I've got a couple of minutes free so i thought i'd upload a document i did up about a year ago... yeah yeah, i'm slow at posting but here it goes anyway... it's not complete but i hope it is of some use.
Sorcerer Monarchs, Divinity and Associated Issues
Since moving to Singapore, I have somewhat more time on my hands. As a result, I’ve decided to get onto the keyboard and make some contributions to the Darksun community beyond my normal questioning, debating and occasional feat writing (I do plan to finish the enrich spell feat – after this project) spurts.
I’m making this contribution for the reason that the somewhat unique status of the Sorcerer Monarchs on Athas has been discussed ad nausem on the boards, but nothing concrete has been offered. It’s also for clarification for my old gaming group back home (Magoo, thanks for you help on this).
Sorcerer Monarchs are god-like beings. This is beyond doubt. They are immortal. They can grant spells to their templars, who in turn (in 3e) can turn undead. They have access to both epic spells and psionic enchantment’s. When looking at what makes a god (from a game point of view) they pass many of the required tests, some of which are mentioned above. What is know however, is that they are not gods, despite their power. Much has been debated about the relative power of SM vs Gods. I hope in these contributions to provide a framework to make the Sorcerer Monarchs so much more than just really really EPIC characters, but as creatures that rival the gods on other realms – within their own unique limitations. I have created four options for the community and Athas.org to consider. Three of these proposals are by and large built on the following premises:
That Sorcerer Monarchs are much like Demon princes, Arch devils and elemental lords as described in Deities and Demigods pg 8:
“The default assumption of the D&D game is that, while powerful outsider and elemental lords exist, they are not gods, and cannot grant spells to clerics the way deities do…. In an alternate cosmology, however, it may be important to allow these figures to grant spells…. In such a campaign, the demon princes and archdevils, as well as other elemental and outsider lords may achieve divine ranks 1 or higher, though they should not rise higher than demigod status (divine rank 5)…. The alternative is to maintain these powerful creatures at divine rank 0 but give them a special ability to grant spells to their servants”
That the system of Divine ranks and powers as outlined in deities in demigods provides an appropriate source material to base some of the Sorcerer Monarchs abilities.
The four options I will present are as follows:
1. A revision of the Divine rank system, specifically for Athasian Sorcerer Monarchs and Advanced Beings. I am still tossing up between “Power Ranks” and “Monarchal Power Ranks”
2. Using the existing Divine rank system on Athas as is, or with minor alterations
3. Creating a specific list of “Advanced Being” and “Sorcerer Monarch” feats based on the list of Divine feats
4. Ignoring it all and leaving as is.
What I’d like to see are people read the three proposals, have think, and then comment constructively. Take what you think is useful for your own campaigns and discard that which is not useful. I’d also like Athas.org to consider this document during the on-going conversion of epic characters and Sorcerer Monarchs, again, take what you think is useful from it.
Athasian Power Rank System
What is it?
The Athasian Power Rank System is a system based off the Divine Rank system that provide a scaled list of beyond-epic abilities for advanced beings and sorcerer monarchs on Athas. Whilst these being are not truly divine, they have powers beyond mortal (epic) abilities.
The system works on a scale of 0-5 with Power Rank 0 being non-champion advanced beings, and ranks 1-5 describing the powers of the Champions of Rajaat, with Rajaat himself being level 5. It is possible that this system could also be applied to the Elemental lords and powerful spirits of the land with some additional work.
Sorcerer Monarchs and Advanced beings share some characteristics. They are immortal (but can die), they have access to epic spells and psionic enchantment’s, and may have a fairly large list of epic feats. The Power Rank System provides abilities beyond the epic, in line with divine being on other worlds, but has some limitations.
Sorcerer Monarch Characteristics:
Hit Points: Sorcerer Monarchs receive maximum hit points for each Hit Die they gained since becoming a Sorcerer Monarch. Original Hit Die remain unchanged
Rationale: Deities are born with full hit die, Sorcerer Monarchs aren’t divine, but do gain maximum hit die after their transformation
Speed: Sorcerer Monarchs move at the same rate their current form allows
Rationale: Nothing in the PP series or 2e books suggests they can move (non magically) substantially faster than mortals. If I am incorrect in this, please let me know.
