New PrC: The Bounty Hunter [Archive] - Wizards Community

New PrC: The Bounty Hunter [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Lord_Ao
12-13-07, 06:43 AM This is my attempt at creating a prestige class which hopefully has a good mix of flavour and ability which, with any luck, is balanced....but that is for you to decide. Here is the bounty hunter.

BOUNTY HUNTER
GAME RULE INFORMATION
Alignment: any.
Hit Die: d6.
Requirements
To qualify to become a bounty hunter, a character must fulfil all of the following criteria.
Skills: Disguise 4 ranks, Hide 8 ranks, Move Silently 8 ranks.
Special: The character must kill someone and collect the bounty on their head.
Class Skills
The bounty hunter’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), and Use Rope (Dex).
Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) × 4.
Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier.
Class Features
Weapon and Armour Proficiency: Bounty hunters are proficient with the crossbow (hand, light, or heavy), dagger (any type), dart, rapier, sap, shortbow (normal and composite), and short sword. Bounty hunters are proficient with light armor but not with shields.
Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special

1st +0 +0 +2 +0 Sneak attack +1d6, lethal blow, poison use

2nd +1 +0 +3 +0 Uncanny dodge

3rd +2 +1 +3 +1 Sneak attack +2d6, feather fall

4th +3 +1 +4 +1 Conceal weapon

5th +3 +1 +4 +1 Improved uncanny dodge, sneak attack +3d6

6th +4 +2 +5 +2 Eyes on the Prize

7th +5 +2 +5 +2 Sneak attack +4d6

8th +6 +2 +6 +2 Efficient killer

9th +6 +3 +6 +3 Sneak attack +5d6

10th +7 +3 +7 +3 Perfect Predator
Sneak Attack: This is exactly like the rogue ability of the same name. The extra damage dealt increases by +1d6 every odd level (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th). If a bounty hunter gets a sneak attack bonus from another source the bonuses on damage stack.
Lethal Blow: If a bounty hunter studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (bounty hunter's choice). The lethal blow may be made with either a melee weapon or a ranged weapon as long as the bounty hunter is no further than 30ft from his target. While studying his victim, the bounty hunter can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the assassin or recognize the assassin as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the bounty hunter's class level + the bounty hunter's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the bounty hunter. If the victim’s saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the bounty hunter has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must attempt the lethal blow within the next 3 rounds.
If a lethal blow is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the bounty hunter does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another lethal blow.
Poison Use: Bounty hunters are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex): Starting at 2nd level, a bounty hunter retains his Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) regardless of being caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. (He still loses any Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.)
If a character gains uncanny dodge from a second class the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge (see below).
Feather Fall (Sp): As of 3rd level, the bounty hunter can cast feather fall (as the spell) once per day. The caster level of the spell is equal to the bounty hunter’s class levels.
Absorb Blade (Su): As of 4th level, a bounty hunter is able to absorb one light weapon he is touching into his body, even if it is poisoned, as a standard action as long as it is not being held by another creature. The absorbed weapon leaves no evidence of its presence; it cannot be felt under the skin, and does not physically impede the bounty hunter in any way. The weapon cannot be detected even with a careful search or via magical means. When the bounty hunter wills it, or when the duration of the ability expires (1 hour/bounty hunter level), the weapon appears back on the bounty hunter’s body as a free action. At your discretion, the weapon may appear anywhere on the bounty hunter’s body, whether it be sheathed in his scabbard, hidden in his boot, held in his hand, etc. If you choose to have it appear in the bounty hunter’s hand, he may immediately make a Bluff check to feint in combat as a move action instead of a standard action (a character with the Improved Feint feat receives no further benefit). The bounty hunter receives a +4 bonus to this Bluff check. The bounty hunter may expend his two daily uses of this ability at the same time if he wishes, having two light weapons absorbed in his body at the same time. The bounty hunter can absorb two weapons simultaneously as one standard action instead of two as long as the weapons meet the conditions outlined above. Also, both weapons may be recalled at the same time as a free action and can appear in either of the bounty hunter’s hands if he so wishes.
Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At 5th level, a bounty hunter can no longer be flanked, since he can react to opponents on opposite sides of him as easily as he can react to a single attacker. This defense denies rogues the ability to use flank attacks to sneak attack the bounty hunter. The exception to this defense is that a rogue at least four levels higher than the bounty hunter can flank him (and thus sneak attack him).
If a character gains uncanny dodge (see above) from a second class the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge, and the levels from those classes stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character.
Eyes on the Prize (Ex): At 6th level, a bounty hunter can attempt a coup de grace as a standard action rather than a full-round action. He still provokes attacks of opportunity as usual. If the coup de grace is successful and if he so chooses, the bounty hunter may remove a portion of the target’s body as part of his coup de grace action as evidence that he killed the target. The token must be reasonable (for example, the head of human or the tooth of a dragon) and not outrageous (for example, the head of the tarrasque). DM discretion may be required.
Efficient Killer (Ex): As of 8th level, if a bounty hunter’s first lethal blow attempt fails, instead of having to observe his target for an extra 3 rounds before attempting another lethal blow, he need only observe for an additional 1 round. If this second attempt fails, the bounty hunter must study the target for the full 3 rounds if he wishes to attempt another lethal blow.
Perfect Predator (Ex): At 10th level a bounty hunter has become the perfect predator. Once per week, he can attempt a lethal blow against a target after studying her for only 1 round, instead of 3.

