The Song Ghost
Aldan looked deep into the dry well in the basement of the crumbling castle. Kenla, their priestess, quickly made a sign against evil as a stray gust of wind from the cracked ceiling above made a terrible moan.
"This is the place," Aldan whispered, "I've read about this in the Chronicals of Na'bashar the Even-handed. The castle of Nabri was attacked by demons summoned by their corrupt court wizard, Malfesar. Only three members of the noble family escaped, and that was due to the sacrifice of their guard captain. He collapsed half the basement to destroy the secret door to their magical portal so they couldn't be found by Malfesar." Aldan pointed at the huge pile of rubble toward the south, then returned his attention to the well.
"The guard captain, Janus, fought the demons until he was the last man standing. Then he threw himself into the well so that the demons would not eat his body."
"That's a terribly tragic story Aldan," Kesbar snapped, examining the edge of his longsword. "But where did the Nabri family keep their hidden vaults? You know every other thing about this place, and may I remind you that you were the one that said there were riches to be had here!" Kesbar was a mercenary to the core, but necessary for Kenla's protection during their travels.
"Riches yes, but also that this place was haunted. I came because it is in the tenets of my Order to free trapped souls. The Great Unbinder's work is never finished," Kenla said, plucking at her robes. Aldan sighed.
"Then let me sing you the Ballad of Janus, which may refresh my memory of both ghosts and gold," he replied, and without a pause, launched into a sorrowful, sonorous melody. Kesbar repressed a sigh. Aldan would sing on the slightest provocation; time-consuming, but he also had a voice to make grown men weep at its beauty. And it did tend to jog his memory about the location of hidden treasures, so Kesbar kept his peace.
Kenla's hair stood up on end as she realized that she was not only hearing Aldan's voice, but another equally as pure and strong, echoing up from the well. And it was no simple echo, as from the dark pit rose the misty figure of a man in battered armor, sopping wet, with a determined expression on his face. The priest and warrior froze at the sight, but Aldan continued to sing, utterly unafraid.
In exquisite tones, the ghost declared himself to be the sacrificed warrior, Janus. The protection of the Nabri family had been his life's passion, and it extended unto death. While decendents of the Nabri family still lived without his protection, he was stuck here at the ruins of their once-great castle.
Janus begged Aldan to help him complete his task, to protect the last remaining Nabri scion, so that his devotion would be proved to be as faithful as the day he had sweared it to be upon Lord Nabri's sword before all the gods. Aldan sang his agreement in a single, powerful note, as Janus disappeared into his body. A shudder of cold and weakness ran through him, and Kenla could see his bright blue eyes suddenly go black. Terrified, she looked at him with her othersight, and could see the strangest sight. Two spirits, sharing the same body, acting as one.
Aldan lifted his head and looked straight at her. "Fear not Kenla, the Great Unbinder's work is done this day. Janus has been unbound from this place and bound to my spirit. His task is mine and mine is his, and I will account for him before the judge of the otherworld myself."
Astonished, the priest bowed at this great sacrifice Aldan had taken for his own.
Many are the tales of forlorn ghosts whose magical melodies can lead unwary travelers to their doom. Haunting music is often the hallmark of ghostly activity. The dead reach out from their graves with the songs that were their livelihood, using them to tell their sad tales, impart dying words, or even tender advice. The Song Ghosts are those singers that have seen such ghosts, and have great sympathy for the singers and performers of old.
A Song Ghost chooses one of those forlorn spirits, and takes within himself the essence of their ghostly presence. Using their lives to help their ghost complete the mission they could not in life, a Song Ghost is slowly pulled deeper and deeper toward the realm of the dead, allowing him to use the power of the otherworld in his own music. When a Song Ghost finally passes on, he brings with him to the realm of the dead not just his spirit, but another as well.
Song Ghosts are most often pure bards and all have some bardic training. It is usually the more dedicated songsters that hear the siren call of the spirits. But occasionally one with more of a connection to the more dominant profession of the spirit will become a Song Ghost as well.
Hit Die: d6
Requirements
To qualify as a Song Ghost, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Skills: Perform 10 ranks, Diplomacy 6 ranks, Knowledge (history) 6 ranks, Sense Motive 6 ranks.
