Okay, I have a Shaman character I love playing and she requires Tokens and such for her spells. In the spell descriptions (like Substitution from OA)it lists the costs and sizes of the the Tokens, but I wanted to add some more flavor to making these. Finding special mediums and such in game.
Now from a game point of view some may just say that a Shaman should be able to collect a Token to a spirit, but that doesn't justify the game rules for them costing money. Below puts a process as to how and why tokens cost money.
This is a house rule I am proposing to my GM to add some flavor. Yes it probably is more than needed, but I like it.
This will be treated like a Profession/Craft skill. I can either buy a sword I need or I can make one. If I have time/skill I can make one.
First lets define Tokens
Spirit Tokens:
A small somewhat natural material (medium) which spirits either like or inhabit. Often these require to be carved/molded/shaped into a form that would please the type of spirit she is trying to either please (as a gift) or house (as a home) for the spirit. Some spells require a donation to the spirit, I just can't see handing over 100gp or 1000gp. So I would assume I would hand over a Spirit Token worth 100gp or 1000gp.
- Probably carved/shaped/molded into specific forms.
- Proper medium for spirits (different spirits like different materials)
To Craft a Spirit Token:
To craft a spirit token one must first gather the proper medium she wishes to use for the specific spirit or type of spirits. The different sizes of spirits and different types of spirits will influence how a token is made. This will include the materials it will use as the medium and the shape the token will take.
Second, some Spirit Tokens may require a process to prepare (other than just shaping) for example mixing in herbs or burning incense to attract a spirit. [In game terms these will help to justify the costs and expenditure. For example finding a piece of wood and then carving it for a spirit costs nothing more than time, but if we require that the carved wood be boiled in special herbs (which cost money) and then dried with burning incense (which costs money) it seems more justified].
Third, most Spirit Tokens require a process to prepare. Just finding a piece of wood is not good enough, but requires either chanting, herbs or incense to prepare.
Spirit Info based on Size of connection:
(Note: This is the size of the Spirit, and not the token, tokens are small/tiny items)
Tiny Spirit Token (being, elemental or fey) – Usually a free roaming spirit:
Skill Check DC: 10 Materials: 25 gp
Domain Size: 10 feet
Tk Hit Points: 10
Minor Spirit Token (stream, tree) – May travel slightly within limited area:
Skill Check DC: 15 Materials: 250 gp
Domain Size: 500 feet
Tk Hit Points: 25
Medium Spirit Token (river, glade, grove) – Largely Immobile:
Skill Check DC: 24 Materials: 500 gp
Domain Size: 1 Mile
Tk Hit Points: 50
Large Spirit Token (mountain, lake) – Immobile:
Skill Check DC: 30 Materials: 1000+ gp
Domain Size: 10 Miles
Tk Hit Points: 100
Also the uniqueness of a spirit will influence the shape and costs. A more common spirit, like elementals can take a more general shape, while a rare or unique spirit will require a very fine/fancy carved/shaped Token. The shape of the Token will increase the DC required to make a Token. Also the Uniqueness will increase a Tokens Hit Points (THP). The increase is based on HD of the Spirit for the token.
DC Adjustments based on Rareness and size of Target Spirit:
Common/Medium: DC +0, THP: +0, Costs: N/A
Uncommon/Large: DC +10, THP +1/HD, Costs: x1.5
Rare/Huge: DC +15, THP: +2/HD, Costs: x2
Unique/Gargantuan: DC +20, THP: +3/HD, Costs: x3
Game Process:
Crafting a Spirit token will use rules similar to craft/profession where you make skill checks to see how much you have prepared a spirit token in SP, but skills can be used in sinergy. It is a profession because it requires more than just carving a token, one must gather and shape the medium (materials) along with collecting any herbs or incense needed and then performing the proper process to prepare the token. Below are the game steps which need to be taken.
Collecting the Medium:
The Medium or Materials must be either found or purchased. To find the proper materials the Profession(Token maker) is the base skill, but gets a sinergy bonus from Knowledge(Nature) as you know where to find the proper medium and Knowledge(Spirits) what to find. The DC result check is how much the medium is worth. For example it is easier to find a piece of Wood than Gold or piece of Jade. Thus if you need Jade for the Medium use the DC result check multiplied by the target DC to get the value of the materials collected each week. Note the type of item can be upto the GM, he can make them all gems or for more versatility, he can have a different material for each spirit.
