Hey Banshee, I answered most of the questions on the EN world Forum :
http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=128483
...but I notice there are a couple that are new to this thread. Let me know if this makes more sense.
#11: The intent is in fact :
inherent bonus squared x 5000 xp , not the square root of the bonus. The ‘bonus squared’ might have been a more lucid way to put it. It’s meant as a spell that would be given to otherwise un-extraordinary mortals; a +2 inherent bonus or so (20,000 XP) is a big deal to them, and could alter their lives completely. Otherwise, it would in fact be too powerful in my opinion.
A Fey caster could give a +10, but they would lose 500,000 xp, which would require the Supernatural Altruism feat and drop a 20th level caster to 17th level. Few sane PCs would do that IMO- that kind of use is more intended for a caring NPC fey that might want to allow an otherwise disabled child to lead a normal life. Note that as explained below, even though the gift spell has an instantaneous duration, it does not bring down a crux; it’s a fey spell, and it helps the True Cycle in it’s goals- it removes an obstruction, if you will.
#12: You’re right that the section you pointed out is confusing. Sorry about that. Here’s a bit of errata :
Fey can freely
cast any spell, without the True Cycle stepping in to stop them. Any spells that are specifically listed on the Fey Spells Master List are ‘immune’ to the Law, as they are usually cast in such a way as to prevent Crux.
Other spells, such as those gained from non-fey classes, are subject to the Law.
If a fey caster wants to remain free of Crux when casting
spells that are not on the fey lists, they have to make sure it is undone (or the duration ends) before a number of days pass equaling the caster level squared… this itself is not a major restriction, but it ends up pushing the fey towards spells that are temporary rather than instantaneous or permanent. Spells with longer durations should be dispelled before this time is up.
The restriction on permanent effects means that PC fey are unlikely to use them; they take a year and a day to cast.
Instantaneous spells that are not on the Fey Spells Master List have a roleplaying or story aspect- they can be freely cast if there’s a seed for them (like open flame for a fireball), but if not, they require rectification within the grace period- any ‘damage’ (in the loosest, all encompassing connotation of the word) done has to be undone. Mundane means can be used to repair the damage, but it needs to be undone. This means that a fey creature cannot allow a creature to die (or stay dead) by conjuring a lightning bolt out of the clear blue sky to attack it… the True Cycle is merciless. These types of instantaneous effects must be used carefully by the fey- make the dragon surrender with a lightning bolt, sure, but don’t kill it or there will be a price. If the party injured or harmed heals itself or otherwise puts things back the way they were it qualifies as setting things right. The fey 5th level caster won’t suffer a Crux if 25 days after his lightning bolt the dragon is healed, as he will most likely be.
A GM should let a PC know when he’s looking at a crux just as he’d hint to a paladin that he was about to step over the line - it should be a conscious, desperate decision most of the time. It’s rough, but I think it helps keep the fey’s flavor.
Things like charm and illusion effects can also be considered immune to the Law; they don’t actively change anything physical, and so these types of magics will be used to manipulate mortals to do the actual deeds that they need done.
I hope my explanation is clearer here. Sorry for the confusing writing.
Banshee wrote:
11-The Gift spell seems a little powerful. Theoretically, a 20th lvl Fey wizard could give a +10 Inherent bonus to an ability. It is unclear what XP cost is attached though. It says 5000 xp times the square of the bonus. So, if you give a +9 bonus, is the cost 15,000 xp? Or is it 405,000 xp? I would think it's the first....but it's not written clearly, as it doesn't say "square root".
12-How strict are the Laws? In the same paragraph, it seems to indicate that Fey can cast spells and such, that violate the laws, without interference. But then the next sentence says this can lead to the Fey's demise. So if a Fey casts a sleep spell on some orcs, or polymorphs an ogre into a deer, then he's going to reach a crux? Seems like this basically means they can't do anything....or that it's impossible to *not* belong to the Court of Twilight instead of the other two.
Banshee