[Epic Prc]: Platinum Knight (aka Voice of the North Wind)

[Halivar]

My newly level 20 Planar Champion (Bahamut is his patron) is at a loss for what to pick next. I simply couldn't find a prestige class that fit his flavor, and the PlCh simply isn't built to scale past 10th level. So, my DM told me to build an epic prestige class that did fit my concept, and here it is. Help me fix it before I submit it to him for review. The character it's for is a Ftr9/PlCh9/Cl2.

Epic PrC: Platinum Knight (aka Voice of the North Wind)

Bahamut, the father of all metallic dragons, is known as the patron deity of dragons, song and the north wind. Those who champion his cause are sometimes given powers from his portfolio for use in carrying out the agendas of the celestial planes.

The platinum knight is chosen by Bahamut himself to act as his divine emissary. When a platinum knight carries out his ordained task, he does so with the full authority of his patron. The platinum knight is the sworn ally of all metallic dragons, and the bitterest foe of all chromatic ones. He shares Bahamut's limitless empathy for the oppressed and helpless. Though not necessarily lawful, the platinum knight will leave no man despairing without help.

Bahamut's motto can best be described as, “teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.” The platinum knight doesn't just fight others' fights for them; he enables the downtrodden to rise up and fight for themselves. The very presence of a platinum knight can inspire the most common rabble to victory. For this reason, the platinum knight must be fierce and intimidating, yet beautiful and inspiring (see skill requirements).

Platinum knights may travel alone, going from task to task, or may enlist the help of a group who share his celestial agenda. Chaotic group mates may find the platinum knight's propensity for picking up side quests annoying.

Hit Dice: d10

Requirements:
To become a platinum knight, the character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Alignment: Good, non-chaotic.
Feats: Leadership, Power Attack.
BAB: +21 or greater.
Skills: Intimidate 15 ranks, ride 10 ranks.
Language: Draconic.
Spells: Must be able to cast 3rd-level divine spells.
Religion: Must worship Bahamut.
Special: Must have single-handedly slain an adult (or older) chromatic dragon.

Class Skills:
The platinum knight's class skills (and the key ability for each) are: Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (religion), Perform (Cha), Sense Motive (Cha).

Skill points at each level: 2 + Int modifier.

BAB: Fighter progression.
Saves: Good Fort, Will. Bad Ref.

Level Special
1 - Dragon affinity, control winds 1/day.
2 - Dragonsong (frightful presence, inspire courage)
3 - Dragon cohort, elemental resistance 10, wind shield 1/day
4 - Divine Calling, Freedom of movement (air)
5 - Dragonsong (searing light)
6 - Elemental resistance 20, wind shield 2/day
7 - Greater Divine Calling
8 - Dragonsong (holy aura)
9 - Elemental resistance 30, wind shield at will
10 - Shapeshift (dragon)

Class Features
All the following are features of the platinum knight prestige class.

Spells per day/Spells known: At each platinum knight level, the character continues to progress as if he had gained a level in any one divine spellcasting class to which he had previously belonged. If the chosen spellcasting class has divine turning abilities, these scale as well.

Dragon Affinity (Ex): At first level, the platinum knight chooses a type of metallic dragon to have affinity with. While this determines the nature of future class abilities, it also has the immediate effect of determining how dragons react to the knight. From that point forward, dragons recognize the platinum knight for what he is, and react to him as if he were a dragon of the chosen type. Metallic dragons will be friendly and helpful toward him (those of the chosen type will consider the knight an ally and may more directly aid him in his quest). Chromatic dragons, however, will treat the knight as a mortal enemy and will attack without provocation (or even the usual introductory banter), and will willingly go out of their way to do so. The platinum knight is also immune to all dragons' frightful presence.

Control Winds (Sp): As the spell, caster level 10 + class elvel + Cha mod.

Dragonsong (Sp): Once a day, the platinum knight can call on the granted powers in Bahamut's portfolio to turn the tide of battle. With a loud shout and a visible, dramatic gesture (standard action), the platinum knight can herald the dragonsong, a terrible, awe-inspiring song that seems to emanate from all directions at once. At second level the dragonsong inspires allies within 100 feet as per the bardic ability inspire courage (same one round wait), except that the platinum knight may take further actions while the song plays. Furthermore, enemies are affected as by a dragon's frightful presence ability (will save DC 10 + class level + Cha mod.). Those who cannot hear the song are unaffected by it's second level effects. At level 5, brilliant rays of light explode from the knight when the song starts, casting searing light on all enemies within 100 ft. (ranged touch attack to affect). At eighth level, allies within 100 feet are affected as by holy aura (as if by caster level 10 + class level + Cha mod.). Dragonsong lasts for 2 rounds/class level.

