Loek
2014-04-01, 09:58 AM
So, let me start by introducing what I've been doing (so you can decide if you want to keep reading), especially since it is quite a bit of a read.
Below is a homebrewed base class together with 4 feats and 3 prestige classes specifically for that class (one of them is epic and adaptable to other base classes).
The basic inspiration came from two sides. Thematically cool, but hard to play DnD material (soulknife, green star adapt). And an old anime series that I recently noticed again (Technoman Blade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekkaman_Blade)).
Below you'll find the following classes:
Disciple of the gem: A base class, combining a (boosted, non psionic) soulknife with a transformational class. The class isn't designed to be uber/super/awesome/whatever, it's designed to be decent at a lot of things. And to be almighty in cases where you don't have access to equipment. He gains a personal gem (psi-crystal like - I should note that I'm personally against the whole "the big one is with me" stuff), complete with rules for how to create/re-create it.
Magic breaker: A prestige class that focuses on the "war against magic" at the expense of just about everything else. Gains spell like abilities that are all focused on stopping magic, but loses a lot of optoins for the gemcraft enhancements (similar to the soulknife's mind blade enhancements). Eventually he basically gains a beholders central eye, but at the cost of having unreliable/annoying magic items.
Onyx-bound soul: A prestige class that replaces the last 5 levels of the disciple of the gem class. Instead of becoming a construct, you become a lich. And you gain a more flexible choice of spells to cast.
Sardiorian: A prestige class with a very annoying name (derived from Sardior (https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20030124a), the god of gem dragons). Basically it's an epic prestige class that does what I'd have like to see from the dragon disciple class. Turns you into a dragon instead of a half-dragon, and because the disciple class is not a spellcasting class, it doesn't ruin your casting progression.
Now what:
I think I've gotten the basic things done by now, but I'd like to hear what you guys think, would change, etc.
Below are some specific things I've been wondering:
Disciple of the gem: To many abilities? Too strong with the gemcraft weapons/protection/projection? Gem dependency, cool mechanic or to be ignored (or made cheaper/more expensive)?
Magic breaker: Perfect NPC or also enjoyable for playing?
Onyx-bound soul: Currently lacking a "thing to call his own", needs something awesomely his. Something like turning, giving his gemcraft weapon/protection to an undead (including the ability to raise that undead)... or something.
Sardiorian: To be honest I love this one, except maybe that name...
Feats: Practiced gemcrafter... split personal gem and gemcraft improvement... or keep it as one feat?
PS: the following plans are in the works to complete the class with its prestige classes (note: "in the works" means sometime, somewhere, somehow...):
• Fighter like prestige class (10 level) - bonus feats, full BaB and additional forms for the weapons. Probably with some abilities like the warmind.
• Archer prestige class (5-10 level) - lesser penalty for gemcraft projection (arrow), some special arrows like arcane archer/soulbow
• Ambush archer prestige class (5 levels) - Using your personal gem more efficiently for scouting/archer-ing. Maybe include class feature/magic item to have a number of lesser personal gems.
• Knight (technoman) prestige class (10 levels) - combining both forms of gemcraft protection. Hover/levitating, a mount (like: floating disk, or some such) and some more stuff.
• (possible) transformational prestige class for the magic breaker - Become an abberation, free abberant feats and possible regaining some SLA's that don't focus explicitly on anti-magic.
Disciple of the gem
Disciples of the gem do not only see the beauty and strength of the gems of the world. They also see that no one gem is identical to another. This combination of (perceived) worth and variety leads a gem disciple to his study (and in some cases worship) of a specific type of gem. The existence of gem dragons only serves to enhance the disciple's opinions. While becoming one with their chosen gem is not the main goal for most disciples, it is not a fate they have any problems with.
Being independent is an important goal for most disciples of the gem. But more important than that is the drive to achieve strength and perfection (mental, physical, magical, emotional or otherwise). For most disciples, this achievement is a goal in itself. They don't need to brag about it, achieving and knowing about it is enough.
Most disciples of the gem have a certain disdain towards people can't provide for themselves. While they understand the usefulness of communities and realizes not everyone can be fully self sufficient, they regard the cleric (who gains most of his ability by "begging" a higher being) and the fighter (who is lost without his weapon) as weak.
While they generally don't appreciate clerics, they are not anti-god. Sardior (the ruby dragon) and his pursuit of knowledge is often important to disciples of the gem, but other gods that promote self sufficiency, knowledge and/or strength are also acknowledge (but rarely worshipped).
Game rule information
Disciples of the gem have the following game statistics.
Abilities: Depending on the individual disciple of the gem and their (non) combat needs, different abilities are central to their performance. However, something most disciples have in common is better than average intelligence, which gives them more skill points and better gemcraft projections.
Alignment: Any
Hit Die: d8
Starting Age: Moderate
Class skills
The disciple of the gem's class skills (and the key ability in each skill) are Autohypnosis (Wis), Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex).
Skill points at 1st level: (6 + Int modifier) X 4
Skill points at each additional level: 6 + Int modifier
Level BAB Fort Save Ref Save Will Save Special gemcraft bonus gemcraft enhancement formation speed
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Gem affinity, gem dependency, personal gem, gemcraft weapon (blade) standard
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Formation speed, weapon focus (gemcraft) move
3rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Gemcraft weapon (focused or refracted)
4th +3 +1 +4 +4 Gemcraft improvement 1 1
5th +3 +1 +4 +4 swift
6th +4 +2 +5 +5 Gemcraft protection (barrier or skin) swift/move
7th +5 +2 +5 +5 Eye for detail (spot) 2
8th +6/+1 +2 +6 +6 2 free/swift
9th +6/+1 +3 +7 +7 Gemcraft projection (arrow or spell)
10th +7/+2 +3 +7 +7 Crystaline essence, eye for detail (illusions) 3
11th +8/+3 +3 +8 +8 Greater weapon focus (gemcraft) free/free
12th +9/+4 +4 +8 +8 Advanced gemcraft weapon 3
13th +9/+4 +4 +9 +9 Eye for detail (low-light vision) 4
14th +10/+5 +4 +9 +9
15th +11/+6/+1 +5 +10 +10 Advanced gemcraft protection
16th +12/+7/+2 +5 +10 +10 Eye for detail (darkvision) 5 4
17th +12/+7/+2 +5 +11 +11
18th +13/+8/+3 +6 +11 +11 Advanced gemcraft projection
19th +14/+9/+4 +6 +12 +12 Eye for detail (true seeing) 6
20th +15/+10/+5 +6 +12 +12 Harmony of the gem, crystaline essence 5
Class Features
All the following are class features of the disciple of the gem
Weapon and armor proficiency: Disciples of the gem are proficient with all simple weapons, their crystalline weapons (and tools), and with light and medium armor and shields (except tower shields).
