[3.5 Base Class] The Doctor is in....

[Lord_Gareth]

The Witch Doctor

“Use those brains o’ yours, boy, before I finds a use for ‘em!”
Sivrin Stitchlips, to his apprentice.

To many of the more ‘civilized’ cultures, Witch Doctors are distasteful practitioners of primitive, ineffective magic – a barbaric substitute for a proper wizard or sorcerer. For their part, the Witch Doctors don’t mind this prejudice, because they know the truth; they are the heirs to magic both primal and strong, with lush, deep roots in both the land beneath their feet and the souls within their bodies. With it, the Witch Doctor can cast curses more harrowing than any wizard’s cheap tricks, blessings more potent than those cast by kneeling, fawning clerics, and brew potions more cunning than any devised by an alchemist. Primitive they may be, but the Witch Doctors are powerful, and those who confuse ‘primitive’ with ‘stupid’ are in for a most unpleasant surprise.

Abilities: Intelligence and Charisma are the most important abilities for a Witch Doctor, as they affect his brews and curses. Wisdom is useful for a Witch Doctor who wishes to gather his own materials for brews, and Dexterity is useful for Witch Doctors who wish to hurl their creations with any degree of accuracy. As always, a good Constitution will increase his hit points (and therefore odds of survival).

Role: Witch Doctors enhance their party, curse their enemies, and serve in a smattering of other ways using their potions. Witch Doctors, while not a substitute for a more traditional spellcaster, certainly compliment them well, freeing their counterparts up for more lethal spells in place of utility or enhancement effects. In battle, a Witch Doctor of sufficiently high level can also serve as a controller or even a mage-slayer, using abilities such as Witch’s Mirror and Stir the Spirits.

Background: Most Witch Doctors were trained as the apprentice of another Witch Doctor, who may have even been their father, mother, or grandmother. Many Witch Doctors are from tribes of savage humanoids, such as gnolls or orcs, or among barbarian tribes of humans. Quite a few, however, hail from small rural villages that know nothing of “proper” arcane or divine magic, serving as wise man, priest, healer, and protector all in one. A very small but growing number of Witch Doctors may be found in cities, selling their services to the jaded nobility or giving aid to the poor and unfortunate – for a price, of course, as custom dictates. Whatever the case, most potential candidates to be Witch Doctors have something unusual about them – eyes of different colors, webbed toes, a dead twin, and strange birthmarks are all examples of something that would catch a Witch Doctor’s attention in an apprentice.

Organization: Witch Doctors don’t usually have a formal organization, but there is a pervasive sub-culture around the entire practice. Witch Doctors give each other courtesy, gossip with one another, inquire about apprentices, and so on. Unwritten but highly respected laws govern their interactions with one another, and should two Witch Doctors find themselves at odds, they will try to resolve the dispute without resorting to violence or their powers unless doing so seems utterly impossible; at this point, the two formally challenge one another according to ancient rules of mystical combat. Even then, only rarely do such contests end in death.

Alignment: Any. Witch Doctors hold to many philosophies, but they do share a tendency to be laid back and relaxed about their alignments. Witch Doctors know that there are many kinds of magic and spirits, all of which are perfectly natural, and they don’t see the point in judging someone just because they decided to stick to a different part of nature. Witch Doctors do have a very slight tendency to chaos over law, mostly because many of them come from very loose, tribal societies, but this is far from the rule.

Races: Most Witch Doctors hail from the savage races, such as gnolls, orcs, half-orcs, and humans. Tribes of more feral elves sometimes boast a Witch Doctor or two, and rumors persist of ogres, trolls, and giants lead by Witch Doctors. Halflings, gnomes, and dwarves almost never have Witch Doctors, and a Witch Doctor hailing from an Outsider race is literally unheard of (though the occasional Aasimar or – more commonly – Tiefling Witch Doctor does surface from deep within magic-scarred wildernesses).

Religion: Most Witch Doctors are spiritual animists. This is not to say that they doubt the existence of gods – most Witch Doctors are keenly aware of their existence – but rather that many Witch Doctors simply don’t see the point in praying or worshipping a deity rather than going out and solving your own problems. Many Witch Doctors are wary of formalized churches, especially those of lawful deities, because they tend to encourage conformity instead of innovation, but all in all, Witch Doctors treat religion like they treat philosophy – with a laid back, ‘live and let live’ attitude.

Other Classes: Most Witch Doctors get along pretty well with everyone, on a general basis. They tend to be most comfortable around barbarians, rogues, and other martial characters, especially those from more primitive backgrounds, but they hold great respect for magical classes who gain their power through personal discipline and perseverance, such as paladins, sorcerers, and wizards. Many Witch Doctors secretly pity clerics – who really wants to be down on their knees that often? – and most are at a loss what to think about druids, who seem so similar to the Witch Doctors in theory, but so vastly different in practice.

Adaptation: Adapting Witch Doctors out of their current role may represent something of a challenge to a Dungeon Master; so many of their abilities are tied into their specific flavor that it may be hard to extricate the two. Still, some ideas might place them as a group of eccentric alchemists, a prestige class, or even as replacements for the more traditional magic system.

Hit Die: D8

Starting Gold: 3d4 x 10 gold. While this is far from required, most Witch Doctors keep their wealth in semiprecious gems, pieces of jewelry, and other non-coin sources of treasure. Many Witch Doctors, especially those raised in more tribal environments, never really shake this habit, being unwilling or unable to trust in the value of currency (many Witch Doctors, being intelligent and/or wise, end up realizing the fundamental nature of currency – namely, that it is worth only what people believe it is worth – and end up with the half-formed fear that others will eventually realize this and refuse to accept coinage as payment).

Class Features

Class Skills: The Witch Doctor’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are as follows: Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Craft (Mojo) (Int), Craft (Poisonmaking) (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (Arcana) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nature) (Int), Knowledge (Religion) (Int), Listen (Wis), Search (Int), Speak Language (N/A), Spot (Int), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str), Use Magic Device (Cha), Use Rope (Dex).

Skill Points at First Level: (6 + Intelligence modifier) x4
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 6 + Intelligence Modifier

NAME OF CLASS
{table=head]Level|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special

1st|

+0

|

+2

|

+0

|

+2

|Juju Brews, Poison Use, Witch's Glare

2nd|

+1

|

+3

|

+0

|

+3

|Gris-Gris Blessing

3rd|

+2

|

+3

|

+1

|

+3

|Witch's Intuition

4th|

+3

|

+4

|

+1

|

+4

|Wake the Spirits

5th|

+3

|

+4

|

+1

|

+4

|Improved Juju Brews

6th|

+4

|

+5

|

+2

|

+5

|Gris-Gris Curse

7th|

+5

|

+5

|

+2

|

+5

|Doctor's Orders

8th|

+6/+1

|

+6

|

+2

|

+6

|Bad Juju

9th|

+6/+1

|

+6

|

+3

|

+6

|Witch's Mirror

10th|

+7/+2

|

+7

|

+3

|

+7

|Mojo Brews

11th|

+8/+3

|

+7

|

+3

|

+7

|Big Juju

12th|

+9/+4

|

+8

|

+4

|

+8

|Stir the Spirits

13th|

+9/+4

|

+8

|

+4

|

+8

|Spirit's Curse

14th|

+10/+5

|

+9

|

+4

|

+9

|Voodoo Doll, Improved Doctor's Orders

15th|

+11/+6/+1

|

+9

|

+5

|

+9

|Improved Mojo Brews

16th|

+12/+7/+2

|

+10

|

+5

|

+10

|Shadow's Curse

17th|

+12/+7/+2

|

+10

|

+5

|

+10

|Bad Mojo

18th|

+13/+8/+3

|

+11

|

+6

|

+11

|Dead Man Walking

19th|

+14/+9/+4

|

+11

|

+6

|

+11

|Cheval Dance

20th|

+15/+10/+5

|

+12

|

+6

|

+12

|Big Mojo[/table]


Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Witch Doctors are proficient with all simple weapons, nets, and shortbows, as well as their own brews (which are otherwise treated as improvised weapons by other characters). Witch Doctors are proficient with leather, studded leather, and hide armors, as well as bucklers and light shields (but not other shields).

