[Base Class] Aesthetic Sage

[Cipher Stars]

Top 5

Aesthetic Sage

Aesthetic Sages are wandering warriors who's skill with the blade is great. They often seek beauty where ever they see it, be it in destruction, or in life. They don't often choose the lifestyle, it chooses them. They're eye for detail aids in they're development for the perfect form.
Sages often leave home at the strike of adulthood to explore, and search for answers to life's questions as they explore they're fascination with the beautiful things in life.

Adventures: What good would being a wandering swordswoman be if you don't do anything? The Aesthetic Sage is prone to helping, or hindering, things along they're way. If they're stopping in town for supplies when a bandit raid strikes, they're going to step up and defend, maybe out of pure vengeance for ruining they're meal or even to help the bandits for one reason or another (evil).

Characteristics: The Aesthetic Sage gains her ability through self perfection, and a link with the natural beauty of the world. Primary characteristics in Aesthetic's are grace, and balance thats hard to match. They have the ability to perform amazing feats and may even seem to be everywhere at once at times.

Alignment: Aesthetic Sage's come primarily in three groups: The Chaotic Good, the True Neutral, and the Lawful Evil. Aesthetic's can be found of any alignment, however.

Religion: Its common for Aesthetic's to believe in a higher power, they may or may not actually worship a deity however. But rather, some higher force above it all. Maybe even just life in general.

Background: Those destined to be Aesthetic Sages show signs at young ages, when they awe at the beautiful things, and often try to draw, sketch or paint what they see. Many even find themselves singing to themselves, or dancing to an unheard music. They have natural talents in the Arts, and as they age they learn to hone it into swordsmanship, the art of the blade. Whether they come into it naturally or find themselves fascinated in the study thanks to the tutelage of a master. Most find themselves ready to travel at an age of around twenty, when they leave, often to find purpose elsewhere in life.

Other classes: Aesthetic Sages admire anyone who also respects beauty, or Self perfection. Many enjoy the company of classes such as Monks, Psions and even Wizards. Some may find it irksome to be around the more destructive classes. While some may find it so when around clerics or paladins, who just can't understand the beauty in destruction. (good and evil, respectively)

Role: Aesthetic Sage's at low to mid levels are heavy one-shot hitters, they try to end things before they start, Otherwise they're relatively low-powered casters, or they can keep up with the fighters on the front lines thanks to aid from they're abilities.

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The Aesthetic Sage

{table=head]Level|BAB|Fort|Ref|Will|Special |0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th

1st|+0|+0|+2|+2|Fluid Motion|4|1|—|—|—

2nd|+1|+0|+3|+3|Channel Spell, Aesthetic Strike +1d8|4|2|—|—|—

3rd|+2|+1|+3|+3|Evasion|4|2|—|—|—

4th|+3|+1|+4|+4|Aesthetic Strike +2d8|4|3|—|—|—

5th|+3|+1|+4|+4|Uncanny Dodge|4|3|1|—|—

6th|+4|+2|+5|+5|Aesthetic Strike +3d8|4|3|2|—|—

7th|+5|+2|+5|+5|Superior Form|4|4|2|—|—

8th|+6/+1|+2|+6|+6|Greater Channel Spell, Aesthetic Strike +4d8|4|4|3|1|—

9th|+6/+1|+3|+6|+6|Improved Evasion|4|4|3|2|—

10th|+7/+2|+3|+7|+7|Aesthetic Strike +5d8|4|4|3|2|—

11th|+8/+3|+3|+7|+7|Improved Uncanny Dodge|4|4|4|3|1

12th|+9/+4|+4|+8|+8|Aesthetic Strike +6d8|4|4|4|3|2

13th|+9/+4|+4|+8|+8|Masters Form|4|4|4|3|2

14th|+10/+5|+4|+9|+9|Aesthetic Strike +7d8|4|4|4|4|3

15th|+11/+6/+1|+5|+9|+9|Timed Escape|4|4|4|4|3

16th|+12/+7/+2|+5|+10|+10|Aesthetic Strike +8d8|4|4|4|4|3

17th|+12/+7/+2|+5|+10|+10|Reactive Reflexes|4|4|4|4|4

18th|+13/+8/+3|+6|+11|+11|Aesthetic Strike +9d8|4|4|4|4|4

19th|+14/+9/+4|+6|+11|+11|Superior Channel Spell|4|4|4|4|4

20th|+15/+10/+5|+6|+12|+12|Perfect Form, Aesthetic Strike +10d8|4|4|4|4|4

[/table]

