The way I created the Sylph is is the opposite of how I handle most beasts. I usually try to scale them down to lower HD levels to introduce them at an earlier point in the story as an (N)PC. If a player wanted to use one, I would just use the Sylph from the PF books - but what is shown here this is the default, for most sylph in my world. They are a happy, energetic people, willing to help fight evil but also to fly around, observe others from afar, play games and music.
Sylph, Nyssian
Medium Sized Fey (Air)
Hit Dice: 5d8+3 (17 hp)
Initiative: +7 (Dex and Imp Initiative)
Speed: 30 ft; Fly 50 ft (good)
AC 17 touch 13, flat-footed 14 (+3 Dex, +4 natural)
Base Atk +2 CMB +0 CMD 13
Melee Rapier +5 (1d6-2) or Shortbow +5 (1d6)
Special Qualities: Invisibility (3 times a day), Spells
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +6
Abilities: Str 7, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 17
Skills: Diplomacy +6, Escape Artist +8, Heal +6, Knowledge (local or music) +7, Perception +8, Perform +6 (Wind), Stealth: +8,
Feats: Hover, Imp Initiative, Weapon Finesse
Environment: Any Aerial Location (Towers, Remote Spires or Cloud Isles)
Organization: Solitary or pair
Languages Air Elemental, Avian, Fey, Elf, Dwarf, Common
Challenge Rating: 5
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually Neutral Good
Advancement: By character class (sorcerer, rogue or ranger)
These elemental spirits of air resemble gossamer winged petite humans, usually dressed in light colours and small pieces of jewelry. Attractive and playful; love to tease and joke with good aligned creatures that they encounter. Often their teasing is a form of subtle way of getting potential allies to come to their help in defending against evil or those who would harm nature or animals. They are a reclusive people, it is a rare and dangerous time when more than a few are ever in the same place at the same time.
They rarely speak out in front of crowds, they usually whisper in the ears of allies, but they do laugh out-loud as they cannot help themselves in moments of glee. More then one falling person of good alignment has been mysteriously rescued by an invisible sylph. The have a great deal of respect of spellcasters, musicians and artists, and will often take an opportunity to reflect on beauty or art.
They have a wonderful relationship with most creatures that reside in mountainous or wild locations, in particular Dwarves, Elves, Jahlen & Phaetox. Always willing to help in times of danger, acting as a scout or warning them of danger. At the same time, they do ask favours, and have at times raised small armies to help them in their tasks.
They are heavily associated with spires - mile high mountains that act similar to islands in the sky. Yet, many do have homes in the cities, near Towers of magic or other crafts. They spend much of their time invisible, and watching children and musicians. They would be a terrific force for good if focused on long range plans, but their interest like their attention span is often compared to a fleeting breeze.
Their gossamer wings are fragile to physical attack - if they take more than 5 points of damage, they are hobbled for the day and cannot fly for the rest of the day. Normal physical attacks, even to the Sylphs back does not harm the wings, only a deliberate attack. Treat their wings as having a +5 AC deflection bonus in comparison to their regular AC. Spells or magic cannot harm the wings. They regenerate after 8 hours of rest or a cure critical spell is applied to them.
Many mortals believe all Sylph are female, but their numbers are balanced. They are an openly loving species, often getting or being confused with the standard sexual paradigms some mortal creatures seem bound with. They love, just as much as they consume or play or dance, many sylph fornicate without regard, if their partner is a willing one. Other uptight creatures are sometimes confused when a paramour reveals their gender and it is not what they expected.
Combat
Sylphs rarely engage foes directly. Most will try to use their spells to avoid confrontation or to get potential allies to help them. Their two great advantages are their flight and invisibility. The rare sylph that advances in character level, usually does so as either a sorcerer, rogue or ranger.
Energy Resistance: Sylphs have electricity & wind resistance 15. they gain +2 for any new HD or level gained
Abilities: Gust of Wind, Detect Good (1/charisma bonus)
Featherfall (self or any one other in a 50 ft range), Invisibility (3/day)
A Sylph can remain invisible an unlimited amount of time. If they take an action that would make them noticeable, they remain visible until they get unnoticed for one full minute.
