Elf hunter core class...

[Micar Sin]

Greetings. I'm actually posting this for one of my non-internet capable coworkers. The elf hunter/slayer is envisioned as a base class for evil races such as orcs that are in constant conflict with elves, but could easily be adapted against otehr races.

Basically he's looking for suggestions and opinions, although the class isn't quite finished yet

Game Rule Information

Elf hunters enjoy the following statistics.

Abilities: Dexterity is especially important to elf hunters as they will be required to perform many similar tasks that ranges and thieves use when tracking quarry. Also, an above average wisdom would be highly beneficial but is not required.
Alignment: Any evil.
Hit Die: d8.

Class Skills

The elf hunter’s class skills (and the key ability for each) are Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge – Elf (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Use Rope (Dex), Wilderness Lore (Wis).

Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) x 4
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the elf hunter.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: An elf hunter is proficient with all simple and martial weapons. With armor they are limited to light armor and small shields or bucklers.
Track: Due to the nature of their profession, all elf hunters gain the bonus feat of Tracking at 1st level.
Favored Enemy (Ex): As with rangers, elf hunters are given bonuses regarding their chosen quarry. Unlike rangers however, they are only given this one enemy. Additional bonuses are given every four levels.
Sneak Attack: At third level, the elf hunter gains the ability of sneak attack as a thief. They progress a level at every third level (ie 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 18th).
Evasion (Ex): At 4th level and higher, an elf slayer begins to develop the ability to dodge attacks of even magical nature. Upon a successful Reflex saving throw that would normally allow the character to take half damage, he or she will take no damage at all. This ability can only be used if the elf hunter is wearing light or no armor. If the elf hunter is immobilized in any way then they can not use this ability.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex): Starting at 8th level, elf hunters develop the ability to sense danger before their senses would normally allow them to react. The character retains all Dexterity bonuses even if caught flat-footed or when being attacked by an invisible opponent.
If an elf hunter already has the uncanny dodge ability from another class, then the elf hunter instantly gains Improved Uncanny Dodge. The levels from the class which gave the character Uncanny Dodge are then added to the elf hunter’s level to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.



Level BA Fort Save Ref Save Will Save Special
1 +1 +1 +1 +0 Track, Favored Enemy
2 +1 +1 +1 +0
3 +1 +2 +2 +1 Sneak Attack +1d6
4 +1 +2 +2 +1 Evasion
5 +2 +2 +2 +1
6 +2 +3 +3 +2 Sneak Attack +2d6
7 +2 +3 +3 +2
8 +2 +4 +4 +2 Uncanny Dodge
9 +3 +4 +4 +3 Sneak Attack +3d6
10 +3 +5 +5 +3
11 +3 +5 +5 +3
12 +3 +6 +6 +4 Sneak Attack +4d6, Improved Uncanny Dodge
13 +4 +6 +6 +4
14 +4 +6 +6 +4
15 +4 +7 +7 +5 Sneak Attack +5d6
16 +4 +7 +7 +5
17 +5 +7 +7 +5
18 +5 +8 +8 +6 Sneak Attack +6d6
19 +5 +8 +8 +6
20 +5 +9 +9 +6

 

[Cabral]

Conceptually, I'd suggest making this a prestige class (like a paladin should be a prestige class but is too iconic not to be a core class). So Bob, an Orc, wants to be an elf-slayer so he starts out as a Ranger, because that's the fastest way to meet the prereqs (He took the feat, meta-game knowledge at first level). Then, at level 6 or so, he switches to the Elf-slayer prestige class and starts collecting scalps...

 

[Micar Sin]

We discussed that actually, and I suggested making it a prestige class as well. I think he is working on a pretige class version right now, but he asked me to post this one, so I did.

 

[Nifft]

There are a number of "X Slayer" PrCs out there. The pattern they follow is usually something like...

Requirements:
+4 BAB
Track
Kn(wherever X lives -- in this case Nature?)

Features:
Full BAB
One or two good saves
Partial Spellcasting advancement
Special abilities to combat chosen foe
Favored Enemy +2 at 1st level, and another +2 every 3 levels, up to a total of +8 at 10th level

So to fight Elves, maybe give a Hide bonus, some sort of AC bonus vs. arrows (or DR, or an extra Deflect Arrow each round), the ability to sleep less (to match an Elf's pace), and good Will & Reflex saves. Do elves live in trees? If so, a Climb requirement & bonus would be good.

For the "less sleep" thing, I think Endurance would be a good pre-req -- makes Ranger even more attractive as an entry point, too.

Cheers, -- N

 

[Nyaricus]

Basically that class is a Ranger/Rogue Hybrid with worse skills, Sneak Attack and Favoured Enemy progression - and you gotta be evil. Ugh. Sorry, but there isn't much flavour here at all, and I actually think that other than HD, a multiclass Rogue/Ranger would be better off than this class.

So, now that i am done being critical (apologies for that man, just there isn't much there to work with), i have to say that I am in the group that would favour a PrC for this guy - or to at least see what he has done for a PrC for this class.

Tell him that we await his Prestigue class for critiquing.

Cheers!