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<blockquote data-quote="paradox42" data-source="post: 6138059" data-attributes="member: 29746"><p><strong>The Current Version of the Foundationist</strong></p><p></p><p>Finally, here's the most recent version of the Foundationist from the files. This one has <strong>three</strong> Archetypes, partly because it was the first class to get any at all. Of course, the Soulborn has an entire alternate class, so that's ahead in terms of options- though that alternate class brings it closer to this class, so then again maybe not.</p><p></p><p>Patternmelder is, of course, this class's version of a Radiant Incarnate or a Spirit Guide (Totemist).</p><p></p><p> <strong>Class Skills:</strong> The Foundationist's class skills are: Craft (any) (INT), Fly (DEX), Knowledge (any) (INT), Linguistics (INT), Profession (any) (WIS), and Spellcraft (INT).</p><p></p><p></p><p> <strong>Skill Points per Level:</strong> 2 + INT modifier.</p><p></p><p></p><table style='width: 100%'><tr><td>Class<br /> Level</td><td>Base Attack<br /> Bonus</td><td>Fortitude<br /> Save</td><td>Reflex<br /> Save</td><td>Will<br /> Save</td><td>Special</td><td>Soulmelds</td><td>Essentia</td><td>Chakra<br /> Binds</td></tr><tr><td>1st<br /> </td><td>+0</td><td>+0</td><td>+0</td><td>+2</td><td>Elemental Affinity, Pattern Chakra Bind</td><td>2</td><td>1</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>2nd</td><td>+1</td><td>+0</td><td>+0</td><td>+3</td><td>Chakra Bind (Crown)</td><td>3</td><td>2</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>3rd</td><td>+1</td><td>+1</td><td>+1</td><td>+3</td><td>Expanded Element Capacity +1</td><td>3</td><td>3</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>4th</td><td>+2</td><td>+1</td><td>+1</td><td>+4</td><td>Chakra Binds (Feet, Hands)</td><td>4</td><td>4</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>5th</td><td>+2</td><td>+1</td><td>+1</td><td>+4</td><td>Rapid Meldshaping 1/day</td><td>4</td><td>7</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>6th</td><td>+3</td><td>+2</td><td>+2</td><td>+5</td><td>Double Chakra (Pattern)</td><td>4</td><td>8</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>7th</td><td>+3</td><td>+2</td><td>+2</td><td>+5</td><td>Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 1/day</td><td>5</td><td>9</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>8th</td><td>+4</td><td>+2</td><td>+2</td><td>+6</td><td>Pattern Chakra Bind (+1 capacity)</td><td>5</td><td>10</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>9th</td><td>+4</td><td>+3</td><td>+3</td><td>+6</td><td>Chakra Binds (Arms, Brow, Shoulders)</td><td>5</td><td>11</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>10th</td><td>+5</td><td>+3</td><td>+3</td><td>+7</td><td>Reset Soulmeld 1/day</td><td>6</td><td>14</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>11th</td><td>+5</td><td>+3</td><td>+3</td><td>+7</td><td>Rapid Meldshaping 2/day, Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 2/day</td><td>6</td><td>15</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>12th</td><td>+6/+1</td><td>+4</td><td>+4</td><td>+8</td><td>Triple Chakra (Pattern)</td><td>6</td><td>16</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>13th</td><td>+6/+1</td><td>+4</td><td>+4</td><td>+8</td><td>Pattern Chakra Bind (Double Bind)</td><td>7</td><td>17</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>14th</td><td>+7/+2</td><td>+4</td><td>+4</td><td>+9</td><td>Chakra Binds (Throat, Waist)</td><td>7</td><td>18</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>15th</td><td>+7/+2</td><td>+5</td><td>+5</td><td>+9</td><td>Expanded Element Capacity +2, Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 3/day</td><td>7</td><td>22</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>16th</td><td>+8/+3</td><td>+5</td><td>+5</td><td>+10</td><td>Reset Soulmeld 2/day</td><td>8</td><td>24</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>17th</td><td>+8/+3</td><td>+5</td><td>+5</td><td>+10</td><td>Chakra Bind (Heart), Rapid Meldshaping 3/day</td><td>8</td><td>26</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>18th</td><td>+9/+4</td><td>+6</td><td>+6</td><td>+11</td><td>Quadruple Chakra (Pattern)</td><td>8</td><td>28</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>19th</td><td>+9/+4</td><td>+6</td><td>+6</td><td>+11</td><td>Pattern Chakra Bind (+2 capacity), Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 4/day</td><td>9</td><td>30</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>20th</td><td>+10/+5</td><td>+6</td><td>+6</td><td>+12</td><td>Chakra Bind (Soul), Elemental Incarnation</td><td>9</td><td>34</td><td>6</td></tr></table><p></p><p></p><p>[h=4]Class Features:[/h] All of the following are class features of the Foundationist.</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Weapon and Armor Proficiency:</strong> Foundationists are proficient with all Simple weapons, Light armor, Medium armor, and Shields (but not Tower Shields).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Meldshaping:</strong> A Foundationist's primary ability is shaping soulmelds, which are drawn from the Foundationist soulmeld list. All Foundationists know (and can shape) all soulmelds from this list, but see Elemental Affinity below regarding the Elemental associations of these soulmelds.<br /> The DC for a saving throw against a Foundationist's soulmeld is 10 + the number of points of essentia invested in the soulmeld + the Foundationist's INT modifier. The Meldshaper Level is equal to the Foundationist level.<br /> A Foundationist can shape only a certain number of soulmelds on his or her person at any one time. This base allotment is given in the class table above. The maximum number of soulmelds that the character can have shaped simultaneously is equal to his or her CON score minus 10, or the number of soulmelds allowed for his or her Foundationist level, whichever is lower. At 1st level, a Foundationist can shape two soulmelds at a time (assuming he or she has a CON score of at least 12). As the character advances in level, he or she can shape an increasing number of soulmelds.<br /> At 1st level, a Foundationist also gains access to a personal pool of essentia, which can be invested into his or her soulmelds to increase their power. This essentia pool's size is shown on the class table, but note that the Foundationist's <em>character level</em> determines the maximum quantity of essentia that he or she can invest in any single soulmeld, as noted in MoI on page 19 (table 2-1: Essentia Capacity). As a Swift Action, a Foundationist can reallocate his or her essentia investments in all of his or her soulmelds, every round (see MoI, page 50, "Essentia").<br /> A Foundationist does not study or prepare soulmelds in advance, but must have a good night's rest and must meditate for 1 hour to shape his or her soulmelds (see Shaping Soulmelds, on page 49 of MoI).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Elemental Affinity:</strong> A Foundationist picks one of the four elements at 1st level, and is forever afterward bound to that choice. This has effects later on soulmelds of the character's chosen element, but from this level it has an effect on the character's <em>opposed</em> element (that is, Air to Earth, Fire to Water, and vice versa): all soulmelds of the opposed element used by a Foundationist are at -1 essentia capacity. This means that at 1st level, although a Foundationist is allowed to shape soulmelds of the opposed element, he or she is forbidden from putting any essentia into them, because their effective essentia capacity is 0.<br /> Most soulmelds on the Foundationist list are affiliated to one specific element, but three in particular (<em>Elemental Avatar</em>, <em>Elemental Channel</em>, and <em>Elemental Chasuble</em>) are affiliated with all four elements. A Foundationist is only allowed to use the version associated with his or her own element, for these three soulmelds; thus, a Fire Foundationist could not shape an <em>Elemental Avatar (Air)</em>. A few soulmelds have no elemental affiliation, and are designated Universal (or Univ).