Dissolution Notes and Spellsword (Pathfinder): Difference between pages

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__NOTOC__
The Spellsword prestige class is mix of martial and magical prowess, focused on using spells to enhance melee attacks. First introduced in the ''Complete Warrior'', this page updates this class for use with the [[system::Pathfinder]] system, and tries to correct some its flaws along the way. (Notes at the end of the page provide details of the goals of this conversion. Also, while we use this version of the class in play, feedback has suggested some alternates, one [[Spellsword (Pathfinder, alt 1)|a bit more arcane]], one [[Spellsword (Pathfinder, alt 2)|a bit more martial]].)
== Banewarrens (8-10) ==


See [[Dissolution Notes Banewarrens]]
'''Hit Die''': d8


== The Malady (10-12) ==
'''Requirements'''


See [[Dissolution Notes Malady]]
* Base Attack Bonus: +4
* Proficiency: all simple and martial weapons
* Proficiency: all light, medium and heavy armor
* Feats: [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/arcane-armor-training-combat---final Arcane Armor Training]
* Spells: Able to cast 2nd level arcane spells
* Special: Must have defeated a foe through force of arms alone, without any spell casting


{{ #ifeq: {{CURRENTUSER}} | Wordman |
'''Class Skills'''
== Goth Gulgamel (12-14) ==


=== Aggah-Shan's Journals ===
The spellsword's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Acrobatics (Str), Climb (Str), Craft (armor, weapons) (Int), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Spellcraft (Int).


In the final room of the White House catacombs is Aggah-Shan's main living quarters. It is filled with research, concealed as the ledgers of the White House. (This is an elaborate head fake. The idea is that using the ledgers explains why there is tight security around them, but doesn't call attention to their true contents.) Centuries of ledgers are held in a shelf in the final room. In one of them is a bookmark made of lead covered in runes. When placed in one of the books, the pages "turn inside out" and reveal [[Aggah-Shan's journals]]. It is long reading, but contains the following:
'''Skill Ranks at Each Level''': 2 + Int modifier.


* He knows that Praemal is a prison. Originally a good wizard, he sought ways to break the prison open. His obsession drove him to more and more extreme acts, turning him evil and, ultimately led to his seeking of lichhood. It wasn't until becoming a lich that he learned ''why'' Praemal is a prison.
{| class="wikitable"
* Details for the design of chaos machine
!Level!!BAB!!Fort!!Ref!!Will!!Special!!Spells per day
* References to the Fallen, the Dark Reliquary and Lilith. Mention of the powerful demons on the surface, but fairly lax security underneath. Need to plant seeds for future here.
|-
* A lot of information about Goth Gulgamel, including a plan to penetrate it.
|1st||+1||+1||+0||+1||''Channel spell'' (0th level), ''Rapid channel'', Arcane Armor Mastery, Spellsword Armor||-
* Details of getting the Banewarrens key from House Vladim.
|-
* Details of the three artifacts he wanted from the Banewarrens. Enough description such that locate object might work on the ''osseous redoubt''.
|2nd||+2||+1||+1||+1||''Channel spell'' (1st level) ||+1 level of arcane spellcasting class
* Design of his phylactery (enough for locate object, even though that won't work).
|-
* Hints in books leads to Goth Gulgamel, where Aggah-Shan has taken up residence, with the malady case.
|3rd||+3||+2||+1||+2||''Channel spell'' (2nd level), Reduce spell failure 5%||+1 level of arcane spellcasting class
 
|-
=== Hit on the Knights of the Pale ===
|4th||+4||+2||+1||+2||''Channel spell'' (3rd level), Bonus feat||+1 level of arcane spellcasting class
 
