain if the current is the way to go.
The table which follows, Table: Divine Scion, is a rough one I drew up really quick with my campaign setting's deities, a couple of attributes associted with three of the deities, and the random roll. I expanded the number of rolls from one roll to three rolls, and select one to give a player a little more say in things. It's not complete, but it's mostly to serve as a sample, as everyone would have to come up a table for their own campaign. I could probably try to write one up for the Golarian setting.
Table: Domains and Associated Benefits gives the powers associated with each domain (which I borrowed from the Divine Scion prestige class). They're not "final", but certain gives an idea of what one could acquire using this feat.
I'm missing skills for the following Domains: Chaos, Death, Evil, Good, Law (Knowledge Local?), Luck, Plant, Repose, Scalykind, Strength (Climb or Swim or both?), Void, and War (Ride?).
The final section, Samples, includes three sample Divine Scions, mention of class, and what they might select from the options presented.
All constructive criticisms and suggestions are welcome.
I'm a little torn regarding attribute bonuses; in essence, my gut tells me the feat is too beneficial for the atteibute bonuses alone. My gut is often right, so I'm considering dumping them or finding some sort of an alternative.
Ended up dropping the progression for the feat to 1st level, 5th level, and 9th level. Going to start working on filling out the missing skills now, some editing, and then hit the associated domain powers.
I reduced the idea down to a single feat, which can be found here.
Overall, it's a lot more simplified and far less work and doesn't seem to step on toes quite as bad as the previous version.
My only major concern is whether to allow it to grant both the 1st and 8th level powers or split it into 2 feats at 1st and 9th-levels, respectively. Additionally, I might need to reduce the effective cleric level of the scion to character level -2.
Thoughts?
It should probably be 2 feats (or possibly 3)with 2 of them granting domain powers and possibly the third bringing the effective cleric level to equal their total character level plus a unique benefit like aligned damaged reduction or something.
It should probably be 2 feats (or possibly 3)with 2 of them granting domain powers and possibly the third bringing the effective cleric level to equal their total character level plus a unique benefit like aligned damaged reduction or something.
I think you're right & thanks. I was leaning in that direction due to the prerequisites of the eldritch heritage feats, but really just needed assurance I wasn't going in the wrong direction. I'll see if I can get them split up & in a presentable format this evening.