Prestige Class - Jaguar Cultist of Tezcatlipoca

[Wolf72]

It's not the teeth--it's the 1200 pounds of force behind them!

And the slashing, razorlike claws ready to rip your heart out and eat it still warm and beating, of course.

Pessimist! ... that's just kitty's way of saying it likes you ... as dinner!

 

[Dagredhel]

Back again.

Heart of the Jaguar (SU) – The Cultist may take on the aspect of a fierce jaguar, filling his body with speed and power. While in this state, the character receives an enhancement bonus of +2 to Str, +4 to Dex, and +2 to Con. In addition, his natural armor bonus increases to +2. This effect lasts for one hour per class level, and may be used once per day. Activating this ability is a standard action. At 4th level, the enhancement bonuses increase: +6 to Str, +8 to Dex, and +4 to Con. At 6th level, the Cultist gains DR: 15/silver while using this ability.

This is too much. Compare the barbarian's Rage ability; the raging barbarian is at -2 to AC, compared to the Cultist's combined AC bonus of +6; the barbarian's rage is measured in rounds, the Cultist's ability in hours. The increase at 4th adds insult to injury in terms of balance. The DR by itself isn't unmanageable as a high level ability, particularly if combined with "Form of the Beast".

Wearing the Skin (SU) – The Cultist gains special abilities while wearing his ceremonial gear. His jaguar-skin cloak provides a natural armor bonus of +1, and grants a +4 circumstance bonus to Hide checks when in tall grass or heavy undergrowth. His claw-weapons now do 1d6 damage, and can be treated as natural weapons if it would benefit the cultist.

There are four special abilities here:
1) +1 natural armor
2) +4 bonus to Hide in tall grass or brush
3) 1d6 damage with 'jaguar claws'
4) 'jaguar claws' can be enhanced by the spell Magic Fang

Either of the first two would do by themselves as a level-granted ability. As mentioned previously, 'jaguar claws' should by rights do very little damage, but the later two abilities could be combined elegantly were the Cultist's hands to transform into actual claws (which would balance the benefit with the inability to use tools, certain skills, and spells requiring more than a verbal component.)

Cat-like Grace (EX) – At 2nd level, the Cultist learns the natural agility and grace of the jaguar. He gains a +4 bonus to Balance, Hide, and Move Silently checks.

This is better than Skill Focus with all three skills! A fighter gains a bonus feat every two levels, for chrissakes! Including these skills on the Cultist's class skill list should be entirely sufficient, without further bonuses.

Predator’s Senses (EX) – At 3rd level, the Cultist’s senses become as acute as the jaguar’s. He gains a +4 bonus to Listen, Search, and Spot checks, and gains the Scent special ability. In addition, he gains the Blind-Fighting feat.

Aaaargh! Three more super-feats (doubling the bonus of Skill Focus) plus Blind-Fighting and Scent? Yikes!!! Either of the later is a great special ability all by itself, and the skill bonuses are over the top.

Pounce (EX) – At 5th level, the Cultist learns to emulate the great cats in his fighting style. If the character leaps upon a foe during the first round of combat, he can make a full attack even if he has already taken a move action.

Assumedly, a jaguar is attacking with a bite and front and rear claws when it pounces, bringing all of its weapons into play. By analogy, a leaping Cultist might be capable of making two 'jaguar claw' attacks, but no more.

Jaguar Empathy (EX) – At 7th level, the Cultist’s rapport with the jaguar grows stronger. He gains the ability to communicate and empathize with normal or dire jaguars. This gives him a +4 racial bonus to checks when influencing the animal’s attitude and allows the communication of simple concepts and (if friendly) commands, such as "friend," "foe," "flee," and "attack."

Is this a bonus to Handle Animal and Animal Empathy checks?

Form of the Beast (SU) – At 8th level, the Cultist’s bestial transformation is more complete. Now, while using the Heart of the Jaguar, he takes on a hybrid jaguar-human form. While in this state, he gains a bite attack (1d8), and attacks as if he had the Multiattack feat. In addition, he may switch between hybrid and full jaguar forms in this state. If in full jaguar form, he may not use equipment, but may attack with the Improved Grab and Rake abilities of the jaguar. When the Form of the Beast ability ends, the cultist heals damage as if he had rested for a day.

I'd suggest granting something along these lines much earlier, and doing away with the "Heart of the Jaguar" uber-ability entirely. Consider granting the ability to assume a hybrid form (with reasonable bonuses to physical stats, some natural armor, etc.) once per day at a lower level of the PrC. With increasing level, add an additional daily usage, and at mid to high level, allow the full form change.

Chosen of Tezcatlipoca (SU) – At 10th level, the Cultist’s transformation is complete. He is now considered a full lycanthrope – his creature type becomes “shapechanger”, and he may use the abilities of the were-jaguar at will.

Here is where I'd consider sneaking in Damage Reduction. The ability to change form at will is too much however. One more daily usage of the ability would be more in line.