Jarl
2006-09-12, 12:35 AM
I was gonna say "Who knows what Evil lurks in the hearts of men?" but that was too long for the subject field.
First PrC, by the way.
Bonded Duskstrider
A 10-level Prestige Class with Epic Rules included
http://home.comcast.net/~jarl_the_radical/shadow_ledge.jpg
The vulgar spirit sought an empty vessel, and found one. It inhabited it violently and aggressively. It built an empire of sin and evil. It was the lord of all it viewed.
And then, one night, the monks came.
A Bonded Duskstrider is a special symbiosis of villainy and heroism. When an evil spirit possesses a weaker creature, it can take on the creatures flaws inadvertently. However, there exists an order of monks, lead by a Tulku, a holy man, who seek these amalgams of man and demon and bond the two permanently, creating a creature of pure justice. These creatures are then sent into the world to punish the evil and protect the good, seemingly by whatever means necessary.
A Bonded Duskstrider usually works at night, though there is no reason why they must. Accordingly, most Bonded Duskstriders wear dark, heavy clothes that hide their at-times twisted and deformed facial features. Masks and other facial coverings are popular items. A Bonded Duskstrider is not a lonely creature, for it has both its vulgar other side to keep it company, as well as a network of spies and servants that help it to further the cause of justice.
Requirements
Race- LA 0
Skills- Bluff 3, Persuade 3, Intimidate 3, Sense Motive 10, Hide 3
Feats- Martial Weapon proficiency, Leadership, Weapon Focus (any)
Special- Must be an LA 0 character currently possessed by an Evil aligned Outsider, must be "Broken" by a Tulku. It is highly encouraged that the DM just say that it happened at some point, but may be roleplayed as thus: for every hit die of the outsider, the character spends 3d4 months being trained by the Tulku. A save versus death (DC equal to the hit die of the outsider) is required at the beginning of the training. See below for the Outsider Table.
Features
Alignment- Lawful Good
Hit Die- d8
BAB and Saves- As Paladin
Skills- The Class Skills for Bonded Duskstrider (and their key abilities) are Bluff (Cha), Persuade (Cha), Sense Motive (Wis), Tumble (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Hide (Cha), and Gather Information (Cha). The Bonded Duskstrider gains 2+Int Modifier skills per level.
Proficiencies- The Bonded Duskstrider is proficient in Light and Medium armors, but not heavy armors or shields. A Bonded Duskstrider is unable to use his Spell-Like or Supernatural Class Features while wearing heavy armor or using shields.
Bonded Duskstrider
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special
1st|
+1|
+2|
+0|
+0|The Only Way Out Is In A Box, Heart of Darkness, The Beast Claws Out, Smite Evil, Shadow Network, Demonic Focus
2nd|
+2|
+3|
+0|
+0|Detect Evil
3rd|
+3|
+3|
+1|
+1|The Shadow
4th|
+4|
+4|
+1|
+1|Treading Where Few Dare
5th|
+5|
+4|
+1|
+1|Master of Darkness
6th|
+6/+1|
+5|
+2|
+2|Vulgar Achievement
7th|
+7/+2|
+5|
+2|
+2|The Laugh
8th|
+8/+3|
+6|
+2|
+2|Cloud Men's Minds
9th|
+9/+4|
+6|
+3|
+3|Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men?
10th|
+10/+5|
+7|
+3|
+3|Blackness of Soul[/table]
The Only Way Out Is In A Box (Ex)- If a Bonded Duskstrider changes alignments, he must save versus death with a DC equal to his hit die multiplied by four. If he succeeds, he may no longer accrue levels in Bonded Duskstrider ever again, but retains all Extraordinary type class features. If he fails, he dies and may not be resurrected except by a wish or miraclespell. If this occurs, he loses all class features and may never accrue levels in Bonded Duskstrider ever again.
Heart of Darkness (Ex)- For the purposes of detect alignment, detect good, detect evil, smite evil, etc, a Bonded Duskstrider always registers as Evil. A Bonded Duskstrider has an Evil Aura, but it can never be overwhelming, nor can he be overwhelmed by a Good Aura.
