Elemental Control - Mermaid powers - 15 point reserve - Cost 15
A. Shape Shift (mermaid/fish), effects sight and touch - 2 predefined shapes, reduced endurance - 0 END persistent (+1), extra time - 1 extra phase (-1/2) - Cost 40/17
B. Telepathy - 4D6 effect, reduced endurance - 0 END - (+1/2), limited power - only to communicate (-1/2), limited power - only with sea creatures (-1/2) - Cost 30/7
C. Transform (Magical Kiss) - 2D6 minor effect - into water breather for 24 hours, reduced endurance - 0 END (+1/2), no range (-1/2), restrainable (-1/2) - Cost 30/7
Knockback Resistance (Magic Resistance) - 20 inches, activation on 8 or less (-2), only vs. magic (-3/4) - Cost 40/12
Life Support - longevity - 400 year life span, breath water - Cost 7
Mental Defense (Magic Resistance) - 30 defense, activation on 8 or less (-2), only vs. magic (-3/4) - Cost 30/9
Power Defense (Magic Resistance) - 30 defense, activation on 8 or less (-2), only vs. magic (-3/4) - Cost 30/9
Shrinking - 2 levels, reduced endurance - 0 END persistent (+1), only in hero ID (-1/4) - Cost 40/32
Reputation - Non-aggressive aquatic faerie folk, 8 or less - Cost -5
Conversion Notes: This package is based on the pahari race from Advanced Dungeons & Dragons role playing game. I based this package deal on the absolute minimum of abilities of a pahari. The transform does not have enough power to change most people with one kiss, but the effects are cumulative, and a long kiss over several phases should be enough to have effect on most targets. The Armor, Knockback Resistance, Mental Defense and Power Defense simulate the magic resistance of the pahari. A single roll of 8 or less should be made to see if they all work against each spell cast on her. The transform automatically ends after 24 hours or if magically dispelled. This write-up uses Champions 5th edition rules.
Pahari are shape shifting, marine nymphs that dwell in the seas and oceans. In their natural forms, they are similar in appearance to mermaids. They are also able to assume the form of a small fish and that of a beautiful woman. The upper body of a pahari is that of a perfectly formed woman, more beautiful than the fullest moon. The lower body of a pahari is that of a fish, its scales either blue, green, or ruby red. They prefer this form above all others, although they can assume two other shapes for an emergency or adventure.
Their piscine form resembles a colorful tropical fish, approximately 12 inches in length. In this form they can swim very fast and easily evade large predators by hiding in the small niches and crevices of a reef or ocean floor.
Their human form matches the upper half of their natural shape, complete with a pair of slender and willowy legs. They only assume this shape when venturing onto land or ship, since in the water their other two forms are more maneuverable.
Pahari can breathe both both water and air. They live in underwater communities, but occasionally surface to gaze in fascination at land. The bravest of pahari work up the courage to sunbathe on rocks near shore or to approach ships and engage in conversation with sailors. Pahari can communicate with all fish and nereids.
Normally shy and peace-loving creatures, pahari are loathe to enter into combat. They can fight with any weapon provided, but rarely ever carry any themselves. They are fond of magical items, however, and will use them in combat if needed.
Pahari dwell in small communities on the sea bed, often close to shore. They gather kelp and seaweed, which forms the staple part of their diet, eating small amounts of shellfish and mollusks as well. They never eat fish, considering the act akin to cannibalism.
A community of pahari consists of 2-20 individuals. They make small homes out of shells and coral and tend a garden of kelp or seaweed nearby. A community of more than five pahari will have a 50% chance of being attended by 2-12 dolphins.
The pahari are adventuresome and regard surface dwellers with a fascination that borders on obsession. They will collect anything that pertains to life above the waves especially magical items, often welcoming sailors into their communities to hear them spin tales of their homelands. With this preoccupation about life above water, it is not uncommon for a younger pahari to venture onto land in her human form, if only to spend a day shocking the villagers, who promptly find her some clothes, eating surface food, dancing, and singing long into the night before returning home. A few have been known to stay longer, although this is discouraged by the older, wiser pahari, even marrying a good-aligned surface dweller in some instances.
Like most faerie creatures, pahari have a very long life span, sometimes living to as many as 450 years old. They soon outlive a human husband, afterward returning home to the sea for good. The older pahari, many who have already experienced this heartbreaking loss, do their best to console their newly-returned sister. As a general rule, the older and wiser pahari prefer short, frequent encounters with surface dwellers.
Pahari are staunch protectors of their marine environment and oppose evil sea creatures, like sea hags, at every opportunity.
Pahari are naturally resistant to harmful magic. Any attack spell cast on a pahari has a one in four chance of simply failing to effect them. A pahari's kiss can bestow water breathing on the lucky recipient for a day. Pahari can become spell casters, most commonly wizards associated with the water element, although they can learn any magical occupation.
Champions rules conversion by Mathew R. Ignash - mathewignash@comcast.net.
Last Updated - December, 2003
