not sure which forum to post this in so putting it here. im making a character that originally was just a silly lil idea for another oc who was trans and just basically how they transitioned but this once just a simple side character is now one i genuinely like and want to develope more. things i need help to figure out with this character is: - what race is more suited to what im describing? - what class would be more suited to this character out of the magic user classes? - literally any other tips or fun facts you think i may find handy with regards to this character
so onto the actual description of this character this character so far i've been calling karmen/karmel "the gender wizard". essentially thier a magic user of some description that dedicates thier life to researching curses, potions, spells, charms, artifacts ect that could be used in a beneficial way to various people. most of the stuff they look into regaurds changing physical appearence, voices, sex and so on this is because they themselves are able to shift thier own form and appearence however they wish [ a shapeshifter if you will of some kind]. they enjoy thier freedoms of being able to look and present however they wish but are saddened that theres those out there that don't have the abilitiy to do so and may be living an unhappy or uncomfortable life because of it [lgbtq+ people or even cis people who may be unhappy with some things about their appearences. so they essentially provide solutions to these problems to some people certain curses are well curses but to other people these curses could be beneficial he sees the positive where there is usally a negative in such things and utilizes that for good. so basically again "the gender wizard". though they mainly assit in thier who may be unhappy with themselves and looking for help that doesnt mean criminals do not seek him out for his services depending on the circumstances of the crimes committed they may or may not assit. They tend to take on an evish inspired appearence however are able to freely manipulate thier appearence. i was thinking they could even change to a tabaxi but im not sure if thats possible with the current knowledge i have in dnd which is why im seeking help and some other opinions on the matter. but yeah feel free to answer the questions or just give your opinions or ideas on this character.
also was thinking they tend to move around alot because thier practices arent exactly ....seen as "legal" whatever that may be in dnd he doesnt do bad things mind you but sometimes they can cause a bit of mischeif and well you have to get all your research, artifacts and such from somewhere. also though this is thier main line of research thier still not somone to be messed with they probably have thier hands on some pretty deadly stuff too so best not to go around touching stuff you don't understand.
Sounds like you need to be a Changeling, you can switch your physical appearance at will, you do not get any special abilities so it is a purely cosmetic change, so changing to a Tabaxi will not give you claws or a climbing speed, changing to an Elf will not give you enhanced senses or the Trance ability etc.
- what class would be more suited to this character out of the magic user classes?
Transmutation Wizard would be my go to for this one, then you have to bat your eyes lovingly at your DM and ask if you can create a Wizard version of the Reincarnate spell. It's normally a Druid spell and level 5 so this research into its creation could be the impotus your character has for adventuring as they seek out Druids to try and learn the basics of the spell or seek out special material components etc, this would then allow you to have a way to change peoples races and genders when they are willing for you to do so, although you have to kill them first which might put some people off.
The Transmuters Stone ability, gained at level 14, also gives a few interesting things you can do such as restoring life and making people younger, so researching a way to do the other bits you want to do might be somethign the DM is ok with.
You could also look into the Bestow Curse spell, in my game I've had it used as a throw back to an item from previous editions called the Girdle of Masculinity/Feminity, the curse just switched male to female and vice versa, you could also use a curse to change someones gender or cosmetic appearance from one race to another just bear in mind in order for Bestow Curse to be a "permament" effect you need to use 9th level spell slots.
Speaking of 9th level spell slots....the Wish spell is an option although it does carry a certain risk to the caster if it is not mimicing a spell.
Huh i see i see these are some very handy suggestions ill keep these in mind as an option :3. is there anything else you think would be good for this character? such as artefacts, potential things in thier background also where can i find the information for changlings?
Changelings are available on here... there's two versions from the Eberron book and the Multiverse book... they're more or less the same, but the Multiverse version is a little more adaptable (it can change size category and customize their Ability Scores a bit more).
