Tell me if you think this class is balanced.

In my current campaign, the PCs are members of the elite Queen's Guard, also known as the Golden Falcons. I'd like to offer them the chance to take levels in a prestige class based on the organization, and I'd like the opinions of the fine folks here at ENWorld as to whether the class is balanced, before I offer it to my players.

Some background info:

* My game is relatively low-magic. The PCs themselves have a decent amount of magic, but the world does not. I've placed limits on magic item purchasing and creating. Arcane spellcasters are persecuted by the Church.

* The Golden Falcon rankings are as follows: Falcon, Senior Falcon (grades 0-5), Master Falcon (grades 0-4, with 5 being the Captain of the Guard.) Currently four of the PCs are Falcons, and two are Senior Falcons, grade 0. The PCs are currently 6th-level.

* I tried to design the class so that it can be appealing to all the PCs in one way or another. We currently have a paladin/monk, martial artist, sorcerer, fighter/sorcerer, fighter/rogue, fighter/ranger, and cleric.

* Although I wanted everyone to find at least some reason to be interested in the class, I still want it to be a reflection of the organization itself, which is similar in flavor to the Musketeers.

Here's the class as I have it now:

GOLDEN FALCON

Hit Die: d8.
Requirements
To qualify to become a golden falcon, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Special: Accepted into the royal guard of Lartienne.
Class Skills
The golden falcon’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), and Tumble (Dex).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

Table: The Golden Falcon

Level......BAB........Fort........Ref........Will........Special
1st.........+1.........+0..........+2.........+0.........Falcon Training I
2nd.........+2........+0..........+3.........+0..........Falcon Training II
3rd.........+3.........+1.........+3..........+1.........Falcon Training III
4th.........+4.........+1.........+4..........+1.........Falcon Training IV
5th.........+5.........+1.........+4..........+1.........Falcon Training V

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the golden falcon.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A golden falcon gains no additional weapon or armor proficiencies.

Falcon Training I: The Golden Falcons have been the elite royal guard of the kings and queens of Lartienne for over two hundred years. In that time, they have developed techniques and abilities that are unique to the organization, and taught only by members, to members. At first level, a golden falcon chooses one of the following abilities:

Wily. A golden falcon who chooses this ability learns how to thwart convention and attack where least expected. He gains a +1 bonus to his attack rolls.

Falcon Riposte. A golden falcon who chooses this ability learns how to better turn away from attacks. He gains a +1 dodge bonus to his AC. This bonus is lost whenever a dodge bonus would be denied.

Comraderie. Golden falcons are a close-knit and charismatic fraternity. A falcon who chooses to focus on developing this relationship learns how to better deal with other people. He gains a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Gather Information checks.

Falcon Training II: At second level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. If he has at least Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list. If he is not of Senior Rank, he may choose another ability from those available at Falcon Training I.

Rally. A golden falcon who rises to the rank of senior has been recognized for his leadership ability. A senior golden falcon can rally his allies. If he currently is not suffering from a fear effect he can use this ability as a standard action. Allies within 60 feet who are suffering from any fear effect and who can hear the golden falcon are allowed an immediate Will saving throw at the DC of the fear effect, with a +1 morale bonus per class level. This ability can be used once per day.

Force of Mind. A golden falcon learns to focus his mind on even the most complex of tasks. This mental focus makes his spellcasting more potent. Spells cast by a golden falcon who chooses Force of Mind have their DCs raised by 1.

Battle Cry: When a golden falcon’s shout rings across the battlefield, it lifts the spirits of his allies. This ability functions as the bard’s inspire courage ability, found on page 28 of the Player’s Handbook. This bonus lasts a number of rounds equal to class level + Charisma bonus. Battle Cry can be used once per day, per class level.

Falcon Training III: At third level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. If he has at least 1st-grade Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list. If he is not of 1st-grade rank, he may choose another ability from those available at any lower-level Falcon Training.

