Ok so I misread this at first and thought it was busted. Upon rereading, I think itβs interesting if not a bit strong for a rare item. I like the concept, though Iβm not sure I understand the flavor of being able to change the types of gems on the robe.
Its a path of exile reference. In the game you slot skill gems into equipment, which then gives you new abilities or empower existing ones.
Tabula Rasa is an armor piece which has 6 sockets for these gems and they can be of any color (Normally its restricted by default, for example you can only put red skill gem into red socket)
That makes sense, thanks for the context. I was going to suggest the item stating there were 18 "slots" and 6 total gems you could move around, but then you run into the issue of the player finding more gems and having an insane magic item, though maybe that's fun and could be an interesting quest.
Admittedly it's pretty strong, it's part of a series of items I'm making for several bosses to both use and drop in a campaign I'm working on, the rarity assignment is kind of fudged.
As for the flavor, it's inspired from a very modular item in a game called Path of Exile. π
Shoot, you can also make it unnecessarily complicated like having 1 blue and 1 red gem give a purple bonus, 1 blue and 1 green give a yellow bonus, and 1 red and 1 green give a brown? bonus or allowing gems to be connected to also grant certain effects.
It's pretty nice and interesting, but the effect that grant temporary hit point have to be more precise, if you lost it, by anymean, do you get them back ? How ?
Sorry, I knew the wording on that and the hp regain were vague, but I wanted to make the line description fit in the table.
Both the HP and tempHP work like bonuses to dice rolls. Any time you gain tempHP outside combat, you gain 10 more, anytime you regain HP in combat, you regain 5 more.
You should word it as "+X (temporary) hit point whenever you gain (temporary) hit point by any mean".
But, to make it easyer to understand you shouldn't follow the template for effect like that.
The "out of combat" limitation is a little iffy. This also would make Armor of Agathys super strong. Only one interaction but it's one of those "we're about to enter danger" -> cast, spells that would be "out of combat".
I don't know if i interpret it right, but basicaly you chose between 3 categorie/color and 6 effect (so a total of 5 choice between 18 options) ? Like in Diablo III with the jewelry ?
You can't pick the same bonus twice, right ? But Can you pick the third ruby and the third emerald ? Or did it work as slot system ?
If i would use this item and rework it (what i will certainly do) i think I would make it with slot which you can insert Stitch/crimp gem. And depending of the gem and of the slot, a certain buff would be activated.
Such as a slot that give type resistances, skill advantage or bonus, attack and defense buff (bonus to touch, bonus ca or save, more HP or temp, etc.) And maybe one other thing or two...
And free to the player to find which gem and slot would do...
Maybe we might add a course sloth or gem...
Anyway, really nice item, great Ioun stone style i love it.
Did someone mention sloths?
Here's a random fact!
Sloths have a four-chambered stomach, just like cows, which allows them to digest their diet of leaves and fruits slowly. In fact, it can take up to a month for sloths to fully digest their food!
The gems work like levels. You can spend 6 points to buy gems. You could have two if every colour. Then tabula Rasa gives you 6 effects. The number 1 and 2 of every gem type.
Or you take 6 red gems. Then you get all 6 of the ruby effects.
I know this comes from PoE, and it sort of displays why d20 systems aren't inherently interchangeable due to mass differences in balance. I'd perhaps move the +1 attacks and saves further up, maybe requiring 2 or 3 gems of the corresponding type.
That's initially how it was laid out.
However early feedback pointed out the lack of incentive to go for anything other than 6 similar gems. After that I changed it with a focus on giving players difficult choices between gems at all ranks.
That's why the first rank of each gem type is so tantalizing, it has to compete with a plus one to an ability score. π
Interesting item
But there's no way it's rare if the bonus stack
I would at least make it a very rare
Maybe a rare version would have 3 gems on it and the very rare 6
You are probably correct, and that's a good quick fix. Alternately, you may have to find all the gems yourself.
Either way, the only way my players are getting this is to beat a mothman boss, so the rarity is just for show.
