Melnibonean-inspired race as LA+0

[Waylander]

Running Summary

OK, here's where I think we are:

-2 Strength, +2 Charisma - their reliance on their natural ability with magic has left them less physically strong than a typical human

Medium size - they are pale, with an average height of around 7' and unnaturally slender by human standards

Base land speed is 30 feet

Low-Light Vision - they can see twice as far as a human in starlight, moonlight, torchlight, and similar conditions of poor illumination

Weapon Familiarity - bastard swords are favoured by the military, particularly when using the sword and shield style. They do not need to take the Exotic Weapon proficiency to be able to use a bastard sword one-handed

+1 racial bonus on Listen, Search, and Spot checks

+2 racial bonus on Bluff and Sense Motive checks - in order to survive the political scheming that goes on at court they have to become adept at dissembling their own goals and deciphering the goals of others

Favoured Class - Sorcerer

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OK, so if we set aside the debate on the trade-off of Strength for Charisma as I feel that's had sufficient discussion what do people think?

 

[Waylander]

Bump - just the once!

 

[Knight-of-Roses]

I would like to see them with Knowledge (arcana) and Knowledge (the Planes) always as class skills.

And maybe a -2 racial penalty to save against effects that cause fatigue or exhaustion to represent their indolent physical lifestyle?

 

[Aus_Snow]

Personally I like that kind of approach, Knight-of-Roses.

I'd probably just go with -2 Con, rather than -2 Str. That would put a hole in such saves, for starters (it would also end up more balanced, IMO, because *everyone* needs Con.)

Maybe just a +2 bonus to those Knowledge skills though, as well as perhaps Sense Motive? Oh, and Spot/Listen or whatever, if necessary.

 

[The Ubbergeek]

Warlock instead of Sorcerer if you use them, maybe?

 

[Waylander]

Thank you for the replies!

I'm at work at the moment so don't have time to comment specifically.

Just to add another dimension to the discussion, at the beginning of the thread I comment on how the race were original human but have been on an alternative plane and have now returned.

Evilhalfling suggested the Plane of Chaos and I'd be interested in hearing any other endorsements of this idea (or suggestions for any others).

With this in mind, Melnibonéan culture is dependant on the use of human slaves and so if we can define the alternate plane it may help suggest what the alternative slave race might be.