I also agree that Transmutation Wizards makes the most sense for the backstory you described... which is a bit unfortunate, since to be honest it's one of the least exciting wizard subclasses, despite having so much potential.
which of the classes would you say would be close and still a good class? i dont exspect the class to entirely fit with the being able to change peoples appearences since they have other methods for that [again artifacts,potions, relics spells from scrolls ect] the magic doesnt directly have to come from them but i would like a class that allows the use of those things while also still giving them abilities that allow them to preform thier work [the actual getting of such things since some skill would be required there and he would needs forms of self protection and such. even then they can find alternative forms of helping people require what they need since his main thing is the research of such things. so if you have alternative class suggestions feel free to give those too. its just in general what you think may be good or fit [doesnt have to fit perfectly into the whole changing appearences things] i had considered sorcerer but i wanted to hear what others had to say [also im not knowledable on classes ect im like basically a newb ive known about dnd for years but im not an exspert by any means]
I think that Wizard is the best fit myself, because the flavor of wizards inclines them towards research, therefore your Wizard's pet project can be studying methodologies for changing appearance.
Other options include:
Druid: Druid's access to Wild Shape makes them even more of a Shapechanger than other classes, especially if you play a Moon Druid who are objectively the best at it. Their entire subclass surrounds your own ability to change shape into animals. You would also have inherent access to reincarnation which the other commenter mentioned.
Bard: Bards are incredibly charismatic, social chameleons, and skill monkeys. A Lore Bard especially has inherent ability to study a wide variety of magic because of their additional magical secrets. Magical Secrets is a Bard Feature most Bards get at level 10 which lets them add additional spells from any other class. The Lore Bard however gets additional magical secrets at 6th level, which is earlier than all other bards, and might give you access to more spells thematically appropriate for your character. Bard also gets spells good for changing appearance, such as Polymorph, Disguise Self (Which is of little use if you're playing a changeling, however, it would let you change your clothes appearance as well as body)
**Warlock**: I feel as though Warlock deserves a mention here. "Warlocks are seekers of the knowledge that lies hidden in the fabric of the multiverse. Through pacts made with mysterious beings of supernatural power, warlocks unlock magical effects both subtle and spectacular." Warlocks get access to additional "Pact Spells" from their patron, a supernatural entity they've made a deal with in exchange for power. If you work with your GM, it's possible they might let you exchange your Warlock Subclasses usual Pact Spells for spells that would be useful for changing people's appearances. There is even a Warlock Eldritch Invocation called "Sculptor of Flesh": you can cast polymorph once using a warlock spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
"Sculptor of Flesh" feels incredibly thematic for your character concept, and if I were your DM, I would even let you use it to modify certain aspects of a humanoids appearance permanently via a long ritual.
oooooo i really do like the sound of bard in this concept given if they cover varieties of magic that would allow for them to have stuff related to thier actual work but also stuff for protection means and such. but yeah disguise self while not of much use in terms of actual appearnce given thier already a changling the being able to change clothes sounds very them. sounds like something they would do to be dramatic.
ive created warlock characters before [never used them in an actual game rip] so it is intresting to learn the sculptor of flesh fact since that wasnt something a knew before. also certainly could work with a dm if i ever put them in a game and potentially homebrew of find somone they can have a pact with that maybe aligns with thier field of research and work.
i understand wizard seems the most fitting but i want to exsplore a bit and maybe not choose the most convenient option more fun that way.
If you're considering Bard, an interesting option would be College of Whispers. It's a solid subclass overall, and has a unique feature at 6th level where you can steal the shadow of humanoids who die near you. Most importantly, after you capture their shadow you can then use an action to temporarily transform into that person, including accessing some of their memories.
Yeah for sure it's fun to explore all your options. After I initially made that comment, I really do think Warlock might be a solid option.
For another thing, they get access to "Mask of Many Faces" as an invocation which would let you do the disguise self at-will without even expending a spell slot. And if you wanted to still do Bard type stuff, well Warlocks are Charisma casters too, so you could take the Performer background and then you'd be able to have proficiency in musical instruments and performance, essentially a Pseudo-Bard lol.
