SU Character Fusion for 2d0 system?

[Rebecca-47]

Hey protagonsts!

I'm not a huge fan of Steven universe, but I'm really fascinated by the concept of character fusion. I was hoping we could develop a balanced way to convert it into a D20 system (preferably pathfinder).



I was thinking Gem Fusion could be either a feat or a prestige class feature. It would require a few ranks in Perform: Dance, perhaps a magical item or gem, and would be more successful if the two characters have similar/identical alignments. The fused character would be controlled by both players, and rolls would have to be made to stay fused or complete tasks that the fused members didn't agree on. (will save to take over or fortitude save to avoid breaking apart?)

I'm honestly not sure how fusion could work statwise. I was hoping the experts here could help me, as I'm not a GM myself...yet. What do you think? Is it possible? Would it be fun?

[Allnightmask]

Xefas made a fun set of mythos for his interpretation of the D&D lore. I haven't got to run it yet but it isn't too ridulous looking and it takes a solid investment to use properly. Maybe you could look at the mutationist symbiosis evolution by Draken, though I did find that one gets out of hand with some goodly amount of swiftness. The only thing slowing it down is the minimum of one level in a mutator class.

[inuyasha]

I'm not too familiar with Steven Universe, but I think there's a psionic power called Fusion that does this. Bonus points too since psionics is mostly gem themed!

[DeadpanSal]

I'd imagine that getting to play a large to colossal sized Elite (double hit points, extra action point) or solo (elite x2) gestalt version of your class with a signature ability or weapon from your DM would fit really well and take a lot less time to craft. But creating something from scratch based on the character abilities would be better and have to be created in advance by the DM.

[khadgar567]

not on expert on spheres of power but alteration handbook gives fusion as talent and remaining sphere talents can handle the four arms in single body part so its already in game just wait until its published

[Rebecca-47]

Sorry for thread necromancy--but this has come to my attention again. I noticed a few homebrews online that try to make "Gem" as a race, and I was wondering if any of you guys have tried any of them out. I feel like this concept, fusing characters and giving control to both players, could be really cool, but hard to balance just right.

[aimlessPolymath]

Sorry, what have you seen? Could you pull up links?

Also, PMing the creators is something you could do.

[Digitalfruitz]

I’m pretty sure they were referring to this

https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Gem_(Pathfinder_Race)

[Rebecca-47]

Sorry, what have you seen? Could you pull up links?

Also, PMing the creators is something you could do.

I’m pretty sure they were referring to this

https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Gem_(Pathfinder_Race)

Or this: https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Gems_(5e_Race)

[aimlessPolymath]

I'm going to try to address the Pathfinder edition, since I'm more familiar with it.

First off, as a base race, this is flat-out busted. That's a side note, since Fusion is the important thing here, but repeatable Polymorph is absurd, construct immunities are incredible (note lack of Living Construct subtype) and the abilities in "Gem types" are almost all strictly better than most available races; this is also combined with a lack of noncombat abilities/skills, making it a very munchkin-y race design at first look (-2 to Wisdom is countered by immunity to mind-affecting effects, etc).

On to the actual fusion!
Setting aside the ridiculous fusion abilities, the main notes about the fusion is that it operates by "taking the better" of both sides- the better saves and BAB, combining hit points, etc. This is pretty close to an existing rule set, gestalt, which is a pretty good starting place for balance- see the notes on Balancing Gestalt Characters.

Two characters that can fuse are very similar to having a gestalt character, which in turn is similar in power level to a character one level higher; while fused, they lose a lot of damage due to the loss of action economy, but have greatly increased defenses (~double hit points, the better AC/saves/BAB).

[Rebecca-47]

I'm going to try to address the Pathfinder edition, since I'm more familiar with it.

First off, as a base race, this is flat-out busted. That's a side note, since Fusion is the important thing here, but repeatable Polymorph is absurd, construct immunities are incredible (note lack of Living Construct subtype) and the abilities in "Gem types" are almost all strictly better than most available races; this is also combined with a lack of noncombat abilities/skills, making it a very munchkin-y race design at first look (-2 to Wisdom is countered by immunity to mind-affecting effects, etc).

On to the actual fusion!
Setting aside the ridiculous fusion abilities, the main notes about the fusion is that it operates by "taking the better" of both sides- the better saves and BAB, combining hit points, etc. This is pretty close to an existing rule set, gestalt, which is a pretty good starting place for balance- see the notes on Balancing Gestalt Characters.

Two characters that can fuse are very similar to having a gestalt character, which in turn is similar in power level to a character one level higher; while fused, they lose a lot of damage due to the loss of action economy, but have greatly increased defenses (~double hit points, the better AC/saves/BAB).

Sounds like it needs a lot of work. :/ I just wonder if it's possible to make this "fair" compared to other classes/species, or if its inherently OP.