A five-level ghost-faced killer (first PEACH please) [Archive] - Wizards Community

A five-level ghost-faced killer (first PEACH please) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
realbombchu
06-20-07, 01:03 PM I always like when a prestige class has five levels, because you can get more class combos in before 20th level. And I always thought the ghost-faced killer was a little underpowered, so one of the easiest ways (I think) to make a class stronger it to make it have fewer levels. I'm happy with how it turned out, but I would like all of you to take a look.

Please pay special attention to the new frightful attack. Decreasing the number of levels weakened the ability's DC at first, so I doubled the class level in the formula. Please let me know what you think of that. Also, I changed sudden strike to sneak attack because I think more rogues are going to take this class than ninjas, and I thought it fit better.

I gave them more skill points also because I thought rogues would take this class, and 4 is too few for a rogue prestige class. I also changed the alignment restriction to nongood so more heroes can play this class.

In case you don't know, you can find the original version of this class in Complete Adventurer. I think my new version would work well with a rogue/hexblade or something like that. If the hexblade used the dark companion alternate class feature from the PHB2, it would work even better. Thanks for your help!

HD d8.
Good Save: Fort
Poor Saves: Ref, Will
BAB: as fighter

1st--Ghost step 1/day, sneak attack +1d6
2nd--Frightful attack 1/day, ghost sight
3rd--Ghost step 2/day, sneak attack +1d6
4th--Frightful attack 2/day, ghost step (ethereal)
5th--Frightful cleave, ghost step 3/day, sneak attack +3d6

To qualify to become a ghost-faced killer, a character must fulfill all the following criteria:
Alignment: Any nongood.
Base Attack Bonus: +5.
Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Hide 6 ranks, Intimidate 8 ranks, Move Silently 6 ranks.
Feats: Improved Initiative, Power Attack.

Class Skills

Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex).

Skill Points at Each Level: 6 + Int modifier.

All of the following are features of the ghost-faced killer prestige class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency:
Ghost-faced killers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with light armor.

Ghost Step (Su): A ghost-faced killer can become invisible for 1 round once per day. Using this ability is a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. A ghost-faced killer can use this ability one additional time per day at 3rd level and again at 5th.
At 4th level, a ghost-faced killer can become ethereal when using ghost step instead of becoming invisible.

Sneak Attack (Ex): See the rogue class feature, page 50 of the PHB. If a ghost-faced killer gets a sneak attack bonus from another source (such as levels of rogue), the bonuses on damage stack.

Ghost Sight (Su): Starting at 2nd level, a ghost-faced killer can see ethereal and invisible creatures and objects as easily as he sees material creatures and objects.

Frightful Attack (Su): Beginning at 2nd level, a ghost-faced killer can panic onlookers and even frighten his victim to death by making a sneak attack. Once per day, a ghost-faced killer can designate a melee sneak attack as a frightful attack. The ghost-faced killer must use his Power Attack feat on the attack and must take a penalty of at least -1 to his attack roll. If the attack deals damage to the target, the victim must make a Will save (DC 10 + twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + the ghost-faced killer’s Cha modifier). If the victim succeeds, she is shaken for 2 rounds per class level of the ghost-faced killer; if she fails, she instantly dies of fear. Creatures immune to mind-affecting effects, immune to fear, or with Hit Dice that exceed the ghost-faced killer’s character level are immune to this frightful attack.

In addition, all creatures within 30 feet who see the frightful attack (not including the victim, the ghost-faced killer, or the ghost-faced killer’s allies) become panicked (if their Hit Dice are less than twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + his Cha modifier) or shaken (if their Hit Dice equal or exceed twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + his Cha modifier) for 2 rounds per class level of the ghost-faced killer. A successful Will save (DC 10 + twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + the ghost-faced killer’s Cha modifier + the damage bonus from Power Attack on the frightful attack) negates this effect.

A ghost-faced killer can use this ability one additional time per day at 4th level.

Frightful Cleave (Su): If a 5th-level ghost-faced killer slays a foe with his frightful attack (either from the damage dealt or because of a failed save against its fear effect), he gets an immediate extra melee attack against another target within reach. If the new target is denied its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (whether the target actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), this extra attack is also a frightful attack, though it doesn’t count against the ghost-faced killer’s daily limit of frightful attacks. This ability otherwise functions exactly as the Cleave feat (see page 92 of the PHB).
teshen
06-21-07, 02:14 PM I always like when a prestige class has five levels, because you can get more class combos in before 20th level. And I always thought the ghost-faced killer was a little underpowered, so one of the easiest ways (I think) to make a class stronger it to make it have fewer levels. I'm happy with how it turned out, but I would like all of you to take a look. . .
I agree with your rationals... what is effectively a fighting technique/style prc shouldn't take 10 levels. Reaping mauler/grappling prc could be a good analogy. I also agree that the original was somewhat weak. In fact, fighter/ninja with the appropriate combo feat would work better and faster, I think, than the prc. And with the general view of the weakness of the fighter, that's saying something.

