[3.5] The Reservationist (PrC)

[arguskos]

About a month ago, I made the Reserve Mage (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147086), to much fanfare and hoohaa and whatnot. In that thread, the concept was put to me that a "reserve specialist" was called for. I kicked it around for a few days, then promptly forgot all about it as life was all "bleargh" and whatnot. However, it occurred to me to get back to the thought, and here, before you, stands the Reservationist at last!


http://dnd4.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/excerpt_4e_archmage.jpg
A Fiery Burst Reservationist using his chosen reserve feat to defeat a magical trap.

Prerequisites
Skills: Spellcraft 6 ranks.
Feats: At least one reserve feat.
Spellcasting: Able to cast 2nd level spells.
Special: Must have spent one entire adventure using nothing but their wits, equipment, and reserve feats, and not cast a single spell.

Hit Dice: d4
Skill Points at Each Level: 2 + Int modifer.
The reservationist's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Profession (Wis), and Spellcraft (Int).

The Reserve Mage
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells

1st|
+0|
+0|
+0|
+2|Dedication to Reservation|---

2nd|
+1|
+0|
+0|
+3|Endless Reservation|+1 level of existing spellcasting class

3rd|
+1|
+1|
+1|
+3|Breach the Reserved|+1 level of existing spellcasting class

4th|
+2|
+1|
+1|
+4|Tenacious Reservation|+1 level of existing spellcasting class

5th|
+2|
+2|
+2|
+4|Complete Reservation|---[/table]

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A reservationist gains no weapon or armor proficiencies.

Dedication to Reservation (Ex): A reservationist is dedicated to a single reserve feat, to the exclusion of all others. Upon taking the first level of reservationist, they choose one reserve feat they currently possess. For the purposes of that one reserve feat, they are treated as if they always have a spell of the proper level prepared. Further, the reserve feat is based on their caster level, not the level of spell they have prepared. For example, a Wizard 3/Reservationist (Fiery Burst) 1 is treated as always having a fire spell of effective spell level 3 prepared (their caster level is 3, and they always have a fire spell prepared). All other reserve feats the reservationist possesses are treated as normal.

Endless Reservation (Ex): A reservationist has learned the secret to tapping into the superb power of their reserve feat. The reservationist's selected reserve feat has it's cap doubled (eg. their reserve feat at caster level 10 does 10d6 damage, etc).

Breach the Reserved (Ex): A reservationist gets the extra mile out of their reserve feat. The feat can no longer be impeded on the basis of what kind of effect it is - for example, fire resistance is of no use, and it may be used as if it were an extraordinary ability instead of a spell-like one.

Effects that indirectly render the feat less useful cannot be bypassed in this way. Note that some direct effects are 'virtual', and are essentially fudged for playability as opposed to being a complete model of what happens.

Tenacious Reservation (Ex): A reservationist's reserve feat of choice now persists against all reason and logic. The reservationist's reserve feat automatically repeats at the beginning of the reservationist's next turn, as though used again by the reservationist.

Complete Reservation (Sp): Finally, the reservationist gains their most powerful effect. They may take a standard action to cast any spell (of level equal to level of spell they can cast minus one or lower) that shares a descriptor with their reserve feat of choice as a spell-like ability. If the spell to be duplicated has a casting time different than one standard action, then the reservationist must take that action instead (eg. Feather Fall or Summon Monster).


Astute observers will notice that the Reservationist and the Reserve Mage have the exact same prereqs. This is not a mistake. The concept was to create a broad-spectrum user and a focused master that have the same timing.

[Temotei]

Upon taking the first level of reservationist, they choose one reserve feat they currently possess, and lose access to any others they may have.

That's my only beef with the class. I do get that you're trying to make a focused reserve feat-using class, but randomly not being able to use feats because a character took this is just mean.

Of course, it's a low-level entry, which lessens the impact considerably.

I really like breach the reserved and tenacious reservation. Powerful, but balanced. They're definitely my favorites.

My least favorite class feature has to be complete reservation, simply because it seems like it would fit better in a class built for specializing in a certain type of spellcasting rather than this.

:smallamused:

[arguskos]

That's my only beef with the class. I do get that you're trying to make a focused reserve feat-using class, but randomly not being able to use feats because a character took this is just mean.

Of course, it's a low-level entry, which lessens the impact considerably.

I really like breach the reserved and tenacious reservation. Powerful, but balanced. They're definitely my favorites.
I did it to show that you NEED to build towards Reservationist. Besides, if you're taking multiple reserves, you take Reserve Mage. :smallamused:


My least favorite class feature has to be complete reservation, simply because it seems like it would fit better in a class built for specializing in a certain type of spellcasting rather than this.

:smallamused:
...
DAMMIT!!! Cause I needed something else to brew! :smallfurious::smalltongue:

[FishAreWet]

Complete Reservation is awesome with things like Snowcasting.