Special: Bardic music ability
Special: A Song Ghost must have met and willingly agreed to bond with a ghost with the intention of helping the spirit fulfill the task that keeps it bound to this plane.
Class Skills
The Song Ghost’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Perform (Cha), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Language, and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Lvl..BAB...Fort..Ref..Will..Special...Spells
1....+0......+0....+0...+2...Ghostly Bond, Incorporeal Form, Bardic Music
2....+1......+0....+0...+3...Spirit Memory I...+1 spellcaster level
3....+2......+1....+1...+3...One Foot In The Grave...+1 spellcaster level
4....+3......+1....+1...+4...Spirit Memory II...+1 spellcaster level
5....+3......+1....+1...+4...Spirit Memory III...+1 spellcaster level
6....+4......+2....+2...+5...Ghostly Power
7....+5......+2....+5...+5...Spirit Memory IV...+1 spellcaster level
8....+6......+2....+2...+6...Spirit Memory V...+1 spellcaster level
9....+6......+3....+3...+6...Dirge of Darkest Night...+1 spellcaster level
10...+7.....+3....+3...+7...Spiritual Harmony...+1 spellcaster level
Class Features
All the following are class features of the Song Ghost prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency - The Song Ghost gains no additional weapon or armor proficiencies.
Spells - The Song Ghost gains new bardic spells per day and spells known as if he had gained a new level of bard at each indicated level. If the Song Ghost has no levels of bard, he starts gaining bardic spells per day and spells known as if he were a first level bard, starting at level two.
Ghostly Bond – After a Song Ghost has agreed to bond with a spirit, the two merge. This is done only if both parties are willing (and any potential Song Ghost worth his salt would be utterly certain of the spirit’s intentions before allowing the ghost to share his body, usually through use of Sense Motive, or divination magic).
Usually the Song Ghost and the spirit will have identical alignments or alignments that are one step away (chaotic good and chaotic neutral, for example). However, occasionally a spirit may be able to deceive the Song Ghost as to its alignment or intentions. For example an evil ghost might try to bond to a good character to corrupt them or a good ghost might try to bond to an evil character to save them, perhaps in trying to fulfill the task that keeps them on this plane. If a difference of opinion arises that cannot be solved by the application of the lesser geas by the spirit (see below), there may be a struggle for dominance of the Song Ghost's body. This is done by an opposed Charisma roll, but is otherwise treated by an attempt to dominate by an intelligent weapon. (DMG pg. 230) Repeated flip-flops of control and the actions done during those times may eventually force an alignment change by one or both parties (DM's discretion). Generally the Song Ghost's bonded spirit should not force the player to retire their character because of a forced alignment shift. (I.e. this PrC was not designed to screw the PCs over.) A short interlude of such an internal struggle could be very interesting however.
If a detect evil, detect good, detect law, or detect chaos spell is cast on a Song Ghost that is less than identical in alignment to his bonded spirit, all applicable spells detect. For example, if a chaotic good Song Ghost was bonded to a lawful evil spirit and all four detect spells were cast, all four spells would detect their appropriate alignment. Likewise, magic circle and protection spells work against all applicable alignments that a Song Ghost and their bonded spirit has. Smite good/evil/law/chaos also works on the Song Ghost depending on which alignments both he and his spirit have.
Once the bond has been accepted by both parties, the Song Ghost permanently loses two points of Constitution as the spirit is absorbed into his body. In reflection of his bond, he appears unusually pale, and his eyes tend to either go dark or very light, giving him a touch of the otherworld.
The Song Ghost gains no additional hit dice, melee attack or damage bonuses, or special attacks other than the ones listed in the prestige class for bonding with the spirit.
The bonded spirit will often tender what advice he is able, particularly in anything regards to his personal quest. This is equivalent to the bardic knowledge ability, which stacks with any levels of bard the Song Ghost has.
