Bobmufin52
2008-12-24, 07:10 PM
Phoenix Warrior
"Not even my death will stop me from killing my enemies!"- Ulfgar Gorunn, Dwarven Phoenix warrior
There are many who fight to the death for a given cause, but there are a few who would continue to fight even after they die. These rare people are called Phoenix Warrior; combatants who have used mystical powers infuse with their souls so they can fight for what they believe in, even if it kills them.
Becoming a Phoenix Warrior
The path of the Phoenix Warrior is open to just about anyone who wants to take it. All the base classes in the Player’s Handbook can start taking levels in this class at around level 6 or 7, as long as they stick to a single class during their advancements.
Requirements
Feats: Diehard
Special: You must full fill ONE of the requirements below.
BAB +5
OR
Able to cast 3rd lv. spells.
OR
Have the Bardic Music Suggestion class ability.
OR
Have Sneak Attack +3d6
Or
Have the Purity of body class ability
Special: Must make a vow-marked weapon (see below).
Class skills
The Phoenix Warrior’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are....
Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Escape artist (Dex), Gather information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Listen (Wis), Move silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), and Survival (Wis)
Skill points per level: 6+int modifier
Hit Dice: d8
Phoenix Warrior
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells
1st|
+0|
+0|
+0|
+0|Warrior type, Phoenix form|Special class advancement
2nd|
+1|
+1|
+1|
+1|Passionate strike +1, Ignite 1/day|
3rd|
+2|
+1|
+1|
+1||Special class advancement
4th|
+3|
+1|
+1|
+1|Passionate strike +2|
5th|
+3|
+2|
+2|
+2|Greater ignition, Ignite 2/day|Special class advancement
6th|
+4|
+2|
+2|
+2|Passionate strike +3|
7th|
+5|
+2|
+2|
+2||Special class advancement
8th|
+6/+1|
+3|
+3|
+3|Passionate strike +4, Ignite 3/day, True ignition|
9th|
+6/+1|
+3|
+3|
+3||Special class advancement
10th|
+7/+2|
+3|
+3|
+3|Passionate strike +5| [/table]
Weapon proficiency: The Phoenix Warrior doesn’t gain any weapon or armor proficiency.
Warrior Type: When you first take levels in Phoenix Warrior, you choose a warrior style. The choice you make determines the aspect of your saving throws, and special class advancement. Once you select a style you cannot change it.
Inspirational Type: You obtain a good Reflex and Will save progression. At each special class advancement, you gain an effective level in determining the number of bardic music per day and types of bard songs you know. If you do not possess any levels in bard or another class which grants bardic music, this provides no benefit.
Military Type: You obtain a good Fortitude save progression and good BAB. At each special class advancement, you gain an effective level in fighter for the purpose of meeting feat pre-requisites. Unlike most types, you do not require fighter levels to benefit from this.
Scoundrel Type: You obtain a good Reflex save progression. At each special class advancement, you gain +1d6 sneak attack. If you do not possess any levels in rogue or another class which grants sneak attack, this provides no benefit.
Spellwrought Type: You obtain a good Will save progression. At each special class advancement you gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. If you had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a Phoenix Warrior, you must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known. If you do not have a spellcasting class, this provides no benefits.
Phoenix form: When the Phoenix Warrior dies while trying to fulfill his vow (see below), he arises in his phoenix form. To enter phoenix form, you first must be killed in such a way that you died because of the vow you took. For example, if you had a vow to destroy every thieves’ guild you found and you were killed while trying to stop a thieves’ guild, you would go into phoenix form, however, if you were killed by a thief who wasn’t in a thieves’ guild, you would not enter phoenix form. The way this works is the round after the character’s death, he arises in his phoenix form. When this happens you can use all class abilities that you have except for the Ignite class ability from this class. Your HP is at its maximum amount plus the bonus HP seen in the table below. While in phoenix form, your entire body looks alight with a bright fire, giving your enemies a +10 on spot checks to notice you. Your Passionate strike ability counts as 3 points higher then what it counts as when not in phoenix form (see below). When you are killed in phoenix form, you do not rise in phoenix form again, even if you were killed in a manner that you were trying to fulfill your vow. You can stay in phoenix form for a maximum of 1 hour per level in Phoenix Warrior. If you are still in phoenix form when your time runs out, then you die. Also, as each hour that goes by while in phoenix form, your levels in Phoenix Warrior are counted as on lower for determining what special powers you have while in phoenix form (see below). For example, a 5th level Phoenix Warrior would have the wings special ability, but after one hour, he would be treated as a 4th level Phoenix Warrior, and would therefore lose his wings ability; if another hour went by, then he would only be treated as a 3rd level Phoenix Warrior and therefore would only do +1d6 points of added fire damage to attacks. To revert out of phoenix form, you must be healed beyond your maximum HP amount. This means that if you were only 5 points below your maximum HP, and then you were healed for 8 points of damage, you could chooses to leave phoenix form and revert back to your normal form with -7 HP. If you are reverted back into normal form with negative hit points, than you are unconscious, but stable. You can not chose to revert out of phoenix form if doing so would leave you at -10 HP. Reverting out of phoenix form is always the decision of the player, meaning he can’t be forced out of the form. Also while in phoenix form, you gain certain abilities depending on your level.