Falcon Style. A golden falcon who chooses Falcon Style has truly embraced the swashbuckling nature of the royal guard. He gains a +2 bonus to Jump, Balance, and Tumble rolls, and can take 10 on these skills, even when distracted.

Falcon Grace. A golden falcon learns to channel his flamboyance into his physical defense. Once per day per class level, he adds his charisma bonus to his AC, for a number of rounds equal to his charisma bonus.

Falcon Power. A golden falcon spends countless hours sparring with his comrades and honing his physical abilities. Once per day per class level, he can summon a surge of adrenaline and add double his strength bonus to any one melee attack or skill check.

Falcon Training IV: At fourth level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. He may choose one additional ability from among those listed for Falcon Training I-III.

Falcon Training V: At fifth level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. He may choose one additional ability from among those listed for Falcon Training I-III.

Looks good to me. Essentially one bonus feat each level, no ability looks over the top.

I'm inclined to agree with Darklone, that it's balanced. In fact, while it's got a fairly generous skill selection, and nice hit points, it seems a little underpowered at the later levels. Not terribly so, but there's nothing to be gained from taking those fourth & fifth levels, except more of the third level (if that makes any sense.) One suggestion I've got for you - especially since you've got some steep roleplaying requirements for going up levels in it - would be to take a look at FFG's legendary classes.

Like this, they offer a variety of choices at each level, but the power of the choices increases depending on the level they were taken at. (Take Falcon Riposte at 1st level, and it gives +1. Take it at 5th, and it gives +5.) I don't know if that's your cup of tea, as it were, but it'd be nice to offer a little something special for hitting fourth and fifth level.

I'd agree, this looks balanced and seems to capture the swashbuckling style quite well. Overall a very good role-playing background that rewards the players for getting involved in the world. This also is a good source for replacement PCs if someone falls and/or cohorts (to be trained, looked after, evaluated etc).

I was wondering however, can you take the same power/training more than once? If so do they stack or how do they stack?
If you can take them more than once and they stack it could become a little unbalanced as someone could take the Force of Mind four times to gain a +4 Spell DC. However some of them taken more than once could allow more than one use per day, which would be ok without actually doubling the bonuses or something.
I agree that at the upper levels it seems a little lacking or underpowered unless the above is a yes.
I suggest adding something like a once per day the Falcon can attempt a save to stop an attack from dropping them below 0, or the ability to continue to fight without dropping hit points below 0, sort of a heroic last stand or something.

RD

Okay, I've rewritten the class a bit, adding abilities at fourth and fifth levels. Abilities cannot be taken more than once, except where explicitly noted.

Is the class still balanced with the new fourth and fifth-level abilities? I don't mind if it's slightly on the strong side, but I don't want it to be game-breaking.

Any and all input will be greatly appreciated.

GOLDEN FALCON

Hit Die: d8.
Requirements
To qualify to become a golden falcon, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Special: Accepted into the royal guard of Lartienne.
Class Skills
The golden falcon’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), and Tumble (Dex).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

Table: The Golden Falcon

Level......BAB........Fort........Ref........Will........Special
1st.........+1.........+0..........+2.........+0.........Falcon Training I
2nd.........+2........+0..........+3.........+0..........Falcon Training II
3rd.........+3.........+1.........+3..........+1.........Falcon Training III
4th.........+4.........+1.........+4..........+1.........Falcon Training IV
5th.........+5.........+1.........+4..........+1.........Falcon Training V

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the golden falcon.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A golden falcon gains no additional weapon or armor proficiencies.

Falcon Training I: The Golden Falcons have been the elite royal guard of the kings and queens of Lartienne for over two hundred years. In that time, they have developed techniques and abilities that are unique to the organization, and taught only by members, to members. At first level, a golden falcon chooses one of the following abilities:

Wily. A golden falcon who chooses this ability learns how to thwart convention and attack where least expected. He gains a +1 bonus to his attack rolls.