It also never hurts to make it look a little cleaner... like so.

To qualify to become a ghost-faced killer, a character must fulfill all the following criteria:
Alignment: Any nongood.
Base Attack Bonus: +5.
Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Hide 6 ranks, Intimidate 8 ranks, Move Silently 6 ranks.
Feats: Improved Initiative, Power Attack.

Lv BaB Fort Ref Will Features
1 +1 +2 +0 +0 Ghost step 1/day, sneak attack +1d6
2 +2 +3 +0 +0 Frightful attack 1/day, ghost sight
3 +3 +3 +1 +1 Ghost step 2/day, sneak attack +1d6
4 +4 +4 +1 +1 Frightful attack 2/day, ghost step (ethereal)
5 +5 +4 +1 +1 Frightful cleave, ghost step 3/day, sneak attack +3d6

Class Skills (and the modifier for each): Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex).

Skill Points: 6 + Int modifier.

All of the following are features of the ghost-faced killer prestige class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Ghost-faced killers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with light armor.

Ghost Step (Su): A ghost-faced killer can become invisible for 1 round once per day. Using this ability is a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. A ghost-faced killer can use this ability one additional time per day at 3rd level and again at 5th.
At 4th level, a ghost-faced killer can become ethereal when using ghost step instead of becoming invisible.
. . .

