One of my player's wants to play a battlefield control sorcerer in my home get I'm running for school and asked if his magic could be psychic instead of arcane because it fit his concept but he can't use the psychic bloodline. Would that screw things up at all? I don't think so but I would like others opinions
Well, the main change is that he will be able to wear armor, because you don't have somatic components. It also means you can cast while grappled. So, the question I have, is why does he want the power of the psychic, without taking the downside (ie you have to take the psychic bloodline). Is crossblooded not an option?
Basically he wants psychic spells because his character is a possessed toy (long story) and he wants bloodline to be ectoplasm bloodline to reflect that. Although I suppose crossblooded is on the table. Doesn't crossblooded kinda suck though? I'll run it by him though
Depends on your GM style, and that of the Player.
Yes, it can be Horribly abused, especially for a control caster.
It is not at all hard for the concept character of the caster to literally rule the setting, with the poor "Normies" becoming nothing but pawns to his will since they have no good way to even know what is happening.
He may not be interested in that, and you may be OK with that.
If you play visible/perceivable spellcasting effects this does modify this balance.
Fair enough. I doubt he would try to abuse it but I will talk to him about crossblooded when I can. Thanks for the help guys
(Not that more isn't welcome please I would love to see more opinions on this)
Never underestimate the ability to say no (as a DM).
After that... never underestimate the ability to reskin and reflavor mechanics without changing them (as a player).
Unless there is some specific cheese that your player is going for, just tailor your NPC reactions and role playing experience award to honor the player's choice without hacking an already complex system. Hope that helps.
That's fair Byrdology. Thanks. That really helps. I do believe that I'll talk to him about what specifically he even wants than I'll see how to refluff what's already there
No problem, I found out the hard way, that some hacks can destroy the balance of the system. Find the goal of your players is the key to deciding where to move forward from there. If it's fluff, give them an RP outlet. if it's a specific mechanic, then see what you can do to add it through quest or feat investment. Just be sure that it's a one time deal/ mechanic until you can thoroughly playtest it. Then decide if you want to add it as a permanent house rule.
Gotcha. I can apply that to my own rpg too wow. Thanks
I may take you up on that once I hear from my player
Let me know if you need help, I'm a little rusty with PF specifically, but design and theory are pretty universal and I can do anything from ground up system mechanics, hacks, additions, customizations, and helpful DM tools. PM me if you need me
Thanks man I appreciate it. I may PM you for help on my own rpg if I time