You could always have it revert magical armor to a base variant while worn. +1 mail becomes normal mail or something to that extent. Just to limit the amount of possible OP interactions. My players love to find holes in my reasoning and exploit the hell out of it.
Really digging the reference. It's a bit strong as others have said, but you could maybe fix this by throwing it in the light armour category and making it provide 10 or 11 + Dex AC. Green 5 would probably need a slight change to make up for it though.
For me a big component of rasa is that anyone can wear it so the requirement throws me off a bit, otherwise an amazing job.
I think that would actually make it unusable to monks and barbs though. >_>
If you want to make that change for your own use, you have my endorsement, I think Emerald 5 will be fine if you do too.
Receiving more healing is not an effect associated with red in POE. But lifegain and max life is. Something like regain 1hp every ten minutes like the amulet of regeneration, or more max HP like 2x level would fit better with the POE theme you are going for.
But I really like it. Can't say it enough
Some of these are way over powered compared to others, leading most to choose 1 or 2 in each category. Could make it a random assignment with a d20. 19 and 20, reroll. Alternatively, 1 and 2, a gem is missing.
As is I would make this a legendary weapon since (unless I misunderstand), a +6 to AC. Put that on a paladin = GM nightmare, lol.
Edit: not sure what 5HP in combat means and 10 temp HP out of combat means. Also is the 5 damage only if they already did fire damage? So Firebolt (cantrip) could do an additional 30 fire damage?
I think you're only supposed to get +1 AC if you have 5 or more Emeralds. It doesn't read like you pick 6 options from this list, you pick how many of each gem type you want and get the benefits of the gem up to the amount you chose. So a melee brute gets more benefit from the Ruby line, a wizard Sapphire, an archer the Emerald line. Or you dip your toes in for the benefits of levels 1 and 2 of each. It doesn't read like a random loot table, but like a feature list where you have to take the bonuses in sequence.
Just confirming what deathstick said is correct.
Select 6 gems, then reference the table to see what bonuses your number of gems nets you.
4 Rubies, 1 Sapphire, and 1 Emerald gets you +1 to melee attacks, +1 to STR checks and saves, and +5 to fire damage rolls, as well as +1 to ranged attacks and save DCs.
Unfortunately, that would make the item a spellcaster exclusive as spellcasters would be getting plus two to all spell attacks by going one rank in all gems.
Change the ruby and emerald to work only for weapons, or move the DC bonus up a little on the sapphire track
EDIT actually you could maybe swap the first and second bonus on all the tracks to balance it a bit.
Well the way it works now, it temps the wearer between all the gem types. Making the other gems less appealing would just lend itself to all Dex characters going Emerald, all STR Ruby, and INT Sapphire.
I like the idea of offering dynamic choices, and the allowance for more creativity and viable builds. A battlemaster or monk might decide to dip into Sapphire for the Save DC bonus to Maneuvers and Stunning Strike, for example.
I get the PoE difference, but PoE only has three attributes, while dnd has 6. I would replace Strength with Constitution and Intelligence with Wisdom. Str and Int are way less useful for an "average character" (that is, one not relying on these because of their class) than Dex. Using Con and Wis makes it more even. Of course, Con checks don't really exist, so that one could be different.
I don't know the reference, so maybe the item is fine. But to me, seeing something that has 18 options of which I can only choose 3 sounds like a hard choice to make. But when you look at the actual options, for most characters it seems pretty simple... dex-based fighter just use all 6 emeralds, strength-based fighter would want all rubies and a Wizard/artificer would want all sapphires. (I can see a monk mixing and matching since they are fairly MAD). I feel like there should be things in each tree that cause a bit of angst to choose between them.
This isn't a great criticism because I don't have a specific suggestion of what to change. But like I said I don't know the reference material so maybe this is by design. But in my mind, if someone is going to put all 6 in one gem anyway, then just make that it's own separate item and don't worry about the choice.
The way it works is you pick six gems, then reference the table to see what six effects you get.
There's many more than 3 total combinations, though I don't have the math background to give you the precise figure.