[arguskos]

Complete Reservation is awesome with things like Snowcasting.
Yes, yes it is. Probably, somewhat TOO good. Perhaps, I should note that Complete Reservation only works with spells that have the relevant subtype before feat adjustments, as to avoid things like a Snowcasting Gate spell every round?

[Temotei]

...
DAMMIT!!! Cause I needed something else to brew! :smallfurious::smalltongue:

Pwn3d. :smalltongue: 1 15 73h 1337 h4x0r.

That took considerable effort. I really shouldn't do that anymore.

[Kobold-Bard]

Pwn3d. :smalltongue: 1 15 73h 1337 h4x0r.

That took considerable effort. I really shouldn't do that anymore.

No, no you shouldn't :smalltongue:

Overall I think I prefer the Reserve Mage, though this is pretty funky. I'm thinking of ways to break Complete Reservation now :smallbiggrin:

[Mongoose87]

This PrC has me feeling a little... reserved.

[lesser_minion]

You might want to be a little more careful with 'breach all restrictions that might impede it' - I can see a munchkin interpreting that as "absolutely any constraint, of any kind, whatsoever".

The number of people who assume that anything under a lower-level heading trumps by "specific beats general" is pretty horrifying.

[Kobold-Bard]

You might want to be a little more careful with 'breach all restrictions that might impede it' - I can see a munchkin interpreting that as "absolutely any constraint, of any kind, whatsoever".

The number of people who assume that anything under a lower-level heading trumps by "specific beats general" is pretty horrifying.

What do you imagine people might try to abuse this with?

[lesser_minion]

Well, for a start, the rules themselves. "Any restriction that might impede it" could potentially be read to mean "own caster level", for a start.

It just looks like it could turn into a full-blown Iron Heart Surge.

I think I'd prefer the wording:

"The feat can no longer be impeded on the basis of what kind of effect it is - for example, fire resistance is of no use, and it may be used as if it were an extraordinary ability instead of a spell-like one.

Effects that indirectly render the feat less useful cannot be bypassed in this way. Note that some direct effects are 'virtual', and are essentially fudged for playability as opposed to being a complete model of what happens."

[Kobold-Bard]

Well, for a start, the rules themselves. "Any restriction that might impede it" could potentially be read to mean "own caster level", for a start.

It just looks like it could turn into a full-blown Iron Heart Surge.

I think I'd prefer the wording:

" the feat cannot be impeded on the basis of what kind of effect it is - for example, fire resistance is of no use. Note that this might not ignore 'virtual' effects, such as the three-round delay imposed by Anticipate Teleport, at your DM's discretion."

Ahhh I see what you mean. One I came up with was: the constraints of the action it takes. All of a sudden it's a Free Action and you can fire off a million and one of them in a round.

[Mulletmanalive]

You would negate the whole Snowcasting thing on the Complete Reservation ability by using the words "activate" and "Spell-like ability" in place of "Cast" and "Spell."

There is actually some semantic issue with Snowcasting working with many effects, given that the ability isn't metamagic, instead applying DURING the casting, so while it would produce things like +1CL on Cold spells, whether it would be a cold spell for purposes of activation or Reserve feats, i doubt.

Your reading, but that's what the feat actually SAYS...[I hate RAW but this one actually has a point behind it's strange wording]

[FishAreWet]

Why disallow other Reserve feats? What's the point? They're not that strong without use of these two classes.

[Kobold-Bard]

Why disallow other Reserve feats? What's the point? They're not that strong without use of these two classes.

Because:

I did it to show that you NEED to build towards Reservationist. Besides, if you're taking multiple reserves, you take Reserve Mage. :smallamused:...

It's more a fluff thing than anything I imagine.

[arguskos]

I think I'd prefer the wording:

"The feat can no longer be impeded on the basis of what kind of effect it is - for example, fire resistance is of no use, and it may be used as if it were an extraordinary ability instead of a spell-like one.

Effects that indirectly render the feat less useful cannot be bypassed in this way. Note that some direct effects are 'virtual', and are essentially fudged for playability as opposed to being a complete model of what happens."
I do too. Many thanks.


You would negate the whole Snowcasting thing on the Complete Reservation ability by using the words "activate" and "Spell-like ability" in place of "Cast" and "Spell."
Eh, yeah, that's true. I'll change it accordingly

@Fish: K-B hit it on the head as to why I am keeping that restriction.

[arguskos]

It's been 2 days, I'll bump this once, so more folks can see it.

Any other thoughts? Or is it better/more balanced/less argumentative than it's sibling?

[Thrice Dead Cat]

tl;dr version The wording on some of the abilities needs cleaning up. Losing access to other reserve feats is kind of disappointing, too. CL shenanigans can cause problems for the damage (maybe), but throwing around 30th level spell effects just means saves go to "roll a 20" in some cases.

