I started playing D&D in 2001. At the time, I was also deeply into EverQuest. I loved the lore of the world in spite of the game. I played a wizard, but my second love was the Shadowknight. I thought it the most flavorful of any of the classes in the game. It was more than simply an anti-paladin or blackguard, though it served that role very well.
Throughout the years, the Shadowknight has always remained, in my eyes, EQ's signature class. Other games have tried, but none did it so well as EQ.
So, I've tried to adapt the Shadowknight to the Fifth Edition class structure. I've based it off the paladin, of course, with some changes. The core mechanic of the Shadowknight is Harm Touch. It is a very high-damage ability that can be regained only on a rest. This class works well in groups with other rest-focused classes like the Warlock (and, coincidentally, have a similar flavor for such a campaign). Everything rides on the Harm Touch. Higher levels add more effects to the ability, making it something that, at first glance, seems incredibly overpowered until you realize its somewhat limited usage potential with the assumed default one-hour short rests.
Spellcasting is more utilitarian, going off the idea of necromancy as divination. There are, however, a number of concessions to the more popular idea of necromancy in fantasy gaming. The Shadowknight can raise an undead pet, but it doesn't get the bonuses of the Necromancer's pets. Most of its spells lack any damage potential at all. Evard's Black Tentacles is the only real exception, but it was too fitting not to include.
In any case, take a peek and see what you think. I certainly welcome any thoughts.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JnsXbMUr8uMXhsT0d5UGpWUWc/view?usp=sharing
Throughout the years, the Shadowknight has always remained, in my eyes, EQ's signature class. Other games have tried, but none did it so well as EQ.
So, I've tried to adapt the Shadowknight to the Fifth Edition class structure. I've based it off the paladin, of course, with some changes. The core mechanic of the Shadowknight is Harm Touch. It is a very high-damage ability that can be regained only on a rest. This class works well in groups with other rest-focused classes like the Warlock (and, coincidentally, have a similar flavor for such a campaign). Everything rides on the Harm Touch. Higher levels add more effects to the ability, making it something that, at first glance, seems incredibly overpowered until you realize its somewhat limited usage potential with the assumed default one-hour short rests.
Spellcasting is more utilitarian, going off the idea of necromancy as divination. There are, however, a number of concessions to the more popular idea of necromancy in fantasy gaming. The Shadowknight can raise an undead pet, but it doesn't get the bonuses of the Necromancer's pets. Most of its spells lack any damage potential at all. Evard's Black Tentacles is the only real exception, but it was too fitting not to include.
In any case, take a peek and see what you think. I certainly welcome any thoughts.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7JnsXbMUr8uMXhsT0d5UGpWUWc/view?usp=sharing
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