<br /> Also, the character receives a +1 bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Linguistics, and Sense Motive checks when used on creatures of the same elemental type he or she is affiliated with. For example, a Fire Foundationist would receive the bonus when interacting with Fire Elementals or Efreeti, or when dealing with the Ignan language.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Pattern Chakra:</strong> Foundationists get access to a unique chakra which does not occupy any body slot, similar to the Totemist's Totem chakra. This unique chakra is called the Pattern chakra, because it represents the basic pattern of elements that is required to create any given object. In particular, the character's Pattern chakra is intended to represent <em>his or her <strong>own</strong> Pattern</em>, and conceptually the act of binding a soulmeld to it infuses the Foundationist's Pattern with extra elemental (or soul) energy which is what grants the powers provided by the chakra bind.<br /> Beginning at 8th level, any soulmeld (regardless of element) bound to the character's Pattern chakra has an essentia capacity 1 higher than normal. At 19th level, the capacity of any soulmeld bound to the Pattern increases by an additional point, for a total of +2 capacity.<br /> At 13th level, the Foundationist gains the ability to bind a single soulmeld to his or her Pattern chakra and to another chakra at the same time, gaining the special benefits of both chakra binds.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Expanded Element Capacity (Ex):</strong> At 3rd level, and again at 15th, the essentia capacity of any soulmelds of the Foundationist's chosen element increases by 1. This only affects soulmelds, not feats, class features, or other abilities involving or allowing essentia investment. Noteworthy, however, is the fact that this benefit stacks with the ability of the Pattern chakra to boost soulmeld capacity- so at 8th level, for example, the essentia capacity of a soulmeld of the chosen element when bound to the Pattern chakra is +2 above standard.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Rapid Meldshaping (Su):</strong> Beginning at 5th level, a Foundationist learns to shape soulmelds instantly (usually, but not always, under extreme circumstances). Once per day, as a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity, the character can unshape one of his or her existing soulmelds and immediately shape a replacement soulmeld. The newly shaped soulmeld cannot be bound to a chakra, even if the soulmeld that was unshaped was bound to a chakra. At 11th level, and every six levels thereafter, the Foundationist gains another daily use of this ability.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Double Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):</strong> At 6th level, a Foundationist gains Double Chakra (Pattern) as a bonus feat. If the character already has Double Chakra (Pattern), then he or she gains no benefit from this class feature.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Rebind Pattern Soulmeld (Su):</strong> At 7th level, the Foundationist gains the ability to shift soulmelds into and out of his or her Pattern chakra. Once per day, as a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity, the character can unbind a soulmeld from the Pattern chakra and then bind a different soulmeld to that chakra, as long as the new meld is one that the character currently has shaped. A Foundationist can use this ability one additional time per day for every 4 levels gained after 7th (2/day at 11th, 3/day at 15th, etc.).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Reset Soulmeld (Su):</strong> At 10th level, the Foundationist is good enough at building and shaping soulmelds, and charging them with energy, that he or she can sometimes repair a soulmeld which is losing power due to use. Some soulmelds (including many on the Foundationist list) have a limited number of uses per day, or even unshape after a certain number of uses. This ability allows the Foundationist to use a full-round action (which provokes attacks of opportunity) to "reset" any one such soulmeld so that it "forgets" the number of times it has already been used, and is essentially starting again fresh and unused. This ability can be used only one time per day at 10th level, but at 16th level the Foundationist gains another daily use of this ability.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Triple Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):</strong> At 12th level, a Foundationist gains a unique ability to have three soulmelds occupying (and, if desired, bound to) the Pattern chakra simultaneously.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Quadruple Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):</strong> At 18th level, the Foundationist can have four soulmelds occupying (and, if desired, bound to) the Pattern chakra at the same time.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Elemental Incarnation (Su):</strong> At 20th level, the Foundationist is so infused with elemental energy that he or she effectively becomes an Elemental, in body if not in soul. This grants the character immunity to Sneak Attacks, critical hits, and damage from the character's chosen element (<em>Air:</em> Electricity, <em>Earth:</em> Acid, <em>Fire:</em> Fire, <em>Water:</em> Cold).</li> </ul><p><strong>Starting Age:</strong> Foundationists start at Trained age.</p><p><strong>Starting Gold:</strong> Foundationist characters start with 2d6 × 10 gp (average 70).</p><p></p><p>[h=4]<u>Archetypes:</u>[/h] <strong>Necrofoundationist:</strong> </p><p> The fearsome power of Necrocarnum has its adherents and practitioners among Foundationists too. Called "Necrofoundationists" by others, they explicitly enslave and torture elemental spirits to power their meldshaping, rather than just contacting and encouraging as standard Foundationists do. They gain considerable power in the combination of Necrocarnum with standard elemental meldshaping, but give up any direct affinity with the Elements that they might have otherwise enjoyed (Elementals do not enjoy having their souls enslaved or tortured, any more than other creatures do).</p><p></p><p></p><p> <strong>Class Features:</strong></p><p>All of the following are class features of the Necrofoundationist.</p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Alignment:</strong> Any Evil. Necrofoundationists are explorers in a realm of hideously dark and wicked lore, who combine that lore with the otherwise-blameless craft of elemental meldshaping.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Necroelemental Affinity:</strong> A Necrofoundationist adds the following soulmelds to his or her class list, all in the Universal category: <em>Midnight Bracers</em>, <em>Midnight Necklace</em>, <em>Midnight Shirt</em>, <em>Necrocarnum Boots</em>, <em>Necrocarnum Circlet</em>, <em>Necrocarnum Cloak</em>, <em>Necrocarnum Mantle</em>, <em>Necrocarnum Mask</em>, <em>Necrocarnum Touch</em>, and <em>Necrocarnum Vestments</em>. Noteworthy, here, is the fact that none of these soulmelds have or gain Pattern Chakra Binds when used by a Necrofoundationist.<br /> The Necrofoundationist <strong>loses</strong> the following soulmelds from his or her class list, and is unable to shape them without taking specific feats or other special abilities: <em>Crystal Helm</em>, <em>Cyber Helmet</em>, <em>Gorgon Mask</em>, <em>Oceanic Robe</em>, <em>Pegasus Cloak</em>, <em>Purewater Globes</em>, <em>Rainbow Bracelets</em>, <em>Soulspark Familiar</em>, <em>Sunburst Mask</em>, and <em>Tornado Crown</em>.<br /> A Necrofoundationist gives up any specialty with a particular element as a result of pursuing the combination of Necrocarnum with Foundationist soulcraft. A Necrofoundationist does not suffer a lower essentia capacity with any one element, but also does not gain any ability to enhance soulmelds of a particular element, nor to deal more favorably with creatures of a particular elemental type. Importantly, a Necrofoundationist is <strong>not</strong> restricted in choice of element when using any of the three "Elemental" soulmelds: <em>Elemental Avatar</em>, <em>Elemental Channel</em>, or <em>Elemental Chasuble</em>.