Juju Brews (Su): All Witch Doctors make brews, strange mixtures of magic and alchemy which they use to bless their allies, curse their enemies, transform objects, and other, stranger powers. At first level, the Witch Doctor may craft the most basic of brews (those labeled as Juju brews). At fifth level, they gain the ability to craft Improved Juju Brews, at tenth level they gain the ability to craft Mojo brews, and at level fifteen they gain the ability to craft Improved Mojo brews. Crafting a single brew is a one hour process requiring a Craft (Mojo) roll.

Each brew has its own effects, cost to craft, and craft DC. A Witch Doctor may, instead of purchasing raw materials, forage or grow her own brew ingredients by making a survival check (with a DC dependant on the individual brew). Interrupting the process of making a brew does not harm the brew, but a Witch Doctor may only attempt to make a single brew at a time, as the actual process is an involved one, requiring specific orderings of ingredients, chants, offerings to the spirits, and other, stranger rituals (unlike with normal crafting attempts, a Witch Doctor with the free time to devote to the activity may craft as many brews in one day as he likes). Once a brew is made, it may be used or consumed by anyone (though brews used by the Witch Doctor may benefit from his other class features; see below).

Using a brew is a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity, and is identical to consuming a potion or similar item. Attacking with a brew is a ranged touch attack with a range increment of ten feet (involving throwing the bottle or flask at one’s target) or as a melee touch attack, though smashing a brew flask against a target causes the brew to affect the user as well. Regardless of its container, a brew hurled or smashed against a target deals 1d4 points of piercing damage as its container shatters.

Brews may be mixed with poison without negating their effects. The save DC for any of the Witch Doctor’s brews is equal to 10 + the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s intelligence modifier (victims of poisoned brews save separately against the poison).

Poison Use (Ex): Witch Doctors are trained in the care and use of various toxins and venoms; a Witch Doctor never risks poisoning themselves when applying poison to a weapon or object.

Witch Glare (Su): The most basic power of the Witch Doctor is the “evil eye”, or “witch glare” – a stare through which he conveys his ill will and harm towards another. Starting at level one, once per round as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, the Witch Doctor may inflict his Witch Glare on an intelligent target (intelligence score 3 or higher) within thirty feet, who must succeed at a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) or suffer a -4 luck penalty to one physical ability score (strength, dexterity, or constitution) of the Witch Doctor’s choosing, as well as a -2 luck penalty to damage rolls, skill checks, and will saves vs. fear and/or compulsion effects. Witch's Glare lasts for a number of rounds equal to the Witch Doctor's charisma modifier.

Gris-Gris Blessing (Su): Though the roots of the Witch Doctor’s magics are humble, they are nonetheless extremely potent. At level two, the Witch Doctor gains the option of creating a Gris-Gris bag with which to perform blessings and curses. Creating the bag is simple, requiring only forty gold pieces worth of materials (or a DC 12 survival check) to craft. Thereafter, the bag may be used as a focus for many of the Witch Doctor’s class features.

When the Witch Doctor acquires this ability, he may invoke the spirits of the bag to bless himself or his allies; once per round as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, he may grant one intelligent being (intelligence score 3 or higher) a +1 luck bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. This bonus increases by one for every four levels after second (maximum +5 at level 18). A being who does not desire the blessing is entitled to a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier), though the effect is harmless. This use of the ability requires a Gris-Gris bag to perform, and lasts a number of rounds equal to the Witch Doctor's class level.

Witch’s Intuition (Su): The Witch Doctor has a knack for telling if something is wrong with those he views; starting at level three, he can see and hear the malevolent spirits and spells that afflict them. A Witch Doctor who sees a living being can concentrate on that being as a swift action and activate this ability in order to discern one fear, luck, morale, and/or profane penalty per class level currently afflicting the target, as well as the penalty’s type (arcane, divine, or mundane) and source (extraordinary ability, spell, or supernatural ability).

Wake the Spirits (Su): Starting at level four, the Witch Doctor may stir the spirits of objects to wakefulness, gaining certain minor benefits from them. As a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity, the Witch Doctor may call on the spirit of an item, object, or weapon within thirty feet of him, and choose one of the following effects: the target gains a +1 enhancement bonus per four class levels (maximum +5) for one round per class level, the target gains a -1 enhancement penalty per four class levels (maximum -5) for one round per class level, the target gains additional hardness equal to the Witch Doctor’s class level for one round per class level, or the item babbles incessantly for one round per class level, inflicting a -4 circumstance penalty to all concentration, knowledge, and spellcraft checks made within thirty feet of it, as well as a -2 circumstance penalty to ranged attack rolls originated within that area.

An item, object, or weapon can only be affected by Wake the Spirits once per encounter. Magical or sentient items are entitled to will saves (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) to avoid the effects. An item with non-enhancement abilities (such as [i]flaming[/i) that has its enhancement bonus reduced to 0 or below retains these abilities. Weapons reduced to a +0 enhancement bonus are still masterwork weapons. Wake the Spirits cannot be used on constructs, animate objects or other, similar beings and effects.

Gris-Gris Curse (Su): At sixth level, the Witch Doctor’s studies allow him to “put the Gris-Gris” on his foes; twice per encounter as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, he may set the spirits of his Gris-Gris bag upon an enemy, who must succeed at a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) or suffer a -4 luck penalty to all ability scores, as well as a -4 luck penalty to all damage rolls (including those rolled for spells and supernatural abilities), skill checks, and will saves vs. fear and/or compulsion effects for one round per class level. Those under the Witch Doctor’s Gris-Gris curse find that their own magic is less effective against him; he gains spell resistance equal to 15 + his class level against victims who fail their save against his Gris-Gris curse.

This ability requires a Gris-Gris bag to use.

Doctor’s Orders (Su): By using some of his mojo and entreating the spirits when using one of his other class features, the Witch Doctor can make his blessings and curses last longer. Once per day, when using a non-brew class feature with a duration of one round per class level, the Witch Doctor may declare that the effects are Doctor’s Orders; they instead last one hour per class level if the target fails (or waives) their saving throw. For the rest of the encounter in which the Witch Doctor uses Doctor’s Orders (or for the duration of the next encounter, if the Witch Doctor uses this ability outside of an encounter), his magic is somewhat less potent; his targets receive a +1 circumstance bonus to saving throws vs. his supernatural class features from this class.

Starting at level fourteen, once per day, when using a non-brew class feature with a duration of one round per class level, the Witch Doctor may instead declare that its lasts for two hours per class level. This ability is otherwise identical to the earlier function of Doctor’s Orders (and the Witch Doctor may use even them both in one encounter, though not on the same ability, if he wishes).

This ability requires a Gris-Gris bag to use.

Bad Juju (Su): A skilled Witch Doctor of eighth level or higher may use his juju to inflict truly dire curses upon those who anger him; as a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity, he may curse one of his Juju or Improved Juju brews. If the brew so cursed would normally apply bonuses, it instead applies equivalent penalties to those rolls or scores. If the brew so cursed would normally apply penalties, it instead applies half-again as much penalties (rounded up). If the brew so cursed normally deals damage, it also inflicts a luck penalty equal to the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier to the victim’s attack rolls, damage rolls, and skill checks for a number of rounds equal to the Witch Doctor’s class level if the victim fails their save vs. the brew.

A Witch Doctor of eighteenth level or higher may use this ability on Mojo and Improved Mojo brews as well as his Juju and Improved Juju brews.