If buying the medium just apply it towards the costs of the Token.
A DC check is required against half of the target DC, but just checking to see if proper materials were gotten. If the DC result is equal to or greater than half the target DC the proper materials are collected. If the DC result is missed by less than 4, then the wrong materials were collected, but it is caught now. If the DC result misses by 5 or more than the error isn't caught till the end DC check.
Shaping the Token:
Not all tokens will require shaping or molding, but doing so increases the value of the Token. Thus to prepare Tokens for Large/Rare spirits would probably require shaping, while a Tiny/minor spirit wouldn't require any shaping.
To Shape a token you can use either Craft(Talisman) with a sinergy bonus from Profession(Token maker). Or you can use Profession(Token maker)/2 with a sinergy bonus from Craft(Talisman).
A DC check is required against half of the target DC, but just checking to see if medium was properly shaped. If the DC result is equal to or greater than half the target DC then it was properly shaped. If the DC result is missed by less than 4, then the wrong shape was used, but it is caught now. If the DC result misses by 5 or more than the error isn't caught till the end DC check.
Collecting the Enhancers(Herbs/Incense):
You can either buy herbs and/or incense, or you can collect them naturally. If collecting them, use Profession(Token maker) as the base and you get a sinergy bonus again from Knowledge(Nature) to know where to find them, and Knowledge(Spirits) what to find. You can substitute Profession(Herbalist) in place of Profession(Token maker), and would gain a sinergy bonus from both Knowledge(Nature) and Profession(Token maker) and Knowledge(Spirits) what to find. Again the DC result check is multiplied by the target DC to determine the value collected each week.
If buying herbs and incense just apply it towards the costs of the Token.
A DC check is required against half of the target DC, but just checking to see if the proper herbs/incense were collected. If the DC result is equal to or greater than half the target DC then the proper herbs were collected. If the DC result is missed by less than 4, then the wrong herbs/incense were collected, but it is caught now. If the DC result misses by 5 or more than the error isn't caught till the end DC check.
Preparing Token:
Once the medium is found and shaped and the herbs and incense are gathered the token must be prepared. This is the process of applying the herbs/incense to the medium and is the DC check made to see if the Token is properly prepared. The cost of the token is the minimum cost to of the token. Every factor of cost greater than the mimimum cost grants a circumstance bonus to the DC of +1. So Seebora is creating a Tiny/Common/Medium Token, the base cost is 25gp. If the actual cost of the Token is 50gp she gets a circumstance bonus of +1. If the actual cost is 75gp, she gets a circumstance bonus of +2, etc.
If the DC result is equal to greater than target DC the Token is done and prepared. If the DC result is less than the target DC by no more than 4, she has to spend another day processing it. If the DC result misses by 5 or more then half the costs of the Token and herbs are wasted/lost and must be repeated. This process takes 1 day per 1000gp.
Examples:
01) If Seebora was creating a Tiny Token tied to an elder(huge) earth elemental the base DC is 10, its a common spirit DC+0, but its huge earth elemental granting more THP so DC+15 for a total DC of 25 and a cost of 50gp, not that hard to craft. The Token would grant a total of 58THP. Seebora has can gather clay and mold it into a shape and then gather incense and prepare the Token, or she could buy a clay statue. In buying items the still often need to be prepared in some fashion.
02) Now lets say she wants to craft a large spirit token tied to a Marid (Large Water Elemental 11HD). Base DC is 30, probably more rare thus DC+15, and is a Large Creature DC+10 for a total DC 55 and a cost of 3000gp, which would grant her 100 + 22 [11x2] + 11 [11x1] = 133 HP, now she wouldn't be able to craft this until she was around level 30.
Note: These costs were taken from both the Spell "Seebora's Spirit Channel" a spell my GM created and the Substitution Spell from OA (which is what she really needs to the tokens for, and role playing purposes).
GM Notes: Need to decide how many HD things like mountains and other non-beings have. This would probably be best based on the size catagory of the spirit.
