New Character Class

[Golem2176]

I am thinking about introducing a new character class to the game. I am not comfortable revealing the name of the class, but here is the low-down on it. Characters can channel the essence of their being, their spirit, to create desired effects. These effects would be called winds. These winds would include some spells from the cleric and sorcerer/wizard list, but with changes in the spells name to reflect their flavor in the game. They would have a wind progression like all other spellcasting characters have spell progression, but this would really be their safety net. They can 'overcast', meaning they could 'cast' winds of higher wind levels, but not without a price. A character who wanted to 'cast' a wind of a level(s) above what they are safely 'casting' faces a percentage chance equal to the winds actual level minus the wind level they safely capable of 'casting' times ten. A ninth level wind minus wind level one would equate to an 80% chance. Further the characters constitutution modifier times five is then subtracted from this base. 2 x 5 = 10. Base 80 - 10 = 70. There would be a 70% chance theat character could be afflicted by some kind of bad happening. I would like ideas on what could happen to the character if the dice indicate that something bad happens. Also, how should I approach the differences between clerics (meaning that they pray to a god to get their spells) and this class (meaning how would they replenish their 'spiritual' supply of energy for casting winds)? All ideas are welcome. I would appreciate all feedback I can get.

 

[dvvega]

Firstly you haven't mention anything about material components for the spells this person casts. I'm assuming that they don't need any, and just summon the power from somewhere.

Secondly, I am of the school of thought that tries to mimic everything I want to design/add/make in my world by using something already in the rules. This helps in keeping game balance, it makes my job easier, and it tends to weed out things that really are just "flavour" versus creations.

To me your idea sounds like a psion, sorcerer or a cleric. The cleric would worship a "concept" rather than a deity - "winds". It could also be a prestige class however you have specifically mentioned "New Character Class".

The character would have taken the Eschew Material component feat at 1st level I would imagine, to represent channelling (but of course psionics don't need that).

The powers/spell lists would of course be modified to include spells from psionics/divine/arcane lists and perhaps you can convert or get hold of the Bruce Cordell conversions of spells into psionics.

The overcasting is much like trying to use a scroll of a higher level but more dangerous. In fact the list of mishaps that can occur are pretty nasty, however the roll is too low to run a high risk like you are describing. However it's a good start for what you want to do. You might want to up the target DC of casting from a scroll to simulate what you wish.

As for the regaining of spells. You could go with either the theory that they pray to the concept of an all pervasive "winds", thus get spells like a cleric (at a certain point in a day), or they need to meditate on the powers that flow in and around them, like a sorcerer or wizard who rest then meditate.

Now that I've written all the above, nothing you have mentioned (except the overcasting), is unique. This character could be easily modelled as a psion with flavour, using Bruce's converted lists of spells. The overcasting could be mimcked after the scroll casting I mentioned.

 

[Golem2176]

Firstly you haven't mention anything about material components for the spells this person casts. I'm assuming that they don't need any, and just summon the power from somewhere.

First off there wouldn't be any need for material components. My thoughts are to make the components be only Verbal, some with Somatics, and higher level winds having an XP cost. Their power comes from within, from their spirit/soul.

Secondly, I am of the school of thought that tries to mimic everything I want to design/add/make in my world by using something already in the rules. This helps in keeping game balance, it makes my job easier, and it tends to weed out things that really are just "flavour" versus creations.

To me your idea sounds like a psion, sorcerer or a cleric. The cleric would worship a "concept" rather than a deity - "winds". It could also be a prestige class however you have specifically mentioned "New Character Class".

As stated before, their power comes from within, not from their intellect, not from mental energies, instead from the force that dirves them to live, their Spirit/Soul.

The overcasting is much like trying to use a scroll of a higher level but more dangerous. In fact the list of mishaps that can occur are pretty nasty, however the roll is too low to run a high risk like you are describing. However it's a good start for what you want to do. You might want to up the target DC of casting from a scroll to simulate what you wish.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by this. I am thinking that the worse mishap would be being on the brink of death, and a reduction in CON.

As for the regaining of spells. You could go with either the theory that they pray to the concept of an all pervasive "winds", thus get spells like a cleric (at a certain point in a day), or they need to meditate on the powers that flow in and around them, like a sorcerer or wizard who rest then meditate.

Not to be redundant, okay I am being redundant, but they do not worship anything except possibly their strive for spiritual perfection. Also possibly worshipping a deity that is the Keeper/Distributor of Souls or the deity of Life.

Now that I've written all the above, nothing you have mentioned (except the overcasting), is unique. This character could be easily modelled as a psion with flavour, using Bruce's converted lists of spells. The overcasting could be mimcked after the scroll casting I mentioned.

I know it is not 100% original, but it came to me as an idea of a watered down Jedi, with a D&D twist.

Please don't hesitate to leave more feedback. I'm glad I'm actually getting some [feedback].

 

[dvvega]

My comments were based on what you originally posted. The worshipping thing was simply stated just in case you decided to base the class on a cleric.

Now that you mention Jedi, I'm thinking you really should look at the Psion and Psychic Warrior classes in the SRD or Psionics Handbook.

I know a lot of people don't like Psionics, however I like them and have used them in my campaign ever since they were published and never really had a problem with them.

The "Second Point" I mentioned means that I don't like reinventing the wheel. I'm a computer programmer and so I believe in re-useable code. Same goes with roleplaying and creation of another class. Do you really need to invent this class? You have perfectly good classes available already that have 90% of the flavour you wish.

The only thing that is different is the overcasting ability. This is why I suggested you base it on the Scroll casting rules in the DMG. I didn't say you had to do it that way, it was a suggestion of a good basis. Instead of inventing a completely new system, use something that is there.

 

[Golem2176]

I do own the Psionics Handbook, so I'll give it a good look at for further options. I don't use Psionics in my current campaign, except for my monstrous NPCs (Mind Flayers and the like). I also just thought of a couple of feats that could reduce the penalty for overcasting.

I am also thinking that if the class works, I might get rid of clerics entirely. I didn't mean to come off harsh in my last post, and I entirely agree about 'reusable code', I'm a bit of programmer myself. I skimmed the section on Scrolls in the DMG, and have a good grasp on what you are saying. This could work, I'll just nned to playtest it once its near completion.

I appreciate the feedback.

I know others of you are looking at this post and not giving feedback. That's allright. However, please don't hold back. If something is on your mind about this post, please speak up! I really want this class to work, so I will accept any and all criticism. Thanks!

 

[Knight-of-Roses]

I know others of you are looking at this post and not giving feedback. That's allright. However, please don't hold back. If something is on your mind about this post, please speak up! I really want this class to work, so I will accept any and all criticism. Thanks!

Golem, the problem is that there is not much to criticize yet. What you have so far is just the theoretical basis for the class, which seems interesting. Once you start putting up numbers and rules, we system types will have something to really work with.