{table=head]Level|
Phoenix form abilities| Bonus HP
1st|
Avid fire +1d6|
8
2nd|
Aura|
8
3rd|
Fireball 1/day|
16
4th|
Avid fire +2d6|
16
5th|
Wings|
24
6th|
Fireball 2/day|
24
7th|
Avid fire +3d6|
32
8th|
Improved phoenix form|
32
9th|
Fireball 3/day|
40
10th|
Avid fire +4d6, Phoenix overdrive|
40 [/table]
Bonus HP: Add this amount to your maximum HP while in phoenix form. These are not temporary HP and do not go away first if struck. You lose this bonus HP if you come out of phoenix form.
Avid fire: At level one, your Vow-marked weapon burns with a physical fire that represents your metaphysical fire that burns in your soul. When you deal damage with your vow-marked weapon, it deals an additional +1d6 points of fire damage. This damage increases by 1d6 ever 3 levels to a maximum of +4d6 at level 10. This ability only works with your vow-marked weapon and you’re the only one who can add the additional fire damage for attacking with it.
Aura: Starting at2nd level, a Phoenix Warrior gains an aura, depending on their alignment.
Good-aura of courage, works just like the paladin class ability
Evil-aura of despair, enemies within 10 feet of her to take a –2 penalty on all saving throws. This ability otherwise functions identically to the paladin’s aura of courage class feature.
Neutral- You must chose ether aura of courage or aura of despair. Once you’ve made your decision, you can not change it.
Fireball: Beginning at level 3, you can start using the fireball spell as a spell like ability once per day. Your class level counts as your caster level for these fireballs. You can use them more often at higher levels, with 2/day at level 6 and a maximum of 3/day at level 9.
Wings: at level 5, your phoenix form gives you a pair of fiery wings. You can fly 60 feet per round with good maneuverability.
Improved phoenix form: At level 8, your phoenix form increases in power. Your aura’s area is doubled in size and you now my fly up to 90 feet per round. Your fireball spell-like ability also gains the subtype that are the same as your alignment fro the purpose of surpassing damage reduction. For example a NE character’s fireball would have the evil subtype while a CG character’s fireball would have the chaotic and good subtype. This only applies to the fireballs used from this class. Also, your body and wings’ fire changes color and consistency depending on your alignment. (The change of color has no effect on any mechanic and is simply used for fluff for the class)
LG- Bright golden
LN-orangey yellow, almost looks straight
LE-deep red
NG- soft yellow
N- Regular orange
NE-orangey red
CG-Green, dancing
CN- Blue, erratic
CE- Black, curling
Phoenix overdrive: A 10th level Phoenix Warrior who is killed while in phoenix form can rise up 1 round later in a phoenix overdrive form. Treat this as a regular phoenix form except all numerical values that come from the abilities of the Phoenix Warrior class are doubled. This form lasts for 3 rounds and then the character dies. The character can not be reverted back into normal form while in phoenix overdrive form. If the character is killed while in phoenix overdrive form, the character doses not rise in phoenix overdrive form a 2nd time.
Passionate strike: At level 2, when the Phoenix Warrior uses his vow-marked weapon, he may add +1 to his attack rolls if attacking the intended target will help him complete or get closer to fulfilling his vow. This bonus increases by 1 every 2 levels to a maximum of +5 at level 10. A special quality of this ability is that if anyone who wields your vow-marked weapon can use this ability, even if they don’t have any levels in Phoenix Warrior. However, they only get the bonus if they are using the sword to help fulfill YOUR vow, not their own.