|-
Even from within the Dark Reliquary, Lilith realizes that the Malady presents some unique opportunities, opportunities the Raguel would neither recognize nor sanction. She has thrown together a number of quick projects to take advantage of the chaos. Top of the list involves a strike to destroy some historical foes, the Knights of the Pale. Though she has long worked at crippling the organization with stealth and subterfuge, the Malady provides a chance to use brute force instead. With the Knights spread thin helping to protect people from the shambling hordes, their headquarters, Bladechapel, is largely undefended. Coincidentally, this happens to come at a time where a prior effort had just bore fruit.
|5th||+5||+3||+2||+3||''Additional channel'', Reduce spell failure 10%||-
 
|-
During the Vallis Moon fiasco, the Knights captured an ally of the Dark Reliquary, a fiendish stone giant, attempting to convert an abandoned building in the Temple District into a temple to Ochremeshk. The Knights have imprisoned this giant in Bladechapel, interrogating him about his plans. Shortly after, Lilith heard that one of the servants in Bladechapel was cheating on his wife with a chaos cultist and, from this servant, information about the building was extracted. Lilith sent an imp to try to penetrate the building. It managed to get into the catacombs beneath it, but couldn't find where the giant was being held. It did, however, manage to overhear the password to the building's ''[[pfsrd-spell:f/forbiddance|forbiddance]]'' spell: "Lothian". Speaking this word on entry allows one to avoid damage (though teleportation is still prevented).
|6th||+6||+3||+2||+3||''Channel spell'' (4th level)||+1 level of arcane spellcasting class
 
|-
Now that the Malady is running rampant, Lilith has assembled a group of demons, dæmons and devils to attack Bladechapel. They have several goals:
|7th||+7||+4||+2||+4||Bonus feat, Reduce spell failure 15%||+1 level of arcane spellcasting class
 
|-
* Make it clear to everyone that the Knights can't protect the people who have taken shelter from the Malady there.
|8th||+8||+4||+3||+4||''Additional channel''||-
* Kill as many knights as possible.
|-
* Corrupt the temple to Lothian.
|9th||+9||+5||+3||+5||''Channel spell'' (5th level), Reduce spell failure 20%||+1 level of arcane spellcasting class
* Break into the armory and steal or destroy ''holy'' and ''outsider bane'' weapons.
|-
* Dismantle the chamber in the armory known to be able to destroy chaositech and other chaotic magic.
|10th||+10||+5||+3||+5||''Multiple channel spell''||+1 level of arcane spellcasting class
* Rescue the stone giant.
|}
* Replace the drain plug on the personal bathtub of Dierna Hillerchaun with one on which is inscribed with a permanent ''[[pfsrd-spell:s/symbol-of-insanity|symbol of insanity]]'' which triggers any time it gets wet or is read.
* Destroy as much of the house as possible.


To that end:
'''Weapon and Armor Proficiency''': Spellswords gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.


* 2 Hezrou - property damage
'''Arcane Armor Mastery''': At 1st level, a spellsword gains Arcane Armor Mastery as a bonus feat if he does not already have it.
* Shadow Demon - plant the symbol of pain
* Bearded Devil - go where needed
* Barbed Devil - go where needed
* 2 Carnage daemon - kill and terrorize civilians.
* 3 Mezzololth - corrupt temple
* 2 Babau: Go after weapons
* Imp: Led demons in. Necklace of fireballs.
* Fomorian Painbringer - wants to rescue prisoner? Open vault.
* Rhodintor (Sarycal) - destroy the anti-chaositech machine
* Stone Giant - prisoner?


=== The Pactlords of the Quaan ===
'''Spellsword Armor''': Spellsword levels stack with levels of Fighter for determining the effects of Armor Training.