Gem affinity: When you take your first level in disciple of the gem, you must choose a specific type of gem with which you have a special connection. This choice affects your diet (see: Gem dependency below), your appearance and the appearance of your personal gem. Common types of gem affinities are a reflection of the types of gem dragons and are: amethyst, crystal, emerald, obsidian, ruby, sapphire and topaz. However, other types of gem affinities are not unheard of.
Gem dependency: Once per week you must consume a small amount of gems. This takes the place of half your dietary needs for normal food and does not cost more than your normal rations would. As long as you consume the necessary amount of gems, all time spans associated with starvation are doubled (e.g.: you only start making constitution checks after 6 days and only make such checks once every two hours).
At least, as long as you consume gems of the type with which you have affinity. If don't have access to gems of that type, you need to consume more gems to satisfy your body's need. This will translate to having to spend 1gp extra per week on rations. If you haven't consumed any gems for at least 1,5 weeks, you become permanently fatigued and will need to consume double normal rations (so 4 times your normal) to stave off starvation. The only way the disciple can get rid of the fatigue condition is to eat his weekly allotment of gems. Even after that he is still fatigued, but it is no longer permanent and he can get rid of it like he normally would (e.g.: 8 hours of sleep).
Beyond this, a disciple of the gem must also consume 50gp worth of gems per class level each time he levels up to gain access to the benefits of his new level. Double the gp worth of gems that needs to be consumed if they are not of the type of the disciples affinity.
Personal gem: Functions like "Psicrystal affinity" with the following changes. The personal gem increases in abilities for each level that it's owner gains in the disciple of the gem class and selected prestige classes that specifically advance it. Your personal gem is always of the same type as your gem affinity.
The personal gem does not gain the "share powers", the "deliver touch power" nor the "channel power" abilities.
The personal gem's mobility options (originally: self-propulsion and flight) are different from normal psicrystals as mentioned below.
The personal gem gains new personalities at every even level, for a total of 11 personalities at level 20. However each personality only gives the disciple of the gem a +1 bonus to the associated check (as opposed to the psicrystal's +3 bonus).
Gemcraft weapon (blade) (Su): As a standard action, a disciple of the gem can create a semisolid blade composed of mental energy projected from his mind though the gem in the palm of his hand.
The gemcraft weapon gains the gemcraft bonus (see the gemcraft improvement class feature below) as an enhancement bonus to both attack rolls and damage rolls.
Beyond this, this ability functions like the mind blade ability of the soulknife class.
Formation speed (Su): A disciple of them gem of at least 2nd level learns to shape his gemcraft tools more quickly.
A second level disciple can form his gemcraft weapon as a move action instead of a standard action.
A fifth level disciple can form his gemcraft weapon as a swift action.
When the disciple gains his gemcraft protection at 6th level he can form it as a swift action as well or form both his gemcraft weapon and his gemcraft protection at the same time as a move action.
A eight level disciple can form his gemcraft weapon or protection as a free action or both his protection and his gemcraft weapon as a swift action.
Finally, a disciple of at least 11 levels can form both his gemcraft protection and his weapon as a free action.
Weapon focus (gemcraft): At 2nd level the disciple of the gem gains weapon focus (gemcraft) as a bonus feat. This applies to all styles of gemcraft weapons and the later gemcraft projection (arrow). However, any follow up feats (such as weapon specialization) requires you to pick a specific style.
Gemcraft weapon (focused or refracted) (Su): A 3rd level disciple of the gem learns to more complex weapons using his gemcraft. He must choose between the focused style and the refracted style. Where the focused style is about creating (and controlling) a single gemcraft weapon, the refracted style is about splitting your gemcraft weapon into multiple tools.
The focused style allows him to shape his gemcraft weapon into the following weapons: dagger, short sword, longsword, bastard sword and greatsword. Changing the shape of your gemcraft weapon requires a full round action.
The refracted style allows him to split his gemcraft weapon into the following combinations: two short swords or a short sword and a (light or heavy) shield. The shield created by the refracted style gains the disciples gemcraft bonus as an enhancement bonus to shield AC.
Changing the shape of your gemcraft weapon requires that you dismiss them (a free action) and reform them.
Gemcraft improvement (Su): A disciple of the gem of at least 4th level starts improving his gemcraft tools.
His gemcraft bonus starts at +1 at 4th level and increases by 1 every third level after that. The effect of this bonus is described in each specific class feature.
At the same time, at 4th level, he starts gaining gemcraft enhancement, starting at +1 at 4th level and increasing by 1 for every fourth level after that. This functions much like the soulknife ability "mind blade enhancement" and functions for any weapon, shield, armor and arrow formed by the disciple of the gem.
However, when using the refracted style for his gemcraft weapon, the total allowed enhancement for both tools drops by 1. And when using the arrow style for his gemcraft projection, the total allowed enhancement is reduced by 2.
Gemcraft protection (barrier or skin) (Su): A 6th level disciple of the gem can project his mental energy through the gem on his chest to provide himself with physical protection. The disciple must choose between the barrier style and the skin style. Where the barrier style focusses on heavy defenses, the skin style is about strengthening the disciple’s natural defenses.
The barrier style is all about defense and manifests in the form of a suit of heavy armor. The disciple is considered proficient in the use of this form of heavy armor (but not other suits of heavy armor). The armor generated by the barrier style is equal to a suit of full plate armor, but with the following changes. The barrier has no weight, only half the armor check penalty (and no double penalty for swimming, though most disciples will just dismiss his barrier armor when swimming) and a maximum dex bonus of +4.
