geez3r
2007-01-09, 05:34 PM
See my notes at the end of the post.
The Predator
"Let the hunt begin." Ken’tak, human predator
Adventures: Predators adventure for only a few reasons. Most of the time, it is because there is a shortage of food in the old habitat and they are looking for more food. Other times a predator was exploring, and expanding its territory when it stumbled upon some semblance of civilization and is intrigued about what is sees, and goes to investigate. Other times a predator is curious about what else is out in the world, and would like to challenge other animals, to see which is superior. Most of the time, a predator adventures either for survival or curiosity.
Characteristics: A predator is a quick and nimble warrior that has more in common with an animal than anything else. They cross all manner of terrain with unmatched speed and skill, and shred their foes with their wickedly sharp claws. A predator can temporarily increase their impressive battle skills, a few times a day, but they are winded thereafter. A predator may even impart some of its killer instincts to its allies and strike fear into the hearts of their foes.
Alignment: Predators are never lawful. More often than not, a predator is true neutral like the animals they have so much in common with. However, those that bend towards good or evil are not unknown, though very rare.
Religion: A religious predator is about as common as a campfire at the bottom of the ocean.
Background: Predators are almost exclusively from some undiscovered and remote area, almost entirely devoid of even the most primitive of tools. Often times, they stumble upon civilized lands completely by mistake. Other times, they are driven from their homeland for one reason or another. Rarely is there any sort of tribal society with predators, but there are the occasional exception.
Races: Predators are somewhat common among the savage humanoids, but often times, these races have too much of a civilized society to have many predators in their midst. Being a predator is not something a person chooses to be. Either they are or they aren’t.
Other Classes: Druids, rangers and barbarians are likely the only classes likely to even remotely understand a predator. However their first encounter might be strained as a predator might see their animal companion as food rather than friend. However, once the initial meeting is over, a party will undoubtedly acknowledge how great of an asset a predator is in the wild, and at the same time how much of a liability they are in civilized areas.
Game Rule Information
Abilities: Strength is important to a predator because of their role in combat. However, Dexterity is equally important because several class skills have it as their key ability, it helps predators to avoid taking damage, and a high Dexterity is required for many feats a predator would consider. Wisdom is also important because it keeps the predator aware of their environment and many of their class features use Wisdom. Constitution is also important to give a predator more Hp.
Alignment: Any non-lawful.
Hit Die: d8
Class Skills: Balance, Climb, Heal, Hide, Intimidate, Jump, Knowledge (nature), Listen, Move Silently, Spot, Survival, Swim, and Tumble
Skill Points at First level: ( 6+ Int modifier) x 4
Skill Points Per Level: 6+Int
{table="head"]Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort | Ref |Will | Special
1 | +1| +2 | +2 |+0 | Feral Traits
2 | +2| +3 | +3 |+0 | Woodland Stride
3 | +3| +3 | +3 |+1 | Nimble Movement
4 | +4| +4 | +4 | +1| Tough Body
5 | +5| +4 | +4 |+1 | Uncanny Dodge
6 | +6/+1| +5 | +5 |+2 | -
7 | +7/+2| +5 | +5 |+2 | Poisoned Claws
8 | +8/+3| +6 | +6 |+2 | Beastial Metamorphosis
9 | +9/+4| +6 | +6 |+3 | Eye of the Beast
10 | +10/+5| +7 | +7 |+3 | Primal Howl 1/day
11 | +11/+6/+1| +7 | +7 |+3 | Greater Nimble Movement
12 | +12/+7/+2| +8 | +8 |+4 | -
13 | +13/+8/+3| +8 | +8 |+4 | Hide in Plain Sight
14 | +14/+9/+4| +9 | +9 |+4 | Improved Poisoned Claws
15 | +15/+10/+5| +9 | +9 |+5 | Primal Howl 2/day
16 | +16/+11/+6/+1| +10 | +10 |+5 | -
17 | +17/+12/+7/+2| +10 | +10 |+5 | Flawless Nimble Movement
18 | +18/+13/+8/+3| +11 | +11 |+6 | -
19 | +19/+14/+9/+4| +11 | +11 |+6 | -
20 | +20/+15/+10/+5| +12 | +12 |+6 | Primal Howl 3/day, Beastial Transformation
[/table]
Class Features:
Armor and Weapon Proficiency: A predator is proficient only with their own claws. They have trained their bodies as their own means of attack and defense, anything else simply feels too odd to be efficient. A predator cannot use any of their abilities while armored or when using manufactured weapons.
