Diblade PrC (polished) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Diblade PrC (polished) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lord_Ao
07-18-07, 05:54 PM DIBLADE
“Why use two weapons, you ask? I use two weapons because I can swing two arms twice as many times as I can swing one, and therefore kill my enemies in half the time. I was never really any good with numbers, but I'm pretty sure that's a good thing...” - Thriskarr, diblade.
The world is flooded by warriors, all of whom learn to swing a sword, lift a shield, and don ridiculously heavy armour. Amongst these mundane warriors, though, there are a small number of men and women who are far more gifted in the art of combat. And among this small number of gifted men and women there are a select few who have harnessed this gift and learnt to fight with two weapons as if they were an extension of themself. They can land blows wielding a weapon in either hand with as much ease as the greatest of fighters can whilst wielding one. These few men and women are the diblades, and they are masters of combat.
Adaptation: Diblades are extremely rare yet extremely powerful, and may arise in a number of ways. Some diblades are chosen at a young age, due to their great potential, to be trained as an apprentice under the wing of a diblade master.
Others, though fewer, have received no formal training and have instead honed their skills by experimenting with various two-weapon fighting techniques in very real combat experiences.
GAME RULE INFORMATION
Alignment: any.
Hit Die: d10.
Requirements
To qualify to become a Diblade, a character must fulfil all of the following criteria.
Base Attack Bonus: +6
Feats: Dodge, Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting.
Class Skills
The diblade’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Ride (Dex), Swim (Str), and Tumble (Dex).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (2 + Int modifier) × 4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier.
Class Features
Saves: The diblade can choose between Fortitude and Reflex for which save will be his 'Good Save’, shown on the table below. The other save, along with Will, will be his 'Poor Saves’, shown on the table below.
Weapon and Armour Proficiency: The diblade gains no further proficiencies with any weapons, armour, or shields.

Table: The Diblade
Level BAB Good Poor Special
1st +1 +2 +0 Bonus Ability
2nd +2 +3 +0 Ambidextrous (penalty reduced by 1), Bonus Ability
3rd +3 +3 +1 Bonus Ability
4th +4 +4 +1 Ambidextrous (penalty reduced by 2), Bonus Ability
5th +5 +4 +1 Bonus Ability
Bonus Ability: At every level the diblade can choose a special ability from the following list. A double weapon counts as two weapons for the purposes of these abilities.

Clever Two-Weapon Defence: A diblade with this ability who is unarmoured, unencumbered, and not using a shield can add their Intelligence modifier to their AC when they are wielding two weapons. This ability is nullified if the diblade wears armour, is encumbered, uses a shield, or is not wielding two weapons. This ability cannot be used in conjunction with intuit two-weapon defence, though a diblade can have both abilities in his repertoire. If he does have both abilities, he can select which ability he is using as a free action.

Diblade Defence: When wielding two weapons (not including natural weapons or unarmed strikes), the diblade receives a +2 bonus to Armour Class. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Flank Protection: On any round that the diblade focuses both of his weapons at two opponents who are flanking him, they do not receive bonuses for flanking. He must target the flankers with all of his attacks from a particular weapon in a given round, for example if he is being flanked by two goblins he must direct all of his available primary-hand attacks at one of the goblins and all of his available off-hand attacks at the other goblin, for this ability to take affect. He does not have to hit the flankers, only target them, to eliminate the +2 flanking bonus. Flank protection also negates a rogue's sneak attack ability, unless the rogue has at least four more class levels than the diblade’s base attack bonus. This effect lasts until the beginning of the diblade's next turn. Any other creatures that would normally receive flanking bonuses against the diblade still do, only the two targeted creatures do not. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Greater Two-Weapon Fighting: The diblade gains a third attack with his off-hand weapon, though it is at a -10 penalty. A diblade must meet the prerequistites for the feat of the same name described on page 95 of the Player's Handbook. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Heavy Diblade: This ability allows the diblade to wear heavy armour and not lose his abilities. All diblade abilities with a descriptor that says ‘the diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield’ can now be used in conjunction with heavy armour, but not with shields. This ability does not grant the diblade proficiency with heavy armour.