All in all, it feels fine. It does what the original class did, and sooner so you get to feel like a 'Ghost-faced Killer' rather than waiting to be the scary guy... Ranger 5 is probably the fastest entry... or ranger 3/fighter 2 (but not in that order). If feels a little strong... but I think that should be ok.
realbombchu
06-21-07, 03:02 PM Thanks for your advice and nice words! Thanks also for making it look cleaner! This is one of my first Prestige Class adaptations, so I'm glad you think it's OK.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
realbombchu 06-20-07, 01:03 PM	I always like when a prestige class has five levels, because you can get more class combos in before 20th level. And I always thought the ghost-faced killer was a little underpowered, so one of the easiest ways (I think) to make a class stronger it to make it have fewer levels. I'm happy with how it turned out, but I would like all of you to take a look. Please pay special attention to the new frightful attack. Decreasing the number of levels weakened the ability's DC at first, so I doubled the class level in the formula. Please let me know what you think of that. Also, I changed sudden strike to sneak attack because I think more rogues are going to take this class than ninjas, and I thought it fit better. I gave them more skill points also because I thought rogues would take this class, and 4 is too few for a rogue prestige class. I also changed the alignment restriction to nongood so more heroes can play this class. In case you don't know, you can find the original version of this class in Complete Adventurer. I think my new version would work well with a rogue/hexblade or something like that. If the hexblade used the dark companion alternate class feature from the PHB2, it would work even better. Thanks for your help! HD d8. Good Save: Fort Poor Saves: Ref, Will BAB: as fighter 1st--Ghost step 1/day, sneak attack +1d6 2nd--Frightful attack 1/day, ghost sight 3rd--Ghost step 2/day, sneak attack +1d6 4th--Frightful attack 2/day, ghost step (ethereal) 5th--Frightful cleave, ghost step 3/day, sneak attack +3d6 To qualify to become a ghost-faced killer, a character must fulfill all the following criteria: Alignment: Any nongood. Base Attack Bonus: +5. Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Hide 6 ranks, Intimidate 8 ranks, Move Silently 6 ranks. Feats: Improved Initiative, Power Attack. Class Skills Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex). Skill Points at Each Level: 6 + Int modifier. All of the following are features of the ghost-faced killer prestige class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Ghost-faced killers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with light armor. Ghost Step (Su): A ghost-faced killer can become invisible for 1 round once per day. Using this ability is a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. A ghost-faced killer can use this ability one additional time per day at 3rd level and again at 5th. At 4th level, a ghost-faced killer can become ethereal when using ghost step instead of becoming invisible. Sneak Attack (Ex): See the rogue class feature, page 50 of the PHB. If a ghost-faced killer gets a sneak attack bonus from another source (such as levels of rogue), the bonuses on damage stack. Ghost Sight (Su): Starting at 2nd level, a ghost-faced killer can see ethereal and invisible creatures and objects as easily as he sees material creatures and objects. Frightful Attack (Su): Beginning at 2nd level, a ghost-faced killer can panic onlookers and even frighten his victim to death by making a sneak attack. Once per day, a ghost-faced killer can designate a melee sneak attack as a frightful attack. The ghost-faced killer must use his Power Attack feat on the attack and must take a penalty of at least -1 to his attack roll. If the attack deals damage to the target, the victim must make a Will save (DC 10 + twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + the ghost-faced killer’s Cha modifier). If the victim succeeds, she is shaken for 2 rounds per class level of the ghost-faced killer; if she fails, she instantly dies of fear. Creatures immune to mind-affecting effects, immune to fear, or with Hit Dice that exceed the ghost-faced killer’s character level are immune to this frightful attack. In addition, all creatures within 30 feet who see the frightful attack (not including the victim, the ghost-faced killer, or the ghost-faced killer’s allies) become panicked (if their Hit Dice are less than twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + his Cha modifier) or shaken (if their Hit Dice equal or exceed twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + his Cha modifier) for 2 rounds per class level of the ghost-faced killer. A successful Will save (DC 10 + twice the ghost-faced killer’s class level + the ghost-faced killer’s Cha modifier + the damage bonus from Power Attack on the frightful attack) negates this effect. A ghost-faced killer can use this ability one additional time per day at 4th level. Frightful Cleave (Su): If a 5th-level ghost-faced killer slays a foe with his frightful attack (either from the damage dealt or because of a failed save against its fear effect), he gets an immediate extra melee attack against another target within reach. If the new target is denied its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (whether the target actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), this extra attack is also a frightful attack, though it doesn’t count against the ghost-faced killer’s daily limit of frightful attacks. This ability otherwise functions exactly as the Cleave feat (see page 92 of the PHB).
teshen 06-21-07, 02:14 PM	I always like when a prestige class has five levels, because you can get more class combos in before 20th level. And I always thought the ghost-faced killer was a little underpowered, so one of the easiest ways (I think) to make a class stronger it to make it have fewer levels. I'm happy with how it turned out, but I would like all of you to take a look. . . I agree with your rationals... what is effectively a fighting technique/style prc shouldn't take 10 levels. Reaping mauler/grappling prc could be a good analogy. I also agree that the original was somewhat weak. In fact, fighter/ninja with the appropriate combo feat would work better and faster, I think, than the prc. And with the general view of the weakness of the fighter, that's saying something. It also never hurts to make it look a little cleaner... like so. To qualify to become a ghost-faced killer, a character must fulfill all the following criteria: Alignment: Any nongood. Base Attack Bonus: +5. Skills: Concentration 4 ranks, Hide 6 ranks, Intimidate 8 ranks, Move Silently 6 ranks. Feats: Improved Initiative, Power Attack. Lv BaB Fort Ref Will Features 1 +1 +2 +0 +0 Ghost step 1/day, sneak attack +1d6 2 +2 +3 +0 +0 Frightful attack 1/day, ghost sight 3 +3 +3 +1 +1 Ghost step 2/day, sneak attack +1d6 4 +4 +4 +1 +1 Frightful attack 2/day, ghost step (ethereal) 5 +5 +4 +1 +1 Frightful cleave, ghost step 3/day, sneak attack +3d6 Class Skills (and the modifier for each): Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex). Skill Points: 6 + Int modifier. All of the following are features of the ghost-faced killer prestige class. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Ghost-faced killers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with light armor. Ghost Step (Su): A ghost-faced killer can become invisible for 1 round once per day. Using this ability is a swift action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. A ghost-faced killer can use this ability one additional time per day at 3rd level and again at 5th. At 4th level, a ghost-faced killer can become ethereal when using ghost step instead of becoming invisible. . . . All in all, it feels fine. It does what the original class did, and sooner so you get to feel like a 'Ghost-faced Killer' rather than waiting to be the scary guy... Ranger 5 is probably the fastest entry... or ranger 3/fighter 2 (but not in that order). If feels a little strong... but I think that should be ok.
realbombchu 06-21-07, 03:02 PM	Thanks for your advice and nice words! Thanks also for making it look cleaner! This is one of my first Prestige Class adaptations, so I'm glad you think it's OK.