The Beast Claws Out (Ex)- When a Bonded Duskstrider enters combat, he must succeed on a DC 20 Will Save or become enveloped by the "Demon". The Bonded Duskstrider becomes Chaotic Neutral for the duration. The character retains all Bonded Duskstrider Class Features during this transformation, though he may lose paladin powers or regain barbarian powers, for example. Furthermore, the character receives a +2 Str, -1 Con, and -1 Dex. Every fourth level, these are doubled, so a level eight Bonded Duskstrider would have +6 Str, -3 Con, and -3 Dex. If the character continues into epic levels, then this caps at level twenty, with +10 Str, -5 Dex, and -5 con.
This transformation lasts for as many rounds as the Will save was failed by, though the character may elect to remain transformed for a number of rounds equal to his levels in Bonded Duskstrider. During this time, the character's facial features take on a feral, demonic, or otherwise unpleasant appearance that is still recognizable as the character. This transformation is largely up to the player or DM to quantify, though the character immediately takes a -2 circumstance penalty on all Diplomacy checks and a +2 circumstance bonus to all Intimidate checks.
Smite Evil (Su)- A Bonded Duskstrider may Smite Evil as a paladin of level equal to his levels in the Bonded Duskstrider prestige class. He also gains additional Smite Evils as a paladin, and may take the "Extra Smiting" feat if available. A character's Bonded Duskstrider levels stack with his Paladin levels in determining Smite Evil.
Shadow Network (Ex)- All cohorts and followers of a Bonded Duskstrider (due to the Leadership Feat required to take the class) may use the Bonded Duskstrider's Charisma modifier on any Gather Information, Bluff, Hide, or Search checks.
Demonic Focus (Ex)- A Bonded Duskstrider may purchase or craft a weapon to serve as his Demonic Focus. This weapon must be the same type which the Weapon Focus feat applies to. If crafted by the character, the Craft DC is increased by 10, and decreased by one for every level after first. The weapon costs an additional 10%, if purchased, and can only be purchased from a smith with more than 10 ranks in the appropriate craft skill.
The weapon automatically gains a +1 enhancement. Every two levels, it gains an additional +1 enhancement, to a maximum of +5 at tenth level. If the character continues into epic levels, this feature does not continue to progress.
At fifth level, it gains the Keen attribute. At tenth level, it gains the Wounding attribute. If the character continues into epic levels, then at level fifteen it gains the Vorpal Attribute (if a slashing weapon). This weapon is Lawful Evil for the purposes of Damage Reduction, Detect Evil, etc. A Bonded Duskstrider may only purchase or craft one such weapon per level. The Demonic Focus may not be Unarmed, Grapple, or Ray.
Detect Evil (Sp)- Starting at second level, a Bonded Duskstrider may, at will, detect evil as the spell.
The Shadow (Sp)- Starting at third level, a Bonded Duskstrider may, once per day, use greater invisibility as the spell, though the character's shadow will be visible (Spot DC of 10 in full light, 20 in low-light, and is totally invisible in total darkness). At every third level afterwards, the character gains an additional use of this spell per day, up to 3 at level 9. If the character continues into epic levels, then this caps at 6 uses per day at level 20. At level 10, the ability instead becomes Supernatural.
Treading Where Few Dare (Ex)- Starting at fourth level, a Bonded Duskstrider becomes immune to fear effects.
Master of Darkness (Sp)- Starting at fifth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may, at will, use silent image as the spell with the following alterations:
The image is two dimensional
The image is translucent
The image is solid black
The image is projected against a surface or object
The character may only create one such image at a time
This illusionary shadow may be used to increase the Spot DC on the Bonded Duskstrider's shadow by 1 for every level of Bonded Duskstrider the character has.
Vulgar Achievement (Sp)- Starting at sixth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may willfully induce a transformation into it's "demon", as the The Beast Claws Out ability, once per day. This variant of the ability requires no will save, leaves the character "in control", and causes no alignment shift.
