ECL Advice for Divine Caster Template

[Irda Ranger]

I am toying with the concept of having a campaign with no Arcane or Divine magic, only Psionics. However, I didn't want to get rid of the gods entirely, and wanted to allow for "Divine Miracles" when they are really needed. So, this is what I thought of, kinda' like a Template.

Template: Dedicated
This template may be applied to any Race, or Class, at any time.

The Dedicated serves a deity in a clerical role. They are not casual worshippers or laymen, but Holy Ones, sworn to the eternal service of a Deity.

The Dedicated is restricted to an Oath of Service. The Oath of Service is different for every Deity, but is similar to the Paladin’s Oath and the Druid’s Oath. It may restrict the player in “Crunchy” ways and/ or in “Creamy” ways.

Spellcasting:
- The Dedicated has access to the entire Cleric Spell list, and the Domain list of the Deity he is dedicated to.
- He does not have access to his Domain powers.
- The Dedicated’s total character level from all classes is his caster level (i.e. A Fighter 4/ Bard2 Dedicated can cast all spells as a 6th level Cleric).
- All spells can be cast spontaneously, up to the Max spells/ day for his level.

The price of casting any spell is the Spell Level^2 * 100 XP, and a material sacrifice worth Spell Level * 100 Silver to be made at a Temple within one month. If the sacrifice is not made within the month, a Dedicated loses his Dedicated status until Atonement is made.

Other Stuff:
Dedicated cannot turn Undead (Although in a Psionic only setting, Undead would be very rare).

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So, what do folks think? Would this be fair? And just as importantly, would you (as a PC) be tempted with taking this Template? Do you have any suggestions?

Irda Ranger

Edit -- Changed title to attract more traffic

 

[Rybaer]

Fascinating idea you have here. The XP cost of spells alone would keep PC's from using the spells except for the more dire need. I like the spontenaety factor...makes it feel more like a divine power is actually answering the prayer.

How do you envision PC's acquiring this template? Because of the steep cost to casting, I don't see it as being overwhelmingly powerful. +1 ECL? Is the template balanced by drawbacks and duties? Can it only be taken at character creation? Perhaps the template is added by using a feat at character creation.

Tough call on balancing this one, but I think it'd be cool to try.

 

[Irda Ranger]

Fascinating idea you have here. The XP cost of spells alone would keep PC's from using the spells except for the more dire need. I like the spontaneity factor...makes it feel more like a divine power is actually answering the prayer.

Yup, that was exactly the feeling I was going for.

How do you envision PC's acquiring this template?

In a “role-playing manner” intra-game, or at character creation. I imagine that it would be possible to “find religion” and take vows of service at any time. Of course, there would be in-game considerations, such as going on quests, the taking of vows, and earning the favor of a god.

Because of the steep cost to casting, I don't see it as being overwhelmingly powerful. +1 ECL? Is the template balanced by drawbacks and duties?

I think that the benefits and costs balance themselves out nicely, and wouldn’t require an ECL (though of course, that’s one of the things I would like feedback on). The ability to cast spells is balanced by the XP to cast them. The assurance of “I have a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free card” is balanced by the Vows of Service. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just some privilege, but a duty to help those in need, give your money to the poor, never use swords, or whatever.

Can it only be taken at character creation?

See above.

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Anyone else have some thoughts on this? Does it require an ECL?

Irda Ranger

PS – The odd thing about using MS Word to write your posts is that you end up correcting other people’s spelling mistakes. Of course, since the upside is that I don’t make a fool of myself (since I can’t type without typos to save my life). By the way, its spelled “spontaneity”. Just ask the folks in Redmond, WA.