Bladesinger 1.0 (My version) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTimePost
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

06-29-04, 09:05 PM
Bladesinger
Elven Blade Master





http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/rof_gallery/49734.jpg



Bladesingers are elves who have blended art, swordplay, and arcane magic into a harmonious whole. In battle, a bladesinger’s lithe movements and subtle tactics seem beautiful, and belie their deadly martial efficiency. The term bladesinger is derived from the whistling sound their longsword makes as it cleaves the air at precisely the correct angle. Young bladesingers often practice with longswords creased by a blood groove designed to catch the wind, but masters need no such assistance. Bladesingers are also known for the haunting battle songs they sometimes sing while fighting. Those able to understand elevn (and who live long enough) will hear ballads and laments for valiant sword masters of ancient times and the tales of their lonely, never ending vigalence against the enemies of elevs.
Bladesingers are sworn to serve as itinerant guardians and champions of all elven peoples. As such, Bladesingers command great respect in most elf communities. With this repect however comes the expectation that a Bladesinger will always come to the aid of any elf in danger. Any Bladesinger whos is seen to anandon another elf in danger is usually branded as an exile and a coward. Elven forgiveness is difficult to attain and often more difficult to accept.
Multiclassed fighter/wizards can become bladesingers most easily, though any elf who can wield a martial weapon and can cast arcane spells can become a bladesinger. Bladesinging ranger/wizards, rogue/wizards and bladesinger bards are not unknown.

Here is my version of the Bladesinger. Please leave your comments.

BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities
1. +1 +0 +2 +2 Bladesong, Uncanny Dodge
2. +2 +0 +3 +3 Channel Spell I +1 to caster level
3. +3 +1 +3 +3 Lesser Spellsong
4. +4 +1 +4 +4 Weapons Display, UD (Can’t be Flanked) +1 to caster level
5. +5 +1 +4 +4 Channel Spell II
6. +6 +2 +5 +5 Greater Spellsong +1 to caster level
7. +7 +2 +5 +5 Blade Mastery
8. +8 +2 +6 +6 Channel Spell III +1 to caster level
9. +9 +3 +6 +6 Song of Celerity
10.+10 +3 +7 +7 Blade Dance +1 to caster level


Hit Dice: d8
Skills: 2 + Int Mod.
Skills: Balance (Dex), Concentration (Con), Jump (Str), Knowledge
(Arcana) (Int), Perform (Cha), Spellcraft (Int), Tumble (Dex).

Requirements: Must be able to cast 1st level arcane spells
Race: Elf, Drow or Half-elf
Base Attack: +5
Concentration: 4 ranks
Perform: (Dance) 3 ranks
Perform: (Sing) 3 ranks
Tumble: 2 ranks
Feats: Ambidexterity, Combat Casting, Dodge,
Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (Longsword),
or 1 level in the Ranger class in regards to Ambidexterity
and Two-Weapon fighting.

Spells Per Day: At every second level
gained in the bladesinger class, the character gains new spells per day as
if he had also gained a level in a 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 (Improved chance of controlling
or rebuking undead, meta-magic or item creation feats, hit points beyond those
he receives from the prestige class, and so on), except for an increased
effective level of spellcasting. If a character had more than one spellcasting
class before becoming a bladesinger, he must decide to which class he adds
the new level for purposes of determining spells per day.

Bladesong: When wielding a weapon
in each hand the bladesinger gains a bonus to his AC equal to his Intelligence
modifier. (Weapons used must be single handed, bladed weapons, and at least
one must be a longsword. Any combination can be used, longsword + longsword,
longsword + shortsword etc…) With a longsword in one hand and nothing in the
other the AC bonus is halved rounded up.

Uncanny Dodge: The bladesinger gains the
extraordinary ability to react to danger before his senses would normally allow
him to do so. The bladesinger retains his dexterity bonus to AC regardless of
being caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. (He still loses his
dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.) At 4th level the Bladesinger can no
longer be flanked; he can react to opponents on opposite sides of him as easily
as he can react to a single attacker. This defense denies a rogue the ability to
use a flank attack to sneak attack the bladesinger. The exception to this defense
is that a rogue at least 4 levels higher than the bladesinger can flank him (and
thus sneak attack him).

Channel Spell I: Once every two bladesinger levels as a free action, the bladesinger can cast a spell through his weapon as he attacks with it. This is a supernatural ability. The channeled spell counts against the bladesingers normal daily limit and must specify a target. Thus, Sleep is not eligible since it does not affect a “target creature”. The maximum allowablespell level increases as noted below.