Two events related to the return (and later disappearance) of the Vallis moon have jolted the Pactlords of the Quaan into action. The first was the opening of the Banewarrens and subsequent location of (but failure to retrieve) the ''black grail''. The second was failure of the magic powering several potent traps within a section of Ghul's Labyrinth, leading to the Pact's discovery of the mural room allowing teleportation into Goth Gulgamel (see ''Ptolus'', pg. 421).
'''''Channel Spell'' (Sp)''': At 1st level, a spellsword gains the ability to channel any spell he can cast into his melee weapon. This is a standard spellcasting action in all ways, including requiring the spell's normal casting time, except that rather than the spell being released, it is stored within the weapon. Once a spell is stored in this way, it may be released into a target successfully hit with that weapon. The spellsword chooses weather or not the spell is channeled into the target, but must make the choice after the attack hits, but before damage is rolled. The spell effects the target just as if the spellsword had just cast it on him, rolling any saving throws or spell resistance that might apply. Any to-hit rolls normally required by the spell are assumed to have already succeeded by virtue of the weapon's attack roll. Also, the spell affect is confined only to the target being hit, regardless of the spells normal area of effect or range. Once the spell is released, it is spent.


The primary backer of the mission into the Banewarrens, a scylla named Iariono, took a massive hit to her credibility and power within the Pact. Further, the death of the beholder leading the mission has left a power vacuum which ambitious pactlords are rushing to fill. As this struggle plays out, loyalties are shifting, old scores are being settled and the Pact in general is in turmoil.
Initially, spellswords may only channel 0-level spells into only one weapon at a time. The weapon can hold only one spell at a time, and a channeled spell is lost if not used in eight hours. As spellsword levels are gained, more potent spells may be channeled, as indicated in the table. At 4th level, for example, the spellsword may channel third level arcane spells. Channeling any spell uses up the prepared spell or spell slot just as if the spell has been cast normally. Spells cast from scrolls or similar items may be channeled (if under the level limit), but spell-like abilities cannot be. When channeling, the spell is measured by the slot it occupies. If, for example, a metamagic effect requires a certain spell be cast using a 4th level slot, a spellsword could only channel that spell if they were allowed to channel 4th level spells, regardless of the spell's base level.


Meanwhile, having long sought a way into that particular section of Ghul's Labyrinth, a high ranking pactlord named Dronnmos (an advanced neothelid) discovered the mural room, and has since centered his operations around it. When the reports of the scouts sent into Goth Gulgamel reached Dronnmos, Iariono and several other pactlords, a mad dash erupted to get boots on the ground within the fortress.
Channeling spells using 3rd level slots or higher will destroy non-magical weapons. Once the attack and spell are resolved, the weapon turns to dust. Channeling spells using 5th level slots will do the same to +1 weapons as well.


Iariono largely won this race, tapping a gug priest of the demon-god Ochremeshk named Quiral to lead blood troll and hellfire giant members of his flock into the fortress to secure it and begin explorations of the Utterdark with the help of a moon-beast. At least, that is the story told to the rest of the Pact. Iariono is really hoping to find the ''staff of the magi'' floating in some detached room within the Utterdark. Also part of this mission is Vendarlik, the only survivor of the Banewarrens mission. Knowing the location of where the ''black grail'' was within the Spire relative to the apparent position of Goth Gulgamel, the mind flayer believes that it may be possible to get back to the ''grail'' from within the fortress. Vendarlik has enlisted the aid of Chrindurn, an intellect devourer, whose blindsense allows it to "see" in the Utterdark. Chrindurn has already stolen the body of one of the hellfire giants.
'''''Rapid Channel'' (Sp)''': By using a full-round action, a spellsword can combine the action of channeling a spell with a single melee attack that releases the spell into the target. This works as a normal spell channel in all ways, except additional restrictions are placed on what spells can be cast. The spell must have a casting time of one standard action or less. Further, spells from scrolls or other devices cannot be channeled rapidly. Because it is part of the attack, the casting needed to rapidly channel does not provoke opportunity attacks, but does require a concentration roll for "violent motion while casting" (DC 15 + spell level). If this check fails, the spell is lost and the attack takes a -4 penalty.


