Thursday, August 20, 2015

'Regeneration', Gallifrey Style




 “Regeneration is a biological ability exhibited by Time Lords, a race of fictional humanoids originating on the planet Gallifrey, in the long running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. This process allows a Time Lord who is old or mortally wounded to undergo a transformation into a new physical form and a somewhat different personality.” - Wikipedia

As well as being an ingenious way to script-in a new actor for the lead role in the longest running SciFi franchise in history, 'Regeneration', Gallifrey style, could be a fun option/item for RPG gaming.  In the series, Regeneration is an innate ability of the Time Lords, but it could also be introduced in the form of an artifact, spell, potion...  However it enters the game, the effect appears to engulf the recipient in a fiery yellow mist, which causes a transformation into an entirely new body.  Memory is retained, although the personality may be altered, to some degree.

In game terms, exposure to Regeneration mist while 'at death's door' (or possibly within 10 rounds of death?), causes a character to be completely reborn:
- XP Level and XP points are retained, but there is a chance that Class is altered
- Ability Scores may be retained, but possibly shuffled, if Class changes, or completely re-rolled
- HP total is re-rolled, as per Class
- Outward appearance, apparent age, possibly even gender is changed
- Alignment is unaffected
-A period of 'adjustment' is needed, possibly expressed as a 'minus' or 'disadvantage' to action rolls, Saves, etc, until the recipient is once again 'comfortable in their own skin'

...Alas, 'Algar the Barbarian' is no longer with The Party, but hey, adventuring with Algar the Wizard might be a hoot!

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