Also, since the Song Ghost has agreed to help the spirit to fulfill the task that keeps it bonded to this plane, the spirit has ways of helping to enforce that bargain. While the spirit usually understands that the Song Ghost has his own life to live, if (and only if) they become complacent about it, the spirit can lay the equivalent of a lesser geas on them. It affects only the Song Ghost (with no HD limit), and the penalties accrue at a slower rate, usually –2 per month of time not at least partially spent on the spirit’s quest. If the bonded spirit is unusually impatient or unusually patient, the penalties may accumulate at a faster or slower rate, up to the usual limits. Extenuating circumstances (such as being stranded on another plane, running for one’s life, or being trapped in a dungeon), once explained, can delay the geas. The geas can be removed in all the usual ways, but the bonded spirit can reinstate it at any time as a free action.
A Song Ghost has a duty to the spirit they are bonded to. Once they have begun taking levels in Song Ghost, they cannot take levels in any other class other than Song Ghost until they complete the PrC. A Song Ghost has taken upon themselves a quest that their spirit could not complete on their own, and a good portion of their energy and attention goes into that. They don't have time to develop other skills. If the spirit's quest is completed before a Song Ghost completes the PrC, the spirit does not leave, however. The spirit had given up some of their free will to have a sympathetic mortal do what they could not, free themselves from this plane. They cannot pass on until the Song Ghost is ready to. The Song Ghost is responsible for the spirit, and must testify before the judge of the dead that the spirit's quest is complete.
If someone attempts to scry on the spirit bonded to a Song Ghost and is successful, they are aware that they have found the spirit, but may be very confused as they will only see the physical body of the Song Ghost.
A Song Ghost detects as undead for the purpose of the detect undead spell. In addition unintelligent undead consider the Song Ghost to be undead and won't attack him unless he takes some hostile action (such as to attack).
If a cleric or paladin (or other with such abilities) attempts to turn or rebuke the Song Ghost, have them make a turning check and damage roll agains the Song Ghost's hit dice. If it is successful, the Song Ghost is stunned for one round as the holy (or unholy) energy tears at their bonded spirit.
If someone attempts to use magic jar on a Song Ghost, a Song Ghost gets a +4 bonus to his Will save to avoid being forced out of his body, as he is essentially two souls in one. For the soul bind spell, the Song Ghost also gets a +4 bonus to his Will save.
Finally, the Song Ghost is able to detect undead at will. This is similar to a paladin’s detect evil ability.
Incorporeal Form – In view of their bond, the Song Ghost may assume the misty (incorporeal, see page 6 of MM) form of their bonded spirit for up to 10 rounds per day. These rounds need not be consecutive. (su)
Bardic Music – All levels of Song Ghost stack with levels in bard for determining the effects and times per day of bardic music. However, as the spirit that the Song Ghost bonds with is always one with a musical connection, their bardic music becomes enhanced, for a price. If a Song Ghost chooses to ask his bonded spirit, the spirit will sing with him during any bardic music attempt, however it will cause him damage as the spirit must partially manifest to do this. The effects are as follows:
Inspire Courage – The bonuses increase to a +3 morale bonus to saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 to attack and damage weapon rolls. Cost: 1d6 dmg.
Countersong and Fascinate – The Song Ghost gains a +3 on Perform checks for these abilities. Cost 1d6 dmg.
Inspire Competence – The competence bonus increases to a +4. Cost: 1d6+2 dmg.
Suggestion – The DC for the Will save required increases to 15 + Cha mod. Cost: 2d6 dmg.
Inspire Greatness – Competence bonus on attacks increases to +4 and competence bonus on Fortitude saves increases to +2. No change on Hit Dice. Cost: 2d6 dmg.
Spiritual Memory – The Song Ghost draws power and memory from his bonded spirit. At each appropriate level, he gains an aspect that his bonded spirit possessed in life. Adventuring companions may be slightly concerned as the Song Ghost begins to exhibit personality traits that are not his own. Below are several suggestions as to spirits that the Song Ghost may bond with. The DM is free to make more. One thing to note, while the spirit may have been a priest or a warrior in life, it was their abiding love for music that had allowed them to bond with a potential Song Ghost.
The Priest – This is the ghost of a servant of a deity, usually one very eager to get to their promised reward. The spells here are divine spells, though they use the Song Ghost's Charisma modifier for the DC.
I – Wisdom of Ages - +2 inherent bonus to Wisdom
II – Song of Praise – The Song Ghost can cast prayer 2/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Hymn of Healing – The Song Ghost can cast cure serious wounds 3/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Shield from the Otherworld – The Song Ghost can cast death ward 2/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Round of Mending – The Song Ghost can cast healing circle 1/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Warrior – This is the ghost of a person for whom battle was the greatest thing of their life.