Feral Traits (Ex):
A predator is simply a complete savage. Over time, their ancestors have adapted to deal with their environment. This has several advantages, and several disadvantages. Firstly, a predator takes a –2 circumstance penalty on all cross-class skills. They have become so highly adapted to their own environment that they cannot cope with civilized tasks. Secondly, a predator is also affected by spells and spell-like abilities that affect only animals, such as hold animal. Thirdly, they gain 2 claw attacks, that deal damage as per the following table, based upon the predator’s size. Fourthly, their feral appearance (many usually have sharper teeth, cat-like eyes, claws, etc.) and demeanor, give them a +4 circumstance bonus to Intimidate checks. Finally, a predator uses its instinct to aid them in a fight, and they add their Wisdom modifier as a dodge bonus to AC. This bonus is lost any time a predator would be denied their Dex to AC.
{table="head"]Level | Small | Medium | Large
1st-3rd | 1d4 | 1d6 | 1d8
4th-7th | 1d6 | 1d8 | 2d6
8th-11th | 1d8 | 1d10 | 2d8
12th-15th | 1d10 | 2d6 | 3d6
16th-19th | 2d6 | 2d8 | 3d8
20th | 2d8 | 2d10 | 4d8
[/table]
Woodland Stride (Ex)
Starting at 2nd level, a predator may move through any sort of undergrowth (such as natural thorns, briars, overgrown areas, and similar terrain) at her normal speed and without taking damage or suffering any other impairment. However, thorns, briars, and overgrown areas that have been magically manipulated to impede motion still affect her.
Tough Body (Ex)
At 4th level, a predator gains a natural armor bonus of +1 (or existing natural armor increases by 1). This bonus increases by 1 at 8th level and 4 levels thereafter.
Nimble Movement (Ex)
A predator must stalk their prey in a wide variety of terrain, and as a result are incredibly adapted to this type of movement. A predator of 3rd level gains a +2 bonus to all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Swim and Tumble checks. A predator also increases their base land speed by 10ft.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
Starting at 5th level, a predator can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
Poisoned Claws (Su)
At 7th level, a predator’s claws become poisonous. On a successful hit with their claws, a foe must succeed a Fort save (DC 10 + ½ predator class level + predator’s Con modifier) or take 1d2 Str damage. They must make a second save 1 minute later or take 1d12 damage (not Str damage). A predator is immune to their own poison, but not the poison of another predator.
Bestial Metamorphosis (Ex)
At 8th level, a predator becomes notably more beast-like. A predator gains low-light vision, and the scent ability (unless they already had them, in which case there is no effect). A predator also gains a bite attack that deals damage as their claw attack, only 2 categories lower (as given on above table). For example, a 8th level predator's claw attack deals 1d10 damage, and their bite attack deals 1d6. A predator also gains the Multi-attack feat as a bonus feat.
Eyes of the Beast (Ex)
At 9th level, a predator’s instincts are taken up a notch. Against all foes that a predator knows the exact location (in which square(s) it resides) of a predator may add their Wis modifier (if positive) to melee attack and damage.
Primal Howl (Su)
As a full-round action that provokes an attack of opportunity, a predator may issue a long, piercing howl, infused with their killer instincts. All foes within a 80ft. radius that hear this howl (base Listen DC –10) are affected by this, unless they make a Will save (DC 10 + ½ predator’s class level + predator’s Wis modifier). On a failed save, the foes take a moral penalty equal to ½ the predator’s Wis modifier (round down) on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. Allies that hear the howl are affected in the opposite manner, gaining a moral bonus of the same strength to these rolls. The affects of the howl last a number of rounds equal to ½ the predator’s class level + the Predator’s Wis modifier. While the howl is in effect, a predator may only use ½ their Wis modifier (round down) for their Eyes of the Beast ability. This is a mind affecting agent. After the duration of a Primal Howl is over, a predator is fatigued for 1 minute, and they cannot Howl again for 1d3 hours.
Greater Nimble Movement (Ex)
A predator of 11th level gains a further +2 bonus (for a total of +4) to all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Swim and Tumble checks. A predator also increases their base land speed by a further 10ft (for a total of +20ft). Furthermore, a predator may charge over difficult terrain and obstacles (though a check may be necessary to clear those areas).
Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)
While in any sort of natural terrain, a predator of 13th level or higher can use the Hide skill even while being observed.
Improved Poisoned Claws (Su)
At 14th level, a predator’s poison becomes more potent. It deals initial damage of 1d4 Str damage and secondary damage of 2d12.
Flawless Nimble Movement (Ex)
A predator of 17th level gains a further +2 bonus (for a total of +6) to all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Swim and Tumble checks. A predator also increases their base land speed by a further 10ft (for a total of +30ft). Furthermore, a predator may charge over difficult terrain and obstacles (though a check may be necessary to clear those areas). Finally, a predator may take a 10 on these checks even if distracted or threatened.
Beastial Transformation (Ex)
A predator of 20th level, has adapted so heavily to savage environments they they are no longer considered "humanoid" for any spells or effects that only target humanoids. A predator no longer walks upright, but instead on all fours, gaining a +5ft. bonus to their base land speed. Finally a predator gains a +2 bonus to one of their physical ability scores.
Multiclass Note
Like any other character a predator may be a multiclass character. However, predators face a special restriction. A creature must take a predator level at first level (or first level after racial HD) and if they multi-class to another class they can never again raise their predator level though they retain all class features.
================================================
My notes: Those that have seen my classes realize that I make rather powerful, but also rather specialized classes. This is my next attempt at a class, which I came up with this morning as I was trying to go to sleep.
Anyways, because I really didn't like the "nature-based" classes to much. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against the barbarian, ranger or druid, I just didn't like aspects of the fluff associated with them. So rather than complain, I did something about it.
I didn't like how a barbarian basically clunked around the wilderness, and got angry. If you did that for real, or even in game, critters would come out of the wood work to eat your face.
I didn't like how the ranger had spells, and I never really liked the favored enemy stuff.
Druid... just no. Druid is not the type of character I want.
So at about 2am I came up with the abomination you see above, then went to sleep. I woke up and made the class and posted it here.
I was debating giving the class either a sneak attack or death attack type of thing, but I decided against it. However, looking back on the class, I think I need to or make their claws more powerful.
Whatever, post all of your questions and/ or comments and/or suggestions.
The Predator
"Let the hunt begin." Ken’tak, human predator
Adventures: Predators adventure for only a few reasons. Most of the time, it is because there is a shortage of food in the old habitat and they are looking for more food. Other times a predator was exploring, and expanding its territory when it stumbled upon some semblance of civilization and is intrigued about what is sees, and goes to investigate. Other times a predator is curious about what else is out in the world, and would like to challenge other animals, to see which is superior. Most of the time, a predator adventures either for survival or curiosity.
Characteristics: A predator is a quick and nimble warrior that has more in common with an animal than anything else. They cross all manner of terrain with unmatched speed and skill, and shred their foes with their wickedly sharp claws. A predator can temporarily increase their impressive battle skills, a few times a day, but they are winded thereafter. A predator may even impart some of its killer instincts to its allies and strike fear into the hearts of their foes.
Alignment: Predators are never lawful. More often than not, a predator is true neutral like the animals they have so much in common with. However, those that bend towards good or evil are not unknown, though very rare.
Religion: A religious predator is about as common as a campfire at the bottom of the ocean.
Background: Predators are almost exclusively from some undiscovered and remote area, almost entirely devoid of even the most primitive of tools. Often times, they stumble upon civilized lands completely by mistake. Other times, they are driven from their homeland for one reason or another. Rarely is there any sort of tribal society with predators, but there are the occasional exception.
Races: Predators are somewhat common among the savage humanoids, but often times, these races have too much of a civilized society to have many predators in their midst. Being a predator is not something a person chooses to be. Either they are or they aren’t.
Other Classes: Druids, rangers and barbarians are likely the only classes likely to even remotely understand a predator. However their first encounter might be strained as a predator might see their animal companion as food rather than friend. However, once the initial meeting is over, a party will undoubtedly acknowledge how great of an asset a predator is in the wild, and at the same time how much of a liability they are in civilized areas.
Game Rule Information
Abilities: Strength is important to a predator because of their role in combat. However, Dexterity is equally important because several class skills have it as their key ability, it helps predators to avoid taking damage, and a high Dexterity is required for many feats a predator would consider. Wisdom is also important because it keeps the predator aware of their environment and many of their class features use Wisdom. Constitution is also important to give a predator more Hp.