The disciple adds his gemcraft bonus to the barrier's AC.
The skin style is all about fortifying the disciple's natural defenses. The skin generated by this style does not take up a body slot, though visually it overlaps with disciple's shirt. It does not grant disciple any armor bonus, but it doesn't interfere with other armor that does. However, it does clash with magic armor, in the same way that wearing two different pieces of magical armor would. A disciple wearing his skin is considered unarmored.
The disciple adds half his gemcraft bonus (rounded down, minimum 1) to his natural armor. Even though the skin doesn't act like armor in most cases, it can still be enchanted as armor (through the gemcraft improvement class feature).
Eye for detail: As his eyes first take on the color of his gem affinity and later become gems of that type, a disciple of the gem of at least 7th level can see more details of the world around him.
At 7th level the disciple gains a +3 bonus on his spot checks.
At 10th level the disciple gains a +2 bonus on saving throws against illusions.
At 13th level the disciple gains low-light vision. If the disciple already has low-light vision, he can now see 3 times as far as a human in conditions of shadowy illumination.
At 16th level the disciple gains darkvision out to 60ft or increases the range of his darkvision by 60ft.
At 19th level the disciple gains the ability to see the world as it really is. The disciple can gain the benefit of true seeing for a number of minutes per day equal to the number of levels in the disciple of the gem class. The disciple does not need to use all of his daily minutes in one go, but can only use it in multiples of a minute. (e.g.: the disciple uses his true seeing ability for 2 rounds and deactivates it, this removes 1 minute from his daily allotment). This is a supernatural ability.
Gemcraft projection (arrow or spell) (Su): A 9th level disciple of the gem can use the combination of his mental energy and the crystals growing in his body to affect the world around him. The disciple must choose between the arrow and spell styles.
The arrow style is associated with the disciple's wrists and back of his hands. Through them gems there he can project bolts of energy. These bolts act like (magical) arrows fired from a composite longbow. In most ways this functions identically to the "Mind arrow" feature of the soulbow, except for the enhancement bonus to attack and damage, for which the disciple uses his regular gemcraft bonus and the section on adding his wisdom modifier to damage rolls (the disciple uses his intelligence instead).
The spell style is associated with the disciple’s third eye (center of the forehead). Through it he can project certain spell like abilities. Starting at level 9 these are: Mage hand (at will) and Telekinesis (3/day). The disciple's CL for these abilities is equal to his class levels in the disciple of the gem class. For the purpose of determining the range of both abilities and the maximum weight for the telekinesis ability, add the disciple of the gem's gemcraft bonus to your CL. The disciple uses his intelligence to determine DCs for his SLAs.
At the 11th level, the disciple can use his Telekinesis an additional 2 times per day, for a total of 5 uses per day. From the 14th level on the disciple can use his Telekinesis at will.
The disciple of the gem's version of Telekinesis is identical to the wizard's version, except that it lacks the maximum limit on the amount of weight that can be manipulated. It is still 25 pounds per CL, but it no longer maxes out at CL 15.
Essence of the gem: At 10th level a disciple of the gem reaches a new phase of crystallization. A significant portion of his body has been transformed into gems. While many of these gems serve specific puposes (e.g.: the gems in the palm of his hands are used to create his gemcraft weapons), some don’t have a specific purpose. One of these is now big enough to hold magic.
The disciple of the gem can enchant this gem inside his body. While this essentially uses the gem as a slot less item, only 1.5 times the normal costs for the enchantment are paid. The gem can be enchanted with properties normally associated with rings, amulets, third eyes, ioun stones, belts and anklets.
At level 20, as his body reaches the end of his transformation, the disciple gains another enchantable gem inside his body.
Greater weapon focus (gemcraft): At 11th level the disciple of the gem gains greater weapon focus (gemcraft) as a bonus feat. This applies to both gemcraft weapons and gemcraft projection (arrow). Similar to weapon focus (gemcraft), any follow up feats (such as weapon specialization) still require you to pick a specific style.
Advanced gemcraft weapon: At 12th level, as the disciple of the gem grows more proficient in the use of his chosen weapon style, he learns to use his chose style to greater effect. At the same time he also learns to use the other style. If you already had access to both styles (e.g.: through the feat "Improved gemcraft weapon") you gain the advanced forms of both styles.
Advanced focused: The disciples focus extends beyond the physical manifestation of his weapon, he can also focus his will through the weapon. The disciple gains either the "combat expertise" feat or the "power attack" feat (he doesn't need to meet the prerequisites for this feat). If he already possesses one or both of them, he can instead select any feat (for which he meets the prerequisites) from either feat tree as his bonus feat instead.
Advanced refracted: The refracted style doesn't just represent the splitting of his gemcraft weapon into two, it is also very much about splitting between the two tools. As the disciple grows more accustomed to this, he finds two weapon fighting increasingly easy. The disciple gains the "two weapon fighting" feat (he doesn't need to meet the prerequisites for this feat). If he already has this feat, he can instead gain any other feat in the two weapon fighting tree for which he meets the prerequisites.
Advanced gemcraft protection: At 15th level, as the disciple of the gem grows more proficient in the use of his chosen protection style, he gains greater benefits while using them. At the same time he also learns to use the other style. If you already had access to both styles (e.g.: through the feat "Improved gemcraft protection") you gain the advanced forms of both styles.
Advanced barrier: As the disciple becomes more comfortable with his barrier, he learns to manifest different shapes and forms of barriers and suffers less downsides to wearing it. His maximum dex bonus while wearing the barrier is now +5 (up from +3) and his armor check penalties are only one third of the penalties (rounded up) a normal (non magical) suit of armor would have. He can now choose to manifest his barrier in the form of the following types of armor: studded leather, scale mail and full plate.
Advanced skin: As both wearing and creating the skin becomes more familiar to the disciple, it offers him greater protection. The bonus to his natural armor is now equal to his gemcraft bonus.