<br /> This ability replaces Elemental Affinity.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Expanded Necro Capacity (Ex):</strong> At 3rd level, and again at 15th, the essentia capacity of any soulmeld with the Necrocarnum descriptor shaped by the Necrofoundationist increases by 1. This only affects soulmelds with the Necrocarnum descriptor, not feats, class features, or other abilities involving or allowing essentia investment. Noteworthy, however, is the fact that this benefit stacks with the ability of the Pattern chakra to boost soulmeld capacity- so at 8th level, for example, the essentia capacity of a Necrocarnum soulmeld bound to the Pattern chakra is +2 above standard.<br /> This ability replaces Expanded Elemental Capacity.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Necrotic Reconstruction (Ex):</strong> At 6th level, a Necrofoundationist is familiar enough with the four basic Elements that he or she is able to enslave and torture souls affiliated with them to derive Necrocarnum from them. When shaping his or her soulmelds, the character can add the Necrocarnum descriptor to one soulmeld that would not otherwise have it, as it is being shaped. This does not change any effects of the soulmeld so changed, except one: any <strong>damage</strong> the chosen soulmeld deals, is changed so that it deals half necrotic/negative energy damage. Because the elemental souls do not enjoy being used in the manner the character is using them, he or she must carefully watch it to maintain the soulmeld's integrity; only one such soulmeld can be shaped at any given time- though if the Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmeld unshapes, the character can replace it with another Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmeld if desired.<br /> For example, if the character shapes a <em>Diamond Crown</em> but changes it to be a Necrocarnum soulmeld, then its Brow Chakra Bind is a standard-action Ranged Touch Attack dealing 2d4 damage, plus 1d4 per point of invested essentia, of which half is Force damage (as the normal <em>Diamond Crown</em> deals) and half is negative energy/necrotic damage (not subject to any Force Resistance or Immunity the target may have). This special Necrotic-Reconstructed <em>"Diamond Crown"</em> counts as a Necrocarnum soulmeld for all purposes regarding Necroelemental Affinity, in particular the essentia capacity; thus, a 10th-level Necrofoundationist would have +1 essentia capacity in it. Only the damage type of a Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmeld changes; its other effects remain identical to the original form.<br /> At 18th level, the Necrofoundationist is able to maintain two Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmelds at once.<br /> This ability replaces Double Chakra (Pattern) and Quadruple Chakra (Pattern).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Double Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):</strong> At 12th level, a Necrofoundationist gains Double Chakra (Pattern) as a bonus feat. If the character already has Double Chakra (Pattern), then he or she gains no benefit from this class feature.<br /> This ability replaces Triple Chakra (Pattern).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Deathless (Su):</strong> A 20th-level Necrofoundationist who has at least one Soulmeld with the Necrocarnum descriptor shaped gains the following abilities and immunities: Darkvision 60 feet; Immunity to: ability damage to physical ability scores (mental ability scores can still be damaged), ability drain, bleed, death effects, disease, energy drain, exhaustion, fatigue, nonlethal damage, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning; Immunity to any effect that requires breathing (such as inhaled afflictions, "cloud" spells such as <em>Cloudkill</em>, etc.). The character does not need to breathe, eat, or sleep while this ability is active, though he or she must still rest for 8 hours (performing no significant activity) as normal for use of abilities (such as natural healing) that require rest.<br /> This ability replaces Elemental Incarnation.</li> </ul><p> <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Patternmelder:</strong> </p><p></p><p> Most Foundationists are happy to explore their own connection to the souls of the elements, and what this says about the underpinnings of Reality, but a few do not stop there. Convinced that knowing (and altering) their own Patterns is not enough, these Foundationists spend time studying (and when practical, modifying) the elemental Patterns of others, in order to better discern the deeper laws governing mystical elements and their interaction with the cosmos. By studying unusual methods not taught (or even explicitly forbidden) by schools of elemental meldshaping, these Patternmelders (as they are called) try to experiment on others by modifying them with elemental soulstuff, sculpting soulmelds around them the way most meldshapers only do upon themselves. They give up some ability to meldshape in exchange for this specialty, but those who benefit from their meldshaping experiments rarely (if ever) fault them for that weakness.</p><p></p><p></p><p> <strong>Class Features:</strong></p><p>All of the following are class features of the Patternmelder.</p><p></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Meldshaping:</strong> A Patternmelder has a soulmeld limit one less than normal- thus, a 5th-level Patternmelder can shape at most 3 soulmelds, rather than 4. This ability otherwise functions as and replaces the standard Foundationist Meldshaping class feature.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Infused Soulmeld (Su):</strong> A Patternmelder experiments upon other sentient creatures that are willing to go along with it by sculpting soulmelds around them- empowering them with abilities much like those the Patternmelder is able to gift to himself or herself via more conventional meldshaping craft.<br /> As a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity, a Patternmelder may transfer any one soulmeld he or she has shaped onto another willing creature by touch, as long as the creature receiving the soulmeld has the appropriate chakra unoccupied by any soulmeld or magic item (for example, a <em>Rainbow Bracelets</em> could not be transferred to a creature with another soulmeld already occupying its Arms Chakra). If a soulmeld can occupy more than one chakra (for example, <em>Golden Hammer</em> can occupy either Hands or Waist), then the soulmeld must be set to occupy the same chakra that the Patternmelder had it occupying on himself or herself; that is, the chakra cannot be changed in transit. The Patternmelder must invest 1 point of essentia into the chosen soulmeld as it is transferred, or the soulmeld immediately unshapes; this essentia stays invested in the soulmeld but does not provide either the soulmeld's new wearer nor the Patternmelder who originally shaped it with any of the standard benefits that soulmeld would normally grant from essentia investment- the essentia is instead being used to keep the soulmeld intact on its new wearer.<br /> If the creature receiving the soulmeld has an essentia pool of its own, it may invest essentia into the transferred soulmeld as if it had shaped the soulmeld itself; the essentia invested by the Patternmelder to keep it intact upon its new wearer does not count in any way against the soulmeld's essentia capacity for investment. If the new wearer has the ability to bind a soulmeld to the chakra the transferred soulmeld occupies, then it may Bind the transferred soulmeld to that chakra using the normal rules for reshaping and rebinding soulmelds. The transferred soulmeld does not count against the new wearer's limits on soulmelds shaped, if it has any such limits, but it <em>does</em> count as being a soulmeld occupying the appropriate chakra- so a creature gifted with an <em>Rainbow Bracelets</em> could not, for example, spend 15 minutes shaping a <em>Bluesteel Bracers</em> on itself unless it had the Double Chakra (Arms) feat. If the new wearer becomes unconscious or dead for any reason, the transferred soulmeld immediately unshapes, and the essentia the Patternmelder invested into it to keep it intact is divested as though the Patternmelder had done it himself or herself (see below).