Spoiler

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GAME RULE INFORMATION
Aesthetic Sage's have the following game statistics.
Abilities: Any, usually chaotic good, true neutral, or lawful evil.
Hit Die: d10
Starting Age: as fighter
Starting Gold: 4d4x10g

Class Skills:
Class Skills... Appraise, Balance, Concentration, Craft (any two), Diplomacy, Jump, Knowledge (any two), Listen, Move Silently, Perform (any two), Profession (any three), Spot, Search, and Tumble.
Skill Points at 1st Level: (6 + Int modifier) × 4
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 6 + Int modifier

Class Abilities:

Weapons and Armor:
The Sage is not proficient with any armor, or shields. And is proficient with Simple weapons, as well as one martial or exotic weapon of choice. Once choice is made, it cannot be changed.
If the Sage wears even Light armor, all class features are lost.


Spellcasting:
The Aesthetic Sage gains spells from the Sorcerer/Wizard spell list. The Sage knows Cha-Mod spells from the list at any given time per spell level, and can cast them spontaneously using the given Spells per Day in the table. Spellcasting is based of of Charisma, for saves and extra spells per day.
Saves against a Sage's spells are 10+1/2 Sage levels, + charisma modifier, they rely on skill, study, and execution rather then the spell itself.
All spells the Sage casts are treated to have the Eschew Materials feat, but they all require a focus. The focus is usually the Sage's blade, or some memento. Once chosen, so it remains. If your original focus is lost any similar item can replace it. (Necklass for Necklass, Blade for Blade, gloves for gloves, ect. but not Blade for Hammer, gloves for boots, ect (Boots don't really make a good focus anyway))
Beyond whats listed here, they cast spells like a wizard-sorcerer mix and can remove a spell and learn another via spellbooks, but current spells remain as spontaneous casting.


Fluid Motion (Ex):
The movements of an Aesthetic Sage are strangely hypnotizing in they're smooth, fluid, and quickness. The Aesthetic Sage gains an insight bonus equal to her Charisma modifier to AC, as well as to Tumble, Balance, Iajutsu Focus, and Move Silently.

Channel Spell (Sp):
The Aesthetic Sage can, as a Standard Action, Channel a single spell through her blade, Effectively making the attack roll as normal, weapon damage and effects, Then the spell and spells effects.
Only Touch spells can be channeled this way.

Aesthetic Strike (Ex):
The Aesthetic Sage knows its signature ability, The Aesthetic Strike.
Only usable at the start at the battle, The Aesthetic Strike is a single full-round action against a single target you can see within 1/2 the Sage's speed. The Aesthetic Sage then vanishes, appearing 5ft behind the target in a negative flash of momentary darkness, during which those looking see a brilliant streak following the path of the Aesthetic's blade and the movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity, and can move through enemy squares.
The attack itself is resolved as a Touch attack, and adds listed bonus to the weapons damage, However like most additional damages it is not multiplied on a critical. If the Aesthetic Strike doesn't make it passed AC, the target still takes half the Aesthetic Strike bonus damage (an eight level Sage would deal 2d8 damage, with no modifiers or other damage sources. This damage), but otherwise no effect and the Sage does not appear behind them, but instead appears adjacent and in front of them.
At level Ten, the Aesthetic Sage can perform this at any time during the fight, but only once.
At level Twenty, the Aesthetic Sage can perform this at will, with a 1d6 round recharge.
Note: Aesthetic Strike is not a special attack on its own and damage is in addition, much like a Sneak Attack with different conditions that need to be met.
Aesthetic Strike bonus damage is Sonic in nature, yes, but Silence doesn't effect it. Sonic was merely the closest I could get with 3.X's limited Energy list. (4e had nice energies, Radiant, Necrotic, water ect)

Evasion:
The Aesthetic Sage gains the Evasion ability, as the Rogue ability of the same name.