Alignment: Any non-lawful.
Hit Die: d8
Class Skills: Balance, Climb, Heal, Hide, Intimidate, Jump, Knowledge (nature), Listen, Move Silently, Spot, Survival, Swim, and Tumble
Skill Points at First level: ( 6+ Int modifier) x 4
Skill Points Per Level: 6+Int
{table="head"]Level | Base Attack Bonus | Fort | Ref |Will | Special
1 | +1| +2 | +2 |+0 | Feral Traits
2 | +2| +3 | +3 |+0 | Woodland Stride
3 | +3| +3 | +3 |+1 | Nimble Movement
4 | +4| +4 | +4 | +1| Tough Body
5 | +5| +4 | +4 |+1 | Uncanny Dodge
6 | +6/+1| +5 | +5 |+2 | -
7 | +7/+2| +5 | +5 |+2 | Poisoned Claws
8 | +8/+3| +6 | +6 |+2 | Beastial Metamorphosis
9 | +9/+4| +6 | +6 |+3 | Eye of the Beast
10 | +10/+5| +7 | +7 |+3 | Primal Howl 1/day
11 | +11/+6/+1| +7 | +7 |+3 | Greater Nimble Movement
12 | +12/+7/+2| +8 | +8 |+4 | -
13 | +13/+8/+3| +8 | +8 |+4 | Hide in Plain Sight
14 | +14/+9/+4| +9 | +9 |+4 | Improved Poisoned Claws
15 | +15/+10/+5| +9 | +9 |+5 | Primal Howl 2/day
16 | +16/+11/+6/+1| +10 | +10 |+5 | -
17 | +17/+12/+7/+2| +10 | +10 |+5 | Flawless Nimble Movement
18 | +18/+13/+8/+3| +11 | +11 |+6 | -
19 | +19/+14/+9/+4| +11 | +11 |+6 | -
20 | +20/+15/+10/+5| +12 | +12 |+6 | Primal Howl 3/day, Beastial Transformation
[/table]
Class Features:
Armor and Weapon Proficiency: A predator is proficient only with their own claws. They have trained their bodies as their own means of attack and defense, anything else simply feels too odd to be efficient. A predator cannot use any of their abilities while armored or when using manufactured weapons.
Feral Traits (Ex):
A predator is simply a complete savage. Over time, their ancestors have adapted to deal with their environment. This has several advantages, and several disadvantages. Firstly, a predator takes a –2 circumstance penalty on all cross-class skills. They have become so highly adapted to their own environment that they cannot cope with civilized tasks. Secondly, a predator is also affected by spells and spell-like abilities that affect only animals, such as hold animal. Thirdly, they gain 2 claw attacks, that deal damage as per the following table, based upon the predator’s size. Fourthly, their feral appearance (many usually have sharper teeth, cat-like eyes, claws, etc.) and demeanor, give them a +4 circumstance bonus to Intimidate checks. Finally, a predator uses its instinct to aid them in a fight, and they add their Wisdom modifier as a dodge bonus to AC. This bonus is lost any time a predator would be denied their Dex to AC.
{table="head"]Level | Small | Medium | Large
1st-3rd | 1d4 | 1d6 | 1d8
4th-7th | 1d6 | 1d8 | 2d6
8th-11th | 1d8 | 1d10 | 2d8
12th-15th | 1d10 | 2d6 | 3d6
16th-19th | 2d6 | 2d8 | 3d8
20th | 2d8 | 2d10 | 4d8
[/table]
Woodland Stride (Ex)
Starting at 2nd level, a predator may move through any sort of undergrowth (such as natural thorns, briars, overgrown areas, and similar terrain) at her normal speed and without taking damage or suffering any other impairment. However, thorns, briars, and overgrown areas that have been magically manipulated to impede motion still affect her.
Tough Body (Ex)
At 4th level, a predator gains a natural armor bonus of +1 (or existing natural armor increases by 1). This bonus increases by 1 at 8th level and 4 levels thereafter.
Nimble Movement (Ex)
A predator must stalk their prey in a wide variety of terrain, and as a result are incredibly adapted to this type of movement. A predator of 3rd level gains a +2 bonus to all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Swim and Tumble checks. A predator also increases their base land speed by 10ft.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex)
Starting at 5th level, a predator can react to danger before her senses would normally allow her to do so. She retains her Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) even if she is caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. However, she still loses her Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.
