research topic for Thane

During downtime, Thane spends his time researching the following power:

Ectoplasmic Transport
Metacreativity (Creation)
Level: Psion/Wilder 1
Display: Visual; see text
Manifesting time: 1 round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: One created astral construct
Duration: 2 hours/level
Saving Throw: None
Power Resistance: No
Power Points: 1
This power creates a quadrupedal astral construct, known as an Ectoplasmic Transport, that can be used as a beast of burden. The construct has no combat capabilities. The Ectoplasmic Transport can be shaped to fit the creator’s wishes (for example with a saddle-like back), although exotic shapes require appropriate craft(sculpting) checks.
This power can be augmented in one or more of the following ways:

1. For every power point you spend, the strength score of the Ectoplasmic Transport increases by 1 point, increasing its carrying capacity accordingly.
   
2. If you spend additional power points as indicated in the table, the Ectoplasmic Transport’s size and Hit dice change accordingly.
   
3. If you spend 4 additional power points the Ectoplasmic Transport gains a fly speed equal to its land speed with good maneuverability. Calculate loads as if the Transport was a biped.
   
4. If you spend 2 additional power points the Transport’s speed increases to 60 ft.

Minimum Transport Str	Power Points spent	New Size	Hit Die adjustment
15	2	Huge	+2
18	4	Gargantuan	+4
22	6	Colossal	+6

Ectoplasmic Transport
Large Construct
Hit Dice: 1d10+20 (25 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 40 ft. (10 squares)
Armor Class: 13 (–1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+5
Attack: —
Full Attack: —
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: construct traits
Saves: Fort +0, Ref +1, Will +1
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 14, Con -, Int -, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: —
Feats: —
Environment: —
Organization: —
Challenge Rating: —
Advancement: —
Level Adjustment: —

Carrying Capacity: A light load for an Ectoplasmic Transport is up to 150 pounds; a medium load, 151–300 pounds; and a heavy load, 301–450 pounds. An Ectoplasmic Transport can drag 2,250 pounds.

For comparison:

Mount
Conjuration (Summoning)
Level: Sor/Wiz 1
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 round
Range: Close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect: One mount
Duration: 2 hours/level (D)
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: No

You summon a light horse or a pony (your choice) to serve you as a mount. The steed serves willingly and well. The mount comes with a bit and bridle and a riding saddle.

Material Component: A bit of horse hair.


Horse, Light
Large Animal
Hit Dice: 3d8+6 (19 hp)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 60 ft. (12 squares)
Armor Class: 13 (–1 size, +1 Dex, +3 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 12
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+8
Attack: Hoof –2 melee (1d4+1*)
Full Attack: 2 hooves –2 melee (1d4+1*)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: —
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +2
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 13, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Listen +4, Spot +4
Feats: Endurance, Run
Environment: Temperate plains
Organization: Domesticated or herd (6–30)
Challenge Rating: 1
Advancement: —
Level Adjustment: —

The statistics presented here describe smaller breeds of working horses such as quarter horses and Arabians as well as wild horses. These animals are usually ready for useful work by age two. A light horse cannot fight while carrying a rider.

Carrying Capacity: A light load for a light horse is up to 150 pounds; a medium load, 151–300 pounds; and a heavy load, 301–450 pounds. A light horse can drag 2,250 pounds.