Frukathka's Prestige Classes

[Angel Tarragon]

In this thread I'll be posting Prestige Classes of my design.

Please feel free to post feedback on any of these.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

[smallcaps]Deep Diver

Entry Requirements[/smallcaps]
Skills: Concentration 8 ranks, Swim 8 ranks
Feats: Endurance, Expert Swimmer, Skill Focus: Swim

[b]            Base       Fort   Ref    Will
Level   Attack Bonus   Save   Save   Save   Special[/b]
  1          +0         +2     +2     +0    Deep Breath, Strong Swimmer
  2          +1         +3     +3     +0    Pressure Resistance (+100 feet)
  3          +1         +3     +3     +1    Hypothermia Resistance +2
  4          +2         +4     +4     +1    Pressure Resistance (+200 feet), Watersight
  5          +2         +4     +4     +1    Hypothermia Resistance +4
  6          +3         +5     +5     +2    Lasting Breath, Pressure Resistance (+300 feet)
  7          +3         +5     +5     +2    Hypothermia Resistance +6
  8          +4         +6     +6     +2    Pressure Resistance (+400 feet), Wavesense
  9          +4         +6     +6     +3    Hypothermia Resistance +8
 10          +5         +7     +7     +3    Pressure Resistance (+500 feet)

[B]Skills (3 + Int Modifier per level):[/B] Concentration, Hide, Knowledge (Oceanography), Listen, 
Search, Spot and Swim.

[smallcaps]Class Features[/smallcaps]

HD: D6

Deep Breath (Ex): At 1st level a Deep Diver has learned how to partition the exhalation of air in her lungs. She is able to hold her breath for a number of rounds equal to four times her Constitution score.

Strong Swimmer (Ex): At 1st level, a Deep Diver gains a +4 bonus on all Swim checks. The Deep Diver can use the run action while swimming, provided she swims in a straight line.

Hypothermia Resistance (Ex): At 3rd level, the Deep Diver’s body has been trained to withstand and stave off the effects of Hypothermia. The bonus indicated on the class advancement chart indicates an extra amount of time the characters’ body can delay the onset of hypothermia. In warm water this equates to hours, in cold water it equates to 10 times the modifier in minutes and in very cold water the bonus equates to minutes.

Watersight (Ex): At 4th level, the Deep Diver’s eyes have adjusted to use within watery depths. The character is treated as if having low-light vision, but only while submerged in water. If the character already has low-light vision, can see three times as far as the given distance.

Pressure Resistance (Ex): At 2nd level and every other level thereafter, the Deep Diver can ignore an additional 100 feet of pressure damage.

Lasting Breath (Ex): At 6th level the Deep Diver is unparalleled in the ability to hold her breath, except from other Deep Divers of the same level. She is able to hold her breath for a number of minutes equal to her Constitution score.

Wavesense (Ex): At 8th level Deep Divers gain the ability to detect and pinpoint any creature or object within 60 feet in contact with water that is continually in motion.


NOTE: This class was built with modern and fantasy campaigns alike.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Would anybody like to comment on my Deep Diver?

 

[Quickleaf]

Frukathka,
I would love to comment! I think the concept is grand, and I could totally see a player with a "pearl diver" concept getting into it. Out of curiosity, is it custom-made for one of your players?

Entry Requirements:
Skills: Concentration 8 ranks, Swim 8 ranks
Feats: Endurance, Expert Swimmer, Skill Focus: Swim

The prereqs look good (though I wonder if Low-Light Vision would be a prereq as it's awfully dark down below). What's the difference between Expert Swimmer and SF:Swim? What's Expert Swimmer do?

Deep Breath (Ex): At 1st level a Deep Diver has learned how to partition the exhalation of air in her lungs. She is able to hold her breath for a number of rounds equal to four times her Constitution score.

Solid.

Strong Swimmer (Ex): At 1st level, a Deep Diver gains a +4 bonus on all Swim checks. The Deep Diver can use the run action while swimming, provided she swims in a straight line.

Hmm, the +4 bonus doesn't seem that interesting (already has a base skill rank of 8 + Skill Focus). How about "take 10 when you otherwise could not" instead?