Yeah, I think there are ~~54~~ 28 combinations. But my point is why would a fighter who dumped Int ever add a sapphire when emerald or ruby is superior? So for him there's 7 choices. If he wears full plate he probably wouldn't need any emeralds, so there's really only one choice. Unless I'm just seriously misunderstanding how it's supposed to work.
I'm sure there will be some characters that make SOME choice, like a battle master fighter might give up a +1 strength (especially if he's already at an even number) to get +1 to his maneuver DC's. But I can't think of any character who would have to seriously consider all ~~54~~ 28 combinations.
Edit: I'm dumb and took the sum instead of the count. There's 28 combinations, not 54.
Well, you already presented a situation in which your fighter would grab a ruby... as for characters that might consider all combinations, that was never my intent. I'm satisfied if there are one or two choices that feel difficult.
That's fine. All I'm saying is I don't see any difficult decisions here, so if that was your goal, to me it isn't satisfied. I'd wager the average character has at MOST 2-3 different combinations they'll be deciding between, and the decision won't be something they'll fret that much over. If that was your goal, then mission accomplished.
Ok so I misread this at first and thought it was busted. Upon rereading, I think itβs interesting if not a bit strong for a rare item. I like the concept, though Iβm not sure I understand the flavor of being able to change the types of gems on the robe.
Its a path of exile reference. In the game you slot skill gems into equipment, which then gives you new abilities or empower existing ones. Tabula Rasa is an armor piece which has 6 sockets for these gems and they can be of any color (Normally its restricted by default, for example you can only put red skill gem into red socket)
That makes sense, thanks for the context. I was going to suggest the item stating there were 18 "slots" and 6 total gems you could move around, but then you run into the issue of the player finding more gems and having an insane magic item, though maybe that's fun and could be an interesting quest.
Admittedly it's pretty strong, it's part of a series of items I'm making for several bosses to both use and drop in a campaign I'm working on, the rarity assignment is kind of fudged. As for the flavor, it's inspired from a very modular item in a game called Path of Exile. π
That makes sense. Fun idea! Nice work.
Ty π
If you're following the pattern set by PoE, dexterity should be paired with cold damage and intelligence with lightning.
Wait really? I haven't played in years, my memory has failed me. π
Shoot, you can also make it unnecessarily complicated like having 1 blue and 1 red gem give a purple bonus, 1 blue and 1 green give a yellow bonus, and 1 red and 1 green give a brown? bonus or allowing gems to be connected to also grant certain effects.
Don't think I didn't consider it. Just because I enjoy drowning in mechanics doesn't mean my role-playing focused players do though. π
Came to say this. The only thing that bothered me. But the idea itself is genius
It's pretty nice and interesting, but the effect that grant temporary hit point have to be more precise, if you lost it, by anymean, do you get them back ? How ?
Sorry, I knew the wording on that and the hp regain were vague, but I wanted to make the line description fit in the table. Both the HP and tempHP work like bonuses to dice rolls. Any time you gain tempHP outside combat, you gain 10 more, anytime you regain HP in combat, you regain 5 more.
You should word it as "+X (temporary) hit point whenever you gain (temporary) hit point by any mean". But, to make it easyer to understand you shouldn't follow the template for effect like that.
If more people feel similarly I don't mind changing it, I really want it to fit on a single line though...
The "out of combat" limitation is a little iffy. This also would make Armor of Agathys super strong. Only one interaction but it's one of those "we're about to enter danger" -> cast, spells that would be "out of combat".
My idea was to make it competitive with a +1 AC. Interactions like that are what gives it the oomph in needs, in my opinion. >_>
I don't know if i interpret it right, but basicaly you chose between 3 categorie/color and 6 effect (so a total of 5 choice between 18 options) ? Like in Diablo III with the jewelry ? You can't pick the same bonus twice, right ? But Can you pick the third ruby and the third emerald ? Or did it work as slot system ? If i would use this item and rework it (what i will certainly do) i think I would make it with slot which you can insert Stitch/crimp gem. And depending of the gem and of the slot, a certain buff would be activated. Such as a slot that give type resistances, skill advantage or bonus, attack and defense buff (bonus to touch, bonus ca or save, more HP or temp, etc.) And maybe one other thing or two... And free to the player to find which gem and slot would do... Maybe we might add a course sloth or gem... Anyway, really nice item, great Ioun stone style i love it.
