Critiques wanted-New Prestige Class

[FireLance]

Well, offhand, I'd say that it is rather powerful as every level in the PrC grants the same benefits as a level of cleric and more. However, this is offset by the fact that you have to be Lawful Good to take the PrC. One possible balancer is to enforce an even stricter code of conduct (similar to the paladin's code of conduct) for a character taking this class. If you prefer a more mechanical balancer, perhaps the class does not gain +1 spellcasting level at 1st level, only from 2nd to 10th level.

If you have the Player's Guide to Faerun, there are two undead-slayer PrCs, (IIRC) the Eye of Horus-Re and the Morninglord of Lathander. You might want to have a look at them as well.

If you like, you can also have a look at my Holy Vassal (link in sig), but it's more directed against evil than undead specifically.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Well, offhand, I'd say that it is rather powerful as every level in the PrC grants the same benefits as a level of cleric and more. However, this is offset by the fact that you have to be Lawful Good to take the PrC. One possible balancer is to enforce an even stricter code of conduct (similar to the paladin's code of conduct) for a character taking this class. If you prefer a more mechanical balancer, perhaps the class does not gain +1 spellcasting level at 1st level, only from 2nd to 10th level.

If you have the Player's Guide to Faerun, there are two undead-slayer PrCs, (IIRC) the Eye of Horus-Re and the Morninglord of Lathander. You might want to have a look at them as well.

If you like, you can also have a look at my Holy Vassal (link in sig), but it's more directed against evil than undead specifically.

Initially, this class only gained spellcaster levels every other... DM told me to change it to every level, though... has a bit to do with her backstory, I think... but, who can be sure with the DM.

As of right now, my character is bound by my DM's regulations on Exalted characters--which are very very strict... in fact, she just spent several sessions attempting to attone for breaking that particular code...
However, I really like the idea of adding a special code--above and beyond what she already aheres to. Moreover, I tend to agree with the no spell-casting level at first... seems like a fair balancer based. Excellent idea.

Holy Vassal was, in the beginning, exactly what I was looking for... but, character developments in the last few months have made my character the turning, not smitting type...

Lastly, yes, it is powerful... we play in a very power-heavy game... and boy, golly, is it loads of fun!

Love the comments! Keep 'em coming!

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

This looks very close to a Prestige Class I submitted to AMbient's Prestige Class Contest last year. It won and I am still awaiting its publication in LE3. It totally focused on turning abilities and improving them.

I think multiple greater turnings should require regular turning attempts at least. 5-8 greater turnings? As a DM I shudder at such a thought. I might allow as many as three (at 10th level and including the one from the Sun domain); and not even that many if I gave the PrC other strong abilities like true death and sealed life. That is just me, though; and my players claim I am a sadist.

Ciao
Dave

As of right now, looks like True Death is going to be nixed in favor of "Radiant Turning"-- does extra damage to all undead withint 35 feet, I believe, that are turned... (2 or 3d6... can't remember off the top of my head and it's early)
This ability will be able to be used 1/day, I think...
But, that is still being hashed out.

 

[Vraille Darkfang]

Class Skills:
Concentration, Heal, Knowledge (Religion), Ride, Search.

Just a few general notes you should be aware of. You should add some class skills, namely Craft, Profession (as nearly all classes get these) and maybe Diplomacy (for some out-of-combat usefulness) or Spellcraft (most spellcasters get this skill, and many intelligent undead have spellcasting abilities.

Also, at present, this Pretige Class doesn't let you get any better at your actual TURNING CHECK. No mention is made of this classes level stacking with your base classes turning ability. Thus your intial Turn check (despite the class feature & feat boosts) of 1d20+ Cha mod, is going to use your base cleric level for determing how powerful of undead you can effect and the number of hit dice you turn.

You should add a class feature at 1st level that states for Turning Undead checks, this classes level stacks with your other class levels that grant the ability to Turn Undead to determine the most powerful undead affected, hit dice turned, etc.

Details, Details, the Devil is in the details,
or the Rules Lawyer.
Vraille Darkfang

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Just a few general notes you should be aware of. You should add some class skills, namely Craft, Profession (as nearly all classes get these) and maybe Diplomacy (for some out-of-combat usefulness) or Spellcraft (most spellcasters get this skill, and many intelligent undead have spellcasting abilities.

Also, at present, this Pretige Class doesn't let you get any better at your actual TURNING CHECK. No mention is made of this classes level stacking with your base classes turning ability. Thus your intial Turn check (despite the class feature & feat boosts) of 1d20+ Cha mod, is going to use your base cleric level for determing how powerful of undead you can effect and the number of hit dice you turn.

You should add a class feature at 1st level that states for Turning Undead checks, this classes level stacks with your other class levels that grant the ability to Turn Undead to determine the most powerful undead affected, hit dice turned, etc.

Details, Details, the Devil is in the details,
or the Rules Lawyer.
Vraille Darkfang

I had limited the class skills in an attempt to balance... took them directly from the Hunter of the Dead, I believe...

As for the turning check, yes, indeed-- I should add that for the sake of details and specifics... Didn't think of it becuase, my character has the bloodline of a saint and, as such, she always utilizes her full level for her turning check--so long as I do not stop taking levels in Palain/Cleric or a PrC approved by my DM...

Appreciate the advice!!! Thank so much!

 

[The_Universe]

DM Comment!

I think that greater turning should use one of the regular turning attempts, as well. I'm thinking that she can greater turn 1/day/cha modifier, but that each attempt uses one of her normal turning checks. I doubt it will come up terribly often, however--unless she's slogging through endless armies of the dead, there are really fairly limited circumstances in which turning is useful.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

DM Comment!

I think that greater turning should use one of the regular turning attempts, as well. I'm thinking that she can greater turn 1/day/cha modifier, but that each attempt uses one of her normal turning checks. I doubt it will come up terribly often, however--unless she's slogging through endless armies of the dead, there are really fairly limited circumstances in which turning is useful.

But, really, when aren't we slogging through endless armies of the undead?

... or at least... when wouldn't I want to be?

Comments are great-- keep 'em comin!!

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

Updates...

I have updates to the class...

(attached)

However, I am contimplating a way to the special ability "Consecrated Presence " in there somwhere and still have it balance out...

Consecrated Pres. works the same way that the spell Consecrate does but, it eminates in a 20' radius around the character and moved with her--weakening undead.

Have thought about dropping hit die to d6 as a balancer for that ability...
any other ideas?