There are plenty of Western European classes for C&C and house rules from D&D port overs can give Asian and Middle Eastern by the truck load.
Does anyone have knowledge of where I can find Indian (India, not Native North America) stuff? Classes specifically?
One of my players is wanting to play some type of Indian mystic and I got nothing.
Thanks in advance.
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Yogis, Vedeks or Fakhirs?
The 2nd edition AD&D Legends and Lore book has a "class" called ascetic which is not really a class, but something anyone can become, in theory. It is very Buddhist.
You might also find the d20 book Mythic Vistas: Mindshadows appealing, for it is very India in tone and feel, but focuses, rather obviously, on psionics.
You might also be well served by looking into Dangerous Journeys[/i (also known as Mythus) for Gary Gygax's take on the "savant" and "mystic" which were never realized into AD&D format.
There are other games, as well, such as TORG which have swami / yogis in them, this one being specific to the Orrorsh supplement / worldbook.
I do not think anyone has ever posted something like this on these boards... the general approach is either Oriental (as in China / Japan, generally) or Medieval Europe. Places like Africa, South America, Australia, India and the Middle East are usually not well represented for some reason.
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You might also find the d20 book Mythic Vistas: Mindshadows appealing, for it is very India in tone and feel, but focuses, rather obviously, on psionics.
You might also be well served by looking into Dangerous Journeys[/i (also known as Mythus) for Gary Gygax's take on the "savant" and "mystic" which were never realized into AD&D format.
There are other games, as well, such as TORG which have swami / yogis in them, this one being specific to the Orrorsh supplement / worldbook.
I do not think anyone has ever posted something like this on these boards... the general approach is either Oriental (as in China / Japan, generally) or Medieval Europe. Places like Africa, South America, Australia, India and the Middle East are usually not well represented for some reason.
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Well let's say I didn't want to go buy a bunch of products to do this, how would we go about making such a class?
That's really what I am after, as opposed to spending money on out-of-print products that may cost a fortune.
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That's really what I am after, as opposed to spending money on out-of-print products that may cost a fortune.
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gideon_thorne
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Re: Yogis, Vedeks or Fakhirs?
Well, lets see. India mystics would be something thats a mix of the monk and the cleric. I don't see a class with a whole list of spells. But more likely a few spell like abilities. Healing and the like.
Actually, for a good model, might check out the Jewel of the Nile movie. That's the kind of character I think of when I consider India mystics.
These folks are purported to have a number of abilities that demonstrate a mastery over their own body. Resistance to elements, feign death, and abilities of that nature.
Its hard to pin down specifically. Between the orient and the middle east is a wide swath of mystical lore to draw upon. But most of it does focus on developing harmony between the inner and outer being.
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Actually, for a good model, might check out the Jewel of the Nile movie. That's the kind of character I think of when I consider India mystics.
These folks are purported to have a number of abilities that demonstrate a mastery over their own body. Resistance to elements, feign death, and abilities of that nature.
Its hard to pin down specifically. Between the orient and the middle east is a wide swath of mystical lore to draw upon. But most of it does focus on developing harmony between the inner and outer being.
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"The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout, 'Save us!' And I'll look down, and whisper 'No.' " ~Rorschach
serleran wrote:
Decide what you want the class to do, and then write it up. Not hard.
Because if I knew that I would be asking for help?
Dude, seriously that 90s bitter thing is over
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gideon_thorne
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*chuckles* For some reason, the Whirling Dervish keeps popping into my head. Which actually wouldn't be a hard class to emulate. Take the fighters combat ability, and add the barbarians whirlwind attack. I'd focus it down to a single weapon though.
For rp purposes, many of these mystical sorts are often portrayed as a bit eccentric or downright loonie.
They see things others don't so that makes them unable to relate to people, which makes them a bit crazy.
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For rp purposes, many of these mystical sorts are often portrayed as a bit eccentric or downright loonie.
They see things others don't so that makes them unable to relate to people, which makes them a bit crazy.
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"The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout, 'Save us!' And I'll look down, and whisper 'No.' " ~Rorschach
Well the Dervish is Arabian no? Or am I wrong on that?
I saw the Netbook of Classes Dervish and while it was interesting, this whole "everything is about the dance" sort of left me flat.
Vedeks/Yogis/Fakirs are, as you earlier pointed out, about mind over body.
So do I bring Psionics into the game? I am not one who likes them as they scream Sci-Fi to me, but in this case it may be a way to go.
Now that question is this, what kind of powers should one of these guys have and how would those powers be useful.
Sort of how a cloistered monk is pretty much useless to adventure with "Oh let me alphabetized that for you Sir Knight!" how can a mystic be useful?
Spell like abilites are a way to go. That's true.
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I saw the Netbook of Classes Dervish and while it was interesting, this whole "everything is about the dance" sort of left me flat.
Vedeks/Yogis/Fakirs are, as you earlier pointed out, about mind over body.
So do I bring Psionics into the game? I am not one who likes them as they scream Sci-Fi to me, but in this case it may be a way to go.
Now that question is this, what kind of powers should one of these guys have and how would those powers be useful.
Sort of how a cloistered monk is pretty much useless to adventure with "Oh let me alphabetized that for you Sir Knight!" how can a mystic be useful?
Spell like abilites are a way to go. That's true.
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gideon_thorne
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AslanC wrote:
Well the Dervish is Arabian no? Or am I wrong on that?
I saw the Netbook of Classes Dervish and while it was interesting, this whole "everything is about the dance" sort of left me flat.
