evileeyore
2004-07-24, 01:39 AM
Evil of Yore, Seekers/Initiates of
HISTORY
Long ago a great evil was commited to paper. This is its story.
The Dark God of Secrets and Lost Knowledge grew to desire more. More Knowledge misplaced, more Secrets gathered, more Direct Temporal Power. His followers lashed with visions, plagued by portentious nightmares, sought these things for their beloved Deity.
Wars were fought, power gathered, secrets created, knowledge hidden. But not all went as the Dark One planned.
Heroes arose, as they always do, and waged their own war against the Followers of That Which is Best Not Known. The Dark Society began to split, plagued with internal troubles and external forces the Followers schismed. It truly appeared that not only would Good triumph, but the Dark's time was drawning to a close. Permanently.
All seemed hopeless for the Dark.
Two powerful leaders arose, fevered with forgotten lore, driven by desperate visions, they concocted a cunning plan. They would create a Tome. This book would contain all the hidden secrets, all the lost knowledge, all the Dark Ones yearnings. It would pass from Faithful to Faithful down the ages, insuring the Deities continuance.
For that which is remembered, cannot truly die.
It is unknown exactly how the Grimoire came into being, indeed none are even sure what it is constructed from. It is said that the Society of the Dark ceased to be. It is rumored that a certain God was imprisoned, a Deity that could not die. It is believed that the Dark is still worshipped in hiding, in secret places, lost to the world. It is wispered that the book, titled Evil of Yore, comes to those that deserve it. It is feared that this blasphemy contains secrets to free the Dark once more.
The Evil of Yore comes to those who most desire hidden knowledge, or those that already know too many secrets. The 'Tome' appears differently to each new Seeker, and only to one Seeker at a time. It whispers all the lost knowledge of the Dark, teaching the Initiate, readying them for the sought after return of the Lost God.
COMPATABILITY
This PrC would easily fit Vecna, should Vecna's history be slightly 'altered', or the PrC's flavor text. Otherwise it can be slid into any campaign world that does not contian a Deity of Secrets and Lost Knowledge.
PRE-REQUISITES
Alignment: Any Evil
Skills: 5 ranks in Knowledge (Arcane) and Knowledge (History), 2 ranks in Decipher Script.
Save: Will +7
Spells: Able to cast five different divination spells, one of which must be 3rd level or higher.
Special: Must have uncovered a previously well hidden secret; made secret or destroyed some bit of knowledge; or been the recipient of a carefully worded Wish or Miracle. Must swear a pact with the Dark, when they gain possession of the book.
ABILITIES
Hit Die: d4
Skill Points: 4 + Int
Class Skills: Class skills: Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (all skills, taken separately) (Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int)
{table]
Level
BAB
Fort
Ref
Will
Special
Caster Level
1
0
0
0
2
Whispered Secrets
+1 caster level
2
1
0
0
3
Cruel Knowledge
+1 caster level
3
1
1
1
3
Dark Following
+1 caster level
4
2
1
1
4
Lost Arts
+1 caster level
5
2
1
1
4
Keeper of Secrets
[/table]
ABILITY DESCRIPTIONS
Note: Henceforth though the terms Seeker and Initiate will be freely interchanged, it should be noted that Seeker applies (generally) to Arcanists, and Initiate (generally) to Divinists. Also although the libram Evil of Yore is known by many names ("The Grimoire Foul', 'The Heart of the Dark', 'Bible of Heresy', etc) it shall be refered to as 'The Tome' herein.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Seekers gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
Spells per Day/Spells Known: When a new EoY level of 1-4 is gained, the character gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if they had also gained a level in a spellcasting class they belonged to before they added the prestige class. They do not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. This essentially means that they add the class level of EoY to the level of some other spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly. If they had more than one spellcasting previously, they choose one at the first level of EoY and this is the class to which they add henceforth.
Whispered Secrets (SU): The Initiate gains insights into the world around him from the secrets whispered to him from The Tome. This ability is identical to the Bardic Knowledge ability and indeed levels in EoY will add as a bonus to the Bardic Knowledge ability or such similiar abilities (Loremasters 'Lore', Courtiers 'Gossip', etc). Though the bonus added from EoY is Supernatural the initial ability is not changed.
