NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

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dedude
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NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by dedude »

Introduction
This is a new feature added to the planar calling spell lines (binding/ally/gate). A host of unique planar beings have been added to the game (and more will be added over time), and can be called if a caster learns their true name. Once an unbound being is called to a caster they will undergo a negotiation for the price of the being's services. If the caster agree and pay the price, the being will be bound to the caster and can henceforth be called upon and considered an ally.
How to learn the true name of a planar being
The DM team can leak a true name as part of an event, as a reward, as a clue, or any other way they see fit. They can also easily create new beings fitting their story lines as they see fit. But don't expect finding the true name of a being to be easy, they tend to keep those secret for a reason. ;)

Rare books have been added to the loot tables that, with the right lore skills, can be deciphered and potentially reveal a clue to a true name. If you fail to decipher such a book, you can let someone else try who might have better lore/knowledge in the area. Make sure it is someone you trust though, or they could steal the knowledge in the book. ;)

Finally, a true name can be a very valuable trade commodity. You are free to share a true name (or sell it) as you see fit. But remember, these beings are unique, two casters can't both call on the same one at the same time. So most casters would probably want to keep a true name secret.
How to call a planar being using its true name
To call a planar being by its true name you need a Planar Focus. The only known material to be able to function as a focus is a diamond. Three tiers of diamonds can be used:
  • Diamond: lesser beings up to 15 HD
  • Canary Diamond: beings up to 20 HD
  • Blue Diamond: higher beings with no known limits
If you target one of these gems with a planar calling spell, you will be able to inscribe it with a true name, and then call on that being for negotiation. The negotiation includes a diplomacy check and the alignment distance between being and caster will influence it as well (may even make negotiation impossible). If you pay the price for the being's services the being will be bound to that gem and the gem becomes a Planar Focus bound to you, and can't be traded.
To call a being bound to a Planar Focus, use the appropriate calling spell and target the focus with it, and the being will be called.
Final notes
  • When inscribing the true name into the gem, a Lore: The Planes skill check may reveal some information on the being before you call it.
  • If a being is killed, it will not be possible to call it again for 24 hours. This "cooldown" may be increased later, or other penalties considered. Don't let a called being die, that is not part of the agreement you made with it...
  • These beings can be stronger, smarter, weaker, uglier, even completely different from those normally called by the calling spells. But they are all subject to QC/dev balance so don't expect to be calling demi gods (well you can always ask a DM to let you do it and see if you survive it) :P
  • And probably a bunch of other things that I forget to mention right now.
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Kiran
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Kiran »

This sounds absolutely awesome!

Really like the concept.
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by LuvHandles »

This actually sounds great. Down the road I was going to ask for Shards to be added as summons for selunites (assuming they aren't already in the lists as I don't have access to Greater Planar Ally, Gate or Epic Gate yet). Now apparently it can be accomplished with in the game mechanics and a DM, very nice.

Now to hunt for a blue diamond ...
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Nachti
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Nachti »

Shards take a priestress along when leaving. Shards are better left for dms.
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LuvHandles
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by LuvHandles »

I agree that DM involvement with regards to Shards is ideal.

However, the link I provided showed two ways that a Shard (which is really just a female planetar) could be called to service.

The first one, which you seem to be referring to, was as part of the ritual of the Conjuring of the Second Moon, where multiple Shards are summoned. And the priestess chosen is elevated to a Shard herself. This is not the way I was referring to, though it would make a great RP event to have all the selunite players perform the ritual!

The other is simply:
Shards were sent by the goddess to show her favor or give aid to mortals
Which to my mind could be as the result of a conjuration. But with the advent of this new system, there is no need to add Shards as common summons. Instead a highly favored selunite could build a real relationship with a Shard after receiving its true name. Of course this brings us back full circle to requiring DM intervention, which I believe was your point.
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Marathados
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Marathados »

Kiran wrote:This sounds absolutely awesome!

Really like the concept.
+1

Nice, creative approach!
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Planehopper
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Planehopper »

I like the concept of this, and can't wait to hunt down a name.

Do any PrCs play into the mechanics of this feature?
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Tsidkenu
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Tsidkenu »

Clerics with the Knowledge domain & Specialist Diviners (incl. spell focus Divination?) should receive a bonus on whatever checks they make to ascertain a True Name, given the domain & spell school is fairly useless otherwise. Just a suggestion!
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dedude
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by dedude »

Planehopper wrote:Do any PrCs play into the mechanics of this feature?
No, if you can cast a planar calling spell you can use this feature. The rest are skill checks.
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Nachti
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Nachti »

I expanded the truename list to a total of 33 creatures. Enjoy!
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Argumantive »

I am curious, does the system work only with natural casting?

As warlock, I can easily use greater planar binding spell, and Would love to incorparate one of said unique being into his RP using scrolls, is it actually possible? Or do I need an actual -native- planar binding spell?
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Nachti
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Nachti »

Could work with scrolls.
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by electric mayhem »

Ooooo so this is what the books are for.

Great system!



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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by Sun Wukong »

These books are apparently login locked.
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electric mayhem
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Re: NEXT UPDATE : Planar Calling

Unread post by electric mayhem »

Sun Wukong wrote:These books are apparently login locked.
What do you mean by that?



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~Wouveir - Hellstorm Crew
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~Harrison Remillard - Morninglord of the Song of the Morning Temple.


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