Uncanny Dodge:
The Aesthetic Sage gains the Uncanny Dodge ability, as the Barbarian ability of the same name.

Superior Form (Ex):
The Aesthetic's form is exceedingly fine, and honed. As Fluid Motion. But +2 extra AC, +1/2 Charisma mod (in addition) to listed skills, and +Charisma mod to saves.

Greater Channel Spell (Sp):
As Channel Spell, but you can now channel a touch spell in with a Full Attack, or a normal standard action to channel any Targeted spell.
Or, Channel a Touch spell through an Aesthetic Strike, if you have not used up its use for the encounter yet.

Improved Evasion:
The Aesthetic Sage gains the Improved Evasion ability, as the Rogue ability of the same name.

Improved Uncanny Dodge:
The Aesthetic Sage gains the improved Uncanny Dodge ability, as the Barbarian ability of the same name.

Master's Form (Ex):
The Aesthetic's form is paragon, and considered the human limit of capability. As Superior Form. But +4 extra AC, +full Charisma modifier again (Cha mod x2) to listed skills, and +Cha mod to Attack rolls.

Timed Escape (Ex):
When subject to a Reflex for Half save, the Aesthetic can appear within 1/2 Speed feet away. Also, the effects of Improved Evasion can be applied to any Reflex save based spell, not just Reflex-for-Half. Meaning, The Aesthetic Sage always takes at most half damage from Reflex-based spells.

Reactive Reflexes (Ex):
The Aesthetic Sage can react almost immediately to tactile senses, when ever the Sage would be damaged in melee, she can make an attack of opportunity against the attack. If her attack is successful, the attack deals half damage and you can make a basic attack in return, which also deals half damage. Works on ranged weapons, but you instead take 1/4th damage, and no attack is given in return.

Superior Channel Spell (Ex):
You can now channel a Touch Spell in with each attack of your Full attack action, a Targeted spell as part of a full attack, Or any other non-personal spell as a standard action.

Perfect Form (Ex):
The Aesthetic's form becomes that of perfection. Sought after by even grand masters of the art of self-improvement. As Master's Form. But +6 extra AC, +full Charisma score (Rather then just Charisma Mod) to listed skills, and +Cha mod to Attack and damage rolls.
The path of the Sage is as much about self mastery as it is about physical perfection. Perfect Form also prevents the Sage from aging passed adulthood, they do not gain any manner of aging penalties, and gain fast healing 1, resistance to poison and disease equal to they're con mod, and once per day can reset they're health to 1 if it gets to -1 or below.

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Example Character

Lasserine Victa
Neutral Good/Female/Human/Aesthetic Sage 10

Init +5, Senses: Listen +10, Spot +10,
Languages Common
------------------------------------------------
AC 21 , touch 21, flat-footed 16
hp 10d10 HD +20 (70hp)
Fort +10, Ref +17, Will +9
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Speed 30ft. (6 squares)
Melee Snaked Sword +12 atk 1d10/2d4 dmg.
Base Atk +7/+2, Grp +9
Atk Options Snaked Sword, Spellcasting, Channel Spell
Combat Gear Snaked Sword +3 (1d10/2d4 damage, -/30ft range, 19-20/x2)
Spells Prepared
0- Touch of Fatigue, Mending, Prestidigitation, Light, Ghost Sound
1- Shocking Grasp, Burning Hands, Ray of Enfeeblement, Chill Touch, True Strike
2- Alter Self, Web, Flaming Sphere, Ghoul Touch, Knock
3- Vampiric Touch, Fireball, Deep Slumber, Ice Lance, Keen Edge
-----------------------------------------------
Abilities Str 15, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20
SQ Superior Form, Greater Channel Spell, Improved Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Aesthetic Strike +5d8
FeatsCombat Reflexes, Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Overrun, Blade Rush*, Improved Bull Rush.
FlawsWeak Will*, Vulnerable*
Skills Balance 22, Jump 10, Move Silently 11, Spot 10, Listen 10, Tumble 22
Possessions Snaked Sword, Kimono* (black), fine gold chain necklace, Coin pouch (12gp)

