Masquer, Factotum + Chameleon inspired [Base Class]

[Tambourine]

This bit me today and wouldn't let go until I wrote it out. This is more or less intended to be "chameleon, the base class", with a dash of factotum and master of masks for spice. Tell me what you think?

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The Masquer

Role: The masquer is extraordinarily versatile, able to fill almost role in a party.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Die: d8.

Starting Wealth: 4d6 × 10 gp (average 140 gp.).

Class Skills

The masquer has all skills as class skills.

Skill Ranks per Level: 10 + Int modifier.

Class Features


Spells per Day
Level Base Attack Bonus Fort Save Ref Save Will Save Special 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
1st +0 +0 +0 +0 Inspiration, persona 1 — — — — —
2nd +1 +0 +0 +0 Master of disguise 2 — — — — —
3rd +2 +1 +1 +1 Keen recollection 3 — — — — —
4th +3 +1 +1 +1 Glib lie, mask alignment 3 1 — — — —
5th +3 +1 +1 +1 Concealed thoughts 4 2 — — — —
6th +4 +2 +2 +2 Persona specialty 4 3 — — — —
7th +5 +2 +2 +2 Shift alignment 4 3 1 — — —
8th +6/+1 +2 +2 +2 Amazing inspiration 4 4 2 — — —
9th +6/+1 +3 +3 +3 Persona focus +2 5 4 3 — — —
10th +7/+2 +3 +3 +3 Dual persona 5 4 3 1 — —
11th +8/+3 +3 +3 +3 Elude detection 5 4 4 2 — —
12th +9/+4 +4 +4 +4 Combat inspiration 5 5 4 3 — —
13th +9/+4 +4 +4 +4 Persona focus +4 5 5 4 3 1 —
14th +10/+5 +4 +4 +4 A thousand faces 5 5 4 4 2 —
15th +11/+6/+1 +5 +5 +5 Tenacious inspiration 5 5 5 4 3 —
16th +12/+7/+2 +5 +5 +5 Fast persona (ten minutes) 5 5 5 4 3 1
17th +12/+7/+2 +5 +5 +5 Persona focus +6 5 5 5 4 4 2
18th +13/+8/+3 +6 +6 +6 Fast persona (one minute) 5 5 5 5 4 3
19th +14/+9/+4 +6 +6 +6 Greater combat inspiration 5 5 5 5 5 4
20th +15/+10/+5 +6 +6 +6 Fast persona (one round) 5 5 5 5 5 5


Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: Masquers are proficient with all simple weapons and with all armor and shields (except tower shields).

Inspiration (Ex): This ability is identical to the investigator (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator) ability of the same name.

Persona (Ex): By spending an hour in meditation, a masquer can activate one persona. While that persona is activated, he gains the listed abilities until he next changes his persona. This focus can be changed at any time, but takes the hour of meditation each time. For any persona that grants spellcasting or manifesting ability, the masquer must still obey the normal rules for preparing spells (including any rest required). If the masquer changes his persona with spells already prepared, those spells remain prepared, but he can't cast them or use them for any abilities unless the appropriate persona is active.

Mage: The masquer gains the ability to prepare and cast arcane spells, which may be chosen from the spell list of any arcane spellcasting class. He prepares and casts these spells as a wizard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard) does, including a spellbook. His spells per day are noted on Table: The Masquer. He gains bonus spells for high Intelligence, just as a wizard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard) does.

The masquer can also use inspiration on Knowledge (arcana) checks and Spellcraft checks, and on Will saves, without expending uses of inspiration.

Priest: The masquer gains the ability to prepare and cast divine spells, which may be chosen from the spell list of any divine spellcasting class. Unlike most divine spellcasters, the masquer must use a prayerbook, a collection of copied divine spells (detailed below), to prepare spells. The masquer's spells are otherwise prepared and cast as a cleric (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric) does, except that he can't spontaneously cast cure spells. His spells per day are noted on Table: The Masquer. He gains bonus spells for high Wisdom, just as a cleric (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric) does.