Dedication of Reservation seems fine in and of itself, sans losing access to more reserve feats. Even Focused Dual Specialist Incantatrix Changelings have more than one spell school, after all.:smalltongue:

Endless Reservation should maybe just increase the cap. Wording needs work here, too. Reserves of Strength may help to that end, but I don't have the text on hand.

For Breach the Reserved, I would look to Searing Spell and just copypasta its basic wording, as ripping through even just resistances kind of bugs me. May just be me.

For Tenacious Reservation, copypasta the structure of the Repeat Spell for its mechanical effect. Current wording seems... off.

Complete Reservation needs a limit on uses per day (or not) and probably should say "cast spell as a standard action or its usual casting time, whichever is greater."

[arguskos]

Thanks. I wrote this while REALLLY tired, so the wording is unclear at best. I'll get to fixin' that thar stuffs soonish.

EDITS: Clarified everything, but left the breaching effect alone, as I a) like it, and b) think it's pretty clear.

[DaTedinator]

Complete Reservation just seems too good. I mean, level appropriate spells at will? What if my reserve feat was Charnel Miasma? Now I can spam save-or-dies forever.

[arguskos]

Complete Reservation just seems too good. I mean, level appropriate spells at will? What if my reserve feat was Charnel Miasma? Now I can spam save-or-dies forever.
Given how Charnel Miasma works, that would let you spam spells from the Death domain only. You could pick a better reserve feat for this class.

However, your point is made. Let's change it from caster level to level of spells you can cast (a much harder cap). I'd really like to avoid a per day limitation though, since I as a player hate those and most folks I know do as well. I'd really prefer it to be open, at the user's option.

[FishAreWet]

@Fish: K-B hit it on the head as to why I am keeping that restriction.What about the Wizard who is SUPER DUPER devoted to Reserve feats who was trained to use them generally, then later went on to master one?

[arguskos]

What about the Wizard who is SUPER DUPER devoted to Reserve feats who was trained to use them generally, then later went on to master one?
I already changed it, cause a bunch of folks were all "rawr that's stupid change it".

[Forever Curious]

This is an amazing class, seeing as how I LOVE reserve feats. Balance seems good, and other people can give better crunch advice then I, but the flavor is awesome. I'd play one.

[arguskos]

This is an amazing class, seeing as how I LOVE reserve feats. Balance seems good, and other people can give better crunch advice then I, but the flavor is awesome. I'd play one.
Check out the Reserve Mage, it's sibling.

[Godskook]

Ok, the Reserve Mage was a generalist, and this guy is a specialist, and like a specialist wizard, that means he warrants class features that change depending on his initial choice, and 'brewing that is actually paying attention to his choices.(Much the same way that Master Specialist was built with concern being made to which was your specialist school)

Thus, the generation 1 Reservationists(those that qualify at L3) have chosen from the following list of WotC feats:
-Acidic Splatter - 1d6 acid orb
-Clutch of Earth - Slows earthbound creatures
-Fiery Burst - 1d6 fire burst
-Hurricane Breath - Bullrush opponents
-Shadow Viel - Veil opponent's vision
-Sunlight Eyes - Enhanced Vision
-Winter's Blast - 1d4 cold cone

From that list, the damage feats all seem doable, as does hurricane's breath. The others don't offer enough room to warrant class features and builds based on them unless their functionality is drastically expanded upon in the class. As an example, Sunlight Eyes needs some drastic 'brewing to make work as a Reservationist.

I suggest, as a start, 'brew the elemental Reservationists, as these will be the easiest to balance, and will allow you to define a bit of class framework to aid in 'brewing the others.

And yes, you do kinda need to start over on this one, cause a few of the class features don't work with some of the valid starting choices, and even for the damage-dealing classes, this class doesn't keep up with his generalist cousin yet.

[arguskos]

And yes, you do kinda need to start over on this one, cause a few of the class features don't work with some of the valid starting choices, and even for the damage-dealing classes, this class doesn't keep up with his generalist cousin yet.
Fair enough. I tried to make stuff that would be broad enough to apply to any feat, and obviously failed. I'll scrap it and go make something else. Maybe (I've got other stuff to do than tailor one PrC to like 20+ feats).

[Godskook]

Fair enough. I tried to make stuff that would be broad enough to apply to any feat, and obviously failed. I'll scrap it and go make something else. Maybe (I've got other stuff to do than tailor one PrC to like 20+ feats).

I hated to say it, cause the idea has potential.

[arguskos]

I hated to say it, cause the idea has potential.
Meh. Sometimes you hit. Sometimes you miss. I had tried to make something that was broad enough to accommodate everything. I failed. *shrugs*