ben-zayb
2014-06-15, 09:37 PM
Spellstoke Rager
"Did Purphoros bless Maikal because of his rage? Or did Maikal's rage blossom after he'd been blessed? Only the gods know."
-Eocles, concerning the favored soul of Purphoros
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/026/b/a/archetype_of_aggression_by_guterrez-d73ss8g.jpg
Image and quote from Archetype of Aggression (http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Archetype+of+aggression), original art by Mathias Kollros, © Wizards of the Coast 2014
Many progressive societies are under the impression that advanced civilizations and higher learning hold the monopoly on magic. This could not simply be further from the truth: inborn sorcery, innate connection to divine beings, shamanistic affairs with nature spirits, and fundamental attunement to primal energies are testaments of magic being beyond
the wielder's cultural refinement.
Due to magic pervading all sorts of culture, it is of no surprise that some of these individuals utilize their magic in a rather rudimentary manner, reflective of their primitive methodologies. While most would view magic as a tool to a problem, such as a sorcerer would see unleashing a wave of fire as a means to vanquish his enemies, these individuals would view magic as more of an untapped source of energy to power his tools—taking the function of the fuel instead of the fire.
These individuals are called Spellstoke Ragers—frenzied warriors who tap into and let their inner furnace of magic be used to keep the flames of their hatred eternally empowered.
Alignment: Any
Hit Die: 1d10
Requirements:
To qualify to become a Spellstoke Rager, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Base Attack Bonus: +4
Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Intimidate 8 ranks
Caster Level: Able to spontaneously cast 1st-level spells
Special: Rage ability
Class Skills:
The Spellstoke Rager’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str). Additionally, add up to two skills and one knowledge skill of your choice into the Spellstoke Rager class skill list, all of which must have been class skills from previous base classes.
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier
LevelBABFortRefWillSpecialSpells Per Day
1st+1+2+0+2Unrelenting, Overpower Weakness +1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd+2+3+0+3Spellburnt Wreckage +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd+3+3+1+3Spellburnt Might +1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th+4+4+1+4Spellburnt Armament +1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th+5+4+1+4Battercast, Self-Destruction-Fueled Self-Destruction +1 level of existing spellcasting class
6th+6+5+2+5Power is Power -
7th+7+5+2+5Spellburnt Euphoria +1 level of existing spellcasting class
8th+8+6+2+6Spellburnt Recalcitrance +1 level of existing spellcasting class
9th+9+6+3+6Spellburnt Cataclysm +1 level of existing spellcasting class
10th+10+7+3+7Slaughtercast +1 level of existing spellcasting class
Class Features
All the following are class features of the Spellstoke Rager prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency
A Spellstoke Rager gains no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
Spells per Day
At each level except for the 6th, the Spellstoke Rager gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if he had also attained a level in any spellcasting class he belonged to before he added the prestige class. If a character had more than one classes before becoming a Spellstoke Rager, he must decide to which class he adds each level of this class for purpose of determining either spells per day, spells known, & caster level.
Unrelenting (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a Spellstoke Rager can cast abjuration, conjuration, evocation, necromancy, and transmutation spells. A Spellstoke Rager loses the usual feat restrictions normally incurred from raging, and may even apply metamagic feats without increasing the spell's casting time. Additionally, Spellstoke Rager levels stack with Barbarian levels to determine Rages per Day.
Overpower Weakness (Ex)
A Spellstoke Rager no longer incurs arcane spell failure from wearing light armor. At 6th level, this ability extends to medium armors as well.
Spellburnt Wreckage (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 2nd-level Spellstoke Rager may have any space he moves through in a particular round be considered difficult terrain for that round against creatures he is hostile to. Once per round as a swift action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to gain a bonus on weapon attack and damage rolls for one round, equal to 1 per level of the spell slot expended and 1d8 per level of the spell slot expended, respectively. This bonus does not stack with those from the feat Arcane Strike.
Spellburnt Might (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 3rd-level Spellstoke Rager automatically succeeds on all Jump, Climb, and Swim checks with DC not greater than his Strength score times his combined Spellstoke Rager and Barbarian levels. Additionally, once per round as an immediate action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to gain a bonus on grapple checks, strength-based skill checks, and opposed strength checks for one round, equal to 2 + 2 per level of the spell slot expended.
Spellburnt Armament (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, for the purposes of attacks, a 4th-level Spellstoke Rager treats his weapons as having an enhancement bonus equal to half his combined Spellstoke Rager and Barbarian levels. Additionally, as a swift action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to imbue his weapon attacks for one round per Barbarian level, with any number of appropriate weapon special abilities of a total cost no greater than a weapon enhancement bonus of 1 + 1 per level of the spell slot expended.