Ignite: Starting at 2nd level, you can tap into what powers your phoenix form while you’re still alive. The ignite lasts 1round per level of Phoenix Warrior. While your igniting, you gain the benefit of your chosen aura, however, all numerical values, except for the area of effect, are halved. You can also add +1 to the amount of your Passionate strike ability. As you gain more levels in Phoenix Warrior, you can ignite more times per day, with 2/day at level 5 and a maximum of 3/day at level 8. While ignited you burn with a similar light as in your phoenix form, but not as greatly; you enemies get a +5 on spot checks to notice you.
Greater ignition: Your ignite is more powerful at level 5. You can now use the full numerical values of you chosen aura and can add +2 to the amount of your Passionate strike. You also now sprout fiery wings; witch can let you fly 30 feet per round with average maneuverability.
True ignition: At 8th level, you ignite reaches its fullest potential. You may now add +3 to the amount of your Passionate strike and fly up to 60 feet per round with average maneuverability.
Rules for the vow-marked weapons
To enter the Phoenix Warrior the player must have a vow-marked weapon.
Creating: To create a vow-marked weapon you must have a weapon that you are proficient with. Then you must etch in the markings of your vow, usually this is a sentence that describes what your vow is, but it need not be that, it can be a simple word or marking that reminds you of your vow when you look at it. After etching the weapon the sword must be covered in special oils that cost 100gp. Then you must meditate on your vow for 24 hours; you may not do anything else during this time. When you are done meditating, then the etchings will glow with a bright light to signify that the weapon is complete. You may only have one vow-marked weapon at a time.
Types of vows: Only vows that are physically possible can be etched onto a vow-marked weapon. So vows like “I vow to kill all evil outsiders in the universe.” can not be taken, but a vow like “I vow to kill all evil outsiders that I see.” can be taken. Players should discuses with their DMs what vow they can and can’t take.
Vow-marked weapons and phoenix form: The ability to go into phoenix form and to ignite are tied into the special markings of the weapon. This is seen when the character is ether ignited or in phoenix form; you can see the etchings on his vow-marked weapon are aglow with a brilliant light that looks like fire. If the vow-marked weapon is ever destroyed, then the character can not go into phoenix form or ignite himself until he ether repairs the old vow-marked weapon or creates a new one (although if he makes a new one, he could take a new vow, if he wanted to.)
Breaking a vow: if you ever have a chance to fulfill your vow, you must do so. If you do not, then you lose one of your ignite uses until you atone. This stacks every time you do not try to fulfill your vow and you do not atone. Once you run out of igniting uses (4th offence without atoning.) You lose all your abilities from the Phoenix Warrior class and gain 1 negative level. Every offence after that (5th and onward without atoning) adds 1 negative level per offence. These negative levels never result in level loss, but they can not be removed in any way, not even wish or miracle, except for the atone spell. If you go directly against your vow, (For example, if you vow to protect a king, then you kill him.) you lose all the abilities of the Phoenix Warrior class and gain 1 negative class level per level of Phoenix Warrior. These negative levels never result in level loss, but they can not be removed in any way, not even wish or miracle, except for the atone spell. Just receiving an atonement spell is not good enough to rid yourself of the negative levels and gain back the class abilities; you first must go through a geas/quest (see Player’s Handbook pg. 234) that is somehow related to your vow. (The geas/quest is up to the DM’s digression.) Only after completing the geas/quest, can you receive an atonement spell to get rid of the negative levels and gain back the Phoenix Warrior class abilities.
Completing a vow: If you ever complete the vow you have taken, then your vow-marked weapon’s etches glow like they did when you first created it. When the glowing fades, the etchings are gone and the weapon is no longer a vow-marked weapon. Due to this you may no longer use any of the class abilities of the Phoenix Warrior unless you make a new vow-marked weapon with a new vow (you are allowed to use the weapon you made into a vow-marked weapon to fulfill your last vow). Note: it is possible to take vows that can’t be fulfilled and therefore you never need to take a new vow and created a new vow-marked weapon for it. An example would be “I vow to kill every undead creature I see.”, since you don’t know how many undead creatures you’ll see in your lifetime, your vow will not be completed until you die of old age.
Playing a Phoenix Warrior
A Phoenix Warrior should be played as passionate to their vow. While it may not be the biggest thing in their life, it is a very important and precious one.
Combat: The type of combat that the Phoenix Warrior can take depends on their prior training to becoming a Phoenix Warrior and what type of warrior style the chose a level 1.
Advancement: Advancing in this class dose only one thing, increasing your power towards achieving your vow.