I – Might Makes Right - +2 inherent bonus to Strength
II – Battle Knowledge - Gain one feat from the fighter bonus list, provided the Song Ghost meets the prerequisites.
III – Blades of All – The Song Ghost gains proficiency with all martial weapons.
IV – Bloodsong – The Song Ghost can rage like a barbarian 1/day.
V – Skins of Steel – The Song Ghost gains damage reduction 2/-
The Sage – This is the ghost of a person with the wisdom of ancients at their fingertips. The spells here are arcane spells that are cast like a sorcerer.
I – Knowledge of All – +2 inherent bonus to Intelligence
II – Sight of Spirits – The Song Ghost can cast see invisibility 2/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Learned Traveler – The Song Ghost can use any skill untrained.
IV – Eyes About – The Song Ghost can cast scrying 1/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Tales of Ages – The Song Ghost can cast legend lore 1/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Scamp – This is the ghost of a person who lived on the edge, and learned many clever tricks to do so.
I – Swift Hands - +2 inherent bonus to Dexterity
II – Sweet Spot – The Song Ghost gains the rogue’s sneak attack ability at +2d6. This stacks with any rogue levels he may have.
III – Swift Feet – The Song Ghost gains the evasion ability.
IV – Cautious Attitude – The Song Ghost gains the uncanny dodge (Dex bonus to AC) ability.
V – Rogue Master – The Song Ghost gains one special rogue ability from page 48 in the PHB (rogue special abilities).
The Magus – This is the ghost of a magician, usually snatched from life by the magic that permeated theirs. These spells are cast as a sorcerer.
I – Magical Sense - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast detect magic 3/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost's level.
II – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 2nd level arcane spell 2/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 3rd level arcane spell 2/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 4th level arcane spell 1/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 5th level arcane spell 1/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Innocent – This is the saddest of ghosts, for it is the ghost of a young child taken before his or her time. The spells here are divine spells, though they use the Song Ghost's Charisma modifier for the DC.
I – Untouchable – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast sanctuary at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
II – Fearless – The Song Ghost is immune to all fear effects.
III – Charming – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast charm monster 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Hiding Place – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast Leomund’s secure shelter 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Imaginary Friend – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast summon monster V 1/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Feral –This is the ghost of a person who felt at home in the wild lands, more at ease with plants and beasts than with people. The spells here are divine spells, though they use the Song Ghost's Charisma modifier for the DC.
I – Friend of the Wild – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast animal friendship 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
II – Treefriend – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast barkskin 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Vicious Claws – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast greater magic fang 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Animal’s Heart – The Song Ghost gains the ability to wildshape like a druid 2/day.
V – Thornheart – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast wall of thorns 1/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
One Foot In The Grave – A Song Ghost feels the pull of his bonded spirit to the otherworld and often finds it hard to resist. He has a –2 penalty to saves to recover drained levels. However, he also gains some qualities of the spirit. He becomes immune to stunning effects and gains a +2 to saves against poison and paralysis.
Ghostly Power – The Song Ghost’s bonded spirit can now work a bit more directly through him to help accomplish its quest to rest. The Song Ghost can now, once per day, use one of the ghost special attacks (such as frightful moan or telekinesis). This attack must be one that their bonded spirit possessed (aside from manifestation or malevolence). This will cause the Song Ghost damage as per the enhanced bardic music. Cost: 2d6+6 dmg.
Dirge of Darkest Night – Now the Song Ghost learns to use a song (or chant) of deadly and dire power. Once per day, the Song Ghost can proclaim a curse upon a creature, a curse of great calamity. This works as a bestow curse spell, with a DC of 15 + ½ Song Ghost levels + the Song Ghost’s Charisma modifier.
Spiritual Harmony – The Song Ghost now enters a state of deep connection with their bonded spirit, gaining a +3 to saves against all mind-influencing effects, immunity to sleep effects, and a +3 to saves against disease. He becomes immune to poisons and paralysis.
