Talk_Spellbound Rules Updates

I see this rule change as a good idea. It offers something more in line with what a traditional education should be, focusing on your own home region as opposed to the entire world. But I think this also leads to the need for some clarification of the ability. We've talked about the different levels of knowledge (local), and I think we should structure that. Maybe we should set the default as a particular nation, such as knowledge (Thay), with a step above that increases the DC for the check: ie. Knowledge (Unapproachable East). The check for something in Thay should be 5-10 point lower if you have (Thay).

Another possibility to throw in greater focus might be some method to show some specialization. One city or Tharch isn't worth a whole skill selection. Maybe the theft of the idea of Stunts from CS? Take a regional specialization (2 skill ranks) and get a +3 or so check to a area?

Examples: Victus Tarkasian (Int 26) has 14 ranks in Knowledge (Thay) having spent most of his time dealing with the politics and back-stabbing of his home region; he has a +22 to all knowledge checks about particular events in Thay, such as the Thachioness's personal history (A DC 30 check). Alex the all-knowing, a Oghmite scholar (Int 18), studies the world and tries to put everything in context. He has 10 ranks in knowledge (UA), but has focus on Thay because of the influence that they have on the world He has a +14 to most checks about the Unapproachable East, but a +17 with regard to Thayan events; His check to know about the Thachioness's personal history is a DC 40 check.

--Pilitus 07:32, 2 April 2007 (EDT)

I would probably choose to standardize on the official FR regions list, which includes Thay, Unther, Rashemen, etc. The Unapproachable East is too large an area. Any serious Thayan (like The Tharchioness) has a few ranks for all neighboring regions, and a ton for Thay.

Those would get Knowledge (Local)--wizards, bards, and rogues--have plenty of skill points anyway.

-- Kenjura, 12:53, 2 April 2007 (EDT)

I have to say these proposed changes make all kinds of sense. However, even though I love our clerics very much, I think True Resurrection should probably cost more like, 10,000 XP. The reason for this is that the difference between Resurrection and True Resurrection is now basically moot (monetary cost aside). True Resurrection was used previously to avoid level loss, and (never) used to raise targets that had been dead for over 200 years, with no body.

(correction: Don has correctly pointed out that True Resurrection has a 10 yr/lvl limit; I was pretty sure this was 100 yr/lvl at one point)

The SRD does say that the remains of a Disintegrate spell are enough to bring someone back with Resurrection. However, the Destruction spell, at 7th level, cannot be reversed short of 9th level magics. As far as I know, it is the only spell that can annihilate someone, remains and all.

I would almost say that True Resurrection should simply be an epic spell, considering how freaking powerful it is (raise someone dead 1700 years with no body?!?). In any event, it is simply not going to be used no matter what the cost, except in the most dire, world-altering circumstances (like, to raise ancient elven heroes from the dead to fight Sarya).

Tallas

The 5,000 XP cost is based on Miracle and Wish; those two can do everything True Resurrection can. However, I support the assertation that bringing someone back from xxxx years ago is a pretty epic spell. And, like an epic spell, it is only useful under the most ridiculous circumstances.

Miracle and Wish should be the primary life-restoring spells at 9th-level. One action, 5,000 xp, you're back, full health, no level loss, no questions asked. One could also use either to duplicate Resurrection, but that would still cost 3,000 XP (or 5,000 for Wish), making it pointless for Clerics.

True Resurrection should be deleted from the spell list, and re-made as an epic spell, with no concrete time-since-death limitation, and an obscene cost.

-- Kenjura, 12:52, 2 April 2007 (EDT)

Miracle and Wish both can do everything True Resurrection can, but you must cast it twice. Miracle and Wish can both recreate an annihilated body, but another casting is required to bring it back to life. Yes, it is one action. Yes, this pretty much seals the deal: True Resurrection is an epic spell.

Tallas 16:28, 2 April 2007 (EDT)