The masquer can also use inspiration on Knowledge (religion) checks, and on Fortitude and Will saves, without expending uses of inspiration.

Soldier: The masquer gains proficiency with all martial weapons, the armor training ability of a fighter (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/fighter) of his class level, and the martial flexibility and maneuver training abilities of a brawler (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/brawler) of his class level. Each time he activates this persona he may choose different maneuvers for maneuver training.

The masquer can also use inspiration on attack rolls and weapon damage rolls, on Knowledge (history) and Ride checks, and on Fortitude saves, without expending uses of inspiration. Using inspiration on weapon damage rolls is an ability unique to the soldier persona.

Thief: The masquer gains evasion, trapfinding, and uncanny dodge abilities as a rogue (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/rogue) of his class level, and the sneak attack and studied target abilities of a slayer (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/slayer) of his class level. (He must be of the appropriate level to gain the evasion or uncanny dodge abilities.)

The masquer can also use inspiration on Disable Device, Knowledge (local), Perception, and Stealth checks, and on Reflex saves, without expending uses of inspiration.

Master of Disguise (Ex): This ability is identical to the master spy (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/master-spy) ability of the same name.

Keen Recollection (Ex): This ability is identical to the investigator (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator) ability of the same name.

Glib Lie (Su): This ability is identical to the master spy (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/master-spy) ability of the same name.

Mask Alignment (Su): This ability is identical to the master spy (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/master-spy) ability of the same name.

False Reading (Su): This ability is identical to the concealed thoughts master spy (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/master-spy) ability, except that in addition to revealing any surface thoughts, the masquer may choose instead to supply apparently genuine but ultimately useless false thoughts consistent with her currently active persona or personas.

Persona Specialty (Ex): At 6th level, the masquer gains more abilities each usable when the given persona is active. Unless noted otherwise, if one of these abilities has limited uses per day, those uses don't refresh if the masquer deactivates and then reactivates that persona. (For example, a masquer can't gain extra uses per day of channel energy by deactivating and then reactivating the priest persona.)

Mage: The masquer gains the arcane reservoir ability as an arcanist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/arcanist) of his class level and a single arcanist exploit of his choice. He may choose a different exploit whenever he activates the mage persona.

Priest: The masquer gains the channel energy ability as a cleric (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/cleric) of his class level. He may use any holy symbol appropriate for his alignment (or, if mask alignment is active, his masked alignment).

Soldier: The masquer gains the challenge ability as a cavalier (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/cavalier) of his class level and the challenge benefit of one cavalier order. He may choose a different cavalier order whenever he activates the soldier persona.

Thief: The masquer gains the fast movement ability of a monk (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/monk) of his class level and the light steps and improved uncanny dodge abilities of a ninja (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/ninja) of his class level. (He must be of the appropriate level to gain the improved uncanny dodge ability.)

Shift Alignment (Su): This ability is identical to the master spy (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/master-spy) ability of the same name.

Amazing Inspiration (Ex): This ability is identical to the investigator (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator) talent of the same name.

Persona Focus (Ex): At 9th level, a masquer gains a +2 competence bonus to an ability score for each active persona. This bonus lasts until the masquer changes his active persona or personas. At 13th level, this increases to +4. At 17th level, it increases to +6.

Mage: Intelligence.

Priest: Wisdom.

Soldier: Strength.

Thief: Dexterity.

Dual Persona (Ex): At 10th level, a masquer can activate two personas together instead of just one. He can't activate the same persona twice simultaneously. He gains the listed abilities depending on the combination of personas. If one of these abilities has limited uses per day, those uses don't refresh if the masquer deactivates and then reactivates that persona.

Mage and Priest ("Hierophant"): The masquer gains the combined spells ability of a mystic theurge (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/core-rulebook/mystic-theurge) of half his class level. He can also use inspiration on Fly, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, and Use Magic Device checks without expending uses of inspiration.