A being who succeeds at their save vs. a cursed brew is immune to the effects of further cursed brews by the same Witch Doctor for 24 hours, though not to those of normal brews that inflict penalties.

Witch’s Mirror (Su) A Witch Doctor of ninth level or higher knows how to twist negative energy and curses back upon their senders; if the Witch Doctor succeeds at a saving throw against a spell or ability that would inflict a fear, luck, morale, and/or profane penalty upon him, he avoids that effect completely. Furthermore, the originator of that spell or ability suffers its full effects (no save) for a number of rounds equal to the Witch Doctor’s class level. The Witch Doctor benefits from this ability while helpless, but not while unconscious.

Big Juju (Su): As a Witch Doctor grows more skilled, he learns to re-awaken the spirits mixed into his juju brews to make them more potent; as a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity, a Witch Doctor of eleventh level or higher may turn one of his Juju or Improved Juju brews into a Big Juju brew. Big Juju brews have their durations doubled, and those that deal damage deal an additional amount of damage equal to the Witch Doctor’s class level. Big Juju brews that bestow bonuses instead bestow half-again the same bonuses (rounded up). Those attempting to make saving throws against Big Juju brews suffer a -2 circumstance penalty to the save.

A Witch Doctor of twentieth level or higher may use this ability on Mojo and Improved Mojo brews as well.

A Witch Doctor may only have a number of Big Juju or Big Mojo brews in any combination active (that is, made by him but unused) equal to his charisma modifier. One brew cannot be affected both by Bad Juju and Big Juju.

Stir the Spirits (Sp): A Witch Doctor of twelfth level or higher can rouse the spirits of objects and items to do battle for him; once per encounter as a standard action, he may cast animate objects as a wizard of his class level.

Spirit’s Curse (Su): A truly dire proclamation, a Witch Doctor of thirteenth level or higher can afflict an intelligent being (intelligence score 3 or higher) with the Spirit’s curse. Once per encounter, as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, he may force a victim within thirty feet to succeed at a will save or suffer a -6 luck penalty to all ability scores, attack rolls, damage rolls (including those rolled for spells and supernatural abilities), and saving throws for one round per class level. Furthermore, the shrieking of the spirits in their ears renders the victim deaf for the duration of the ability.

A victim who succeeds on their save is immune to further uses of Spirit’s Curse on their person for the next 24 hours.

Voodoo Doll (Su): Using sympathetic magic and subtle manipulations of power, a Witch Doctor of fourteenth level or higher may create a voodoo doll of an intelligent creature. In order to craft the voodoo doll, the Witch Doctor must either know that creature’s birth name, or possess of piece of its body (fingernail clippings, hair, tooth chips, and other similar fragments will do just fine), as well as raw materials worth three hundred gold pieces (survival check DC 30 to forage) and roughly four hours of work. Upon the voodoo doll’s completion, the victim of the doll feels a shudder down their spine and knows that someone, somewhere, has power over them.

A voodoo doll confers a number of benefits to the Witch Doctor. Firstly, the Witch Doctor knows whenever the victim of the doll speaks of the Witch Doctor, and to whom, as well as his victim’s location when he does so. Additionally, by destroying the voodoo doll and whispering curses and invective against his victim, the Witch Doctor may force the victim to succeed at a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) or suffer an accident within the next 24 hours that deals them 1d4 points of damage per class level. A Witch Doctor may only destroy one doll per victim in this fashion in a one week period.

A Witch Doctor may also use one of his supernatural class features upon the doll or pour a brew upon it; doing so causes the victim of the doll to be affected by the ability or brew, regardless of their actual distance from the Witch Doctor (they are still entitled to saving throws). Using the voodoo doll in this fashion destroys it, however; the doll unravels into its component pieces and becomes useless, requiring that a new effigy be created.

A Witch Doctor may have a number of active voodoo dolls (that is, dolls that he has made that have yet to be destroyed or consumed) equal to his intelligence modifier. He may give the dolls away and still benefit from their powers, but a voodoo doll unravels into rude cloth, herbs, and other raw materials if taken more than one mile from the Witch Doctor.

Shadow’s Curse (Su): A Witch Doctor of level sixteen and higher may perform truly terrifying curses; once per encounter, as a standard action that performs attacks of opportunity, he may harm the shadow of an intelligent being (intelligence score three or higher) within thirty feet of him, dealing that being 2d4 points of damage to strength, dexterity, intelligence, and charisma (will save DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier for half damage). A being whose shadow has been harmed in this fashion casts a very weak shadow that seems to limp, stumble, and collapse independently of them, and they become fatigued and exhausted at double the normal rate until they have healed their ability damage. At any rate, a creature targeted by Shadow’s Curse (regardless of their failure or success on the save) is immune to further uses of Shadow’s Curse for seven days and nights afterwards.

Dead Man Walking (Su): Invoking spirits of wrath and malediction, a Witch Doctor of eighteenth level or higher may declare that one of his foes is a dead man walking; once per encounter, as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, he may inflict this ability upon any intelligent being (intelligence score three or higher) within thirty feet. The victim must succeed at a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) or go into a suicidal frenzy. A victim who fails his save seeks the closest, most efficient method of taking his own life and attempts to do so for a number of rounds equal to the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier. If restrained, the victim will attempt to free himself and continue his suicide, and the victim will always harm himself in preference to another being if capable. The victim retains his ability to distinguish friend from foe during this time.

A victim who succeeds their save or manages to survive the effects of a failed save is immune to further uses of this ability for one month. A victim who survives the effects of a failed save suffers 1d4 points of wisdom drain from mental shock, despair, and guilt.

Dead Man Walking is a mind-affecting ability.

Cheval Dance (Su): The greatest manipulation of spirit a Witch Doctor may learn, a Witch Doctor of level nineteen or higher may fragment his own spirit, possessing his foes and using their bodies for his own ends. Once per encounter, as a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity, the Witch Doctor may target a number of beings up to his charisma modifier (minimum one) with this ability. His victims must succeed at will saves (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) or fall under his influence; as an immediate action, the Witch Doctor may change the target of one of their actions. A Witch Doctor is always aware of his targets intentions and is thusly immune to bluff checks originated by his targets (as well as other attempts at mundane or supernatural deception by his targets), flanking attempts that include one or more of his targets, and fear, morale, or compulsion effects originated by his targets. If his target uses a spell, spell-like, or supernatural ability, the Witch Doctor is automatically aware of the spell’s effects, origin (arcane or divine), school, and target. The Witch Doctor is always aware of his targets’ locations; invisibility, hide attempts, and concealment used by his targets are completely ineffective against him.

Example: Sivrin Stitchlips, a twentieth level Witch Doctor with an eighteen charisma (+4 modifier) uses Cheval Dance on a group of brigands, targeting an archer, two fighters, and a mage. The archer succeeds at his save, but the mage and fighters fail. The fighters flank him, but gain no bonus, and Sivrin is immune to the bluff attempt one of them makes to feint. As the mage begins to cast a finger of death spell, Sivrin is instantly aware of its effects and uses an immediate action to cause the mage to target the archer instead.

Cheval Dance is a mind-affecting, compulsion effect. A being who succeeds at their will save against Cheval Dance is immune to further uses of Cheval Dance by any Witch Doctor for 24 hours thereafter.

Sidebar: Serious Mojo

Spoiler

Show

Almost all of the Witch Doctor's abilities require a swift action to use. DMs who include Witch Doctors in their campaigns, either as NPCs or in their party, may wish to use a simple rule variant: while you still only get one "free" swift action a turn (useable for casting a quickened spell, for example), you can "convert" other actions into swift actions as well; that is, your second swift action in a turn consumes your move or standard action, and your third consumes your remaining action. Using this variant, a Witch Doctor has much more frequent combat access to his various non-Brew abilities and becomes a much more versitile addition to his party.