Armour Class: Sorcerer Monarchs have an intangible field of mystical energy that encompasses and diffuses a Monarchs body, granting it an Armour Class bonus of equal to it’s power rank. This bonus stacks with all other armour class bonuses and is effective against touch attacks and incorporeal touch attacks
Rational: Even before Kalak had transformed beyond 21st level, the Halfling chief created a magic weapon to pierce his armour. Although some Advanced Beings get immunity to non-magical weapons, this ability makes Sorcerer Monarchs all the more formidable without the same level of protection imbued to true deities
Attacks: A Sorcerer Monarchs hit dice and type and character level determine it’s base attack bonus. In addition to these figures for weapon attacks, the statistics block also includes melee touch attacks and ranged attack bonuses, to be used when the SM casts a spell or uses a spell-like ability that requires a touch attack to affect the target. A SM gets its Power Rank as a Monarchal bonus on all attack rolls. Sorcerer Monarchs with a Power Rank of 4 or higher do not automatically fail on a natural roll of a 1.
Rational: Not much reason the change this. Moving the not-automatically fail on a 1 ability places that only within reach of Boyrs and Dregoth, along with Rajaat, the three most powerful creatures to have ever walked Athas.
Saving Throws: A Sorcerer Monarch receives it Power Rank as bonus to all saving throws
Rationale: This ability makes Sorcerer Monarchs more formidable without giving them the advantage of ignoring results of a ‘1’. This is important, as non-epic Psions such as Agis have successfully affected Sorcerer Monarchs in the PP books.
Immunities: SM have some particular immunities. They are vulnerable to mind-affecting attacks (see above). There may be some scope to include immunities; this is an area that I am seeking some form of consensus on.
Rationale: Again, nothing in the base literature indicates that Sorcerer Monarchs have these types of immunities. There are some examples where they are clearly vulnerable to attacks (Psionics for example). Again, if anyone can provide me examples, let me know and I can revisit this.
Damage Reduction: A SM has damage reduction of 15/+ it’s power rank, this is not stackable with any other existing class or template damage reduction, however the SM can choose to use which ever damage reduction is most beneficial in each circumstance.
Rationale: This ability makes Sorcerer Monarchs particularly hard to hurt and kill (ie need for Heartwood spear) but not as powerful as true deities
Resistances: Sorcerer Monarchs have:
Fire resistance 20 + Power rank
Spell resistance 30 + Power rank.
Rationale: This ability makes Sorcerer Monarchs particularly hard to hurt and kill but not as powerful as true deities
Salient Monarchal Abilities: A SM or Power Rank 1 or higher has at least one additional power, called a Salient Monarchal Ability, per Power Rank (See Monarchal Abilities later)
Rationale: A limited list of abilities from Deities and Demigods will make the Sorcerer Monarchs more powerful, but not as powerful (or diverse in their abilities) as gods. It also provides a great way of distinguishing between the different “flavours” of the Sorcerer Monarchs.
Domain Powers: A Sorcerer Monarch cannot use domain powers or divine magic
Rationale: In line with 2e material regarding elemental vortices
Spell Like Abilities: Any spell like abilities possessed by the SM gain the Sorcerer Monarchs power rank as a bonus to the effective caster level
Rationale: Mimics deity’s abilities, but without accessing divine magic, therefore limiting it somewhat
Immortality: All Advanced Beings and Sorcerer Monarchs of Power Rank 0 are naturally immortal and cannot die for natural causes. They don’t need to eat or sleep. They are still, however, prone to death from massive damage
Rationale: Makes Sorcerer Monarchs slightly more vulnerable than true deities, also assists explaining the deaths of the various Sorcerer Monarchs during the PP series.
Senses: Advanced Beings and Sorcerer Monarchs have normal senses.