Mage and Soldier ("Spellsword"): The masquer gains the spell combat and spellstrike abilities of a magus (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/magus) of his class level. He can also use inspiration on Intimidate, Fly, Knowledge (dungeoneering), and Use Magic Device checks without expending uses of inspiration.

Mage and Thief ("Jester"): The masquer gains the bardic performance ability as a bard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard) of his class level, but no performances. Depending on his masked alignment (or, if he has no masked alignment active, his true alignment) the masquer may choose one of the following abilities to gain: if good, inspire courage and inspire competence as a bard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard) of his class level; if evil, satire and mockery as a bard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard) of his level with the court bard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard/archetypes/paizo---bard-archetypes/court-bard) archetype. He can also use inspiration on Acrobatics, Knowledge (history), Perform, and Sleight of Hand checks without expending uses of inspiration.

Priest and Soldier ("Champion"): Depending on his masked alignment (or, if he has no masked alignment active, his true alignment) the masquer may choose one of the following abilities to gain: if good, smite evil as a paladin (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/paladin) of his class level; if evil, smite good as an antipaladin (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/alternate-classes/antipaladin) of his class level; if lawful, smite chaos as a hellknight (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/e-h/hellknight) of his class level; if chaotic, smite law (this functions as smite evil as a paladin (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/paladin) of his class level, but against chaotic-aligned creatures, and is twice as effective against outsiders with the lawful subtype). He can only gain one of these abilities, even if he has an extreme alignment. They share the same pool of uses per day. He can also use inspiration on Diplomacy, Heal, Knowledge (nobility), and Sense Motive checks without expending uses of inspiration.

Priest and Thief ("Scourge"): Depending on his masked alignment (or, if he has no masked alignment active, his true alignment) the masquer may choose one of the following abilities to gain: if lawful, judgment as an inquisitor (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/inquisitor) of his class level; if chaotic, assassinate as a slayer (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/slayer) of his class level with the assassinate talent. He can also use inspiration on Disguise, Intimidate, Knowledge (religion), and Sense Motive checks without expending uses of inspiration.

Soldier and Thief ("Gladiator"): Depending on his masked alignment (or, if he has no masked alignment active, his true alignment) the masquer may choose one of the following abilities to gain: if lawful, battle dance, inspire courage, and inspire greatness as a bard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard) of his level with the dervish dancer (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/bard/archetypes/paizo---bard-archetypes/dervish-dancer) archetype; if chaotic, rate as a barbarian of his class level (but not greater rage or other improved rage abilities). He can also use inspiration on Acrobatics, Climb, Intimidate, and Swim checks without expending uses of inspiration.

Elude Detection (Sp): This ability is identical to the master spy (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/i-m/master-spy) ability of the same name.

Combat Inspiration (Ex): This ability is identical to the investigator (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator) talent of the same name.

A Thousand Faces (Su): This ability is identical to the druid (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/druid) ability of the same name.

Fast Persona (Ex): At 16th level, a masquer only takes ten minutes of meditation to change his active persona.

At 18th level, the masquer only takes one minute of meditation to change his active persona.

At 20th level, the masquer can change his active persona with a single full-round action.

Tenacious Inspiration (Ex): This ability is identical to the investigator (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator) talent of the same name.

Greater Combat Inspiration (Ex) This ability is identical to the investigator (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/hybrid-classes/investigator) talent of the same name, except that the masquer may choose a different weapon type each time he changes his active persona or personas.

Prayerbook: A prayerbook is a collection of divine spells, similar to a spellbook (including costs and equipment statistics). When using the priest persona, a masquer can't prepare any spell not available in a prayerbook except for read magic, which he can prepare from memory. He can copy divine spells from a scroll to his prayerbook in the same way as a wizard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard) can copy wizard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard) spells from a scroll to a spellbook. A masquer begins play with a prayerbook containing a number of 0-level and 1st-level divine spells each equal to his Wisdom modifier. He doesn't automatically gain more spells by leveling up.

