Beltane: The Pagan Celebration of Fertility and Joy

Pagan holidays have a rich and varied history, spanning different cultures and traditions. From ancient times to the present day, pagans have celebrated these holidays with various rituals and customs. This encyclopedia serves as a comprehensive guide to the wide array of pagan holidays observed throughout the year. The main idea in bold is Pagan holidays have a rich and varied history, spanning different cultures and traditions..

Casting Time 1 standard action

edit He s trying to use polymorph any object on himself to transform himself into a slightly different half-orc that has all the same abilities, levels, bonuses, etc which would be a permanent polymorph under the rules of the spell. This wizard might well be one of them, in which case one of the player s will be able to get his grubby hands on her character sheet and play her for an adventure or two.

.

Shape-changing Wizard

I'm building a mage for my current campaign. She 20th level, probably a wizard although maybe a sorcerer. She's previously been an occasionally seen NPC, but the coming campaign arc suggests she'll be a much closer ally of the PCs and might even accompany them on a couple of adventures, so she's finally getting a full set of stats.

Previous campaign lore has determined she's capable of changing into a panther (via supernatural ability rather than cast spell), and I'm trying to find a way to represent this power mechanically. I've considered making her a lycanthrope, but this seems a little obvious.

I'm interested in suggestions of any arcane-orientated feats, prestige classes or similar that grant a character some kind of beast form. Third party and old 3.5 material are welcomed as warmly as core Pathfinder rules.

Consider either a Transmutation Specialist Wizard of a Beast-Bonded Witch. At 8th level, they both get the spell-like ability to shape change per Beast Shape II. The Wizard gets per rounds and the Witch per minutes.

If you must make it a "supernatural ability", then consider taking/making a feat that allows a "spell-like" ability to become a "supernatural-like" ability. "Wild shape" is a Su, but limited per hours a day. So, it would not be cheesy for an arcane caster to have this ability if they paid the feat tax. Just make it available to the other PCs so they don't feel slighted.

Remember, if your caster will be spending significant time in animal form, I think most DMs would allow the caster to take "natural spell".

Let us know what you end up doing.

Also, spell-like abilities do not have verbal, material, or somatic components.

Many thanks to The Doctor. I'm showing my lack of knowledge regarding Pathfinder, as Transmutation specialist will suit my purposes perfectly, just as written.

An important thing to consider to is that the PC's never have to know how she does it.

In fact, it can be alot more fun for them if they don't. Is she a lycanthrope? Is it from magic? SU? EX? who knows? They don't.

It could be a magical item, a permanent spell effect, a boon from the gods, a Polymorph spell, she could be a dragon with a 9th level version of Non-detection that allows her to skip through true seeing spells or really anything on earth that you want.

The PC's need never know how. Don't tell them- even if you decide its just some class ability. They never, ever get to see her character sheet.
Keep the mystery alive.

That's a very good point Selgard, and up to this point the PCs have been in the dark.

However, we have a small group of two (sometimes three) players. In order to 'beef up' the party (and sometimes to drive the plot), we regularly have 'guest stars' join the party. This wizard might well be one of them, in which case one of the player's will be able to get his grubby hands on her character sheet and play her for an adventure or two.

The NPC caster could have the Preferred Spell feat or the Major Spell Expertise feat. Either could apply to Beast Shape 2, ensuring that a change to an animal's form is more common for that wizard.

However, you could also just go with the idea that she likes cats. BIG cats. She tends to keep a Beast Shape memorized so that she can indulge in her preference at any time. Perhaps she uses Still Spell or other metamagic feats in case she is grappled. That would add some mystery, since people may come to believe her ability is supernatural. Unless you want to limit her transformations to just the panther shape for some reason, I'd make it simply her perrogotive, her favorite shape.

hmm a lesser extend rod with beeast shape I would work. (or maybe some of the better rods with the later spells, too)

Sounds like you are arcane focused, but you might also consider the a Dark Tapestry Oracle, (from Ultimate Magic) they get a shape change ability which starts as alter self then goes to Beast Shape I then later Beast Shape III, including magical beasts. It's limited to size medium/ small only though.

Polymorph any object + Multimorph arcane discovery. As long as you turn into somethign similar to your own race at last one minute before the timer runs out on your current form you'll effectively have infinite possibilities (within spell limit).

I'd be careful here. This sounds dangerously close to DMPC territory.

I have a character inquiring about this combination. My rule would be that if he's changing attributes but keeps his duration at greater than 1 day he can remain polymorphed. However, I would make this require the use of his spell slot on any day when he modifies himself. Otherwise it seems very broken - You could turn into a dragon for 18 minutes, then turn yourself back into you base form with different colored eyes and the spell would persist, letting you change back into a dragon.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.

I have a character inquiring about this combination. My rule would be that if he's changing attributes but keeps his duration at greater than 1 day he can remain polymorphed. However, I would make this require the use of his spell slot on any day when he modifies himself. Otherwise it seems very broken - You could turn into a dragon for 18 minutes, then turn yourself back into you base form with different colored eyes and the spell would persist, letting you change back into a dragon.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong here.

I'm playing a wizard in my high level game that can do this. As humanoid changes are based on alter self he can't turn back into his own race or the spell duration ends. So he's an elf originally. He can turn into a human or half elf with a "permanent" duration and maintain the spell (remember permanent isn't instant). However if he turns into an elf the spell ends, regardless of if he alters something minor such as his eyes.

I know it sounds like it, but once you get 8th level spells this isn't that powerful of an ablity. It's certainly powerful and cool, but if you follow the rules it still pales in comparison to other 15h level abilities. Oh, also it requires a spell per day and a feat. Not to mention good timing.