Resources: A Phoenix Warrior can call upon those who share his goal for resources he needs. Depending on the vow he has taken, this could range from endless supply from a king to very rare resources that are constantly trying to be stolen from you so you can never fulfill your vow.
Phoenix Warriors in the world
“I-it was amazing! He died, I saw him die. But not seconds later, he arose, fire poring out of him! He then continued to fight, more vigorously than before!” –Baffled knight of Birnam Castle
Daily Life: The Phoenix Warrior’s life is one of constant struggle, trying to fulfill his vow every chance he gets.
Notables: One of the most acclaimed Phoenix Warriors was Ulfgar Gorunn, a Dwarf who vowed to protect his underground city. He gained fame after his victory over a orc Phoenix Warrior named Holg Keth, who vowed to see the total destruction of Ulfgar’s beloved city.
Organizations: Phoenix Warriors can be found anywhere a cause is being fought for. Phoenix Warriors with vows for a certain deity can be found among religious orders of that faith, wile more anarchistic Phoenix Warriors could be found in a underground movement that plan to overthrow a king.
NPC reactions
The reaction of any given NPC to a Phoenix Warrior depends upon what the Phoenix Warrior is fighting for. A Phoenix Warrior who has a vow to help and protect the good is herald as a champion and a hero, while a Phoenix Warrior who vows to destroy all that is righteous would be scorned and hated by all but the foulest of beasts.
Phoenix Warrior in the game
This class is a way for the PCs to slightly cheat death in rare occurrences.
Adaptation: This class could be tuned for a more divine theme, with the character gaining his powers through a god or goddess instead of it being self-willed. Doing so should add ranks in Knowledge (Religion) to the requirements to gain the class and vows should only be related to the goals of the character’s deity.
Encounters: Phoenix Warriors that share similar goals to the PCs could become a useful ally, even after death. On the other hand a Phoenix Warrior that has goals opposite to the PCs becomes an annoying and dangerous enemy that refuses to let you be.
Sample encounter
EL 10: Holg Keth was an infamous Orc warlord who loved to destroy Dwarven cities. When the city of Dankil wouldn’t fall to him and is Orc army, he took up the path of the Phoenix Warrior and Vowed that he would stand on the crumbled ruins of that city. He then led his army with his vow-marked double-orc ax in hand; crude pictures of destroyed cities engraved on it, and commenced a war with Dankil that lasted 5 years. Holg died many times over in that war, and didn’t stay dead until he faced off in the climatic battle with Ulfgar Gorunn, where both were driven into phoenix form until Ulfgar landed the final, and truly fatal, blow.
Holg Keth
NE Male Orc Barbarian 5/Phoenix Warrior 5
Init: +0, Senses: Listen +9, Spot +9,
Languages: Common, Orc, and Giant
------------------------------------------------
AC 15 , touch 10, flat-footed 15 (DR 2/-)
hp91 (10 HD)
Fort +11, Ref +2, Will +3
------------------------------------------------
Speed 40ft. ( 8 squares)
Melee
+1 keen vow-marked orc double ax ATK: +19/+14 (1d8+13/1d8+1)
Base Atk +10, Grp +18
Atk Options
+1 keen vow-marked orc double ax ATK: +19/+14 (1d8+13/1d8+1)
Masterwork greataxe ATK: +19/+14 (1d12+12)
Masterwork +8 composite longbow ATK: +10/+5 (1d8+8)
Special Options
Fast movement, Illiteracy, Rage 2/day (+4 str/con +2will -2AC 13rounds), Uncanny doge, Improved uncanny doge, Trap sense +1, Warrior type: Military Type, Phoenix form (Atk Options while in Phoenix form: Avid fire +2d6, aura of despair, fireball 1/day, and wings 60’ good maneuverability), Passionate strike +2, Ignite 2/day, Greater ignition
Combat Gear
+4 belt of giant strength
-----------------------------------------------
Abilities: Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 13
SQ
Darkvision 60’, light sensitivity, Weapon familiarity (orc double ax)
Feats
Endurance, Diehard, Run, Extended rage, Power attack, cleave, Greater cleave
Skills
Balance -4, Climb +17, Concentration +3, Craft +1, Escape artist -4, Gather information +1, Handle animal +5, Heal +1, Hide -4, Intimidate +14, Jump +14, Listen +9, Move silently -4, Perform +1, Profession +1, Ride +0, Spellcraft +1, Spot +9, Survival +14, Swim +4
Possessions
Combat gear, +1 keen vow-marked orc double ax, Masterwork greataxe, Masterwork +8 composite longbow, 100 arrows, adamantine breastplate
"Not even my death will stop me from killing my enemies!"- Ulfgar Gorunn, Dwarven Phoenix warrior
There are many who fight to the death for a given cause, but there are a few who would continue to fight even after they die. These rare people are called Phoenix Warrior; combatants who have used mystical powers infuse with their souls so they can fight for what they believe in, even if it kills them.
