PDA

View Full Version : [Prestige Class] The Chronomancer



Qi_Chin
2007-06-07, 11:54 PM
This is a prestige class I've created for you guys to tear apart and judge :P It's for my own world, which is why it may seem a bit specific, but it's supposed to be.
A bit of info first. The prestige class focuses on casting spells with the Chronomancy descriptor. Basically, these are spells that manipulate time. I have about 60-70 new spells with this descriptor, spread over all ten levels, both arcane and divine. Spells like haste and slow could also be given this descriptor. Another thing is the new skill Knowledge (Time). But this one should be pretty self-explanatory. It's a class skill for bards, wizards, and clerics with the Time domain.
Lastly, one of the abilities talks about Paradox feats. These are a group of feats which allow characters to manipulate time to a small degree (better initiative, better saves, etc.) They are invoked as free actions, but every use brings a bit of Paradox, and too much Paradox is deadly.

The Chronomancer

Time is a powerful force, but few dare to study and experiment with it, out of fear for the repercussions and paradox this might create. Those few who do often pick up the mantle of the Chronomancer. These wizards have given up versatility to focus heavily on spells that manipulate time, and as they further their research, they gain more and more competence over this powerful force.
Good and neutral chronomancers often see each other as brethren who have seen the most primal and most powerful force in reality, and pride themselves with being able to manipulate it. However, all are constantly wary of the many dangers that dabbling with time can bring, and so they pool their knowledge to help each other out. Evil chronomancers often seek to use their new-found abilities to wreak havoc that few can resist or counter.
Because of the intense study required to achieve this prestige class, sorcerers and bards almost never become chronomancers. Those who do have branched out significantly into the domains of wizard spellcasting.
Hit die: d4.

Requirements
To qualify to become a chronomancer, a character has to fulfill all of the following criteria.
Skills: Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks, Knowledge (the planes) 8 ranks, Knowledge (time) 10 ranks.
Feat: Quicken Spell
Spells: Able to cast at least one 3rd-level spell with the Chronomancy descriptor.
Spells or Spell-Like Abilities: Able to prepare and cast 3rd-level arcance spells.

Class Skills
The chronomancer's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Appraise (Int), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Speak Language (none), and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill Points at Each Level: 2 + Int modifier.

The Chronomancer
{table=head]Level|BAB|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|Spells

1st|
+0|
+0|
+0|
+2|Chronomancy Focus|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

2nd|
+1|
+0|
+0|
+3|Dodgy Caster|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

3rd|
+1|
+1|
+0|
+3|Learn Chronomancy|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

4th|
+2|
+1|
+1|
+4||+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

5th|
+2|
+1|
+1|
+4|Bonus Feat|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

6th|
+3|
+2|
+1|
+5|Learn Chronomancy|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

7th|
+3|
+2|
+2|
+5||+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

8th|
+4|
+2|
+2|
+6|Simpler Quicken|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

9th|
+4|
+2|
+2|
+6|Learn Chronomancy|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

10th|
+5|
+3|
+3|
+7|Extra Chronomancy|+1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class [/table]

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the chronomancer prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Porficiency: Chronomancers gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
Chronomancy Focus: The chronomancer casts all spells with the Chronomancy descriptor at +1 caster level.
Dodgy Caster: From 2nd level on, the chronomancer can enhance his own time stream when casting spells. In any round the chronomancer casts a spell, he gains a +2 dodge bonus on his AC until the beginning of his next round.
Learn Chronomancy: As a chronomancer furthers his research, he gains access to more spells that manipulate time. At 3rd level, he can add a 1st-level spell to his spellbook. At 6th level, he can add a 2nd-level spell, and at 9th level, he can add a 3rd-level spell to his spellbook. All the spells added must have the Chronomancy descriptor.
Bonus Feat: At 5th level, the chronomancer receives a bonus feat. The chronomancer can choose from the feats Repeat Spell, Delay Spell, (other fitting metamagic feats), or a Paradox feat.
Simpler Quicken: From 8th level on, any quickened spell the chronomancer prepares only requires a spell slot three levels higher than the quickened spell, instead of four level higher.
Extra Chonomancy: At 10th level, a chronomancer's graps of time has reached a grand state. He casts all spells with the Chronomancy descriptor at an additional +1 caster level (for a total of +2), and he gains an extra first-level spell slot. This spell slot can only be used to prepare a spell with the Chronomancy descriptor.


So, what do you guys think?

Qi

Callix
2007-06-08, 12:18 AM
The abilities don't set the world on fire... no cleric or bard would take this class... and the way the prerequisites are worded, not even sorcerers can get in because they don't prepare spells. Overall, familiar benefits and wizard feats are almost better than this. It needs something more exciting for a 10-level prestige class. It doesn't even have exclusive time powers. A Wiz17 can cast Time Stop as often as a Wiz7/Chrono10.