Post by Kitsune on Jan 14, 2015 3:31:21 GMT
Throwing this out as an idea for the character I'm currently working upon. Right now I'm assuming a template, but the template doesn't fit as well as a bloodline I had written up for it. So, thought I'd try recommending a system to A) Make Bloodlines not a hassle, and B) A request for the custom one I had written up. Feel free to disregard this if desired, but thought I'd give it a shot as I liked the gradual power growth and thematic choice of this more so than the template route.
Bloodlines In General
The simplest solution, I'd think, would be that bloodlines don't give a 'quasi-level' at whatever level you're required to take, instead they give a level adjustment at each bloodline 'level'. For example, when a character with a Major Bloodline reaches 3rd, 6th, and 12th level, he'll gain a +1 level adjustment (for a total of +3 by level 12, unless he uses level adjustment buyoff to pay it off. If he does so as soon as he gets it, he'll spend 3,000, 6,000, and 12,000, for a total expenditure of 21,000xp). Given that the bloodline benefits aren't that overwhelming (for the most part, as far as I'm aware), I think this would do enough to make up for the added power a bloodline adds, without making it too hefty of a cost.
Another solution is that a bloodline functions just like a template, but one that gives its benefits over 20 levels (like Shadow-Walker, or Phrenic), and costs an upfront +1-3 LA.
My Own Bloodline Request
I modeled the bloodline after the Major True Dragon bloodlines, swapping around spell-like abilities for ones relevant for the targeted dragon, as well as the supernatural/extraordinary abilities. Behold~
Shadow Dragon Bloodline
Breath Weapon: A 30ft cone of billowing, smoky shadows with an energy drain effect. Those inside of the breath weapon's effect must make a reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 hit dice + charisma modifier) or suffer gain one negative level. Recharges after 1d4 turns. These negative levels are lost at a rate of one negative level per day (so for example, someone who falls victim to five negative levels from a Shadow Dragon Bloodline user will regain all lost levels after five days). Unlike regular Negative Levels, these negative levels never have a chance of permanently draining its victims levels and result in level loss.
Bloodlines In General
The simplest solution, I'd think, would be that bloodlines don't give a 'quasi-level' at whatever level you're required to take, instead they give a level adjustment at each bloodline 'level'. For example, when a character with a Major Bloodline reaches 3rd, 6th, and 12th level, he'll gain a +1 level adjustment (for a total of +3 by level 12, unless he uses level adjustment buyoff to pay it off. If he does so as soon as he gets it, he'll spend 3,000, 6,000, and 12,000, for a total expenditure of 21,000xp). Given that the bloodline benefits aren't that overwhelming (for the most part, as far as I'm aware), I think this would do enough to make up for the added power a bloodline adds, without making it too hefty of a cost.
Another solution is that a bloodline functions just like a template, but one that gives its benefits over 20 levels (like Shadow-Walker, or Phrenic), and costs an upfront +1-3 LA.
My Own Bloodline Request
I modeled the bloodline after the Major True Dragon bloodlines, swapping around spell-like abilities for ones relevant for the targeted dragon, as well as the supernatural/extraordinary abilities. Behold~
Shadow Dragon Bloodline
Character Level | Minor | Intermediate | Major |
1 | - | - | +2 on Hide Checks |
2 | - | +2 on Hide Checks | Stealthy |
3 | - | - | Intelligence +1 |
4 | +2 on hide Checks | Stealthy | Mirror Image 1/day (Sp) |
5 | - | - | Shadow Dragon Affinity +2 |
6 | - | Intelligence +1 | +1 Natural Armor |
7 | - | - | +2 on Move Silently Checks |
8 | Stealthy | Mirror Image 1/day | Nondetection 1/day (Sp) |
9 | - | - | Wisdom +1 |
10 | - | Shadow Dragon Affinity +2 | Shadowblend (Su) |
11 | - | - | Shadow Dragon Affinity +4 |
12 | Intelligence +1 | +1 Natural Armor | +1 to Natural Armor |
13 | - | - | +2 on Bluff Checks |
14 | - | +2 on Move Silently Checks | Alertness |
15 | - | - | Charisma +1 |
16 | Mirror Image 1/day | Nondetection 1/day | Breath Weapon (Ex) |
17 | - | - | Shadow Dragon Affinity +6 |
18 | - | Wisdom +1 | +1 to Natural Armor |
19 | - | - | +2 on Sense Motive Checks |
20 | Shadow Dragon Affinity +2 | Shadowblend (Su) | Energy Drain Immunity |
Breath Weapon: A 30ft cone of billowing, smoky shadows with an energy drain effect. Those inside of the breath weapon's effect must make a reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 hit dice + charisma modifier) or suffer gain one negative level. Recharges after 1d4 turns. These negative levels are lost at a rate of one negative level per day (so for example, someone who falls victim to five negative levels from a Shadow Dragon Bloodline user will regain all lost levels after five days). Unlike regular Negative Levels, these negative levels never have a chance of permanently draining its victims levels and result in level loss.