Pyromancer999
2010-09-22, 05:35 PM
Background- After the Everyman class ending in basic failure, I consulted another friend of mine who homebrews. After looking through other people's Jack-of-All-Trades homebrews, we came up with something: What if there was a class that could use class features as spells. And thus, this was born, enjoy!:
The Polymath
"I don't know everything. I just know how to do everything."
- Kelden Witheran, Polymath
Many people seek a path, traveling down it no matter where it goes, being mature and adhering to the path they've chosen. The Polymath differs than most on this, being an immature kid who races down all the paths he sees, and then runs off one path to find where another one is. Polymaths learn how everyone does what they do - whether it be Wildshaping, healing, or sneaking through the shadows, the Polymath has learned how to do it, and reduced it to an arcane formula, allowing him to draw upon the powers of many classes whenever he needs them.
Races: As can be guessed of most versatile classes, humans make up the majority of Polymaths. Coming after them are half-elves and elves, who relish finding a new way to use magic. Then come the gnomes, eager to find out just how everything works. After them, any member of any race is equally likely to be a Polymath, excepting races that tend to have little intelligence.
Alignment: Polymaths tend to be neutral on all axises, as they intend to learn abilities from all walks of life.
Other classes: Classes that appreciate learning tend to get along with you. You generally get along with other arcane spellcasters as well. Bards and Factotums appreciate your versatality. However, classes that adhere to one path, such as paladins, clerics, and monks merely view you as a fickle person who does not have the mental strength to adhere to a righteous path. They can't say you're not useful, though.
HD: d8
Skills:Any 10, selected at 1st level
Skill Points: 4 + Int mod (x4 at 1st level) skill points
The Polymath
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th
1st|
+0|
+0|
+2|
+0|Spellcasting, Jack of All Trades, Armored Mage|1|1
2nd|
+1|
+0|
+3|
+0| |2|1|-
3rd|
+2|
+1|
+3|
+1||2|1|-|-
4th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+1||2|2|1|-|-
5th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+1||3|2|1|-|-|-
6th|
+4|
+2|
+5|
+2||3|2|1|1|-|-|-
7th|
+5|
+2|
+5|
+2||3|2|1|1|-|-|-
8th|
+6|
+2|
+6|
+2||4|3|2|1|1|-|-
9th|
+6|
+3|
+6|
+3||4|3|3|2|1|-|-
10th|
+7|
+3|
+7|
+3|Duo Strike|4|3|3|2|1|1|-
11th|
+8|
+3|
+7|
+3||5|4|4|2|1|1|-
12th|
+9|
+4|
+8|
+4||5|4|4|3|2|1|1
13th|
+9|
+4|
+8|
+4||5|4|4|3|2|2|1
14th|
+10|
+4|
+9|
+4||5|4|4|3|3|2|1
15th|
+11|
+5|
+9|
+5||6|5|5|4|3|2|2
16th|
+12|
+5|
+10|
+5||6|5|5|4|3|3|2
17th|
+12|
+5|
+10|
+5||6|5|5|4|4|3|3
18th|
+13|
+6|
+11|
+6||6|5|5|5|4|4|3
19th|
+14|
+6|
+11|
+6||6|6|6|5|5|4|4
20th|
+15|
+6|
+12|
+6|Mirror, Duo Strike 2/day|7|6|6|5|5|4|4[/table]
Class Features
Weapon Proficiencies: Polymaths are proficient with all simple weapons, three martial weapons of their choice, one exotic weapon, and light armor.
Techniques: Polymaths learn how to use class features by reducing them to an arcane formulae, called techniques. Techniques generally operate the same way as spells do, except for the rules noted here. Polymaths may use techniques spontaneously, like sorcerers cast spells. Techniques are used through technique slots, as listed on the table above.
Polymaths essentially learn how to use class features as though they were spells. When treating a class feature as a spell, the following applies:
Class features learned as spells are known as Techniques
Techniques may only be taken from base classes.
The class feature is treated as a technique of 1/2 the level a normal member of the class would gain it, rounded up (ex. a Polymath learns Wildshape, which Druids learn at level 5. Since 1/2 of that would be 2 1/2, it is treated as a 3rd level spell)
There are two kinds of techniques: constant and usage
Constant techniques, when cast, grant the Polymath access to the class ability for a number of rounds equal to the Polymath's caster level. They may cast as many times as the Polymath likes, so long as the Polymath has a spell slot available to "cast it"
Usage class features are any class feature that has a limited number of uses.
For all purposes except duration for usage class features, the Polymath is treated as having a number of levels in that class equal to his caster level. Duration for such features is treated as though the Polymath had 1/2 his caster level in class levels for the class(Ex. An 8th level Polymath can use Wildshape as an 8th level class, but it only lasts 4 hours (1 hour per class level)
Any improvements to a class feature must be learned as a new technique, treating it as a class feature gained at the level it is improved at.
