Priest Spells & Domains

Andreas · Post by **Andreas** » Wed Dec 31, 2003 6:33 pm

I've been wondering for quite a while why True Seeing was stripped from Helmite priests.

I looked it up in Faiths & Avatars and Divination (the sphere in which True Seeing falls) is a Major Sphere for Helmite priests.

Now in 3E, you have the addition of Domains and Knowledge is not a Helmite Domain. HOWEVER...

"domain:A granted power and a set of nine divine spells (one of each 1st through 9th level) themed around a particular concept and associated with one of more deities."

"domain spell: A divine spell belonging to a domain. Each domain offers one spell of each spell level. In addition to their normal daily complement of spells, clerics can cast one domain spell per day for each spell level that their caster levels allow. This spell may be from either of their domains. Domain spells cannot be exchanged for cure or inflict spells."

(3E PHB, p. 277)

So a priest of Helm would normally have access to True Seeing as part of their normal complement of spells. As a BONUS they would get an extra domain spell per level as appropriate.

Could we please have True Seeing put back into the Helm priest guild file?

Paxos · Post by **Paxos** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 8:03 pm

A question in addition to the topic already brought up here...

Is there a possibility or perhaps probability of domains and a system of this sort going into the game? As memorization is already in (although not quite as complex) as domain spells, it would give an even greater level of customization to Priest characters, allowing Priests of the same faith to have access to different spells, etc.

Maybe an easier way of looking at this code-wise would be to make domains additional guild files like Harpers or the various Thieves Guilds, which would allow you to tack on "WarDomain" as a guild, giving access to those spells.

Just a thought.

Paxos

Tyr · Post by **Tyr** » Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:02 pm

In order to differentiate more between priest guilds, we decided not to divide spells in the same way they are done in D&D. If we had then all guilds would be the same except for one or two extra domain spells that are coded for each domain.

Instead we assigned each cleric spell to belong to one or more domains. Then we created the spell lists for priests based on all the domains that their deity allows, not just a choice of two as it is in D&D. By doing it this way priests have access to spells from all of their domains and not just the ones they have chosen.

The way we did this for priests also happens to be the same way we did it for wizard schools. If the spell is in the school that the character specializes in, then the character gets the spell at a level earlier than average. If the spells is in opposition to the domains/school the character has then he gets it later or not at all. For spells in a cleric's domain or that dont fit either of the above categories, then they get it at an average level. An the average level of a spell is about the D&D level of the spell plus 1 times 5. Note some spells have been shifted due to how they work in the mud.

So if you look at your spell list you will be able to see how this works in practice. As an example from the post above let us take true sight. This is a level 6 spell which multiplied by 5 is 30. Then the level is adjusted upwards for balance considerations. Lets say it is now around 50. Characters who have the school/domain get it around 35-40, any other characters would then not get it because it is 50 or above. You will see if you compare your players handbook to our spell lists that you will not get spells above level 5 for the most part unless they are in your school/domain.

Tyr

Paxos · Post by **Paxos** » Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:39 pm

Thank you for the explanation, I am sure that clears up a lot of issues concerning spell levels and domain issues, as well as giving an insight to other spells that could be coded in later from accessory books such as The Book of Vile Darkness or The Book of Exalted Deeds as well as the other spell concerned books.

Isaldur · Post by **Isaldur** » Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:59 pm

Vile Darkness and Exalted Deeds are not completely forgotten realms, nor are they particularly well suited for FK. Both of them require the buyer to be the age of 18 or older and contain things not suitable for a PG rated place like FK.

There's plenty of other books that have new spells if you want to ask and see if they might ever be added. Lords of Darkness, Magic of Faerun, 3e Underdark, etc. Just don't expect any of them put in right away, the excellent coding and scripting team here has their plate full already.

Tazmin · Post by **Tazmin** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 2:42 am

This figures to the domains part of this post. For anyone who has the 3rd ed material does anyone know Sunes domains? I know her portfolio. I am trying to transfer Tazmin into Neverwinter Nights and don't know what domains to pick.

Timaeus · Post by **Timaeus** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 3:22 am

From 3rd Edition Faiths and Pantheons Sune's domains are Chaos, Charm, Good, and Protection.

Timaeus Valierius,
Warrior of Kelemvor.

Isaldur · Post by **Isaldur** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 3:23 am

Neverwinter Nights doesn't have all the domains, and even some of them aren't exactly great looking as domains. Sune has Chaos, Charm, Good, and Protection for her domains. If NWN has any of those, which I believe it has for Good and Protection then pick those. If not, pick the nearest thing such as Trickery in place of Charm, or a defensive domain instead of protection.

Andreas · Post by **Andreas** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 3:30 am

Call me silly... but I'm still confused as to why Helmite priests/paladins don't get True Sight as a spell. I'd think it's perfect for the whole vigilance thing

Rhelian · Post by **Rhelian** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 10:40 am

It isn't a Helmite domain spell, and if used as a bonus spell, it would go over the level limits.

Paxos · Post by **Paxos** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 5:41 pm

Andreas, that also goes along the lines of as to why Oghmite Priests don't have identify.. there are lots of things like that.

Rhelian · Post by **Rhelian** » Tue Mar 09, 2004 10:21 pm

It's all part of game balancing, especially between different priest guilds.

Think if there's another equal-level spell you're willing to sacrifice for the spell you want, that's just as useful.

Priest Spells & Domains

Priest Spells & Domains

RE: Priest Spells/Domains