Lass is a quiet young woman who travels around the country living off the generosity of others. She's quick to repay kindness, And persistently offers to help until equal payment has been made on her part. She never expects to be repaid herself, and often helps those she sees are in need.
She probably just has too much free time.
She adventures to find meaning, love, and to live a life many could remember. She doesn't take kindly to hostile acts. But otherwise wont distinguish a vampire from a little kid in terms of base evil rating. If If either of them are misbehaving however, mercy shine on them. (Though the kid would naturally have a higher chance of escaping alive... well, not destroyed at least)

A typical Lass encounter starts off with her avoiding, watching, and preparing defenses until the moment is right, when she strikes as hard as she can to hopefully stop the fight there. Against multiple opponents, she keeps back and performs crowd controlling actions until one is left, which she tries to end it with her Aesthetic Strike that she saves until best use.
Unless given incentive, she only attacks non-lethally.

_______________________________________

Notes:

• 1: If using BoEF, or at least the Appearance stat, the Aesthetic Sage uses Appearance, rather then Charisma.
• 2: Spells that weaken enemies melee capability, or inhibit ranged attackers are recommended. As are effects you don't have to pay attention to, such as walls. An occasional ranged or targeted spell such as Fireball or Lightning bolt are welcome as well for when enemies try to hang back.

__________________________________________________ _____

Bonus Stuff

Iajutsu Aesthetics
Requirements: Iajutsu Focus 5 ranks, BAB +1
Benefit: You can perform Aesthetic Strike with your Strike in an Iajutsu Duel.
Normal: Iajutsu duels consist of three parts, Strike is the third. as such you would not be able to perform Aesthetic Strike with it until level ten.

Greater Iajutsu Aesthetics
Requirements: Iajutsu Focus 10 ranks, BAB +7
Benefit: You can add your Iajutsu skill to damage rolls when ever your perform Aesthetic Strike.
Normal: Iajutsu skill is only added to damage rolls on Iajutsu strikes.

Superior Iajutsu Aesthetics
Requirements: Iajutsu Focus 18 ranks, BAB +10
Benefit: You can perform Aesthetic Strike whenever you perform an Iajutsu Strike.

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Variants/Alternate Class Features

Spiritual/Divine Sage:

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Casting becomes Divine, and drawn from the Cleric spell list. The Sage doesn't have to worship a deity, but chooses Spirits instead. They gain a single domain every five levels. Either from they're domain from a deity, or from a newly forged link with a Spirit of the Domain's nature. "Spirits"/"Kami" w/e
Domain spells are added to the list, as well as with the one bonus spell.
so... you have a domain, you have your five known spells, then you have six spells 5+ the domain spell. you still only have given spells per day of that level, however.
You also gain access to Granted Powers, however some modifications are necessary. Instead of "Turning or Rebuking x" you gain a +2 to attack and damage rolls against x.
1,5,10,15,20 are Domain levels.
Spiritual Sages are not restricted by Alignment, they are a balance and believe all forms of magic are not evil, or good in nature. But are Neutral, and nothing more then a tool that is only good or evil depending on how it is used. A Cure spell you charge money for, and ignore the sick is just as evil as using Inflict to harm an innocent. meanwhile, using Inflict to bring down a threat that could cause loss of life or harm to innocence, is good. (And using to to defend yourself is neutral)
In addition, finally. The Spiritual Sage increases BAB to full. In effect, they're Clerics without armor, turn undead, or full spellcasting. In return, they get some better features (though turn undead is awesome...), full bab, and domains.
They CAN wear armor, if they gain the proficiency elsewhere or through feats. but by base, they do not gain armor. so have fun spending feats. However, they don't get CHA to AC while wearing armor. instead, they gain a +2 per Form rank. (Fluid, Superior, Masters, Perfect)

[snowboule]

soooo what this class is supposed to be? or what it aim for?