Dragon Cohort (Ex): At third level, the platinum knight may spend one day of prayer (uninterrupted) to summon a dragon cohort of the type with which he has affinity. The dragon is of an age and hit-dice appropriate for the platinum knight's leadership score. The platinum knight's dragon cohort gains special mount abilities as if the knight had a level of paladin for every level of platinum knight. This stacks with any previous paladin levels the platinum knight may have. This dragon has a different attitude than a normal dragon cohort. The dragon is truly the platinum knight's servant, and will not willingly disregard his leader. The dragon is tasked with helping the knight, and will not require him to provide treasure (though it will be accepted if given freely). If the knight has a previous class that provides benefits to animal companions or mounts, the knight may choose to bestow these benefits on the dragon. Note that the dragon is in all other respects a normal cohort, and the knight may not have another. If the dragon dies or is dismissed, he cannot summon another for a year and a day.

Elemental Resistance (Ex): At third level, the knight gains elemental resistance 10 to the type of energy his chosen dragon type has as a primary breath weapon (fire, cold, acid or lightning). At sixth and ninth level, this resistance is raised to 20 and 30, respectively.

Divine Calling (Su): At fourth level, the platinum knight gains the ability to confer the powers of a paladin for a short time to others. The spell mimics Tenser's transformation, cast on someone other than the knight himself, with a caster level equal to the target's level in classes of hit-die d6 or lower. This ability confers on that person the abilities of a paladin of that level minus the special mount and spellcasting abilities. Thus, a level 6 expert can become a level 6 paladin for a short time. Thereafter, the targeted character is considered “called” and may take levels of paladin at their option. This temporary transformation is accompanied by magically summoned a enchanted weapon and enchanted armor of the knight's choice. This enchantment is at +1 for every two levels of the knight. This takes the place of any non-magical weapons or armor the target may be wearing at the time. The duration of this spell is 1 round/platinum knight level.

Furthermore, the knight is limted to bestowing a number of paladin levels equal to 20 + class level + Cha mod. However, these do not necessarily have to be on the same person.

Greater Divine Calling (Sp): As divine calling, except now affected persons receive 1d8 hitpoints for every level with class hit die of 1d8 or less. The strength bonus is raised to 3d4. Also, the platinum knight may confer a total number of paladin levels equal to 30 + class level + Cha mod.

Freedom of Movement (Air) (Su): At fourth level, the platinum knight is no longer subject to air effects, such as wind, hurricanes, windwall, control winds, etc. The platinum knight may suppress this ability at will. Note that the platinum knight may still take damage from flying objects.

Wind Shield (Sp): At third level, the power of the North Wind favors him so much that he is protected as by a windwall spell with a personal area of effect, as if by spellcaster level 10 + class level + Cha. mod. The knight can use this ability twice a day at lsixth level, and my use it at will at ninth level.

Shapeshift (Dragon) (Sp): At level 10, the platinum knight's dragon affinity reaches its ultimate form. The platinum knight may shapeshift into an metallic dragon of the type he has affinity with for 1 hour per week. This hour need not be continuous, but each use is counted in 10 minute increments. Thus it is usable a maximum of six times per week. He may shapeshift into any age category with a CR less than to 20 + Cha mod.

 

[Kerrick]

After glancing through MotP, I'd say you're going after something like the Divine Agent - someone who speaks with his god's voice, etc. etc. But, here's my advice on this one, for what it's worth. Please note that I'm working toward what the class feels like it should be, so it will probably end up being out of your reach for a few more levels - one of the problems of making custom PrCs on the spot. It seems more geared toward a paladin; if you had taken 9-10 levels in Divine Agent instead of Planar Champion, this class would fit him perfectly. I'm rather surprised you didn't have something along the lines of shapechanging into a dragon of his chosen type (say, adult size) for one minute/level or something. That would be a really good 10th level ability.

The first levels are kinda weak for being epic, IMO. For one thing, the requirements are way too low - a 7th level character could take it. I'd up the Intimidate to at least 15 ranks, possibly lower the Perform a bit (why does he have that anyway?), and
addin ranks in something like Ride (he gets a dragon companion, so that assumes he'll be riding it, right?), add in a few more feats, like Power Attack, and up the spellcasting to 3rd level spells.

Class skills: I'd add in Craft, Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Sense Motive, and possibly Survival.

You're missing the BAB/saves. I'm assuming he's got the fighter BAB, Good Fort/Will, and bad Ref.

Spells per day/Spells known: At each platinum knight level, the character continues to progress as if he had gained a level in a spellcasting class to which he had previously belonged.

"gained a level in a divine spellcasting class..." This is definitely a divine-flavored class.

The platinum knight is also immune to a dragon's frightful presence.

I assume this means ALL dragons?

At level 5, brilliant rays of light explode from the knight when the song starts, casting searing light on all enemies in the room (ranged touch attack to affect, caster level 5 + class level).

In the room? What if he's outside? Does this work in a room of any size? Saves against PrC abilities are generally 10+class level+ability mod (in this case, I'd use Cha) - you don't use caster level, because it's not a spell.

Turn Evil (Su): The power of the knight comes not from the positive energy plane, but from the lawful good planes of Celestia. If the knight has the ability to turn undead from a previous class, he may use his turn undead attempts to turn evil outsiders, using the same rules.