Battercast (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 5th-level Spellstoke Rager can cast any touch spell he knows as part of a charge, full-attack, or a standard action attack, and the spell affects the first target hit in melee combat that round. The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action or less.
Battercast doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
Self-Destruction-Fueled Self-Destruction (Ex)
Once per round while under the effects of rage, a 5th-level Spellstoke Rager may choose to damage every creature (including him) in his space, with an amount equal to his remaining spell slots, in order to quicken the next spell that he casts without spell slot adjustment.
This damage bypasses any damage reductions redirections, immunities, and conversion to non-lethal, by any means (including, but not limited to, damage reduction, the Share Pain power, the Shield Other spell, and Regeneration.)
Power is Power (Ex)
A 6th-level Spellstoke Rager may use his Strength score in place of his Charisma score for all purposes. Additionally, any time he expends a spell slot, the duration of his Rage increases by an amount of round equal to the level of the spell slot expended.
Spellburnt Euphoria (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 7th-level Spellstoke Rager gains Fast Healing equal to half his combined Spellstoke Rager and Barbarian levels. Additionally, once per round as a free action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to make each successful melee attack for one round grant temporary HP equal to 3 + 3 hit per level of the spell slot expended, to a willing ally (including him) of his choice. Temporary hit points from Spellburnt Euphoria stack, but lasts only until the end of the encounter.
Spellburnt Recalcitrance (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, an 8th-level Spellstoke Rager may ignore any language-based or mind-affecting effect from creatures he is hostile to. Additionally, once per round as an immediate action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to ignore for one round spells with equal level to that of the spell slot expended. Harmless spells on him are excluded from this effect.
Spellburnt Cataclysm (Ex):
While under the effects of rage, a 9th-level Spellstoke Rager's melee weapon attacks affect all creatures and unattended objects in an area of either a 20 ft. line, a 10 ft. cone, or a 5 ft. radius sphere. The area attack must be either centered (if sphere) or originated (if line/cone) from his square, whichever applies. Additionally once per round as a swift action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to multiply the area range by 1 + 1 per level of the spell slot expended.
If used with Battercast, choose only one successfully hit creature to be affected by the spell.
Slaughtercast (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 10th level Spellstoke Rager can cast any touch spell he knows as part of a full attack action, and the spell affects each target hit in melee combat that round. Doing so discharges the spell at the end of the round, in the case of a touch spell that would otherwise last longer than 1 round. The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action or less.
Slaughtercast doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, and can't be used in conjunction with Battercast.
Author Notes
Thoughts about the class
First of all, I'm not actually sure if this counts as a Rage Mage fix. It does, thematically, feel the same. And for the sake of tagging and ease of identification, I will claim that this is indeed a rage mage fix.
However, I feel that the two PrCs offer two different things, at least in what I think the design concept of Rage Mage was supposed to be. When I hear of Rage Mage, I imagine a frenzied spellcaster slinging spells willy nilly like a pissed off, desperate, dragonball Z villain slinging energy beams (think of Vegeta!). Basically, Rage Mage is the type who will melt your face with nuke and reduce it to ashes, instead of smashing it with a warhammer until it is reduced to a bloody pulp... all the while cackling maniacally. Rage Mage. A mage who rages. A furious mage. A mage who harnesses divine fury to deliver deific flames/storms/etc. of vengeance. This is practically the archetypal crazy mad pyromancer.
Then there's the Spellstoke Rager. This is the type of guy who rages with a weapon in hand. This is practically a buffed BSF in a can. This is Broly getting too overwhelmed with anger and turns into the legendary super saiyan mode, his pure undiluted hatred in the form of ki seeping out from the very pores of his skin and further reinforcing his power. Spellstoke Rager. A rager who has spells. A rage who gets ever more pissed and ever more powerful. A rager whose very spells are the ones used to fan the flames of fury. This is practically the berserker who crudely uses anything within arm's reach, even his own spells, as an improvised implement of violence.
For PrC Users
I appreciate any sort of feedback on how the class worked (or didn't) on your campaign, so feel free to post on this thread about it. Any suggestions on improving the class is also welcome.
For PEACHers
In a continuous effort to improve my homebrewing skills (and quite frankly, is there any other way than practicing and learning from mistakes?), here's my take on a Barbarian Gish class, which is somehow reminiscent of the Rage Mage. The aim is to make a barbarian gish class viable to be played with.
PEACHes, comments, pure adulation, and suggestions are all welcome and are dearly appreciated! Go ahead folks! Let her rip!
"Did Purphoros bless Maikal because of his rage? Or did Maikal's rage blossom after he'd been blessed? Only the gods know."
