Increasing Size as Class Ability

[Samloyal23]

I'm working on a prestige class and I want the higher level members to increase in size by one step, but I want it to be process over time, so the character gets a little taller and has longer reach at around level 5-6 then becomes a full size larger at like level 9-10. I want to be balanced and I don't want to re-invent the wheel. Any suggestions?

 

[kitcik]

I'm working on a prestige class and I want the higher level members to increase in size by one step, but I want it to be process over time, so the character gets a little taller and has longer reach at around level 5-6 then becomes a full size larger at like level 9-10. I want to be balanced and I don't want to re-invent the wheel. Any suggestions?

Since this is a class feature, think about whether they have to actuallt get bigger, or whether it would be better if they were just treated as a larger size category.

The latter sounds more like a class feature and has the added benefit of you can actually fit places.

If it must be that you grow, then maybe have a prereq of craft (alchemy) ranks and have them brew up some HGH.

 

[Samloyal23]

Actually the idea is that this character grows as he eats human flesh, becoming larger until he is about 15 feet tall...

 

[kitcik]

First, let me direct you here for inspiration:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTvdjlJUO8A]I Eat Cannibals - Toto Coelo - YouTube[/ame]

Interesting, actually.

More like a zombie (any flesh is good flesh), a werebeast (fresh kills), a cannibal tribe (enemies) or Hannibal Lecter (psychopath/ritualistic)?

 

[Duke Arioch]

"Eat the flesh of Gods, become one of them."

Also, you could model the class ability on Expansion (PsyWar manifestation). However, since you already have the idea how the actual growth works, and make the size increase permanent and real, the only advice I could give you is to focus on both benefits and drawbacks of size increase over levels. What I mean to say is, it is very likely that the size penalty to DEX would be larger in the beginning but drop as the character grows accustomed to his/her new body. So, maybe you could first make the arms grow in size (grants reach but also gives -2 on DEX without adding to STR), then make the whole body grow (giving +2 to STR, and further penalizing DEX) which might not be capstone ability. Capstone ability should maybe be "New size adaptation" which would round up the class by equalizing bonuses/penalties. Also, 10 levels might be too much for a PrC that focuses only on that one thing. Maybe 5 levels is a better choice?

 

[kitcik]

"Eat the flesh of Gods, become one of them."

Also, you could model the class ability on Expansion (PsyWar manifestation). However, since you already have the idea how the actual growth works, and make the size increase permanent and real, the only advice I could give you is to focus on both benefits and drawbacks of size increase over levels. What I mean to say is, it is very likely that the size penalty to DEX would be larger in the beginning but drop as the character grows accustomed to his/her new body. So, maybe you could first make the arms grow in size (grants reach but also gives -2 on DEX without adding to STR), then make the whole body grow (giving +2 to STR, and further penalizing DEX) which might not be capstone ability. Capstone ability should maybe be "New size adaptation" which would round up the class by equalizing bonuses/penalties. Also, 10 levels might be too much for a PrC that focuses only on that one thing. Maybe 5 levels is a better choice?

These are good ideas. Assuming that by 15', you mean Large, then 5 levels is fine. If you are going for Huge, than 5 levels may be too fast.

A capstone ability could also result in the ability to perform a flesh-eating ritual that results in an additional, temporary size increase.

 

[Samloyal23]

These are good ideas. Assuming that by 15', you mean Large, then 5 levels is fine. If you are going for Huge, than 5 levels may be too fast.

A capstone ability could also result in the ability to perform a flesh-eating ritual that results in an additional, temporary size increase.

Going for Large, assuming the character starts at Medium size. One size step up, but gradually, 2-3 partial steps to reach the new size.

 

[Samloyal23]

May adjust the numbers, but this is adapted from the Vile Feats for Deformity (gaunt) and Deformity (tall)...

Monstrous Frame I: Your vile diet of human flesh makes you start to grow, your natural reach increases by 5 ft. However, because of your unnaturally long limbs, you're much clumsier with your attacks than before, giving you -1 to all attack rolls.
Monstrous Frame II: You are growing used to your height but you are withering away from hunger no matter how much flesh you eat. Add +1 to Dexterity, Escape Artist, and Intimidate but -1 to Constitution. You know longer suffer a penalty on attack rolls.
Monstrous Frame III: You continue growing, reaching the next larger size and gain a +1 Dexterity and +2 Strength.

Basically picture someone have a monstrous growth spurt from eating too much human flesh. They constantly look starved because they grow instead of storing calories...

 

[Duke Arioch]

Are the bonuses stated in addition to +2 STR/-2DEX one gets from becoming large (also -1AC, -4 hide, etc.)?

 

[Rampant]

The way I see it this has been mostly done for you.

The Monster manual contains the rules for increasing a size category, the question for you is whether you want to stick to the chart, or modify the ability scores for balance.

Powerful frame ala goliaths is the first step, then next up you grow out taking up more space and gaining the bonuses to combat maneuvers, finally you get reach and the full benefits of large size.

The question is how to distribute the stat bonuses along the chain, -2 dex at powerful frame seems like a good start.