[snowboule]

I failed at posting sooo

Kinda strong for a hybrid class the ability to negate melee attacks with attacks of opportunity is really powerfull.
and the form is powerfull too.
Suffer from little MaD but a strong hybrid

[Cipher Stars]

Kinda strong for a hybrid class the ability to negate melee attacks with attacks of opportunity is really powerfull.

Which isn't until 17th, as a sort of upgrade from Improved Uncanny Dodge.


I don't know what its supposed to be. I did this as I was.... like 8/10 asleep.
Well, I don't get that question. what are you asking?

[mrcarter11]

At first glance, I have no idea the power level your aiming for.. I like the class though, I just don't think many DM's would ever allow it. The closest thing I can think of to compare it too is the Duskblade.

Your class has weaker BAB, same amount of good saves, better HD, much higher AC, and a lot, lot better spell list.

I mean, the only thing the duskblade can even bring to the fight is a full BAB and the ability to wear armor. It's spell list is so bad, that the fact it gets 5th level spells when you don't, hardly matters.

The AC thing is also arguable.. A duskblade, with 16 Dex, can wear Breast Plate and use the best shield he can.. That gives him an AC of 20 of the top my head. Your sage, is gonna have a crazy Cha, since everything is tied to it. And likely a better Dex as well, but we will ignore that. So 16 Dex, let us say +2 Bracers and a Cha of 22, which is 25. However that's getting pretty high level to grab those class features, however getting a mid 20's Cha score isn't hard by any means. So the duskblade hits more often, with weaker spells. While you hit with better spells, get hit less, and survive more hits.

Last but not least, you can full channel 5 levels before the duskblade ever can.

In any case, my tone during this post isn't angry or even upset. I'm just trying to give you the best analysis I can, which I admit isn't very good. However that's what I have to say. Take it as you will.

[Togath]

Actually, the duskblade can wear even full plate as long as it is made from mithral, one can do the same with a heavy shield, granting a total AC boost of +23
(total AC; 33+ bonuses from items such as amulets of natural armour),
And I dont see any abilities yet granting an "armoured mage" bonus for this class, so it would be harder to get over-powered AC as the class has been presented so far., At least until level 19, but at that point the ability is effectivly a capstone ability(which are usually stronger then standard abilities)

[NeoSeraphi]

Well, we don't even know if she's proficient with martial weapons yet, or armor or shields. Hard to know what kind of power she has without knowing what kind of equipment she can use.

[Togath]

Good point, hadn't noticed that until you said that. Aye, it's going to be hard to figure out the classes power without knowing it's proficiencies.

[Cipher Stars]

How... inconvenient the one accidental class of mine I like seems to be one thats getting complaints of being over powered (?).

I added the Weapons and Armor. I forgot to copy it from the Document I constructed this on before posting. It also contained a "Flaw" if you will, which was rather a key point in my mind.

I'm going to be adding fluff and an example character, maybe even an example encounter.

Edit:
[CENTER] [SPOILER] [B] [/B] [/SPOILER] [/CENTER]

Dayum. Thats a useful code I wish I knew. Now I gotta go edit the Pre-Sets thread.

[Lappy9000]

How... inconvenient the one accidental class of mine I like seems to be one thats getting complaints of being over powered (?).

You do realize that once you post a class on the homebrew thread, people naturally attempt to give helpful critique, yes? If you don't want people to give their opinions, simply state so in the thread title.

That said, I really like this class! It does a better job of portraying a samurai-ish character from any anime I've seen better than any others I've looked at. I like the little bit about the alignment, the flavor and 'feel' of the abilities, and they all scale in power nicely. Plus, they get flexible spellcasting, but it's not too flexible, and an aesthetic sage will naturally be prone to picking touch spells as an added balancing factor.

The only suggestions I would offer is to perhaps drop the skills per level (2 or 4) and possibly the Hit Dice, but that one's kinda 'eh.' Oh, and add on a typed bonus for Form abilities to help avoid confusion on stacking (Insight looks like a good fit). Additionally, the class features could use a bit of clean up and polish, but things read decently as is.