<br /> The Patternmelder is <em>not</em> able to invest essentia into the soulmeld, after it is transferred; for all intents and purposes, the soulmeld is considered unshaped from the perspective of the Patternmelder as soon as the transfer is completed. The Patternmelder may, in fact, shape a new soulmeld to replace the one just transferred; this uses the normal rules for shaping individual soulmelds. The only thing the Patternmelder must do while the transferred soulmeld remains shaped is keep the 1 point of essentia invested in it; as soon as the Patternmelder divests that essentia from the transferred soulmeld for any reason, the soulmeld immediately unshapes.<br /> A Patternmelder gives up any specialty with a particular element as a result of tinkering with the elemental balance of other creatures. A Patternmelder does not suffer a lower essentia capacity with any one element, but also does not gain any ability to enhance soulmelds of a particular element, nor to deal more favorably with creatures of a particular elemental type. Importantly, a Patternmelder is <strong>not</strong> restricted in choice of element when using any of the three "Elemental" soulmelds: <em>Elemental Avatar</em>, <em>Elemental Channel</em>, or <em>Elemental Chasuble</em>.<br /> This ability replaces Elemental Affinity.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Patternmelding (Su):</strong> Beginning at 3rd level, a Patternmelder has the ability to specifically bind a soulmeld transferred using the Infused Soulmeld ability to the Pattern Chakra of its new wearer, during the transfer. This does not harm the creature to whom the soulmeld is transferred, and grants that creature the full benefits of the Pattern Chakra Bind for the transferred soulmeld as long as the soulmeld remains shaped. Because the soulmeld is being bound to the other creature's Pattern by a third party, it does not naturally stay bound the way a normal soulmeld would; the Patternmelder must carefully keep watch upon the soulmeld to be sure it does not spontaneously unbind itself, and can therefore only bind one transferred soulmeld to its new wearer's Pattern Chakra this way at any given time.<br /> If the Patternmelder wishes, he or she can allow the transferred soulmeld to unbind (without actually unshaping it or divesting the essentia being used to keep it intact upon the new wearer), and free up this "Transferred Pattern slot" for another soulmeld. Soulmelds which have already been transferred to other creatures cannot be bound to their new wearers' Patterns this way; the binding must be done during the actual transfer itself- but if the Patternmelder is not currently maintaining a Pattern-bound transferred soulmeld, then he or she is free to bind a new soulmeld that he or she transfers to its new wearer's Pattern during that transfer process.<br /> At 15th level, the Patternmelder becomes familiar enough with maintaining Pattern-bound soulmelds on other creatures that he or she is able to maintain two such Pattern binds at once.<br /> This ability replaces Expanded Element Capacity.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Greater Patternmelding (Su):</strong> At 20th level, a Patternmelder gains the ability to not only bind a soulmeld transferred using the Infused Soulmeld ability to the Pattern Chakra of its new wearer, but also to the Chakra that the soulmeld actually occupies, as though the new wearer had the "Double Bind" ability of the Pattern Chakra Bind gained by Foundationists at 13th level. This grants the creature the full benefits (for the transferred soulmeld) of both the Pattern Chakra Bind and the Chakra Bind ability for the occupied chakra, for as long as the soulmeld remains shaped. The Patternmelder is able to double-bind any transferred soulmeld that he or she binds to its new wearer's Pattern at all, with this ability, so the character is able to maintain two at once. This ability functions regardless of whether or not the soulmeld's new wearer has the appropriate chakra open for binding- by this point the Patternmelder is experienced enough at manipulating soul energy that the target's own meldshaping prowess (or lack thereof) is irrelevant to the process.<br /> This ability replaces Elemental Incarnation.</li> </ul><p> <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Reconstructionist:</strong> </p><p></p><p> Not content to simply build artificial elemental soulstuff into soulmelds unavailable by any other method, some Foundationists study ways of forcing the elements to do things they would not naturally do- such as using Earth soulstuff to fly, or using Water soulstuff to create light. These "Reconstructionists," as they are called, believe that in forcing and teaching the elements to emulate each other, they can sift through the resulting chaos to discern the truest, deepest fundamental nature of each element and thereby gain a greater understanding of reality. What they give up in energy-attack capability, the Reconstructionists make up for in added versatility when it comes to utility options.</p><p></p><p></p><p> <strong>Class Features:</strong></p><p>All of the following are class features of the Reconstructionist.</p><p></p><p></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Elemental Reconstruction (Ex):</strong> At 6th level, a Reconstructionist is familiar enough with the four basic Elements that he or she is able to see ways of using them for similar effect, even where they normally differ. When shaping his or her soulmelds, the character can change the Elemental descriptor of one soulmeld as it is being shaped (typically, to the character's own favored Element so as to take advantage of the Expanded Element Capacity). This does not change any effects of the soulmeld so changed, except one: any <strong>damage</strong> the chosen soulmeld deals, is changed to match the Element the character changes it to. Because the elemental energy does not naturally assume the shape the character is forcing it to assume, he or she must carefully watch it to maintain its integrity; only one such soulmeld can be shaped at any given time- though if the Reconstructed soulmeld unshapes, the character can replace it with another Reconstructed soulmeld if desired.<br /> For example, if the character shapes a <em>Diamond Crown</em> (an Earth soulmeld with the Force descriptor, normally) but changes it to be an Air soulmeld instead, then its Brow Chakra Bind is a standard-action Ranged Touch Attack dealing 2d4 <strong>electricity</strong> damage, plus 1d4 per point of invested essentia, rather than Force damage (as the normal <em>Diamond Crown</em> deals). This special Air-focused <em>"Diamond Crown"</em> counts as an Air soulmeld for all purposes regarding Elemental Affinity, in particular the essentia capacity; thus, a 10th-level Reconstructionist specialized in Air would have +1 essentia capacity in it rather than -1 as normal. The elements (and associated damage types) are: <em>Air:</em> Electricity, <em>Earth:</em> Acid, <em>Fire:</em> Fire, <em>Water:</em> Cold. Only the damage type of a Reconstructed soulmeld changes; its other effects remain identical to the original form.<br /> At 18th level, the Reconstructionist is able to maintain two Reconstructed soulmelds at once.<br /> This ability replaces Double Chakra (Pattern) and Quadruple Chakra (Pattern).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Double Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):</strong> At 12th level, a Reconstructionist gains Double Chakra (Pattern) as a bonus feat. If the character already has Double Chakra (Pattern), then he or she gains no benefit from this class feature.