Advanced gemcraft projection: At 18th level, as the disciple of the gem grows more proficient in the use of his chosen projection style, he learns to use it in new ways. At the same time he also learns to use the other style. If you already had access to both styles (e.g.: through the feat "Improved gemcraft projection") you gain the advanced forms of both styles.
Advanced arrow: As using the arrow style becomes an increasingly natural action to the disciple he learns how to use it to greater effect. The disciple gains the "point blank shot" feat. If he already has this feat, he can instead gain any other feat in the point blank shot tree for which he meets the prerequisites.
Advanced spell: No longer just controlling his surroundings, the disciple learns to destroy as well. He gains the following spell like abilities: Shatter (at will) and Disintegrate (3/day). The disciple adds his gemcraft bonus to his CL to calculate the range of both spell like abilities and the weight limits of the shatter ability.
Harmony of the gem: When the disciple of the gem reaches level 20, his transformation reaches its conclusion. He is now more gem than man. Pieces of gem are visible through his skin all over his body, not just in the places associated with his abilities (hand palm, back of hand, breast bone, eyes, forehead).
The disciple's type changes to construct. He also gains the living construct sub-type. However, because of the way the disciple's body works (with the gems functioning in ways quite close to natural organs/parts of his body), the following changes are made to how this sub-type functions.
Unlike normal living constructs, the disciple can still heal naturally. Since they no longer need sleep, they must mediate for 8 hours (or however long they would otherwise need to sleep) to gain the benefits of natural healing.
Also different normal living constructs, the disciple gains full benefits from spells from the healing school. Instead he only gains half the benefits from spells of the repair school.
Again different from normal living constructs, the disciple gains a certain level of resistance to critical hits (and abilities that usually check the same immunities such as sneak attacks). The disciple gains a 50% chance to negate critical hits (similar to how the fortification item property works).
The disciple does not become automatically stable when between 0 and -10 hit points. However, instead of the normal 10% chance, he has a 25% change of becoming stable (and for becoming conscious and starting to heal).
The disciple who have reached this point in their journey no longer (truly) age. While they still gain the benefits of aging, they no longer suffer the downsides and they no longer have a maximum age. If the disciple has already taken such penalties, he'll lose them slowly as his body restructures itself back to peak condition. Every 1d8 years after reaching this state, the disciple becomes one age category younger in regards to both appearances (the disciple can chose to stop regressing in this regard when sees fit) and physical ability score penalties, until he has regressed back to adulthood.
Finally, the disciple recalculates all his disciple of the gem hit dies as d10's (this will grant, on average, 1 additional hit point per class level). This represents the increased toughness of his improved construct (like) body.
Personal Gem Ability Descriptions
All personal gems have special abilities (or impart abilities to their owners) depending on the level of the owner, as shown on the table below. The abilities on the table are cumulative. Below are described only the new abilities when compared with a "normal" psicrystal.
Owner level Natural armour Adj. Int Adj. Personalities Special
1 +0 +0 1 Alterness, improved evasion, personality, hover, sighted, telepatic link
2 +0 +0 2
3 +1 +1 2 Controlled flight
4 +1 +1 3
5 +2 +2 3 Telepathic speech
6 +2 +2 4
7 +3 +3 4
8 +3 +3 5
9 +4 +4 5 Rapid flight
10 +4 +4 6
11 +5 +5 6 Magic resistance
12 +5 +5 7
13 +6 +6 7 Sight link
14 +6 +6 8
15 +7 +7 8 Point of origin
16 +7 +7 9
17 +8 +8 9
18 +8 +8 10
19 +9 +9 10
20 +9 +9 11
Hover: A personal gem can hover around and move with its owner in much the same way that a ioun stone can. However unlike an ioun stone it can also stick to its owner or be carried/left behind.
Controlled flight: if the owner is 3rd level or higher, the personal gem gains a flight speed of 15 (perfect).
Rapid flight: if the owner is 9th level or higher, the personal gem gains an additional flight speed of 50 (poor).
Point of origin: If the owner is 15th level or higher, he can use his gemcraft projection (arrow or spell) through his personal gem. The personal gem is treated as the originator of the ability and all ranges are calculated from its position.
Its owner is still subject to attacks of opportunities (and in fact all other effects - if applicable) as if he used the ability himself.
If either the owner and/or the personal gem has moved this round, only one arrow can be fired. If neither have moved, a full attack can be made, but with one less attack then the owner would normally make.
(re-)Gaining your personal gem: A personal gem is grown out of a non magical gem of the variety with which the disciple of the gem has affinity. This "seed" gem needs to be worth at least 10gp. The process of turning the gem into your personal gem takes 1d4 hours of concentration and meditation.
If your personal gem is destroyed and you are creating a new one, the same process creates your new personal gem, however it won't immediately be at full strength. A newly created personal gem will only have the abilities of a 1st level personal gem. The gem will grow 1 level equivalent per day until it reaches the appropriate strength for your classes levels. This growth requires you to spend 10 minutes per day working on/with your growing crystal (usually done at the start of a day).
This process can be sped up, for each additional 50gp spent on the seed gem, it will start at 1 equivalent level higher (up to the maximum level for your class levels).
A first level character is assumed to have already found/created his personal gem (in fact, for many disciples finding their personal gem is the reason (and source of information) for pursuing the disciple of the gem class).
New Feats
Improved Gemcraft Weapon [General]
You learn how to use both styles of gemcraft weapons.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft weapon (focused or refracted)
Benefit: You can now use both gemcraft weapon styles.
Improved Gemcraft Protection [General]
You learn how to use both styles of gemcraft protection.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft protection (barrier or skin)
Benefit: You can now use both gemcraft protection styles. However, you can't use both at the same time.
Improved Gemcraft Projection [General]
You learn how to use both styles of gemcraft projection.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft projection (arrow or spell)
Benefit: You can now use both gemcraft projection styles. However, using the arrow style while concentrating on one of the SLAs of the spell style will instantly end the SLA.
Practiced gemcrafter [General]
You are a more powerful gemcrafter then others of similar training.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft improvement
Benefit: Your disciple of the gem level for the purpose of your personal gem and gemcraft improvements is increased by 4. This benefit can't increase your virtual level to higher than your Hit Dice.