Falcon Parry. A golden falcon who chooses this ability learns how to better turn away from attacks. He gains a +1 dodge bonus to his AC. This bonus stacks with the Dodge feat, and is lost whenever a dodge bonus would be denied.

Comraderie. Golden falcons are a close-knit and charismatic fraternity. A falcon who chooses to focus on developing this relationship learns how to better deal with other people. He gains a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Gather Information checks.

Falcon Training II: At second level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. If he has at least Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list. If he is not of Senior Rank, he may choose another ability from those available at Falcon Training I.

Rally. A golden falcon who rises to the rank of senior has been recognized for his leadership ability. A senior golden falcon can rally his allies. If he currently is not suffering from a fear effect he can use this ability as a standard action. Allies within 60 feet who are suffering from any fear effect and who can hear the golden falcon are allowed an immediate Will saving throw at the DC of the fear effect, with a +1 morale bonus per class level. This ability can be used once per day. (Special: Rally can be chosen more than once, each additional selection of the skill adds one additional use per day.)

Force of Mind. A golden falcon learns to focus his mind on even the most complex of tasks. This mental focus makes his spellcasting more potent. Spells cast by a golden falcon who chooses Force of Mind have their DCs raised by 1.

Battle Cry. When a golden falcon’s shout rings across the battlefield, it lifts the spirits of his allies. This ability functions as the bard’s inspire courage ability, found on page 28 of the Player’s Handbook. This bonus lasts a number of rounds equal to class level + Charisma bonus. Battle Cry can be used once per day, per class level.

Falcon Training III: At third level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. If he has at least 1st-grade Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list. If he is not of 1st-grade rank, he may choose another ability from those available at any lower-level Falcon Training.

Falcon Style. A golden falcon who chooses Falcon Style has truly embraced the swashbuckling nature of the royal guard. He gains a +2 bonus to Jump, Balance, and Tumble rolls, and can take 10 on these skills, even when distracted.

Falcon Grace. A golden falcon learns to channel his flamboyance into his physical defense. Once per day per class level, he adds his charisma bonus to his AC, for a number of rounds equal to his charisma bonus.

Falcon Power. A golden falcon spends countless hours sparring with his comrades and honing his physical abilities. Once per day per class level, he can summon a surge of adrenaline and add double his strength bonus to any one melee attack or skill check.

Falcon Training IV: At fourth level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. If he has at least 1st-grade Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list. If he is not of 1st-grade rank, he may choose another ability from those available at any lower-level Falcon Training.

Falcon Assimilation. A golden falcon trains with masters of many different weapons, and many different styles of fighting. A falcon choosing Falcon Assimilation learns to incorporate bits and pieces of a wide variety of combat styles into his own fighting style. He gains a +2 bonus to weapon attack rolls (including unarmed strikes.) If the falcon also has Wily, these bonuses stack.

Hero’s Luck. The golden falcons are one of the most respected, honorable organizations in all of Tirgan. At times, it seems like the gods themselves smile upon a golden falcon in times of need. A falcon choosing Hero’s Luck gains a +1 luck bonus to all saving throws, and +3 hit points.

Improved Force of Mind. The higher one rises in the golden falcons, the more indomitable his will, the greater his mental focus. Spells cast by a golden falcon who chooses Improved Force of Mind have their DCs raised by 1. This ability stacks with Force of Mind.

Falcon Training V: At fifth level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase. If he has at least 2nd-grade Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list. If he is not of 2nd-grade rank, he may choose another ability from those available at any lower-level Falcon Training.

Falcon Awareness. The golden falcons are trained to guard and protect the royal family of Lartienne at all times. The greatest of them can respond instantaneously to any threat that presents itself. A golden falcon who chooses Falcon Awareness gains a +4 bonus to initiative checks. This stacks with Improved Initiative.