Hypothermia Resistance (Ex): At 3rd level, the Deep Diver’s body has been trained to withstand and stave off the effects of Hypothermia. The bonus indicated on the class advancement chart indicates an extra amount of time the characters’ body can delay the onset of hypothermia. In warm water this equates to hours, in cold water it equates to 10 times the modifier in minutes and in very cold water the bonus equates to minutes.

Makes sense, though it is a bit of a niche concept. I'm assuming the campaign involves lots of underwater action. If so, it's a nice ability to have.

Watersight (Ex): At 4th level, the Deep Diver’s eyes have adjusted to use within watery depths. The character is treated as if having low-light vision, but only while submerged in water. If the character already has low-light vision, can see three times as far as the given distance.

Makes sense, though I wonder if this should be a prerequisite or a 1st level ability. I haven't done my open-water dive cert yet (though I do have my PADI), but I do remember doing an "eyes closed" drill that was pretty intense. A feature which allows you to Search blind with less penalty might be helpful.

Pressure Resistance (Ex): At 2nd level and every other level thereafter, the Deep Diver can ignore an additional 100 feet of pressure damage.

Totally makes sense, again it's a bit niche, but could be useful.

Lasting Breath (Ex): At 6th level the Deep Diver is unparalleled in the ability to hold her breath, except from other Deep Divers of the same level. She is able to hold her breath for a number of minutes equal to her Constitution score.

Whoa. An average Con of 10 would allow 10 minutes of holding your breath! I know that's approaching the limits of the real world, so it should be fine.

Wavesense (Ex): At 8th level Deep Divers gain the ability to detect and pinpoint any creature or object within 60 feet in contact with water that is continually in motion.

Nice ability. The GM in me had to laugh at the "that is continually in motion" part.

This seems best for a fantasy game. A modern game this would probably be a Naval Dive Master PrC and would include more offensive capability, stealth entering/exiting water, aiding others underwater, and proficiency in scuba gear.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Out of curiosity, is it custom-made for one of your players?

Actually, it is a concept I came up with after watching a documentary on pushing the limits of what the human body can withstand.

The prereqs look good (though I wonder if Low-Light Vision would be a prereq as it's awfully dark down below). What's the difference between Expert Swimmer and SF:Swim? What's Expert Swimmer do?

Expert Swimmer is from Stormwrack (pg. 92). It allows you to 1) hold your breath for 3 rounds per point of Con, 2) gain a +4 bonus on Con checks made to continue holding your breath, 3) on a successful Swim check swim your land speed as a full round action or half your land speed as a move action and 4) your natural swim speed increases by 10 feet, if you have a swim speed.

Hmm, the +4 bonus doesn't seem that interesting (already has a base skill rank of 8 + Skill Focus). How about "take 10 when you otherwise could not" instead?

Duly noted. Perhap both?

Makes sense, though it is a bit of a niche concept. I'm assuming the campaign involves lots of underwater action. If so, it's a nice ability to have.

For campaigns that take place or, near or under water, or even one-shot aquatic adventures.

Makes sense, though I wonder if this should be a prerequisite or a 1st level ability. I haven't done my open-water dive cert yet (though I do have my PADI), but I do remember doing an "eyes closed" drill that was pretty intense. A feature which allows you to Search blind with less penalty might be helpful.

Humans do not have low-light vision and I do not want to exclude them from this PrC.

Totally makes sense, again it's a bit niche, but could be useful.

I got this from watching the documentary.

Nice ability. The GM in me had to laugh at the "that is continually in motion" part.

I based this on tremorsense. Most forms of aquatic life have to be in motion, or they risk death. It makes sense to me.

This seems best for a fantasy game. A modern game this would probably be a Naval Dive Master PrC and would include more offensive capability, stealth entering/exiting water, aiding others underwater, and proficiency in scuba gear.

I'd prefer to make an Advanced class out of Scuba-Divers, since they rely on equipment. The inspiration for the class comes from pushing the limits of what the body is capable of, without having to rely on equipment. Gear can emulate some of these class abilities in a modern game, but those without it are the exceptional individuals.