Aldan looked deep into the dry well in the basement of the crumbling castle. Kenla, their priestess, quickly made a sign against evil as a stray gust of wind from the cracked ceiling above made a terrible moan.
"This is the place," Aldan whispered, "I've read about this in the Chronicals of Na'bashar the Even-handed. The castle of Nabri was attacked by demons summoned by their corrupt court wizard, Malfesar. Only three members of the noble family escaped, and that was due to the sacrifice of their guard captain. He collapsed half the basement to destroy the secret door to their magical portal so they couldn't be found by Malfesar." Aldan pointed at the huge pile of rubble toward the south, then returned his attention to the well.
"The guard captain, Janus, fought the demons until he was the last man standing. Then he threw himself into the well so that the demons would not eat his body."
"That's a terribly tragic story Aldan," Kesbar snapped, examining the edge of his longsword. "But where did the Nabri family keep their hidden vaults? You know every other thing about this place, and may I remind you that you were the one that said there were riches to be had here!" Kesbar was a mercenary to the core, but necessary for Kenla's protection during their travels.
"Riches yes, but also that this place was haunted. I came because it is in the tenets of my Order to free trapped souls. The Great Unbinder's work is never finished," Kenla said, plucking at her robes. Aldan sighed.
"Then let me sing you the Ballad of Janus, which may refresh my memory of both ghosts and gold," he replied, and without a pause, launched into a sorrowful, sonorous melody. Kesbar repressed a sigh. Aldan would sing on the slightest provocation; time-consuming, but he also had a voice to make grown men weep at its beauty. And it did tend to jog his memory about the location of hidden treasures, so Kesbar kept his peace.
Kenla's hair stood up on end as she realized that she was not only hearing Aldan's voice, but another equally as pure and strong, echoing up from the well. And it was no simple echo, as from the dark pit rose the misty figure of a man in battered armor, sopping wet, with a determined expression on his face. The priest and warrior froze at the sight, but Aldan continued to sing, utterly unafraid.
In exquisite tones, the ghost declared himself to be the sacrificed warrior, Janus. The protection of the Nabri family had been his life's passion, and it extended unto death. While decendents of the Nabri family still lived without his protection, he was stuck here at the ruins of their once-great castle.
Janus begged Aldan to help him complete his task, to protect the last remaining Nabri scion, so that his devotion would be proved to be as faithful as the day he had sweared it to be upon Lord Nabri's sword before all the gods. Aldan sang his agreement in a single, powerful note, as Janus disappeared into his body. A shudder of cold and weakness ran through him, and Kenla could see his bright blue eyes suddenly go black. Terrified, she looked at him with her othersight, and could see the strangest sight. Two spirits, sharing the same body, acting as one.
Aldan lifted his head and looked straight at her. "Fear not Kenla, the Great Unbinder's work is done this day. Janus has been unbound from this place and bound to my spirit. His task is mine and mine is his, and I will account for him before the judge of the otherworld myself."
Astonished, the priest bowed at this great sacrifice Aldan had taken for his own.
Many are the tales of forlorn ghosts whose magical melodies can lead unwary travelers to their doom. Haunting music is often the hallmark of ghostly activity. The dead reach out from their graves with the songs that were their livelihood, using them to tell their sad tales, impart dying words, or even tender advice. The Song Ghosts are those singers that have seen such ghosts, and have great sympathy for the singers and performers of old.
A Song Ghost chooses one of those forlorn spirits, and takes within himself the essence of their ghostly presence. Using their lives to help their ghost complete the mission they could not in life, a Song Ghost is slowly pulled deeper and deeper toward the realm of the dead, allowing him to use the power of the otherworld in his own music. When a Song Ghost finally passes on, he brings with him to the realm of the dead not just his spirit, but another as well.
Song Ghosts are most often pure bards and all have some bardic training. It is usually the more dedicated songsters that hear the siren call of the spirits. But occasionally one with more of a connection to the more dominant profession of the spirit will become a Song Ghost as well.
Hit Die: d6
Requirements
To qualify as a Song Ghost, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Skills: Perform 10 ranks, Diplomacy 6 ranks, Knowledge (history) 6 ranks, Sense Motive 6 ranks.
Special: Bardic music ability
Special: A Song Ghost must have met and willingly agreed to bond with a ghost with the intention of helping the spirit fulfill the task that keeps it bound to this plane.
