Istbor
Dances with Gnolls
As the title says, thinking of making a couple interesting spells for my Necromancer Wizard player.
We had a long talk the other day, and at least one thing came up that I think sounds kind of cool. Basically, where you raise a Skeleton from maybe a more prominent deceased person. Our example in the conversation was the ancient warrior King, King Sassafras. He had wondered if raising that pile of bones would differ from just the other run of the mill piles. While with RAW, that seems the case, it to me is way too interesting of a concept to just pass up. Instead you get this slightly beefed up Skeleton of some long dead hero or some such. While obviously there is the typical taboo associated with raising dead loved ones, let's hand wave that for now.
What I am unsure of, would be limitations on the spell, as well as frankly, the spells name. I just can't think of one I like. Was thinking it could be another 3rd level spell but would only be able to raise one such Skeleton, with options of up casting later to either raise another or pump the stats somewhat.
The other spell, I had in mind before our conversation. A stronger animate dead, that would enable you to raise up a large creatures' skeleton or corpse. Something that I kind of feel is missing.
Obviously I want to make sure these spells would not be so strong as to over shadow the other players, but still be interesting and seem like a power jump. I think another cool use that my player could get out of the "Greater Animate Dead" spell I was toying with, would be like an undead mount.
Should I go with some Large Skeleton (that takes the form of the creature it was risen from) or limit out the CR and just use the monster entry for that creature? I think creating a stock Large Skeleton would work, and could even try using something like the Minotaur Skeleton entry as well as the Warhorse Skeleton if a mount is sought after. Though, the straight monster entry seems more interesting and tactical. Raising the right tool for the job.
For this, the spell level would have to be higher, maybe like a 4th or 5th level, and limited to only being able to raise and sustain two such creatures.
As you can see I have some thoughts in mind, but nothing concrete for either. Thought I would ask you fine fellows/gals for any ideas. Spell creation and balance is not one of my strong suits.
We had a long talk the other day, and at least one thing came up that I think sounds kind of cool. Basically, where you raise a Skeleton from maybe a more prominent deceased person. Our example in the conversation was the ancient warrior King, King Sassafras. He had wondered if raising that pile of bones would differ from just the other run of the mill piles. While with RAW, that seems the case, it to me is way too interesting of a concept to just pass up. Instead you get this slightly beefed up Skeleton of some long dead hero or some such. While obviously there is the typical taboo associated with raising dead loved ones, let's hand wave that for now.
What I am unsure of, would be limitations on the spell, as well as frankly, the spells name. I just can't think of one I like. Was thinking it could be another 3rd level spell but would only be able to raise one such Skeleton, with options of up casting later to either raise another or pump the stats somewhat.
The other spell, I had in mind before our conversation. A stronger animate dead, that would enable you to raise up a large creatures' skeleton or corpse. Something that I kind of feel is missing.
Obviously I want to make sure these spells would not be so strong as to over shadow the other players, but still be interesting and seem like a power jump. I think another cool use that my player could get out of the "Greater Animate Dead" spell I was toying with, would be like an undead mount.
Should I go with some Large Skeleton (that takes the form of the creature it was risen from) or limit out the CR and just use the monster entry for that creature? I think creating a stock Large Skeleton would work, and could even try using something like the Minotaur Skeleton entry as well as the Warhorse Skeleton if a mount is sought after. Though, the straight monster entry seems more interesting and tactical. Raising the right tool for the job.
For this, the spell level would have to be higher, maybe like a 4th or 5th level, and limited to only being able to raise and sustain two such creatures.
As you can see I have some thoughts in mind, but nothing concrete for either. Thought I would ask you fine fellows/gals for any ideas. Spell creation and balance is not one of my strong suits.