 

[Evilhalfling]

for a modern game its good - nice flavor, very realistic.
for a fantasy game why bother? Water breathing, swim, and endure elements -low level spells make the class obsolete. The class also has no underwater fighting ability - a must in fantasy oceans. At least a reduction in the combat penalties associated with water is needed.

as a modern class it might work better as 5 lvl class (I mean 10 levels to be a better swimmer?
really?)
It also has no capstone ability - no compelling reason not to multiclass away.

1 deep breath, +100 presure resist (increases +100 ft per level)
2 strong swimmer, resist cold 5
3 wavesense, Mastery of Swimming (take 10 while swimming)
4 water breathing
5 wavesight, ignore underwater combat penalties

 

[Angel Tarragon]

[smallcaps]Savant

Entry Requirements[/smallcaps]
Skills: Concentration 6 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana) 13 ranks, Knowledge (Nature) 6 ranks, Knowledge (Religion) 13 ranks, Spellcraft 13 ranks, Survival 6 ranks
Feats: Combat Casting, Spell Penetration, Self-Sufficient, Skill Focus: Spellcraft
Spellcasting: Must be able to cast 3rd level arcane and 3rd level divine spells.

[b]            Base       Fort   Ref    Will
Level   Attack Bonus   Save   Save   Save   Special                          Spellcasting[/b]
  1          +1         +0     +0     +0    Academic Lore, Skill Assistance         
                                            5 feet, Trapfinding              +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  2          +2         +1     +1     +1    Talent Lore                      +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  3          +3         +1     +1     +1    Sneak Attack +1D6                +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  4          +4         +1     +1     +2    Skill Assistance 10 Feet         +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  5          +5         +2     +2     +2    Talent Lore, Untapped Potential  +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  6          +6         +2     +2     +3    Sneak Attack +2D6                +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  7          +7         +2     +2     +3    Skill Assistance 15 Feet         +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  8          +8         +3     +3     +4    Talent Lore                      +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  9          +9         +3     +3     +4    Sneak Attack +3D6                +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level
  10        +10         +3     +3     +5    Skill Assistance 20 Feet         +1 arcane & divine spellcaster level

[b]Skills (6 + Int modifier):[/b] The savant counts all skills as class skills.

[smallcaps]Class Features[/smallcaps]

HD: D6

Weapons & Armor Proficiency: A savant is proficient with all simple and martial weapons. Savants are proficient with light armor and all shields save for the tower shield.

Academic Lore: See page 47 of the Dragon Compendium.

Skill Assistance: See pages 47-48 of the Dragon Compendium.

Trapfinding: Same as the Rogue ability of the same name.

Talent Lore: The savant gains a bonus feat at 2nd level and every three levels thereafter.

Sneak Attack: Same as the Rogue ability of the same name.

Untapped Potential: The character taps into the recesses of her mind and discovers that she has a wellspring of creativity that allows her to push the limits of her skills. The savant gains a one time bonus of 4 skill points that she may allocate to any skill. For the savant is allowed for this skill only to have a maximum rank equal to her total class level +7.

++++++++++++++++++++

NOTE: This prestige class is not meant to replace the Mystic Theurge. Instead it offers a variance on it to those dedicated to pushing the limits of their inherent abilities.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Would anybody care to comment on the Savant?

 

[DarkKestral]

Fruk: Honestly, W/O playtesting, I'd assume that, even with the high requirements, I'd say it's reasonably overpowered, especially if going something like the dread necro that offers simultaneous divine/arcane spellcasting boosts (though, with the numerous level dependent abilities dread necros have, and their limited spell lists, it may not be completely ideal) as it offers bonus metamagics at a better than wizard rate, trapsense, sneak attack (admittedly, not much, but still, useful anyway), better HD than wizard, and very good skillpoints for a full caster (which, over the course of the class, balance out the large skillpoint requirement almost completely, as you get an additional 40 points over the course of a career) and after a bit of a jaunt into epic levels (by which you've already gotten your 9th level spells) you can turn into a lich once you're done, and wham.... (granted, epic play isn't for everyone, but still..) you've gotten all the benefits of the dread necro class, plus more. Throw in some divine heirophant levels (no spellcasting loss if you've gotten your 20th class level!!) and you've REALLY built a freakishly overpowered caster, though a fairly specialized one. Especially if you're willing to rule that the Heal, Regeneration, Cure X Wounds, spells and the like are Necromancy spells. (Which, as necromancy deals with life and death, they should be...)

