faustian contracts and more

[SDragon]

the faustian element is in the instability of -1HP. it isn't so much "hey, im not dead after all!", as it is, "well im alive, but crap i should've specified that i wanted to stay alive...". that shows up much more in lower levels , where there isn't as much to stabilize upon, and you don't have many levels to give into this.

[Lmns Crn]

the faustian element is in the instability of -1HP. it isn't so much "hey, im not dead after all!", as it is, "well im alive, but crap i should've specified that i wanted to stay alive...". that shows up much more in lower levels , where there isn't as much to stabilize upon, and you don't have many levels to give into this.

What I'm trying to say is that I'm not sure that counts as Faustian. The Faust story is really about literally trading one's soul to a demon, usually (depending on the version you hear) in exchange for earthly pleasures or knowledge. When someone fails to think through all the details of a particular plan, that's bitter and tragic and possibly amusing, but it's not technically Faustian.

Edit: I really don't know why I'm cluttering up your thread with bickering. I do like your ideas, and I don't want to derail your thread with a bunch of argument on something as trivial as a name.

[So-Keher]

i would go with 500XP/HD, but i'm a little weary without knowing exactly how multiclassed characters would be affected differently then single classed characters.....

I read through the thread but correct me if this is already covered. I think it would work best if the class level lost is the one most recently gained. So, a Pal 15/Ftr2/Wiz 1 would lose the wizard level.

Also, I don't remember who but someone mentioned that the Faustian death is not really Faustian in that it doesnt screw you over. How about adding a curse, or an affliction like seen in Heroes of Horror, and then the character cannot be resurrected (or maybe if they are, has a greatly increased chance of coming back with a possessed soul).

Just my two pence...

[SDragon]

i would go with 500XP/HD, but i'm a little weary without knowing exactly how multiclassed characters would be affected differently then single classed characters.....

I read through the thread but correct me if this is already covered. I think it would work best if the class level lost is the one most recently gained. So, a Pal 15/Ftr2/Wiz 1 would lose the wizard level.

it's pretty much been decided that it's an entire class level, presumably at players choice. to be honest, i need to study the multiclass rules, since i'm not familiar with them (having never really used them).

Also, I don't remember who but someone mentioned that the Faustian death is not really Faustian in that it doesnt screw you over. How about adding a curse, or an affliction like seen in Heroes of Horror, and then the character cannot be resurrected (or maybe if they are, has a greatly increased chance of coming back with a possessed soul).

Just my two pence...

I'm not really sure what sort of penalty to add to Faustian Life, while still keeping the ruling worth using. sure, i probably could say "you lose 3 class levels, become C/E, become unstable at -1HP, are covered in demonic blisters, and all your abilities are now 3", but at that point (that has been ridiculously exaggerated, to emphasize added penalties), wouldn't it just be easier to say "you're dead"?

[So-Keher]

Well...yes. Maybe just something that has to do with losing your soul or something.

[SDragon]

Well...yes. Maybe just something that has to do with losing your soul or something.

no longer applicable for the Lich template, and becomes C/N?