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Vaynor
2010-01-16, 03:32 PM
HOLY VINDICATOR

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image by ClearHarm (http://clearharm.deviantart.com/)

”The evil will burn in heavenly fire, I will scour the earth of every trace of evil!”

Holy vindicators are those who despise evil so vehemently that they devote their lives to tracking evil down and eradicating it. A holy vindicator learns to channel divine energy directly into their opponents with devastating effect. A holy vindicator believes that by destroying evil in its earthly form he can free their souls from the torment of their malignant physical life.

BECOMING A HOLY VINDICATOR
Holy vindicators come from many walks of life, be it a thief who was wronged by an evil force and turned to the divine for retribution, or a priest turned stealthy avenger.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Base Attack Bonus: +4
Alignment: Any good.
Feats: Disciple of the Sun
Spellcasting: Must be able to cast 1st level divine spells.
Special: Must have both the sneak attack and turn undead class features.

Class Skills
The holy vindicator's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (religion) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), and Use Rope (Dex).
Skills Points at Each Level: 4 + Int

Hit Dice: d8



Level
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Special
Spells per Day


1st

+0

+2

+2

+0
Smite +1d6, destructive strike, spellcasting, detect evil, turn undead, steps of the divine warrior
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


2nd

+1

+3

+3

+0
Vindication
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


3rd

+2

+3

+3

+1
Holy shield, improved turning 1
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


4th

+3

+4

+4

+1
Smite +2d6, solar adherent
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


5th

+3

+4

+4

+1
Improved turning 2, hide from evil
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


6th

+4

+5

+5

+2
Righteous vengeance
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


7th

+5

+5

+5

+2
Improved turning 3, smite +3d6
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


8th

+6

+6

+6

+2
Purifying flames
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


9th

+6

+6

+6

+3
Improved turning 4
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class


10th

+7

+7

+7

+3
Cleansing blast, smite + 4d6
+1 of existing divine spellcasting class



Weapon Proficiencies: A holy vindicator gains proficiency with the rapier, sap, shortbow (normal and composite), short sword, light mace, flail, and warhammer.

Spellcasting: A holy vindicator continues gaining spells known and spells per day from his original divine spellcasting class (cleric or paladin). In addition, the holy vindicator gains spells from the assassin spell list as if he were an assassin (these are considered divine spells when used by the holy vindicator). When determining caster level, add holy vindicator levels, rogue levels, and cleric/paladin levels (choose one) together. Caster level cannot exceed HD when gained in this manner. All spells cast by the holy vindicator use Wisdom as their primary attribute for determining spells known, bonus spells per day, and DCs.

Smite: This is exactly like the rogue ability, sneak attack, except as noted. When striking an evil foe when the holy vindicator has the upper hand in combat, he can channel divine energy through his weapon, dealing divine energy damage. The extra damage dealt increases by +1d6 every three levels (1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th). If a holy vindicator gets a sneak attack bonus from another source the bonuses on damage stack. A holy vindicator’s smite affects evil creatures that are normally immune to sneak attacks, dealing additional damage resulting from divine power. This damage is not subject to any reductions on the part of the target, but is halved when used in this manner.

Destructive Strike: This ability functions as the assassin’s ability, death attack, except as noted here. This ability only functions when used against evil creatures. Instead of using the holy vindicator’s Intelligence modifier when determining the DC of the destructive strike, use his Wisdom modifier. In addition to its normal uses, destructive strike may be used against evil creatures that are unable to make a Fortitude save or are immune to abilities that require one. Instead, count the destructive strike as a turn attempt. This ability does not consume a turn attempt, but otherwise functions as one. The holy vindicator can choose to either turn the creature normally (even if it is not an undead) or destroy it outright. The DC of the holy vindicator's destructive strike is reduced by 3 when used against creatures normally immune to effects that require Fortitude saves.

Detect Evil (Sp): At will, the holy vindicator can use detect evil, as the spell.

Turn Undead (Su): The holy vindicator's rogue and holy vindicator levels stack with his effective cleric level for the purposes of turn undead.

