[More Spheres of Power questions] Symbiotic Knight

[Warriorking9001]

Once again reading through Spheres of Power with way too much time on my hands. I couldn't help but be a bit curious about the Symbiotic Knight, and the Symbiote Traits ability.

symbiote traits:

Symbiote Traits (Su): At 5th level and every 5 levels thereafter, the symbiotic knight’s symbiote gains one trait from the Alteration sphere, which it may bestow to the symbiotic knight. Treat the symbiotic knight’s armorist level as her caster level when meeting the prerequisites and determining the effects of a particular trait. Traits that cost an additional spell point to use (such as turning incorporeal), are only available as part of a form (such as the perfect maneuverability of an air elemental) cannot be gained in this fashion. If elemental resistance is chosen, the resistance is only against a single element, which must be chosen at the time this trait is gained. Elemental resistance can be gained multiple times, each time affecting a different element.

Once a trait has been chosen, it cannot be changed. So long as the symbiotic knight is using her symbiote as armor, her symbiote may grant her any trait or traits it possesses. Activating or dismissing any of these traits may be done as part of the action needed to summon, dismiss, or alter the special qualities of symbiotic armor.

One thing that it does not make mention of is whether you need to actually have the alteration talent you want to get a trait from yourself in order to use this power. So... Basically just as the question sounds, do you need to actually use Alteration Talents in order to use the Symbiotic Knight?

[GM Rednal]

As I read it, no. The symbiote gains the traits directly, so you do not explicitly need to use Alteration Talents or even have the Alteration sphere. (If that was a necessary prerequisite, the Symbiotic Knight would get the Alteration Sphere as a bonus talent.) Note that you only get one trait at a time, regardless of how many a talent normally gives.

[Warriorking9001]

I just kinda thought to ask, since I didn't fully understand.. Although I'd think that giving PCs access to permanent fast healing (Vitality's Fast Healing) from level 1, but it's also not something I would want to seriously prevent and say "NO!" to since that sort of healing factor could be legitimately interesting to play around with.

[Stack]

Traits that cost extra spell point's should probably be limited. I don't think I considered that archetype when writing the shapeshifter's handbook.

[GM Rednal]

That's not covered by this?

Quote:

Traits that cost an additional spell point to use (such as turning incorporeal), are only available as part of a form (such as the perfect maneuverability of an air elemental) cannot be gained in this fashion.

[Warriorking9001]

Oh, I totally missed the bit that Vitality actually needed an extra spell point, Well consider me an idiot.

Also so that I don't make a what... 4th or 5th Spheres thread? I'll ask if there are any Modules out for Spheres yet? I know Wizard Academy is out for SoP but I'm wondering if there are any others, or any good premade adventures to help get players into either/both spheres systems?