Below is a homebrewed base class together with 4 feats and 3 prestige classes specifically for that class (one of them is epic and adaptable to other base classes).
The basic inspiration came from two sides. Thematically cool, but hard to play DnD material (soulknife, green star adapt). And an old anime series that I recently noticed again (Technoman Blade (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tekkaman_Blade)).
Below you'll find the following classes:
Disciple of the gem: A base class, combining a (boosted, non psionic) soulknife with a transformational class. The class isn't designed to be uber/super/awesome/whatever, it's designed to be decent at a lot of things. And to be almighty in cases where you don't have access to equipment. He gains a personal gem (psi-crystal like - I should note that I'm personally against the whole "the big one is with me" stuff), complete with rules for how to create/re-create it.
Magic breaker: A prestige class that focuses on the "war against magic" at the expense of just about everything else. Gains spell like abilities that are all focused on stopping magic, but loses a lot of optoins for the gemcraft enhancements (similar to the soulknife's mind blade enhancements). Eventually he basically gains a beholders central eye, but at the cost of having unreliable/annoying magic items.
Onyx-bound soul: A prestige class that replaces the last 5 levels of the disciple of the gem class. Instead of becoming a construct, you become a lich. And you gain a more flexible choice of spells to cast.
Sardiorian: A prestige class with a very annoying name (derived from Sardior (https://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20030124a), the god of gem dragons). Basically it's an epic prestige class that does what I'd have like to see from the dragon disciple class. Turns you into a dragon instead of a half-dragon, and because the disciple class is not a spellcasting class, it doesn't ruin your casting progression.
Now what:
I think I've gotten the basic things done by now, but I'd like to hear what you guys think, would change, etc.
Below are some specific things I've been wondering:
Disciple of the gem: To many abilities? Too strong with the gemcraft weapons/protection/projection? Gem dependency, cool mechanic or to be ignored (or made cheaper/more expensive)?
Magic breaker: Perfect NPC or also enjoyable for playing?
Onyx-bound soul: Currently lacking a "thing to call his own", needs something awesomely his. Something like turning, giving his gemcraft weapon/protection to an undead (including the ability to raise that undead)... or something.
Sardiorian: To be honest I love this one, except maybe that name...
Feats: Practiced gemcrafter... split personal gem and gemcraft improvement... or keep it as one feat?
PS: the following plans are in the works to complete the class with its prestige classes (note: "in the works" means sometime, somewhere, somehow...):
• Fighter like prestige class (10 level) - bonus feats, full BaB and additional forms for the weapons. Probably with some abilities like the warmind.
• Archer prestige class (5-10 level) - lesser penalty for gemcraft projection (arrow), some special arrows like arcane archer/soulbow
• Ambush archer prestige class (5 levels) - Using your personal gem more efficiently for scouting/archer-ing. Maybe include class feature/magic item to have a number of lesser personal gems.
• Knight (technoman) prestige class (10 levels) - combining both forms of gemcraft protection. Hover/levitating, a mount (like: floating disk, or some such) and some more stuff.
• (possible) transformational prestige class for the magic breaker - Become an abberation, free abberant feats and possible regaining some SLA's that don't focus explicitly on anti-magic.
Disciple of the gem
Disciples of the gem do not only see the beauty and strength of the gems of the world. They also see that no one gem is identical to another. This combination of (perceived) worth and variety leads a gem disciple to his study (and in some cases worship) of a specific type of gem. The existence of gem dragons only serves to enhance the disciple's opinions. While becoming one with their chosen gem is not the main goal for most disciples, it is not a fate they have any problems with.
Being independent is an important goal for most disciples of the gem. But more important than that is the drive to achieve strength and perfection (mental, physical, magical, emotional or otherwise). For most disciples, this achievement is a goal in itself. They don't need to brag about it, achieving and knowing about it is enough.
Most disciples of the gem have a certain disdain towards people can't provide for themselves. While they understand the usefulness of communities and realizes not everyone can be fully self sufficient, they regard the cleric (who gains most of his ability by "begging" a higher being) and the fighter (who is lost without his weapon) as weak.
While they generally don't appreciate clerics, they are not anti-god. Sardior (the ruby dragon) and his pursuit of knowledge is often important to disciples of the gem, but other gods that promote self sufficiency, knowledge and/or strength are also acknowledge (but rarely worshipped).
Game rule information
Disciples of the gem have the following game statistics.
Abilities: Depending on the individual disciple of the gem and their (non) combat needs, different abilities are central to their performance. However, something most disciples have in common is better than average intelligence, which gives them more skill points and better gemcraft projections.
Alignment: Any
Hit Die: d8
Starting Age: Moderate
Class skills
The disciple of the gem's class skills (and the key ability in each skill) are Autohypnosis (Wis), Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Tumble (Dex).
Skill points at 1st level: (6 + Int modifier) X 4
Skill points at each additional level: 6 + Int modifier
Level BAB Fort Save Ref Save Will Save Special gemcraft bonus gemcraft enhancement formation speed
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Gem affinity, gem dependency, personal gem, gemcraft weapon (blade) standard
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Formation speed, weapon focus (gemcraft) move
3rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Gemcraft weapon (focused or refracted)
4th +3 +1 +4 +4 Gemcraft improvement 1 1
5th +3 +1 +4 +4 swift
6th +4 +2 +5 +5 Gemcraft protection (barrier or skin) swift/move
7th +5 +2 +5 +5 Eye for detail (spot) 2
8th +6/+1 +2 +6 +6 2 free/swift
9th +6/+1 +3 +7 +7 Gemcraft projection (arrow or spell)
10th +7/+2 +3 +7 +7 Crystaline essence, eye for detail (illusions) 3
11th +8/+3 +3 +8 +8 Greater weapon focus (gemcraft) free/free
12th +9/+4 +4 +8 +8 Advanced gemcraft weapon 3
13th +9/+4 +4 +9 +9 Eye for detail (low-light vision) 4
14th +10/+5 +4 +9 +9
15th +11/+6/+1 +5 +10 +10 Advanced gemcraft protection
16th +12/+7/+2 +5 +10 +10 Eye for detail (darkvision) 5 4
17th +12/+7/+2 +5 +11 +11
18th +13/+8/+3 +6 +11 +11 Advanced gemcraft projection
19th +14/+9/+4 +6 +12 +12 Eye for detail (true seeing) 6
20th +15/+10/+5 +6 +12 +12 Harmony of the gem, crystaline essence 5
Class Features
All the following are class features of the disciple of the gem
Weapon and armor proficiency: Disciples of the gem are proficient with all simple weapons, their crystalline weapons (and tools), and with light and medium armor and shields (except tower shields).