 

[rgard]

Would anybody care to comment on the Savant?

I like it, but it may be abit overpowered if you compare it to the Mystic Theurge or Arcane Heirophant.

The BAB seems high and I don't understand the inclusion of sneak attack damage.

Thanks, you've given me some ideas for some PrCs I've been working on!!!

Rich

 

[Brimshack]

I like the diver concept, but I do see problems with finding an application in fantasy settings. What if each of the mundane abilities that are easily duplicated with spells came with an addendum of sorts, converting the ability into a buff when it becomes unnecessary in its current state.

E.g.: When combined with Water Breathing, a Deep Diver's natural breathing capacity turns into a source of powerful strength, granting her a +4 bonus to strength for the balance of the spell. (Assuming Water Breathing lasts longer than Bull's Strength, the net gain is extra duration. If not - don't have a book handy -, then an additional sentence adding duration to the spell effect works nicely enouh.)

That way the character has good diving skills when no spell caster is around. When a spell caster does help her, she gets extra magical abilities while under water. Then the class enables a land bound character to become the one you send over the deck of the ship to see what's underneath the boat, and maybe kick its butt.

 

[Angel Tarragon]

[smallcaps]Psiorcerer

Requirements[/smallcaps]
To qualify to become a psiorcerer, the character must fulfill all of the following criteria

Skills: Knowledge (Arcana) 7 ranks, Knowledge (Psionics) 7 ranks

Feats: Psispell, Psionic Spellcaster (see hidden text)

Spells; Ability to cast arcane spells without preparation, access to 2nd level arcane spells.

Powers: Ability to manifest 2nd level powers.

Class skills
The psiorcerers' class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Bluff, (Cha), Concentration (Con), Diplomacy (Cha), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually), Profession (Wis), Psicraft (Int), Spellcraft (Int), Search (Wis), Spot (Wis).

Skill Points at Each Level: 2 + Intelligence Modifier

Alighnment: Any

Hit Die: D4

[b]            Base       Fort   Ref    Will
Level   Attack Bonus   Save   Save   Save   Special                     Spells per Day/Powers Known[/b]
  1          +0         +0     +0     +2    Psionic Spellcasting        +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
  2          +1         +0     +0     +3                                +1 level of existing manifesting class
  3          +1         +1     +1     +3    Arcane Prowess +1           +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
  4          +2         +1     +1     +4                                +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
  5          +2         +1     +1     +4    Metapsionic Spell           +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
  6          +3         +2     +2     +5    Arcane Prowess +2           +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
  7          +3         +2     +2     +5    Uncanny Awareness           +1 level of existing manifesting class
  8          +4         +2     +2     +6                                +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
  9          +4         +3     +3     +6    Arcane Prowess +3           +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
 10          +5         +3     +3     +7                                +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
 11          +5         +3     +3     +7    Improved Uncanny Awreness   +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
 12          +6         +4     +4     +8    Arcane Prowess +4           +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
 13          +6         +4     +4     +8                                +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class/
                                                                        +1 level of existing manifesting class
 14          +7         +4     +4     +9    Twin Minds                  +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Psiorcerer.

Weapon & Armor Proficiency: Psiorcerers are proficient with all simple weapons. They are not proficient with any type of armor or shield. Armor of any type inerferes with the her spells somatic components which can cause her spells to fail, however armor does not interfere with the manifestation of powers.

Psionic Spellcasting (Ex): The psiorcerer may apply the psionic template to her spells. Further, when the psiorcerer casts a spell using power points she only needs to expend an amount equal to twice the spell's level.

Arcane Prowess (Sp): At 3rd level, the psiorcerer gains insifght into her arcane spellcasting ability through the use of psionics. When she casts a spell she may expend a number of power points equal to the spells level to increase her effective caster level. This bonus starts at +1 at 3rd level and increases by an additional +1 per three levels thereafter, to a maximum of +4.

Metapsionic Spell (Sp): At 5th level, the psiorcerer can cast spells modified by metamagic feats using power points instead of casting the spell at a higher level. For each level the spell would be increased the psiorcerer must expend a number of power points equal to twice the spell's modified level.

