(int) darkness
2014-08-28, 01:47 PM
This is part of the Mythos classes business (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?335295-Mythos-Compendium). This is, essentially, meant to play as a rogue who can take the paths of assassination, trickery or outright lying.
http://i.imgur.com/VtftMjK.jpg
“I thought the most beautiful thing in the world must be shadow.” ~ Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
The Umbramendax
Any great light casts a shadow. Some shadows skulk, content in their own darkness. Some shadows mask themselves, so that the light does not burn them away. Other shadows stand up to the light and, in their boldest voice, lie and claim they were never shadows at all.
In the distant primordial past, there was a shadow. This shadow was not strong as the great beings that stood around it, and the light that cast it could burn it away at a moment’s notice. But the shadow was smart, and knew how to prevent the light from destroying it so it could come back once it left.
Three times the light came to him.
The first time, the shadow hid, cloaking himself in a shadow made of his own essence. The light burnt away at his edges and frayed his very being, but he survived its painful scrutiny.
The second time, the shadow covered himself with an illusion. The light searched for him, but it could not find him no matter how hard it looked.
The third time, the shadow stood up to the light and told it he was no mere shadow. The light believed the shadow and the force of the lie became the truth.
Thus lies were birthed into the world, and the shadow became more.
Those who exemplify the Shadow Mythos are the Umbramendax. They are those who have been touched by the Shadow, in heart, body or mind.
Their stories are those where the weak and the clever triumph over the strong and the dumb. They are the foxes, the trickster-gods and the umbral killers.
Others call them honourless, cowards, pathetic, but that matters not to the Umbramendax. All that matters is their survival, regardless of the means they have to use.
Hit Die: d8
Skill Points: 8 + Intelligence Modifier
Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (local) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), Use Rope (Dex).
Proficiencies: Umbramendax are proficient with all simple weapons, plus the hand crossbow, rapier, sap, shortbow, and short sword. Umbramendax are proficient with light armor, but not with shields.
LevelBABFortRefWillSpecialMythosExcellencies
1st+1+2+2+2The Shadow Mythos, Mythos Known, Exceptional Mythos, Umbral Excellence, The Shadow's Path+2+1
2nd+2+3+3+3+0+1
3rd+3+3+3+3+1+0
4th+4+4+4+4+0+1
5th+5+4+4+4+1+0
6th+6/+1+5+5+5+0+1
7th+7/+2+5+5+5Fantastic Mythos+1+1
8th+8/+3+6+6+6+0+1
9th+9/+4+6+6+6+1+0
10th+10/+5+7+7+7+0+1
11th+11/+6/+1+7+7+7+1+0
12th+12/+7/+2+8+8+8+0+1
13th+13/+8/+3+8+8+8Legendary Mythos+1+1
14th+14/+9/+4+9+9+9+0+1
15th+15/+10/+5+9+9+9+1+0
16th+16/+11/+6/+1+10+10+10+0+1
17th+17/+12/+7/+2+10+10+10+1+0
18th+18/+13/+8/+3+11+11+11+0+1
19th+19/+14/+9/+4+11+11+11Exalted Mythos+1+1
20th+20/+15/+10/+5+12+12+12+1+1
The Shadow Mythos: An Umbramendax's power is expressed in terms of one or more "Mythos", the building blocks of the legend that they are, and the stories that they have told and will tell. While any given Mythos varies from the rest, they share some similar traits. They are always Extraordinary abilities, and when they reference a difficulty class for an imposed saving throw, that saving throw is always calculated as (10 + 1/2 class level + Dexterity modifier, unless otherwise stated). When a Mythos references a "level" that is not clearly defined in some other way, such as "character level", it refers to "class level" as in the number of levels one has in the Umbramendax class. When a Mythos references "allies", it specifically does not refer to the Umbramendax using it. When a Mythos grants a feat as a bonus feat, it is regardless of whether the character meets the prerequisites for that feat (unless otherwise stated), and if the character already possesses that feat (in some permanent fashion - via the normal allotment gained by leveling up, or through another Mythos, and so on, but not those gained temporarily, such as via a "Heroics" spell), they must replace the prior instance of that feat with another feat that they qualify for. When a Mythos refers to a "weapon" being wielded by the Umbramendax, unless otherwise noted, it does not apply to unarmed attacks, natural weapons, or improvised weapons.