Showing posts with label Winged. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winged. Show all posts
Monday, 14 November 2016
Wednesday, 6 April 2016
Phaetox, Advanced Creautre Class
The Phaetox is one of my oldest playable PC races, used as a flying bastion of strict order in a world of chaos and destruction. My version is loosely based on the Phaeton from the Dragon Lance setting, which itself was based on the Greek myth of the same name. While they have a significant benefit - flight, the harsh penalty of not being able to lie in even the smallest way was a great trade off to minimize power-gaming.
This is a chance for me to adjust this creature to my new base. I am now leaning most non-player class options to specialized monster levels instead of class ones. When players pick a creature like a Phaetox, they choose whether to advance as the creature or as a class, but if they are an NPC they are always advanced as the creature class.
PhaetoxThese humanoids appear the same as a human, except on concentration they can sprout flame wings as part of their devotion to their heavenly patron – the Eternal Mother of Order, Lady Phoenix. They are the epitome of order, as they instinctively follow rules even if they don't understand or agree with them.
Personality: They are great believers in discipline but others describe them as sour and serious. Most are peaceful, spending most of their lives in simple work and simple pleasures, such as music, art, sports. They defer to others in areas of specialty (such as magic or legal issues) and avoid conflict with most others in philosophy, but are open to friendly discussions with friends.
Physical Description: Phaetox appear as five feet tall, humans with white, blond or red hair. Most wear simple tunics; if armed they usually use a dagger, cross-bow or staff, Their warriors often use small one-handed crossbows. They avoid heavy armor as it can gives movement penalties. When in danger, they can sprout flame wings from their back. The average citizen use their flame wings to quickly avoid dangers but the warrior caste use their wings as many others use a sword.
Relations: Phaetox view elves, jahlen, and halflings with some suspicion, as these races often bring disruption to Phaetox society. They see the dwarves as a potential ally but rarely have formalized relations. They have no pre-set opinion on humans, though individuals who are bound to Law or their heavenly patron are well received. Unless visitors are known fugitives, they are welcomed to their cities, but no one is above Phaetox laws or customs. Likewise, even if one of the chaotic races, once you've proven your loyalty they will show respect and gratitude.
Alignment: They tend towards both law and neutrality. These peaceful people are highly organized and have followed ceremonial laws for millennium.
Lands: Their territories are mountain regions, spires and the cloud isles, preferring cities to rural areas. They do a mix of hunting and harvesting, and trade with other races when they can.
Religion: Their devotion is to the Phoenix, their living connection with the Mother of Order. Phaetox clerics do not exist, but druids, rangers and monks sometimes act as a center piece of their faith through their actions not their words. Though rare, Paladins exist, as they balance roles of both crusader and custodian of laws.
Language: Phaetox & the common tongue. At higher levels they also learn Avian, the language of common flying beasts.
Adventurers: The most common reason why Phaetox adventure it is the chosen path for those who fail the ritual of ascension. They depart from their communities to dedicate themselves to a lawful purpose and learn their personal path along the way. Well over eighty percent of those who leave, return and do so with their faith reinvigorated and ready to ascend into unity with the phoenix. A few however are permanently changed, these exiles are usually evil and are bared from re-entry into Phaetox communities.
Phaetox Racial Traits+2 wisdom, +2 charisma, -2 strength
+2 diplomacy, +2 knowledge (religion), +2 Fly
Flame Wings for 1 minute per point of constitution (15 con = 15 minutes)Speed: Fly 30 (Clumsy), Better movement, fly capacity as fight time increases
Racial Hit Dice: 1d6 / level
Attack and saving throws as Cleric; + 6 skill points per HD
Natural Attack: Flame Wings (1d4 dmg), does not gain bonuses for high strength. If creatures are immune to flame, take only one point of damage. At higher levels, quarter the maximum to determine the damage flame wings will do to flame resistant creatures.
Disadvantage: Unable to lie or tell any falsehoods; can not take ranks in disguise or bluff
HD Adjustment Table
2 HD Radiate Law, Feat, Speak Avian
3 HD Resolve, Law Domain (1st), Feat
4 HD Law Domain (2nd), + 2 Wis & Con, Speak Elemental
5 HD Flame Wings, +2 to wing attacks, 1d8 Damage; Duration (5 min / Con)
6 HD Protection from Chaos - Spells (Constant), Feat, Law Domain (3rd)
7 HD Greater Resolve; + 2 Wis & Con, Speak Elder Lawful
8 HD Flame Wings, +4 to wing attacks, 1d12 damage; Duration (10 min / Con), Law Domain (4th)
9 HD Protection from Chaos 40 ft Radius (3/day), Feat, Law Domain (5th)
10 HD Absolute Resolve, + 2 Wis & Con; Flame Wings, 2d10 damage (at will), Law Domain (6th)
Phaetox cannot deviate from their creature class features until they reach 5 HD. If they change to gain standard classes, they cannot gain their higher level natural class features at a later point.
