PrC: magic guy with sword

[Technik4]

Multiple Weapon bonuses:

I wrote a prc last year which incremently got Weapon Focus in all martial Weapons, Weapon Spec for all martial weapon, and finally Improved Crit for all martial weapons. It was a fighter prc, but I didn't feel these abilities were too powerful. The reason is because its usually very difficult to use more than 2 weapons in an encounter and the fact that most people ensure that they will only ever use their "favored weapon" 90% of the time anyway.

So, I like that this prc gets bonuses for those different weapons. IIRC Rogues do get rapier as a proficiency, but not longsword. Hence a straight elven rogue could get into this class (albeit, not until 9th level).

Since Weapon Finesse is a requirement (Im assuming the 3.5 ver) it might be nice to say that members of the prc can use the longsword and scimitar with weapon finesse. For the scimitar its mechanically identical to the rapier besides the weight and damage type, the longsword is the only "touchy" one. I don't really have a deal with it, as you are in a prc to do cool things most people can't do.

Overall I think its nice, though its hard to understand where the prc draws its energy. You refer to arcane energy, but there are no arcane requirements whatsoever. Personally I would drop that angle and replace it with "due to their speed" or something. Blur 3/day or Haste (3.5) 3/day would be nice bonuses.

I think one of the Sneak Attack dies should be dropped. A regular rogue (or assasin) only gets 5 sneak die for 10 levels, this one gets 4, which is a little too much, imo. I think the blackguard also gets 3 sneak attack die.

Technik

 

[brehobit]

I'd claim this char. is far too powerful. Figher BAB, 2 good saves, 4 skill points, massive criticals (ouch!) and lots of other goodies. Over 10 levels he gives up 5 fighter feats and 10 hit points to the fighter. He gains a LOT more than that. Further, the required feats and skills are darn useful.

Of course I think the 3.5 ranger is a bit too powerful too so what do I know?

 

[hong]

Of course I think the 3.5 ranger is a bit too powerful too so what do I know?

Ohh-kay.

The finished version is now on my D&D site!

http://www.zipworld.com.au/~hong/dnd/flashing_sword.htm

 

[Technik4]

I like it. I especially like your concept of a style leading to a prestige class. Have you considered making prcs for the masteries in OA? Alternately deconstructing prcs from OA to turn them into masteries?

One small point, perhaps the Mastery of Blades should give Weapon Focus with the 4 weapons? Your custom feats seem to require weapon focus often. Additionally, if they have Weapon Focus Mastery of Blades adds an additional +1 competence bonus to hit.

Alternately, perhaps those 4 weapons can be considered a special sub-set of weapons which can be taken as a group for other feats. For instance a Flashing Sword Master who met the requirements for Rapid Strikes would gain Rapid Strikes for all of the weapons defined in Mastery of Blades. The same could be done with Instinctive Strike or Strike Without Thought.

Just some ideas...

Technik