On Identifying Changelings

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NWDuneAuron
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On Identifying Changelings

Post by NWDuneAuron »

Following complaints from some players, it seems some people need remiding on how Changelings are detected:
When a changeling uses the Changeling Special Ability, a message is sent to everyone in the area that the ability has been used. This is an OOC message.

When a changeling changes form, everyone in the immediate vicinity gets to make a spellcraft check (DC 16). This check is made automatically by the engine. If they succeed, they get a message indicating that the user of the power may be a changeling. If they fail, they get no message. If someone changes in front of your face, you do know that they can change form. However you do not know how they are accomplishing this feat unless you succeed in your spellcraft check.

When a changeling memorizes or purges a form, everyone in the immediate vicinity gets to make a spellcraft check (DC 30). This check is made automatically by the engine. If they succeed, they get a message indicating that the user of the power may be a changeling. If they fail, they get no message.

In both the above cases, the changeling does not know if someone made a check or if they succeeded at a check. When a changeling reviews their forms, no one gets to make a spellcraft check to identify a changeling.

This means that anyone without ranks in spellcraft will never be able to identify someone as a changeling. Those with some ranks will be able to identify changelings with a good degree of accuracy whenever they change shape or revert to their true form. Only characters of at least level 6 will have any chance of identifying changelings when memorizing or purging forms, and only epics with any degree of regularity.

If you cannot make spellcraft checks, the only other IC way to find out someone is a changeling is to have someone who ICly knows tell you that person is a changeling. So unless you succeed at a spellcraft check you do not know someone is a changeling, even if they change shape in front of your face.
There is no other way to know if someone is a changeling. Saying you can detect them in other ways is cheesing and will be punished.
Arkon
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Post by Arkon »

Alright, to clarify this issue.

If a changeling is in a form that cannot use a weapon (IE in animal form, dragon form, whatever, that would normaly only be able to use natural weapons) then, IMHO, it would be metagaming for that mage to cast any weapon buffs on that character. Why would he know you could use it? He/she wouldn't know that and therefore wouldn't waste the spell.

So in that respect, if a changeling character requests a buff while in a form that does not carry a weapon, then I would recommend you ignore the request. If it's an ooc request, treat it as such and ignore it (or inform the player that you wont' do it and why, up to you).

If it's an IC request, then I will arbitrarily authorize SAID MAGE AND NO ONE ELSE to make a wisdom/intel check at a DC of 10 to decide if they realize something is up. Now, that being said, they will still not know that the person is a changeling, but they will know that something is definately not right with the person (IE, they are mental, they are illusionists, etc)
Respect is Earned! Fear is Demanded!
Arkon
World Leader
Posts: 2902
Joined: Fri Jul 02, 2004 11:28 pm
Location: Ironton, MO

Post by Arkon »

Final Hala Ruling on Changelings:

All items merge with your form. If you turn into something that can't hold a weapon, you don't show a weapon, it merges with you. This is the way it has always been, it is the way it will always be. Only items that would be able to be seen will be seen. Come on people, what is the big deal here.
Respect is Earned! Fear is Demanded!
NWDuneAuron
Honor Guard: Church of Pants
Posts: 1328
Joined: Thu Dec 02, 2004 2:58 pm

Post by NWDuneAuron »

As far as changelings go, what Orleron says is law. They're his race.
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