Steps of the Divine Warrior: The holy vindicator may use his Wisdom score instead of his Dexterity score when determining his skill check bonus. By expending a turn attempt, the holy vindicator gains a +10 competence bonus on all Hide and Move Silently checks for 1 min/class level.

Vindication (Ex): The holy vindicator’s thirst for justice against evil empowers his speed and resistance to fatigue. At level 2, the holy vindicator gains a 10 foot bonus to his base movement speed. In addition, the holy vindicator gains Endurance as a bonus feat.

Improved Turning: At level 3, the holy vindicator’s turning is improved, granting him an additional use of turn undead per day. This improves to two additional attempts at level 5, three at level 7, and four at level 9. In addition, the holy vindicator’s turn undead ability may be used against any evil creature (when used against non-undead of which the the holy vindicator has three times as many levels as the target has HD, they me destroyed, instead of the normal half). When used against a non-undead evil creature, the holy vindicator's turning check and turning damage are subject to a -4 penalty.

Holy Shield (Su): The holy vindicator may use his religious fervor to shield himself from harm. At level 3, the holy vindicator may expend a turn undead attempt to place a shield of divine power around himself. The shield grants a sacred armor class bonus equal to 2 + his holy vindicator level / 2 (rounded down). This shield lasts for 1 min/Wisdom modifier.

Solar Adherent: At level 4, the holy vindicators ability to destroy undead through the use of the Disciple of the Sun feat extends to all evil creatures. As normal for the Disciple of the Sun feat, a holy vindicator may expend an additional turn attempt to destroy evil creatures instead of turning them, but at a -4 penalty to both his turning check and turning damage. Additionally, the HD of the evil creature destroyed must be less than the holy vindicator’s HD (effectively capping this ability to destroy evil creatures at the holy vindicator’s HD – 1).

Hide from Evil (Su): At 5th level, a holy vindicator can use the Hide skill even while being observed. As long as he is within 10 feet of some sort of shadow, a holy vindicator can hide himself from view in the open without having anything to actually hide behind. He cannot, however, hide in his own shadow. This ability can only be used when attempting to hide from those with an evil alignment.

Righteous Vengeance (Su): At level 6 the holy vindicator can imbue his sneak attacks with additional holy power. The holy vindicator must expend a turn attempt as a free action to use this ability. In return all enemies are treated as being flanked even if they are not. If an enemy is already able to be sneak attacked, because of being flat-footed or flanked, the holy vindicator’s sneak attacks can be improved in any of the following ways, at the player’s discretion: sneak attacks made arc to nearby targets, dealing half of the previous sneak attack damage to each target (this can affect a maximum number of targets equal to Wisdom modifier and halves each time), or sneak attacks deal an additional 2d6 damage to the affected target.

Purifying Flames (Su): The holy vindicator is able to douse his enemies in righteous flame. At level 8, the holy vindicator may expend a turn attempt to ignite an evil opponent. The target must succeed on a DC 10 + class level + Charisma modifier Reflex save or be set on fire. The damage dealt is half fire, half divine. The target takes an initial 2d6/class level damage (15d6 max), which reduces by 3d6 per round and lasts a number of rounds equal to the holy vindicator’s Charisma modifier. This fire cannot be put out by any ordinary means, and can even persist underwater due to its divine nature.

Cleansing Blast (Su): The holy vindicator has become so adept in manipulating divine energy that he can force a large quantity into a single creature. At level 10, the holy vindicator may expend 2 turn attempts to create an explosion of divine energy emanating from their target. The target must be within 60 feet of the holy vindicator. The target explodes with holy power, causing 2d8/class level divine energy damage (15d8 max) to all evil enemies within 30 feet of the target. If any target of HD greater than or equal to the holy vindicator’s level – 3 is killed by this blast they also explode, dealing 5d8 divine energy damage to all enemies adjacent to them.