In terms of Bard thing, I mean Bards are just So Much Fun. "Jack of all Trades" essentially just makes you half-proficient at everything. And Bards, unlike the other classes get to choose proficiency in Any 3 Skills during character creation.. College of Lore Bards which I already mentioned get 3 extra skills too. So you could have extra knowledge to represent all the research you're doing on bodies. Medicine for Anatomy, Arcana for Magical Knowledge (Spells, Items/Artifacts, etc), and so on. Aside from Lore Bard, there's also College of Glamour which have a supernatural ability to alter their own appearance and grant various buffs.
you got me stuck on bard because ive literally never ever made a bard character before mmmmm now im not sure if i go bard or warlock ;0; because warlock would make sense magic wise [and again can homebrew some sort of being for them to have a pact with that aligns with what they do] but bard is very yas and can still kinda get the job done mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
also the thought of the "the gender wizard" being a bard on the run from the authority for manipulating peoples appearences in not so common ways but exspirimental ways is very ammusing
ye maybe i will go for bard then have my silly lil "gender wizard" play silly lil tunes here and there i like to think in thier elvish appearence thier like got this certain air to them but like underneath thier just a pretty whimsical mischeivious guy who totally commiting the crime of trespassing and stealing ect but all for a good cause of course of course they always moving about dont be suprised if they start packing during your visit [they also be totally ruining the appearences of people they dont like stealing titties of people from the cities if thier an ass]
not sure which forum to post this in so putting it here. im making a character that originally was just a silly lil idea for another oc who was trans and just basically how they transitioned but this once just a simple side character is now one i genuinely like and want to develope more. things i need help to figure out with this character is:
- what race is more suited to what im describing?
- what class would be more suited to this character out of the magic user classes?
- literally any other tips or fun facts you think i may find handy with regards to this character
so onto the actual description of this character this character so far i've been calling karmen/karmel "the gender wizard". essentially thier a magic user of some description that dedicates thier life to researching curses, potions, spells, charms, artifacts ect that could be used in a beneficial way to various people. most of the stuff they look into regaurds changing physical appearence, voices, sex and so on this is because they themselves are able to shift thier own form and appearence however they wish [ a shapeshifter if you will of some kind]. they enjoy thier freedoms of being able to look and present however they wish but are saddened that theres those out there that don't have the abilitiy to do so and may be living an unhappy or uncomfortable life because of it [lgbtq+ people or even cis people who may be unhappy with some things about their appearences. so they essentially provide solutions to these problems to some people certain curses are well curses but to other people these curses could be beneficial he sees the positive where there is usally a negative in such things and utilizes that for good. so basically again "the gender wizard". though they mainly assit in thier who may be unhappy with themselves and looking for help that doesnt mean criminals do not seek him out for his services depending on the circumstances of the crimes committed they may or may not assit. They tend to take on an evish inspired appearence however are able to freely manipulate thier appearence. i was thinking they could even change to a tabaxi but im not sure if thats possible with the current knowledge i have in dnd which is why im seeking help and some other opinions on the matter. but yeah feel free to answer the questions or just give your opinions or ideas on this character.
also was thinking they tend to move around alot because thier practices arent exactly ....seen as "legal" whatever that may be in dnd he doesnt do bad things mind you but sometimes they can cause a bit of mischeif and well you have to get all your research, artifacts and such from somewhere. also though this is thier main line of research thier still not somone to be messed with they probably have thier hands on some pretty deadly stuff too so best not to go around touching stuff you don't understand.
To help out as best I can:
- what race is more suited to what im describing?
Sounds like you need to be a Changeling, you can switch your physical appearance at will, you do not get any special abilities so it is a purely cosmetic change, so changing to a Tabaxi will not give you claws or a climbing speed, changing to an Elf will not give you enhanced senses or the Trance ability etc.
- what class would be more suited to this character out of the magic user classes?