Radiate Law: +2 reaction bonus from lawful creatures; -4 from chaotic creatures
Flame Wings are considered a magical touch attack. They inflict damage on creatures that suffer from damage from fire or from a lawful aligned weapon. Their flames are temporary in nature, they do not cause material items such as wood or paper to be consumed. Phaetox can take weapon feats to gain additional specialty or abilities when using their wings in combat.
Resolve: Gain Wis or Cha bonus on saves vs illusions or falsehoods
Greater Resolve; Gain HD bonus + Wis / Cha bonus on saves vs illusions or falsehoods
Absolute Resolve: Immune to falsehoods and illusions
Speak Lawful Languages: While appearing very similar to humans, they are in fact closer to planar beings. As they adventure, they learn to speak avian, then elemental, and finally a lawful dialect that all lawfully aligned creatures understand
Law Domain: Cast Spells from this domain, Can use either their wisdom or charisma score to determine highest level and saving throws same as other spell-casters. Domain Spells: 1st—protection from chaos, 2nd—align weapon (law only), 3rd—magic circle against chaos, 4th—order's wrath, 5th—dispel chaos, 6th—hold monster
Core Racial Skills: Craft (any), Diplomacy, Heal, Knowledge (local, geography, history, religion), Perception, Perform (Any), Sense Motive, Stealth, Survival
Preferred Classes: Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Sorcerer,
Restricted Classes: Barbarian and Cleric
Phaetar In some locations there is a lawful evil variation called the Phaetar that have pale white skin and their wings are pitch black flames. As they gain levels, they gain protection from good instead of chaos. These are individuals that failed or chose not to ascend. They have chosen another path, one where they lead instead of following laws. Most of these exiles try to gin levels in wizard cabals or evil churches (usually Keran) for power, but a cavalier or ranger options are fairly popular as well. While Phaetar seek power, comfort and personal wealth, they try to take these things from others, as few have the confidence to face their kin as they rarely return to their native lands.
This is a chance for me to adjust this creature to my new base. I am now leaning most non-player class options to specialized monster levels instead of class ones. When players pick a creature like a Phaetox, they choose whether to advance as the creature or as a class, but if they are an NPC they are always advanced as the creature class.
PhaetoxThese humanoids appear the same as a human, except on concentration they can sprout flame wings as part of their devotion to their heavenly patron – the Eternal Mother of Order, Lady Phoenix. They are the epitome of order, as they instinctively follow rules even if they don't understand or agree with them.
Personality: They are great believers in discipline but others describe them as sour and serious. Most are peaceful, spending most of their lives in simple work and simple pleasures, such as music, art, sports. They defer to others in areas of specialty (such as magic or legal issues) and avoid conflict with most others in philosophy, but are open to friendly discussions with friends.
Physical Description: Phaetox appear as five feet tall, humans with white, blond or red hair. Most wear simple tunics; if armed they usually use a dagger, cross-bow or staff, Their warriors often use small one-handed crossbows. They avoid heavy armor as it can gives movement penalties. When in danger, they can sprout flame wings from their back. The average citizen use their flame wings to quickly avoid dangers but the warrior caste use their wings as many others use a sword.
Relations: Phaetox view elves, jahlen, and halflings with some suspicion, as these races often bring disruption to Phaetox society. They see the dwarves as a potential ally but rarely have formalized relations. They have no pre-set opinion on humans, though individuals who are bound to Law or their heavenly patron are well received. Unless visitors are known fugitives, they are welcomed to their cities, but no one is above Phaetox laws or customs. Likewise, even if one of the chaotic races, once you've proven your loyalty they will show respect and gratitude.
Alignment: They tend towards both law and neutrality. These peaceful people are highly organized and have followed ceremonial laws for millennium.
Lands: Their territories are mountain regions, spires and the cloud isles, preferring cities to rural areas. They do a mix of hunting and harvesting, and trade with other races when they can.