[Lord_Gareth]

Juju Brews
These brews may be crafted by any Witch Doctor of level one or higher. At this level of brewing, the Witch Doctor’s brews are almost mundane; their effects only barely reach past the realm of alchemy.

Banebreath Elixir [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 11
Survival DC: 13
This potent elixir is sucked into the mouth and then spat out in a ten foot cone in front of the user, emerging as a stream of noxious gas. Beings within that area receive 1d4 points of acid damage from the caustic nature of the chemicals and must succeed at a fortitude save or be staggered for a single round.

Draught of Loquaciousness [Juju]
Cost: 10 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 11
A sticky, sweet liquid, the Draught of Loquaciousness bestows a +2 competence bonus on all bluff, diplomacy, and gather information checks made by the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. During this time, the imbiber suffers from impaired judgment; they receive a -2 enhancement penalty to their Wisdom score while benefiting from the brews other effects.

False-Fire Brew [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 11
Survival DC: 13
A cheap, easy trick that creates much flashing and smoke, the False-Fire brew deals 1d4 points of fire damage to its victim. If drunk, it causes them to cough and choke on smoke; they receive an additional 1d2 points of fire damage each round for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. If the brew was instead shattered against its victim, it billows out a ten foot radius cloud of smoke in a roughly spherical shape; the area is affected as though by an obscuring mist spell for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Mad Doc’s Cure [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 10
A wound healing drink, this potion tastes uncomfortably like fresh blood; the imbiber heals 3d4 points of damage, or 5d4 points of non-lethal damage. If this potion is poured onto a fresh wound (hurling or smashing it against a foe will do), it deals 2d4 points of non-lethal damage. Such wounds twinge and smart, and may feel unpleasant when the weather turns bad.

Moonlight Elixer [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 11
Survival DC: 10
This brew is traditionally made at night, after the moon has risen. It bestows a +2 competence bonus to hide and move silently checks made by the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. The brew has, however, another benefit – a creature with the shapechanger subtype who drinks or is otherwise affected by the brew must succeed at a fortitude save or be forced to take another form (chosen by the creature from among its available forms). It must remain in that form for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Rattlebone Brew [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 12
The Rattlebone Brew is a pale, white liquid that looks more viscous than it is, and it is often mixed with drinks or poured over food when it is not being used in combat. The victim of the Rattlebone Brew must succeed at a fortitude save or find themselves violently shaking and twitching, with pain wracking their every nerve; victims of the Rattlebone Brew who fail their saving throws receive 1d4 points of bludgeoning damage from bone shock, as well a -2 circumstance penalty to all attack rolls and reflex saves for a number of rounds equal to the creator's intelligence modifier.

Sivrin’s Firewater [Juju]
Cost: 8 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 11
A painful cure for hangovers, Sivrin’s Firewater deals 1d2 points of acid damage to the imbiber, who is then entitled to an additional save against any and all poisons or diseases affecting them. Sivrin’s Firewater, true to its purpose, also instantly cures hangovers, though the subject experiences the rather painful sensation of being burnt as though by scalding water for several minutes afterwards (no mechanical effects).

Sunlight Infusion [Juju]
Cost: 12 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 13
Survival DC: 12
This brew is traditionally made at high noon, in the full light of the sun. It grants its imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) 2d4 points of positive energy resistance (that is, the first 2d4 points of positive energy damage or healing bestowed upon them fail to effect them). A creature who wishes to resist the effects is entitled to a fortitude save.

The Doctor’s Trick [Juju]
Cost: 5 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 8
Survival DC: 10
A curious potion slightly different for each maker, the brew known as The Doctor’s Trick renders the user (or victim, as the case may be) immune to the effects of other brews made by the same Witch Doctor for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Thew Spirits [Juju]
Cost: 7 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 9
Survival DC: 10
An invigorating brew containing beneficial herbs and chants, Thew Spirits bestow a +2 competence bonus on all climb, jump, swim, and tumble checks made by the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Shot o’ Twitches [Juju]
Cost: 9 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 11
Invented by a troll shaman, this curious brew has flecks of catnip and ginseng floating in it. The imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) must succeed at a fortitude save or “twitch,” moving five feet in any direction of the brew user’s choice. This movement provokes attacks of opportunity.

Improved Juju Brews
These brews may be crafted by any Witch Doctor of level five or higher. At this level in brew-craft, the Witch Doctor’s mixtures are much more blatantly magical in both their effects and their bearings. Observers may hear the brews whisper incomprehensibly, see flashes of movement out of the corners of their eyes when a brew is used nearby, or even witness minor personified aspects of the brews effects.

Ashen Infusion [Improved Juju]
Cost: 23 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 20
Survival DC: 24
This brew is mixed with ashes from wood fires and boiled for a great deal of its making. If the brew is drunk, it bestows fire resistance 10 on the imbiber. If it is hurled or smashed against its victim, however, the brew ignites, dealing 5d6 points of fire damage to them (reflex save half), whereupon it extinguishes in a cloud of smoke, acting as an obscuring mist spell in a thirty foot radius centered upon its victim for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Bloodless Draught [Improved Juju]
Cost: 21 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 18
Survival DC: 19
This rather painful brew modifies and accelerates the body’s natural healing processes; the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) receives a -4 enhancement penalty to constitution for one minute (ten rounds), but gains fast healing equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier during that period as well. A creature who wishes to avoid the effects of this brew is entitled to a fortitude save to do so.

Jitterbug Brew [Improved Juju]
Cost: 21 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 18
Survival DC: 20
Though any humanoid hair will do, this brew is traditionally made from the hair of a professional dancer. The victim of the brew finds their feet tapping, shuffling, and otherwise running amok of their own accord; a victim who fails their fortitude save to resist this brew must spend part of their action moving no less than half their base land speed. The creature may choose where to move and avoid dangerous terrain or threatened squares, but cannot re-enter a square they have just left. On the plus side, however, they gain a +6 competence bonus to all Perform (Dance) checks made as part of their movement. The effects of this brew last for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Draught of Regression [Improved Juju]
Cost: 21 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 19
Survival DC: 19
This strange draught sends its imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) into a sort of half-trance, wherein they recall information they cannot possibly know. Though the claim of many Witch Doctors that they are remembering past lives is extremely disputable, it is true that they gain a +6 competence bonus to all Knowledge checks (and treat all Knowledge skills as trained) for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. A creature who wishes to avoid the effects is entitled to a fortitude save to do so, though the effect is harmless.

Madman’s Juice [Improved Juju]
Cost: 21 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 20
Survival DC: 19
Made from boiled mushrooms, spit, and tears, this draught causes potent hallucinations in its victims. If the victim of this brew fails their fortitude save against it, all other beings and objects in the encounter benefit as though from a mirror image spell, but only with regards to attacks made by the victim. Unlike with a true mirror image spell, area attacks do not dispel the “images” – only single-target melee attacks, ranged attacks, or spells will do so. The effects of this brew last for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Sivrin’s Liquid Needles [Improved Juju]
Cost: 21 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 18
Survival DC: 20
One of the very few purely harmful brews a Witch Doctor possesses, Sivrin’s Liquid Needles appears as a barely-cohesive mixture. Upon being drunk or smashed against a creature, it coalesces into dozens of double-ended, razor sharp needles, dealing 8d4 points of damage to its victim (fortitude save half). A creature who actually drinks the brew must succeed at an additional fortitude save or take 1d4 points of constitution damage as well.

Vigor Spirits [Improved Juju]
Cost: 25 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 18
Survival DC: 22
This mildly alcoholic brew invigorates the muscles and eases movement. The imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) takes double the normal time to fatigue or exhaust themselves for a number of hours equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier and gains a +4 enhancement bonus to attack rolls and reflex saves for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Wolfsbane Draught [Improved Juju]
Cost: 22 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 18
Survival DC: 19
Named after an incidental side-effect, this brew grants the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) a +2 enhancement bonus to strength and dexterity for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. However, if the imbiber (or victim) is a lycanthrope, they must succeed at a fortitude save or suffer 3d4 points of constitution damage as their bodies shift shape wildly, without control or restraint.