Spellbook: A masquer begins play with a spellbook containing a number of 0-level and 1st-level arcane spells each equal to his Intelligence modifier. He can copy spells from a scroll to a spellbook as a wizard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard) can, but may do so with spells from any arcane class. Unlike a wizard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard), a masquer doesn't gain add free spells to his spellbook when he gains a level.

[Tambourine]

Changelog:


Removed previous dictation of alignments and instead made some abilities depend on the current masked alignment.

[Tambourine]

Note to self: Kind of dissatisfied in retrospect with alignments as part of this. Maybe I could change it to use a similar "current disguise or cover" clause as Master Spy?

[Tambourine]

I removed previous dictation of alignments and instead made some abilities depend on the current masked alignment. I like this version much better.

[Deviston]

Although I've been out of the loop for too long to be able to comment on balance, I would say the thematics and flavor has been captured perfectly.

Questions
1) Could there be potential for additional personas either through creation and adding to the list or perhaps through feats? Or is the limitation of only these personas considered into balance? And if so, would requiring the feat penalty get around that?
2) What could some class specific feats be?
3) Since the inspiration will be used quite often, could it be reduced to a non-action or free action for the persona specific inspiration uses (like saves etc)?
4) How does the Masquer qualify for class specific feats in the event that he is in said related persona? Or does he not at all?
5) What was the reason for removing the "floating feat", arguably the most attractive feature of the chameleon?
6) I like the low saves, but could a feature be added that essentially states "for the purposes of meeting feat/PRC/etc requirements, the Masquer is counted as having full save progression", or would that be too breaking?
7) Similar to the above, the martial flexibility is extremely weak (IMO) considering the medium BAB progression, could a clause be added that his BAB is considered equal to a brawler of his level for the purpose of meeting prerequisites of feats when using martial flexibility?

Just some thoughts, thanks ahead for feedback.

[Tambourine]

1) Could there be potential for additional personas either through creation and adding to the list or perhaps through feats? Or is the limitation of only these personas considered into balance? And if so, would requiring the feat penalty get around that?

I only have the limited set I have because those were the good combinations I could think of for dual persona. Another possibly promising one that comes to mind could be something nature-focused (plus soldier for ranger, plus priest for druid, plus thief for scout, plus mage for...?).


2) What could some class specific feats be?

Not really sure, to be honest.


3) Since the inspiration will be used quite often, could it be reduced to a non-action or free action for the persona specific inspiration uses (like saves etc)?

Using inspiration is a free action for everything but saves, but making it a free action for persona-specific saves is a good idea.


4) How does the Masquer qualify for class specific feats in the event that he is in said related persona? Or does he not at all?

Right now, not at all.


5) What was the reason for removing the "floating feat", arguably the most attractive feature of the chameleon?

A do-everything floating feat felt kind of gimmicky compared to things focused around the different personas.


6) I like the low saves, but could a feature be added that essentially states "for the purposes of meeting feat/PRC/etc requirements, the Masquer is counted as having full save progression", or would that be too breaking?

How much is actually out there that requires certain save bonuses?


7) Similar to the above, the martial flexibility is extremely weak (IMO) considering the medium BAB progression, could a clause be added that his BAB is considered equal to a brawler of his level for the purpose of meeting prerequisites of feats when using martial flexibility?

Hmm, good idea.

[kulosle]

Insperation can already be used on knowledge checks without using insperation points. So may i suggest changing this class version of it so that it works on bluff and disguise without using points instead of knowledge. This class should be really good at bluff and disguise. Maybe another bonus for those skills later on as well.

Maybe something like the alter ego or tounge of the devil abilities of the montebank from dnd's 3.5 complete scoundrel.