Overall, looks good, feels right, and well-balanced. Good work

[Cipher Stars]

You do realize that once you post a class on the homebrew thread, people naturally attempt to give helpful critique, yes? If you don't want people to give their opinions, simply state so in the thread title.

I do wish people would stop assuming that, I simply have a somewhat negative tone by default. It does not however, express what I feel or am thinking.

That said, I really like this class! It does a better job of portraying a samurai-ish character from any anime I've seen better than any others I've looked at. I like the little bit about the alignment, the flavor and 'feel' of the abilities, and they all scale in power nicely. Plus, they get flexible spellcasting, but it's not too flexible, and an aesthetic sage will naturally be prone to picking touch spells as an added balancing factor.

Thanks, and yea I'm still working on the Example character (which is going to be a character I intend to use sometime, + Gestalt.) And Yes, Touch spells are quite dominant it seems. Though that was intended.

The only suggestions I would offer is to perhaps drop the skills per level (2 or 4) and possibly the Hit Dice, but that one's kinda 'eh.' Oh, and add on a typed bonus for Form abilities to help avoid confusion on stacking (Insight looks like a good fit). Additionally, the class features could use a bit of clean up and polish, but things read decently as is.
Overall, looks good, feels right, and well-balanced. Good work

I never go below 4, but very well. Down to 4 it is. (but they generally are quite skilled in the shows.)
Yes, I was just adding a bonus in the current edit thats up in another tab. Unsurprisingly, it is Insight afterall :P



Edit:

Finished. Or so I think.

[Cipher Stars]

Come on people. No one jump all at once now that its actually done to the natural extent.

Though I did add the Notes section just now. So help me fill it with any questions or hypotheticals.

[Togath]

people are probally not posting much yet, as it looks pretty balanced now that you have put in its proficiencies. For notes for the class, suggesting spells such as chill touch, touch of fatigue, colour spray, or other spells that weaken a target's melee abilities, or spells that can be channeled through your weapon, could be good.

[mrcarter11]

I have to go to work here in a minute, so I won't be able to respond likely for a while, but what tier is this balanced against. I mean, you won't get me to believe 3 by any extant.. I'd believe tier 2 though. Just curious as to your intent.

[Cipher Stars]

I don't believe in Tiers, DM's should just decided if They don't want it in they're game or not. "Tier" doesn't make a difference in that, unless they just look at that and nothing else.

Neither do I ever look at other classes to "Balance from". I make classes spontanously when the idea comes to me. I don't sit down and stare at the Rogue all day and compare feats. Planning? I don't know the word :/

[mrcarter11]

So this class isn't balanced against anything?? Well then, why not attempt to only make a little better than the duskblade. Usually seen as a fair class, maybe a little weak. Still a good class though. Attempting to make it only somewhat better than a duskblade, would be a good point in general. And thus your homebrew would see more use.

[Togath]

I don’t understand why people are saying this class is stronger than a duskblade, duskblades get full plate, a heavy shield, and 2 more levels of spells, and more spells per day, this class is actually slightly weaker to be honest, so I don’t see how it is an overpowered class, like people seem to think it is nevermind, I misread some of the comments..

[NeoSeraphi]

I don’t understand why people are saying this class is stronger than a duskblade, duskblades get full plate, a heavy shield, and 2 more levels of spells, and more spells per day, this class is actually slightly weaker to be honest, so I don’t see how it is an overpowered class, like people seem to think it is.

Yes but the duskblade has a specific, limited spell list. This class just has any 4th level spell or lower from the sorc/wiz list.

Edit: Swordsage'd, but my point stands.

[mrcarter11]

This class is far from weaker. Duskblade doesn't in fact get heavy armor casting. This class gains a save bonus and AC bonus from Cha, which is it's primary score, let alone the static raise to AC. Also the Duskblade spell list is quite pathetic. This is all in addition to the fact that this class is more of a casting class and yet gets a better HD.