Every two levels afterward, the character may perform this action an additional time per day, up to three times per day at level ten. If the character continues into Epic levels, then the feature caps at level twenty with eight uses per day. A Bonded Duskstrider may still involuntarily transform when beginning combat, however, and does not receive the benefits of Vulgar Achievement if he does so.
The Laugh (Sp)- Starting at seventh level, a Bonded Duskstrider may summon an otherworldly cackle, replicating the effects of a fear spell, with a spherical area of effect rather than cone shaped. Creatures with hit die less than seven fewer than the Bonded Duskstrider's are affected as though by the hold person spell with a caster level equal to the character's levels in Bonded Duskstrider.
Cloud Men's Minds (Sp)- Starting at eighth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may use suggestion, as the spell, at will.
Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men? (Sp)- A Bonded Duskstrider does. Starting at ninth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may use detect thoughts, as the spell, at will.
Blackness of Soul (Ex)- At tenth level, a Bonded Duskstrider becomes an Outsider with the Native and Evil subtypes.
Epic Progression
The effects of the Beast Claws Out, Smite Evil, The Shadow, Master of Darkness, Vulgar Achievement, and the Laugh continue to accrue past tenth level.
At fifteenth level, the Demonic Focus gains the Vorpal attribute, if a slashing weapon.
Outsider Tables
Though the description uses the term "Demon", any evil aligned non-native outsider, even from a non-evil-aligned plane (such as an evil-aligned fire elemental) could be the source of the Bonded Duskstrider's power. Since the "demon" is effectively destroyed, the exact type does not particularly matter. If the player or DM wishes to know the type, a table is provided below.
Outsider Subtype
Roll d6.
1: Demon
2: Devil
3: Elemental*
4: Angel (Evil Aligned)
5: Mephit*
6: Archon (Evil Aligned)
*Elemental Subtype
Roll d4.
1: Air
2: Earth
3: Fire
4: Water
Regardless of type, the Outsider has 5d4 hit die.
-New version.
First PrC, by the way.
Bonded Duskstrider
A 10-level Prestige Class with Epic Rules included
http://home.comcast.net/~jarl_the_radical/shadow_ledge.jpg
The vulgar spirit sought an empty vessel, and found one. It inhabited it violently and aggressively. It built an empire of sin and evil. It was the lord of all it viewed.
And then, one night, the monks came.
A Bonded Duskstrider is a special symbiosis of villainy and heroism. When an evil spirit possesses a weaker creature, it can take on the creatures flaws inadvertently. However, there exists an order of monks, lead by a Tulku, a holy man, who seek these amalgams of man and demon and bond the two permanently, creating a creature of pure justice. These creatures are then sent into the world to punish the evil and protect the good, seemingly by whatever means necessary.
A Bonded Duskstrider usually works at night, though there is no reason why they must. Accordingly, most Bonded Duskstriders wear dark, heavy clothes that hide their at-times twisted and deformed facial features. Masks and other facial coverings are popular items. A Bonded Duskstrider is not a lonely creature, for it has both its vulgar other side to keep it company, as well as a network of spies and servants that help it to further the cause of justice.
Requirements
Race- LA 0
Skills- Bluff 3, Persuade 3, Intimidate 3, Sense Motive 10, Hide 3
Feats- Martial Weapon proficiency, Leadership, Weapon Focus (any)
Special- Must be an LA 0 character currently possessed by an Evil aligned Outsider, must be "Broken" by a Tulku. It is highly encouraged that the DM just say that it happened at some point, but may be roleplayed as thus: for every hit die of the outsider, the character spends 3d4 months being trained by the Tulku. A save versus death (DC equal to the hit die of the outsider) is required at the beginning of the training. See below for the Outsider Table.
Features
Alignment- Lawful Good
Hit Die- d8
BAB and Saves- As Paladin
Skills- The Class Skills for Bonded Duskstrider (and their key abilities) are Bluff (Cha), Persuade (Cha), Sense Motive (Wis), Tumble (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Hide (Cha), and Gather Information (Cha). The Bonded Duskstrider gains 2+Int Modifier skills per level.