Class Skills
The Song Ghost’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Perform (Cha), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Language, and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Lvl..BAB...Fort..Ref..Will..Special...Spells
1....+0......+0....+0...+2...Ghostly Bond, Incorporeal Form, Bardic Music
2....+1......+0....+0...+3...Spirit Memory I...+1 spellcaster level
3....+2......+1....+1...+3...One Foot In The Grave...+1 spellcaster level
4....+3......+1....+1...+4...Spirit Memory II...+1 spellcaster level
5....+3......+1....+1...+4...Spirit Memory III...+1 spellcaster level
6....+4......+2....+2...+5...Ghostly Power
7....+5......+2....+5...+5...Spirit Memory IV...+1 spellcaster level
8....+6......+2....+2...+6...Spirit Memory V...+1 spellcaster level
9....+6......+3....+3...+6...Dirge of Darkest Night...+1 spellcaster level
10...+7.....+3....+3...+7...Spiritual Harmony...+1 spellcaster level
Class Features
All the following are class features of the Song Ghost prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency - The Song Ghost gains no additional weapon or armor proficiencies.
Spells - The Song Ghost gains new bardic spells per day and spells known as if he had gained a new level of bard at each indicated level. If the Song Ghost has no levels of bard, he starts gaining bardic spells per day and spells known as if he were a first level bard, starting at level two.
Ghostly Bond – After a Song Ghost has agreed to bond with a spirit, the two merge. This is done only if both parties are willing (and any potential Song Ghost worth his salt would be utterly certain of the spirit’s intentions before allowing the ghost to share his body, usually through use of Sense Motive, or divination magic).
Usually the Song Ghost and the spirit will have identical alignments or alignments that are one step away (chaotic good and chaotic neutral, for example). However, occasionally a spirit may be able to deceive the Song Ghost as to its alignment or intentions. For example an evil ghost might try to bond to a good character to corrupt them or a good ghost might try to bond to an evil character to save them, perhaps in trying to fulfill the task that keeps them on this plane. If a difference of opinion arises that cannot be solved by the application of the lesser geas by the spirit (see below), there may be a struggle for dominance of the Song Ghost's body. This is done by an opposed Charisma roll, but is otherwise treated by an attempt to dominate by an intelligent weapon. (DMG pg. 230) Repeated flip-flops of control and the actions done during those times may eventually force an alignment change by one or both parties (DM's discretion). Generally the Song Ghost's bonded spirit should not force the player to retire their character because of a forced alignment shift. (I.e. this PrC was not designed to screw the PCs over.) A short interlude of such an internal struggle could be very interesting however.
If a detect evil, detect good, detect law, or detect chaos spell is cast on a Song Ghost that is less than identical in alignment to his bonded spirit, all applicable spells detect. For example, if a chaotic good Song Ghost was bonded to a lawful evil spirit and all four detect spells were cast, all four spells would detect their appropriate alignment. Likewise, magic circle and protection spells work against all applicable alignments that a Song Ghost and their bonded spirit has. Smite good/evil/law/chaos also works on the Song Ghost depending on which alignments both he and his spirit have.
Once the bond has been accepted by both parties, the Song Ghost permanently loses two points of Constitution as the spirit is absorbed into his body. In reflection of his bond, he appears unusually pale, and his eyes tend to either go dark or very light, giving him a touch of the otherworld.
The Song Ghost gains no additional hit dice, melee attack or damage bonuses, or special attacks other than the ones listed in the prestige class for bonding with the spirit.
The bonded spirit will often tender what advice he is able, particularly in anything regards to his personal quest. This is equivalent to the bardic knowledge ability, which stacks with any levels of bard the Song Ghost has.
Also, since the Song Ghost has agreed to help the spirit to fulfill the task that keeps it bonded to this plane, the spirit has ways of helping to enforce that bargain. While the spirit usually understands that the Song Ghost has his own life to live, if (and only if) they become complacent about it, the spirit can lay the equivalent of a lesser geas on them. It affects only the Song Ghost (with no HD limit), and the penalties accrue at a slower rate, usually –2 per month of time not at least partially spent on the spirit’s quest. If the bonded spirit is unusually impatient or unusually patient, the penalties may accumulate at a faster or slower rate, up to the usual limits. Extenuating circumstances (such as being stranded on another plane, running for one’s life, or being trapped in a dungeon), once explained, can delay the geas. The geas can be removed in all the usual ways, but the bonded spirit can reinstate it at any time as a free action.