Intuit Two-Weapon Defense: A diblade with this ability who is unarmoured, unencumbered, and not using a shield can add their Wisdom modifier to their AC when they are wielding two weapons. This ability is nullified if the diblade wears armour, is encumbered, uses a shield, or is not wielding two weapons. This ability cannot be used in conjunction with clever two-weapon defense, though a diblade can have both abilities in his repertoire. If he does have both abilities, he can select which ability he is using as a free action.

Large Two-Weapon Fighting: When wielding a one-handed weapon in his off-hand, the diblade takes penalties for fighting with two weapons as if he were wielding a light weapon in his off-hand. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Charge: A diblade who charges whilst wielding two weapons can attack with both weapons. If he does so, he loses the usual +2 bonus to attack rolls granted by charging. The -2 penalty to AC for charging still applies. The diblade still receives any penalties for wielding two weapons, if appropriate. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Cooperation: A diblade wielding two weapons can apply the effects of certain feats from one weapon to the other weapon and vice versa, as long as those effects can be applied legally. He can use this ability with the following feats; Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialisation, Improved Critical, Greater Weapon Focus, and Greater Weapon Specialisation, Melee Weapon Mastery, Weapon Supremacy, Epic Weapon Focus, Epic Weapon Specialisation, Overwhelming Critical, and Devastating Critical. For example, if the diblade were wielding a longsword and a short sword and he has the feat Weapon Focus (longsword), he can apply the effects of Weapon Focus to the short sword as well. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Deflect Arrows: Once per round when a diblade wielding two weapons would normally be hit by a ranged weapon, he may deflect it so that he takes no damage from it. The diblade must be aware of the attack and not flat-footed. Deflecting a ranged weapon doesn’t count as an action. Unusually massive ranged weapons, such as boulders, and ranged attacks generated by spell effects, such as Melf’s Acid Arrow, cannot be deflected. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Disarm: A diblade who attempts to disarm an opponent whilst wielding two weapons gains a +4 bonus to his opposed attack roll. This bonus stacks with any other bonuses granted from feats such as Improved Disarm. Two-weapon disarm does not eliminate the attack of opportunity for attempting to disarm an opponent. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Lacerate: If you successfully hit an opponent with both of the weapons you wield, you deal extra damage equal to 1d6 + 1½ times your Strength modifier. This extra damage is treated as the same type that your off-hand weapon deals normally, for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction and other effects related to damage type. You can gain this extra damage once per round against a given opponent. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Opportunist: When making an attack of opportunity and wielding two weapons, a diblade may attack with both of his weapons against the same target at the same time. He must decide before his first attack roll whether or not he wants to use both weapons. If he does choose to use both weapons, and if applicable, apply penalties for fighting with two weapons. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Riding: The diblade gains a +4 inherent bonus to checks made to guide a mount with his knees whilst wielding two weapons. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Two-Weapon Strike: A diblade can attack with both of his weapons in situations when most people could only attack with one. The diblade can strike with both of his weapons as a standard action but suffers a -2 penalty to both of these attacks if he elects to do so. This penalty is in addition to any penalties that the diblade normally suffers for wielding two weapons. This ability does not allow the diblade to attack with both of his weapons in an attack of opportunity. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Ambidextrous: At 2nd level, the penalties for a diblade wielding two weapons are reduced by 1. That is, if his penalties are -4 they become -3, and if they are -2 they become -1.
At 4th level, the penalties for a diblade wielding two weapons are reduced by a further 1. That is, if his penalties were -3 they become -2, and if they were -1 they are completely removed.
The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield.

Thoughts?
mad_man0816
07-19-07, 02:33 AM A well-balanced class. I think it was wise to get rid of two-weapon focus, it was a little too strong, and the selection between fort and reflex for the good save is good aswell. It gives the character the option of being a lot more custom and helps it fit different background classes. It's good. I will definitely consider striving for this PrC when I next make a character.
BrutishCelt
07-19-07, 03:41 AM I like it. It's a very personalized alternative to the Tempest, and I'm all about customization.