Poisoned Claws (Su)
At 7th level, a predator’s claws become poisonous. On a successful hit with their claws, a foe must succeed a Fort save (DC 10 + ½ predator class level + predator’s Con modifier) or take 1d2 Str damage. They must make a second save 1 minute later or take 1d12 damage (not Str damage). A predator is immune to their own poison, but not the poison of another predator.
Bestial Metamorphosis (Ex)
At 8th level, a predator becomes notably more beast-like. A predator gains low-light vision, and the scent ability (unless they already had them, in which case there is no effect). A predator also gains a bite attack that deals damage as their claw attack, only 2 categories lower (as given on above table). For example, a 8th level predator's claw attack deals 1d10 damage, and their bite attack deals 1d6. A predator also gains the Multi-attack feat as a bonus feat.
Eyes of the Beast (Ex)
At 9th level, a predator’s instincts are taken up a notch. Against all foes that a predator knows the exact location (in which square(s) it resides) of a predator may add their Wis modifier (if positive) to melee attack and damage.
Primal Howl (Su)
As a full-round action that provokes an attack of opportunity, a predator may issue a long, piercing howl, infused with their killer instincts. All foes within a 80ft. radius that hear this howl (base Listen DC –10) are affected by this, unless they make a Will save (DC 10 + ½ predator’s class level + predator’s Wis modifier). On a failed save, the foes take a moral penalty equal to ½ the predator’s Wis modifier (round down) on attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. Allies that hear the howl are affected in the opposite manner, gaining a moral bonus of the same strength to these rolls. The affects of the howl last a number of rounds equal to ½ the predator’s class level + the Predator’s Wis modifier. While the howl is in effect, a predator may only use ½ their Wis modifier (round down) for their Eyes of the Beast ability. This is a mind affecting agent. After the duration of a Primal Howl is over, a predator is fatigued for 1 minute, and they cannot Howl again for 1d3 hours.
Greater Nimble Movement (Ex)
A predator of 11th level gains a further +2 bonus (for a total of +4) to all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Swim and Tumble checks. A predator also increases their base land speed by a further 10ft (for a total of +20ft). Furthermore, a predator may charge over difficult terrain and obstacles (though a check may be necessary to clear those areas).
Hide in Plain Sight (Ex)
While in any sort of natural terrain, a predator of 13th level or higher can use the Hide skill even while being observed.
Improved Poisoned Claws (Su)
At 14th level, a predator’s poison becomes more potent. It deals initial damage of 1d4 Str damage and secondary damage of 2d12.
Flawless Nimble Movement (Ex)
A predator of 17th level gains a further +2 bonus (for a total of +6) to all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Swim and Tumble checks. A predator also increases their base land speed by a further 10ft (for a total of +30ft). Furthermore, a predator may charge over difficult terrain and obstacles (though a check may be necessary to clear those areas). Finally, a predator may take a 10 on these checks even if distracted or threatened.
Beastial Transformation (Ex)
A predator of 20th level, has adapted so heavily to savage environments they they are no longer considered "humanoid" for any spells or effects that only target humanoids. A predator no longer walks upright, but instead on all fours, gaining a +5ft. bonus to their base land speed. Finally a predator gains a +2 bonus to one of their physical ability scores.
Multiclass Note
Like any other character a predator may be a multiclass character. However, predators face a special restriction. A creature must take a predator level at first level (or first level after racial HD) and if they multi-class to another class they can never again raise their predator level though they retain all class features.
================================================
My notes: Those that have seen my classes realize that I make rather powerful, but also rather specialized classes. This is my next attempt at a class, which I came up with this morning as I was trying to go to sleep.
Anyways, because I really didn't like the "nature-based" classes to much. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against the barbarian, ranger or druid, I just didn't like aspects of the fluff associated with them. So rather than complain, I did something about it.
I didn't like how a barbarian basically clunked around the wilderness, and got angry. If you did that for real, or even in game, critters would come out of the wood work to eat your face.
I didn't like how the ranger had spells, and I never really liked the favored enemy stuff.
Druid... just no. Druid is not the type of character I want.
So at about 2am I came up with the abomination you see above, then went to sleep. I woke up and made the class and posted it here.
I was debating giving the class either a sneak attack or death attack type of thing, but I decided against it. However, looking back on the class, I think I need to or make their claws more powerful.
Whatever, post all of your questions and/ or comments and/or suggestions.