Lastly this class gains a better form of channeling than the duskblade has, a full 5 levels before it. Let alone the latter increase to it's channel ability. By no means is the duskblade stronger. Also please see my other comment towards the top.

[Togath]

Re: [Base Class] Aesthetic Sage

This class is far from weaker. Duskblade doesn't in fact get heavy armor casting

Actually mithral heavy armor counts as medium armor, so a duskblade can use it at level 4.,

This class gains a save bonus and AC bonus from Cha, which is it's primary score, let alone the static raise to AC

doesn't matter much, this class cant wear armor.

Lastly this class gains a better form of channeling than the duskblade has, a full 5 levels before it

Actually the duskblade gains the exact ability as this class at 3rd level, not 6th, so the duskblade is still better when it comes to melee combat at least, as one is likely to have heavy armor, a martial weapon, and a heavy shield., While the Aesthetic Mage is going to only have simple weapons, and one martial or exotic weapon, and no armor, or shields., This class is meant to be more of a caster then a melee brute I think.

[mrcarter11]

Yes your right about the armor. And this class has all the defensive magic it needs to survive since it has whatever spells it wants. And no, the duskblade can channel for a single attack at level 3, which this class does at level 2. A duskblade can channel a full attack at level 13, which this class does at 8, plus other channel abilities. Let alone the the last boost to channeling at 20.

And as an additive about the armor, this class still has bracers of armor. And since the only stat it needs boosted is Cha, which powers saves, AC, attacks, and damage.

In addition to the defense magic it can cast, this class also has the whole line of rogue defense class features and a further improvement to them in Timed Escape. And then it also has Reactive Reflexes, which is even more icing to a cake that is already far to sweet.

[Cipher Stars]

which is even more icing to a cake that is already far to sweet.

So... my class is one flavor. Thought it was about three, myself.


Changed reactive reflexes to intended.

[mrcarter11]

I'd say your class is several flavors, which isn't bad. I just think you made it with way to much sugar and hardly any balance of what went into it.

[Togath]

It seems pretty balanced to me, the extra high cha based ac comes at high levels, and even with bracers of armor +5, and an amulet of natural armor +5, an average member of this class will probally only have about 22-24 cha at level 20, since they need to keep up at least three if not four or five stats(for a total AC only in the 40s, which is about average for a class with melee abilties at level 20, and that is if you optimize the class)......edit; just relised they also gain a dex bonus to AC, still other the the AC issue, the class is balanced. It looks about the same power level as a pathfinder bard.

[Gideon Falcon]

My issue is that the flavor is rather disparate. It's supposedly a swordsman who loves beauty, when none of the class features support that notion besides the main statistic. The flavor never even mentions the spellcasting, or the surprise-round teleportation.

[Togath]

Hadn't noticed that until you mentioned it, but aye, I don't see any fluff regarding the sage's spell casting, only fluff about swordfighting, from the fluff description they sound(at least as the fluff is presented at the moment) more like a combination of a bard and a swordsman(with a little bit of a ninja thrown in)

[Cipher Stars]

Whats more of an art then spellcasting? The impression of charismatically fed flames? Then add those flames to your blade as you about the battlefield?

I'm sorry you can't see magic as a thing of beauty.

[Togath]

had been going to say that this class, from the fluff sounds a lot like the blade dancer prestige class, at which point I looked up the class and noticed that it too gained spells(by gained, I mean it requires you to be able to cast spells), so nevermind my last comment., I hadn't relized that, that prestige class cast wizard or cleric spells as well So, after having noticed that, I retract my statment that the fluff doesn't match up, when I first saw this class I had thought you were going for more of a blaster then a swordfighter.
edit: in fact the blade dancer prestige class would be a pretty good prestige class for this class to take a few levels in at higher levels, as the abilities sync well.

[Cipher Stars]

Huh. Blade Dancer is interesting. Didn't know about it until you mentioned it. (and I looked it up). but yep, pretty much. Blade dancer is more inward magic to the blade, the sage is a bit more outward magic from the blade.

[Cipher Stars]

Added a three part feat chain relating to Iajutsu.