<br /> This ability replaces Triple Chakra (Pattern).</li> </ul></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="paradox42, post: 6138059, member: 29746"] [b]The Current Version of the Foundationist[/b] Finally, here's the most recent version of the Foundationist from the files. This one has [B]three[/B] Archetypes, partly because it was the first class to get any at all. Of course, the Soulborn has an entire alternate class, so that's ahead in terms of options- though that alternate class brings it closer to this class, so then again maybe not. Patternmelder is, of course, this class's version of a Radiant Incarnate or a Spirit Guide (Totemist). [B]Class Skills:[/B] The Foundationist's class skills are: Craft (any) (INT), Fly (DEX), Knowledge (any) (INT), Linguistics (INT), Profession (any) (WIS), and Spellcraft (INT). [B]Skill Points per Level:[/B] 2 + INT modifier. [TABLE="class: grid, width: 100%"] [TR] [TD]Class Level[/TD] [TD]Base Attack Bonus[/TD] [TD]Fortitude Save[/TD] [TD]Reflex Save[/TD] [TD]Will Save[/TD] [TD]Special[/TD] [TD]Soulmelds[/TD] [TD]Essentia[/TD] [TD]Chakra Binds[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]1st [/TD] [TD]+0[/TD] [TD]+0[/TD] [TD]+0[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]Elemental Affinity, Pattern Chakra Bind[/TD] [TD="align: center"]2[/TD] [TD="align: center"]1[/TD] [TD="align: center"]1[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]2nd[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+0[/TD] [TD]+0[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]Chakra Bind (Crown)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]3[/TD] [TD="align: center"]2[/TD] [TD="align: center"]2[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]3rd[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]Expanded Element Capacity +1[/TD] [TD="align: center"]3[/TD] [TD="align: center"]3[/TD] [TD="align: center"]2[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]4th[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]Chakra Binds (Feet, Hands)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [TD="align: center"]2[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]5th[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+1[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]Rapid Meldshaping 1/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [TD="align: center"]7[/TD] [TD="align: center"]2[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]6th[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]Double Chakra (Pattern)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [TD="align: center"]8[/TD] [TD="align: center"]3[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]7th[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 1/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]5[/TD] [TD="align: center"]9[/TD] [TD="align: center"]3[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]8th[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+2[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]Pattern Chakra Bind (+1 capacity)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]5[/TD] [TD="align: center"]10[/TD] [TD="align: center"]3[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]9th[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]Chakra Binds (Arms, Brow, Shoulders)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]5[/TD] [TD="align: center"]11[/TD] [TD="align: center"]3[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]10th[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+7[/TD] [TD]Reset Soulmeld 1/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]6[/TD] [TD="align: center"]14[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]11th[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+3[/TD] [TD]+7[/TD] [TD]Rapid Meldshaping 2/day, Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 2/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]6[/TD] [TD="align: center"]15[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]12th[/TD] [TD]+6/+1[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+8[/TD] [TD]Triple Chakra (Pattern)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]6[/TD] [TD="align: center"]16[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]13th[/TD] [TD]+6/+1[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+8[/TD] [TD]Pattern Chakra Bind (Double Bind)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]7[/TD] [TD="align: center"]17[/TD] [TD="align: center"]4[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]14th[/TD] [TD]+7/+2[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+4[/TD] [TD]+9[/TD] [TD]Chakra Binds (Throat, Waist)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]7[/TD] [TD="align: center"]18[/TD] [TD="align: center"]5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]15th[/TD] [TD]+7/+2[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+9[/TD] [TD]Expanded Element Capacity +2, Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 3/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]7[/TD] [TD="align: center"]22[/TD] [TD="align: center"]5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]16th[/TD] [TD]+8/+3[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+10[/TD] [TD]Reset Soulmeld 2/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]8[/TD] [TD="align: center"]24[/TD] [TD="align: center"]5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]17th[/TD] [TD]+8/+3[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+5[/TD] [TD]+10[/TD] [TD]Chakra Bind (Heart), Rapid Meldshaping 3/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]8[/TD] [TD="align: center"]26[/TD] [TD="align: center"]5[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]18th[/TD] [TD]+9/+4[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]+11[/TD] [TD]Quadruple Chakra (Pattern)[/TD] [TD="align: center"]8[/TD] [TD="align: center"]28[/TD] [TD="align: center"]6[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]19th[/TD] [TD]+9/+4[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]+11[/TD] [TD]Pattern Chakra Bind (+2 capacity), Rebind Pattern Soulmeld 4/day[/TD] [TD="align: center"]9[/TD] [TD="align: center"]30[/TD] [TD="align: center"]6[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]20th[/TD] [TD]+10/+5[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]+6[/TD] [TD]+12[/TD] [TD]Chakra Bind (Soul), Elemental Incarnation[/TD] [TD="align: center"]9[/TD] [TD="align: center"]34[/TD] [TD="align: center"]6[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [h=4]Class Features:[/h] All of the following are class features of the Foundationist. [LIST] [*][B]Weapon and Armor Proficiency:[/B] Foundationists are proficient with all Simple weapons, Light armor, Medium armor, and Shields (but not Tower Shields). [*][B]Meldshaping:[/B] A Foundationist's primary ability is shaping soulmelds, which are drawn from the Foundationist soulmeld list. All Foundationists know (and can shape) all soulmelds from this list, but see Elemental Affinity below regarding the Elemental associations of these soulmelds. The DC for a saving throw against a Foundationist's soulmeld is 10 + the number of points of essentia invested in the soulmeld + the Foundationist's INT modifier. The Meldshaper Level is equal to the Foundationist level. A Foundationist can shape only a certain number of soulmelds on his or her person at any one time. This base allotment is given in the class table above. The maximum number of soulmelds that the character can have shaped simultaneously is equal to his or her CON score minus 10, or the number of soulmelds allowed for his or her Foundationist level, whichever is lower. At 1st level, a Foundationist can shape two soulmelds at a time (assuming he or she has a CON score of at least 12). As the character advances in level, he or she can shape an increasing number of soulmelds. At 1st level, a Foundationist also gains access to a personal pool of essentia, which can be invested into his or her soulmelds to increase their power. This essentia pool's size is shown on the class table, but note that the Foundationist's [I]character level[/I] determines