Gem affinity: When you take your first level in disciple of the gem, you must choose a specific type of gem with which you have a special connection. This choice affects your diet (see: Gem dependency below), your appearance and the appearance of your personal gem. Common types of gem affinities are a reflection of the types of gem dragons and are: amethyst, crystal, emerald, obsidian, ruby, sapphire and topaz. However, other types of gem affinities are not unheard of.
Gem dependency: Once per week you must consume a small amount of gems. This takes the place of half your dietary needs for normal food and does not cost more than your normal rations would. As long as you consume the necessary amount of gems, all time spans associated with starvation are doubled (e.g.: you only start making constitution checks after 6 days and only make such checks once every two hours).
At least, as long as you consume gems of the type with which you have affinity. If don't have access to gems of that type, you need to consume more gems to satisfy your body's need. This will translate to having to spend 1gp extra per week on rations. If you haven't consumed any gems for at least 1,5 weeks, you become permanently fatigued and will need to consume double normal rations (so 4 times your normal) to stave off starvation. The only way the disciple can get rid of the fatigue condition is to eat his weekly allotment of gems. Even after that he is still fatigued, but it is no longer permanent and he can get rid of it like he normally would (e.g.: 8 hours of sleep).
Beyond this, a disciple of the gem must also consume 50gp worth of gems per class level each time he levels up to gain access to the benefits of his new level. Double the gp worth of gems that needs to be consumed if they are not of the type of the disciples affinity.
Personal gem: Functions like "Psicrystal affinity" with the following changes. The personal gem increases in abilities for each level that it's owner gains in the disciple of the gem class and selected prestige classes that specifically advance it. Your personal gem is always of the same type as your gem affinity.
The personal gem does not gain the "share powers", the "deliver touch power" nor the "channel power" abilities.
The personal gem's mobility options (originally: self-propulsion and flight) are different from normal psicrystals as mentioned below.
The personal gem gains new personalities at every even level, for a total of 11 personalities at level 20. However each personality only gives the disciple of the gem a +1 bonus to the associated check (as opposed to the psicrystal's +3 bonus).
Gemcraft weapon (blade) (Su): As a standard action, a disciple of the gem can create a semisolid blade composed of mental energy projected from his mind though the gem in the palm of his hand.
The gemcraft weapon gains the gemcraft bonus (see the gemcraft improvement class feature below) as an enhancement bonus to both attack rolls and damage rolls.
Beyond this, this ability functions like the mind blade ability of the soulknife class.
Formation speed (Su): A disciple of them gem of at least 2nd level learns to shape his gemcraft tools more quickly.
A second level disciple can form his gemcraft weapon as a move action instead of a standard action.
A fifth level disciple can form his gemcraft weapon as a swift action.
When the disciple gains his gemcraft protection at 6th level he can form it as a swift action as well or form both his gemcraft weapon and his gemcraft protection at the same time as a move action.
A eight level disciple can form his gemcraft weapon or protection as a free action or both his protection and his gemcraft weapon as a swift action.
Finally, a disciple of at least 11 levels can form both his gemcraft protection and his weapon as a free action.
Weapon focus (gemcraft): At 2nd level the disciple of the gem gains weapon focus (gemcraft) as a bonus feat. This applies to all styles of gemcraft weapons and the later gemcraft projection (arrow). However, any follow up feats (such as weapon specialization) requires you to pick a specific style.
Gemcraft weapon (focused or refracted) (Su): A 3rd level disciple of the gem learns to more complex weapons using his gemcraft. He must choose between the focused style and the refracted style. Where the focused style is about creating (and controlling) a single gemcraft weapon, the refracted style is about splitting your gemcraft weapon into multiple tools.
The focused style allows him to shape his gemcraft weapon into the following weapons: dagger, short sword, longsword, bastard sword and greatsword. Changing the shape of your gemcraft weapon requires a full round action.
The refracted style allows him to split his gemcraft weapon into the following combinations: two short swords or a short sword and a (light or heavy) shield. The shield created by the refracted style gains the disciples gemcraft bonus as an enhancement bonus to shield AC.
Changing the shape of your gemcraft weapon requires that you dismiss them (a free action) and reform them.
Gemcraft improvement (Su): A disciple of the gem of at least 4th level starts improving his gemcraft tools.
His gemcraft bonus starts at +1 at 4th level and increases by 1 every third level after that. The effect of this bonus is described in each specific class feature.
At the same time, at 4th level, he starts gaining gemcraft enhancement, starting at +1 at 4th level and increasing by 1 for every fourth level after that. This functions much like the soulknife ability "mind blade enhancement" and functions for any weapon, shield, armor and arrow formed by the disciple of the gem.
However, when using the refracted style for his gemcraft weapon, the total allowed enhancement for both tools drops by 1. And when using the arrow style for his gemcraft projection, the total allowed enhancement is reduced by 2.
Gemcraft protection (barrier or skin) (Su): A 6th level disciple of the gem can project his mental energy through the gem on his chest to provide himself with physical protection. The disciple must choose between the barrier style and the skin style. Where the barrier style focusses on heavy defenses, the skin style is about strengthening the disciple’s natural defenses.
The barrier style is all about defense and manifests in the form of a suit of heavy armor. The disciple is considered proficient in the use of this form of heavy armor (but not other suits of heavy armor). The armor generated by the barrier style is equal to a suit of full plate armor, but with the following changes. The barrier has no weight, only half the armor check penalty (and no double penalty for swimming, though most disciples will just dismiss his barrier armor when swimming) and a maximum dex bonus of +4.