Not willing to be muscled out of his own discovery, Dronnmos has attached a Zavayss, a noble salamander, and his followers to the mission, using the argument that they share the religion and love of fire with Quiral's flock. Zavayss watches Quiral and the exploration, reporting back to Dronnmos regularly. The salamander quite likes the environment within Goth Gulgamel and secretly plots to take Quiral's position.
'''Reduce Spell Failure (Ex)''': At 3rd level, the spellsword's merging of spellcraft and weaponry allows him to reduce the chance of arcane spell failure associated with armor by an additional 5%. This chance is reduced by a further 5% for every two levels thereafter. This ability stacks with the bonus from Arcane Armor Mastery; however, unlike that feat, it does not require any kind of action to activate, but rather is an intrinsic effect.


Dronnmos also convinced a pair of blue dragon allies (Usieth and Okthun) to donate a dozen [[dvontoi]] to the endeavor. The dragons insisted on entering the fortress themselves to "oversee" the operation. Unbeknownst to Dronnmos or Iariono, the dragons couldn't care less about the mission, instead intent on mating and hatching their brood within the confines of the fortress.
'''Bonus Feat''': At 4th level, a spellsword gains a bonus feat that must be either a metamagic feat, a bloodline feat, or one drawn from the list of fighter bonus feats. This is in addition to the feats that a character of any class normally gets from advancing levels. The character must still meet any prerequisites for these bonus feats. A spellsword gains an additional such feat at 7th level.


While Aggah-Shan was none too pleased to see the Pact's intrusion into Goth Gulgamel, the lich has come to an understanding with the Pact presence. They have provided the lich an occasional minion to probe the Ageless Titan for information. Meanwhile, the pact is cheering on the [[Malady]] for removing so many humanoids, but otherwise giving the lich a wide birth.
'''''Additional Channel'' (Sp)''': At 5th level, the spellsword may prepare an additional channeled spell. This can either be a spell channeled into a second weapon, or a second spell channeled into the same weapon. In either case, only one spell may actually be released per successful attack. If the spellsword hits with a weapon containing multiple channels, he may select which goes off for a particular attack. Another additional channel is gained at 8th level.


=== The Cult of Ochremeshk ===
'''''Multiple Channel Spell'' (Sp)''': A 10th-level spellsword can activate any of the channels in his weapon in a single attack. Thus, on a successful attack, all of the spells channeled into the weapon used in the attack effect the target. When the attack is resolved, the spellsword decides which, if any, of the channels affect the target, and in what order. At most, one of the spells channeled by this attack can be rapidly channeled.


The cultists being employed by the pact have their own agenda outside the pact. Dedicated to Ochremeshk (see ''Ptolus'', pg. 623), they seek to free him from his prison, then present him with a Goth Gulgamel already prepared for his use. So far, they have converted an alter room within the fortress to the demon prince, but have no real leads on how to free him.
'''Spells per Day''': At the indicated levels, a spell sword gains new spells per day as if he had also gained a level in an arcane spellcasting class he belonged to before adding the prestige class. He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained, except for additional spells per day, spells known (if he is a spontaneous spellcaster), and an increased effective level of spellcasting. If a character had more than one arcane spellcasting class before becoming a spellsword, he must decide to which class he adds the new level for purposes of determining spells per day.


=== Motivations ===
'''Design Notes'''


Summing up the above, here are the movers and shakers in and about Goth Gulgamel:
The original version of this class is considered to be fairly weak in the d20 system, giving up too much spellcasting ability to be considered useful for more than a few levels. As originally written, it also is somewhat weak when compared to Pathfinder's updated [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/prestige-classes/eldritch-knight Eldritch Knight] class, particularly considering the availability of Pathfinder's [http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/arcane-armor-mastery-combat---final Arcane Armor Mastery] feat.