-Eocles, concerning the favored soul of Purphoros
http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/026/b/a/archetype_of_aggression_by_guterrez-d73ss8g.jpg
Image and quote from Archetype of Aggression (http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Archetype+of+aggression), original art by Mathias Kollros, © Wizards of the Coast 2014
Many progressive societies are under the impression that advanced civilizations and higher learning hold the monopoly on magic. This could not simply be further from the truth: inborn sorcery, innate connection to divine beings, shamanistic affairs with nature spirits, and fundamental attunement to primal energies are testaments of magic being beyond
the wielder's cultural refinement.
Due to magic pervading all sorts of culture, it is of no surprise that some of these individuals utilize their magic in a rather rudimentary manner, reflective of their primitive methodologies. While most would view magic as a tool to a problem, such as a sorcerer would see unleashing a wave of fire as a means to vanquish his enemies, these individuals would view magic as more of an untapped source of energy to power his tools—taking the function of the fuel instead of the fire.
These individuals are called Spellstoke Ragers—frenzied warriors who tap into and let their inner furnace of magic be used to keep the flames of their hatred eternally empowered.
Alignment: Any
Hit Die: 1d10
Requirements:
To qualify to become a Spellstoke Rager, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Base Attack Bonus: +4
Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Intimidate 8 ranks
Caster Level: Able to spontaneously cast 1st-level spells
Special: Rage ability
Class Skills:
The Spellstoke Rager’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), and Swim (Str). Additionally, add up to two skills and one knowledge skill of your choice into the Spellstoke Rager class skill list, all of which must have been class skills from previous base classes.
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier
LevelBABFortRefWillSpecialSpells Per Day
1st+1+2+0+2Unrelenting, Overpower Weakness +1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd+2+3+0+3Spellburnt Wreckage +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd+3+3+1+3Spellburnt Might +1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th+4+4+1+4Spellburnt Armament +1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th+5+4+1+4Battercast, Self-Destruction-Fueled Self-Destruction +1 level of existing spellcasting class
6th+6+5+2+5Power is Power -
7th+7+5+2+5Spellburnt Euphoria +1 level of existing spellcasting class
8th+8+6+2+6Spellburnt Recalcitrance +1 level of existing spellcasting class
9th+9+6+3+6Spellburnt Cataclysm +1 level of existing spellcasting class
10th+10+7+3+7Slaughtercast +1 level of existing spellcasting class
Class Features
All the following are class features of the Spellstoke Rager prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency
A Spellstoke Rager gains no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
Spells per Day
At each level except for the 6th, the Spellstoke Rager gains new spells per day (and spells known, if applicable) as if he had also attained a level in any spellcasting class he belonged to before he added the prestige class. If a character had more than one classes before becoming a Spellstoke Rager, he must decide to which class he adds each level of this class for purpose of determining either spells per day, spells known, & caster level.
Unrelenting (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a Spellstoke Rager can cast abjuration, conjuration, evocation, necromancy, and transmutation spells. A Spellstoke Rager loses the usual feat restrictions normally incurred from raging, and may even apply metamagic feats without increasing the spell's casting time. Additionally, Spellstoke Rager levels stack with Barbarian levels to determine Rages per Day.
Overpower Weakness (Ex)
A Spellstoke Rager no longer incurs arcane spell failure from wearing light armor. At 6th level, this ability extends to medium armors as well.
Spellburnt Wreckage (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 2nd-level Spellstoke Rager may have any space he moves through in a particular round be considered difficult terrain for that round against creatures he is hostile to. Once per round as a swift action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to gain a bonus on weapon attack and damage rolls for one round, equal to 1 per level of the spell slot expended and 1d8 per level of the spell slot expended, respectively. This bonus does not stack with those from the feat Arcane Strike.
Spellburnt Might (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 3rd-level Spellstoke Rager automatically succeeds on all Jump, Climb, and Swim checks with DC not greater than his Strength score times his combined Spellstoke Rager and Barbarian levels. Additionally, once per round as an immediate action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to gain a bonus on grapple checks, strength-based skill checks, and opposed strength checks for one round, equal to 2 + 2 per level of the spell slot expended.
Spellburnt Armament (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, for the purposes of attacks, a 4th-level Spellstoke Rager treats his weapons as having an enhancement bonus equal to half his combined Spellstoke Rager and Barbarian levels. Additionally, as a swift action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to imbue his weapon attacks for one round per Barbarian level, with any number of appropriate weapon special abilities of a total cost no greater than a weapon enhancement bonus of 1 + 1 per level of the spell slot expended.