Remote Sensing: As a standard action, a SM of power rank 1 or higher can perceive the surroundings of one of it’s templars, as if it was perceiving the surrounds with it’s normal senses (and range of those senses). Sorcerer Monarchs can see through the eyes of up to two (2) templars at a time, plus perceiving their normal surrounds
Rationale: Provides the SM with a scaled-down version of the deities’ remote viewing without accessing planar abilities
Monarchal Aura: There mere presence of a Monarch with Power Rank 1 or higher can deeply affect mortals, as well as affecting Monarchs of lower rank. All Auras’ are mind affecting extraordinary abilities. Mortals and Monarchs of lower rank can resist the affects with successful Will saves; the DC is 10 + the monarchs power rank + the monarchs charisma modifier. Monarchs are immune to the auras of other Monarchs with equal or lower ranks. Any being who makes a successful saving throw is immune to the aura for one day. The Monarchs Aura extends at a range of 10ft for every power rank. Creatures with Power Rank 0 exert a 10-ft Aura.
The Monarch can choose a radius of 0 feet if so desired as free action. Aura’s can co-exist if the Monarchs are of equal rank, but where one ranks higher than the other, the aura that belongs to the highest ranked Monarch prevails. The Monarch can, as a free action, makes it’s own templars, beings of its alignment or both types of individuals immune to the aura. The immunity, once granted, lasts one day and cannot be revoked. The Monarch’s Aura can be chosen, but choeces ares based on it’s Advanced being
Type:
Dragons and Elemental can exhibit the Fright Aura: affected creatures become shaken and suffer a –2 morale penatly of attack rolls, saves, and checks. The slightest look or gesture is enough to make the affected creature frightened, but weather they choose to stay or flee is up to each creature.
Avignons and Dragons can exhibit the Resolve Aura: The Monarchs allies receive at +4 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and checks, while the Monarch’s foes receive a –4 morale penalty on attacks rolls, saves, and checks
Avignons and Elemental can exhibit the Daze Aura: affected creatures just stare at the Monarch in fascination, they can defend themselves but cannot take any actions
Rationale: This limited selection sticks with the flavour of the two different Advanced Beings (base creatures for the Monarchs) being polar opposites. I have included elementals, as I believe character elementals (and all Advanced Beings that are immortal) should have Power Rank 0.
Note: The Aura ability is in no way related to an Avignons aura that is developed at higher levels.
Grant Spells: A Monarch may automatically grant spells to mortal spellcasters whom pray to it, or call upon its name. They maynot grant domain powers, unlike true deities. Monarchs grant spells from the Templar spell list. A Monarch can withhold spells to a particular mortal as a free action. If granted, it remains in the mortals mind until expended.
Rationale: in DS3e, templars don’t have domains. In addition, this provides the Sorcerer Monarchs another slight scale-down when compared to a true deity
Communication: A Monarch of Power Rank 1 or higher can understand, speak, and read any language. The Monarch can speak directly to any creature within 100ft of it’s self per Power Rank, as a free action.
Remote communication: As a standard action, a Monarch can send a communication to a remote location. The monarch can speak to any of its worshippers who carries their sigil (holy symbol) and to anyone within 100ft per Power Rank of a site dedicated to the Monarch, such as temples, palaces, statues etc. The creature being contacted hears the communication as a telepathic voice inside their head. The communication cannot be heard if the recipient is within the previously defined communication boundaries of a higher ranked Monarch, even if they hold a Sigil. A Monarchs communication can cross the planes; however, the chance of the message getting through the grey is a function of both the Monarchs location and the recipients level of power. See the 2e book “preservers and defilers” for more details. A Monarch can carry on as many remote communications as it has power ranks.
Rationale: A slightly scaled down version of the standard deity power, allowing for planar travel without the ease of communication of true deities.