Every Mythos has a Tier. The Tier of a Mythos ranges from 1 to 4, typically referred to as Exceptional, Fantastic, Legendary, and Exalted. Exceptional Mythos tell the story of the rogues that rise above others to deceive, thieve or silently kill those who would stand against them. They are killers that strike out of shadow. They are the deceivers who lie and turn milk into poison. An Umbramendax with Fantastic Mythos is a being told of in great sagas and whispered tavern stories. Tricksters who convince great men to give up their kingdoms for a bead, thief lords who enter a vault and empty it without anyone noticing, those who make a pile of rocks look like gold and ruin nations with the wealth. Legendary Mythos begins to reveal the story of the Umbramendax’s evolution into a being of shadow, lies and trickery. They conquer kingdoms with illusory armies, turn a portion of the world into a shadowy plane or lie in such a way that a significant portion of reality warps itself to suit what they believe. When an Umbramendax becomes Exalted, reality itself becomes their plaything. They may block out the sun so that their powers grow in strength, lie and change the fundamental rules of the world or make their illusions become the truth of reality.
Some Mythos, in addition to their initial stated effect, have Basic and Advanced manifestations. When an Umbramendax gains access to a Mythos with a list of Basic manifestations, they may choose one such manifestation, and they gain that benefit immediately as well. This choice may not be changed later. When an Umbramendax gains access to a Mythos with a list of Advanced manifestations, they may choose one such manifestation, and they gain that benefit upon achieving their next level of Umbramendax. This choice may be changed at any point before receiving the chosen manifestation itself, but not after (choosing beforehand is just an easy way to mark it down on your character sheet so you don't forget that you'll be getting something later).
Mythos Known: A 1st level Umbramendax begins play with two Exceptional Mythos that he qualifies for if this is his first level in a PC character class. At higher levels, he gains additional Mythos as noted on the Umbramendax class table.
For characters that multiclass into Umbramendax after having taken levels in another PC character class, the 1st level of Umbramendax grants only a single Exceptional Mythos, rather than two.
An Umbramendax also has the ability to learn more Mythos, above the ones automatically allotted to him by leveling up. There are a number of ways the Umbramendax can do this:-
1. He can choose to distribute his wealth to the poor, as long as his distribution is anonymous.
2. He can engage in an orgy of debauchery, spending his gold on fine wine, finer women and even finer beds.
3. He can trick an individual into taking control of a large amount of gold or an individual item, convincing them it is worthless.
For every gold piece (or cost equivalent, if it is an item) he spends this way, he gains a single Mythos Point. If he tries to reclaim the gold in the future or he gains any obvious benefit from his actions, he does not gain the Mythos Points and loses access to any features purchased by them. Other methods may be allowed depending on the GM’s discretion as long as they follow the aforementioned rules.
By spending 1,000 Mythos Points, and 250xp, he may learn an Exceptional Mythos. A Fantastic Mythos requires 5,000 Mythos Points and 500xp. A Legendary Mythos takes 10,000 Mythos Points, and 1,000xp. And an Exalted Mythos takes 20,000 Mythos Points and 2,000xp.
For half the listed price for a given Tier, an Umbramendax may learn a Basic or Advanced manifestation of a Mythos they already know of that Tier.
Learning Mythos above the standard amount requires astounding, nearly single-minded devotion to the story of the Umbramendax. One may only utilize this ability while more than half of his effective character level (ECL) is devoted to levels in the Umbramendax class.
Umbral Excellence: As denoted on their class table, an Umbramendax gains a certain number of abilities known as "Excellencies". These tend to be more general, generic, and passive than a Mythos, but are useful nonetheless, and are drawn from their own separate list, unsegregated by Tiers. Like a Mythos, an Umbramendax may learn more Excellencies above their allotted amount. Each one costs 1,000 Mythos Points and 100xp, plus an additional 1,000 Mythos Points and 100xp for each time a new Excellency is innovated beyond the first. (So, 2,000mp and 200xp for the second, 3,000mp and 300xp for the third, etc.)
The Shadow’s Path: The Shadow is a type of Mythos with many forms. Whilst those forms can sometimes link together, there are three paths that the Umbramendax usually follows.
The Umbramendax may choose one of the following paths at first level (he may also save taking it at first level and then take it at a later level, although if any path precludes a mythos or excellency he gains a full Mythos Point and XP refund on that mythos or excellency). Any bonuses from being in one of these paths are immediately and retroactively gained on taking the path.