A Song Ghost has a duty to the spirit they are bonded to. Once they have begun taking levels in Song Ghost, they cannot take levels in any other class other than Song Ghost until they complete the PrC. A Song Ghost has taken upon themselves a quest that their spirit could not complete on their own, and a good portion of their energy and attention goes into that. They don't have time to develop other skills. If the spirit's quest is completed before a Song Ghost completes the PrC, the spirit does not leave, however. The spirit had given up some of their free will to have a sympathetic mortal do what they could not, free themselves from this plane. They cannot pass on until the Song Ghost is ready to. The Song Ghost is responsible for the spirit, and must testify before the judge of the dead that the spirit's quest is complete.
If someone attempts to scry on the spirit bonded to a Song Ghost and is successful, they are aware that they have found the spirit, but may be very confused as they will only see the physical body of the Song Ghost.
A Song Ghost detects as undead for the purpose of the detect undead spell. In addition unintelligent undead consider the Song Ghost to be undead and won't attack him unless he takes some hostile action (such as to attack).
If a cleric or paladin (or other with such abilities) attempts to turn or rebuke the Song Ghost, have them make a turning check and damage roll agains the Song Ghost's hit dice. If it is successful, the Song Ghost is stunned for one round as the holy (or unholy) energy tears at their bonded spirit.
If someone attempts to use magic jar on a Song Ghost, a Song Ghost gets a +4 bonus to his Will save to avoid being forced out of his body, as he is essentially two souls in one. For the soul bind spell, the Song Ghost also gets a +4 bonus to his Will save.
Finally, the Song Ghost is able to detect undead at will. This is similar to a paladin’s detect evil ability.
Incorporeal Form – In view of their bond, the Song Ghost may assume the misty (incorporeal, see page 6 of MM) form of their bonded spirit for up to 10 rounds per day. These rounds need not be consecutive. (su)
Bardic Music – All levels of Song Ghost stack with levels in bard for determining the effects and times per day of bardic music. However, as the spirit that the Song Ghost bonds with is always one with a musical connection, their bardic music becomes enhanced, for a price. If a Song Ghost chooses to ask his bonded spirit, the spirit will sing with him during any bardic music attempt, however it will cause him damage as the spirit must partially manifest to do this. The effects are as follows:
Inspire Courage – The bonuses increase to a +3 morale bonus to saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +2 to attack and damage weapon rolls. Cost: 1d6 dmg.
Countersong and Fascinate – The Song Ghost gains a +3 on Perform checks for these abilities. Cost 1d6 dmg.
Inspire Competence – The competence bonus increases to a +4. Cost: 1d6+2 dmg.
Suggestion – The DC for the Will save required increases to 15 + Cha mod. Cost: 2d6 dmg.
Inspire Greatness – Competence bonus on attacks increases to +4 and competence bonus on Fortitude saves increases to +2. No change on Hit Dice. Cost: 2d6 dmg.
Spiritual Memory – The Song Ghost draws power and memory from his bonded spirit. At each appropriate level, he gains an aspect that his bonded spirit possessed in life. Adventuring companions may be slightly concerned as the Song Ghost begins to exhibit personality traits that are not his own. Below are several suggestions as to spirits that the Song Ghost may bond with. The DM is free to make more. One thing to note, while the spirit may have been a priest or a warrior in life, it was their abiding love for music that had allowed them to bond with a potential Song Ghost.
The Priest – This is the ghost of a servant of a deity, usually one very eager to get to their promised reward. The spells here are divine spells, though they use the Song Ghost's Charisma modifier for the DC.
I – Wisdom of Ages - +2 inherent bonus to Wisdom
II – Song of Praise – The Song Ghost can cast prayer 2/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Hymn of Healing – The Song Ghost can cast cure serious wounds 3/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Shield from the Otherworld – The Song Ghost can cast death ward 2/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Round of Mending – The Song Ghost can cast healing circle 1/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Warrior – This is the ghost of a person for whom battle was the greatest thing of their life.