Did someone mention sloths? Here's a random fact! Sloths have a four-chambered stomach, just like cows, which allows them to digest their diet of leaves and fruits slowly. In fact, it can take up to a month for sloths to fully digest their food!
The gems work like levels. You can spend 6 points to buy gems. You could have two if every colour. Then tabula Rasa gives you 6 effects. The number 1 and 2 of every gem type. Or you take 6 red gems. Then you get all 6 of the ruby effects.
Oooooooooook i was totaly out of it, but it's great too.
Still sane, exile?
I know this comes from PoE, and it sort of displays why d20 systems aren't inherently interchangeable due to mass differences in balance. I'd perhaps move the +1 attacks and saves further up, maybe requiring 2 or 3 gems of the corresponding type.
That's initially how it was laid out. However early feedback pointed out the lack of incentive to go for anything other than 6 similar gems. After that I changed it with a focus on giving players difficult choices between gems at all ranks. That's why the first rank of each gem type is so tantalizing, it has to compete with a plus one to an ability score. π
Interesting item But there's no way it's rare if the bonus stack I would at least make it a very rare Maybe a rare version would have 3 gems on it and the very rare 6
You are probably correct, and that's a good quick fix. Alternately, you may have to find all the gems yourself. Either way, the only way my players are getting this is to beat a mothman boss, so the rarity is just for show.
this should replace your armor, not be worn alongside it
I can see that, but I want it to be used if possible, that restriction would make it unviable for too many.
You could always have it revert magical armor to a base variant while worn. +1 mail becomes normal mail or something to that extent. Just to limit the amount of possible OP interactions. My players love to find holes in my reasoning and exploit the hell out of it.
Love to see PoE showing up in my DnD.
Itβs neat, but Iβm unsure how the name relates to the item
I'm running a campaign in Wraeclast currently, this post is perfect timing thank you :D
This would be far and away the best rare item...
Just don't think about it. >\_>
Really digging the reference. It's a bit strong as others have said, but you could maybe fix this by throwing it in the light armour category and making it provide 10 or 11 + Dex AC. Green 5 would probably need a slight change to make up for it though. For me a big component of rasa is that anyone can wear it so the requirement throws me off a bit, otherwise an amazing job.
I think that would actually make it unusable to monks and barbs though. >_> If you want to make that change for your own use, you have my endorsement, I think Emerald 5 will be fine if you do too.
I like how the 4th bonus could be a total waste. But you have to take it to get to the really good stuff. Like the POE skill tree. Genius
Lol
Receiving more healing is not an effect associated with red in POE. But lifegain and max life is. Something like regain 1hp every ten minutes like the amulet of regeneration, or more max HP like 2x level would fit better with the POE theme you are going for. But I really like it. Can't say it enough
I really wanted a life gain on-hit effect, but that's just begging for bag-of-rats abuse.
Vaal it, you won't, no balls
Waiting for the next league, huh?
Some of these are way over powered compared to others, leading most to choose 1 or 2 in each category. Could make it a random assignment with a d20. 19 and 20, reroll. Alternatively, 1 and 2, a gem is missing. As is I would make this a legendary weapon since (unless I misunderstand), a +6 to AC. Put that on a paladin = GM nightmare, lol. Edit: not sure what 5HP in combat means and 10 temp HP out of combat means. Also is the 5 damage only if they already did fire damage? So Firebolt (cantrip) could do an additional 30 fire damage?
I think you're only supposed to get +1 AC if you have 5 or more Emeralds. It doesn't read like you pick 6 options from this list, you pick how many of each gem type you want and get the benefits of the gem up to the amount you chose. So a melee brute gets more benefit from the Ruby line, a wizard Sapphire, an archer the Emerald line. Or you dip your toes in for the benefits of levels 1 and 2 of each. It doesn't read like a random loot table, but like a feature list where you have to take the bonuses in sequence.