Path of Darkness
The Umbramendax follows the path of assassination and shadow, focusing on hiding in darkness and then striking out with their vicious bladed weapons.
The Path of Darkness gains Evasion, Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge as a rogue of the same level.
The Path of Darkness also gains full sneak attack progression as a rogue of the same level (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th etc). This stacks with sneak attack from other sources.
Every Mythos or Excellency taken with the [Darkness] descriptor gives the Umbramendax a +1 competence bonus to Hide.
Path of Deception
The Path of Deception gains Cloaked Casting as a Beguiler where his Umbramendax level is a substitute for his Beguiler level (this stacks with levels of Beguiler). This ability also applies to the Umbramendax’s abilities.
The Umbramendax also gains sneak attack progression at 1st level and every fifth level starting at level 5 (1st, 5th, 10th, 15th etc). This stacks with sneak attack from other sources.
Every Mythos or Excellency taken with the [Deception] descriptor gives the Umbramendax a +1 competence bonus to Spellcraft.
In addition, the Path of Deception allows the Umbramendax to substitute their intelligence modifier for their dexterity modifier on any Umbramendax class features, if their intelligence modifier is higher.
Path of Deceit
The Path of Deceit gains the ability to exploit confirmation bias. Every time they manage to convince a person of a lie via Bluff, that person gains a -2 bonus to checks requiring to see through lies related to that and the DC of finding out the truth related to that fact increases by +2 for the next hour. This ability stacks with itself. Each time a stack is applied, the duration refreshes.
As an example, if you convinced someone that you did not kill a person, then that someone would take a -2 to any future Sense Motive checks for lies you told about the murder of that person and would take +2 to any Perception rolls to notice evidence of the murder (as in the fact the dagger that WAS in the person’s back is now in your sheath).
The Umbramendax also gains sneak attack progression at 1st level and every third level (1st, 4rd, 7th, 10th etc). This stacks with sneak attack from other sources.
Every Mythos or Excellency taken with the [Deceit] descriptor gives the Umbramendax a +1 competence bonus to Bluff.
In addition, the Path of Deceit allows the Umbramendax to substitute their charisma modifier for their dexterity modifier on any Umbramendax class features, if their charisma modifier is higher.
http://i.imgur.com/VtftMjK.jpg
“I thought the most beautiful thing in the world must be shadow.” ~ Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
The Umbramendax
Any great light casts a shadow. Some shadows skulk, content in their own darkness. Some shadows mask themselves, so that the light does not burn them away. Other shadows stand up to the light and, in their boldest voice, lie and claim they were never shadows at all.
In the distant primordial past, there was a shadow. This shadow was not strong as the great beings that stood around it, and the light that cast it could burn it away at a moment’s notice. But the shadow was smart, and knew how to prevent the light from destroying it so it could come back once it left.
Three times the light came to him.
The first time, the shadow hid, cloaking himself in a shadow made of his own essence. The light burnt away at his edges and frayed his very being, but he survived its painful scrutiny.
The second time, the shadow covered himself with an illusion. The light searched for him, but it could not find him no matter how hard it looked.
The third time, the shadow stood up to the light and told it he was no mere shadow. The light believed the shadow and the force of the lie became the truth.
Thus lies were birthed into the world, and the shadow became more.
Those who exemplify the Shadow Mythos are the Umbramendax. They are those who have been touched by the Shadow, in heart, body or mind.
Their stories are those where the weak and the clever triumph over the strong and the dumb. They are the foxes, the trickster-gods and the umbral killers.
Others call them honourless, cowards, pathetic, but that matters not to the Umbramendax. All that matters is their survival, regardless of the means they have to use.
Hit Die: d8
Skill Points: 8 + Intelligence Modifier
Class Skills: Appraise (Int), Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (local) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), Use Rope (Dex).
Proficiencies: Umbramendax are proficient with all simple weapons, plus the hand crossbow, rapier, sap, shortbow, and short sword. Umbramendax are proficient with light armor, but not with shields.