Falcon Physique. Unlike the ceremonial royal guard of other countries, the Golden Falcons are a continually active fraternity. They are constantly being employed on missions of vital importance to the realm, and when they aren’t actively on a mission, they are training for the next one. As a result, golden falcons are often physically stronger, faster, and hardier than others. A falcon who chooses Falcon physique adds +2 to strength, dexterity, or constitution. This bonus is treated as a bonus due to level advancement.

Indomitable Will. The men and women who join the Golden Falcons are people of iron purpose, who have chosen to give body and soul to their country. Even in the direst of circumstances, they will give their last ounce of strength to the Queen. Falcons who choose Indomitable Will can continue to act normally, even at negative hit points. However, they still perish at -10.

one thing i noticed off the top of my sleep deprived brain is: no spellcasting progression.

I know, low magic world. But you want it to appeal to your sorcerer and your cleric. And without any spell-casting, i do not believe it will. My cleric woudn't take it, neither would my insane sorcerer. Of course, neither would my paladin-necromancer, but that's because he's a power hungry prince of the universe.

You almost want to do two seperate prestige classes, one for spell casters and one not.... But that's a big can of worms.

In short ... spellcasting.

Maybe offer +1 spell caster level as an ability at 1 3 5. This way if someone truly wants to cast only they can take 1 level without losing anything, btu still have some of the PrC.

Lord Pendragon said:

Any and all input will be greatly appreciated.
GOLDEN FALCON

Hit Die: d8.
Requirements
To qualify to become a golden falcon, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Special: Accepted into the royal guard of Lartienne.

Click to expand...

While I realize this is strictly for your world (so you don't have to worry about abuse), as written this class could be taken at first level. Since your characters are 6th level, and just beginning to hit Senior 0, I'd suggest the following requirements:

BAB: +3
Feats: (I'd suggest either Weapon Finese or Weapon Focus)


You also need something to appeal to casters without dramatically upping the power-level of magic in your world.
Since you're in a low-magic swashbuckling environment, I imagine your campaign is skill-heavy. So how about this?

Worldly Wisdom
For every level of this class, the character adds +1 to his intelligence.

Uncanny Knowledge
For every level of this class, the character adds a +1 bonus to his spellcasting statistic for the purposes of casting spells. This bonus stacks with Worldly Wisdom.

Eolin said:

one thing i noticed off the top of my sleep deprived brain is: no spellcasting progression.

I know, low magic world. But you want it to appeal to your sorcerer and your cleric. And without any spell-casting, i do not believe it will. My cleric woudn't take it, neither would my insane sorcerer. Of course, neither would my paladin-necromancer, but that's because he's a power hungry prince of the universe.

You almost want to do two seperate prestige classes, one for spell casters and one not.... But that's a big can of worms.

In short ... spellcasting.

Click to expand...

I would offer additional spell casting levels as possible features at 1-3-5. Instead of taking Force of Mind at class level 3, they could gain a caster level instead. Those focused on spellcasting will be slowed a bit with this class, but a character with 5 class levels would get some different skills and a couple cool class abilities and still get 3 caster levels as well.

Also, I would say that instead of taking a 3rd level ability, you can take two 1st level ones (not doubling up). At 5th level, you could choose to take 2 3rd level class abilities. Thus a character could wind up with a variety of lower level class related abilities, but still also gain caster levels.

Gives more incentive to finish the class and become the epitomy of the class.

I'm going to have to differ with everyone else on the thread. The class look powerful to me.

Essentially, it outfights the fighter at no cost. Its first level ability Wily is like the epic feat Epic Prowess, and Falcon Assimilation is twice as good. Falcon Parry is better than Dodge, and Force of Mind is better than Spell Focus. Comraderie is better than non-epic skill increasing feats, but worse than Epic Reputation.

The class grants abilities that are, in general, between the power of a standard feat and an epic feat -- and it grants them every level! The fighter grants a bonus feat at every other level... this class is definitely an increase in power for fighter-types.

The class is obviously weak for spellcasters, but that may be a design point rather than a flaw or mistake. Since you know your own setting better than I do, I'll assume it's good in that respect.