Polymaths cannot learn spellcasting, or other similar features, as spells. However, they may learn spells, mysteries, and other things, as spells (learning Astral Construct as a 1st level spell). However, Polymaths may only learn one such thing as a technique for each spell level (so only one 0 level technique like this, only one 1st level technique, etc)
Usage techniques cannot be used more times per day than a member of the original class's caster level would be able to use it (ex. An 8th level Polymath cannot cast Wildshape more than 2/day, as that is how many times an 8th level druid may use it)
If a technique requires an action to activate it as it was (like Eldritch blast), it would use that action. Otherwise, a standard action is needed to use the technique.
For techniques that have multiple aspects to them(such as Soul Binding, or Inspiration), the Polymath may only learn one aspect of that class feature as a technique. (ex. a Polymath cannot learn Soul Binding, but she can learn to bind a certain vestige, such as Tenebrous. Another example would be learning the Inspiration class feature. The Polymath cannot learn the class feature as a whole, but instead may learn the Cunning Insight aspect of it.)
0-level techniques (called tricks) simply grant access to any 1st level class features for 1 round.
Polymaths generally know how to cast one technique per technique slot, learning 1 technique every time she gains a slot.
Armored Mage: A Polymath does not suffer from arcane spell failure chance when wearing light armor
Jack of All Trades: At 1st level, the Polymath gains the Jack of All Trades feat as a bonus feat
Duo Strike: At 10th level, the Polymath learns how to blend two techniques. Once per day per 10 class levels, the Polymath may cast two Techniques as a full-round action.
Mirror:At 20th level, the Polymath has learned how to mimic his opponent's attacks to the point where he can copy them perfectly. For a number of rounds per day per 3 class levels, he may become a perfect copy of any opponent within 30 ft. He is identical to them in all aspects except for appearance. However, as a result of this, he does not gain the benefit of any racial traits, feats, or class levels he has when activating this class feature.
Spells not done yet, but PEACH what you can
Done. Please PEACH
Edit:
Polymaths and Qualifying for Feats and PrCs
When qualifying for any feat that has a class feature as a prerequisite, the Polymath is considered as having the class feature. However, Polymaths may not use techniques to qualify as having a certain class feature for PrCs, with the exception of spells and similar things, and then with restrictions. The Polymath may only qualify for a PrC with a spellcasting prerequisite if it requires only that entrants know certain specific spells. Should the Polymath know those spells as techniques, then she qualifies. However, they cannot qualify for a class that requires entrants to be able to cast spells of a certain school or level.
The Polymath
"I don't know everything. I just know how to do everything."
- Kelden Witheran, Polymath
Many people seek a path, traveling down it no matter where it goes, being mature and adhering to the path they've chosen. The Polymath differs than most on this, being an immature kid who races down all the paths he sees, and then runs off one path to find where another one is. Polymaths learn how everyone does what they do - whether it be Wildshaping, healing, or sneaking through the shadows, the Polymath has learned how to do it, and reduced it to an arcane formula, allowing him to draw upon the powers of many classes whenever he needs them.
Races: As can be guessed of most versatile classes, humans make up the majority of Polymaths. Coming after them are half-elves and elves, who relish finding a new way to use magic. Then come the gnomes, eager to find out just how everything works. After them, any member of any race is equally likely to be a Polymath, excepting races that tend to have little intelligence.
Alignment: Polymaths tend to be neutral on all axises, as they intend to learn abilities from all walks of life.
Other classes: Classes that appreciate learning tend to get along with you. You generally get along with other arcane spellcasters as well. Bards and Factotums appreciate your versatality. However, classes that adhere to one path, such as paladins, clerics, and monks merely view you as a fickle person who does not have the mental strength to adhere to a righteous path. They can't say you're not useful, though.
HD: d8
Skills:Any 10, selected at 1st level
Skill Points: 4 + Int mod (x4 at 1st level) skill points
The Polymath
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th
1st|
+0|
+0|
+2|
+0|Spellcasting, Jack of All Trades, Armored Mage|1|1
2nd|
+1|
+0|
+3|
+0| |2|1|-
3rd|
+2|
+1|
+3|
+1||2|1|-|-
4th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+1||2|2|1|-|-
5th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+1||3|2|1|-|-|-
6th|
+4|
+2|
+5|
+2||3|2|1|1|-|-|-
7th|
+5|
+2|
+5|
+2||3|2|1|1|-|-|-
8th|
+6|
+2|
+6|
+2||4|3|2|1|1|-|-
9th|
+6|
+3|
+6|
+3||4|3|3|2|1|-|-
10th|
+7|
+3|
+7|
+3|Duo Strike|4|3|3|2|1|1|-
11th|
+8|
+3|
+7|
+3||5|4|4|2|1|1|-
12th|
+9|
+4|
+8|
+4||5|4|4|3|2|1|1
13th|
+9|
+4|
+8|
+4||5|4|4|3|2|2|1
14th|
+10|
+4|
+9|
+4||5|4|4|3|3|2|1
15th|
+11|
+5|
+9|
+5||6|5|5|4|3|2|2
16th|
+12|
+5|
+10|
+5||6|5|5|4|3|3|2
17th|
+12|
+5|
+10|
+5||6|5|5|4|4|3|3
18th|
+13|
+6|
+11|
+6||6|5|5|5|4|4|3
19th|
+14|
+6|
+11|
+6||6|6|6|5|5|4|4
20th|
+15|
+6|
+12|
+6|Mirror, Duo Strike 2/day|7|6|6|5|5|4|4[/table]
Class Features
Weapon Proficiencies: Polymaths are proficient with all simple weapons, three martial weapons of their choice, one exotic weapon, and light armor.