The disciple adds his gemcraft bonus to the barrier's AC.
The skin style is all about fortifying the disciple's natural defenses. The skin generated by this style does not take up a body slot, though visually it overlaps with disciple's shirt. It does not grant disciple any armor bonus, but it doesn't interfere with other armor that does. However, it does clash with magic armor, in the same way that wearing two different pieces of magical armor would. A disciple wearing his skin is considered unarmored.
The disciple adds half his gemcraft bonus (rounded down, minimum 1) to his natural armor. Even though the skin doesn't act like armor in most cases, it can still be enchanted as armor (through the gemcraft improvement class feature).
Eye for detail: As his eyes first take on the color of his gem affinity and later become gems of that type, a disciple of the gem of at least 7th level can see more details of the world around him.
At 7th level the disciple gains a +3 bonus on his spot checks.
At 10th level the disciple gains a +2 bonus on saving throws against illusions.
At 13th level the disciple gains low-light vision. If the disciple already has low-light vision, he can now see 3 times as far as a human in conditions of shadowy illumination.
At 16th level the disciple gains darkvision out to 60ft or increases the range of his darkvision by 60ft.
At 19th level the disciple gains the ability to see the world as it really is. The disciple can gain the benefit of true seeing for a number of minutes per day equal to the number of levels in the disciple of the gem class. The disciple does not need to use all of his daily minutes in one go, but can only use it in multiples of a minute. (e.g.: the disciple uses his true seeing ability for 2 rounds and deactivates it, this removes 1 minute from his daily allotment). This is a supernatural ability.
Gemcraft projection (arrow or spell) (Su): A 9th level disciple of the gem can use the combination of his mental energy and the crystals growing in his body to affect the world around him. The disciple must choose between the arrow and spell styles.
The arrow style is associated with the disciple's wrists and back of his hands. Through them gems there he can project bolts of energy. These bolts act like (magical) arrows fired from a composite longbow. In most ways this functions identically to the "Mind arrow" feature of the soulbow, except for the enhancement bonus to attack and damage, for which the disciple uses his regular gemcraft bonus and the section on adding his wisdom modifier to damage rolls (the disciple uses his intelligence instead).
The spell style is associated with the disciple’s third eye (center of the forehead). Through it he can project certain spell like abilities. Starting at level 9 these are: Mage hand (at will) and Telekinesis (3/day). The disciple's CL for these abilities is equal to his class levels in the disciple of the gem class. For the purpose of determining the range of both abilities and the maximum weight for the telekinesis ability, add the disciple of the gem's gemcraft bonus to your CL. The disciple uses his intelligence to determine DCs for his SLAs.
At the 11th level, the disciple can use his Telekinesis an additional 2 times per day, for a total of 5 uses per day. From the 14th level on the disciple can use his Telekinesis at will.
The disciple of the gem's version of Telekinesis is identical to the wizard's version, except that it lacks the maximum limit on the amount of weight that can be manipulated. It is still 25 pounds per CL, but it no longer maxes out at CL 15.
Essence of the gem: At 10th level a disciple of the gem reaches a new phase of crystallization. A significant portion of his body has been transformed into gems. While many of these gems serve specific puposes (e.g.: the gems in the palm of his hands are used to create his gemcraft weapons), some don’t have a specific purpose. One of these is now big enough to hold magic.
The disciple of the gem can enchant this gem inside his body. While this essentially uses the gem as a slot less item, only 1.5 times the normal costs for the enchantment are paid. The gem can be enchanted with properties normally associated with rings, amulets, third eyes, ioun stones, belts and anklets.
At level 20, as his body reaches the end of his transformation, the disciple gains another enchantable gem inside his body.
Greater weapon focus (gemcraft): At 11th level the disciple of the gem gains greater weapon focus (gemcraft) as a bonus feat. This applies to both gemcraft weapons and gemcraft projection (arrow). Similar to weapon focus (gemcraft), any follow up feats (such as weapon specialization) still require you to pick a specific style.
Advanced gemcraft weapon: At 12th level, as the disciple of the gem grows more proficient in the use of his chosen weapon style, he learns to use his chose style to greater effect. At the same time he also learns to use the other style. If you already had access to both styles (e.g.: through the feat "Improved gemcraft weapon") you gain the advanced forms of both styles.
Advanced focused: The disciples focus extends beyond the physical manifestation of his weapon, he can also focus his will through the weapon. The disciple gains either the "combat expertise" feat or the "power attack" feat (he doesn't need to meet the prerequisites for this feat). If he already possesses one or both of them, he can instead select any feat (for which he meets the prerequisites) from either feat tree as his bonus feat instead.
Advanced refracted: The refracted style doesn't just represent the splitting of his gemcraft weapon into two, it is also very much about splitting between the two tools. As the disciple grows more accustomed to this, he finds two weapon fighting increasingly easy. The disciple gains the "two weapon fighting" feat (he doesn't need to meet the prerequisites for this feat). If he already has this feat, he can instead gain any other feat in the two weapon fighting tree for which he meets the prerequisites.
Advanced gemcraft protection: At 15th level, as the disciple of the gem grows more proficient in the use of his chosen protection style, he gains greater benefits while using them. At the same time he also learns to use the other style. If you already had access to both styles (e.g.: through the feat "Improved gemcraft protection") you gain the advanced forms of both styles.
Advanced barrier: As the disciple becomes more comfortable with his barrier, he learns to manifest different shapes and forms of barriers and suffers less downsides to wearing it. His maximum dex bonus while wearing the barrier is now +5 (up from +3) and his armor check penalties are only one third of the penalties (rounded up) a normal (non magical) suit of armor would have. He can now choose to manifest his barrier in the form of the following types of armor: studded leather, scale mail and full plate.
Advanced skin: As both wearing and creating the skin becomes more familiar to the disciple, it offers him greater protection. The bonus to his natural armor is now equal to his gemcraft bonus.
Advanced gemcraft projection: At 18th level, as the disciple of the gem grows more proficient in the use of his chosen projection style, he learns to use it in new ways. At the same time he also learns to use the other style. If you already had access to both styles (e.g.: through the feat "Improved gemcraft projection") you gain the advanced forms of both styles.