Mojo Brews
These brews may be made by any Witch Doctor of level ten or higher, and are clearly supernatural; flasks beg, plead, and wheedle in the minds of their owner to be used, potions change color or scent, spirits (visible only to the Witch Doctor and/or the brew's owner) swirl around the victim(s) of the flask, and other such supernatural effects.

Amor Vapors [Mojo]
Cost: 34 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 26
Survival DC: 28
This curious brew is (almost) useless if imbibed; the drinker is entitled to a fortitude save in order to resist immediate and intense sexual release. If hurled or shattered against an opponent, however, the brew releases an intoxicating, sixty-foot radius cloud of lavender gas that hangs in the air for a number of minutes equal to the creator's intelligence modifier. Those within the cloud must succeed at fortitude saves or be confused for as long as they remain in the cloud and for four rounds thereafter. A creature already confused by the cloud at the beginning of its turn must succeed at another fortitude save or attempt to make love to the closest, most physically attractive being it can find. Beings affected by the cloud will naturally seek each other in preference to non-affected beings.

Elemental Brew [Mojo]
Cost: Special (See text)
Craft (Mojo) DC: 30
Survival DC: Special (See text)
This brew does not have a cost per se; instead, the Witch Doctor must craft it from the parts of a being with the elemental type, gathered either willingly or unwillingly. Anyone drinking (or suffering the effects of) the brew gains the elemental type in place of their own, as well as any subtypes that the "donating" being possessed. Furthermore, the imbiber gains one supernatural ability possessed by the "donating" creature, selected by the Witch Doctor at the time of the brew's creation. The effects of this brew last for one hour.

Dragonblood Whiskey: [Mojo]
Cost: 34 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 26
Survival DC: 28
Originally created by a mad Witch Doctor as a "hot sauce", Dragonblood Whiskey renders its imbiber immune to both fire damage and poison for a number of rounds equal to the creator's intelligence modifier. If thrown or smashed against a foe, however, the Whiskey scorches their flesh and catches fire; the victim takes 8d6 points of damage per round for a number of rounds equal to the creator's intelligence modifier, half of which is acid and half of which is fire damage (the victim is entitled to a Reflex save each round for half damage; they temporarily put out the "fire" half of the equation).

Inside-Out Flask [Mojo]
Cost: 32 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 27
Survival DC: 32
This rather gruesome brew is primarily made from blood and powdered bone. The imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) must succeed at a fortitude save or have their body literally turned inside-out. Sickeningly enough, however, such unfortunates are still alive; they suffer a -10 circumstance penalty to strength, dexterity, constitution, attack rolls, and reflex saves, however. Furthermore, they automatically fail all charisma-based checks except for intimidation and suffer a -8 circumstance penalty to all other skill checks due to mind-shattering levels of pain. The news isn't all bad however; they gain a +15 circumstance bonus to intimidation and anyone viewing such a sight for the first time must succeed at a fortitude save or vomit spectacularly. The effects of this brew last for a number of rounds equal to the creator's intelligence modifier.

Love Potion [Mojo]
Cost: 36 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 28
Survival DC: 30
The most famous of a Witch Doctor's potions (and the one in highest demand in any settlement that contains women of any shape, form, or species), the Love Potion lives up to its name with great aplomb. The effect is, superficially speaking, similar to that of the Charm Person spell; the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) must succeed at a Will save or fall madly in love with the person who dosed him/her with the potion. However, unlike Charm Person, the "doser" is not merely a friend - they are the friend. The imbiber loves them in a passionate, obsessive, and romantic fashion which borders on (or just runs into) the unhealthy. While not precisely enslaved, they might as well be - they'll do anything to make their beloved happy, to win a single kiss, to get into their bed. The effects of the potion last for a number of days equal to the creator's intelligence modifier - and most Witch Doctors make it a point of watching with great amusement when the saps who buy the damned potion in the first place reap the consequences of their actions.

Stichlips' Sticher [Mojo]
Cost: 33 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 29
Survival DC: 28
This brew, made from deceptively simple materials such as antisceptic herbs and dandelions, is a staple of miracle medicine men the world over. The imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) of this potion finds themselves attended upon by spirits of healing and mercy - which stitch his wounds with threads of light, reattach severed limbs, cut out infectious wounds, and other such activities right before the very eyes of observers. The imbiber (or victim) of the brew gains Regeneration 10 for a number of minutes equal to the creator's intelligence modifier. Fire and acid still deal lethal damage to the imbiber (or victim).

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

Class Skills: The Witch Doctor’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are as follows: ...Climb (Str)...Jump (Str)...Swim (Str)...Use Rope (Dex).

These stuck out as odd choices, although it's not necessarily a bad thing.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Witch Doctors are proficient with all simple weapons, nets, and shortbows, as well as their own brews (which are otherwise treated as improvised weapons by other characters). Witch Doctors are proficient with leather, studded leather, and hide armors, as well as bucklers (but not other shields).

Cool, although bucklers stands out as an oddity to me.

Juju Brews (Su):

I await these with interest. I am a little concerned with the long crafting time at lower levels though...with just this ability (and the few brews it's possible to find time to make while adventuring), Witch's Glare, and Poison Use at 1st level, I predict a bunch of Witch Doctor's sitting idle for a lot of low-level combat.

Brews whose contents deal damage (such as a Rattlebone Brew) deal additional damage equal to the Witch Doctor’s intelligence modifier.

Brews may be mixed with poison without negating their effects. The save DC for any of the Witch Doctor’s brews is equal to 10 + the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s intelligence modifier.

The first effects seems like unnecessary bookkeeping. The contents already deal damage...don't have people remember this tiny clause as well.

The DC is good, but, with the previous sentence, does the Brew's DC replace the Poison's DC?

Poison Use (Ex): Witch Doctors are trained in the care and use of various toxins and venoms; a Witch Doctor never risks poisoning themselves when applying poison to a weapon or object.

Not much to say here.

Witch Glare (Su): The most basic power of the Witch Doctor is the “evil eye”, or “witch glare” – a stare through which he conveys his ill will and harm towards another. Starting at level one, once per encounter as a swift action, the Witch Doctor may inflict his Witch Glare on an intelligent target (intelligence score 3 or higher) within thirty feet, who must succeed at a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) or suffer a -4 luck penalty to one physical ability score (Strength, dexterity, or constitution) of the Witch Doctor’s choosing, as well as a -2 morale penalty to will saves vs. fear and/or compulsion effects. Creatures immune to mind-affecting abilities are immune to the will penalty, but not the luck penalty to their ability score.

Tthis is a fairly weak effect...compare to the Hexblade's Curse, which imposes a -2 to all actions. I'd say this ability can use a bit of buffing, and perhaps a few more uses (even At-Will wouldn't be to bad, provided the penalty doesn't stack with itself). It'll give a low level Witch Doctor a little more staying power.

Gris-Gris Blessing (Su):

...

When the Witch Doctor acquires this ability, he may invoke the spirits of the bag to bless himself or his allies; once per encounter as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, he may grant one intelligent being (intelligence score 3 or higher) a +2 luck bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, and one mental ability score (intelligence, wisdom, or charisma) of the Witch Doctor’s choice. A being who does not desire the blessing is entitled to a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier), though the effect is harmless. This use of the ability requires a Gris-Gris bag to perform.

At level 2, a +2 bonus (a Luck bonus, even) for an entire encounter (I assume...as currently written it lasts forever, since there is no end condition) is very powerful. I'd tone it down to +1 and remove the bonus to an ability score, and then perhaps have the ability scale. This is, however, just off the top of my head.