the maximum quantity of essentia that he or she can invest in any single soulmeld, as noted in MoI on page 19 (table 2-1: Essentia Capacity). As a Swift Action, a Foundationist can reallocate his or her essentia investments in all of his or her soulmelds, every round (see MoI, page 50, "Essentia"). A Foundationist does not study or prepare soulmelds in advance, but must have a good night's rest and must meditate for 1 hour to shape his or her soulmelds (see Shaping Soulmelds, on page 49 of MoI). [*][B]Elemental Affinity:[/B] A Foundationist picks one of the four elements at 1st level, and is forever afterward bound to that choice. This has effects later on soulmelds of the character's chosen element, but from this level it has an effect on the character's [I]opposed[/I] element (that is, Air to Earth, Fire to Water, and vice versa): all soulmelds of the opposed element used by a Foundationist are at -1 essentia capacity. This means that at 1st level, although a Foundationist is allowed to shape soulmelds of the opposed element, he or she is forbidden from putting any essentia into them, because their effective essentia capacity is 0. Most soulmelds on the Foundationist list are affiliated to one specific element, but three in particular ([I]Elemental Avatar[/I], [I]Elemental Channel[/I], and [I]Elemental Chasuble[/I]) are affiliated with all four elements. A Foundationist is only allowed to use the version associated with his or her own element, for these three soulmelds; thus, a Fire Foundationist could not shape an [I]Elemental Avatar (Air)[/I]. A few soulmelds have no elemental affiliation, and are designated Universal (or Univ). Also, the character receives a +1 bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Linguistics, and Sense Motive checks when used on creatures of the same elemental type he or she is affiliated with. For example, a Fire Foundationist would receive the bonus when interacting with Fire Elementals or Efreeti, or when dealing with the Ignan language. [*][B]Pattern Chakra:[/B] Foundationists get access to a unique chakra which does not occupy any body slot, similar to the Totemist's Totem chakra. This unique chakra is called the Pattern chakra, because it represents the basic pattern of elements that is required to create any given object. In particular, the character's Pattern chakra is intended to represent [I]his or her [B]own[/B] Pattern[/I], and conceptually the act of binding a soulmeld to it infuses the Foundationist's Pattern with extra elemental (or soul) energy which is what grants the powers provided by the chakra bind. Beginning at 8th level, any soulmeld (regardless of element) bound to the character's Pattern chakra has an essentia capacity 1 higher than normal. At 19th level, the capacity of any soulmeld bound to the Pattern increases by an additional point, for a total of +2 capacity. At 13th level, the Foundationist gains the ability to bind a single soulmeld to his or her Pattern chakra and to another chakra at the same time, gaining the special benefits of both chakra binds. [*][B]Expanded Element Capacity (Ex):[/B] At 3rd level, and again at 15th, the essentia capacity of any soulmelds of the Foundationist's chosen element increases by 1. This only affects soulmelds, not feats, class features, or other abilities involving or allowing essentia investment. Noteworthy, however, is the fact that this benefit stacks with the ability of the Pattern chakra to boost soulmeld capacity- so at 8th level, for example, the essentia capacity of a soulmeld of the chosen element when bound to the Pattern chakra is +2 above standard. [*][B]Rapid Meldshaping (Su):[/B] Beginning at 5th level, a Foundationist learns to shape soulmelds instantly (usually, but not always, under extreme circumstances). Once per day, as a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity, the character can unshape one of his or her existing soulmelds and immediately shape a replacement soulmeld. The newly shaped soulmeld cannot be bound to a chakra, even if the soulmeld that was unshaped was bound to a chakra. At 11th level, and every six levels thereafter, the Foundationist gains another daily use of this ability. [*][B]Double Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):[/B] At 6th level, a Foundationist gains Double Chakra (Pattern) as a bonus feat. If the character already has Double Chakra (Pattern), then he or she gains no benefit from this class feature. [*][B]Rebind Pattern Soulmeld (Su):[/B] At 7th level, the Foundationist gains the ability to shift soulmelds into and out of his or her Pattern chakra. Once per day, as a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity, the character can unbind a soulmeld from the Pattern chakra and then bind a different soulmeld to that chakra, as long as the new meld is one that the character currently has shaped. A Foundationist can use this ability one additional time per day for every 4 levels gained after 7th (2/day at 11th, 3/day at 15th, etc.). [*][B]Reset Soulmeld (Su):[/B] At 10th level, the Foundationist is good enough at building and shaping soulmelds, and charging them with energy, that he or she can sometimes repair a soulmeld which is losing power due to use. Some soulmelds (including many on the Foundationist list) have a limited number of uses per day, or even unshape after a certain number of uses. This ability allows the Foundationist to use a full-round action (which provokes attacks of opportunity) to "reset" any one such soulmeld so that it "forgets" the number of times it has already been used, and is essentially starting again fresh and unused. This ability can be used only one time per day at 10th level, but at 16th level the Foundationist gains another daily use of this ability. [*][B]Triple Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):[/B] At 12th level, a Foundationist gains a unique ability to have three soulmelds occupying (and, if desired, bound to) the Pattern chakra simultaneously. [*][B]Quadruple Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):[/B] At 18th level, the Foundationist can have four soulmelds occupying (and, if desired, bound to) the Pattern chakra at the same time. [*][B]Elemental Incarnation (Su):[/B] At 20th level, the Foundationist is so infused with elemental energy that he or she effectively becomes an Elemental, in body if not in soul. This grants the character immunity to Sneak Attacks, critical hits, and damage from the character's chosen element ([I]Air:[/I] Electricity, [I]Earth:[/I] Acid, [I]Fire:[/I] Fire, [I]Water:[/I] Cold). [/LIST] [B]Starting Age:[/B] Foundationists start at Trained age. [B]Starting Gold:[/B] Foundationist characters start with 2d6 × 10 gp (average 70). [h=4][U]Archetypes:[/U][/h] [B]Necrofoundationist:[/B] The fearsome power of Necrocarnum has its adherents and practitioners among Foundationists too. Called "Necrofoundationists" by others, they explicitly enslave and torture elemental spirits to power their meldshaping, rather than just contacting and encouraging as standard Foundationists do. They gain considerable power in the combination of Necrocarnum with standard elemental meldshaping, but give up any direct affinity with the Elements that they might have otherwise enjoyed (Elementals do not enjoy having their souls enslaved or tortured, any more than other creatures do). [B]Class Features:[/B] All of the following are class features of the Necrofoundationist. [LIST] [*][B]Alignment:[/B] Any Evil. Necrofoundationists are explorers in a realm of hideously dark and wicked lore, who combine that lore with the otherwise-blameless craft of elemental meldshaping. [*][B]Necroelemental Affinity:[/B] A Necrofoundationist adds the following soulmelds to his or her class list, all in the Universal category: [I]Midnight Bracers[/I], [I]Midnight Necklace[/I], [I]Midnight Shirt[/I], [I]Necrocarnum Boots[/I], [I]Necrocarnum Circlet[/I], [I]Necrocarnum Cloak[/I], [I]Necrocarnum Mantle[/I], [I]Necrocarnum Mask[/I], [I]Necrocarnum Touch[/I], and [I]Necrocarnum Vestments[/I]. Noteworthy, here, is the fact that none of these soulmelds have or gain