Battercast (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 5th-level Spellstoke Rager can cast any touch spell he knows as part of a charge, full-attack, or a standard action attack, and the spell affects the first target hit in melee combat that round. The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action or less.
Battercast doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity.
Self-Destruction-Fueled Self-Destruction (Ex)
Once per round while under the effects of rage, a 5th-level Spellstoke Rager may choose to damage every creature (including him) in his space, with an amount equal to his remaining spell slots, in order to quicken the next spell that he casts without spell slot adjustment.
This damage bypasses any damage reductions redirections, immunities, and conversion to non-lethal, by any means (including, but not limited to, damage reduction, the Share Pain power, the Shield Other spell, and Regeneration.)
Power is Power (Ex)
A 6th-level Spellstoke Rager may use his Strength score in place of his Charisma score for all purposes. Additionally, any time he expends a spell slot, the duration of his Rage increases by an amount of round equal to the level of the spell slot expended.
Spellburnt Euphoria (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 7th-level Spellstoke Rager gains Fast Healing equal to half his combined Spellstoke Rager and Barbarian levels. Additionally, once per round as a free action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to make each successful melee attack for one round grant temporary HP equal to 3 + 3 hit per level of the spell slot expended, to a willing ally (including him) of his choice. Temporary hit points from Spellburnt Euphoria stack, but lasts only until the end of the encounter.
Spellburnt Recalcitrance (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, an 8th-level Spellstoke Rager may ignore any language-based or mind-affecting effect from creatures he is hostile to. Additionally, once per round as an immediate action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to ignore for one round spells with equal level to that of the spell slot expended. Harmless spells on him are excluded from this effect.
Spellburnt Cataclysm (Ex):
While under the effects of rage, a 9th-level Spellstoke Rager's melee weapon attacks affect all creatures and unattended objects in an area of either a 20 ft. line, a 10 ft. cone, or a 5 ft. radius sphere. The area attack must be either centered (if sphere) or originated (if line/cone) from his square, whichever applies. Additionally once per round as a swift action while under the effects of rage, he may expend a spell slot to multiply the area range by 1 + 1 per level of the spell slot expended.
If used with Battercast, choose only one successfully hit creature to be affected by the spell.
Slaughtercast (Ex)
While under the effects of rage, a 10th level Spellstoke Rager can cast any touch spell he knows as part of a full attack action, and the spell affects each target hit in melee combat that round. Doing so discharges the spell at the end of the round, in the case of a touch spell that would otherwise last longer than 1 round. The spell must have a casting time of 1 standard action or less.
Slaughtercast doesn't provoke attacks of opportunity, and can't be used in conjunction with Battercast.
Author Notes
Thoughts about the class
First of all, I'm not actually sure if this counts as a Rage Mage fix. It does, thematically, feel the same. And for the sake of tagging and ease of identification, I will claim that this is indeed a rage mage fix.
However, I feel that the two PrCs offer two different things, at least in what I think the design concept of Rage Mage was supposed to be. When I hear of Rage Mage, I imagine a frenzied spellcaster slinging spells willy nilly like a pissed off, desperate, dragonball Z villain slinging energy beams (think of Vegeta!). Basically, Rage Mage is the type who will melt your face with nuke and reduce it to ashes, instead of smashing it with a warhammer until it is reduced to a bloody pulp... all the while cackling maniacally. Rage Mage. A mage who rages. A furious mage. A mage who harnesses divine fury to deliver deific flames/storms/etc. of vengeance. This is practically the archetypal crazy mad pyromancer.
Then there's the Spellstoke Rager. This is the type of guy who rages with a weapon in hand. This is practically a buffed BSF in a can. This is Broly getting too overwhelmed with anger and turns into the legendary super saiyan mode, his pure undiluted hatred in the form of ki seeping out from the very pores of his skin and further reinforcing his power. Spellstoke Rager. A rager who has spells. A rage who gets ever more pissed and ever more powerful. A rager whose very spells are the ones used to fan the flames of fury. This is practically the berserker who crudely uses anything within arm's reach, even his own spells, as an improvised implement of violence.
For PrC Users
I appreciate any sort of feedback on how the class worked (or didn't) on your campaign, so feel free to post on this thread about it. Any suggestions on improving the class is also welcome.
For PEACHers
In a continuous effort to improve my homebrewing skills (and quite frankly, is there any other way than practicing and learning from mistakes?), here's my take on a Barbarian Gish class, which is somehow reminiscent of the Rage Mage. The aim is to make a barbarian gish class viable to be played with.
PEACHes, comments, pure adulation, and suggestions are all welcome and are dearly appreciated! Go ahead folks! Let her rip!