Vedeks/Yogis/Fakirs are, as you earlier pointed out, about mind over body.
So do I bring Psionics into the game? I am not one who likes them as they scream Sci-Fi to me, but in this case it may be a way to go.
Now that question is this, what kind of powers should one of these guys have and how would those powers be useful.
Sort of how a cloistered monk is pretty much useless to adventure with "Oh let me alphabetized that for you Sir Knight!" how can a mystic be useful?
Spell like abilites are a way to go. That's true.
I don't think psionics are necessarily the way to go, no.
The Dervish can be arabian, but bear in mind a lot of these cultures were influenced by the orient. It all mixed and meshed together, which is why, even in India, you'll find Buddhism and similar philosophies.
For more of a mystical flavor, I'd take the monk, pull out some of the martial arts aspect, and replace it with certain innate clerical spells, like feign death, healing, regeneration and the like.
For a specific flavor, all this classes healing abilties could be focused around the use of acupuncture, acupressure, reikki, or similar sorts of practices.
I'd suggest throwing in a couple of bits like the druids ability to resist elements as well.
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"The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout, 'Save us!' And I'll look down, and whisper 'No.' " ~Rorschach
Yogis need levitation, yoga flame, and teleportation.
Swamis need to never eat, never sleep, never breathe... and have white boy companions named Quest.
Usually, a person has some idea what they want when they ask for help, at least a concept. So, what "concept" are we going for? Traditional "swami?" Dhlalsim from Street Fighter? There are many ways to approach it.
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Swamis need to never eat, never sleep, never breathe... and have white boy companions named Quest.
Quote:
Because if I knew that I would be asking for help?
Usually, a person has some idea what they want when they ask for help, at least a concept. So, what "concept" are we going for? Traditional "swami?" Dhlalsim from Street Fighter? There are many ways to approach it.
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gideon_thorne
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AslanC wrote:
I get what you are saying Peter.
Mish-Mash the spiritual and naturalist classes together.
Not a bad way to go.
I will work on this and report back
I also suggest just poking around the net and look up some stuff on India mysticism. That could inspire a few directions as well.
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Peter Bradley
"The accumulated filth of all their sex and murder will foam up about their waists and all the whores and politicians will look up and shout, 'Save us!' And I'll look down, and whisper 'No.' " ~Rorschach
Yeah researching the subject on your own would be the first step.
Then you should ask whether you are going for a specialist class or more of a hybrid.
I see the typical Indian swami guru type a mix of illusion and mental control.
Laying on a bed of nails might be a cool feat, but make the elements of the class relevant to game play.
My suggestion is to task the player in doing much of the work. Have them write down their personal vision and have them research the topic while you are doing your own research.
Then take their notes and from that form something of your own design.
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'Follow your bliss.' -Joseph Campbell
Then you should ask whether you are going for a specialist class or more of a hybrid.
I see the typical Indian swami guru type a mix of illusion and mental control.
Laying on a bed of nails might be a cool feat, but make the elements of the class relevant to game play.
My suggestion is to task the player in doing much of the work. Have them write down their personal vision and have them research the topic while you are doing your own research.
Then take their notes and from that form something of your own design.
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'Nosce te Ipsum' -Delphic Maxim
'Follow your bliss.' -Joseph Campbell
I suggest that with each level, the character must renounce something new. For example: sex, eating meat, drinking alcohol, accepting gifts, riding horses, sleeping indoors, etc.
In return, each level the character gains a new siddhi, or power. Minor siddhis would be things like the ability to go without food for a day, or the ability to withstand climactic extremes. Moderate level siddhis would be things like levitation, clairvoyance, or clairaudience. High level siddhis would include the ability to fly, to teleport, to change form, to astral project, or take over other people's bodies.
The class should probably use a power point system to manifest siddhis. Naturally, the class would need to meditate to restore power points.
In return, each level the character gains a new siddhi, or power. Minor siddhis would be things like the ability to go without food for a day, or the ability to withstand climactic extremes. Moderate level siddhis would be things like levitation, clairvoyance, or clairaudience. High level siddhis would include the ability to fly, to teleport, to change form, to astral project, or take over other people's bodies.
The class should probably use a power point system to manifest siddhis. Naturally, the class would need to meditate to restore power points.
Daniel James Hanley
Creator of Ghastly Affair, "The Gothic Game of Romantic Horror".
Player's Manual Now Available on DriveThruRPG and Amazon
Reader discretion is advised.
Creator of Ghastly Affair, "The Gothic Game of Romantic Horror".
Player's Manual Now Available on DriveThruRPG and Amazon
Reader discretion is advised.
clavis123 wrote:
...or take over other people's bodies.
I know I snipped the rest, but this is the coolest idea ever!
Imagine being able to take over a monster in a mob you are fighting? Turning the tables on them? While your body stands peacefully nearby hoping not to get attacked!
Dude that is awesome!
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AslanC wrote:
I know I snipped the rest, but this is the coolest idea ever!
Imagine being able to take over a monster in a mob you are fighting? Turning the tables on them? While your body stands peacefully nearby hoping not to get attacked!
Dude that is awesome!
And apparently, it's one of the actual siddhis, or powers, that certain advanced yogis are supposed to have.
Daniel James Hanley
Creator of Ghastly Affair, "The Gothic Game of Romantic Horror".
Player's Manual Now Available on DriveThruRPG and Amazon
Reader discretion is advised.
Creator of Ghastly Affair, "The Gothic Game of Romantic Horror".
Player's Manual Now Available on DriveThruRPG and Amazon
Reader discretion is advised.