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4 years ago ::
Mar 08, 2009 - 9:15PM
#1
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Date Joined:
Sep 25, 2006
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Okay this one needs some backstory, so those of you with the mental fortitude for a nice little paragraph or two, read on. For the TLDR version, see below.
TLDR: I have a flaming skull. It was created my necromantic magic, and I froze it but chose not to kill it. I am a level 1 sorcerer and looking for interesting ideas on what to do with it.
Long Version: I am playing a level 1 Genasi dragon-magic sorcerer, though I have pitched it more as master over the elements than dragon-origin magic as genasi in general dislike dragonborn (its a Forgotten Realms thing). During an encounter around an alter dedicated to Grummsh we tripped some sort of trap or dormant magic.
Four animated flaming skulls erupted from magical torches around the room and attacked us. They did 1d8+2 fire damage at range, so with my 7 fire resistance I'm fairly safe from them. I knocked one down and froze it solid with a dragonfrost attack, but chose not to kill it. Now I have a rabid necromantic skull on ice which, if I allow it to thaw, will burst into flames and try to eat me. He's cute, and doesn't hurt much. We haven't identified what creature the skull came from, but I've already named him Bob.
My DM allowed me, due to my knowledge of elemental magic and arcana in general, to (with a suitably impressive series of 25+ arcana checks) essentially 'deactivate' the skull until we can safely contain it. This turns off the fiery aura and makes it dormant, and lets me carry it in a sack rather than freezing it over and over.
My question to you, the forum that I've enjoyed for so long, is what the heck do I do with it? I have an extremely angry animated flaming undead skull of unknown origin. My character worships Baazim-Gorag, and is batshit crazy sometimes... hence why I'm toying with an undead of evil origin. It probably drives my DM nuts to, but so far he's rolled with it.
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 12:27AM
#2
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Date Joined:
Jun 16, 2006
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First I would ask my DM if I can arcana check it into total submission or reset its controls. From there you now have a flaming skull familiar/animal companion. (animal companion for the raptor beastmaster ranger and familiar will be released soon in arcane power coming out next month) As the DM it would be treated as your next major magical item for the dungeon. (There was a magical rapier but it seems a chest was thrown or dropped on it, breaking it and ruining the magic. However you do have your floatng skull and learn the keyword needed to bind it to you instead from the wizards book.)
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 12:44AM
#3
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I'd recommend looking at the familiar feat in this preview article (no need for a DDI subscription to see it). Ask your DM if you skull buddy couldn't act as a bound demon familiar for now. When Arcane Power comes out, maybe there will be a familiar template that's more appropriate.
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 12:55AM
#4
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Date Joined:
Sep 25, 2006
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First I would ask my DM if I can arcana check it into total submission or reset its controls. From there you now have a flaming skull familiar/animal companion. (animal companion for the raptor beastmaster ranger and familiar will be released soon in arcane power coming out next month) As the DM it would be treated as your next major magical item for the dungeon. (There was a magical rapier but it seems a chest was thrown or dropped on it, breaking it and ruining the magic. However you do have your floatng skull and learn the keyword needed to bind it to you instead from the wizards book.)
Excellent idea!
I'd recommend looking at the familiar feat in this preview article (no need for a DDI subscription to see it).
Ask your DM if you skull buddy couldn't act as a bound demon familiar for now. When Arcane Power comes out, maybe there will be a familiar template that's more appropriate.
Wow I hadn't realized they released a preview of the Familiar feat. I guess having a floating flaming skull would certainly explain a +2 to intimidate, and it being an evil necromantic construct may explain its ability to let me read/speak abyssal. The other effect is gravy, should I choose to risk him.
Is there any word on what happens when a familiar dies? That says it 'vanishes for a while' but any idea how long? Likely until you take an extended rest, as most things are tied to the short/extended rest system.
I wonder if he'd also allow it to give off light as a torch, since it is a flaming skull. Hm.
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 7:42AM
#5
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Date Joined:
Aug 22, 2005
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Now I have a rabid necromantic skull on ice which, if I allow it to thaw, will burst into flames and try to eat me.
I find this line hilarious. :D
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 4:18PM
#6
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Date Joined:
Sep 25, 2006
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I find this line hilarious. :D
Hehehe, thanks. My DM says he's probably okay with the familiar idea. What sort of personality would a hungry bound necromantic flameskull have do you think?
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 4:52PM
#7
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Date Joined:
Jul 19, 2008
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Have any of you ever read the dresden files? This kinda reminds me of that (although the talking skull in there isnt on fire..... or frozen..) But the skull in there is a know it all that loves reading... romantic books. It asks for payment in romantic novels. If it has an opinion, it lets it be known (to its "owner"), especially about women and why the main character should be going out with... or why he is crazy to not be with someone...
Just wanted to add that in...
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 5:07PM
#8
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Date Joined:
Sep 25, 2006
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Have any of you ever read the dresden files? This kinda reminds me of that (although the talking skull in there isnt on fire..... or frozen..) But the skull in there is a know it all that loves reading... romantic books. It asks for payment in romantic novels. If it has an opinion, it lets it be known (to its "owner"), especially about women and why the main character should be going out with... or why he is crazy to not be with someone...
Just wanted to add that in...
Well, I did name the skull Bob. :P
That would be amusing. The demonic flaming skull has a refined gentleman personality and is actually quite eloquent when not biting random pedestrians.
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 5:31PM
#9
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Date Joined:
Jul 19, 2008
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Well, I did name the skull Bob. :P
That would be amusing. The demonic flaming skull has a refined gentleman personality and is actually quite eloquent when not biting random pedestrians.
Bob: "Yes, yes, that is a very fine elven wine you have over...(Town Guard walks by)... Tear his eyes out!!! Let me at him let me at him... i will make him bleed..."
Guard: "Did you just threaten me? Your under arrest"
You: "What the heck bob.... Um.... RUN!"
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4 years ago ::
Mar 09, 2009 - 6:36PM
#10
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Date Joined:
Jun 16, 2007
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Question: What do I do with this Flaming Skull?
Answer: Throw it at someone.
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