Cruel Knowledge(EX): At second level the Seeker gains a profane bonus to their Knowledge skills equal to their EoY class level.
Dark Following: The Initiate gains a following of like minded individuals. This ability functions just like the feat Leadership, except that the cohort and all followers are evil. If the Initiate already had the Leadership feat (or gains it later), they gain a profane bonus to their Leadership score equal to their EoY class level. Any cohort or followers they already have that are not evil will slowly leave as they become displeased by the Initiates growing secretiveness. New followers and cohort will be drawn to replace them as openings become avialable.
Lost Arts: The Seeker gains a Meta Magic or Item Creation feat.
Keeper of Secrets(SU): The Initiate gains a profane bonus to their caster level and to their stat for determining spells per day and save DCs. This bonus is equal to either their Int or Wis bonus, whichever was not previously used. EI: An Intelligence caster would add their Wisdom bonus, a wisdom based caster their Intelligence, a Charisma caster would choose one at this point and it would remain their bonus henceforth.
Ex-Seekers/Initiates of Evil of Yore: If a Seeker stops being evil, or breaks their pact, they may not advance until they atone, and their alignment is restored. Should they lose The Tome before acheiving 5th level, they can not gain any more levels in EoY until it is regained. They do not lose any abilities during this period and do not require atonement.
The Dark Pact: I shall seek after secrets. I shall never willingly divulge a secret. I shall seek knowledge. I shall not freely distribute knowledge. I shall work towards the restoration of the Dark.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This was initially the Society of the Dark, and that reference has remined in the flavor text. The Keeper of Secrets ability was altered greatly, and the others to a lesser degree. I have two expanded PrCs the Seeker of Enlightenment and the Initiates of Knowledge, they are both 10 level PrC's, that were eventually derived from this little 5 leveler.
However I really like 5 level PrCs, so I chose to adapt the SocDark for this contest. I also really PrCs that can either be Arcane or Divine. Enjoy.
Envoy of the Dark--EvilE
HISTORY
Long ago a great evil was commited to paper. This is its story.
The Dark God of Secrets and Lost Knowledge grew to desire more. More Knowledge misplaced, more Secrets gathered, more Direct Temporal Power. His followers lashed with visions, plagued by portentious nightmares, sought these things for their beloved Deity.
Wars were fought, power gathered, secrets created, knowledge hidden. But not all went as the Dark One planned.
Heroes arose, as they always do, and waged their own war against the Followers of That Which is Best Not Known. The Dark Society began to split, plagued with internal troubles and external forces the Followers schismed. It truly appeared that not only would Good triumph, but the Dark's time was drawning to a close. Permanently.
All seemed hopeless for the Dark.
Two powerful leaders arose, fevered with forgotten lore, driven by desperate visions, they concocted a cunning plan. They would create a Tome. This book would contain all the hidden secrets, all the lost knowledge, all the Dark Ones yearnings. It would pass from Faithful to Faithful down the ages, insuring the Deities continuance.
For that which is remembered, cannot truly die.
It is unknown exactly how the Grimoire came into being, indeed none are even sure what it is constructed from. It is said that the Society of the Dark ceased to be. It is rumored that a certain God was imprisoned, a Deity that could not die. It is believed that the Dark is still worshipped in hiding, in secret places, lost to the world. It is wispered that the book, titled Evil of Yore, comes to those that deserve it. It is feared that this blasphemy contains secrets to free the Dark once more.
The Evil of Yore comes to those who most desire hidden knowledge, or those that already know too many secrets. The 'Tome' appears differently to each new Seeker, and only to one Seeker at a time. It whispers all the lost knowledge of the Dark, teaching the Initiate, readying them for the sought after return of the Lost God.
COMPATABILITY
This PrC would easily fit Vecna, should Vecna's history be slightly 'altered', or the PrC's flavor text. Otherwise it can be slid into any campaign world that does not contian a Deity of Secrets and Lost Knowledge.
