So sorry for the text wall but I need help! My player are getting close to the completion of their first major quest and will be getting rewards. Big ones. The short of it is that they are setting up a meeting to stop what would be a very big, long, and bloody war.
So one of my players has a request for what they want but I have no idea what it would cost and I am thinking something like this would be to much for one player even if they want it for everyone. I still want everyone to get something of their own that they specifically want. The thing the player wants will be helpful to everyone as the campaign goes on.
They know the story will have them moving though a few countries so a sedentary location is not so useful. But one that moves is. So this player is wanting is a tower. It is four stories to account for a small prison, crafting spaces, rooms for the six players, a few cohorts, followers, and guests. This I do not have an issue with.
He wants a tower that will shrink down and with a command word resume its full size. Now I have some issues with this option. I have no idea what it would cost and I assume something like would leave some damage where ever they open it.
Another option is a building that they are able to have an item that with a command word can go back to. This would be a tower that is in one place but they can access from anywhere. They would have to find a way to keep it safe but it gives a easily way for people to find them if they need to. This was something one of the players mentioned.
The other option is a mini dimension that they can access and build their home in.
I have no idea how to even begin crafting any of these and no idea what they would cost.
In my group I have three players who have been playing for years longer than me and then I have three newbies. It is one of the more experienced players that wants this, a druid. Of the other two experienced players one is willing to go along with whatever and will happily accept what I give them. This one just wants to get back to the game, a wizard. The other one is having some issues, a sorcerer. They want more of a say in it and are feeling a little left out.
This is something the druid came up with and started designing well before asking for input from anyone. The very last of it was a few comments from the wizard. The three newbies, who will go along with anything currently, had no say and the sorcerer was shown the drawing.
Not only would I like some help figuring out what those options above would cost I need some advice on what to do here.
Do I tell him no? Since I have no idea what I could give the other players that would be on the same level as thing and not break my game.
Reduce what he would be getting?
Ask everyone to draw up an example of what they would want and then hybridize them?
Do I design it and they just get that?
And if they get it what are the three options gonna cost? I need to know that so I know how long it will take for them to get it.
Should I give everyone their own little building? Something smaller, like a house instead?
Are there things I have not considered?
Thank you in advance
DAA
I think you should just make one decision: Is this something you're fine with them having, or not?
If so, give it to them. If not, don't. Trying to calculate the cost for this is beyond the game's guidelines, and there's no need to try and fit that square peg into this round hole.
This is mostly an RP expense with no combat or adventuring day value, so don't count it as WBL. If you did, they'd all collectively probably be past 20th WBL and it would take decades to build by the rules.
For starters, what level are your PCs? By the sounds of cohorts and followers, they're above 7th level, since that's Leadership talk right there.
As for having a portable "tower," the closest thing in terms of items is the Instant Fortress from the Ultimate Equipment book, and even that's not as comfortable as the PC wants.
Expanding it to be that comfortable would be extremely expensive, as well as custom-made, which means you, as the GM, design the expansions and it costs; regardless, if you don't like it, it's not allowed as a craftable item. Period. And if the PCs don't like it, or can't feasibly receive it as a reward, then they don't get it. Period.
For a regular tower, that can vary based on the type of tower he wants. Four stories tall (not including sub-levels), presumably made out of stone, steel, or other traditional materials? That requires not only a solid amount of money, but skilled craftsmen to hire and complete the task, as well as extraneous amounts of time, especially if it's supposed to be built to serve as a "base of operations" for the PCs. In addition, it'd be more in-line to have a Keep or Castle built, since a "tower" would be a little small for what he's trying to accommodate.
If they're higher level, there's the Demiplane spells which can be made permanent, but also means lots of money. It's also not exactly portable, since, in order to get in there, you have to be able to teleport in (or access the secret entrance for the Demiplane).
In my opinion? While the PC in question is thinking for the good of the group, he has to be realistic in what he desires. Base of Operations isn't unreasonable. Base of Operations that teleports and moves with the party, and can reasonably accommodate all sorts of situations? Quite unreasonable, especially depending on the PCs' level.
Have you looked at The Dancing Hut Of Baba Yaga. :-)
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It's in the CRB, page 520.
A small keep without being a tower and having no magic is a few hundred thousand gps. Consider that.
Thank you all!
The are currently level nine and should be hitting level ten when they are done with this war stopping quest. It is a mythic game and they at at tier one. Compared to a normal pathfinder game they are very powerful with everyone having some really high stats.
I do want them to have it since it would be rather useful later on but it is a lot to ask. Not out of the realm of possibilities from the creature rewarding them the time to make it will be a factor. They have almost completed their quest in an ideal way and I do feel that they deserve a reward.
The instant fortress is a good starting point. I will have to chat with that player about this. Then I will need to talk to all of them.
The deck of many things would have my three veteran players running far away. I love that item but they hate it and I understand why.
The dancing hut is a fun item.
As a group they know that they would have to build upon it over time and it will not be a very powerful thing at the start.
