Alignment Domains: granted powers

[Derulbaskul]

The +1 caster level boosts for the alignment domains are OK but rather bland. In light of the 3.5E changes to damage reduction (which I really like) I was thinking that perhaps the granted powers for these domains should be changed to something like:

As a free action, you may channel divine energy into a single weapon that you are wielding and for a number of rounds equal to your Cha bonus your weapon is treated as being (Domain)-aligned for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction. This is a supernatural ability which may be used a number of times per day equal to your Cha bonus (minimum 0) plus three.

You are free to use this granted power on a weapon wielded by another but this use of the ability requires a standard action on your part. You may choose to use this granted power to align a monk's unarmed attacks.

Too weak? Too strong? Any other comments?

 

[DanMcS]

Why not just make it use up a turning/rebuking attempt?

 

[JimAde]

I like both this idea and the modification suggested by DanMcS. Another good reason to take Extra Turning.

As another option, is this way too powerful: Since the elemental domains let you turn/rebuke elementals, should the alignment domains allow you to turn/rebuke outsiders of the appropriate type? This would be another alternative, not on top of your suggestion.

 

[Nifft]

Yeah. I'd say that it's better to use existing mechanics. So, in this case, say that you can expend a turn undead attempt to cast Align Weapon (only to the alignment of the domain, of course).

-- N

 

[Derulbaskul]

Thanks for the feedback. I was also thinking of having it draw on the daily allotment of turn/rebuke undead attempts: now I am persuaded. I have just found in the past that these domains are generally sub-optimal choices and I don't think they should be.

JimAde,

I also considered what you suggested but it might be too powerful. Perhaps a higher level cleric could take a feat that allowed this with a prerequisite of having the appropriate domain.