(Recruiting) Kiss of Darkness--Adventure in my Homebrew Setting

[Rystil Arden]

What are your thoughts on a 1 HD Awakened Homunculi which doesn't have a poisonous bite or the ability to fly.

Going by the Savage Species that would have a LA of 0 due to the size (-1) and the construct traits (1).

The reason I ask is I really don't want to have to waste a psuedo level to get flight too be honest I'm in two minds about having the construct type, as that would mean no natural healing, but would make him hardy versus some types of attack.

Anyway I thought I'd ask, and find out what options are available to me before I complete the character sheet.

I don't usually agree with Savage Species guidelines (and they do say they are guidelines and not formulas that always work), so it was actually random luck that we got the same number before. Usually, I actually give extra abilities for the LA cost because I think they've underestimated the utility, but not here. To keep type construct and all the entailed immunities, with no Poison or Flight, you would need to take 2 construct HD with an LA of +1. Construct type is extremely powerful and is worth far more than a +1 LA (compare a Human with Construct type to a Tiefling), though Tiny helps cancel it out.

 

[Lord_Raven88]

I don't usually agree with Savage Species guidelines (and they do say they are guidelines and not formulas that always work), so it was actually random luck that we got the same number before. Usually, I actually give extra abilities for the LA cost because I think they've underestimated the utility, but not here. To keep type construct and all the entailed immunities, with no Poison or Flight, you would need to take 2 construct HD with an LA of +1. Construct type is extremely powerful and is worth far more than a +1 LA (compare a Human with Construct type to a Tiefling), though Tiny helps cancel it out.

Thanks for that, I think I'll stick with the 1 HD Incarnate Homunculi as is, as he's basically a tiny humanoid with without any other benefits I'd better keep the flight so he at last has something to look forward to, beside in the long run Flight is very cool.

 

[Rystil Arden]

Thanks for that, I think I'll stick with the 1 HD Incarnate Homunculi as is, as he's basically a tiny humanoid with without any other benefits I'd better keep the flight so he at last has something to look forward to, beside in the long run Flight is very cool.

Well, he does get advantageous stat boosts that I would not have allowed for a Medium-sized character of LA +0, but agreed, the flight is nice. Course, Warlocks can pick up Fell Flight, but Homunculus Flight is significantly better

 

[Lord_Raven88]

Well, he does get advantageous stat boosts that I would not have allowed for a Medium-sized character of LA +0, but agreed, the flight is nice. Course, Warlocks can pick up Fell Flight, but Homunculus Flight is significantly better

Due to the no flying ability at 1st level, I'm tempted to choose Spiderclimbing for his first least power.

In regards to his stats (-2 Str, +4 Dec, +2 Wis & -4Chs) I thought they would be balanced, saying that I haven't read the section in the DMG on balancing stat recently.

I more meant that compared to humans (feats and skills bonus) and the other races, that there are no added extra's for him changing from construct to humanoid.

Overall I'm happy with the concept and the leeway you have given me, the only hard thing for me now is to find a suitable name for him, maybe Nix, also if I get chosen I hope that one of the other adventurers won't mind making some space in there backpack for a 10 pound runt who can fire blast of energy over their shoulders, while they act as his meat shield.

 

[Rystil Arden]

No worries

In regards to his stats (-2 Str, +4 Dec, +2 Wis & -4Chs) I thought they would be balanced, saying that I haven't read the section in the DMG on balancing stat recently.

Well, according to the DMG (which isn't a perfect indicator anyways), -2 Str for +2 Dex is a fair trade (I agree), +2 Wis for -2 Cha is a fair trae (I disagree, it is slightly over-advantageous, but not enough to cause LA on its own), but even the DMG agrees that -2 Cha for the other +2 Dex is problematic (not to mention the net +4 to Dex).

Overall I'm happy with the concept and the leeway you have given me, the only hard thing for me now is to find a suitable name for him, maybe Nix, also if I get chosen I hope that one of the other adventurers won't mind making some space in there backpack for a 10 pound runt who can fire blast of energy over their shoulders, while they act as his meat shield.

I'm sure they'll be glad to help. And of course, if you peek out of the backpack from heavy cover, it will give additional AC and Ref save bonuses--I'd look into getting a caster friend to Reduce Person you now that you're a humanoid. Size Diminutive with a total of +6 Dex starts getting crazy crazy crazy on AC and ranged attacks

 

[Lord_Raven88]

No worries



Well, according to the DMG (which isn't a perfect indicator anyways), -2 Str for +2 Dex is a fair trade (I agree), +2 Wis for -2 Cha is a fair trae (I disagree, it is slightly over-advantageous, but not enough to cause LA on its own), but even the DMG agrees that -2 Cha for the other +2 Dex is problematic (not to mention the net +4 to Dex).



I'm sure they'll be glad to help. And of course, if you peek out of the backpack from heavy cover, it will give additional AC and Ref save bonuses--I'd look into getting a caster friend to Reduce Person you now that you're a humanoid. Size Diminutive with a total of +6 Dex starts getting crazy crazy crazy on AC and ranged attacks

Perhaps he should talk like Yoda too.

"A meatshield you must be"

 

[Rystil Arden]

Perhaps he should talk like Yoda too.

"A meatshield you must be"

And what if he only spoke in long-dead languages plus Draconic?

 

[Lord_Raven88]

And what if he only spoke in long-dead languages plus Draconic?

Actually being fluent in that ancient tongue might be handy.

Bongo the Meatshield: "Hey Nix what does that sign say"
Nix: After reading the sign 'treasure vault', um it says "Beware certain death awaits all who enter"
//a few minutes later//
Bongo the Meatshield: "Hey has anyone seen Nix?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

Actually being fluent in that ancient tongue might be handy.

Bongo the Meatshield: "Hey Nix what does that sign say"
Nix: After reading the sign 'treasure vault', um it says "Beware certain death awaits all who enter"
//a few minutes later//
Bongo the Meatshield: "Hey has anyone seen Nix?"

Yes, that could be funny. He'll just need to watch out for NPCs who think that he's a familiar and that therefore his rider is a multiclassed wizard or sorcerer

"Door leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to suffering"

 

[Lord_Raven88]

Yes, that could be funny. He'll just need to watch out for NPCs who think that he's a familiar and that therefore his rider is a multiclassed wizard or sorcerer

"Door leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to suffering"

As long as my rider is providing me cover, I see no problem, also I get to sample the goodies in his backpack