Deities & Demigods continued

[Heretic Apostate]

A couple questions:

Aside from Additional Domain (or whatever it's called; getting beyond the base number of domains, three I think), are there any Salient Abilities that directly benefit the worshippers, rather than the deity themselves?

What's the benefit of a Proxy (giving up DR 1 to a servant) over just getting an Avatar (using a Salient Ability to get a half-strength avatar)?

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Also, I am hoping that there is design discussion about the four "new" deities? I'm hoping that they're not just stats and a small backstory?

What I'd like is some suggestions and comments on the design of pantheons and deities, rather than just the four example pantheons (which, by the way, probably won't have the discussion, since they're already set in stone).

Another thing I'd like to know is, do the portfolios drive the domains, or do the domains drive the portfolios? For instance, is there a chart that says, "these portfolios probably have these domains" or "these domains are generally associated with these portfolios"?

I want a construction book that is halfway consistent, rather than just a "toss everything together to get a salad" approach.

 

[Derulbaskul]

Also, I am hoping that there is design discussion about the four "new" deities? I'm hoping that they're not just stats and a small backstory?

What I'd like is some suggestions and comments on the design of pantheons and deities, rather than just the four example pantheons (which, by the way, probably won't have the discussion, since they're already set in stone).

Another thing I'd like to know is, do the portfolios drive the domains, or do the domains drive the portfolios? For instance, is there a chart that says, "these portfolios probably have these domains" or "these domains are generally associated with these portfolios"?

I want a construction book that is halfway consistent, rather than just a "toss everything together to get a salad" approach.

This is covered reasonably well. For example, many of the divine salient abilities include a line detailing a suggested/recommended portfolio that the ability relates to.

I can't remember about the domains but I'll check when I get home tonight and edit this reply.

In terms of designing pantheons, some good advice is given to make sure all of the combinations of character classes and alignments are covered (a useful point to consider) plus there is a list of over one hundred different portfolio areas. Anyway, that's sort of stuff you could definitely come up with yourself but it's handy having it all listed out.

The four new deities are not discussed in a "behind the curtain" sense, although James Wyatt mentions on his website that they grew out of his campaign.

Cheers
NPP

 

[Heretic Apostate]

This is covered reasonably well. For example, many of the divine salient abilities include a line detailing a suggested/recommended portfolio that the ability relates to.

I can't remember about the domains but I'll check when I get home tonight and edit this reply.

In terms of designing pantheons, some good advice is given to make sure all of the combinations of character classes and alignments are covered (a useful point to consider) plus there is a list of over one hundred different portfolio areas. Anyway, that's sort of stuff you could definitely come up with yourself but it's handy having it all listed out.

The four new deities are not discussed in a "behind the curtain" sense, although James Wyatt mentions on his website that they grew out of his campaign.

Cheers
NPP

In terms of Salient Abilities, what stuff is good for the worshippers (clerics and lay folk), rather than just the deity?

What's the pros/cons of avatars versus proxies?

(Yep, I'm a broken record. )

Where's James Wyatt's website?

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hi Nightfall mate!

Krusty just ONE quick question, did you get a chance to use my little contribution for the IM/WPS? Or do you need another copy sent to you? (I've been fiddling around so I was thinking about this today.)

I may still get the chance to use it - but it may not be directly in the (core) IH/WPS.

 

[FireLance]

In terms of Salient Abilities, what stuff is good for the worshippers (clerics and lay folk), rather than just the deity?

What's the pros/cons of avatars versus proxies?

Offhand, I can't think of any that are specifically aimed at giving bonuses to worshippers. Of course, the deity could simply use his salient abilties on their behalf, e.g. divine blast their enemies, protect them with divine shield, etc.

Avatars are cheap. The deity does not lose any divine ranks and can get several for the price of one salient ability. Of course, the avatars are lower-powered carbon copies of the deity. If the deity has a job that he can't accomplish with his abilities, and absolutely must be done by someone with at least 1 divine rank, he may choose to invest some of his power in one or more proxies.

 

[Upper_Krust]

Hi Firelance mate!

Offhand, I can't think of any that are specifically aimed at giving bonuses to worshippers.

Not even Divine Blessing or Divine Inspiration?

Of course, the deity could simply use his salient abilties on their behalf, e.g. divine blast their enemies, protect them with divine shield, etc.

Its a bit Deus Ex Machina though.

Avatars are cheap. The deity does not lose any divine ranks and can get several for the price of one salient ability. Of course, the avatars are lower-powered carbon copies of the deity. If the deity has a job that he can't accomplish with his abilities, and absolutely must be done by someone with at least 1 divine rank, he may choose to invest some of his power in one or more proxies.

Maybe its just me (?) but I don't think this makes sense.

On the one hand a deity must invest power to provide a proxy with a measure of Divinity yet on the other hand they can create multiple Avatars with virtually no expenditure of power.

eg.
Kord (60HD/DR14) can create multiple 60HD/DR7 Avatars 'for free' whereas bestowing a fraction of his divinity upon a proxy actually reduces his power!

jasamcarl take note - this is the same argument I put forward two months ago when news about Deities & Demigods broke in Game Trade Magazine!

 

[Asmodeus]

Howdy,

Well divine inspiration can be used on a number of creatures equal to your divine rank. Again same for divine blessing. But both can be applied to anyone of the deity's choosing even the enmy since divine inspiration can have negative effects.


As for the avatar vs proxy aspect. Maybe what they were trying to get at was to have a proxy as an immediate effect for emergencies but avatars are the more standard way of donig things. No god will really enjoy giving up a part of his power to another so proxy is for the truly desperate or low ranking gods since avatar require a DR of 6.

My current idea of using proxies in my game is to have them act as chosen's of the gods. only thing needed is to cut down on the number of SDA abilities ofr balance.

 

[Upper_Krust]

Howdy,

Hi Asmodeus!

Well divine inspiration can be used on a number of creatures equal to your divine rank. Again same for divine blessing. But both can be applied to anyone of the deity's choosing even the enemy since divine inspiration can have negative effects.

Thanks!

As for the avatar vs proxy aspect. Maybe what they were trying to get at was to have a proxy as an immediate effect for emergencies but avatars are the more standard way of doing things. No god will really enjoy giving up a part of his power to another so proxy is for the truly desperate or low ranking gods since avatar require a DR of 6.

Even so there is a definite discrepancy of power in this dichotomy.

My current idea of using proxies in my game is to have them act as chosen's of the gods. only thing needed is to cut down on the number of SDA abilities ofr balance.

So there are no actual 'hard and fast' rules for 'Chosen of' in the book? Presumably we will see that covered in Faiths & Pantheons.

I wonder if you could answer one point that has been bugging me. It seems that all deities are immune to poison...in the description for Lolth does her poison bite (if indeed she has one?) affect deities?

 

[Asmodeus]

Hwody,

Now a rules question for those with the book.

There is a SDA called instant metamagic which allows you to use one metamagic on all spells from one of your spell lists without using a higher level spell slot or a a lnoger casting time. Most of the gods with this SDA typically take quicken spell.

My question is whether you can apply that instant metamagic multiple times on your spell like empovering x9 bulls strength. I want to know how soemone would rule it based on the wording of the ability not as a DM trying to curtail its power.

Thnask for any feedback provided.