Proficiencies- The Bonded Duskstrider is proficient in Light and Medium armors, but not heavy armors or shields. A Bonded Duskstrider is unable to use his Spell-Like or Supernatural Class Features while wearing heavy armor or using shields.
Bonded Duskstrider
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special
1st|
+1|
+2|
+0|
+0|The Only Way Out Is In A Box, Heart of Darkness, The Beast Claws Out, Smite Evil, Shadow Network, Demonic Focus
2nd|
+2|
+3|
+0|
+0|Detect Evil
3rd|
+3|
+3|
+1|
+1|The Shadow
4th|
+4|
+4|
+1|
+1|Treading Where Few Dare
5th|
+5|
+4|
+1|
+1|Master of Darkness
6th|
+6/+1|
+5|
+2|
+2|Vulgar Achievement
7th|
+7/+2|
+5|
+2|
+2|The Laugh
8th|
+8/+3|
+6|
+2|
+2|Cloud Men's Minds
9th|
+9/+4|
+6|
+3|
+3|Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men?
10th|
+10/+5|
+7|
+3|
+3|Blackness of Soul[/table]
The Only Way Out Is In A Box (Ex)- If a Bonded Duskstrider changes alignments, he must save versus death with a DC equal to his hit die multiplied by four. If he succeeds, he may no longer accrue levels in Bonded Duskstrider ever again, but retains all Extraordinary type class features. If he fails, he dies and may not be resurrected except by a wish or miraclespell. If this occurs, he loses all class features and may never accrue levels in Bonded Duskstrider ever again.
Heart of Darkness (Ex)- For the purposes of detect alignment, detect good, detect evil, smite evil, etc, a Bonded Duskstrider always registers as Evil. A Bonded Duskstrider has an Evil Aura, but it can never be overwhelming, nor can he be overwhelmed by a Good Aura.
The Beast Claws Out (Ex)- When a Bonded Duskstrider enters combat, he must succeed on a DC 20 Will Save or become enveloped by the "Demon". The Bonded Duskstrider becomes Chaotic Neutral for the duration. The character retains all Bonded Duskstrider Class Features during this transformation, though he may lose paladin powers or regain barbarian powers, for example. Furthermore, the character receives a +2 Str, -1 Con, and -1 Dex. Every fourth level, these are doubled, so a level eight Bonded Duskstrider would have +6 Str, -3 Con, and -3 Dex. If the character continues into epic levels, then this caps at level twenty, with +10 Str, -5 Dex, and -5 con.
This transformation lasts for as many rounds as the Will save was failed by, though the character may elect to remain transformed for a number of rounds equal to his levels in Bonded Duskstrider. During this time, the character's facial features take on a feral, demonic, or otherwise unpleasant appearance that is still recognizable as the character. This transformation is largely up to the player or DM to quantify, though the character immediately takes a -2 circumstance penalty on all Diplomacy checks and a +2 circumstance bonus to all Intimidate checks.
Smite Evil (Su)- A Bonded Duskstrider may Smite Evil as a paladin of level equal to his levels in the Bonded Duskstrider prestige class. He also gains additional Smite Evils as a paladin, and may take the "Extra Smiting" feat if available. A character's Bonded Duskstrider levels stack with his Paladin levels in determining Smite Evil.
Shadow Network (Ex)- All cohorts and followers of a Bonded Duskstrider (due to the Leadership Feat required to take the class) may use the Bonded Duskstrider's Charisma modifier on any Gather Information, Bluff, Hide, or Search checks.
Demonic Focus (Ex)- A Bonded Duskstrider may purchase or craft a weapon to serve as his Demonic Focus. This weapon must be the same type which the Weapon Focus feat applies to. If crafted by the character, the Craft DC is increased by 10, and decreased by one for every level after first. The weapon costs an additional 10%, if purchased, and can only be purchased from a smith with more than 10 ranks in the appropriate craft skill.