For example, Norka wishes to cast fireball as a maximized spell fueled by powere points instead of actually casting the spells at its modified level. In order to pull this off, Norka needs to expend

Uncanny Awareness (Ex): Starting at 4th level, the psiorcerer gains the ability to apply her Intelligence or Wisdom modifier (whichever is higher) to her Armor Class if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. She does not lose this bonus if she is immobilized but does if she is unconscious.

Improved Uncanny Awareness (Ex): At 11th level, the psiorcerer can no longer be flanked. This defense denies rogues the ability to use flank attacks to sneak attack the psiorcerer. The exception to this defense is that a rogue at least four levels higher than the psiorcerer can flank her (and thus sneak attack her).

Twin Minds (Ex): At 14th level, ths psiorcerer undergoes a mental transformation. Each of Her brains lobes separate and form duplicates, effectively becoming a second brain. This ability allows the character to perform two tasks at the same time without becoming distracted. She can cast a spell and manifest a power at the same time, perform to skill checks at the same time or any other two tasks the character might think of, so long as the GM approves it.

The character gains one additional feat at this time and gains twice the amount of skill points for just this level.


[sblock=Laden Spells, Psionic Spellcaster Template & Psionic Descriptor]Laden Spells
Laden spells are those cast using two slots rather than one, granting the spell significantly more power than it normally would have. The two slots are always of the same level, so casting a 3rd-level laden spellrequires two 3rd-level slots. A spell can never be given two
effects that both laden it—it cannot be “doubly laden.” Some spell templates can be applied only to laden spells. Without a feat or other special ability to take advantage of a laden spell, you gain no benefit from casting a spell this way.

Psionic Descriptor
Psionic casters draw power from within themselves—they use their own mental energy to fuel their spells. Psionic spells have no visual cues, but often make the caster sweat at the temples or grimace as she focuses her mental energy.

Characters can add this template to any spell they can cast. A character casts such a spell with no components or focus - it is purely a mental action. One could, for example, use a psionic spell while grappled or bound. Spells with this template gain the psionic descriptor. If the spell already has the psionic descriptor, it need not be laden (see “Cost”).

Cost: The spell is laden.
Gained: From the Psionic Spellcaster feat.

Psionic Spellcaster [Psionic]
After a ceremony held by you alone, in quiet contemplation surrounded by small crystals, you gain an affinity with psionic spells.
Prerequisites: Intelligence 15, ability to cast first level spells, Power Point Reserve
Benefit: A character with this feat may apply the psionic template to her spells.[/sblock]

 

[Angel Tarragon]

Please comment on my Psiorcerer.

 

[Bront]

Deep Diver - Cool concept, generaly well done, but doesn't seem like a good fantasy game class for reasons stated before. It's also hard to get into with 3 required feats. I could see it as a 5 level class that eventualy grants water breathing or something similar. That said, it is very well done.

The Savant - Not sure what you're trying to do. Hefty skill requirements, but with a high int (18), they're attainable as a straight Cleric 3/Wizard 3/Mystic Theurge 4, or better yet, as a Druid 3/Wizard 4/ Arcane Hyrphant 3. You get to do everything. High BAB, dual casting, lots of skills. Honestly, it realy looks like a joke of some kind. I hope that doesn't sound too cruel, just trying to be honest.

The Psiorcorer - I don't like the Psispell feat. It basicly allows spells to be cast as psionic powers, and they aren't balanced to be done in such a way (There's no cost to pump up a spell, but there is a psionic power). Laden spells is an interesting idea, but I think it'd be better done as metamagic.

Honestly, it's overkill given the Cerebremancer, and is significantly more powerful in every way.

Just a good guide when designing Prestiege classes, is look at what's out there, and use that as a power guide. Not every Prestiege class is perfectly balanced, but if you see that what you have is significantly more powerful than something else out there, then you have to ask if you're giving it too much power, or if the class wasn't powerful enough in the first place.

In most cases, people seem to think that dual casting classes are overpowered to begin with (I don't, I think they're balanced generaly), so making extremely more powerful versions of them is probably going to be particularly balanced or be recieved to well.