Applying a Template to a PC

[parra]

Are there any rules, offical or otherwise, that governs applying a monster template to a Player Character? (Like Lich, Frost Adept or Mummy Champion etc as per the dmg)

I have no major objections with the PC's persuing these transformations (though not without consideralbe effort ofc), i just dont know how to apply them to fairly to an existing character

any suggestions?

 

[Engilbrand]

Don't. They aren't at all meant for PCs. PCs and NPCs are not meant to work the same way. Balance and stuff.
The ideas might be possible through the use of feats, though. Check out the Dhampyr as an example of a way to create unique things like that through feats.

 

[Znax]

Hello

I asked the same question... to wizards...

They told me template are made for NPC, but if I want to put them on PC, I have to do some changes...
That 's it :S

Anyway... Templates are very strong. You should remove additionnal HP, for sure.
After that, if you and your group don't care about a PC stronger than others, feel free to do as you want.
I don't like the minding of have necessaraly everybody equals...
(for exemple, the beast that can't attack without using a standard action is a non sense, just not to overpower this...)

Anyway, if you are a DM, you can do what you want !

 

[AumShantih]

I haven't used it for any long term PC.
I did use templates rather successfully for a "dark revelations" sequence - when a long term NPC (being played as a PC for several session) revealed himself to a cultist of Tharzidun, I had him use a Elite Template. He was able to fight off the rest of the party, which made for a pretty cool encounter.

 

[parra]

Well obviously the npc/monster templates are not designed for use on the PC. Adding things like +8hp per level is just talking looney.
But I see no reason why a Wizard, suitably motivated, cant become a lich. Or a Priest become a divine emissary for his god. Or a warrior be transformed into a Death knight.

I just cant find anything to base these transformations on. I may just end up using a modified version of the npc templates and then considering the PCs to have something akin to an ecl (like in 3rd ed) to determine group level for the encounters. Or maybe have them 'spend' (read lose) a level or 2 to gain the template.

 

[Khaalis]

IMHO, a wizard turning into a Lich should be done as an Epic Destiny. For other "template" concepts, I also suggest checking out the Dhampyr article for an example of how to do such "templating" through feats.

 

[parra]

and indeedy I will be checking out the Dhampyer for inspiration/ripping-off.

I quite like the idea of Lich (or other nefarious things) being an epic destiny. Though maybe the epic is more Arch-Lich. Maybe Paragon Paths, definatly worth considering. Thanks

 

[Elda King]

Well, it's not exactly a matter of applying a template to a PC, but of creating something similar for PCs. You may use the template as a guide or inspiration, but in the end it's all up to the DM. Some could easily be Paragon Paths, others would suit better an Epic Destinies. Other ways (feats, house rules, even new classes if the DM is really enthusiastic) are also possible, of course.