Schism (3.5e Template)
Schism
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A being with two, or more, souls in it's body.
A Schism is a creature with two souls in its body. This is more common in elves, but it isn't isolated to elves. Low level characters that happen to be Schisms appear to simply have some sort of Multiple Personality disorder, but higher level characters learn that they're something completely different. When I fighter drops his sword, looks stunned, and then fires a fireball towards the enemy, it becomes more obvious something is up. To put it simply, from an enemy's perspective there is only one creature, but in reality there is one body with two people living inside it. They either vie for power or they work in tandem, decimating the enemy.
Creating a Schism
This template is usually an inherited template, but it is possible for it to be acquired, in rare circumstances. Inherited and Acquired versions of this template work differently.
If the base creature is born with two souls and two consciousnesses, then the creature has one set amount of experience. This is the most common scenario. The two consciousnesses level up once each when their experience reaches the next level.
If the base creature somehow acquired a new soul or consciousness in its body, then the creature has two separate sets of experience. However this is very rare. The dominate consciousness is awarded full experience while the other gets half its full experience. Both consciousnesses have the same LA, but may not have the same level.
Size and Type
Size and Type does not change.
Hit Dice
The creature gain no hit dice, however, hit points act differently. Each consciousness has its own hit die, and its own hit points. Both consciousnesses take the same amount of damage when they're struck. When one reaches 0 hit points, he falls unconscious, and the one with remaining hit points takes over. One consciousness won't die if the other survives, making a fighter/sorcerer combo very effective.
Speed
Speed does not change.
Armor Class
Armor Class does not change.
Attack
As base creature.
Full Attack
As base creature.
Special Attacks
As base creature.
Special Qualities
Dual Souls: Schism's almost always have different extraordinary abilities, or abilities granted from feats. The dominant consciousness uses its abilities as normal, while the other only has limited actions it can do. The consciousness that isn't dominant can telepathically speak with the other soul on the dominant soul's turn, and can see and hear what the dominant soul can. The soul that isn't dominant can attempt to force dominance over the other to gain control, as a standard action at the end of the dominant soul's turn. The dominance check is a Charisma check. If the dominant soul is successful then nothing happens, if it fails then the other soul gains control of the body, and can use its own extraordinary abilities, feats, and spells. If the consciousnesses decide to switch dominance, they can do so as a free action.
Abilities
Schism's have one set of physical ability scores (Str, Dex, and Con), and one set of mental ability scores (Int, Wis, and Cha) per consciousness. An inherited Schism rolls strength, dexterity, and constitution normally, but then rolls its intelligence, wisdom, and charisma as if the player was rolling two separate characters.
Skills
As base creature. Each consciousness has its own skill list and skill points.
Feats
As base creature. Each consciousness has its own feat list.
Environment
Any.
Organization
Solitary. Schisms are rare and are never with others of their kind, but they may travel with other characters.
Challenge Rating
As base creature +4. Inherited Schisms have one challenge rating. Acquired Schisms have one CR for each consciousness. Use the highest when determining experience.
A schism with more then two consciousnesses is rare, but not unheard of. +7 for 3 consciousnesses, +11 for 4 consciousness. 5 consciousnesses are unheard of.
Treasure
As base creature. Schisms may carry separate items. Such as two waterskins. Schisms that realize what they are like to remember that they are separate beings, so they will wear different clothing and wield different weapons then their counterpart.
Alignment
As base creature. Schisms may have consciousnesses of different alignment, resulting in arguments and inner conflict.
Advancement
As base creature.
Level Adjustment
As base creature +4. A schism with more then two consciousnesses is rare, but not unheard of. +7 for 3 consciousnesses, +11 for 4 consciousness. 5 consciousnesses are unheard of.
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