Salient Monarchal Abilities:
Advanced beings receive one Salient Monarchal ability upon become an Advanced Being. In addition to this single power, Monarchs have one additional power per Power Rank. The maximum number of Salient Monarchal Abilities possible on Athas is 6 (for being and AB, 5 for each power rank)
Proposed List Salient Monarchal Abilities: (please feel free to tell me which ones you think should be included, which ones should be dropped)
Alter Form – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Alter Size – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Arcane Mastery – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Automatic Metamagic – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Bane Strike – Free to all Champions of Rajaat for the race they were assigned to eliminate (Hammanu may have Dragons as his Enemy)
Battle Sense – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Craft Artifact – Modify pre-requisite to include “must have a minimum Power Rank of 4” (ie only Rajaat, Boyrs and Dregoth can make Artifacts) otherwise as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Archery (see Divine Archery) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Armour Mastery (see Divine Armour mastery) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Battle Mastery (see Divine Battle Mastery) - as per Deities and Demi Gods, available only to Champions of Rajaat
Monarchal Celerity (see Divine Celerity) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Dodge (see Divine Dodge) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Fast Healing (see Divine Fast Healing) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Inspiration (see Divine inspiration) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Recall (see divine recall) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Skill Focus (see divine skill focus) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Spell Focus (see divine spell focus) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Spellcasting (see divine Spellcasting) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Psionics (see divine spellcastings, modify for Psionics) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Weapon Focus (see divine weapon focus) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Monarchal Weapon Specialisation (see divine weapon specialisation) – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Frightful presence – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Power of Nature – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Power of Truth – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Spontaneous Wizard Spells – as per Deities and Demi Gods
Undead Qualities – as per Deities and Demi Gods (Dregoth only?)
Monarchal Feats:
Advanced Beings and Sorcerer Monarchs may use any feats from the Epic handbooks, Deities and Demigods, DS3, as well as the players handbook.
Good work all round, Rob.
Cheers
Jaanos
EDIT: hmmm.... 95 views and one reply....
Any feedback? good? bad? ugly?
*BUMP*
Any feedback? good? bad? ugly?
Neither of those but COOOOOOOOOL
Nice work you have done there!! I especially like the inclusion of your rationale behind each of those abilities! That helps a lot! Forthermore I do think you did find quite a appropriate quote there and that the comparison ist quite accurate!Thank you for this article! Lets see if something of this does find its way to athas.org
Jaanos
However, some people do want to play those levels so i wrote it with them in mind.
Just my two bits
This is exactly what i was thinking about doing, as it makes sense and fits with how the SK's are shown in the novels. While we all know that there are things that make them different in the game from the novels, i like this approach. just one question, have you thought about what would allow someone to gain these abilities? is it after one aquires a elemental vortex, or do you need to have further rituals?
I'd say it's fairly improbable that any character will be in such a position, but i'd say dregoth was on the right path. I've always be fond of the theory that elemental vortices are proto-gods. My idea is that as many primative cultures worhshiped the elements, most worlds are created by the elements who then gradually evolve into 'true' gods over time... on athas, the evoloution never took place as the elemental vortices were taken over / hijacked. I know that doesn't sit well with the cosmic view of the inner and outer planes, but that's just my theory.
1. worship fire (element)
2. worhship specific aspect of fire (and an individual elemental lord)
3. elemental lord evolves with worshipers to become a fire-god
4. fire god has children
5. children banish him back to the elemental plane
6. children have children and pantheon is born
etc etc
Back to your question, i think for PC's to have ANY hope of becoming a god they'll have to do it on another plane, then return to athas and figure out how to bore a hole or metaphysical tunnel through the grey to the outer planes, or take dregoths approach.
Hence i think a more apt example would be comparing granny smith apples to red apples. both are apples, one is green, the other is red. taste different too.
yummmmy..... immortal apples :pile:
I have a rather guarded opinion on this matter- I think trying compare god and SKs is like comparing apples and oranges- they are totally different in every major factor- the first being that most gods just 'are'- they sprung forth from the stuff of creation, whereas the SKs were born and trained to achieve the power they have.
Just my two bits
I have a rather guarded opinion on this matter- I think trying compare god and SKs is like comparing apples and oranges- they are totally different in every major factor- the first being that most gods just 'are'- they sprung forth from the stuff of creation, whereas the SKs were born and trained to achieve the power they have.
Just my two bits
But Kal, apples and oranges are both fruits... doesn't that count for something! :P
The system works on a scale of 0-5 with Power Rank 0 being non-champion advanced beings, and ranks 1-5 describing the powers of the Champions of Rajaat, with Rajaat himself being level 5. It is possible that this system could also be applied to the Elemental lords and powerful spirits of the land with some additional work.
I like the idea...but...ehrmm...how many power ranks does a 1st lvl Dragon/AB have? Zero?