Putting the Evil back into spells

[BattlePixie]

Is it possible to code a few spells with an evil alignment shift each time they're cast? For example, if animating the dead is such an evil act, why doesn't it carry an evil alignment shift per cast? The same for changing shape into a nightwalker (undead) or a devil.

I die a little inside (and I know i'm not the only one) everytime I see one of the "good guys" go to smite evil by either taking the shape of undead / devils or animating the dead themselves.

[Doubtful]

Having easily accessed alignment shifts in game isn't something that's likely to happen, it's open to exploitation and silliness.

Don't think it goes ignored though - Those of good alignment who frequently cast Evil aligned spells do get noticed and run the risk of unpleasant side effects.

[DM_Acorn]

Especially if I am on.

[Lothoir]

I die a little inside (and I know i'm not the only one) everytime I see one of the "good guys" go to smite evil by either taking the shape of undead / devils or animating the dead themselves.

Better solution: Give "good guys" viable alternatives. The Nightwalker is the most powerful Shapechange and Summon IX (9th level spell that costs 150 gp to cast and lasts 1 round per level) is a joke compared to Create Greater Undead (8th level spell that costs nothing, and lasts a minute per level)

[Satoshi]

Lothoir has it spot on. I want hour per level Construct/Angel summons and T-Rex form.

[roguethree]

Gate is supposed to have a "good" option, after all.

[GodBeastX]

DMs are notified when people are casting evil descriptor classes against their alignment and can react. Neutral people are able to cast evil shit and not shift in P&P so ... I don't see a problem here.

Giving tools to shift alignments on a whim is never good for condusive RP. Often when people just shift themselves, they tend not to consider the whole ramifications.

I take the opinion in coversations, for example, instead of giving players the option of what path to take "Good, evil, neutral" the conversation follows a flow based on your alignment, and spells and such too. People really shouldn't be jumping all over for alignment.

[Thief Of Navarre]

DMs are notified when people are casting evil descriptor classes against their alignment and can react. Neutral people are able to cast evil shit and not shift in P&P so ... I don't see a problem here.

Giving tools to shift alignments on a whim is never good for condusive RP. Often when people just shift themselves, they tend not to consider the whole ramifications.

I take the opinion in coversations, for example, instead of giving players the option of what path to take "Good, evil, neutral" the conversation follows a flow based on your alignment, and spells and such too. People really shouldn't be jumping all over for alignment.

Yeah I remember people playing out the whole alignment shift by repeated castings of nightmare and similar spells. It was getting silly.

[Azareil]

Is it possible to code a few spells with an evil alignment shift each time they're cast? For example, if animating the dead is such an evil act, why doesn't it carry an evil alignment shift per cast? The same for changing shape into a nightwalker (undead) or a devil.

I die a little inside (and I know i'm not the only one) everytime I see one of the "good guys" go to smite evil by either taking the shape of undead / devils or animating the dead themselves.

I tested this out with another player tonight, you're not able to turn a PC who uses shapechange despite them actually being "undead".

I think it would be amazingly cool to see something like that go in.

I think it would be neat to see;
Nightwalker - Can be Turned.
Devil form - Can be turned (If you have Evil domain) and can be the subject of a dismissal or banishment.

[thaelis]

Why would taking the shape of a demon or an undead shift alignment? Its just your physical shape. It doesn't alter your mind in any way whatsoever, unless I'm reading the spell description wrong.

I can see why summoning demons or undead would shift align...as you're willingly bringing a slavering, blood-drinking, baby-eating monster into the world. But shapechanging?

If a mage shapeshifts into a nightwalker to protect a village of innocents from a dragon, he should get evil points? Sounds kinda weird to me. Taking the shape of something that is usually evil shouldn't inherently be an evil act. As long as your mind is still your own.

[Doubtful]

I'm pretty sure there's a philosophical argument to be had over the way a shape could or should influence the way you perceive the world, and as a result the way you think.

Though that mostly goes for the druids who get all the bonuses and senses of being a creature, not mages who just take the shape.

[Thief Of Navarre]

Just given me an idea Doubtful!

*goes to roll a another druid*

[Sir Kharn]

I'm pretty sure there's a philosophical argument to be had over the way a shape could or should influence the way you perceive the world, and as a result the way you think.

Is it written anywhere that you take on all aspects of the creature you are changing into? I'd like to think that its like putting on a different suit, you just look different.

[Root]

Is it written anywhere that you take on all aspects of the creature you are changing into? I'd like to think that its like putting on a different suit, you just look different.

Saw a houserule spell once that was pretty much the counter-polymorph. The target creature gains the mindset of whichever creature it appears to be at the time, at like a -4 save, for 10m/caster level.

Your druid is now a bear. Congrats.

[OnyxTigress]

If you take a look at the D&D SRD, it says you can all the extraordinary and supernatural abilities of the shape you change into.

http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/shapechange.htm