* [[Aggah-Shan]], [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/lich|lich]] (CR 16): Wants the ''entropy sphere'', so needs to get past the titan. Also exploring the Utterdark.
Also, the original class tends to be viewed mostly as a way for arcane fighters to use armor, as the implementation of its core concept (channeling spells through weapons) was not that compelling. In particular, the daily limit for spell channeling seemed unnecessary, given that spell use itself already has a daily limit. All the channeling does is allow the spellsword to cast spells and melee attack in a single action. Essentially, it just provides a really versatile mechanism for buffing a weapon. So, it seemed more appropriate to allow the spell sword to channel as much as he likes, but use level progression to limit the effectiveness of the spells being channeled.
* Quiral, savant [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/gug|gug]] cleric (CR 16): Secure Goth Gulgamel and protect the exploration of the Utterdark. Support Iariono's interests. What he really wants, though, is to free Ochremeshk, and is preparing Goth Gulgamel to be the demon's seat of power.
* Zavayss, [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/salamander/salamander-noble|noble salamander]] (CR 12): Supervise exploration of the Utterdark. Support Dronnmos's interests. Though intended to act as a check on Quiral, he also worships Ochremeshk, and is helping Quiral prepare the site for him.
* Vendarlik, mind flayer (CR 8): Wants to gain entrance to the Banewarrens to get the ''black grail''. Secondarily, he is ambitious, having already claimed most of the beholder's clout for himself and trying to keep Iariono from falling.
* Chrindurn, intellect devourer (CR 8): Wants to get back into the good graces of the Pactlords, which Vendarlik has promised; however, Chrindurn's past transgressions are such that many of the Pactlords would kill Chrindurn on sight, and slay Vendarlik for helping him.
* Thanss, [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/moon-beast|moon-beast]] (CR 11): find the ''staff of the magi'' within the Utterdark, as Iariono has promised much for it.
* Dronnmos, advanced [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/neothelid|neothelid]] (CR 18): Not present, but looking to exploit Goth Gulgamel and his control of the mural leading to it for all he can. As a Pactlord, ultimately wants to destroy all humanoids. Would like to see Iariono eliminated.
* Iariono, advanced [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/scylla|scylla]] (CR 18): Not present, but looking to use Goth Gulgamel to restore her prestige within the Pact. As a Pactlord, ultimately wants to destroy all humanoids. Would like to see Dronnmos eliminated.
* Ochremeshk, demon prince (CR 20): Unaware any of this is happening.


=== Adrift Rooms ===
So, keeping all this in mind, this port of the Spellsword is based mostly on the Pathfinder revision of the Eldritch Knight, altered as follows:
 
''Some old school random table action for the rooms cut loose into the utterdark.''
 
When anyone casts out into the Utterdark, there are 1d3 rooms floating near them, each d100 feet away. Rooms have their own gravity, but may be oriented differently compared to a universal frame of reference. Roll a d6; the room is oriented as the d6 is, where the 1 face is the floor.
 
Room map chosen from among a set of room battlemaps.
 
 
== Dark Reliquary (15-18) ==
 
* Hint somehow leads to dungeons under Dark Reliquary. Probably journal entries about the sleeping gods and how what the Fallen want to do about them doesn't match what Aggah-Shan wants.
 
== Dreaming Realm (15-18) ==
 
* Go with the idea that Harrow Elves are created by severing an Elder Elf's connection to dreaming. Maybe the entropy sphere is involved somehow?.
 