LevelBABFortRefWillSpecialMythosExcellencies
1st+1+2+2+2The Shadow Mythos, Mythos Known, Exceptional Mythos, Umbral Excellence, The Shadow's Path+2+1
2nd+2+3+3+3+0+1
3rd+3+3+3+3+1+0
4th+4+4+4+4+0+1
5th+5+4+4+4+1+0
6th+6/+1+5+5+5+0+1
7th+7/+2+5+5+5Fantastic Mythos+1+1
8th+8/+3+6+6+6+0+1
9th+9/+4+6+6+6+1+0
10th+10/+5+7+7+7+0+1
11th+11/+6/+1+7+7+7+1+0
12th+12/+7/+2+8+8+8+0+1
13th+13/+8/+3+8+8+8Legendary Mythos+1+1
14th+14/+9/+4+9+9+9+0+1
15th+15/+10/+5+9+9+9+1+0
16th+16/+11/+6/+1+10+10+10+0+1
17th+17/+12/+7/+2+10+10+10+1+0
18th+18/+13/+8/+3+11+11+11+0+1
19th+19/+14/+9/+4+11+11+11Exalted Mythos+1+1
20th+20/+15/+10/+5+12+12+12+1+1
The Shadow Mythos: An Umbramendax's power is expressed in terms of one or more "Mythos", the building blocks of the legend that they are, and the stories that they have told and will tell. While any given Mythos varies from the rest, they share some similar traits. They are always Extraordinary abilities, and when they reference a difficulty class for an imposed saving throw, that saving throw is always calculated as (10 + 1/2 class level + Dexterity modifier, unless otherwise stated). When a Mythos references a "level" that is not clearly defined in some other way, such as "character level", it refers to "class level" as in the number of levels one has in the Umbramendax class. When a Mythos references "allies", it specifically does not refer to the Umbramendax using it. When a Mythos grants a feat as a bonus feat, it is regardless of whether the character meets the prerequisites for that feat (unless otherwise stated), and if the character already possesses that feat (in some permanent fashion - via the normal allotment gained by leveling up, or through another Mythos, and so on, but not those gained temporarily, such as via a "Heroics" spell), they must replace the prior instance of that feat with another feat that they qualify for. When a Mythos refers to a "weapon" being wielded by the Umbramendax, unless otherwise noted, it does not apply to unarmed attacks, natural weapons, or improvised weapons.
Every Mythos has a Tier. The Tier of a Mythos ranges from 1 to 4, typically referred to as Exceptional, Fantastic, Legendary, and Exalted. Exceptional Mythos tell the story of the rogues that rise above others to deceive, thieve or silently kill those who would stand against them. They are killers that strike out of shadow. They are the deceivers who lie and turn milk into poison. An Umbramendax with Fantastic Mythos is a being told of in great sagas and whispered tavern stories. Tricksters who convince great men to give up their kingdoms for a bead, thief lords who enter a vault and empty it without anyone noticing, those who make a pile of rocks look like gold and ruin nations with the wealth. Legendary Mythos begins to reveal the story of the Umbramendax’s evolution into a being of shadow, lies and trickery. They conquer kingdoms with illusory armies, turn a portion of the world into a shadowy plane or lie in such a way that a significant portion of reality warps itself to suit what they believe. When an Umbramendax becomes Exalted, reality itself becomes their plaything. They may block out the sun so that their powers grow in strength, lie and change the fundamental rules of the world or make their illusions become the truth of reality.
Some Mythos, in addition to their initial stated effect, have Basic and Advanced manifestations. When an Umbramendax gains access to a Mythos with a list of Basic manifestations, they may choose one such manifestation, and they gain that benefit immediately as well. This choice may not be changed later. When an Umbramendax gains access to a Mythos with a list of Advanced manifestations, they may choose one such manifestation, and they gain that benefit upon achieving their next level of Umbramendax. This choice may be changed at any point before receiving the chosen manifestation itself, but not after (choosing beforehand is just an easy way to mark it down on your character sheet so you don't forget that you'll be getting something later).
Mythos Known: A 1st level Umbramendax begins play with two Exceptional Mythos that he qualifies for if this is his first level in a PC character class. At higher levels, he gains additional Mythos as noted on the Umbramendax class table.
For characters that multiclass into Umbramendax after having taken levels in another PC character class, the 1st level of Umbramendax grants only a single Exceptional Mythos, rather than two.
An Umbramendax also has the ability to learn more Mythos, above the ones automatically allotted to him by leveling up. There are a number of ways the Umbramendax can do this:-
1. He can choose to distribute his wealth to the poor, as long as his distribution is anonymous.
2. He can engage in an orgy of debauchery, spending his gold on fine wine, finer women and even finer beds.
3. He can trick an individual into taking control of a large amount of gold or an individual item, convincing them it is worthless.