Lastly, yes this got a little out of hand, but since I'm bored I figured it would be fun.
Now from a game point of view some may just say that a Shaman should be able to collect a Token to a spirit, but that doesn't justify the game rules for them costing money. Below puts a process as to how and why tokens cost money.
This is a house rule I am proposing to my GM to add some flavor. Yes it probably is more than needed, but I like it.
This will be treated like a Profession/Craft skill. I can either buy a sword I need or I can make one. If I have time/skill I can make one.
First lets define Tokens
Spirit Tokens:
A small somewhat natural material (medium) which spirits either like or inhabit. Often these require to be carved/molded/shaped into a form that would please the type of spirit she is trying to either please (as a gift) or house (as a home) for the spirit. Some spells require a donation to the spirit, I just can't see handing over 100gp or 1000gp. So I would assume I would hand over a Spirit Token worth 100gp or 1000gp.
- Probably carved/shaped/molded into specific forms.
- Proper medium for spirits (different spirits like different materials)
To Craft a Spirit Token:
To craft a spirit token one must first gather the proper medium she wishes to use for the specific spirit or type of spirits. The different sizes of spirits and different types of spirits will influence how a token is made. This will include the materials it will use as the medium and the shape the token will take.
Second, some Spirit Tokens may require a process to prepare (other than just shaping) for example mixing in herbs or burning incense to attract a spirit. [In game terms these will help to justify the costs and expenditure. For example finding a piece of wood and then carving it for a spirit costs nothing more than time, but if we require that the carved wood be boiled in special herbs (which cost money) and then dried with burning incense (which costs money) it seems more justified].
Third, most Spirit Tokens require a process to prepare. Just finding a piece of wood is not good enough, but requires either chanting, herbs or incense to prepare.
Spirit Info based on Size of connection:
(Note: This is the size of the Spirit, and not the token, tokens are small/tiny items)
Tiny Spirit Token (being, elemental or fey) – Usually a free roaming spirit:
Skill Check DC: 10 Materials: 25 gp
Domain Size: 10 feet
Tk Hit Points: 10
Minor Spirit Token (stream, tree) – May travel slightly within limited area:
Skill Check DC: 15 Materials: 250 gp
Domain Size: 500 feet
Tk Hit Points: 25
Medium Spirit Token (river, glade, grove) – Largely Immobile:
Skill Check DC: 24 Materials: 500 gp
Domain Size: 1 Mile
Tk Hit Points: 50
Large Spirit Token (mountain, lake) – Immobile:
Skill Check DC: 30 Materials: 1000+ gp
Domain Size: 10 Miles
Tk Hit Points: 100
Also the uniqueness of a spirit will influence the shape and costs. A more common spirit, like elementals can take a more general shape, while a rare or unique spirit will require a very fine/fancy carved/shaped Token. The shape of the Token will increase the DC required to make a Token. Also the Uniqueness will increase a Tokens Hit Points (THP). The increase is based on HD of the Spirit for the token.
DC Adjustments based on Rareness and size of Target Spirit:
Common/Medium: DC +0, THP: +0, Costs: N/A
Uncommon/Large: DC +10, THP +1/HD, Costs: x1.5
Rare/Huge: DC +15, THP: +2/HD, Costs: x2
Unique/Gargantuan: DC +20, THP: +3/HD, Costs: x3
Game Process:
Crafting a Spirit token will use rules similar to craft/profession where you make skill checks to see how much you have prepared a spirit token in SP, but skills can be used in sinergy. It is a profession because it requires more than just carving a token, one must gather and shape the medium (materials) along with collecting any herbs or incense needed and then performing the proper process to prepare the token. Below are the game steps which need to be taken.
Collecting the Medium:
The Medium or Materials must be either found or purchased. To find the proper materials the Profession(Token maker) is the base skill, but gets a sinergy bonus from Knowledge(Nature) as you know where to find the proper medium and Knowledge(Spirits) what to find. The DC result check is how much the medium is worth. For example it is easier to find a piece of Wood than Gold or piece of Jade. Thus if you need Jade for the Medium use the DC result check multiplied by the target DC to get the value of the materials collected each week. Note the type of item can be upto the GM, he can make them all gems or for more versatility, he can have a different material for each spirit.