== Jabel Shammar (19-20) ==
 
|}}
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
!
! colspan=7 | # of creatures needed to provide EL…
|-
! d100
! Occupant
! 11
! 12
! 13
! 14
! 15
! 16
! 17
|-
| 01-66
| unoccupied
|-
| 67-68
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/banshee|banshee]]
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
|
|
|
|-
| 69
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/oozes/ooze-carnivorous-crystal|carnivorous crystal]]
| align="center" | 1 
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
| align="center" | 6
| align="center" | 8
|-
| 70
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/oozes/carnivorous-blob|carnivorous blob]]
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
|
|
|
|-
| 71-72
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/chaos-beast|chaos beast]], [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/advanced-creature-cr-1|advanced]]
| align="center" | 3 
| align="center" | 4 
| align="center" | 6 
|
|
|
|
|-
| 73
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/chaos-beast|chaos beast]], [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/advanced-creature-cr-1|advanced]] [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/shadow-creature-cr-1|shadow]]
| align="center" | 2 
| align="center" | 3 
| align="center" | 4 
| align="center" | 6 
|
|
|
|-
| 74
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/dybbuk|dybbuk]]
|
|
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
|
|-
| 75
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/magical-beasts/frost-worm|frost worm]]
|
| align="center" | 1
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| 76
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/humanoids/giants/giant-true/giant-frost|giant, frost]]
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
| align="center" | 6
| align="center" | 8
| align="center" | 12
|
|-
| 77
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/ghorazagh|ghorazagh]], [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/shadow-creature-cr-1|shadow]]
|
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
|-
| 78-79
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/constructs/golem/golem-bone|golem, bone]]
| align="center" | 3 
| align="center" | 4 
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| 80
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/constructs/golem/golem-brass|golem, brass]]
|
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
| align="center" | 2
|
|-
| 81
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/constructs/golem/golem-iron|golem, iron]]
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
|-
| 82
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/constructs/golem/golem-stone|golem, stone]]
| align="center" | 1
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
|
|
|-
| 83-84
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/aberrations/moon-beast|moon-beast]]
| align="center" | 1
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
| align="center" | 6
|
|-
| 85-86
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/nightshade/nightwing|nightwing]]
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
|-
| 87
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/protean/protean-imentesh|protean, imentesh]]
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
| align="center" | 6
| align="center" | 8
|
|-
| 88
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/protean/protean-keketar|protean, keketar]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|-
| 89
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/protean/protean-naunet|protean, naunet]]
| align="center" | 4 
| align="center" | 6 
| align="center" | 8 
| align="center" | 12 
|
|
|
|-
| 90
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/constructs/retriever|retriever]], [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/shadow-creature-cr-1|shadow]]
|
| align="center" | 1
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| 91-92
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/shadow-mastiff|shadow mastiff]], [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/advanced-creature-cr-1|advanced]]
| align="center" | 6 
| align="center" | 8 
| align="center" | 12 
|
|
|
|
|-
| 93-94
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/shadow|shadows]], led by one [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/shadow|greater shadow]]
| align="center" | 10 
| align="center" | 13 
|
|
|
|
|
|-
| 95
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/shadow|shadows, distorted]], led by one [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/shadow|greater shadow]]
| align="center" | 4 
| align="center" | 9
| align="center" | 14
|
|
|
|
|-
| 96
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/shadow|shadows, greater]], [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/templates/advanced-creature-cr-1|advanced]]
| align="center" | 2 
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
| align="center" | 6
| align="center" | 8
|
|
|-
| 97-98
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/spectre|spectres]]
| align="center" | 4 
| align="center" | 6
| align="center" | 8
| align="center" | 12
|
|
|
|-
| 99
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/winterwight|winterwight]]
|
|
|
|
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|-
| 00
| [[pfsrd:bestiary/monster-listings/undead/wraith/wraith-dread|wraith, dread]]
|
|
| align="center" | 1
|
| align="center" | 2
| align="center" | 3
| align="center" | 4
|}


* Channel Spell ability
* Better reduction arcane spell failure
* Better Will saves
* Smaller hit dice
* Slower spell progression
* Doesn't stack levels for feat qualification
* Does stack levels for Armor Training
* Fewer feats


{| class="wikitable"
[[Category:Prestige Class]]
|-
! d100
! Contents
|-
| 1
| connection to Prime Material Plane
|-
| 2-41
| empty
|-
| 42-75
| trap
|-
| 76-88
| story clues
|-
| 89-98
| [[pfsrd:magic-items#Table-Random-Magic-Item-Generation|random treasure]]
|-
| 99
| Pit of Insanity
|-
| 00
| artifact:<br/>&nbsp;1 = ''[[pfsrd:magic-items/artifacts/minor-artifacts/knucklebone-of-fickle-fortune|knucklebone of fickle fortune]]''<br/>&nbsp;2 = ''[[pfsrd:magic-items/artifacts/minor-artifacts/runeslave-cauldron|runeslave cauldron]]''<br/>&nbsp;3 = ''[[pfsrd:magic-items/artifacts/minor-artifacts/hourglass-of-shadows|hourglass of shadows]]''<br/>&nbsp;4-5 = card from the ''[[pandemonium deck]]''<br/>&nbsp;6 = ''[[pfsrd:magic-items/artifacts/minor-artifacts/staff-of-the-magi|staff of the magi]]''
|}