Witch’s Intuition (Su): The Witch Doctor has a knack for telling if something is wrong with those he views; starting at level three, he can see and hear the malevolent spirits and spells that afflict them. A Witch Doctor who sees a living being can concentrate on that being as a swift action and activate this ability (the target is entitled to a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) to negate the effect). If the target fails their save, the Witch Doctor becomes aware of one fear, luck, morale and/or profane penalty per class level afflicting the target, as well as the source of that ability (spell, supernatural ability, or extraordinary ability).

Nice. I wouldn't even allow the save, to be honest. It's not the most powerful of abilities. Either that, or allow the source of the penalty to make the save.

Wake the Spirits (Su): Starting at level four, the Witch Doctor may stir the spirits of objects to wakefulness, gaining certain minor benefits from them. As a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity, the Witch Doctor may call on the spirit of an item, object, or weapon within thirty feet of him, and choose one of the following effects: the target gains a +1 enhancement bonus per four class levels (maximum +5) for one round per class level, the target gains a -1 enhancement penalty per four class levels (maximum -5) for one round per class level, the target gains fast healing 1 for one round per class level, or the item babbles incessantly for one round per class level, inflicting a -4 circumstance penalty to all concentration, knowledge, and spellcraft checks made within thirty feet of it, as well as a -2 circumstance penalty to ranged attack rolls.

Nice! Fast Healing doesn't seem to fit though...the spirits can't really actually change the material structure of the weapon, can they? Just seems out of place.

Gris-Gris Curse (Su): At sixth level, the Witch Doctor’s studies allow him to “put the Gris-Gris” on his foes; once per encounter as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, he may set the spirits of his Gris-Gris bag upon an enemy, who must succeed at a will save (DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier) or suffer a -4 luck penalty to all ability scores, as well as a -4 luck penalty to all damage rolls (including those rolled for spells and supernatural abilities) for one round per class level. Those under the Witch Doctor’s Gris-Gris curse find that their own magic is less effective against him; he gains spell resistance equal to his class level plus his charisma modifier against victims who fail their save against his Gris-Gris curse.

This ability requires a Gris-Gris bag to use.

Nice. I'd change a few things though...I'm tempted to either make the duration longer, or grant additional uses over time. Finally, that SR is fairly pitiful. I'd just make it 11 (or even 15) + Class Level.

Doctor’s Orders (Su): By using some of his mojo and entreating the spirits when using one of his other class features, the Witch Doctor can make his blessings and curses last longer. Once per encounter, when using a non-brew class feature with a duration of one round per class level, the Witch Doctor may declare that the effects are Doctor’s Orders; they instead last one minute per class level if the target fails (or waives) their saving throw. For the rest of the encounter in which the Witch Doctor uses Doctor’s Orders (or for the duration of the next encounter, if the Witch Doctor uses this ability out of an encounter), his magic is somewhat less potent; his targets receive a +1 circumstance bonus to saving throws vs. his supernatural class features from this class.

Interesting. I like it, although I'm not sure the downside is really worth the cost, given how long most combats last. 1 round/level is usually sufficient for an encounter, and minutes is to short a duration to matter outside of an encounter. Perhaps it simply makes an effect more potent? I'm not sure.

Bad Juju (Su): A skilled Witch Doctor of eighth level or higher may use his juju to inflict truly dire curses upon those who anger him; as a move that provokes attacks of opportunity, he may curse one of his Juju or Improved Juju brews. If the brew so cursed would normally apply bonuses, it instead applies equivalent penalties to those rolls or scores. If the brew so cursed would normally apply penalties, it instead applies half-again as much penalties (rounded up). If the brew so cursed normally deals damage, it also inflicts a luck penalty equal to the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier to the victim’s attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws for a number of rounds equal to the Witch Doctor’s class level if the victim fails their save vs. the brew.

A Witch Doctor of eighteenth level or higher may use this ability on Mojo and Improved Mojo brews as well as his Juju and Improved Juju brews.

Alright. The bonus reversal is pretty cool. The empowered penalties could be a little strong, but I'll wait and see. The other effect? Assume, for a moment, a +4 Charisma. The ability to put a -4 on saving throws that often is a little to powerful. Either remove the ability, lessen the effect, or think up something else.

A being who succeeds at their save vs. a cursed brew is immune to the effects of further cursed brews by the same Witch Doctor for 24 hours, though not to those of normal brews that inflict penalties.

...never mind. You obviously foresaw that complaint.

Witch’s Mirror (Su) A Witch Doctor of ninth level or higher knows how to twist negative energy and curses back upon their senders; if the Witch Doctor succeeds at a saving throw against a spell or ability that would inflict a fear, luck, morale, and/or profane penalty upon him, he avoids that effect completely. Furthermore, the originator of that spell or ability suffers its full effects (no save) for a number of rounds equal to the Witch Doctor’s class level. The Witch Doctor benefits from this ability while helpless, but not while unconscious.

Beautiful.

Big Juju (Su): As a Witch Doctor grows more skilled, he learns to re-awaken the spirits mixed into his juju brews to make them more potent; as a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity, a Witch Doctor of eleventh level or higher may turn one of his Juju or Improved Juju brews into a Big Juju brew. Big Juju brews have their durations doubled, and those that deal damage deal an additional amount of damage equal to the Witch Doctor’s class level. Big Juju brews that bestow bonuses instead bestow half-again the same bonuses (rounded up). Those attempting to make saving throws against Big Juju brews suffer a -2 circumstance penalty to the save.

A Witch Doctor of twentieth level or higher may use this ability on Mojo and Improved Mojo brews as well. A Big Mojo brew inflicts a -4 circumstance penalty on saving throws made against it.

Keep the penalty at a flat -2 for both Juju and Mojo brews...otherwise it will get out of hand quickly. Also, I really hope we won't be seeing any instant death brews with things like this (and the classes de-buffing as a whole) around.

A Witch Doctor may only have a number of Big Juju or Big Mojo brews in any combination active (that is, made by him but unused) equal to his charisma modifier. One brew cannot be affected both by Bad Juju and Big Juju.

Once again you premeditated and accounted for my criticism just as I was about to make it.

Stir the Spirits (Sp): A Witch Doctor of twelfth level or higher can rouse the spirits of objects and items to do battle for him; once per encounter as a standard action, he may cast animate objects as a wizard of his class level.

Cool.

Spirit’s Curse (Su): A truly dire proclamation, a Witch Doctor of thirteenth level or higher can afflict an intelligent being (intelligence score 3 or higher) with the Spirit’s curse. Once per encounter, as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, he may force a victim within thirty feet to succeed at a will save or suffer a -6 luck penalty to all ability scores, attack rolls, damage rolls (including those rolled for spells and supernatural abilities), and saving throws for a number of rounds equal to his charisma modifier. Furthermore, the shrieking of the spirits in their ears renders the victim deaf for the duration of the ability.

A victim who succeeds on their save is immune to further uses of Spirit’s Curse on their person for the next 24 hours.

Honestly, I think you'd be okay with 1 round/level. This is a little weaken than Greater Bestow Curse, which, I believe, is a 7th level spell with a duration of permanent. So 1 round/level or higher...you could probably even pull permanent, since it's a 1/encounter ability that foes can become immune to in subsequent encounters. But I'm not 100% sure about that. 1 round/level seems pretty safe.

Voodoo Doll (Su): Using sympathetic magic and subtle manipulations of power, a Witch Doctor of fourteenth level or higher may create a voodoo doll of an intelligent creature. In order to craft the voodoo doll, the Witch Doctor must either know that creature’s birth name, or possess of piece of its body (fingernail clippings, hair, tooth chips, and other similar fragments will do just fine), as well as raw materials worth three hundred gold pieces (survival check DC 30 to forage) and roughly four hours of work. Upon the voodoo doll’s completion, the victim of the doll feels a shudder down their spine and knows that someone, somewhere, has power over them.