PRE-REQUISITES
Alignment: Any Evil
Skills: 5 ranks in Knowledge (Arcane) and Knowledge (History), 2 ranks in Decipher Script.
Save: Will +7
Spells: Able to cast five different divination spells, one of which must be 3rd level or higher.
Special: Must have uncovered a previously well hidden secret; made secret or destroyed some bit of knowledge; or been the recipient of a carefully worded Wish or Miracle. Must swear a pact with the Dark, when they gain possession of the book.
ABILITIES
Hit Die: d4
Skill Points: 4 + Int
Class Skills: Class skills: Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (all skills, taken separately) (Int), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int)
{table]
Level
BAB
Fort
Ref
Will
Special
Caster Level
1
0
0
0
2
Whispered Secrets
+1 caster level
2
1
0
0
3
Cruel Knowledge
+1 caster level
3
1
1
1
3
Dark Following
+1 caster level
4
2
1
1
4
Lost Arts
+1 caster level
5
2
1
1
4
Keeper of Secrets
[/table]
ABILITY DESCRIPTIONS
Note: Henceforth though the terms Seeker and Initiate will be freely interchanged, it should be noted that Seeker applies (generally) to Arcanists, and Initiate (generally) to Divinists. Also although the libram Evil of Yore is known by many names ("The Grimoire Foul', 'The Heart of the Dark', 'Bible of Heresy', etc) it shall be refered to as 'The Tome' herein.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Seekers gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
Spells per Day/Spells Known: When a new EoY level of 1-4 is gained, the character gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if they had also gained a level in a spellcasting class they belonged to before they added the prestige class. They do not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. This essentially means that they add the class level of EoY to the level of some other spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly. If they had more than one spellcasting previously, they choose one at the first level of EoY and this is the class to which they add henceforth.
Whispered Secrets (SU): The Initiate gains insights into the world around him from the secrets whispered to him from The Tome. This ability is identical to the Bardic Knowledge ability and indeed levels in EoY will add as a bonus to the Bardic Knowledge ability or such similiar abilities (Loremasters 'Lore', Courtiers 'Gossip', etc). Though the bonus added from EoY is Supernatural the initial ability is not changed.
Cruel Knowledge(EX): At second level the Seeker gains a profane bonus to their Knowledge skills equal to their EoY class level.
Dark Following: The Initiate gains a following of like minded individuals. This ability functions just like the feat Leadership, except that the cohort and all followers are evil. If the Initiate already had the Leadership feat (or gains it later), they gain a profane bonus to their Leadership score equal to their EoY class level. Any cohort or followers they already have that are not evil will slowly leave as they become displeased by the Initiates growing secretiveness. New followers and cohort will be drawn to replace them as openings become avialable.
Lost Arts: The Seeker gains a Meta Magic or Item Creation feat.
Keeper of Secrets(SU): The Initiate gains a profane bonus to their caster level and to their stat for determining spells per day and save DCs. This bonus is equal to either their Int or Wis bonus, whichever was not previously used. EI: An Intelligence caster would add their Wisdom bonus, a wisdom based caster their Intelligence, a Charisma caster would choose one at this point and it would remain their bonus henceforth.
Ex-Seekers/Initiates of Evil of Yore: If a Seeker stops being evil, or breaks their pact, they may not advance until they atone, and their alignment is restored. Should they lose The Tome before acheiving 5th level, they can not gain any more levels in EoY until it is regained. They do not lose any abilities during this period and do not require atonement.
The Dark Pact: I shall seek after secrets. I shall never willingly divulge a secret. I shall seek knowledge. I shall not freely distribute knowledge. I shall work towards the restoration of the Dark.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
This was initially the Society of the Dark, and that reference has remined in the flavor text. The Keeper of Secrets ability was altered greatly, and the others to a lesser degree. I have two expanded PrCs the Seeker of Enlightenment and the Initiates of Knowledge, they are both 10 level PrC's, that were eventually derived from this little 5 leveler.
However I really like 5 level PrCs, so I chose to adapt the SocDark for this contest. I also really PrCs that can either be Arcane or Divine. Enjoy.
Envoy of the Dark--EvilE