This class isn't finalized, it still needs a lot of tweaking (and almost all of the fluff) but I thought I'd put it up here for first opinions.
I'm not sure if the ability to turn all evil creatures is overpowered, even with its limitations. This is basically an assassin that loses poison use and uncanny dodge/hide in plain sight, as well as lower sneak attack progression to gain improved turning abilities (and other uses for daily turn attempts).

Jane_Smith
2010-01-18, 03:12 AM
.. Why.. sneak attack... give them smite evil, or, like, bonus damage against evil creatures like demons/undead equal to that sneak amount damage or -something-... But SNEAK attack for a paladinish theme? Yeck!

My opinion - do like the platinum knight from book of exalted deeds. They got a special attack called Dragonwrack - rename it like Devistating Strike or something. It does +1d6, +2d6, +3d6 damage vs. specific types of enemys. This bonus damage cannot be healed naturally or magically, its perminant until the platinum knight dies or a restoration/wish/miracle spell is used before healing.

Vaynor
2010-01-18, 03:46 AM
.. Why.. sneak attack... give them smite evil, or, like, bonus damage against evil creatures like demons/undead equal to that sneak amount damage or -something-... But SNEAK attack for a paladinish theme? Yeck!

My opinion - do like the platinum knight from book of exalted deeds. They got a special attack called Dragonwrack - rename it like Devistating Strike or something. It does +1d6, +2d6, +3d6 damage vs. specific types of enemys. This bonus damage cannot be healed naturally or magically, its perminant until the platinum knight dies or a restoration/wish/miracle spell is used before healing.

Well the idea is a cleric/rogue gish that uses both classes' powers to combat evil. And also, that's exactly what this class makes sneak attack do, deal extra damage to evil creatures.

Jane_Smith
2010-01-18, 05:03 AM
Thats just it, nothing in its description or theme matchs with that sneak attack at all. Just because you flavor the sneak attack against evil targets, doesnt make it fit their flavor-wise. I mean, its like a imp with a collosal sized battleaxe, or a dragon who uses its wand rather then its other abilities or natural attacks, even to the death. It just feels... odd. The prc has nothing at all to do with stealth or subtetly, or a rogue/cleric combination explination at all.

Personally, if you tossed the sneak attack, this prc honestly looks like a paladin/cleric prc, so you need to give it more of a subtle theme, or hunter/stalker like feel or something. Make any sense of what im saying? :P As is, it looks like a holy warrior who can backstab with no reasoning to why hes trained to strike pressure points/etc...

Vaynor
2010-01-18, 06:06 AM
Thats just it, nothing in its description or theme matchs with that sneak attack at all. Just because you flavor the sneak attack against evil targets, doesnt make it fit their flavor-wise. I mean, its like a imp with a collosal sized battleaxe, or a dragon who uses its wand rather then its other abilities or natural attacks, even to the death. It just feels... odd. The prc has nothing at all to do with stealth or subtetly, or a rogue/cleric combination explination at all.

Personally, if you tossed the sneak attack, this prc honestly looks like a paladin/cleric prc, so you need to give it more of a subtle theme, or hunter/stalker like feel or something. Make any sense of what im saying? :P As is, it looks like a holy warrior who can backstab with no reasoning to why hes trained to strike pressure points/etc...

Hmm, I see what you're saying. I guess this is meant for a rogue that specializes more in combat then in subtlety, the idea is a rogue who gave up his lifestyle to destroy evil instead, turning to divine power for assistance. Instead of being a thief, he has devoted his life to destroying evil and uses the skills he gained from training as a rogue to do so. I guess I could rename it, I just kept it as Sneak Attack for simplicity's sake. Basically the idea is the class makes use of the cleric's spells, turn undead uses for special abilities, and whenever the holy vindicator has the edge in combat he utilizes his rogue training to take that opportunity to smite his targets.

Here's what I'll do, I'll rename sneak attack, have the ability function as and stack with the rogue's sneak attack and only work against evil targets, as well as giving them an ability similar to Hide in Plain Sight (which is the only stalker-like ability the assassin gets anyways (which this class is modeled off of)) but only function when attempting to hide from evil targets.

Edit: Changes made, Sneak Attack renamed Smite.