PrC: Shadowdancer (added flavor)

[seasong]

Modified the first test. Wrote some clarifications into the text regarding the intent and methodology of the second test. Added a clarification on the customizability of the class.

Removed the feat prereqs from the class; surprised no one brought my attention to it - the original prereqs were kind of silly, and the flavor restrictions on this class make it difficult enough, I think.

Also clarified an issue on the summon shadow ability (no Create Spawn ability). Someone commented on this a while back, but never came back and fixed it.

Finally, added a comment on stacking spell levels.

 

[moritheil]

I always figured the point was to use it in a campaign where a power like Shar was present, and just overlap the religion (all shadowdancers would be devotees of Shar).

Good job! I always hated the Shadowdancer PrC and banned it because it made no damn sense at all. Now I think I'll probably use your version instead.

 

[Nifft]

Seasong: In general, I like it. The crunch is better than the DMG crunch. It's configurable, which is a big plus for me, and you allow optional Sneak Attack progression and Evasion (which are important to different demographics).

What I don't like: well, the thing that I never liked about the Shadowdancer is the fact that they're associated with a bunch of undead. Never been a fan of that part, and it's one of the few "static" features you've kept.


Other options you might consider:

"Shadowcasting" -- 1/2 spellcasting advancement as Bard, with a caster level bonus that increases over the duration of the class up to +5 spellpower to spells with [Shadow] descriptor, or to all illusions, or something like that.

With or without the above: Grant (or, less powerfully, simply allow) Summon Shadow as a bonus low-level Bard spell.


"Shadow Rune" every other level -- spell-like ability chosen from list, creates a dark mark on your body, takes up one Psychic Tattoo slot each:

-> Summon Shadow (you gain a shadow companion): You may take this rune multiple times, each additional one allows you to summon a shadow 1/day.

-> Shadow Illusion 1/day: You gain silent image. Each additional time you take this rune, you gain +1/day on the Shadow Illusion, and the spell-like ability goes up one level (Silent -> Minor -> Major -> Permanent -> Programmed)

-> Shadow Blast 1/day: You gain shadow conjuration 1/day. You may take this Rune multiple times, each time grants shadow conj +1/day and +10% reality of the effect.

-> Shadow Smite 1/day: Like smite evil, but applies to any incorporeal critter. Negates miss chance, too. Take multiple times, or take Extra Smite, or whatever.

Anyway... good job overall.

Thanks, -- N