Becoming a Phoenix Warrior
The path of the Phoenix Warrior is open to just about anyone who wants to take it. All the base classes in the Player’s Handbook can start taking levels in this class at around level 6 or 7, as long as they stick to a single class during their advancements.
Requirements
Feats: Diehard
Special: You must full fill ONE of the requirements below.
BAB +5
OR
Able to cast 3rd lv. spells.
OR
Have the Bardic Music Suggestion class ability.
OR
Have Sneak Attack +3d6
Or
Have the Purity of body class ability
Special: Must make a vow-marked weapon (see below).
Class skills
The Phoenix Warrior’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are....
Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Escape artist (Dex), Gather information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Listen (Wis), Move silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), and Survival (Wis)
Skill points per level: 6+int modifier
Hit Dice: d8
Phoenix Warrior
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells
1st|
+0|
+0|
+0|
+0|Warrior type, Phoenix form|Special class advancement
2nd|
+1|
+1|
+1|
+1|Passionate strike +1, Ignite 1/day|
3rd|
+2|
+1|
+1|
+1||Special class advancement
4th|
+3|
+1|
+1|
+1|Passionate strike +2|
5th|
+3|
+2|
+2|
+2|Greater ignition, Ignite 2/day|Special class advancement
6th|
+4|
+2|
+2|
+2|Passionate strike +3|
7th|
+5|
+2|
+2|
+2||Special class advancement
8th|
+6/+1|
+3|
+3|
+3|Passionate strike +4, Ignite 3/day, True ignition|
9th|
+6/+1|
+3|
+3|
+3||Special class advancement
10th|
+7/+2|
+3|
+3|
+3|Passionate strike +5| [/table]
Weapon proficiency: The Phoenix Warrior doesn’t gain any weapon or armor proficiency.
Warrior Type: When you first take levels in Phoenix Warrior, you choose a warrior style. The choice you make determines the aspect of your saving throws, and special class advancement. Once you select a style you cannot change it.
Inspirational Type: You obtain a good Reflex and Will save progression. At each special class advancement, you gain an effective level in determining the number of bardic music per day and types of bard songs you know. If you do not possess any levels in bard or another class which grants bardic music, this provides no benefit.
Military Type: You obtain a good Fortitude save progression and good BAB. At each special class advancement, you gain an effective level in fighter for the purpose of meeting feat pre-requisites. Unlike most types, you do not require fighter levels to benefit from this.
Scoundrel Type: You obtain a good Reflex save progression. At each special class advancement, you gain +1d6 sneak attack. If you do not possess any levels in rogue or another class which grants sneak attack, this provides no benefit.
Spellwrought Type: You obtain a good Will save progression. At each special class advancement you gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. If you had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a Phoenix Warrior, you must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known. If you do not have a spellcasting class, this provides no benefits.
Phoenix form: When the Phoenix Warrior dies while trying to fulfill his vow (see below), he arises in his phoenix form. To enter phoenix form, you first must be killed in such a way that you died because of the vow you took. For example, if you had a vow to destroy every thieves’ guild you found and you were killed while trying to stop a thieves’ guild, you would go into phoenix form, however, if you were killed by a thief who wasn’t in a thieves’ guild, you would not enter phoenix form. The way this works is the round after the character’s death, he arises in his phoenix form. When this happens you can use all class abilities that you have except for the Ignite class ability from this class. Your HP is at its maximum amount plus the bonus HP seen in the table below. While in phoenix form, your entire body looks alight with a bright fire, giving your enemies a +10 on spot checks to notice you. Your Passionate strike ability counts as 3 points higher then what it counts as when not in phoenix form (see below). When you are killed in phoenix form, you do not rise in phoenix form again, even if you were killed in a manner that you were trying to fulfill your vow. You can stay in phoenix form for a maximum of 1 hour per level in Phoenix Warrior. If you are still in phoenix form when your time runs out, then you die. Also, as each hour that goes by while in phoenix form, your levels in Phoenix Warrior are counted as on lower for determining what special powers you have while in phoenix form (see below). For example, a 5th level Phoenix Warrior would have the wings special ability, but after one hour, he would be treated as a 4th level Phoenix Warrior, and would therefore lose his wings ability; if another hour went by, then he would only be treated as a 3rd level Phoenix Warrior and therefore would only do +1d6 points of added fire damage to attacks. To revert out of phoenix form, you must be healed beyond your maximum HP amount. This means that if you were only 5 points below your maximum HP, and then you were healed for 8 points of damage, you could chooses to leave phoenix form and revert back to your normal form with -7 HP. If you are reverted back into normal form with negative hit points, than you are unconscious, but stable. You can not chose to revert out of phoenix form if doing so would leave you at -10 HP. Reverting out of phoenix form is always the decision of the player, meaning he can’t be forced out of the form. Also while in phoenix form, you gain certain abilities depending on your level.
