A comment on one (well, two) of the Epic Feats

[ColonelHardisson]

Somehow "your take" on any given subject seems to be the one I would discount as being *wrong*.

OK, I can see giving Edena a vigorous debate on the subject, but this is over the top. But to make such a blanket statement is, itself, ridiculous. If you disagree with his interpretation, that's fine, but this kind of statement does nothing but set the stage for a flame war. Why not simply ignore the thread?

 

[Archangel]

I have a question about the balance issues that are being brought up regarding the extend life feat.

Is it that common in your games for enough members of the shorter lived races to level up to where they can even attain this feat in order to make the longer lived races longevity no longer a benefit?

 

[chilibean]

If you're worried about the multiple armors thing, there is no logical reason why celestial armor (from DMG) cannot be worn under some other form of armor. If I can wear it under a T-shirt and shorts, then why not unter full plate?

Now the rules are quite clear that multiple magical bonuses of the same type do NOT stack, it also seems reasonable that the mundane quality of the armor itself should stack. After all, there is now more metal between you and that incoming sword blade.

Why can't a fighter have a shield in both hands and get shield bonuses for both? That might not be a bad idea for someone like a psionicist that doesn't need his hands free in combat.

 

[Darkness]

Living forever

George Lucas came out of the closet to write:
Luke: Is the dark side stronger?

Yoda: No...no...no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.

I think that it very much depends on the character in question whether she or he would choose lichdom (or another form of undeath), the Extend Lifespan feat, epic spells that can lengthen one's lifespan, natural death, switching souls with a younger body, becoming an outsider (or what-have you), divine ascension, etc...
That is, factors such as alignment, religion, race (and the race's natural lifespan) will weigh heavily into this decision.

(Side note: There's also the question of availability, of course - not all game worlds will have epic levels - and thus, epic spells and feats -, the opportunity for a mortal to ascend to deityhood, or some - or even any - of the other options.)

 

[roguekitsune]

Additional Magic Items

This feat does state a limit on the number of extra magic items that can be worn. Under Benefits, it says "You can now wear ONE more magic item of this type and also gain its benefit." So taking Additional Magic Item Space (ring) will let you wear 3 rings, and Additional Magic Item Space (armor) will let you wear 2 armors.

Now under Special, it says "You can gain this feat multiple times. Each time you take this feat, it applies to a new type of wearable magic item." So you could have a feat for rings and armor, but not two armor feats. It works like the Weapon Focus feat in the PHB.

 

[drowdude]

OK, I can see giving Edena a vigorous debate on the subject, but this is over the top. But to make such a blanket statement is, itself, ridiculous. If you disagree with his interpretation, that's fine, but this kind of statement does nothing but set the stage for a flame war. Why not simply ignore the thread?

That last statement wasnt meant to apply just to this thread. I honestly can not recall *ever* agreeing with Edena's POV on anything gaming related. So yeah it was a blanket statement.

I suppose I could just ignore his threads... but that would be paramount to ignoring an itch that just *had* to be scratched

Can't just pass by the thread and *not* see what he is going on about. In that, I should thank Edena. If nothing else I suppose he *is* entertaining.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

I would be careful, though, about baiting another board member. Morrus has taken a dim view of such activity in the past.

 

[Grazzt]

I don't see how the extend life feat should effect that many campaigns do you regularly play intil your characters start dying of old age? Its probably in there just for NPC's or for the PC who wants to blow a feat.And even if he is immortal I don't see how 1 human being immortal threatens the dwarven or Elven races.If hes a good person they will probably befreind him and if he's evil he will bean enemy they won't try to outlive him (that's just immature)

Slightly OT perhaps, but...

Actually in my campaign there are a race (ok subculture) of humans that have an extremely long lifespan (akin to the elves). Not all humans in my campaign are long-lived (just this race and a strain of this race).

Thus far no PC has taken this human race and the NPCs that have it well.....they just have it because it fits the background of my campaign...blah blah blah, the race, etc. The race in question is based on the Old Ones of Witch World fame (Andre Norton), BTW.

But - even if a PC wanted to take this race, I have no problem with it. The human race in question (with the long lifespan) trades off a few things to balance it out. So- it all works out nicely.

Now- On Topic, I dont really see anything wrong with the feat in question. I mean, if someone actually wanted to take it, I would let them I suppose. Most campaigns end (for one reason or another) before characters ever die of old age anyway (though my 1e campaign of 16 years [real time] did see some characters die of old age ).

 

[LordAO]

I don't understand what you find about humans getting extend life. All it does is make up for the fact that they have shorter lifespans in the first place. Think about it. They are having to get a feat just to make up for what other races get for free.

 

[Anabstercorian]

Edena, while I lke the idea of a hyperchampions arms race, even I think the idea of allowing multiple suits of armor to stack is a little silly, and clearly contradictory to the intent of the feat. That said, if it's fun, who cares?