A voodoo doll confers a number of benefits to the Witch Doctor. Firstly, the victim suffers a -4 luck penalty to all saving throws against the Witch Doctor’s supernatural class features and brews. Furthermore, the Witch Doctor knows whenever the victim of the doll speaks of the Witch Doctor, and to whom, as well as his victim’s location when he does so. Though doing so ruins the doll, rendering it useless until a new one is crafted, a Witch Doctor may use one of his supernatural class features or brews on the victim of his doll by using the brew or ability on the doll directly, regardless of distance. If the Witch Doctor chooses to affect his victim this way, they instantly become aware of the Witch Doctor’s current location, and know that he has used some form of power upon them.

I'm really worried about that save penalty in addition to everything else this class can do. Really worried. Any possibility of changing some ability slightly to prevent incredible abuse of save penalty stacking? 'Cause we're looking at a current total of -6...that's completely unavoidable (Big Juju and a doll).

Shadow’s Curse (Su): A Witch Doctor of level sixteen and higher may perform truly terrifying curses; once per encounter, as a standard action that performs attacks of opportunity, he may harm the shadow of an intelligent being (intelligence score three or higher) within thirty feet of him, dealing that being 2d4 points of damage to strength, dexterity, intelligence, and charisma (will save DC 10 + ½ the Witch Doctor’s class level + the Witch Doctor’s charisma modifier for half damage). A being whose shadow has been harmed in this fashion casts a very weak shadow that seems to limp, stumble, and collapse independently of them, and they become fatigued and exhausted at double the normal rate until they have healed their ability damage. At any rate, a creature is immune to further uses of Shadow’s Curse for seven days and nights afterwards.

Cool, flavorful, and stylish.

Witch’s Miracles (Sp): A Witch Doctor of level seventeen or higher can perform literal miracles, bringing the dead back to life; the Witch Doctor may use raise dead as a spell-like ability, paying only half the normal material costs, once per week. The Witch Doctor uses this ability as a cleric of his class level.

Wait...the Witch Doctor is seventeenth level, and gains a 3rd level spell usable 1/week? I'd see that as maybe, MAYBE a 5th or 6th level ability at the most. At this level, I'd almost expect a free circle of animation for humanoid bodies with a radius of something like 40ft. It just seems trivial at this level.

Cheval Dance (Sp): The greatest manipulation of spirit a Witch Doctor may learn, a Witch Doctor of level nineteen or higher may, once per encounter as a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity, use dominate monster as a spell-like ability, casting it as a wizard of their class level.

A decent, if rather mundane ability. I do like the flavor though. Perhaps make it a little more interesting, and have it be a Supernatural ability?

The only other comment is that I think Bad Mojo should move down a level, so that the level gap between Bad Juju and Big Juju is the same as the level gap between Bad Mojo and Big Mojo.


The class looks pretty awesome though, and fairly well balanced...on average. I would take a long look at what I mentioned above though.

But I love it. I really do. And I have a character who would be very well represented by this class.

Now to wait...and then convince my DM.

[Lord_Gareth]

Certain abilities have been edited; others will be changed later, when I have more time.

Any further comments? I'm especially interested in what folks think of the class's flavor.

[Stycotl]

finish the damn brews!

gareth, this is a sweet class. i have two npcs that this fits; one will be a higher level (16-18) werewolf villain, and the other will be a 10-12th level kitsune (adapted from white wolf hengeyokai) and this will even work pretty well for their kanji and origami abilities; just change the fluff a bit.

good job.

[boomwolf]

great as we learned to expect from you.

BTW-loved your old avi better. less is more in this case, and the more simplistic wolf-demon and scared-kid avi looked better.

[Lord_Gareth]

Several abilities have been edited further. Chief among them are Cheval Dance, the brand-new Dead Man Walking, and Juju Brews, which now only take one (one) hour to craft. What follows is a preview of a Juju - that is, first through fourth level - brew:

Rattlebone Brew [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 12
The Rattlebone Brew is a pale, white liquid that looks more viscous than it is, and it is often mixed with drinks or poured over food when it is not being used in combat. The victim of the Rattlebone Brew must succeed at a fortitude save or find themselves violently shaking and twitching, with pain wracking their every nerve; victims of the Rattlebone Brew who fail their saving throws recieve 1d4 points of bludgeoning damage from bone shock, as well a -2 circumstance penalty to all attack rolls and reflex saves, as well as a -5 circumstance penalty to all movement speeds for a number of rounds equal to the creator's class level.

[Lord_Gareth]

A number of Juju (1-4) level brews are up - they await critique!

[Djinn_in_Tonic]

Banebreath Elixir [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 11
Survival DC: 13
This potent elixir is sucked into the mouth and then spat out in a five foot cone in front of the user, emerging as a stream of noxious gas. Beings within that area receive 1d4 points of acid damage from the caustic nature of the chemicals and must succeed at a fortitude save or be struck dizzy by the fumes; they suffer a -2 circumstance penalty to spot and search checks for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s Witch Doctor level.

Pah. Practically worthless. 11gp, 1 hour of crafting time, and a standard action to deal 1d4 acid damage to a single creature and penalize Spot and Search? I'm not sure I'd bother. What about a 10ft Cone and an effect that actually penalizes people in combat? With the dizziness I'm debating Staggering them for one round (Fortitude negates).

False-Fire Brew [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 11
Survival DC: 13
A cheap, easy trick that creates much flashing and smoke, the False-Fire brew deals 1d4 points of fire damage to its victim. If drunk, it causes them to cough and choke on smoke; they receive an additional 1d2 points of fire damage each round for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. If the brew was instead shattered against its victim, it billows out a five foot radius cloud of smoke in a roughly spherical shape; the area is affected as though by an obscuring mist spell for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Better than the last one. I might make it a 10ft radius cloud, personally.

Mad Doc’s Cure [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 10
A wound healing drink, this potion tastes uncomfortably like fresh blood; the imbiber heals 2d4 points of damage, or 4d4 points of non-lethal damage. If this potion is poured onto a fresh wound (hurling or smashing it against a foe will do), it deals 2d4 points of non-lethal damage. Such wounds twinge and smart, and may feel unpleasant when the weather turns bad.

Cool. Again, I'd like to see it improved a little (perhaps a touch more healing) but it's fine.

Rattlebone Brew [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 12
The Rattlebone Brew is a pale, white liquid that looks more viscous than it is, and it is often mixed with drinks or poured over food when it is not being used in combat. The victim of the Rattlebone Brew must succeed at a fortitude save or find themselves violently shaking and twitching, with pain wracking their every nerve; victims of the Rattlebone Brew who fail their saving throws receive 1d4 points of bludgeoning damage from bone shock, as well a -2 circumstance penalty to all attack rolls and reflex saves for a number of rounds equal to the creator's intelligence modifier.

See, this is better. This is actually useful in combat, and thus useful as a Brew.

Sivrin’s Firewater [Juju]
Cost: 8 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 11
A painful cure for hangovers, Sivrin’s Firewater deals 1d2 points of acid damage to the imbiber, who is then entitled to an additional save against any poison or disease affecting them. Sivrin’s Firewater, true to its purpose, also instantly cures hangovers, though the subject experiences the rather painful sensation of being burnt as though by scalding water for several minutes afterwards.

I like it.

The Doctor’s Trick [Juju]
Cost: 5 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 8
Survival DC: 10
A curious potion slightly different for each maker, the brew known as The Doctor’s Trick renders the user (or victim, as the case may be) immune to the effects of other brews made by the same Witch Doctor for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Interesting. The use being...?

[Yrcrazypa]

If there were more brews that did a bigger boom, that could be imbibed and then have a self centered juju or mojo centered on whoever imbibed it. For example, say there is a Mojo that replicates a fireball type effect, have the fighter get the attention of a large group when he has the Doctors Trick, and then have that Mojo centered on him, who is immune to it but the enemies aren't. Area Effect buffs in combat could be useful in that way too by making the BBEG immune to the buff with the trick.