{table=head]Level|
Phoenix form abilities| Bonus HP
1st|
Avid fire +1d6|
8
2nd|
Aura|
8
3rd|
Fireball 1/day|
16
4th|
Avid fire +2d6|
16
5th|
Wings|
24
6th|
Fireball 2/day|
24
7th|
Avid fire +3d6|
32
8th|
Improved phoenix form|
32
9th|
Fireball 3/day|
40
10th|
Avid fire +4d6, Phoenix overdrive|
40 [/table]
Bonus HP: Add this amount to your maximum HP while in phoenix form. These are not temporary HP and do not go away first if struck. You lose this bonus HP if you come out of phoenix form.
Avid fire: At level one, your Vow-marked weapon burns with a physical fire that represents your metaphysical fire that burns in your soul. When you deal damage with your vow-marked weapon, it deals an additional +1d6 points of fire damage. This damage increases by 1d6 ever 3 levels to a maximum of +4d6 at level 10. This ability only works with your vow-marked weapon and you’re the only one who can add the additional fire damage for attacking with it.
Aura: Starting at2nd level, a Phoenix Warrior gains an aura, depending on their alignment.
Good-aura of courage, works just like the paladin class ability
Evil-aura of despair, enemies within 10 feet of her to take a –2 penalty on all saving throws. This ability otherwise functions identically to the paladin’s aura of courage class feature.
Neutral- You must chose ether aura of courage or aura of despair. Once you’ve made your decision, you can not change it.
Fireball: Beginning at level 3, you can start using the fireball spell as a spell like ability once per day. Your class level counts as your caster level for these fireballs. You can use them more often at higher levels, with 2/day at level 6 and a maximum of 3/day at level 9.
Wings: at level 5, your phoenix form gives you a pair of fiery wings. You can fly 60 feet per round with good maneuverability.
Improved phoenix form: At level 8, your phoenix form increases in power. Your aura’s area is doubled in size and you now my fly up to 90 feet per round. Your fireball spell-like ability also gains the subtype that are the same as your alignment fro the purpose of surpassing damage reduction. For example a NE character’s fireball would have the evil subtype while a CG character’s fireball would have the chaotic and good subtype. This only applies to the fireballs used from this class. Also, your body and wings’ fire changes color and consistency depending on your alignment. (The change of color has no effect on any mechanic and is simply used for fluff for the class)
LG- Bright golden
LN-orangey yellow, almost looks straight
LE-deep red
NG- soft yellow
N- Regular orange
NE-orangey red
CG-Green, dancing
CN- Blue, erratic
CE- Black, curling
Phoenix overdrive: A 10th level Phoenix Warrior who is killed while in phoenix form can rise up 1 round later in a phoenix overdrive form. Treat this as a regular phoenix form except all numerical values that come from the abilities of the Phoenix Warrior class are doubled. This form lasts for 3 rounds and then the character dies. The character can not be reverted back into normal form while in phoenix overdrive form. If the character is killed while in phoenix overdrive form, the character doses not rise in phoenix overdrive form a 2nd time.
Passionate strike: At level 2, when the Phoenix Warrior uses his vow-marked weapon, he may add +1 to his attack rolls if attacking the intended target will help him complete or get closer to fulfilling his vow. This bonus increases by 1 every 2 levels to a maximum of +5 at level 10. A special quality of this ability is that if anyone who wields your vow-marked weapon can use this ability, even if they don’t have any levels in Phoenix Warrior. However, they only get the bonus if they are using the sword to help fulfill YOUR vow, not their own.