Pattern Chakra Binds when used by a Necrofoundationist. The Necrofoundationist [B]loses[/B] the following soulmelds from his or her class list, and is unable to shape them without taking specific feats or other special abilities: [I]Crystal Helm[/I], [I]Cyber Helmet[/I], [I]Gorgon Mask[/I], [I]Oceanic Robe[/I], [I]Pegasus Cloak[/I], [I]Purewater Globes[/I], [I]Rainbow Bracelets[/I], [I]Soulspark Familiar[/I], [I]Sunburst Mask[/I], and [I]Tornado Crown[/I]. A Necrofoundationist gives up any specialty with a particular element as a result of pursuing the combination of Necrocarnum with Foundationist soulcraft. A Necrofoundationist does not suffer a lower essentia capacity with any one element, but also does not gain any ability to enhance soulmelds of a particular element, nor to deal more favorably with creatures of a particular elemental type. Importantly, a Necrofoundationist is [B]not[/B] restricted in choice of element when using any of the three "Elemental" soulmelds: [I]Elemental Avatar[/I], [I]Elemental Channel[/I], or [I]Elemental Chasuble[/I]. This ability replaces Elemental Affinity. [*][B]Expanded Necro Capacity (Ex):[/B] At 3rd level, and again at 15th, the essentia capacity of any soulmeld with the Necrocarnum descriptor shaped by the Necrofoundationist increases by 1. This only affects soulmelds with the Necrocarnum descriptor, not feats, class features, or other abilities involving or allowing essentia investment. Noteworthy, however, is the fact that this benefit stacks with the ability of the Pattern chakra to boost soulmeld capacity- so at 8th level, for example, the essentia capacity of a Necrocarnum soulmeld bound to the Pattern chakra is +2 above standard. This ability replaces Expanded Elemental Capacity. [*][B]Necrotic Reconstruction (Ex):[/B] At 6th level, a Necrofoundationist is familiar enough with the four basic Elements that he or she is able to enslave and torture souls affiliated with them to derive Necrocarnum from them. When shaping his or her soulmelds, the character can add the Necrocarnum descriptor to one soulmeld that would not otherwise have it, as it is being shaped. This does not change any effects of the soulmeld so changed, except one: any [B]damage[/B] the chosen soulmeld deals, is changed so that it deals half necrotic/negative energy damage. Because the elemental souls do not enjoy being used in the manner the character is using them, he or she must carefully watch it to maintain the soulmeld's integrity; only one such soulmeld can be shaped at any given time- though if the Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmeld unshapes, the character can replace it with another Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmeld if desired. For example, if the character shapes a [I]Diamond Crown[/I] but changes it to be a Necrocarnum soulmeld, then its Brow Chakra Bind is a standard-action Ranged Touch Attack dealing 2d4 damage, plus 1d4 per point of invested essentia, of which half is Force damage (as the normal [I]Diamond Crown[/I] deals) and half is negative energy/necrotic damage (not subject to any Force Resistance or Immunity the target may have). This special Necrotic-Reconstructed [I]"Diamond Crown"[/I] counts as a Necrocarnum soulmeld for all purposes regarding Necroelemental Affinity, in particular the essentia capacity; thus, a 10th-level Necrofoundationist would have +1 essentia capacity in it. Only the damage type of a Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmeld changes; its other effects remain identical to the original form. At 18th level, the Necrofoundationist is able to maintain two Necrotic-Reconstructed soulmelds at once. This ability replaces Double Chakra (Pattern) and Quadruple Chakra (Pattern). [*][B]Double Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):[/B] At 12th level, a Necrofoundationist gains Double Chakra (Pattern) as a bonus feat. If the character already has Double Chakra (Pattern), then he or she gains no benefit from this class feature. This ability replaces Triple Chakra (Pattern). [*][B]Deathless (Su):[/B] A 20th-level Necrofoundationist who has at least one Soulmeld with the Necrocarnum descriptor shaped gains the following abilities and immunities: Darkvision 60 feet; Immunity to: ability damage to physical ability scores (mental ability scores can still be damaged), ability drain, bleed, death effects, disease, energy drain, exhaustion, fatigue, nonlethal damage, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning; Immunity to any effect that requires breathing (such as inhaled afflictions, "cloud" spells such as [I]Cloudkill[/I], etc.). The character does not need to breathe, eat, or sleep while this ability is active, though he or she must still rest for 8 hours (performing no significant activity) as normal for use of abilities (such as natural healing) that require rest. This ability replaces Elemental Incarnation. [/LIST] [B] Patternmelder:[/B] Most Foundationists are happy to explore their own connection to the souls of the elements, and what this says about the underpinnings of Reality, but a few do not stop there. Convinced that knowing (and altering) their own Patterns is not enough, these Foundationists spend time studying (and when practical, modifying) the elemental Patterns of others, in order to better discern the deeper laws governing mystical elements and their interaction with the cosmos. By studying unusual methods not taught (or even explicitly forbidden) by schools of elemental meldshaping, these Patternmelders (as they are called) try to experiment on others by modifying them with elemental soulstuff, sculpting soulmelds around them the way most meldshapers only do upon themselves. They give up some ability to meldshape in exchange for this specialty, but those who benefit from their meldshaping experiments rarely (if ever) fault them for that weakness. [B]Class Features:[/B] All of the following are class features of the Patternmelder. [LIST] [*][B]Meldshaping:[/B] A Patternmelder has a soulmeld limit one less than normal- thus, a 5th-level Patternmelder can shape at most 3 soulmelds, rather than 4. This ability otherwise functions as and replaces the standard Foundationist Meldshaping class feature. [*][B]Infused Soulmeld (Su):[/B] A Patternmelder experiments upon other sentient creatures that are willing to go along with it by sculpting soulmelds around them- empowering them with abilities much like those the Patternmelder is able to gift to himself or herself via more conventional meldshaping craft. As a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity, a Patternmelder may transfer any one soulmeld he or she has shaped onto another willing creature by touch, as long as the creature receiving the soulmeld has the appropriate chakra unoccupied by any soulmeld or magic item (for example, a [I]Rainbow Bracelets[/I] could not be transferred to a creature with another soulmeld already occupying its Arms Chakra). If a soulmeld can occupy more than one chakra (for example, [I]Golden Hammer[/I] can occupy either Hands or Waist), then the soulmeld must be set to occupy the same chakra that the Patternmelder had it occupying on himself or herself; that is, the chakra cannot be changed in transit. The Patternmelder must invest 1 point of essentia into the chosen soulmeld as it is transferred, or the soulmeld immediately unshapes; this essentia stays invested in the soulmeld but does not provide either the soulmeld's new wearer nor the Patternmelder who originally shaped it with any of the standard benefits that soulmeld would normally grant from essentia investment- the essentia is instead being used to keep the soulmeld intact on its new wearer. If the creature receiving the soulmeld has an essentia pool of its own, it may invest essentia into the transferred soulmeld as if it had shaped the soulmeld itself; the essentia invested by the Patternmelder to keep it intact upon its new wearer does not count in any way against the soulmeld's essentia capacity for investment. If the new wearer has the ability to bind a soulmeld to the chakra the transferred soulmeld occupies, then