Advanced arrow: As using the arrow style becomes an increasingly natural action to the disciple he learns how to use it to greater effect. The disciple gains the "point blank shot" feat. If he already has this feat, he can instead gain any other feat in the point blank shot tree for which he meets the prerequisites.
Advanced spell: No longer just controlling his surroundings, the disciple learns to destroy as well. He gains the following spell like abilities: Shatter (at will) and Disintegrate (3/day). The disciple adds his gemcraft bonus to his CL to calculate the range of both spell like abilities and the weight limits of the shatter ability.
Harmony of the gem: When the disciple of the gem reaches level 20, his transformation reaches its conclusion. He is now more gem than man. Pieces of gem are visible through his skin all over his body, not just in the places associated with his abilities (hand palm, back of hand, breast bone, eyes, forehead).
The disciple's type changes to construct. He also gains the living construct sub-type. However, because of the way the disciple's body works (with the gems functioning in ways quite close to natural organs/parts of his body), the following changes are made to how this sub-type functions.
Unlike normal living constructs, the disciple can still heal naturally. Since they no longer need sleep, they must mediate for 8 hours (or however long they would otherwise need to sleep) to gain the benefits of natural healing.
Also different normal living constructs, the disciple gains full benefits from spells from the healing school. Instead he only gains half the benefits from spells of the repair school.
Again different from normal living constructs, the disciple gains a certain level of resistance to critical hits (and abilities that usually check the same immunities such as sneak attacks). The disciple gains a 50% chance to negate critical hits (similar to how the fortification item property works).
The disciple does not become automatically stable when between 0 and -10 hit points. However, instead of the normal 10% chance, he has a 25% change of becoming stable (and for becoming conscious and starting to heal).
The disciple who have reached this point in their journey no longer (truly) age. While they still gain the benefits of aging, they no longer suffer the downsides and they no longer have a maximum age. If the disciple has already taken such penalties, he'll lose them slowly as his body restructures itself back to peak condition. Every 1d8 years after reaching this state, the disciple becomes one age category younger in regards to both appearances (the disciple can chose to stop regressing in this regard when sees fit) and physical ability score penalties, until he has regressed back to adulthood.
Finally, the disciple recalculates all his disciple of the gem hit dies as d10's (this will grant, on average, 1 additional hit point per class level). This represents the increased toughness of his improved construct (like) body.
Personal Gem Ability Descriptions
All personal gems have special abilities (or impart abilities to their owners) depending on the level of the owner, as shown on the table below. The abilities on the table are cumulative. Below are described only the new abilities when compared with a "normal" psicrystal.
Owner level Natural armour Adj. Int Adj. Personalities Special
1 +0 +0 1 Alterness, improved evasion, personality, hover, sighted, telepatic link
2 +0 +0 2
3 +1 +1 2 Controlled flight
4 +1 +1 3
5 +2 +2 3 Telepathic speech
6 +2 +2 4
7 +3 +3 4
8 +3 +3 5
9 +4 +4 5 Rapid flight
10 +4 +4 6
11 +5 +5 6 Magic resistance
12 +5 +5 7
13 +6 +6 7 Sight link
14 +6 +6 8
15 +7 +7 8 Point of origin
16 +7 +7 9
17 +8 +8 9
18 +8 +8 10
19 +9 +9 10
20 +9 +9 11
Hover: A personal gem can hover around and move with its owner in much the same way that a ioun stone can. However unlike an ioun stone it can also stick to its owner or be carried/left behind.
Controlled flight: if the owner is 3rd level or higher, the personal gem gains a flight speed of 15 (perfect).
Rapid flight: if the owner is 9th level or higher, the personal gem gains an additional flight speed of 50 (poor).
Point of origin: If the owner is 15th level or higher, he can use his gemcraft projection (arrow or spell) through his personal gem. The personal gem is treated as the originator of the ability and all ranges are calculated from its position.
Its owner is still subject to attacks of opportunities (and in fact all other effects - if applicable) as if he used the ability himself.
If either the owner and/or the personal gem has moved this round, only one arrow can be fired. If neither have moved, a full attack can be made, but with one less attack then the owner would normally make.
(re-)Gaining your personal gem: A personal gem is grown out of a non magical gem of the variety with which the disciple of the gem has affinity. This "seed" gem needs to be worth at least 10gp. The process of turning the gem into your personal gem takes 1d4 hours of concentration and meditation.
If your personal gem is destroyed and you are creating a new one, the same process creates your new personal gem, however it won't immediately be at full strength. A newly created personal gem will only have the abilities of a 1st level personal gem. The gem will grow 1 level equivalent per day until it reaches the appropriate strength for your classes levels. This growth requires you to spend 10 minutes per day working on/with your growing crystal (usually done at the start of a day).
This process can be sped up, for each additional 50gp spent on the seed gem, it will start at 1 equivalent level higher (up to the maximum level for your class levels).
A first level character is assumed to have already found/created his personal gem (in fact, for many disciples finding their personal gem is the reason (and source of information) for pursuing the disciple of the gem class).
New Feats
Improved Gemcraft Weapon [General]
You learn how to use both styles of gemcraft weapons.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft weapon (focused or refracted)
Benefit: You can now use both gemcraft weapon styles.
Improved Gemcraft Protection [General]
You learn how to use both styles of gemcraft protection.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft protection (barrier or skin)
Benefit: You can now use both gemcraft protection styles. However, you can't use both at the same time.
Improved Gemcraft Projection [General]
You learn how to use both styles of gemcraft projection.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft projection (arrow or spell)
Benefit: You can now use both gemcraft projection styles. However, using the arrow style while concentrating on one of the SLAs of the spell style will instantly end the SLA.
Practiced gemcrafter [General]
You are a more powerful gemcrafter then others of similar training.
Prerequisite: Gemcraft improvement
Benefit: Your disciple of the gem level for the purpose of your personal gem and gemcraft improvements is increased by 4. This benefit can't increase your virtual level to higher than your Hit Dice.