Ignite: Starting at 2nd level, you can tap into what powers your phoenix form while you’re still alive. The ignite lasts 1round per level of Phoenix Warrior. While your igniting, you gain the benefit of your chosen aura, however, all numerical values, except for the area of effect, are halved. You can also add +1 to the amount of your Passionate strike ability. As you gain more levels in Phoenix Warrior, you can ignite more times per day, with 2/day at level 5 and a maximum of 3/day at level 8. While ignited you burn with a similar light as in your phoenix form, but not as greatly; you enemies get a +5 on spot checks to notice you.
Greater ignition: Your ignite is more powerful at level 5. You can now use the full numerical values of you chosen aura and can add +2 to the amount of your Passionate strike. You also now sprout fiery wings; witch can let you fly 30 feet per round with average maneuverability.
True ignition: At 8th level, you ignite reaches its fullest potential. You may now add +3 to the amount of your Passionate strike and fly up to 60 feet per round with average maneuverability.
Rules for the vow-marked weapons
To enter the Phoenix Warrior the player must have a vow-marked weapon.
Creating: To create a vow-marked weapon you must have a weapon that you are proficient with. Then you must etch in the markings of your vow, usually this is a sentence that describes what your vow is, but it need not be that, it can be a simple word or marking that reminds you of your vow when you look at it. After etching the weapon the sword must be covered in special oils that cost 100gp. Then you must meditate on your vow for 24 hours; you may not do anything else during this time. When you are done meditating, then the etchings will glow with a bright light to signify that the weapon is complete. You may only have one vow-marked weapon at a time.
Types of vows: Only vows that are physically possible can be etched onto a vow-marked weapon. So vows like “I vow to kill all evil outsiders in the universe.” can not be taken, but a vow like “I vow to kill all evil outsiders that I see.” can be taken. Players should discuses with their DMs what vow they can and can’t take.
Vow-marked weapons and phoenix form: The ability to go into phoenix form and to ignite are tied into the special markings of the weapon. This is seen when the character is ether ignited or in phoenix form; you can see the etchings on his vow-marked weapon are aglow with a brilliant light that looks like fire. If the vow-marked weapon is ever destroyed, then the character can not go into phoenix form or ignite himself until he ether repairs the old vow-marked weapon or creates a new one (although if he makes a new one, he could take a new vow, if he wanted to.)
Breaking a vow: if you ever have a chance to fulfill your vow, you must do so. If you do not, then you lose one of your ignite uses until you atone. This stacks every time you do not try to fulfill your vow and you do not atone. Once you run out of igniting uses (4th offence without atoning.) You lose all your abilities from the Phoenix Warrior class and gain 1 negative level. Every offence after that (5th and onward without atoning) adds 1 negative level per offence. These negative levels never result in level loss, but they can not be removed in any way, not even wish or miracle, except for the atone spell. If you go directly against your vow, (For example, if you vow to protect a king, then you kill him.) you lose all the abilities of the Phoenix Warrior class and gain 1 negative class level per level of Phoenix Warrior. These negative levels never result in level loss, but they can not be removed in any way, not even wish or miracle, except for the atone spell. Just receiving an atonement spell is not good enough to rid yourself of the negative levels and gain back the class abilities; you first must go through a geas/quest (see Player’s Handbook pg. 234) that is somehow related to your vow. (The geas/quest is up to the DM’s digression.) Only after completing the geas/quest, can you receive an atonement spell to get rid of the negative levels and gain back the Phoenix Warrior class abilities.
Completing a vow: If you ever complete the vow you have taken, then your vow-marked weapon’s etches glow like they did when you first created it. When the glowing fades, the etchings are gone and the weapon is no longer a vow-marked weapon. Due to this you may no longer use any of the class abilities of the Phoenix Warrior unless you make a new vow-marked weapon with a new vow (you are allowed to use the weapon you made into a vow-marked weapon to fulfill your last vow). Note: it is possible to take vows that can’t be fulfilled and therefore you never need to take a new vow and created a new vow-marked weapon for it. An example would be “I vow to kill every undead creature I see.”, since you don’t know how many undead creatures you’ll see in your lifetime, your vow will not be completed until you die of old age.
Playing a Phoenix Warrior
A Phoenix Warrior should be played as passionate to their vow. While it may not be the biggest thing in their life, it is a very important and precious one.
Combat: The type of combat that the Phoenix Warrior can take depends on their prior training to becoming a Phoenix Warrior and what type of warrior style the chose a level 1.
Advancement: Advancing in this class dose only one thing, increasing your power towards achieving your vow.