Revision as of 03:13, 3 October 2010

The Spellsword prestige class is mix of martial and magical prowess, focused on using spells to enhance melee attacks. First introduced in the Complete Warrior, this page updates this class for use with the Pathfinder system, and tries to correct some its flaws along the way. (Notes at the end of the page provide details of the goals of this conversion. Also, while we use this version of the class in play, feedback has suggested some alternates, one a bit more arcane, one a bit more martial.)

Hit Die: d8

Requirements

  • Base Attack Bonus: +4
  • Proficiency: all simple and martial weapons
  • Proficiency: all light, medium and heavy armor
  • Feats: Arcane Armor Training
  • Spells: Able to cast 2nd level arcane spells
  • Special: Must have defeated a foe through force of arms alone, without any spell casting

Class Skills

The spellsword's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Acrobatics (Str), Climb (Str), Craft (armor, weapons) (Int), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Spellcraft (Int).

Skill Ranks at Each Level: 2 + Int modifier.

Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special Spells per day
1st +1 +1 +0 +1 Channel spell (0th level), Rapid channel, Arcane Armor Mastery, Spellsword Armor -
2nd +2 +1 +1 +1 Channel spell (1st level) +1 level of arcane spellcasting class
3rd +3 +2 +1 +2 Channel spell (2nd level), Reduce spell failure 5% +1 level of arcane spellcasting class
4th +4 +2 +1 +2 Channel spell (3rd level), Bonus feat +1 level of arcane spellcasting class
5th +5 +3 +2 +3 Additional channel, Reduce spell failure 10% -
6th +6 +3 +2 +3 Channel spell (4th level) +1 level of arcane spellcasting class
7th +7 +4 +2 +4 Bonus feat, Reduce spell failure 15% +1 level of arcane spellcasting class
8th +8 +4 +3 +4 Additional channel -
9th +9 +5 +3 +5 Channel spell (5th level), Reduce spell failure 20% +1 level of arcane spellcasting class
10th +10 +5 +3 +5 Multiple channel spell +1 level of arcane spellcasting class

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Spellswords gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.

Arcane Armor Mastery: At 1st level, a spellsword gains Arcane Armor Mastery as a bonus feat if he does not already have it.

Spellsword Armor: Spellsword levels stack with levels of Fighter for determining the effects of Armor Training.

Channel Spell (Sp): At 1st level, a spellsword gains the ability to channel any spell he can cast into his melee weapon. This is a standard spellcasting action in all ways, including requiring the spell's normal casting time, except that rather than the spell being released, it is stored within the weapon. Once a spell is stored in this way, it may be released into a target successfully hit with that weapon. The spellsword chooses weather or not the spell is channeled into the target, but must make the choice after the attack hits, but before damage is rolled. The spell effects the target just as if the spellsword had just cast it on him, rolling any saving throws or spell resistance that might apply. Any to-hit rolls normally required by the spell are assumed to have already succeeded by virtue of the weapon's attack roll. Also, the spell affect is confined only to the target being hit, regardless of the spells normal area of effect or range. Once the spell is released, it is spent.

Initially, spellswords may only channel 0-level spells into only one weapon at a time. The weapon can hold only one spell at a time, and a channeled spell is lost if not used in eight hours. As spellsword levels are gained, more potent spells may be channeled, as indicated in the table. At 4th level, for example, the spellsword may channel third level arcane spells. Channeling any spell uses up the prepared spell or spell slot just as if the spell has been cast normally. Spells cast from scrolls or similar items may be channeled (if under the level limit), but spell-like abilities cannot be. When channeling, the spell is measured by the slot it occupies. If, for example, a metamagic effect requires a certain spell be cast using a 4th level slot, a spellsword could only channel that spell if they were allowed to channel 4th level spells, regardless of the spell's base level.

