Re: Helmsman Prestige Class

In <URL:news:local.spelljam> on Sun 02 Apr, Peter Aronson wrote:
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Dreamer" <dreamer@??????.?????.??.uk>
> To: <SPELLJAMMER-L@??????.???????.com>
> Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 12:54 AM
> Subject: Re: [SPELLJAMMER] Helmsman Prestige Class
> 
> 
> > You obviously haven't seen how horribly effective someone who has
> > very good senses, and can at least warn, if not direct, their
> > fellows (via something like Telepthy) in a fight can be! [grin]
> 
> In the case of Eyes of the Ship I, the spell being mimic'ed is a 2nd level
> spell.  Given that your probably have to be level 5 before you take Helmsman
> 1, and you get this at Helmsman 4, it doesn't seem all that outrageous, even
> as a full-time ability.  Now I admit in the case of Eyes of the Ship II,
> where the spell veing mimic'ed is 5th/6th level the effect is more extreme.
> Maybe they get these as spell-like abilites usable 2 times/day for the usual
> duration?

I'd be happier with that.


> > > > "Create Minor Helm", which is very powerful without some
> > > > downside, like being incapable of operating a Helm for a week.
> > >
> > > I was thinking that they could not cast it again until the minor helm
> > > was dispelled or expired.  So a Helmsman could only create a single
> > > helm at a time.
> >
> > This is a major magical working, which you would otherwise need
> > an INT 16+ 11th level Wizard for (or a suitable WIS 15+ 9th level
> > Cleric). Don't you think the downside should be more than only
> > being able to create a single one at a time?
> 
> Hm.  Maybe instead the ability should be:
> 
> Living Helm: A Helmsman may use this ability to act like a Minor Helm for 12
> hours.  During that time it is exactly like they are wearing a Crown of the
> Stars.  At the end of the 12 hours, they collapse and remain unconcious for
> 1d4+4 hours.  This ability may then not be used again for another 24 hours.
> (Level 10.)

That sounds quite fun!


> > > > I'm not sure if "Heal Ship" shouldn't have some sort of downside,
> > > > like inflicting normal damage equal to ten times the number of
> > > > hull points repaired on the Helmsman.
> > >
> > > Maybe if it cost 100 XP per point repairs?
> >
> > I just thought that healing the ship at the cost of your own hit
> > points made sense - it hurts but if you've got access to magical
> > healing its reasonably tolerable. Fun to roleplay!
> >
> > The ship itself isn't magical, so I'm not sure about the idea of
> > burning XP to repair it, as I thought you normally burnt XP in
> > making (or maybe repairing) magic (items)?
> 
> Well, repairing a ship using the power of your mind is one of those
> inherently "unreasonable" powers that seems to defy reality.  Defying
> reality at 3.5e seems to cost XP.  Also, most people are more willing to
> take damage than give up XP!

OK, if that makes more sense to you!


> Best Regards,
> 
> Peter

-- 
Dreamer
dreamer@??????.?????.??.uk
http://www.romsys.demon.co.uk/