Resources: A Phoenix Warrior can call upon those who share his goal for resources he needs. Depending on the vow he has taken, this could range from endless supply from a king to very rare resources that are constantly trying to be stolen from you so you can never fulfill your vow.
Phoenix Warriors in the world
“I-it was amazing! He died, I saw him die. But not seconds later, he arose, fire poring out of him! He then continued to fight, more vigorously than before!” –Baffled knight of Birnam Castle
Daily Life: The Phoenix Warrior’s life is one of constant struggle, trying to fulfill his vow every chance he gets.
Notables: One of the most acclaimed Phoenix Warriors was Ulfgar Gorunn, a Dwarf who vowed to protect his underground city. He gained fame after his victory over a orc Phoenix Warrior named Holg Keth, who vowed to see the total destruction of Ulfgar’s beloved city.
Organizations: Phoenix Warriors can be found anywhere a cause is being fought for. Phoenix Warriors with vows for a certain deity can be found among religious orders of that faith, wile more anarchistic Phoenix Warriors could be found in a underground movement that plan to overthrow a king.
NPC reactions
The reaction of any given NPC to a Phoenix Warrior depends upon what the Phoenix Warrior is fighting for. A Phoenix Warrior who has a vow to help and protect the good is herald as a champion and a hero, while a Phoenix Warrior who vows to destroy all that is righteous would be scorned and hated by all but the foulest of beasts.
Phoenix Warrior in the game
This class is a way for the PCs to slightly cheat death in rare occurrences.
Adaptation: This class could be tuned for a more divine theme, with the character gaining his powers through a god or goddess instead of it being self-willed. Doing so should add ranks in Knowledge (Religion) to the requirements to gain the class and vows should only be related to the goals of the character’s deity.
Encounters: Phoenix Warriors that share similar goals to the PCs could become a useful ally, even after death. On the other hand a Phoenix Warrior that has goals opposite to the PCs becomes an annoying and dangerous enemy that refuses to let you be.
Sample encounter
EL 10: Holg Keth was an infamous Orc warlord who loved to destroy Dwarven cities. When the city of Dankil wouldn’t fall to him and is Orc army, he took up the path of the Phoenix Warrior and Vowed that he would stand on the crumbled ruins of that city. He then led his army with his vow-marked double-orc ax in hand; crude pictures of destroyed cities engraved on it, and commenced a war with Dankil that lasted 5 years. Holg died many times over in that war, and didn’t stay dead until he faced off in the climatic battle with Ulfgar Gorunn, where both were driven into phoenix form until Ulfgar landed the final, and truly fatal, blow.
Holg Keth
NE Male Orc Barbarian 5/Phoenix Warrior 5
Init: +0, Senses: Listen +9, Spot +9,
Languages: Common, Orc, and Giant
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AC 15 , touch 10, flat-footed 15 (DR 2/-)
hp91 (10 HD)
Fort +11, Ref +2, Will +3
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Speed 40ft. ( 8 squares)
Melee
+1 keen vow-marked orc double ax ATK: +19/+14 (1d8+13/1d8+1)
Base Atk +10, Grp +18
Atk Options
+1 keen vow-marked orc double ax ATK: +19/+14 (1d8+13/1d8+1)
Masterwork greataxe ATK: +19/+14 (1d12+12)
Masterwork +8 composite longbow ATK: +10/+5 (1d8+8)
Special Options
Fast movement, Illiteracy, Rage 2/day (+4 str/con +2will -2AC 13rounds), Uncanny doge, Improved uncanny doge, Trap sense +1, Warrior type: Military Type, Phoenix form (Atk Options while in Phoenix form: Avid fire +2d6, aura of despair, fireball 1/day, and wings 60’ good maneuverability), Passionate strike +2, Ignite 2/day, Greater ignition
Combat Gear
+4 belt of giant strength
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Abilities: Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 13
SQ
Darkvision 60’, light sensitivity, Weapon familiarity (orc double ax)
Feats
Endurance, Diehard, Run, Extended rage, Power attack, cleave, Greater cleave
Skills
Balance -4, Climb +17, Concentration +3, Craft +1, Escape artist -4, Gather information +1, Handle animal +5, Heal +1, Hide -4, Intimidate +14, Jump +14, Listen +9, Move silently -4, Perform +1, Profession +1, Ride +0, Spellcraft +1, Spot +9, Survival +14, Swim +4
Possessions
Combat gear, +1 keen vow-marked orc double ax, Masterwork greataxe, Masterwork +8 composite longbow, 100 arrows, adamantine breastplate