Religion: Their devotion is to the Phoenix, their living connection with the Mother of Order. Phaetox clerics do not exist, but druids, rangers and monks sometimes act as a center piece of their faith through their actions not their words. Though rare, Paladins exist, as they balance roles of both crusader and custodian of laws.
Language: Phaetox & the common tongue. At higher levels they also learn Avian, the language of common flying beasts.
Adventurers: The most common reason why Phaetox adventure it is the chosen path for those who fail the ritual of ascension. They depart from their communities to dedicate themselves to a lawful purpose and learn their personal path along the way. Well over eighty percent of those who leave, return and do so with their faith reinvigorated and ready to ascend into unity with the phoenix. A few however are permanently changed, these exiles are usually evil and are bared from re-entry into Phaetox communities.
Phaetox Racial Traits+2 wisdom, +2 charisma, -2 strength
+2 diplomacy, +2 knowledge (religion), +2 Fly
Flame Wings for 1 minute per point of constitution (15 con = 15 minutes)Speed: Fly 30 (Clumsy), Better movement, fly capacity as fight time increases
Racial Hit Dice: 1d6 / level
Attack and saving throws as Cleric; + 6 skill points per HD
Natural Attack: Flame Wings (1d4 dmg), does not gain bonuses for high strength. If creatures are immune to flame, take only one point of damage. At higher levels, quarter the maximum to determine the damage flame wings will do to flame resistant creatures.
Disadvantage: Unable to lie or tell any falsehoods; can not take ranks in disguise or bluff
HD Adjustment Table
2 HD Radiate Law, Feat, Speak Avian
3 HD Resolve, Law Domain (1st), Feat
4 HD Law Domain (2nd), + 2 Wis & Con, Speak Elemental
5 HD Flame Wings, +2 to wing attacks, 1d8 Damage; Duration (5 min / Con)
6 HD Protection from Chaos - Spells (Constant), Feat, Law Domain (3rd)
7 HD Greater Resolve; + 2 Wis & Con, Speak Elder Lawful
8 HD Flame Wings, +4 to wing attacks, 1d12 damage; Duration (10 min / Con), Law Domain (4th)
9 HD Protection from Chaos 40 ft Radius (3/day), Feat, Law Domain (5th)
10 HD Absolute Resolve, + 2 Wis & Con; Flame Wings, 2d10 damage (at will), Law Domain (6th)
Phaetox cannot deviate from their creature class features until they reach 5 HD. If they change to gain standard classes, they cannot gain their higher level natural class features at a later point.
Radiate Law: +2 reaction bonus from lawful creatures; -4 from chaotic creatures
Flame Wings are considered a magical touch attack. They inflict damage on creatures that suffer from damage from fire or from a lawful aligned weapon. Their flames are temporary in nature, they do not cause material items such as wood or paper to be consumed. Phaetox can take weapon feats to gain additional specialty or abilities when using their wings in combat.
Resolve: Gain Wis or Cha bonus on saves vs illusions or falsehoods
Greater Resolve; Gain HD bonus + Wis / Cha bonus on saves vs illusions or falsehoods
Absolute Resolve: Immune to falsehoods and illusions
Speak Lawful Languages: While appearing very similar to humans, they are in fact closer to planar beings. As they adventure, they learn to speak avian, then elemental, and finally a lawful dialect that all lawfully aligned creatures understand
Law Domain: Cast Spells from this domain, Can use either their wisdom or charisma score to determine highest level and saving throws same as other spell-casters. Domain Spells: 1st—protection from chaos, 2nd—align weapon (law only), 3rd—magic circle against chaos, 4th—order's wrath, 5th—dispel chaos, 6th—hold monster
Core Racial Skills: Craft (any), Diplomacy, Heal, Knowledge (local, geography, history, religion), Perception, Perform (Any), Sense Motive, Stealth, Survival
Preferred Classes: Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Sorcerer,
Restricted Classes: Barbarian and Cleric
Phaetar In some locations there is a lawful evil variation called the Phaetar that have pale white skin and their wings are pitch black flames. As they gain levels, they gain protection from good instead of chaos. These are individuals that failed or chose not to ascend. They have chosen another path, one where they lead instead of following laws. Most of these exiles try to gin levels in wizard cabals or evil churches (usually Keran) for power, but a cavalier or ranger options are fairly popular as well. While Phaetar seek power, comfort and personal wealth, they try to take these things from others, as few have the confidence to face their kin as they rarely return to their native lands.
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