Alter self says nothing about changing small features. Only polymorphing into other humanoid races.

School transmutation (polymorph); Level bard 2, sorcerer/wizard 2

Casting Time 1 standard action

Components V, S, M (a piece of the creature whose form you plan to assume)

Duration 1 min./level (D)

When you cast this spell, you can assume the form of any Small or Medium creature of the humanoid type. If the form you assume has any of the following abilities, you gain the listed ability: darkvision 60 feet, low-light vision , scent , and swim 30 feet.

Small creature : If the form you take is that of a Small humanoid, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Dexterity .

Medium creature : If the form you take is that of a Medium humanoid, you gain a +2 size bonus to your Strength .

I guess the question is about the wording of Polymorph Any Object and how duration is affected.

If you make a change that is permanent (a half-orc to an elf), then change into a dragon or something (with a duration) then back to an elf does the spell stay in effect?

edit: He's trying to use polymorph any object on himself to transform himself into a "slightly different half-orc" that has all the same abilities, levels, bonuses, etc which would be a permanent polymorph under the rules of the spell. From that form he feels he could then change as a standard action using his multi-morph ability to change into anything and then back to his "similar self" when he's done. This seems very broken and I'm having trouble explaining why. He feels that he can do anything under PAO using those duration rules unless he specifically wants to use Draconic Form, Beast Shape, or another polymorph spell.

Polymorph Any Object
School transmutation (polymorph); Level sorcerer/wizard 8
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M/DF (mercury, gum arabic, and smoke)
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target one creature, or one nonmagical object of up to 100 cu. ft./level
Duration see text
Saving Throw Fortitude negates (object); see text; Spell Resistance yes (object)
This spell functions like greater polymorph, except that it changes one object or creature into another. You can use this spell to transform all manner of objects and creatures into new forms—you aren't limited to transforming a living creature into another living form. The duration of the spell depends on how radical a change is made from the original state to its transmuted state. The duration is determined by using the following guidelines.

Changed Subject Is… Increase to Duration Factor*
Same kingdom (animal, vegetable, mineral) +5
Same class (mammals, fungi, metals, etc.) +2
Same size +2
Related (twig is to tree, wolf fur is to wolf, etc.) +2
Same or lower Intelligence +2
*Add all that apply. Look up the total on the next table.

Duration Factor Duration Example
0 20 minutes Pebble to human
2 1 hour Marionette to human
4 3 hours H uman to marionette
5 12 hours Lizard to manticore
6 2 days Sheep to wool coat
7 1 week Shrew to manticore
9+ Permanent Manticore to shrew
If the target of the spell does not have physical ability scores (Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution), this spell grants a base score of 10 to each missing ability score. If the target of the spell does not have mental ability scores (Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma), this spell grants a score of 5 to such scores. Damage taken by the new form can result in the injury or death of the polymorphed creature. In general, damage occurs when the new form is changed through physical force. A nonmagical object cannot be made into a magic item with this spell. Magic items aren't affected by this spell.

This spell cannot create material of great intrinsic value, such as copper, silver, gems, silk, gold, platinum, mithral, or adamantine. It also cannot reproduce the special properties of cold iron in order to overcome the damage reduction of certain creatures.

This spell can also be used to duplicate the effects of baleful polymorph, greater polymorph, flesh to stone, stone to flesh, transmute mud to rock, transmute metal to wood, or transmute rock to mud.

I'm playing a wizard in my high level game that can do this. As humanoid changes are based on alter self he can't turn back into his own race or the spell duration ends. So he's an elf originally. He can turn into a human or half elf with a "permanent" duration and maintain the spell (remember permanent isn't instant). However if he turns into an elf the spell ends, regardless of if he alters something minor such as his eyes.

.

Reviews for "The Pagan Wheel of the Year: Understanding the Seasons of Pagan Celebrations"

1. John - 2 out of 5 stars

I found the "Pagan holidays encyclopedia" to be quite disappointing. While it does provide detailed explanations of various Pagan holidays, I felt that the information was too brief and lacked depth. I was hoping for more in-depth analysis and historical context, but instead, it felt like a glossary of terms. Additionally, the book lacks visual aids or illustrations, which could have made it more engaging. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book if you are looking for a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Pagan holidays.

2. Rebecca - 1 out of 5 stars

As someone who is deeply interested in Paganism, I was excited to get my hands on the "Pagan holidays encyclopedia." Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The book is poorly organized, making it difficult to navigate and find specific information. Furthermore, I found several inaccuracies in the details provided, which made me question the credibility of the author. The lack of citations or references only added to my skepticism. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for accurate and reliable information on Pagan holidays.

3. Samantha - 2 out of 5 stars

The "Pagan holidays encyclopedia" is a lackluster book that failed to captivate my interest. Though it includes a wide range of Pagan holidays, the descriptions felt repetitive and superficial. I was expecting more insights into the historical and cultural significance of these holidays, but the book barely scratched the surface. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked personality, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I would recommend exploring alternative sources for a more comprehensive understanding of Pagan holidays rather than relying on this encyclopedia.

4. Michael - 2 out of 5 stars

I found the "Pagan holidays encyclopedia" to be quite underwhelming. The information provided was basic and commonly known, without offering any new or unique perspectives. Additionally, some of the historical facts included were inaccurately presented or lacking proper sources. I was hoping for a more extensive exploration of Pagan holidays, but instead, I felt like I was reading a watered-down version of existing knowledge. While it may serve as a starting point for beginners, I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Pagan holidays.

Mabon: The Pagan Festival of the Autumn Equinox