Me likey this class.

[dyslexicfaser]

Some of the brews are a little underwhelming, even for levels 1-4. I mean, they should at least be equivalent to Alchemist's Fire, 1d6 instead of 1d4, you know?

I can see a little synergy between Doctor's Trick and Falsefire Brew - two potions turn into a poor man's Obscuring Mist - so that's neat.

[Kiren]

The Doctor’s Trick [Juju]
Cost: 5 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 8
Survival DC: 10
A curious potion slightly different for each maker, the brew known as The Doctor’s Trick renders the user (or victim, as the case may be) immune to the effects of other brews made by the same Witch Doctor for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

Possible uses being tricking someone that they are protected by another brew or if you are forced to kill your friend by poisoning his drink, slip this in first and you cannot be held accountable for its ineffectiveness.

[Lord_Gareth]

Changes shall be made! Some additional brews shall be posted shortly; look for Moonlight Elixer, the Draught of Loquaciousness, and others ^_^

[dyslexicfaser]

I think I'll take a page from Djinn's book and review the new brews one by one.

Juju Brews
Banebreath Elixir [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 11
Survival DC: 13
This potent elixir is sucked into the mouth and then spat out in a ten foot cone in front of the user, emerging as a stream of noxious gas. Beings within that area receive 1d4 points of acid damage from the caustic nature of the chemicals and must succeed at a fortitude save or be staggered for a single round.

Okay, that's just cool.

Draught of Loquaciousness [Juju]
Cost: 10 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 11
A sticky, sweet liquid, the Draught of Loquaciousness bestows a +2 competence bonus on all bluff, diplomacy, and gather information checks made by the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. During this time, the imbiber suffers from impaired judgment; they receive a -2 enhancement penalty to their Wisdom score while benefiting from the brews other effects.

I can see this improved at the next level to a zone of truth-type effect on enemies.

Moonlight Elixer [Juju]
Cost: 11 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 11
Survival DC: 10
This brew is traditionally made at night, after the moon has risen. It bestows a +2 competence bonus to hide and move silently checks made by the imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier. The brew has, however, another benefit – a creature with the shapechanger subtype who drinks or is otherwise affected by the brew must succeed at a fortitude save or be forced to take another form (chosen by the creature from among its available forms). It must remain in that form for a number of rounds equal to the creator’s intelligence modifier.

I like the secondary benefit, not that shapeshifters are all that common. Would it be possible to use it to keep someone from shifting, or to return them to human and lock them there? That badass werewolf lord is significantly less badass without his fur coat.

Sunlight Infusion [Juju]
Cost: 12 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 13
Survival DC: 12
This brew is traditionally made at high noon, in the full light of the sun. It grants its imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) 2d4 points of positive energy resistance (that is, the first 2d4 points of positive energy damage or healing bestowed upon them fail to effect them). A creature who wishes to resist the effects is entitled to a fortitude save.

What would this do when poured on an undead?

Shot o’ Twitches [Juju]
Cost: 9 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 10
Survival DC: 11
Invented by a troll shaman, this curious brew has flecks of catnip and ginseng floating in it. The imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) must succeed at a fortitude save or “twitch,” moving five feet in any direction of the brew user’s choice. This movement provokes attacks of opportunity

Cool idea, but who would give up their standard action to take a 5ft step - or force someone else to take one? Unless your enemies regularly stand on buildings or small ledges, I guess.


Overall, you've got a nice spread here. Is the idea to just advance them in power at Improved Juju, Mojo and Improved Mojo, or do we get a new slate of brews at each level? Or is it a mixture (hyuk hyuk) of both?

[Lord_Gareth]

If any given undead is immune to potions, it's immune to brews. And yes, there will be a mix (ha ha) ^_^

[Ascension]

The Doctor's Trick seems to me to be the obvious alternative to spending years building up a resistance to iocaine poisoning, if you catch my drift.

[Lord_Gareth]

I now present for your edification, enjoyment, and PEACHing - IMPROVED Juju brews!

[y2kjman]

Effects lasting for just the intelligence modifier seems to be very limiting. Are there plans in feats or something to increase the duration?

[dyslexicfaser]

Pretty good stuff - there's quite a jump in power between level 4 and level 5, but that's pretty common with the 3.5 system.

Too bad, though - I was hoping for a love potion (charm person).

[Lord_Gareth]

The love potion comes later :p

Also, bump ^_^

[Shifty]

So tasty... Yummy, yummy fluff.

I can see this class having a good deal of utility all the way through, even at low level. Their average BAB and decent hit dice should keep them from being completely knackered if they're caught short of juju, and gris-gris blessing just seems all-round handy.

Seems, all in all, like a much tastier support character than a bard or cleric or what have you.

Now I want to make a Witch Doctor multiclassed with that PrC that uses pieces of monsters for bonuses. Fetishist, was it? Something like that...

[Lord_Gareth]

Bad news ya'll - I lost the flash drive that contained all my work. I'll still be updating, but much more sporadically now.

[Lord_Gareth]

Bump ya'll! I still want input on this, and I SWEAR I am still working!

[Cogwheel]

New brews are up.

[Lord_Gareth]

Like Cogs said, new brews are up! No, those aren't all the Mojo brews, but I still badly need critique; have at it, ya'll!

[Leeham]

This is an amazing class. Now to get my DM to let me play it....

[Admiral Squish]

AWESOME class.

The first thing I thought of when I saw this class was Papa Heeno from SCS's campaign journal. (For those who don't know it, I pity you. It's definitely a compliment, though)

I can't wait to see the improved Mojo brews! If I may, I'd like to sugest there needs to be a 'lime in the coconut' brew. Not sure what it does, but it sure has a catchy theme.

Also, I was alternately laughing and gasping 'OH MY GOD!' the entire time I read Inside-Out Flask.

[Lord_Gareth]

I'm glad you liked my Inside-Out flask ^_^ Here's another:

Stichlips' Sticher [Mojo]
Cost: 33 gold
Craft (Mojo) DC: 29
Survival DC: 28
This brew, made from deceptively simple materials such as antisceptic herbs and dandelions, is a staple of miracle medicine men the world over. The imbiber (or victim, as the case may be) of this potion finds themselves attended upon by spirits of healing and mercy - which stitch his wounds with threads of light, reattach severed limbs, cut out infectious wounds, and other such activities right before the very eyes of observers. The imbiber (or victim) of the brew gains Regeneration 10 for a number of minutes equal to the creator's intelligence modifier. Fire and acid still deal lethal damage to the imbiber (or victim).

[Admiral Squish]

Rather than regeneration, I'd just make it fast healing and call it even.

Figured out what to do for lime in the coconut:
Lime in the Coconut (Improved Juju)
Cost: ?
Craft (Mojo) DC: ?
Survival DC: ?
The subject (or victim) takes a -1 circumstance penalty to all reflex and will saves, attack and damage rolls, and skill checks involving con, int, wis, or cha, as their body is wracked by *ahem* intestinal distress. This penalty lasts a number of days equal to the creator's intelligence modifier. Each day, the victim suffers a more intense period of this brew's effects for a number of rounds equal to the creator's intelligence modifier. This effect activates on the characters turn in the first stressful or dangerous situation the character faces during the day, and increases the cuircumstance penalty to -5. A character under the effects of the brew can end this duration prematurely by taking another dose of this brew.

What do you think?

[Lord_Gareth]

Look at the power levels of brews so far; a -5 penalty to those actions is more along the lines of Improved Juju, instead of Improved Mojo. Also consider the capabilities of other classes at the level that your brew becomes available. No, we don't want the Witch Doctor on par with the wizard, but at level fifteen people are flinging about Save-or-Dies, high-level summons, extremely potent buffs, et cetera.