Check the Create Demiplane spell series. They can be made permanent for 20000, 25000, and 30000. If they have a cleric they can plane shift to and from each day. Having greater planar binding cast is pretty cheap
I personally like extra dimensional spaces in a wagon though that is a custom item
The big deal with having a mobile base is that it protects from night combats. Everything else is just gravy. So basically you can price whatever you give him based on how much protection it provides.
The tower sounds fine. What I'd be worried about is him using it as some sort of weapon.
Tell him it has failsafes that prevent it hurting anyone..
Sounds like a larger version of the magic item Instant Fortress. Instant Fortress is 20’ square and 30’ high. The walls extend 10’ into the ground but it does not say if this is habitable space. It goes for 55,000 GP.
I once made a magic item with a wizard character. It was a door knocker that could attach itself to any vertical surface. Say the magic word and knock once an a Mage's Magnificent Mansion appeared. The mansion was a permanent magic item so the storage space was permanent as well, even when I moved it. Great portable base with servants security and food. Of course the wizard was 14th level, and he made the item himself (only having to pay half price.) Still a high price, and not as big as they want.
Portable Mansion
Price 364,015 gp; Aura strong conjuration; CL 13th; Weight 1 lb.
This magic door knocker can attach itself to any vertical surface by saying a magic word. By using the knocker you activate the magic, creating an invisible doorway into a mansion on the ethreal plane. The mansion is made up of 42 10-ft. cubes. It has 26 unseen servants that serve those within the mansion, and can feed as many as 156 people each day.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Cost 182,015 gp
Craft Wondrous Item, Mage's Magnificent Mansion
I played in a game with an instant fortress once, it became a weapon several times.
A magic item with the ability to teleport just to a fortress the characters build is probably the best.
Rod of Return
Price 6,120 gp; Aura strong conjuration; CL 11th; Weight 2 lb.
This rod can be used once per day to return you to a spot marked by the rod. The rod has a concealed compartment with a smaller rod within it. This smaller rod can be removed and driven into the ground. From that point forward when the Rod of Return is used it returns up to 34 medium sized induviuals to the site of the smaller rod. The small rod can be pulled back out of the ground using the rod of return to pull it up. Then a new site can be chosen by driving the rod into the ground again.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Cost 3,060 gp
Craft Rod, Word of Recall
Or maybe a rod of security.
ROD OF SECURITY
Price 61,000 gp; Aura strong conjuration; CL 20th; Weight 5 lbs.
This item creates a nondimensional space, a pocket paradise. There the rod's possessor and as many as 199 other creatures can stay in complete safety for a period of time—up to 200 days divided by the number of creatures affected. All fractions are rounded down. In this pocket paradise, creatures don't age, and natural healing takes place at twice the normal rate. Fresh water and food (fruits and vegetables only) are abundant. The climate is comfortable for all creatures present. Activating the rod (a standard action) causes the wielder and all creatures touching the rod to be transported instantaneously to the paradise. Members of large groups can hold hands or otherwise maintain physical contact, allowing all connected creatures in a circle or a chain to be affected by the rod. Unwilling creatures get a DC 17 Will save to negate the effect. If an unwilling creature succeeds at its save, other creatures beyond that point in a chain can still be affected by the rod.
When the rod's effect expires, is dismissed, or is dispelled, all the affected creatures instantly reappear in the location they occupied when the rod was activated. If something else occupies the space that a traveler would be returning to, then his body is displaced a sufficient distance to provide the space required for reentry. The rod's possessor can dismiss the effect whenever he wishes before the maximum time period expires, but the rod can only be activated once per week.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Cost 30,500 gp
Craft Rod, gate
This doesn't have to be an all or nothing proposition, you could potentially give them bits and pieces. At level 9 it is a two story house, perhaps the crafting and living spaces, then as they proceed to grow in power and wealth the tower grows as well, eventually giving them everything they want. An incremental approach would allow for the newer players to request their own stuff as they go.
A base is a perfectly good idea, and all the best heroes have one. I'd suggest moving the players, not the base. Give them a word of recall item that's useable X1/day.
This means: you can have them detail the base, add things for everyone. The neighbors can become npc's, or the local lord or tax collector. You can attack the base (but just once, or it gets lame) as a fun twist.
It also means that if they recall back, they might have to leave someone behind, or might have difficulty getting back to the dungeon. Decide who carries the key, it matters.
I did the math wrong on this item, and the item would be cheaper if it uses up a slot on a body. So I made it a ring.
Ring of Returning
Price 23,760 gp; Aura strong conjuration; CL 11th; Weight 2 lb.
This ring can be used once per day to return you to a spot marked by the second ring. The ring made up of two rings (A homing ring and a wandering ring). The second ring can be removed and worn by another person. From that point forward when the wandering ring is used it returns up to 34 medium sized individuals to the site of the homing ring. This set of rings is often used as wedding rings by adventurers. Allowing them to come together quickly. Note if both rings are worn by the same person the rings do not work; it is only when a second person is wearing the homing ring that the magic works.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Cost 11,880 gp
Forge Ring, Word of Recall
Here is the rod correct price.
