Andorax
2011-09-14, 10:32 AM
There's a couple different variant rules that I wouldn't mind getting some other points of view on...totally off my rocker, on the right track...maybe even a good idea?
First thought: Does anyone see a dire problem that could come from adding the Planar Ally spells to the Druid list (same level as Cleric), bound by an "Elemental Only" proviso?
Druids have plenty of access to, and work with, elemental beings, which are all over the SNA chain of spells. Why, then, can't they bargain for longer-term services of chosen allies, similar to how a cleric can?
Would it be tragic if Druids could qualify for Thaumaturge? Are there other, unforseen, consequences to allowing this that I'm missing here?
Second thought: I've heard a fair amount of debate over Natural Spell, a feat that's been described, repeatedly, as a 'must have' by some...a (pardon the pun) natural choice for any smart 6th level Druid...and a feat that's banned by DMs who feel it's been abused repeatedly.
Inspired by World of Warcraft (yes, I went there...save your rotten tomatoes and listen), what would happen if Natural Spell were modified instead of banned as follows:
You can cast spells while in wildshape form, but doing so immediately returns you to your natural form. If you resume the same wildshape form before the end of your next turn, it does not count against your number of uses of wildshape per day.
This cuts down on the 'stealth' casting by innocent-looking critters, and drastically cuts down on casting "on the wing". A druid can also take Fast Wild Shape (CD) and get back into their form in the same turn (assuming a standard-action casting and move-action to re-wildshape), but even then they're paying some added cost (extra feat, their move action for the turn). Swift Wild Shape (CC) further mitigates, but at the cost of another feat...there's more of a cost to it to do it the old, proportedly-broken way.
I could even see a feat that negates this modifcation and lets you remain wildshaped...with Swift Wild Shape as a preq.
Thoughts?
First thought: Does anyone see a dire problem that could come from adding the Planar Ally spells to the Druid list (same level as Cleric), bound by an "Elemental Only" proviso?
Druids have plenty of access to, and work with, elemental beings, which are all over the SNA chain of spells. Why, then, can't they bargain for longer-term services of chosen allies, similar to how a cleric can?
Would it be tragic if Druids could qualify for Thaumaturge? Are there other, unforseen, consequences to allowing this that I'm missing here?
Second thought: I've heard a fair amount of debate over Natural Spell, a feat that's been described, repeatedly, as a 'must have' by some...a (pardon the pun) natural choice for any smart 6th level Druid...and a feat that's banned by DMs who feel it's been abused repeatedly.
Inspired by World of Warcraft (yes, I went there...save your rotten tomatoes and listen), what would happen if Natural Spell were modified instead of banned as follows:
You can cast spells while in wildshape form, but doing so immediately returns you to your natural form. If you resume the same wildshape form before the end of your next turn, it does not count against your number of uses of wildshape per day.
This cuts down on the 'stealth' casting by innocent-looking critters, and drastically cuts down on casting "on the wing". A druid can also take Fast Wild Shape (CD) and get back into their form in the same turn (assuming a standard-action casting and move-action to re-wildshape), but even then they're paying some added cost (extra feat, their move action for the turn). Swift Wild Shape (CC) further mitigates, but at the cost of another feat...there's more of a cost to it to do it the old, proportedly-broken way.
I could even see a feat that negates this modifcation and lets you remain wildshaped...with Swift Wild Shape as a preq.
Thoughts?