The weapon automatically gains a +1 enhancement. Every two levels, it gains an additional +1 enhancement, to a maximum of +5 at tenth level. If the character continues into epic levels, this feature does not continue to progress.
At fifth level, it gains the Keen attribute. At tenth level, it gains the Wounding attribute. If the character continues into epic levels, then at level fifteen it gains the Vorpal Attribute (if a slashing weapon). This weapon is Lawful Evil for the purposes of Damage Reduction, Detect Evil, etc. A Bonded Duskstrider may only purchase or craft one such weapon per level. The Demonic Focus may not be Unarmed, Grapple, or Ray.
Detect Evil (Sp)- Starting at second level, a Bonded Duskstrider may, at will, detect evil as the spell.
The Shadow (Sp)- Starting at third level, a Bonded Duskstrider may, once per day, use greater invisibility as the spell, though the character's shadow will be visible (Spot DC of 10 in full light, 20 in low-light, and is totally invisible in total darkness). At every third level afterwards, the character gains an additional use of this spell per day, up to 3 at level 9. If the character continues into epic levels, then this caps at 6 uses per day at level 20. At level 10, the ability instead becomes Supernatural.
Treading Where Few Dare (Ex)- Starting at fourth level, a Bonded Duskstrider becomes immune to fear effects.
Master of Darkness (Sp)- Starting at fifth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may, at will, use silent image as the spell with the following alterations:
The image is two dimensional
The image is translucent
The image is solid black
The image is projected against a surface or object
The character may only create one such image at a time
This illusionary shadow may be used to increase the Spot DC on the Bonded Duskstrider's shadow by 1 for every level of Bonded Duskstrider the character has.
Vulgar Achievement (Sp)- Starting at sixth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may willfully induce a transformation into it's "demon", as the The Beast Claws Out ability, once per day. This variant of the ability requires no will save, leaves the character "in control", and causes no alignment shift.
Every two levels afterward, the character may perform this action an additional time per day, up to three times per day at level ten. If the character continues into Epic levels, then the feature caps at level twenty with eight uses per day. A Bonded Duskstrider may still involuntarily transform when beginning combat, however, and does not receive the benefits of Vulgar Achievement if he does so.
The Laugh (Sp)- Starting at seventh level, a Bonded Duskstrider may summon an otherworldly cackle, replicating the effects of a fear spell, with a spherical area of effect rather than cone shaped. Creatures with hit die less than seven fewer than the Bonded Duskstrider's are affected as though by the hold person spell with a caster level equal to the character's levels in Bonded Duskstrider.
Cloud Men's Minds (Sp)- Starting at eighth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may use suggestion, as the spell, at will.
Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men? (Sp)- A Bonded Duskstrider does. Starting at ninth level, a Bonded Duskstrider may use detect thoughts, as the spell, at will.
Blackness of Soul (Ex)- At tenth level, a Bonded Duskstrider becomes an Outsider with the Native and Evil subtypes.
Epic Progression
The effects of the Beast Claws Out, Smite Evil, The Shadow, Master of Darkness, Vulgar Achievement, and the Laugh continue to accrue past tenth level.
At fifteenth level, the Demonic Focus gains the Vorpal attribute, if a slashing weapon.
Outsider Tables
Though the description uses the term "Demon", any evil aligned non-native outsider, even from a non-evil-aligned plane (such as an evil-aligned fire elemental) could be the source of the Bonded Duskstrider's power. Since the "demon" is effectively destroyed, the exact type does not particularly matter. If the player or DM wishes to know the type, a table is provided below.
Outsider Subtype
Roll d6.
1: Demon
2: Devil
3: Elemental*
4: Angel (Evil Aligned)
5: Mephit*
6: Archon (Evil Aligned)
*Elemental Subtype
Roll d4.
1: Air
2: Earth
3: Fire
4: Water
Regardless of type, the Outsider has 5d4 hit die.
-New version.