If buying the medium just apply it towards the costs of the Token.
A DC check is required against half of the target DC, but just checking to see if proper materials were gotten. If the DC result is equal to or greater than half the target DC the proper materials are collected. If the DC result is missed by less than 4, then the wrong materials were collected, but it is caught now. If the DC result misses by 5 or more than the error isn't caught till the end DC check.
Shaping the Token:
Not all tokens will require shaping or molding, but doing so increases the value of the Token. Thus to prepare Tokens for Large/Rare spirits would probably require shaping, while a Tiny/minor spirit wouldn't require any shaping.
To Shape a token you can use either Craft(Talisman) with a sinergy bonus from Profession(Token maker). Or you can use Profession(Token maker)/2 with a sinergy bonus from Craft(Talisman).
A DC check is required against half of the target DC, but just checking to see if medium was properly shaped. If the DC result is equal to or greater than half the target DC then it was properly shaped. If the DC result is missed by less than 4, then the wrong shape was used, but it is caught now. If the DC result misses by 5 or more than the error isn't caught till the end DC check.
Collecting the Enhancers(Herbs/Incense):
You can either buy herbs and/or incense, or you can collect them naturally. If collecting them, use Profession(Token maker) as the base and you get a sinergy bonus again from Knowledge(Nature) to know where to find them, and Knowledge(Spirits) what to find. You can substitute Profession(Herbalist) in place of Profession(Token maker), and would gain a sinergy bonus from both Knowledge(Nature) and Profession(Token maker) and Knowledge(Spirits) what to find. Again the DC result check is multiplied by the target DC to determine the value collected each week.
If buying herbs and incense just apply it towards the costs of the Token.
A DC check is required against half of the target DC, but just checking to see if the proper herbs/incense were collected. If the DC result is equal to or greater than half the target DC then the proper herbs were collected. If the DC result is missed by less than 4, then the wrong herbs/incense were collected, but it is caught now. If the DC result misses by 5 or more than the error isn't caught till the end DC check.
Preparing Token:
Once the medium is found and shaped and the herbs and incense are gathered the token must be prepared. This is the process of applying the herbs/incense to the medium and is the DC check made to see if the Token is properly prepared. The cost of the token is the minimum cost to of the token. Every factor of cost greater than the mimimum cost grants a circumstance bonus to the DC of +1. So Seebora is creating a Tiny/Common/Medium Token, the base cost is 25gp. If the actual cost of the Token is 50gp she gets a circumstance bonus of +1. If the actual cost is 75gp, she gets a circumstance bonus of +2, etc.
If the DC result is equal to greater than target DC the Token is done and prepared. If the DC result is less than the target DC by no more than 4, she has to spend another day processing it. If the DC result misses by 5 or more then half the costs of the Token and herbs are wasted/lost and must be repeated. This process takes 1 day per 1000gp.
Examples:
01) If Seebora was creating a Tiny Token tied to an elder(huge) earth elemental the base DC is 10, its a common spirit DC+0, but its huge earth elemental granting more THP so DC+15 for a total DC of 25 and a cost of 50gp, not that hard to craft. The Token would grant a total of 58THP. Seebora has can gather clay and mold it into a shape and then gather incense and prepare the Token, or she could buy a clay statue. In buying items the still often need to be prepared in some fashion.
02) Now lets say she wants to craft a large spirit token tied to a Marid (Large Water Elemental 11HD). Base DC is 30, probably more rare thus DC+15, and is a Large Creature DC+10 for a total DC 55 and a cost of 3000gp, which would grant her 100 + 22 [11x2] + 11 [11x1] = 133 HP, now she wouldn't be able to craft this until she was around level 30.
Note: These costs were taken from both the Spell "Seebora's Spirit Channel" a spell my GM created and the Substitution Spell from OA (which is what she really needs to the tokens for, and role playing purposes).
GM Notes: Need to decide how many HD things like mountains and other non-beings have. This would probably be best based on the size catagory of the spirit.
Lastly, yes this got a little out of hand, but since I'm bored I figured it would be fun.
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