Witches and Healing

[mabon5127]

One of my folks is playing a Witch. In the class description they are represented as having healing abilities. The only thing close to this is the Transfer Spell which is a very "witchy" thing to do. I was thinking that I may give him a low level healing spell and also allow the class to create low level healing potions as well since the class seems to be very able in that area.

Would this seem unbalancing in any way?

Morgan

[Ghul]

I don't think it would be unreasonable, Morgan. Not to nitpick, but the class description mentions "healing the ill" which (to my mind!) means sickness, disease, and so forth -- not necessarily wounds, per se. That being said, I do understand that some folks feel that the cleric class does not fit the S&S theme; I don't particularly agree with this, but for those who feel strongly about it, yet still wish to include some capacity of magical healing, I would consider the witch for cure light and cure serious wounds. Healing potions are reasonable, too.

[mabon5127]

Actually you are quite correct and not nit picking at all. I really just wondered about the source of those healing potions the characters find and thought this class would fit the bill. I like the idea that the witch can heal but taking a bit more time. Potions are quicker but take lots of prep time.

We are trying to work out a male version of the " seductive dance".....

Morgan

[blackadder23]

May 16, 2013 19:49:18 GMT -6 mabon5127 said:

We are trying to work out a male version of the seductive dance

Maybe a smoldering gaze?

[mabon5127]

Yup. Or an "elder voice". Speech that through the use of the right words and voice inflections mystically holds peoples attention. Not a song with music as this runs too close to the Bard.

Morgan

[blackadder23]

If one of my players raised this issue, my response would probably be, "What makes you think you're going to survive to fifth level anyway?"

He-witches are going to be extremely rare in my campaign. As in, a male needs to be the seventh son of a seventh son, born on the 13th day of the 13th month with a caul on his face, in order to become a witch. So it's an option for PCs, but not one I'll encourage. If I do have a male witch, I'll probably just tell his that his character has a fey, androgynous quality that makes a "dance of beguilement" less ludicrous for him than it would be for most males. (Anyone who balks at this probably shouldn't play a class that includes a "dance of beguilement" in the first place - a male can always play a druid if he really wants to be a fantasy Wiccan. ;D )

But if your player isn't comfortable with it, by all means substitute something else. Frankly, I don't see any of the male players I've lined up so far even considering playing a witch.

[Ghul]

Don't forget that should you allow a male witch in your campaign, it can be referred to as a "wizard".

"Seventh son of a seventh son, born on the 13th day of the 13th month with a caul on his face." That's quite excellent, ba23.

[mabon5127]

I would also offer up the "Elder Voice" to a female that would want to play a crone like witch rather than the beautiful witch. The wizard player was very happy with the changes.

Morgan

[Ghul]

May 19, 2013 7:15:49 GMT -6 mabon5127 said:

I would also offer up the "Elder Voice" to a female that would want to play a crone like witch rather than the beautiful witch. The wizard player was very happy with the changes.

Morgan

Sure, there are plenty of alternatives to the dance. A wizard might, for example, chant in a sibilant tongue whilst performing a series of confounding yet mesmerizing gestures. The ultimate effect can be the same.

However, maybe you could simply have a male witch dance (without seeming odd); I'm thinking of something along the lines of a Samoan Fire Knife Dance:

[mabon5127]

Thanks for the paradigm shift. For whatever reason I was only thinking of a seductive female dance.