Channeling spells using 3rd level slots or higher will destroy non-magical weapons. Once the attack and spell are resolved, the weapon turns to dust. Channeling spells using 5th level slots will do the same to +1 weapons as well.

Rapid Channel (Sp): By using a full-round action, a spellsword can combine the action of channeling a spell with a single melee attack that releases the spell into the target. This works as a normal spell channel in all ways, except additional restrictions are placed on what spells can be cast. The spell must have a casting time of one standard action or less. Further, spells from scrolls or other devices cannot be channeled rapidly. Because it is part of the attack, the casting needed to rapidly channel does not provoke opportunity attacks, but does require a concentration roll for "violent motion while casting" (DC 15 + spell level). If this check fails, the spell is lost and the attack takes a -4 penalty.

Reduce Spell Failure (Ex): At 3rd level, the spellsword's merging of spellcraft and weaponry allows him to reduce the chance of arcane spell failure associated with armor by an additional 5%. This chance is reduced by a further 5% for every two levels thereafter. This ability stacks with the bonus from Arcane Armor Mastery; however, unlike that feat, it does not require any kind of action to activate, but rather is an intrinsic effect.

Bonus Feat: At 4th level, a spellsword gains a bonus feat that must be either a metamagic feat, a bloodline feat, or one drawn from the list of fighter bonus feats. This is in addition to the feats that a character of any class normally gets from advancing levels. The character must still meet any prerequisites for these bonus feats. A spellsword gains an additional such feat at 7th level.

Additional Channel (Sp): At 5th level, the spellsword may prepare an additional channeled spell. This can either be a spell channeled into a second weapon, or a second spell channeled into the same weapon. In either case, only one spell may actually be released per successful attack. If the spellsword hits with a weapon containing multiple channels, he may select which goes off for a particular attack. Another additional channel is gained at 8th level.

Multiple Channel Spell (Sp): A 10th-level spellsword can activate any of the channels in his weapon in a single attack. Thus, on a successful attack, all of the spells channeled into the weapon used in the attack effect the target. When the attack is resolved, the spellsword decides which, if any, of the channels affect the target, and in what order. At most, one of the spells channeled by this attack can be rapidly channeled.

Spells per Day: At the indicated levels, a spell sword gains new spells per day as if he had also gained a level in an arcane spellcasting class he belonged to before adding the prestige class. He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained, except for additional spells per day, spells known (if he is a spontaneous spellcaster), and an increased effective level of spellcasting. If a character had more than one arcane spellcasting class before becoming a spellsword, he must decide to which class he adds the new level for purposes of determining spells per day.

Design Notes

The original version of this class is considered to be fairly weak in the d20 system, giving up too much spellcasting ability to be considered useful for more than a few levels. As originally written, it also is somewhat weak when compared to Pathfinder's updated Eldritch Knight class, particularly considering the availability of Pathfinder's Arcane Armor Mastery feat.

Also, the original class tends to be viewed mostly as a way for arcane fighters to use armor, as the implementation of its core concept (channeling spells through weapons) was not that compelling. In particular, the daily limit for spell channeling seemed unnecessary, given that spell use itself already has a daily limit. All the channeling does is allow the spellsword to cast spells and melee attack in a single action. Essentially, it just provides a really versatile mechanism for buffing a weapon. So, it seemed more appropriate to allow the spell sword to channel as much as he likes, but use level progression to limit the effectiveness of the spells being channeled.

So, keeping all this in mind, this port of the Spellsword is based mostly on the Pathfinder revision of the Eldritch Knight, altered as follows:

  • Channel Spell ability
  • Better reduction arcane spell failure
  • Better Will saves
  • Smaller hit dice
  • Slower spell progression
  • Doesn't stack levels for feat qualification
  • Does stack levels for Armor Training
  • Fewer feats