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View Full Version : The Generalist (prestige class, PEACH)



CaptainPlatypus
2011-04-25, 10:35 PM
This is a concept I've had bouncing around in my head for a while as a way for skillmonkeys to get a little more utility in combat (specifically against save-or-sucks and when using high-risk-high-reward abilities). I'm not at all sure how good the balance is at this point, or even the concept, so all criticism is appreciated. :smallsmile:

The Generalist

Prerequisites:
To become a Generalist, a character must have at least one rank in a minimum of ten skills, and 8 ranks in at least three different knowledge skills.

{table=head]Lvl|BAB|Fort|Ref|Will|Special
1st|+0|+0|+0|+2|Quick Learner, There's A Trick For That (1/encounter), Intuition (skills)
2nd|+1|+0|+0|+3| Applicable Knowledge, Intuition (attacks)
3rd|+1|+1|+1|+3|There's A Trick For That (2/encounter), Intuition (AC)
4th|+2|+1|+1|+4|Startlingly Specific, Intuition (damage)
5th|+2|+1|+1|+4|Just As I Suspected, There's A Trick For That (3/encounter), Intuition (saves)[/table]

Hit Die: d6

Class Skills (8+Int modifier per level)
The Generalist can treat all skills as class skills. However, this does not grant the Generalist access to skills they could otherwise not obtain by any realistic means. For example, a Generalist cannot gain access to the Iajutsu Focus skill if she cannot find at least one text describing the skill or user of the skill willing to discuss at least its basics with her.

Class Features
The following are class features of the Generalist.

Quick Learner (Ex): The Generalist's voracious appetite for knowledge of all sorts allows him to learn faster than others. If training rules are used, he takes only half the normal amount of time to train. He may also learn languages and skill tricks with only one skill point instead of two.

There's A Trick For That (Ex): The Generalist's broad array of knowledge lets him take the ideal action in nearly every circumstance. Once per encounter, he may apply half his modifier to a relevant skill to his result on any d20 roll, in addition to any other modifiers. Alternatively, it can be applied to increase the DC of a special ability he possesses, though in this case he gains only one-quarter of his modifier to the skill. He must make this decision before seeing the result of the roll. This ability is usable twice per encounter at 3rd level and three times per encounter at 5th level.

Intuition (Ex): The Generalist's dizzyingly vast knowledge allows him to make extraordinary intuitive leaps. This greater understanding allows him to add his Intelligence modifier (in addition to any other modifiers) as an insight bonus on all skill checks. He may apply this bonus to attack rolls at 2nd level, his Armor Class at 3rd level, melee and ranged damage rolls at 4th level, and saving throws at 5th level.

Applicable Knowledge (Ex): The Generalist is an expert at applying various types of knowledge to other situations. At 2nd level, he may double all synergy bonuses he receives.

Startlingly Specific: The Generalist's knowledge in a particular area is sometimes far deeper than anyone would expect. At 4th level, he may emulate the effects of a feat of his choice for one round once per day, as long as he meets at least one prerequisite of the feat. This ability cannot be used to grant him any special abilities he does not otherwise possess, except as specifically mentioned by the feat - he cannot, for example, gain spellcasting abilities by taking a feat designed to enhance those previously possessed.

Just As I Suspected (Ex): At 5th level, the Generalist's intuition can catch up with situations just in the nick of time. He may apply his There's A Trick For That bonus after seeing the result of the roll.

BlackBirds
2011-04-26, 12:05 AM
The Quick Learner ability seems a tad redundent. if they treat all skills as class skills then don't they gain speak language? and as such can learn languages for 1 point anyway? or does that mean they can gain a rank in the skill for 1 point across all classes they have?

Zaydos
2011-04-26, 12:13 AM
The Intuition ability is rather very strong. It's Int to everything. I mean factotum can do most of it (but not the saves or most of the skills), but at a cost of 1 inspiration point each time so they can't keep it up long (at 13th level they could add Int to Attack and Damage for a single full attack and to their AC against 2 foes for 1 round; they could use feats to increase this number but the feat [from WotC's website] is generally not allowed to be used more than about 3 times and that just lets them do it for 2 rounds instead of 1). Although this doesn't stack with Knowledge Devotion at least it still is rather a bit too much of a bonus.

CaptainPlatypus
2011-04-26, 12:57 AM
The Quick Learner ability seems a tad redundent. if they treat all skills as class skills then don't they gain speak language? and as such can learn languages for 1 point anyway? or does that mean they can gain a rank in the skill for 1 point across all classes they have?

Ah, that's a good point. Forgot Speak Language was an available class skill.



The Intuition ability is rather very strong. It's Int to everything. I mean factotum can do most of it (but not the saves or most of the skills), but at a cost of 1 inspiration point each time so they can't keep it up long (at 13th level they could add Int to Attack and Damage for a single full attack and to their AC against 2 foes for 1 round; they could use feats to increase this number but the feat [from WotC's website] is generally not allowed to be used more than about 3 times and that just lets them do it for 2 rounds instead of 1). Although this doesn't stack with Knowledge Devotion at least it still is rather a bit too much of a bonus.

That's a fair criticism. Keep in mind, though, the class has one good save, a d6 hit die, and no casting (or other) progression, and you need all five levels of it to get the "int to everything". Yeah, you get other bonuses as well, but IMO the terrible numbers otherwise make it reasonable. Of course, I could easily be wrong.

Tacitus
2011-04-26, 04:59 AM
Consider for a moment a 17th level wizard. Yeah, he could go for those last three levels, maybe some archmage. But with Practiced Spellcaster and 3 levels of this class he gains a massive skill boost, Int to AC all the time as what looks to be an untyped bonus, a much easier time of hitting with any rays he'll be tossing, and a bigger HD. Why the hell not?