Channel Spell Max Spell
I 1st
II 2nd
III 3rd

If desired, the bladesinger can cast two spells of one level lower or three spells
of two levels lower. (A 0-level Spell is treated as equivalent to a 1st level spell
for purposes of this ability. A channeled spell targets the creature hit by the weapon,
which still gets a saving throw if the spell allows one. Even if a spell can target more
than one creature, channeling it through the weapon limits it’s effect to the single
opponent attacked. If the weapon attack misses, the channeled spell is wasted.

Lesser Spellsong: When wielding a longsword in one hand (and nothing in the other),
the bladesinger can take 10 when making a Concentration check to cast defensively.

Weapon Display: For this ability to
have an effect, the Bladesinger must whirl his blades about his body. The
observer must be close enough to the bladesinger to see the display. The
display can be done with one or two blades. The DC to resist is higher
when using two blades. The display has no effect upon this already
engaged in close combat, as they are too busy to pay attention to the
show. Also, Weapons Display works only on those of low (5) or better
intelligence, who can either use weapons, or have seen them used. (It is
impossible to impress green slime by twirling a dagger in your fingers).
By whirling his blades about, a bladesinger can affect the morale and
courage of others. Such a display of skill, precision, and deadly grace
lowers opponents Attacks, damage, and saves by 1 for every 2 bladesinger
levels, but gives all allies who can see the display a +1 for every 2
bladesinger levels to Attacks, damage, and saves. Weapons Display can
only be used once per encounter, the display lasts for one round per level
of the bladesinger. The display must occur for a full round without
interruption. During the time, any successful attack upon the bladesinger,
or failed saving throw will need to make a normal Concentration roll, or
disrupt the display. This ability requires a lot of room; it cannot be done
in a narrow corridor. After the round has passed the Bladesinger need not
continue the display for the effect to take place. The DC to resist is a
Will save DC 15 + 1 / 2 levels of Bladesinger with one sword, or a Will
save DC 17 + 1 /2 levels of Bladesinger with two swords. Those who
make their saving throw are not affected.

Greater Spellsong: The bladesinger
ignores arcane spell failure when wearing light armor.

Blade Mastery: The bladesinger has
gained such control with his longsword that he can apply his Dex modifier
to his attack rolls instead of his Strength modifier. Just like the Weapon
Finesse feat except it only applies to the bladesinger’s longsword.

Song of Celerity: When wielding a
longsword in one hand (and nothing in the other) and using the full attack
action, the bladesinger can cast one bladesinger spell each round as a free
action. This can be used once per day, also no spell over 3rd level can be used.

Blade dance: This is the
greatest ability that a bladesinger can learn. With this technique
the bladesinger goes into a very calm, and focused state. He begins
to twirl his weapons and his body in a mesmerizing dance, getting
faster and faster. All the while the bladesinger’s face remains deathly
calm and focused, almost like his body has become a separate entity.
He gains a +4 to Dex and +4 to Con, but takes a –2 to Will power
because he is focusing on his ability and his direct enemies. The
increase in Constitution increases the bladesingers hit points by 2
per level, but these hit points go away at the end of the Blade Dance
when the Constitution score drops back to normal. While blade dancing
a bladesinger can attack normally, but cannot use skills or abilities
that require patience and concentration, such as moving silently or
casting spells. He can use any feat he might have except for Expertise,
item creation, meta-magic feats, and Skill Focus (If it’s tied to a skill that
requires patience or concentration. Blade dancing lasts for a number of
rounds equal to 3 + the bladesingers (newly improved) Constitution
modifier. It is a standard action to begin this ability. The bladesinger may
prematurely end the blade dance voluntarily. At the end of the blade dance,
the bladesinger is fatigued (-2 to Strength, -2 to Dexterity, can’t charge or
run for the duration of that encounter. Anyone that is within 5 feet of the
bladesinger must make a reflex save DC 10 + bladesinger’s Dex modifier
or take 1d8 + (Any magical bonuses to the blade, if two blades roll a percentile
die to determine which blade hit). If the save is successful then the person takes
no damage, if the bladesinger moves into a threatened space, the enemy gets to
make the appropriate attacks of opportunity, but still runs the risk of getting hit
with the dance. This ability can be used once per day.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

06-29-04, 09:22 PM
Ok I think I have everything situated.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

06-30-04, 08:20 AM
Come on people lets get with the comments.
Lady Ishtar

06-30-04, 11:01 AM
it looks like a cross between the normal bladesinger and a spellsword.

the prereqs dont work in 3.5 as feat and classes have changed.

i would do away with two weapons. being forced to use weapon in one hand and nothing in the other was a good limiting factor of the original bladesinger.