I – Might Makes Right - +2 inherent bonus to Strength
II – Battle Knowledge - Gain one feat from the fighter bonus list, provided the Song Ghost meets the prerequisites.
III – Blades of All – The Song Ghost gains proficiency with all martial weapons.
IV – Bloodsong – The Song Ghost can rage like a barbarian 1/day.
V – Skins of Steel – The Song Ghost gains damage reduction 2/-
The Sage – This is the ghost of a person with the wisdom of ancients at their fingertips. The spells here are arcane spells that are cast like a sorcerer.
I – Knowledge of All – +2 inherent bonus to Intelligence
II – Sight of Spirits – The Song Ghost can cast see invisibility 2/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Learned Traveler – The Song Ghost can use any skill untrained.
IV – Eyes About – The Song Ghost can cast scrying 1/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Tales of Ages – The Song Ghost can cast legend lore 1/day, at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Scamp – This is the ghost of a person who lived on the edge, and learned many clever tricks to do so.
I – Swift Hands - +2 inherent bonus to Dexterity
II – Sweet Spot – The Song Ghost gains the rogue’s sneak attack ability at +2d6. This stacks with any rogue levels he may have.
III – Swift Feet – The Song Ghost gains the evasion ability.
IV – Cautious Attitude – The Song Ghost gains the uncanny dodge (Dex bonus to AC) ability.
V – Rogue Master – The Song Ghost gains one special rogue ability from page 48 in the PHB (rogue special abilities).
The Magus – This is the ghost of a magician, usually snatched from life by the magic that permeated theirs. These spells are cast as a sorcerer.
I – Magical Sense - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast detect magic 3/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost's level.
II – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 2nd level arcane spell 2/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 3rd level arcane spell 2/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 4th level arcane spell 1/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Secret of Power - The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast one 5th level arcane spell 1/day from the sorcerer/wizard list at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Innocent – This is the saddest of ghosts, for it is the ghost of a young child taken before his or her time. The spells here are divine spells, though they use the Song Ghost's Charisma modifier for the DC.
I – Untouchable – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast sanctuary at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
II – Fearless – The Song Ghost is immune to all fear effects.
III – Charming – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast charm monster 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Hiding Place – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast Leomund’s secure shelter 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
V – Imaginary Friend – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast summon monster V 1/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
The Feral –This is the ghost of a person who felt at home in the wild lands, more at ease with plants and beasts than with people. The spells here are divine spells, though they use the Song Ghost's Charisma modifier for the DC.
I – Friend of the Wild – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast animal friendship 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
II – Treefriend – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast barkskin 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
III – Vicious Claws – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast greater magic fang 2/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
IV – Animal’s Heart – The Song Ghost gains the ability to wildshape like a druid 2/day.
V – Thornheart – The Song Ghost gains the ability to cast wall of thorns 1/day at a caster level equal to the Song Ghost’s level.
One Foot In The Grave – A Song Ghost feels the pull of his bonded spirit to the otherworld and often finds it hard to resist. He has a –2 penalty to saves to recover drained levels. However, he also gains some qualities of the spirit. He becomes immune to stunning effects and gains a +2 to saves against poison and paralysis.
Ghostly Power – The Song Ghost’s bonded spirit can now work a bit more directly through him to help accomplish its quest to rest. The Song Ghost can now, once per day, use one of the ghost special attacks (such as frightful moan or telekinesis). This attack must be one that their bonded spirit possessed (aside from manifestation or malevolence). This will cause the Song Ghost damage as per the enhanced bardic music. Cost: 2d6+6 dmg.
Dirge of Darkest Night – Now the Song Ghost learns to use a song (or chant) of deadly and dire power. Once per day, the Song Ghost can proclaim a curse upon a creature, a curse of great calamity. This works as a bestow curse spell, with a DC of 15 + ½ Song Ghost levels + the Song Ghost’s Charisma modifier.
Spiritual Harmony – The Song Ghost now enters a state of deep connection with their bonded spirit, gaining a +3 to saves against all mind-influencing effects, immunity to sleep effects, and a +3 to saves against disease. He becomes immune to poisons and paralysis.
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