Rod of Return
Price 47,520 gp; Aura strong conjuration; CL 11th; Weight 2 lb.
This rod can be used once per day to return you to a spot marked by the rod. The rod has a concealed compartment with a smaller rod within it. This smaller rod can be removed and driven into the ground. From that point forward when the Rod of Return is used it returns up to 34 medium sized induviuals to the site of the smaller rod. The small rod can be pulled back out of the ground using the rod of return to pull it up. Then a new site can be chosen by driving the rod into the ground again.
CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS
Cost 23,760 gp
Craft Rod, Word of Recall
So one of my players has a request for what they want but I have no idea what it would cost and I am thinking something like this would be to much for one player even if they want it for everyone. I still want everyone to get something of their own that they specifically want. The thing the player wants will be helpful to everyone as the campaign goes on.
They know the story will have them moving though a few countries so a sedentary location is not so useful. But one that moves is. So this player is wanting is a tower. It is four stories to account for a small prison, crafting spaces, rooms for the six players, a few cohorts, followers, and guests. [...]
It is, of course, way too much for one player to own or control. I strongly urge you to make it a gift to the whole group, a boon, on top of individual rewards even to the PC of the player begging for this. And sure, under the circs you describe, I'd be willing to gift my whole party with an extra-D retreat that could be accessed wherever they were, as a boon. An adaptation of the Mage's Magnificent Mansion.
So we've got 12 private rooms. If we say that each is the size of the entry hall, call it 2 x 2 10-ft cubes (with a half-cube subtracted from the outer rooms for a 5-ft hallway), the 13 rooms take up 4 cubes apiece & 52 cubes total. This isn't good. You'd expect that the 3 other public rooms would be larger, maybe 3 x 2 = 6 cubes, or 18 total. Plus call it another 2 cubes of hallways & stairs. That gives us 72 cubes total, or what would take a 24th-level caster to create IF this were, in fact, a Mage's Magnificent Mansion. Maybe your amateur architect can shrink my sketch down to 60 10-ft cubes, which would be an improvement.
The crucial thing, however, and the reason I took you through my math, is that this already fabulous gift has no room for cohorts & followers. None. Never mind any guests, voluntary or otherwise!
So what would be the consequences if you hard-heartedly provided the party with only six keys? (Rings that take up a slot if you like, or Crag_Irons's rods, or simply slotless wondrous items shaped like keys if you prefer.) In short, I'm recommending that only the bearers of a key could activate it to enter this boon mansion. Period. Stepping back out of the door would instantly transfer them to the spot where they'd been when they stepped in. (Unfortunate if they had been on a moving ship, as the SRD for the spell notes!) {Added: I'm recommending six keys to make it clear that each PC owns a piece of a joint resource, as opposed to one getting something that is so far above WBL that it's breath-taking.}
How much does a key cost? I could go through the formula for making magic items and try to figure it out. But obviously, the price will vary based on what kind of object the key is (ring, rod, or slotless). And on how often the key can be activated (I'd recommend only once a day) -- but this might not matter, since the space I'm picturing would last as long as anyone's in it, not several dozen hours. However, I just don't think that the cost matters. This is a fabulous gift from a generous GM to the whole party, over and above WBL.
Well, you could hold out the possibility of expanding this already incredibly generous gift at a later point in time. And providing more keys.
However you design their gift, if it's extra-D, it won't damage anything in the real plane vicinity, because it's not in it. The players can't travel in it. They can't use it as a weapon, as far as I can see, and if it were me I'd be sure to set it up so they could NOT use it as a prison. But yes, if they can get into it even once a day, they'll be safe at night forever. Of course, they probably have Rope Trick or one of the many better such spells already, so I don't think that is likely an issue.
One other side question: Are you adapting Jade Regent?
Ya! Even more responses :D Thank you all.
I am gonna talk with them and be cutting down on what they will be getting. I told the druid from the get go not to get attached to the drawing, sadly the druid has done just that.
Crag_Irons those items look awesome! Thanks :D
bitter lily thank you for the math!
I am not using any of the Jade Regent. I am actually doing a custom campaign. That takes them though finding the seals that trap the Lich King, Tar-Baphon
Between a permanent demi plane, the instant fortess, and the mages magnificent mansion I have some options. The player is gonna lose some of the space they wanted.
I will be talking to everyone and it will be a group gift, that is want I was leaning towards. Still a little lost on what to give the druid and said player will not like this but fair is fair.
To all of the wonderful people who gave various responses. Thank you all so very much!
I am still more than happy to listen to suggestions. I have a few more days before my group plays.
I was asking about Jade Regent because that has special caravan rules for traveling large distances. Flawed caravan rules, sadly.
Good luck! I hope you can get the druid to understand that each player should control an equal amount of space. And I hope everyone else is wowed.
That is my goal. Thank you :D