The 3.X Martial Arcanist Database

[Alzrius]

Thanks for that!

I never picked up that product- what’s the classes’ shtick?

It's meant for bards (having bardic knowledge as a prerequisite, though there's an option for the DM to waive that in favor of Knowledge (history) 2 ranks), with +9 levels of arcane spellcasting ability increases (out of a 10-level PrC).

To summarize, it's a class that's about knowing the city so well that you have intuitive insight on how it's "supposed" to be, and have similar knowledge about creatures in and around it. The major class ability is Urban Savvy, which lets you make a Knowledge check against certain types of creatures to learn their abilities (more than a typical Knowledge check would grant you) as well as gain bonuses against them. You also can gain Urban Empathy (use a Knowledge check to improve attitudes, instead of Diplomacy or wild empathy), Continuing Education (bonuses to Knowledge checks and bardic knowledge), and Eyes of the City (gain low-light vision, improved if you already have it, and a check to realize that someone or something is in disguise, magical or mundane).

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

It's meant for bards (having bardic knowledge as a prerequisite, though there's an option for the DM to waive that in favor of Knowledge (history) 2 ranks), with +9 levels of arcane spellcasting ability increases (out of a 10-level PrC).

To summarize, it's a class that's about knowing the city so well that you have intuitive insight on how it's "supposed" to be, and have similar knowledge about creatures in and around it. The major class ability is Urban Savvy, which lets you make a Knowledge check against certain types of creatures to learn their abilities (more than a typical Knowledge check would grant you) as well as gain bonuses against them. You also can gain Urban Empathy (use a Knowledge check to improve attitudes, instead of Diplomacy or wild empathy), Continuing Education (bonuses to Knowledge checks and bardic knowledge), and Eyes of the City (gain low-light vision, improved if you already have it, and a check to realize that someone or something is in disguise, magical or mundane).

Interesting.

So as a Bard PrCl, they can cast in light armor?

 

[Alzrius]

Interesting.

So as a Bard PrCl, they can cast in light armor?

Yep, that's explicitly stated.

 

[rgard]

Yep, that's explicitly stated.

There's a way around that for a wizard or sorcerer:

"Special: Bardic knowledge class ability (at DM’s discretion, can be replaced by Knowledge [history] 2 ranks)."

And if the DM allows, the Wizard or Sorcerer can cast in light armor:

"Weapon and Armor Proficiency: You gain no proficiency with any weapons or armor. You can cast arcane spells while wearing light armor without incurring the normal chance of spell failure, provided you are proficient with light armor. However, like any other arcane spellcaster, an urban savant wearing medium or heavy armor or using a shield incurs the normal chance of arcane spell failure if the spell in question has a somatic component."

Bards can already cast spells in light armor so this I believe is directed at wizards and sorcerers. Also, you have to burn a feat joining an organization.

Bold Italics are mine.

 

[rgard]

Interesting.

So as a Bard PrCl, they can cast in light armor?

Yes, it's a bit odd given the bardic knowledge requirement while bards can already cast in light armor. I think that is why they allow the 2 ranks in knowledge (history) as a substitute so wizards and sorcerers can take advantage of the light armored casting.

 

[rgard]

It's meant for bards (having bardic knowledge as a prerequisite, though there's an option for the DM to waive that in favor of Knowledge (history) 2 ranks), with +9 levels of arcane spellcasting ability increases (out of a 10-level PrC).

To summarize, it's a class that's about knowing the city so well that you have intuitive insight on how it's "supposed" to be, and have similar knowledge about creatures in and around it. The major class ability is Urban Savvy, which lets you make a Knowledge check against certain types of creatures to learn their abilities (more than a typical Knowledge check would grant you) as well as gain bonuses against them. You also can gain Urban Empathy (use a Knowledge check to improve attitudes, instead of Diplomacy or wild empathy), Continuing Education (bonuses to Knowledge checks and bardic knowledge), and Eyes of the City (gain low-light vision, improved if you already have it, and a check to realize that someone or something is in disguise, magical or mundane).

Sorry, missed that you pointed out the knowledge (history)

 

[rgard]

I looked and didn't see it, so here is one more:

Prestige Bard from UA & SRD...

Prestigious Character Classes :: d20srd.org

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

As a side note, one of the last builds I did in 3.5Ed was- AFAIK- an extremely unusual take on typical martial arcanists & mage-brutes (martial arcanists who channel their spell slots into other abilities, like breath weapons or sonic attacks).

Instead of being a true caster, this third variation on the concept relies on the character’s race & creature type to supply mystical abilities, expanded via feats, templates and similarly scarce mechanical resources. Since the supernatural and spell-like abilities granted are not (generally) affected by armor, the character doesn’t sacrifice much in durability, but will give up offensive punch and “flash”.

In exchange, you gain abilities that expand flexibility and can be quite powerful in certain situations. Not only that, they’re flavorful. The PC I was building was a straight Fighter Hengeyokai with Fey Heritage (and related Feats) and the Multiheaded & Cryo templates. The end result, then, was a 2-headed dog humanoid who could dual wield, breath cold, and had an assortment of charm abilities. Very fantastical.

 

[rgard]

Hi Danny, I found one more. It's not a WotC product. It's in EN Publishing's Faction Folio 2: Blackcoat Watch. The 5 level PrC is called Blackcloak Mystic. It's geared toward spellcasters and gets armored casting (light) at 2nd level. The concept for the class is similar to the Urban Savant except you work for the city watch.

DriveThruRPG

www.drivethrurpg.com

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Hi Danny, I found one more. It's not a WotC product. It's in EN Publishing's Faction Folio 2: Blackcoat Watch. The 5 level PrC is called Blackcloak Mystic. It's geared toward spellcasters and gets armored casting (light) at 2nd level. The concept for the class is similar to the Urban Savant except you work for the city watch.

DriveThruRPG

www.drivethrurpg.com

Do you know the page number?