Well done, sir. Well done.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lord_Ao 07-18-07, 05:54 PM	DIBLADE “Why use two weapons, you ask? I use two weapons because I can swing two arms twice as many times as I can swing one, and therefore kill my enemies in half the time. I was never really any good with numbers, but I'm pretty sure that's a good thing...” - Thriskarr, diblade. The world is flooded by warriors, all of whom learn to swing a sword, lift a shield, and don ridiculously heavy armour. Amongst these mundane warriors, though, there are a small number of men and women who are far more gifted in the art of combat. And among this small number of gifted men and women there are a select few who have harnessed this gift and learnt to fight with two weapons as if they were an extension of themself. They can land blows wielding a weapon in either hand with as much ease as the greatest of fighters can whilst wielding one. These few men and women are the diblades, and they are masters of combat. Adaptation: Diblades are extremely rare yet extremely powerful, and may arise in a number of ways. Some diblades are chosen at a young age, due to their great potential, to be trained as an apprentice under the wing of a diblade master. Others, though fewer, have received no formal training and have instead honed their skills by experimenting with various two-weapon fighting techniques in very real combat experiences. GAME RULE INFORMATION Alignment: any. Hit Die: d10. Requirements To qualify to become a Diblade, a character must fulfil all of the following criteria. Base Attack Bonus: +6 Feats: Dodge, Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting. Class Skills The diblade’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Ride (Dex), Swim (Str), and Tumble (Dex). Skill Points at 1st Level: (2 + Int modifier) × 4. Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 2 + Int modifier. Class Features Saves: The diblade can choose between Fortitude and Reflex for which save will be his 'Good Save’, shown on the table below. The other save, along with Will, will be his 'Poor Saves’, shown on the table below. Weapon and Armour Proficiency: The diblade gains no further proficiencies with any weapons, armour, or shields. Table: The Diblade Level BAB Good Poor Special 1st +1 +2 +0 Bonus Ability 2nd +2 +3 +0 Ambidextrous (penalty reduced by 1), Bonus Ability 3rd +3 +3 +1 Bonus Ability 4th +4 +4 +1 Ambidextrous (penalty reduced by 2), Bonus Ability 5th +5 +4 +1 Bonus Ability Bonus Ability: At every level the diblade can choose a special ability from the following list. A double weapon counts as two weapons for the purposes of these abilities. Clever Two-Weapon Defence: A diblade with this ability who is unarmoured, unencumbered, and not using a shield can add their Intelligence modifier to their AC when they are wielding two weapons. This ability is nullified if the diblade wears armour, is encumbered, uses a shield, or is not wielding two weapons. This ability cannot be used in conjunction with intuit two-weapon defence, though a diblade can have both abilities in his repertoire. If he does have both abilities, he can select which ability he is using as a free action. Diblade Defence: When wielding two weapons (not including natural weapons or unarmed strikes), the diblade receives a +2 bonus to Armour Class. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Flank Protection: On any round that the diblade focuses both of his weapons at two opponents who are flanking him, they do not receive bonuses for flanking. He must target the flankers with all of his attacks from a particular weapon in a given round, for example if he is being flanked by two goblins he must direct all of his available primary-hand attacks at one of the goblins and all of his available off-hand attacks at the other goblin, for this ability to take affect. He does not have to hit the flankers, only target them, to eliminate the +2 flanking bonus. Flank protection also negates a rogue's sneak attack ability, unless the rogue has at least four more class levels than the diblade’s base attack bonus. This effect lasts until the beginning of the diblade's next turn. Any other creatures that would normally receive flanking bonuses against the diblade still do, only the two targeted creatures do not. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Greater Two-Weapon Fighting: The diblade gains a third attack with his off-hand weapon, though it is at a -10 penalty. A diblade must meet the prerequistites for the feat of the same name described on page 95 of the Player's Handbook. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Heavy Diblade: This ability allows the diblade to wear heavy armour and not lose his abilities. All diblade abilities with a descriptor that says ‘the diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield’ can now be used in conjunction with heavy armour, but not with shields. This ability does not grant the diblade proficiency with heavy armour. Intuit Two-Weapon Defense: A diblade with this ability who is unarmoured, unencumbered, and not using a shield can add their Wisdom modifier to their AC when they are wielding two weapons. This ability is nullified if the diblade wears armour, is encumbered, uses a shield, or is not wielding two weapons. This ability cannot be used in conjunction with clever two-weapon defense, though a diblade can have both abilities in his repertoire. If he does have both abilities, he can select which ability he is using as a free action. Large Two-Weapon Fighting: When wielding a one-handed weapon in his off-hand, the diblade takes penalties for fighting with two weapons as if he were wielding a light weapon in his off-hand. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Charge: A diblade who charges whilst wielding two weapons can attack with both weapons. If he does so, he loses the usual +2 bonus to attack rolls granted by charging. The -2 penalty to AC for charging still applies. The diblade still receives any penalties for wielding two weapons, if appropriate. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Cooperation: A diblade wielding two weapons can apply the effects of certain feats from one weapon to the other weapon and vice versa, as long as those effects can be applied legally. He can use this ability with the following feats; Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialisation, Improved Critical, Greater Weapon Focus, and Greater Weapon Specialisation, Melee Weapon Mastery, Weapon Supremacy, Epic Weapon Focus, Epic Weapon Specialisation, Overwhelming Critical, and Devastating Critical. For example, if the diblade were wielding a longsword and a short sword and he has the feat Weapon Focus (longsword), he can apply the effects of Weapon Focus to the short sword as well. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Deflect Arrows: Once per round when a diblade wielding two weapons would normally be hit by a ranged weapon, he may deflect it so that he takes no damage from it. The diblade must be aware of the attack and not flat-footed. Deflecting a ranged weapon doesn’t count as an action. Unusually massive ranged weapons, such as boulders, and ranged attacks generated by spell effects, such as Melf’s Acid Arrow, cannot be deflected. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Disarm: A diblade who attempts to disarm an opponent whilst wielding two weapons gains a +4 bonus to his opposed attack roll. This bonus stacks with any other bonuses granted from feats such as Improved Disarm. Two-weapon disarm does not eliminate the attack of opportunity for attempting to disarm an opponent. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Lacerate: If you successfully hit an opponent with both of the weapons you wield, you deal extra damage equal to 1d6 + 1½ times your Strength modifier. This extra damage is treated as the same type that your off-hand weapon deals normally, for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction and other effects related to damage type. You can gain this extra damage once per round against a given opponent. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Opportunist: When making an attack of opportunity and wielding two weapons, a diblade may attack with both of his weapons against the same target at the same time. He must decide before his first attack roll whether or not he wants to use both weapons. If he does choose to use both weapons, and if applicable, apply penalties for fighting with two weapons. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Riding: The diblade gains a +4 inherent bonus to checks made to guide a mount with his knees whilst wielding two weapons. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Two-Weapon Strike: A diblade can attack with both of his weapons in situations when most people could only attack with one. The diblade can strike with both of his weapons as a standard action but suffers a -2 penalty to both of these attacks if he elects to do so. This penalty is in addition to any penalties that the diblade normally suffers for wielding two weapons. This ability does not allow the diblade to attack with both of his weapons in an attack of opportunity. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Ambidextrous: At 2nd level, the penalties for a diblade wielding two weapons are reduced by 1. That is, if his penalties are -4 they become -3, and if they are -2 they become -1. At 4th level, the penalties for a diblade wielding two weapons are reduced by a further 1. That is, if his penalties were -3 they become -2, and if they were -1 they are completely removed. The diblade loses this ability when fighting in heavy armour or using a shield. Thoughts?
mad_man0816 07-19-07, 02:33 AM	A well-balanced class. I think it was wise to get rid of two-weapon focus, it was a little too strong, and the selection between fort and reflex for the good save is good aswell. It gives the character the option of being a lot more custom and helps it fit different background classes. It's good. I will definitely consider striving for this PrC when I next make a character.
BrutishCelt 07-19-07, 03:41 AM	I like it. It's a very personalized alternative to the Tempest, and I'm all about customization. Well done, sir. Well done.