it may Bind the transferred soulmeld to that chakra using the normal rules for reshaping and rebinding soulmelds. The transferred soulmeld does not count against the new wearer's limits on soulmelds shaped, if it has any such limits, but it [I]does[/I] count as being a soulmeld occupying the appropriate chakra- so a creature gifted with an [I]Rainbow Bracelets[/I] could not, for example, spend 15 minutes shaping a [I]Bluesteel Bracers[/I] on itself unless it had the Double Chakra (Arms) feat. If the new wearer becomes unconscious or dead for any reason, the transferred soulmeld immediately unshapes, and the essentia the Patternmelder invested into it to keep it intact is divested as though the Patternmelder had done it himself or herself (see below). The Patternmelder is [I]not[/I] able to invest essentia into the soulmeld, after it is transferred; for all intents and purposes, the soulmeld is considered unshaped from the perspective of the Patternmelder as soon as the transfer is completed. The Patternmelder may, in fact, shape a new soulmeld to replace the one just transferred; this uses the normal rules for shaping individual soulmelds. The only thing the Patternmelder must do while the transferred soulmeld remains shaped is keep the 1 point of essentia invested in it; as soon as the Patternmelder divests that essentia from the transferred soulmeld for any reason, the soulmeld immediately unshapes. A Patternmelder gives up any specialty with a particular element as a result of tinkering with the elemental balance of other creatures. A Patternmelder does not suffer a lower essentia capacity with any one element, but also does not gain any ability to enhance soulmelds of a particular element, nor to deal more favorably with creatures of a particular elemental type. Importantly, a Patternmelder is [B]not[/B] restricted in choice of element when using any of the three "Elemental" soulmelds: [I]Elemental Avatar[/I], [I]Elemental Channel[/I], or [I]Elemental Chasuble[/I]. This ability replaces Elemental Affinity. [*][B]Patternmelding (Su):[/B] Beginning at 3rd level, a Patternmelder has the ability to specifically bind a soulmeld transferred using the Infused Soulmeld ability to the Pattern Chakra of its new wearer, during the transfer. This does not harm the creature to whom the soulmeld is transferred, and grants that creature the full benefits of the Pattern Chakra Bind for the transferred soulmeld as long as the soulmeld remains shaped. Because the soulmeld is being bound to the other creature's Pattern by a third party, it does not naturally stay bound the way a normal soulmeld would; the Patternmelder must carefully keep watch upon the soulmeld to be sure it does not spontaneously unbind itself, and can therefore only bind one transferred soulmeld to its new wearer's Pattern Chakra this way at any given time. If the Patternmelder wishes, he or she can allow the transferred soulmeld to unbind (without actually unshaping it or divesting the essentia being used to keep it intact upon the new wearer), and free up this "Transferred Pattern slot" for another soulmeld. Soulmelds which have already been transferred to other creatures cannot be bound to their new wearers' Patterns this way; the binding must be done during the actual transfer itself- but if the Patternmelder is not currently maintaining a Pattern-bound transferred soulmeld, then he or she is free to bind a new soulmeld that he or she transfers to its new wearer's Pattern during that transfer process. At 15th level, the Patternmelder becomes familiar enough with maintaining Pattern-bound soulmelds on other creatures that he or she is able to maintain two such Pattern binds at once. This ability replaces Expanded Element Capacity. [*][B]Greater Patternmelding (Su):[/B] At 20th level, a Patternmelder gains the ability to not only bind a soulmeld transferred using the Infused Soulmeld ability to the Pattern Chakra of its new wearer, but also to the Chakra that the soulmeld actually occupies, as though the new wearer had the "Double Bind" ability of the Pattern Chakra Bind gained by Foundationists at 13th level. This grants the creature the full benefits (for the transferred soulmeld) of both the Pattern Chakra Bind and the Chakra Bind ability for the occupied chakra, for as long as the soulmeld remains shaped. The Patternmelder is able to double-bind any transferred soulmeld that he or she binds to its new wearer's Pattern at all, with this ability, so the character is able to maintain two at once. This ability functions regardless of whether or not the soulmeld's new wearer has the appropriate chakra open for binding- by this point the Patternmelder is experienced enough at manipulating soul energy that the target's own meldshaping prowess (or lack thereof) is irrelevant to the process. This ability replaces Elemental Incarnation. [/LIST] [B] Reconstructionist:[/B] Not content to simply build artificial elemental soulstuff into soulmelds unavailable by any other method, some Foundationists study ways of forcing the elements to do things they would not naturally do- such as using Earth soulstuff to fly, or using Water soulstuff to create light. These "Reconstructionists," as they are called, believe that in forcing and teaching the elements to emulate each other, they can sift through the resulting chaos to discern the truest, deepest fundamental nature of each element and thereby gain a greater understanding of reality. What they give up in energy-attack capability, the Reconstructionists make up for in added versatility when it comes to utility options. [B]Class Features:[/B] All of the following are class features of the Reconstructionist. [LIST] [*][B]Elemental Reconstruction (Ex):[/B] At 6th level, a Reconstructionist is familiar enough with the four basic Elements that he or she is able to see ways of using them for similar effect, even where they normally differ. When shaping his or her soulmelds, the character can change the Elemental descriptor of one soulmeld as it is being shaped (typically, to the character's own favored Element so as to take advantage of the Expanded Element Capacity). This does not change any effects of the soulmeld so changed, except one: any [B]damage[/B] the chosen soulmeld deals, is changed to match the Element the character changes it to. Because the elemental energy does not naturally assume the shape the character is forcing it to assume, he or she must carefully watch it to maintain its integrity; only one such soulmeld can be shaped at any given time- though if the Reconstructed soulmeld unshapes, the character can replace it with another Reconstructed soulmeld if desired. For example, if the character shapes a [I]Diamond Crown[/I] (an Earth soulmeld with the Force descriptor, normally) but changes it to be an Air soulmeld instead, then its Brow Chakra Bind is a standard-action Ranged Touch Attack dealing 2d4 [B]electricity[/B] damage, plus 1d4 per point of invested essentia, rather than Force damage (as the normal [I]Diamond Crown[/I] deals). This special Air-focused [I]"Diamond Crown"[/I] counts as an Air soulmeld for all purposes regarding Elemental Affinity, in particular the essentia capacity; thus, a 10th-level Reconstructionist specialized in Air would have +1 essentia capacity in it rather than -1 as normal. The elements (and associated damage types) are: [I]Air:[/I] Electricity, [I]Earth:[/I] Acid, [I]Fire:[/I] Fire, [I]Water:[/I] Cold. Only the damage type of a Reconstructed soulmeld changes; its other effects remain identical to the original form. At 18th level, the Reconstructionist is able to maintain two Reconstructed soulmelds at once. This ability replaces Double Chakra (Pattern) and Quadruple Chakra (Pattern). [*][B]Double Chakra (Pattern) (Ex):[/B] At 12th level, a Reconstructionist gains Double Chakra (Pattern) as a bonus feat. If the character already has Double Chakra (Pattern), then he or she gains no benefit from this class feature. This ability replaces Triple Chakra (Pattern). [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
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