Channel Spell: how long does it take to put the spell into the weapon. is it just normal time fot the spellcasting.

Weapon Display: good idea but the ability is almost useless with the Int limit.

Song of Celerity: this could get overpowered too quickly. i would suggets a daily limit on those, or a spell level limit.

Blade dance: im kind of confused on what this ability does, especially the last damage dealing part. does he deal that damage to anyone within his reach? also Con boost doesnt make too much sense.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

06-30-04, 07:40 PM
Originally posted by Lady Ishtar
it looks like a cross between the normal bladesinger and a spellsword.

the prereqs dont work in 3.5 as feat and classes have changed.

i would do away with two weapons. being forced to use weapon in one hand and nothing in the other was a good limiting factor of the original bladesinger.

Channel Spell: how long does it take to put the spell into the weapon. is it just normal time fot the spellcasting.

Weapon Display: good idea but the ability is almost useless with the Int limit.

Song of Celerity: this could get overpowered too quickly. i would suggets a daily limit on those, or a spell level limit.

Blade dance: im kind of confused on what this ability does, especially the last damage dealing part. does he deal that damage to anyone within his reach? also Con boost doesnt make too much sense.

Channeling a spell is a free action, thats why you can do it only once per day. Weapon Display is used for opponents that have a 5 or greater intelligence. Thats not too restrictive. With Blade Dance it's whoever comes with in 5 feet because of the whirling blades, or if the bladesinger forces it on someone. Kinda like when someone attacks somone with a FireShield on, except the radius is 5 feet. I will look into changing Song of Celerity.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

06-30-04, 07:52 PM
I have made a change on Song of Celerity.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

11-04-04, 09:19 PM
:bump:
-Defiler of Souls-

11-05-04, 05:41 PM
oooh i made one of these yesterday....if anyones interested heres link : Alternate Bladesinger (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=4765059#post4765059)

comes complete with my reasons for changing bladesinger and a little info on playtesting

anyway shameless promoting of my prc aside, this looks pretty good, it's deffinately balanced and also IMHO is far better then the complete warrior bladesinger which for me was quiet a dissappointment

personally i think channel spell should have more then 1 use per day at later levels, and you could make it like spellsword's similar ability in the aspect that you can use spells that don't specify a target, but they only effect the creature hit with the weapon.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

11-05-04, 11:05 PM
I have made some changes to Channel Spell.
Kwai

11-08-04, 02:32 PM
Just a quick question, more about style than balance. Didn't the bladesinger have to have one hand free for casting? This two weapon deal seems to take away from that cast and slash feel.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

11-09-04, 12:10 AM
Just a quick question, more about style than balance. Didn't the bladesinger have to have one hand free for casting? This two weapon deal seems to take away from that cast and slash feel.

Well that is what Channel Spell is for.....Also, the bladesinger can put away one weapon and cast with his free hand.
XunValDorl of HouseKilsek

01-01-06, 11:54 AM
:bump:
Kessalin Talira

01-01-06, 01:42 PM
As has been mentioned, the feats are off... Ambidexterity no longer exists in 3.5. It's part of Two-Weapon Fighting.

Because it gives a caster level progression, the limitation of Song of Celerity to Bladesinger spells doesn't work. Also, once per day of a spell of up to 3rd level? Even CW is better than that. With its own spell list, the Song of Celerity ability of the Tome and Blood Bladesinger wasn't a problem at all, really. There weren't any of the universally powerful wizard spells on the spell list, like fireball, cone of cold, etc. A bladesinger spell every round as a free action isn't bad.

It seems strange that this version of the bladesinger switches between having to have a weapon in each hand and only having a weapon in one hand. Historically speaking, bladesingers have only ever used a single weapon, and anything published in novels, etc., depicting TWF bladesingers is purely creative license on the writer's part. That being said, I would make it "all or nothing" either everything can be used with two weapons, or nothing can. For the spellcasting, just give them the ability to perform somatic components with their weapon, in a series of slashing motions. Otherwise, give them still spell, or even Automatic Still spell once. That would remove the somatic components from their level 1-3 spells.

The 10th level ability, while good, isn't really fitting of a bladesinger, IMO. Removing their ability to cast spells? Were I taking this class, I doubt I'd use that ability very often. Regarding the damage dealing aspect, I would simply state that anyone hit takes normal weapon damage, with the bladesinger choosing which weapon hits. He's got to have some level of control over his weapons by 10th level, I would assume. ;)

Also, why would the drow practice a fighting style used by their most hated enemies, the other elves? I would remove one or the other from the racial requirements.