Techniques: Polymaths learn how to use class features by reducing them to an arcane formulae, called techniques. Techniques generally operate the same way as spells do, except for the rules noted here. Polymaths may use techniques spontaneously, like sorcerers cast spells. Techniques are used through technique slots, as listed on the table above.
Polymaths essentially learn how to use class features as though they were spells. When treating a class feature as a spell, the following applies:
Class features learned as spells are known as Techniques
Techniques may only be taken from base classes.
The class feature is treated as a technique of 1/2 the level a normal member of the class would gain it, rounded up (ex. a Polymath learns Wildshape, which Druids learn at level 5. Since 1/2 of that would be 2 1/2, it is treated as a 3rd level spell)
There are two kinds of techniques: constant and usage
Constant techniques, when cast, grant the Polymath access to the class ability for a number of rounds equal to the Polymath's caster level. They may cast as many times as the Polymath likes, so long as the Polymath has a spell slot available to "cast it"
Usage class features are any class feature that has a limited number of uses.
For all purposes except duration for usage class features, the Polymath is treated as having a number of levels in that class equal to his caster level. Duration for such features is treated as though the Polymath had 1/2 his caster level in class levels for the class(Ex. An 8th level Polymath can use Wildshape as an 8th level class, but it only lasts 4 hours (1 hour per class level)
Any improvements to a class feature must be learned as a new technique, treating it as a class feature gained at the level it is improved at.
Polymaths cannot learn spellcasting, or other similar features, as spells. However, they may learn spells, mysteries, and other things, as spells (learning Astral Construct as a 1st level spell). However, Polymaths may only learn one such thing as a technique for each spell level (so only one 0 level technique like this, only one 1st level technique, etc)
Usage techniques cannot be used more times per day than a member of the original class's caster level would be able to use it (ex. An 8th level Polymath cannot cast Wildshape more than 2/day, as that is how many times an 8th level druid may use it)
If a technique requires an action to activate it as it was (like Eldritch blast), it would use that action. Otherwise, a standard action is needed to use the technique.
For techniques that have multiple aspects to them(such as Soul Binding, or Inspiration), the Polymath may only learn one aspect of that class feature as a technique. (ex. a Polymath cannot learn Soul Binding, but she can learn to bind a certain vestige, such as Tenebrous. Another example would be learning the Inspiration class feature. The Polymath cannot learn the class feature as a whole, but instead may learn the Cunning Insight aspect of it.)
0-level techniques (called tricks) simply grant access to any 1st level class features for 1 round.
Polymaths generally know how to cast one technique per technique slot, learning 1 technique every time she gains a slot.
Armored Mage: A Polymath does not suffer from arcane spell failure chance when wearing light armor
Jack of All Trades: At 1st level, the Polymath gains the Jack of All Trades feat as a bonus feat
Duo Strike: At 10th level, the Polymath learns how to blend two techniques. Once per day per 10 class levels, the Polymath may cast two Techniques as a full-round action.
Mirror:At 20th level, the Polymath has learned how to mimic his opponent's attacks to the point where he can copy them perfectly. For a number of rounds per day per 3 class levels, he may become a perfect copy of any opponent within 30 ft. He is identical to them in all aspects except for appearance. However, as a result of this, he does not gain the benefit of any racial traits, feats, or class levels he has when activating this class feature.
Spells not done yet, but PEACH what you can
Done. Please PEACH
Edit:
Polymaths and Qualifying for Feats and PrCs
When qualifying for any feat that has a class feature as a prerequisite, the Polymath is considered as having the class feature. However, Polymaths may not use techniques to qualify as having a certain class feature for PrCs, with the exception of spells and similar things, and then with restrictions. The Polymath may only qualify for a PrC with a spellcasting prerequisite if it requires only that entrants know certain specific spells. Should the Polymath know those spells as techniques, then she qualifies. However, they cannot qualify for a class that requires entrants to be able to cast spells of a certain school or level.