Hi all:
The 'to be playtested' version.
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Wearers of Black
(Thanks to Technik, SylverFlame, MarauderX, and Felix of the EN World message boards. Also, thanks to Kephri of Shadowcraft Studios for his incredibly useful Class Construction Engine-
http://www.dndadventure.com/html/articles_errata.html file titled 3E class creation.)
Unimpeded by most of the moral constraints generally imposed by serving Avasara, the Wearers of Black live among the world’s degenerates and filth. While acting as traders in illicit goods, prostitutes, or in other unsavory roles they seek out rumor of those who have sold their souls to the Abyss. After investigating rumor and confirming it as fact, they strike- without mercy or conscience- until all that is infected by Sin is eradicated. After finishing their work, members always send their investigative documentation to the local Sanctum by way of justifying any executions or other deeds they may have performed within the Diocese.
This militant religious order is fanatically dedicated to fighting those who willingly exalt Sin and the demons. It was founded in 605 APF by the Eternalist Arch-Diocesan Makan the Fars. He felt that the total spiritual warfare waged between the Realm of Infinite Light and the Abyss sometimes requires an unorthodox approach. Makan resigned his position in the Eternal Theocracy and, along with a few fanatical recruits, began crafting the order’s methods of investigation, infiltration, and summary execution. Objections against the unsavory order’s brutality dissolved as it proved itself to be a singularly effective tool against Sin. The order split from the Eternal Theocracy in 725 APF and is now an independent part of the Dissenting School. Its name comes from the all encompassing black garb members wear when operating openly.
While the order’s existence is well known in clerical circles, its members generally prefer to remain anonymous. When they reveal themselves they are usually treated with respect and a certain amount of fear. When operating openly, the piety of members of this order is always impressive and sincere.
Members of the order practice a Doctrine of Concealment. A Wearer of Black can conceal her true faith, even act against it in the short term, without repercussion. However, any member who gives the slightest sign of slipping away from pure service to Avasara, as defined by the order, is always hunted down and slain by the order’s leadership.
Hit Die: d8
Requirements
To qualify to become a Wearer of Black, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Base Attack Bonus: +4
Feat: Track
Gather Information: 4 ranks
Knowledge (Religion): 4 ranks
Intimidate: 2 Ranks
Special: Swear a powerful oath to protect Creation from Abyssal influence “by any means Avasara requires.”
Class Skills
The Wearer of Black’s class skills are Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Forgery, Gather Information, Hide, Intimidate, Knowledge (religion), Listen, Move Silently, Read Lips, Search, Sense Motive, Spot and Wilderness Lore.
Skill points at each level: 4 + Int Modifier
Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: None gained, none restricted.
BAB: As Fighter
Saves: As Wizard
Abilities:
1- Sin is the enemy, easy with deceit
2- Urban track
3- Sin is the enemy +2, detect evil
4- Resolute aura
5- Sin is the enemy +3
7- Implacable hunt
8- Discern lies
9- Sin is the enemy +4
10- Learn the truth
Sin is the Enemy (Su): When fighting servants of Sin, Wearer’s of Black apply a +1 bonus to melee weapon damage rolls and ranged weapon damage when the target is within 30ft. This bonus increases to +2 at 3rd level, +3 at 5th level, and +4 at 9th level. Also, long hours spent studying and interacting with Sin’s agents result in a Wearer of Black gaining the same bonus to Bluff, Sense Motive, Listen, Spot, and Disguise checks when dealing with servants of Sin. (Modified Ranger’s favorite enemy)
Easy with Deceit (Ex): Deceitful behavior is a daily practice for members of this order. Over time they grow so comfortable with the constant lies they must weave that they may elect to take 10 on any non-combat Bluff check. (created by Corey)
Urban Track (Ex): Using search instead of wilderness lore the Wearer of Black may track her quarry in an urban environment. Tracking in this manner uses Search instead of Wilderness Lore, but is otherwise unchanged. (suggested by Technik)
Detect Evil (Sp): At will, a Wearer in Black can detect evil as a spell-like ability. (Paladin Ability)
Resolute Aura (Ex): Whether fearful or respectful, humanoids around the Wearer of Black typically pause and obey when confronted. Wearers of Black add their number of Wearer of Black levels to all Intimidate checks. (Sword and Fist)
Implacable Hunt (Su): Beginning at 7th level, if the Wearer of Black wounds a target and the target escapes, the Wearer of Black always knows the direction in which her target lies and the approximate distance between her and her target. This ability only works if the Wearer of Black and her target are on the same plane of existence. Implacable hunt can be used against a number of different targets equal to the character’s Wearer of Black levels. The Wearer decides what targets they wish to hunt, but once the link is severed the target must again be wounded to re-establish the connection. (modified from Defenders of the Faith)
Discern lies (Sp): A Wearer of Black of 8th level or higher can use discern lies as a spell-like ability three times per day. (Defenders of the Faith)
Learn the Truth (Su): By touching a creature that has lied to her, a Wearer of Black of 8th level or higher can force the creature to tell the truth. The creature can make a Will save (DC 10 + the character’s WOB level + the Wearer of Black’s Charisma modifier) to resist this mind-affecting compulsion effect. If the saving throw fails, the creature must speak the true version of the lie it uttered. The Wearer of Black can use this ability at will, but only after using her discern lies spell-like ability on the creature in question. (Defenders of the Faith)