[Deviston]

Insperation can already be used on knowledge checks without using insperation points. So may i suggest changing this class version of it so that it works on bluff and disguise without using points instead of knowledge. This class should be really good at bluff and disguise. Maybe another bonus for those skills later on as well.

Maybe something like the alter ego or tounge of the devil abilities of the montebank from dnd's 3.5 complete scoundrel.

Inspiration provides free uses on Knowledges IF TRAINED, but the personas provide the free use even if not trained. There's the difference. Say I don't want to put my points into each and every knowledge, well if I'm in a mage persona for example I can use the inspiration on knowledge (arcana) without expending a point even though it's not trained. Niche benefit, but still has a purpose. Although... the concept of changing seems nice. Not sure if TOO nice or not.

Edit: After rereading the above post, I would agree though. This needs a little more general bluff/disguise love if nothing else to assist with passing for a professional of the chosen field rather than just a knowledgeable dabbler/neophyte.

[Deviston]

Adding more person'a essentially makes the class stronger as he has more versatility. I feel it's fairly strong as is and adding more personas for free would be a little much. The more I look at it the more I see it's strength.

Anyhow, I was thinking more persona's could be created, and the character has the choice of four at character creation. Burn a feat slot (Extra Persona), gain another persona but you must pick only ONE that it can pair with (aka dual persona class feature, assuming they reach level 10) and each additional time you take the feat you may either select another to pair it with, or a different persona and single pairing for the new fella. Just an off the cuff thought.

For the floating feat, could it be from a select group of feats? It still allows the floating versatility, but only within persona specific lists. Combined lists for dual persona. Make it a slightly bigger than Ranger bonus feat list.

How much requires save bonuses? Not a lot but it's still something that I feel should be addressed in some form. This class is all about emulation and passing for something you aren't, I think that the low save mechanic is fabulous, but hampers for requirements when you SHOULD be able to pass for them (at appropriate levels).

[mictrepanier]

I created a D&D 5e adaptation; I'll start a new thread with references

This is a warlork patron: a ghost that possessed the "masquer"

[Tambourine]

I'm thinking of swapping the default free inspiration for Knowledge/Linguistics/Spellcraft to Bluff/Disguise/Sleight of Hand instead (among other changes that I already have in mind).


For the floating feat, could it be from a select group of feats? It still allows the floating versatility, but only within persona specific lists. Combined lists for dual persona. Make it a slightly bigger than Ranger bonus feat list.

Maybe, but I don't want to take away too much from the thematic effect of martial flexibility for the soldier persona.


How much requires save bonuses? Not a lot but it's still something that I feel should be addressed in some form. This class is all about emulation and passing for something you aren't, I think that the low save mechanic is fabulous, but hampers for requirements when you SHOULD be able to pass for them (at appropriate levels).

I'd be interested in seeing an example or examples of something that requires a certain base save bonus.


I created a D&D 5e adaptation; I'll start a new thread with references

This is a warlork patron: a ghost that possessed the "masquer"

Neat.

[kulosle]

What if you came up with more persona's but didn't let them know them all at once? Like say you end up with like 8 persona's you start out with 2 and every 5th level they get another one, and there is also a feat called extra persona.

[Farmerbink]

Inspiration provides free uses on Knowledges IF TRAINED, but the personas provide the free use even if not trained. There's the difference. Say I don't want to put my points into each and every knowledge, well if I'm in a mage persona for example I can use the inspiration on knowledge (arcana) without expending a point even though it's not trained. Niche benefit, but still has a purpose. Although... the concept of changing seems nice. Not sure if TOO nice or not.

Edit: After rereading the above post, I would agree though. This needs a little more general bluff/disguise love if nothing else to assist with passing for a professional of the chosen field rather than just a knowledgeable dabbler/neophyte.

You've got 10+int skills/level on a class that includes inspiration as per the investigator. You're gonna have 14-16 skill points per level, without really trying that hard. You have exactly zero excuse to not invest even a single point into a knowledge skill. Also, knowledge skills can't be used untrained anyway, so....