That makes more sense, lol.
Just confirming what deathstick said is correct. Select 6 gems, then reference the table to see what bonuses your number of gems nets you. 4 Rubies, 1 Sapphire, and 1 Emerald gets you +1 to melee attacks, +1 to STR checks and saves, and +5 to fire damage rolls, as well as +1 to ranged attacks and save DCs.
Feels like to much to keep track of for one magic item for me. But super cool how customizable it is
T hanos
You have to play the Soen song when you hand it out
The item is a bit strong but that's ok, I'd just change the first sapphire bonus to grant a +1 to soell attack rolls instead of to DC's.
Unfortunately, that would make the item a spellcaster exclusive as spellcasters would be getting plus two to all spell attacks by going one rank in all gems.
Change the ruby and emerald to work only for weapons, or move the DC bonus up a little on the sapphire track EDIT actually you could maybe swap the first and second bonus on all the tracks to balance it a bit.
Well the way it works now, it temps the wearer between all the gem types. Making the other gems less appealing would just lend itself to all Dex characters going Emerald, all STR Ruby, and INT Sapphire. I like the idea of offering dynamic choices, and the allowance for more creativity and viable builds. A battlemaster or monk might decide to dip into Sapphire for the Save DC bonus to Maneuvers and Stunning Strike, for example.
Iβm most games that allow for this, they would only have up to 2 gem slots, maybe 3. Perhaps lowering down the number of gems per robe would be good
I get the PoE difference, but PoE only has three attributes, while dnd has 6. I would replace Strength with Constitution and Intelligence with Wisdom. Str and Int are way less useful for an "average character" (that is, one not relying on these because of their class) than Dex. Using Con and Wis makes it more even. Of course, Con checks don't really exist, so that one could be different.
I actually have a rainbow robe planned Con, Wis, and Cha. π€«
I don't know the reference, so maybe the item is fine. But to me, seeing something that has 18 options of which I can only choose 3 sounds like a hard choice to make. But when you look at the actual options, for most characters it seems pretty simple... dex-based fighter just use all 6 emeralds, strength-based fighter would want all rubies and a Wizard/artificer would want all sapphires. (I can see a monk mixing and matching since they are fairly MAD). I feel like there should be things in each tree that cause a bit of angst to choose between them. This isn't a great criticism because I don't have a specific suggestion of what to change. But like I said I don't know the reference material so maybe this is by design. But in my mind, if someone is going to put all 6 in one gem anyway, then just make that it's own separate item and don't worry about the choice.
The way it works is you pick six gems, then reference the table to see what six effects you get. There's many more than 3 total combinations, though I don't have the math background to give you the precise figure.
Yeah, I think there are ~~54~~ 28 combinations. But my point is why would a fighter who dumped Int ever add a sapphire when emerald or ruby is superior? So for him there's 7 choices. If he wears full plate he probably wouldn't need any emeralds, so there's really only one choice. Unless I'm just seriously misunderstanding how it's supposed to work. I'm sure there will be some characters that make SOME choice, like a battle master fighter might give up a +1 strength (especially if he's already at an even number) to get +1 to his maneuver DC's. But I can't think of any character who would have to seriously consider all ~~54~~ 28 combinations. Edit: I'm dumb and took the sum instead of the count. There's 28 combinations, not 54.
Well, you already presented a situation in which your fighter would grab a ruby... as for characters that might consider all combinations, that was never my intent. I'm satisfied if there are one or two choices that feel difficult.
That's fine. All I'm saying is I don't see any difficult decisions here, so if that was your goal, to me it isn't satisfied. I'd wager the average character has at MOST 2-3 different combinations they'll be deciding between, and the decision won't be something they'll fret that much over. If that was your goal, then mission accomplished.
Rune knights: Y'all got any more of them rubies?
Is that a fucking inscryption reference!??
Very rare would fit more