So I'm currently planning a character who was experimented on by a mad wizard, having their physical form altered through a combination of arcane mutation & alchemical sciences.
This has rendered their physical form somewhat...pliable, let's say.
This is reflected in their spellcasting...the plan is the multiclass the "Artificer" and "Wizard" (to some extent), and so much of the spells are "visualized" in such a way that they are altering their physical form to execute these spells.
For example: "Acid Splash" causes their jaw to protrude, extend fangs, and literally spit globs of acid...whereas "Thorn Whip" will manifest as a long stinger tail, stabbing enemies and dragging them closer...elemental cantrips like "Frostbite" or "Firebolt" will have their hands transform to reflect the element that is cast (similar to plasmids in "Bioshock").
This means a hefty reliance on transmutation, conjuration & evocations spells to demonstrate their bizarre mutations.
Where I'm stuck is race.
At first, the Simic Hybrid seems like a strong contender...they are, after all, a race that is based around bioengineering.
And the features are solid...bonuses to Constitution (and Intelligence), and some utility mutations...a choice of hang-gliding, fast-climbing or water-breathing...and later on, tentacles (appropriately bizarre), shell-armor (a bit wasted on this character), or acid spit (appropriate, but somewhat already covered).
And "Darkvision"...yay.
I'd probably do fast-climbing & tentacles (the grappling possibility intrigues me). The mutations are incredibly on-theme.
HOWEVER...changeling are nice, too.
Their ability to transform their physical appearance on a whim (and emulating the appearances of other races), is VERY appealing...and their natural form is still somewhat alien enough to be a product of some evil wizard's experimentation (the origins of changelings varies...created by gods, descended from doppelgangers, etc...)
A changeling's ability to shapeshift is also perfect for a character themed around mutating themselves...
They don't get Darkvision, though...but they could cast "Darkvision" (either eye-stalks, multiple eyes, or sonic-sensors...remember: mutation!)
No Constitution bonus...but they still get an Intelligence boost...and Charisma has its uses (transforming their face / hands into creepy forms while "Intimidating" suspects sounds like it could be great fun).
...so I am conflicted.
What say you, opinionated forum-delvers of D&D Beyond?
Simic Hybrid, or Changeling for a loveable, mutated freak?
I think the simic is a bit more themantic to what your going for. Plus, it way more mutant like, a changling will generally look normal, a simic will always look like a mutant
I think the simic is a bit more themantic to what your going for. Plus, it way more mutant like, a changling will generally look normal, a simic will always look like a mutant
I have to give it to the Simic Hybrid...it's very tempting.
I suppose I like how the changeling offers a temporary way to hide their bizarre appearance...that is, until they start shapeshifting & casting "spells".
may i suggest the disguise self spell for the temporary hiding? maybe the new UA that lets you take an invocation, take mask of many faces for at will use. Provides the changing feature of changling, but isnt quite as powerful. And leaves you with the natural appearance of a mutant
I'd vote simic hybrid for flavor, and I'd also suggest some kind of sorcerer for a class since you can lump your sorcerer abilities and your racial stuff as coming from the same source, i.e. mad science.
Crazy experiments I think is like the second most popular sorcerous origin and I prefer it by far to simply "was born with magic", but i feel like a lot of players don't realize you can play a sorcerer who wasn't born with it.
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So I'm currently planning a character who was experimented on by a mad wizard, having their physical form altered through a combination of arcane mutation & alchemical sciences.
This has rendered their physical form somewhat...pliable, let's say.
This is reflected in their spellcasting...the plan is the multiclass the "Artificer" and "Wizard" (to some extent), and so much of the spells are "visualized" in such a way that they are altering their physical form to execute these spells.
For example: "Acid Splash" causes their jaw to protrude, extend fangs, and literally spit globs of acid...whereas "Thorn Whip" will manifest as a long stinger tail, stabbing enemies and dragging them closer...elemental cantrips like "Frostbite" or "Firebolt" will have their hands transform to reflect the element that is cast (similar to plasmids in "Bioshock").
This means a hefty reliance on transmutation, conjuration & evocations spells to demonstrate their bizarre mutations.
Where I'm stuck is race.
At first, the Simic Hybrid seems like a strong contender...they are, after all, a race that is based around bioengineering.
And the features are solid...bonuses to Constitution (and Intelligence), and some utility mutations...a choice of hang-gliding, fast-climbing or water-breathing...and later on, tentacles (appropriately bizarre), shell-armor (a bit wasted on this character), or acid spit (appropriate, but somewhat already covered).
And "Darkvision"...yay.
I'd probably do fast-climbing & tentacles (the grappling possibility intrigues me). The mutations are incredibly on-theme.
HOWEVER...changeling are nice, too.
Their ability to transform their physical appearance on a whim (and emulating the appearances of other races), is VERY appealing...and their natural form is still somewhat alien enough to be a product of some evil wizard's experimentation (the origins of changelings varies...created by gods, descended from doppelgangers, etc...)
A changeling's ability to shapeshift is also perfect for a character themed around mutating themselves...
They don't get Darkvision, though...but they could cast "Darkvision" (either eye-stalks, multiple eyes, or sonic-sensors...remember: mutation!)
No Constitution bonus...but they still get an Intelligence boost...and Charisma has its uses (transforming their face / hands into creepy forms while "Intimidating" suspects sounds like it could be great fun).
...so I am conflicted.
What say you, opinionated forum-delvers of D&D Beyond?
Simic Hybrid, or Changeling for a loveable, mutated freak?
I think the simic is a bit more themantic to what your going for. Plus, it way more mutant like, a changling will generally look normal, a simic will always look like a mutant
I have to give it to the Simic Hybrid...it's very tempting.
I suppose I like how the changeling offers a temporary way to hide their bizarre appearance...that is, until they start shapeshifting & casting "spells".
may i suggest the disguise self spell for the temporary hiding? maybe the new UA that lets you take an invocation, take mask of many faces for at will use. Provides the changing feature of changling, but isnt quite as powerful. And leaves you with the natural appearance of a mutant
I'd vote simic hybrid for flavor, and I'd also suggest some kind of sorcerer for a class since you can lump your sorcerer abilities and your racial stuff as coming from the same source, i.e. mad science.
Crazy experiments I think is like the second most popular sorcerous origin and I prefer it by far to simply "was born with magic", but i feel like a lot of players don't realize you can play a sorcerer who wasn't born with it.