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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fester" data-source="post: 1371379" data-attributes="member: 14945">Thanks for all of your excellent feedback.  All most welcome.  I thought hard about using balance for the Master of the Rig but didn't want to stretch their skill base too far.  On reflection, however, I think you're both right.Perhaps I should make the following changes:Skills: Profession (sailor) 8 ranks, Use Rope 4 ranks, Balance 4 ranks, Swim 2 ranksMaster of the Rig: By 4th level, pirates are comfortable using the ship's rigging as a means to gain an advantage over their opponents. For each attack made while in the rigging, a successful Balance check (DC 20) or Use Rope (DC 25) (his choice) allows him to avoid becoming entangled and gives him the advantage of fighting from higher ground (+1 to melee attacks). He must have at least one hand free in order to hold on and maintain his balance. A pirate can swing onto the rigging while boarding, as a move action, but not as a charge action.I wanted to keep swim in there.  It is true that historically many sailors have been poor swimmers, but the pirate prestige class represent the cream of those who man the ships, which will still primarily be manned with warriors with a few ranks in profession (sailor).  This pretige class represents those who have risen above the fodder, so it makes sense (to me!) that they should have at least a couple of ranks in swim.For the Master of the Rig I've given a choice between Balance (DC 20) or Use Rope (DC 25), reflecting the nature of their skills.  My main rationale for retaining the Use Rope is that within the context of the class, it is this skill that improves through the levels, wheras there is no improvement to the Balance skill.In my first draft, it was a cutlass, but when I started to actually draw up the weapon stats I couldn't get away from the fact that it already existed and was called a rapier.  All I was doing was renaming it, so I couldn't see the point.  However, I agree that, in fact, the scimitar is probably more representative of the cutlass, so it makes sense to have a choice between the two weapons (and adds a little variety).  I'll update the class with this.  Thanks.You make some good points.  I had some issues with the mechanics myself (though hadn't considered some of the issues you discuss, such as the weight to speed ratio, etc).  A lot also depends on what system you use for nautical combat.  I may have to invest a little more thought in this.I quite like this and may look to fit it in somewhere (if you don't mind?).  However, I don't want to pack out the prestige calss with too many features, so I'll invest some thinking time on it first.How about the following:Style: Pirates fall into two catergories: those who use their charm and wits to motivate their men and get their way (called Blaggards) and those who rely on intimidation and fear to impose their will on those around them (called Scoundrels).  Before taking a level of pirate, he must choose between these two paths and once his path is chosen, it cannot be reversed.  Those who choose to be a Blaggard will increase their Diplomacy skill as they progress through the higher levels, while those who choose Scoundrel will increase their Intimidate skill.  The precise details are given in the description for the relevant class features (Port Diplomacy, Great Renown and Legendry Renown).Again, many thanks!</blockquote>

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