In other words, he gains the Planar Turning feat from the ELH.

I don't know.. the energy resistance -> immunity thing seems like an awfully big jump. One level you've got ER 15, and then four levels later, BAM, you're immune? I'd scale it, every three levels - 3rd level ER 10, 6th level ER 20, and 9th ER 30 (but then, I like scaling abilities when I make PrCs). ER 30 is still pretty hefty - he can withstand just about anything short of a dragon's breath weapon, and if you give him the shapechage ability, he can even shrug that off.

 

[Halivar]

The first levels are kinda weak for being epic, IMO. For one thing, the requirements are way too low - a 7th level character could take it. I'd up the Intimidate to at least 15 ranks, possibly lower the Perform a bit (why does he have that anyway?), and
addin ranks in something like Ride (he gets a dragon companion, so that assumes he'll be riding it, right?), add in a few more feats, like Power Attack, and up the spellcasting to 3rd level spells.

I added perform for flavor. Bahamut is the patron of music, but I suppose from a mechanics perspective it's unnecessary. As for the req's being too low, I believe you are correct, especially for an epic PrC.

Class skills: I'd add in Craft, Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Heal, Sense Motive, and possibly Survival.

All good points.

You're missing the BAB/saves. I'm assuming he's got the fighter BAB, Good Fort/Will, and bad Ref.

You got it. I omitted the BAB/saves because the epic progression ignores them anyhow. But in retrospect I suppose that it's not entirely necessary that this PrC be epic.

"gained a level in a divine spellcasting class..." This is definitely a divine-flavored class.

Absolutely. Although I might see, just from a flavor standpoint, how a bard might fit in, but I concede that the class as written is divine, not arcane.

In the room? What if he's outside? Does this work in a room of any size? Saves against PrC abilities are generally 10+class level+ability mod (in this case, I'd use Cha) - you don't use caster level, because it's not a spell.

I freely admit, my spell mechanics suck. Your input is invaluable. I meant to say "within 100 ft." not "in the room." Consider it corrected.

In other words, he gains the Planar Turning feat from the ELH.

IOW, I need to change this to something for class-related. Perhaps Planar Turning should be a req???

I don't know.. the energy resistance -> immunity thing seems like an awfully big jump. One level you've got ER 15, and then four levels later, BAM, you're immune? I'd scale it, every three levels - 3rd level ER 10, 6th level ER 20, and 9th ER 30 (but then, I like scaling abilities when I make PrCs). ER 30 is still pretty hefty - he can withstand just about anything short of a dragon's breath weapon, and if you give him the shapechage ability, he can even shrug that off.

Good idea. I like scaling abilities myself, because it helps fill out an otherwise bare PrC. Consider it changed.

 

[TheUber]

would you mind if I posted this on my site?
http://www.uberddragons.cjb.net

 

[Halivar]

would you mind if I posted this on my site?
http://www.uberddragons.cjb.net

Dude. That would be cool. Like, really cool.

 

[Kerrick]

IOW, I need to change this to something for class-related. Perhaps Planar Turning should be a req???

If you want to make sure someone has to be epic to take this PrC, then yeah. You have to have Wis AND Cha 25 to take Planar Turning, and it's an epic feat, so...

Oh yeah - forgot to suggest making Language: Draconic as a prereq. A little hard to be a dragon knight if he can't speak dragon, neh?

I rather agree, though, that this could be high-level non-epic - say, around 15th level. The first few abilities are a little weak for epic levels, but they'd be good for high non-epic; the last few are good epic abilities. Course, the problem with putting PrCs over the line break is that is screws everything up. We (our group) don't have that problem, because we continue the normal progression instead of using the normal rules, but that's just us...

 

[Halivar]

Well, seems that this class is not powerful enough at lowre levels to be a viable Epic PrC. So, I'll try to fix that with a small bump in lower level powers. I'm adding some air-related powers (Bahamut is the patron of the North Wind, and all).

Please take a look at the air-related abilities and tell me if I'm off my rocker.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Two points that jump out at me.

I lied, three. I really love the concept!

Alright, the second is that if this is intended for use past level 30, it should be built so that it scales past level 10 somewhat. The fact that it's an epic prestige class kind of suggests that anyway.

Third, gaining full Clerical spellcasting is, IMO, generally overpowered. I I were going to introduce it, I think I would reduce the spellcasting to 1 spellcasting level every even level. Remind me, since I can't find my copy of MotP - how (if any) does Planar Champion advance spellcasting?

Still, I think that in the context of your game, it should work alright.

 

[Halivar]

how (if any) does Planar Champion advance spellcasting?

It doesn't.

 

[LightPhoenix]

It doesn't.

Well then, I don't see spellcasting every level being too big of a problem for your character then. Though I would be tempted to remove a couple (2-3) levels of spellcasting... I just have a thing for full spellcasting level prestige classes, epic or not.