First, I'd like to point out that I think athas.org has a very good templar base class, and I'll also make my templar a ''sorcerer'' type spellcaster. Just works in every way. SKs have more control on how many spells and what spells their templars have access to. Slower spell progression at first (reminiscent of 2e), More spells per day and versatility (best for NPCs, and for DMs) Differenciates from clerics and druids. Overall, all good.
Also, I like how Secular Authority has been approached, and I believe I will do the same thing with it, to a degree. The base system is ok, but it needs, IMO, a minimum templar level with each ability, much like the bardic music ability of the bard. I'll also limit the number of uses per day for non-slave related powers. The templar can still use the ability, but when he surpasses his limit and does so, he looses all granted powers for 24 hours (SK's slap on the wrist).
Also, I'd like to put back item creation into the class, and things like requisitionning troops and gold, in a way that's mechanical enough to be brought into class mechanics, but still playable.
Anyways, a few questions:
- The Templar Sigil idea seems ok, but I'd like to know if its an invention of athas.org, or if it had prior material to back this up? If so, could you point me to it?
- this goes a bit with the first one, but is there any mention of what Templars use as Divine Focuses anywhere in prior DS material?
- Are there any other write-ups of this class? I'd like to see what has been done by others.
thanks for your help.
Originally posted by Shei-Nad
Anyways, a few questions:
- The Templar Sigil idea seems ok, but I'd like to know if its an invention of athas.org, or if it had prior material to back this up? If so, could you point me to it?
Its from RaFoaDK. Hamanu personnaly gives a ceramic medaillon (or a metallic one for higher-up templars) to his templars, whis is scratched on its flip side by one of the King's claws. It is imbued with some sorcerous power by the King. Dunno why, but he needs that to complement what he can do naturally, i.e. transfer energy to his templars. Its explained somewhere in the novel what it does. Sometimes its used as a key to pass trough sorcerous shimmering walls templars erect to protect or quarantine sensitive zones.
Have you read the book? If not you should, its a good, insigthful read.
- this goes a bit with the first one, but is there any mention of what Templars use as Divine Focuses anywhere in prior DS material?
At least no mention in EAFW.
I will have to read that book, if I can get my hands on it on ebay, that is.
- Are there any other write-ups of this class? I'd like to see what has been done by others.
There was the old Divine Templar prestige class prior to my fighting to the death on including templars as a core class. There could be an iteration of that floating around somewhere, otherwise it's resting on the bottom of the Sea of Silt.
Also, I like how Secular Authority has been approached, and I believe I will do the same thing with it, to a degree. The base system is ok, but it needs, IMO, a minimum templar level with each ability, much like the bardic music ability of the bard.
I am aware of the issue with ranks in diplomacy and 1 level in templar with regards to Secular Authority. However, this was weighed and decided that was acceptable. The problem with including a level requirement for Secular Authority is that powerful non-templar class NPCs using "high level"secular authority in the novels, such as Elabon Escrissar in The Brazen Gambit, would be denied this by the rules unless some other solution was invented. For such NPCs as Elabon Escrissar and Hamanu's elven general, access to "high level" use of Secular Authority with 1 level of templar and many ranks in Diplomacy is a workable solution.
I'll also limit the number of uses per day for non-slave related powers.
They already have a limit on using Secular Authority 1/day/level.
Originally posted by Jon, Oracle of Athas
I am aware of the issue with ranks in diplomacy and 1 level in templar with regards to Secular Authority. However, this was weighed and decided that was acceptable. The problem with including a level requirement for Secular Authority is that powerful non-templar class NPCs using "high level"secular authority in the novels, such as Elabon Escrissar in The Brazen Gambit, would be denied this by the rules unless some other solution was invented. For such NPCs as Elabon Escrissar and Hamanu's elven general, access to "high level" use of Secular Authority with 1 level of templar and many ranks in Diplomacy is a workable solution.
Actually, I had thought about that.
Indeed, having a level requirement becomes even more problematic with non spellcasting templars, as they would have to keep gaining levels in an ultimately very weak class (without spells and powers) only to gain secular authority powers. Those templars were described as turning to psionics, or even defiling, while advancing though the ranks of the templarate, instead.
However, the opposite also poses some problems in my opinion. Say a 10 level bard, with 13 ranks of diplomacy, just became a member of the templarate, and took 1 level of templar. He would then end up having all the secular authority powers of an 11th level templar. Talk about rising quickly through the ranks!
So, what I had in mind was a feat (name to come, probably something along the lines of ambitious or resourceful templar, but not that, just a name that reflects this) which would require Secular Authority to take, and would allow you to add half (or even full, but I think that's a bit much) of your non templar class levels to your templar level for the purposes of the secular authority ability.
I think its probably the best way to allow the first but prevent the second, or at least limit it, being justified by the individual taking a feat for that purpose.
They already have a limit on using Secular Authority 1/day/level.
Hmm. How come I didn't see that. I use the same thing. However, certain powers can be used at will such as commanding slaves, entering a freeman's domain. The thing is, if those powers are not at will, it'll be hard to advocate wether the NPC let the Templar in, or if the templar let himself in...