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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lord Pendragon" data-source="post: 1289728" data-attributes="member: 707">In my current campaign, the PCs are members of the elite Queen's Guard, also known as the Golden Falcons.  I'd like to offer them the chance to take levels in a prestige class based on the organization, and I'd like the opinions of the fine folks here at ENWorld as to whether the class is balanced, before I offer it to my players.Some background info:* My game is relatively low-magic.  The PCs themselves have a decent amount of magic, but the world does not.  I've placed limits on magic item purchasing and creating.  Arcane spellcasters are persecuted by the Church.* The Golden Falcon rankings are as follows:  Falcon, Senior Falcon (grades 0-5), Master Falcon (grades 0-4, with 5 being the Captain of the Guard.)  Currently four of the PCs are Falcons, and two are Senior Falcons, grade 0.  The PCs are currently 6th-level.* I tried to design the class so that it can be appealing to all the PCs in one way or another.  We currently have a paladin/monk, martial artist, sorcerer, fighter/sorcerer, fighter/rogue, fighter/ranger, and cleric.* Although I wanted everyone to find at least some reason to be interested in the class, I still want it to be a reflection of the organization itself, which is similar in flavor to the Musketeers.Here's the class as I have it now:GOLDEN FALCONHit Die: d8.RequirementsTo qualify to become a golden falcon, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.Special:  Accepted into the royal guard of Lartienne.Class SkillsThe golden falcon’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), and Tumble (Dex).Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.Table: The Golden Falcon                    Level......BAB........Fort........Ref........Will........Special1st.........+1.........+0..........+2.........+0.........Falcon Training I2nd.........+2........+0..........+3.........+0..........Falcon Training II3rd.........+3.........+1.........+3..........+1.........Falcon Training III4th.........+4.........+1.........+4..........+1.........Falcon Training IV5th.........+5.........+1.........+4..........+1.........Falcon Training VClass FeaturesAll of the following are class features of the golden falcon.Weapon and Armor Proficiency:  A golden falcon gains no additional weapon or armor proficiencies.Falcon Training I:  The Golden Falcons have been the elite royal guard of the kings and queens of Lartienne for over two hundred years.  In that time, they have developed techniques and abilities that are unique to the organization, and taught only by members, to members.  At first level, a golden falcon chooses one of the following abilities:Wily.  A golden falcon who chooses this ability learns how to thwart convention and attack where least expected.  He gains a +1 bonus to his attack rolls.Falcon Riposte.  A golden falcon who chooses this ability learns how to better turn away from attacks.  He gains a +1 dodge bonus to his AC.  This bonus is lost whenever a dodge bonus would be denied.Comraderie.  Golden falcons are a close-knit and charismatic fraternity.  A falcon who chooses to focus on developing this relationship learns how to better deal with other people.  He gains a +2 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Gather Information checks.Falcon Training II:  At second level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase.  If he has at least Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list.  If he is not of Senior Rank, he may choose another ability from those available at Falcon Training I.Rally.  A golden falcon who rises to the rank of senior has been recognized for his leadership ability.  A senior golden falcon can rally his allies.  If he currently is not suffering from a fear effect he can use this ability as a standard action.  Allies within 60 feet who are suffering from any fear effect and who can hear the golden falcon are allowed an immediate Will saving throw at the DC of the fear effect, with a +1 morale bonus per class level.  This ability can be used once per day.Force of Mind.  A golden falcon learns to focus his mind on even the most complex of tasks.  This mental focus makes his spellcasting more potent.  Spells cast by a golden falcon who chooses Force of Mind have their DCs raised by 1.Battle Cry:  When a golden falcon’s shout rings across the battlefield, it lifts the spirits of his allies.  This ability functions as the bard’s inspire courage ability, found on page 28 of the Player’s Handbook.  This bonus lasts a number of rounds equal to class level + Charisma bonus.  Battle Cry can be used once per day, per class level.Falcon Training III:  At third level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase.  If he has at least 1st-grade Senior Falcon rank, he chooses one ability from the following list.  If he is not of 1st-grade rank, he may choose another ability from those available at any lower-level Falcon Training.Falcon Style.  A golden falcon who chooses Falcon Style has truly embraced the swashbuckling nature of the royal guard.  He gains a +2 bonus to Jump, Balance, and Tumble rolls, and can take 10 on these skills, even when distracted.Falcon Grace.  A golden falcon learns to channel his flamboyance into his physical defense.  Once per day per class level, he adds his charisma bonus to his AC, for a number of rounds equal to his charisma bonus.Falcon Power.  A golden falcon spends countless hours sparring with his comrades and honing his physical abilities.  Once per day per class level, he can summon a surge of adrenaline and add double his strength bonus to any one melee attack or skill check.Falcon Training IV:  At fourth level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase.  He may choose one additional ability from among those listed for Falcon Training I-III.Falcon Training V:  At fifth level, a golden falcon’s abilities increase.  He may choose one additional ability from among those listed for Falcon Training I-III.</blockquote>

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