Transmutation Wizard would be my go to for this one, then you have to bat your eyes lovingly at your DM and ask if you can create a Wizard version of the Reincarnate spell. It's normally a Druid spell and level 5 so this research into its creation could be the impotus your character has for adventuring as they seek out Druids to try and learn the basics of the spell or seek out special material components etc, this would then allow you to have a way to change peoples races and genders when they are willing for you to do so, although you have to kill them first which might put some people off.
The Transmuters Stone ability, gained at level 14, also gives a few interesting things you can do such as restoring life and making people younger, so researching a way to do the other bits you want to do might be somethign the DM is ok with.
You could also look into the Bestow Curse spell, in my game I've had it used as a throw back to an item from previous editions called the Girdle of Masculinity/Feminity, the curse just switched male to female and vice versa, you could also use a curse to change someones gender or cosmetic appearance from one race to another just bear in mind in order for Bestow Curse to be a "permament" effect you need to use 9th level spell slots.
Speaking of 9th level spell slots....the Wish spell is an option although it does carry a certain risk to the caster if it is not mimicing a spell.
Huh i see i see these are some very handy suggestions ill keep these in mind as an option :3. is there anything else you think would be good for this character? such as artefacts, potential things in thier background also where can i find the information for changlings?
Changelings are available on here... there's two versions from the Eberron book and the Multiverse book... they're more or less the same, but the Multiverse version is a little more adaptable (it can change size category and customize their Ability Scores a bit more).
I also agree that Transmutation Wizards makes the most sense for the backstory you described... which is a bit unfortunate, since to be honest it's one of the least exciting wizard subclasses, despite having so much potential.
Watch Crits for Breakfast, an adults-only RP-Heavy Roll20 Livestream at twitch.tv/afterdisbooty
And now you too can play with the amazing art and assets we use in Roll20 for our campaign at Hazel's Emporium
which of the classes would you say would be close and still a good class? i dont exspect the class to entirely fit with the being able to change peoples appearences since they have other methods for that [again artifacts,potions, relics spells from scrolls ect] the magic doesnt directly have to come from them but i would like a class that allows the use of those things while also still giving them abilities that allow them to preform thier work [the actual getting of such things since some skill would be required there and he would needs forms of self protection and such. even then they can find alternative forms of helping people require what they need since his main thing is the research of such things. so if you have alternative class suggestions feel free to give those too. its just in general what you think may be good or fit [doesnt have to fit perfectly into the whole changing appearences things] i had considered sorcerer but i wanted to hear what others had to say [also im not knowledable on classes ect im like basically a newb ive known about dnd for years but im not an exspert by any means]
I think that Wizard is the best fit myself, because the flavor of wizards inclines them towards research, therefore your Wizard's pet project can be studying methodologies for changing appearance.
Other options include:
Druid: Druid's access to Wild Shape makes them even more of a Shapechanger than other classes, especially if you play a Moon Druid who are objectively the best at it. Their entire subclass surrounds your own ability to change shape into animals. You would also have inherent access to reincarnation which the other commenter mentioned.
Bard: Bards are incredibly charismatic, social chameleons, and skill monkeys. A Lore Bard especially has inherent ability to study a wide variety of magic because of their additional magical secrets. Magical Secrets is a Bard Feature most Bards get at level 10 which lets them add additional spells from any other class. The Lore Bard however gets additional magical secrets at 6th level, which is earlier than all other bards, and might give you access to more spells thematically appropriate for your character. Bard also gets spells good for changing appearance, such as Polymorph, Disguise Self (Which is of little use if you're playing a changeling, however, it would let you change your clothes appearance as well as body)
**Warlock**: I feel as though Warlock deserves a mention here. "Warlocks are seekers of the knowledge that lies hidden in the fabric of the multiverse. Through pacts made with mysterious beings of supernatural power, warlocks unlock magical effects both subtle and spectacular." Warlocks get access to additional "Pact Spells" from their patron, a supernatural entity they've made a deal with in exchange for power. If you work with your GM, it's possible they might let you exchange your Warlock Subclasses usual Pact Spells for spells that would be useful for changing people's appearances. There is even a Warlock Eldritch Invocation called "Sculptor of Flesh": you can cast polymorph once using a warlock spell slot. You can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
"Sculptor of Flesh" feels incredibly thematic for your character concept, and if I were your DM, I would even let you use it to modify certain aspects of a humanoids appearance permanently via a long ritual.