For every gold piece (or cost equivalent, if it is an item) he spends this way, he gains a single Mythos Point. If he tries to reclaim the gold in the future or he gains any obvious benefit from his actions, he does not gain the Mythos Points and loses access to any features purchased by them. Other methods may be allowed depending on the GM’s discretion as long as they follow the aforementioned rules.
By spending 1,000 Mythos Points, and 250xp, he may learn an Exceptional Mythos. A Fantastic Mythos requires 5,000 Mythos Points and 500xp. A Legendary Mythos takes 10,000 Mythos Points, and 1,000xp. And an Exalted Mythos takes 20,000 Mythos Points and 2,000xp.
For half the listed price for a given Tier, an Umbramendax may learn a Basic or Advanced manifestation of a Mythos they already know of that Tier.
Learning Mythos above the standard amount requires astounding, nearly single-minded devotion to the story of the Umbramendax. One may only utilize this ability while more than half of his effective character level (ECL) is devoted to levels in the Umbramendax class.
Umbral Excellence: As denoted on their class table, an Umbramendax gains a certain number of abilities known as "Excellencies". These tend to be more general, generic, and passive than a Mythos, but are useful nonetheless, and are drawn from their own separate list, unsegregated by Tiers. Like a Mythos, an Umbramendax may learn more Excellencies above their allotted amount. Each one costs 1,000 Mythos Points and 100xp, plus an additional 1,000 Mythos Points and 100xp for each time a new Excellency is innovated beyond the first. (So, 2,000mp and 200xp for the second, 3,000mp and 300xp for the third, etc.)
The Shadow’s Path: The Shadow is a type of Mythos with many forms. Whilst those forms can sometimes link together, there are three paths that the Umbramendax usually follows.
The Umbramendax may choose one of the following paths at first level (he may also save taking it at first level and then take it at a later level, although if any path precludes a mythos or excellency he gains a full Mythos Point and XP refund on that mythos or excellency). Any bonuses from being in one of these paths are immediately and retroactively gained on taking the path.
Path of Darkness
The Umbramendax follows the path of assassination and shadow, focusing on hiding in darkness and then striking out with their vicious bladed weapons.
The Path of Darkness gains Evasion, Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge as a rogue of the same level.
The Path of Darkness also gains full sneak attack progression as a rogue of the same level (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th etc). This stacks with sneak attack from other sources.
Every Mythos or Excellency taken with the [Darkness] descriptor gives the Umbramendax a +1 competence bonus to Hide.
Path of Deception
The Path of Deception gains Cloaked Casting as a Beguiler where his Umbramendax level is a substitute for his Beguiler level (this stacks with levels of Beguiler). This ability also applies to the Umbramendax’s abilities.
The Umbramendax also gains sneak attack progression at 1st level and every fifth level starting at level 5 (1st, 5th, 10th, 15th etc). This stacks with sneak attack from other sources.
Every Mythos or Excellency taken with the [Deception] descriptor gives the Umbramendax a +1 competence bonus to Spellcraft.
In addition, the Path of Deception allows the Umbramendax to substitute their intelligence modifier for their dexterity modifier on any Umbramendax class features, if their intelligence modifier is higher.
Path of Deceit
The Path of Deceit gains the ability to exploit confirmation bias. Every time they manage to convince a person of a lie via Bluff, that person gains a -2 bonus to checks requiring to see through lies related to that and the DC of finding out the truth related to that fact increases by +2 for the next hour. This ability stacks with itself. Each time a stack is applied, the duration refreshes.
As an example, if you convinced someone that you did not kill a person, then that someone would take a -2 to any future Sense Motive checks for lies you told about the murder of that person and would take +2 to any Perception rolls to notice evidence of the murder (as in the fact the dagger that WAS in the person’s back is now in your sheath).
The Umbramendax also gains sneak attack progression at 1st level and every third level (1st, 4rd, 7th, 10th etc). This stacks with sneak attack from other sources.
Every Mythos or Excellency taken with the [Deceit] descriptor gives the Umbramendax a +1 competence bonus to Bluff.
In addition, the Path of Deceit allows the Umbramendax to substitute their charisma modifier for their dexterity modifier on any Umbramendax class features, if their charisma modifier is higher.