oooooo i really do like the sound of bard in this concept given if they cover varieties of magic that would allow for them to have stuff related to thier actual work but also stuff for protection means and such. but yeah disguise self while not of much use in terms of actual appearnce given thier already a changling the being able to change clothes sounds very them. sounds like something they would do to be dramatic.
ive created warlock characters before [never used them in an actual game rip] so it is intresting to learn the sculptor of flesh fact since that wasnt something a knew before. also certainly could work with a dm if i ever put them in a game and potentially homebrew of find somone they can have a pact with that maybe aligns with thier field of research and work.
i understand wizard seems the most fitting but i want to exsplore a bit and maybe not choose the most convenient option more fun that way.
On the Transmutation Wizard side of things...Critical Role campaign 2 had Caleb Widowghast who created a spell you might find useful:
https://criticalrole.fandom.com/wiki/Widogast's_Transmogrification
Edit: You could also try a Cleric and use Divine Intervention to achieve what you want.
If you're considering Bard, an interesting option would be College of Whispers. It's a solid subclass overall, and has a unique feature at 6th level where you can steal the shadow of humanoids who die near you. Most importantly, after you capture their shadow you can then use an action to temporarily transform into that person, including accessing some of their memories.
Watch Crits for Breakfast, an adults-only RP-Heavy Roll20 Livestream at twitch.tv/afterdisbooty
And now you too can play with the amazing art and assets we use in Roll20 for our campaign at Hazel's Emporium
Yeah for sure it's fun to explore all your options. After I initially made that comment, I really do think Warlock might be a solid option.
For another thing, they get access to "Mask of Many Faces" as an invocation which would let you do the disguise self at-will without even expending a spell slot. And if you wanted to still do Bard type stuff, well Warlocks are Charisma casters too, so you could take the Performer background and then you'd be able to have proficiency in musical instruments and performance, essentially a Pseudo-Bard lol.
In terms of Bard thing, I mean Bards are just So Much Fun. "Jack of all Trades" essentially just makes you half-proficient at everything. And Bards, unlike the other classes get to choose proficiency in Any 3 Skills during character creation.. College of Lore Bards which I already mentioned get 3 extra skills too. So you could have extra knowledge to represent all the research you're doing on bodies. Medicine for Anatomy, Arcana for Magical Knowledge (Spells, Items/Artifacts, etc), and so on. Aside from Lore Bard, there's also College of Glamour which have a supernatural ability to alter their own appearance and grant various buffs.
you got me stuck on bard because ive literally never ever made a bard character before mmmmm now im not sure if i go bard or warlock ;0; because warlock would make sense magic wise [and again can homebrew some sort of being for them to have a pact with that aligns with what they do] but bard is very yas and can still kinda get the job done mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
also the thought of the "the gender wizard" being a bard on the run from the authority for manipulating peoples appearences in not so common ways but exspirimental ways is very ammusing
I'd 100% go for Bard fam. It sounds like you want that chaotic energy only the Bard can provide.
ye maybe i will go for bard then have my silly lil "gender wizard" play silly lil tunes here and there i like to think in thier elvish appearence thier like got this certain air to them but like underneath thier just a pretty whimsical mischeivious guy who totally commiting the crime of trespassing and stealing ect but all for a good cause of course of course they always moving about dont be suprised if they start packing during your visit [they also be totally ruining the appearences of people they dont like stealing titties of people from the cities if thier an ass]
Half orc Druid!