Thoughts/ideas/questions are welcome. Thank you.
Cartigan
12-13-07, 10:05 AM For Eyes on the Prize - you are not always going to be coup de gracing opponents. Can he not get any trophies if he kills opponents any other way?
Shadowhowler
12-13-07, 02:12 PM Meh.

I didn't get to into the mechanics becuase, well, to be blunt, it does not fell like a Bounty Hunter to me. Just a differant kind of assassin.

In my mind, a Bounty Hunter does not always, or even often, kill his target. He brings it back alive.

The flavor for this PrC seems off.
StevenO
12-13-07, 02:35 PM Aren't there already enough "Bounty Hunter" style PrCs out there that are published in official books? I am thinking Bloodhound, Justicator, Consecrated Harrier just to name a few.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Lord_Ao 12-13-07, 06:43 AM	This is my attempt at creating a prestige class which hopefully has a good mix of flavour and ability which, with any luck, is balanced....but that is for you to decide. Here is the bounty hunter. BOUNTY HUNTER GAME RULE INFORMATION Alignment: any. Hit Die: d6. Requirements To qualify to become a bounty hunter, a character must fulfil all of the following criteria. Skills: Disguise 4 ranks, Hide 8 ranks, Move Silently 8 ranks. Special: The character must kill someone and collect the bounty on their head. Class Skills The bounty hunter’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), and Use Rope (Dex). Skill Points at 1st Level: (4 + Int modifier) × 4. Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier. Class Features Weapon and Armour Proficiency: Bounty hunters are proficient with the crossbow (hand, light, or heavy), dagger (any type), dart, rapier, sap, shortbow (normal and composite), and short sword. Bounty hunters are proficient with light armor but not with shields. Level BAB Fort Ref Will Special 1st +0 +0 +2 +0 Sneak attack +1d6, lethal blow, poison use 2nd +1 +0 +3 +0 Uncanny dodge 3rd +2 +1 +3 +1 Sneak attack +2d6, feather fall 4th +3 +1 +4 +1 Conceal weapon 5th +3 +1 +4 +1 Improved uncanny dodge, sneak attack +3d6 6th +4 +2 +5 +2 Eyes on the Prize 7th +5 +2 +5 +2 Sneak attack +4d6 8th +6 +2 +6 +2 Efficient killer 9th +6 +3 +6 +3 Sneak attack +5d6 10th +7 +3 +7 +3 Perfect Predator Sneak Attack: This is exactly like the rogue ability of the same name. The extra damage dealt increases by +1d6 every odd level (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th). If a bounty hunter gets a sneak attack bonus from another source the bonuses on damage stack. Lethal Blow: If a bounty hunter studies his victim for 3 rounds and then makes a sneak attack that successfully deals damage, the sneak attack has the additional effect of possibly either paralyzing or killing the target (bounty hunter's choice). The lethal blow may be made with either a melee weapon or a ranged weapon as long as the bounty hunter is no further than 30ft from his target. While studying his victim, the bounty hunter can undertake other actions so long as his attention stays focused on the target and the target does not detect the assassin or recognize the assassin as an enemy. If the victim of such an attack fails a Fortitude save (DC 10 + the bounty hunter's class level + the bounty hunter's Int modifier) against the kill effect, she dies. If the saving throw fails against the paralysis effect, the victim is rendered helpless and unable to act for 1d6 rounds plus 1 round per level of the bounty hunter. If the victim’s saving throw succeeds, the attack is just a normal sneak attack. Once the bounty hunter has completed the 3 rounds of study, he must attempt the lethal blow within the next 3 rounds. If a lethal blow is attempted and fails (the victim makes her save) or if the bounty hunter does not launch the attack within 3 rounds of completing the study, 3 new rounds of study are required before he can attempt another lethal blow. Poison Use: Bounty hunters are trained in the use of poison and never risk accidentally poisoning themselves when applying poison to a blade. Uncanny Dodge (Ex): Starting at 2nd level, a bounty hunter retains his Dexterity bonus to AC (if any) regardless of being caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker. (He still loses any Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized.) If a character gains uncanny dodge from a second class the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge (see below). Feather Fall (Sp): As of 3rd level, the bounty hunter can cast feather fall (as the spell) once per day. The caster level of the spell is equal to the bounty hunter’s class levels. Absorb Blade (Su): As of 4th level, a bounty hunter is able to absorb one light weapon he is touching into his body, even if it is poisoned, as a standard action as long as it is not being held by another creature. The absorbed weapon leaves no evidence of its presence; it cannot be felt under the skin, and does not physically impede the bounty hunter in any way. The weapon cannot be detected even with a careful search or via magical means. When the bounty hunter wills it, or when the duration of the ability expires (1 hour/bounty hunter level), the weapon appears back on the bounty hunter’s body as a free action. At your discretion, the weapon may appear anywhere on the bounty hunter’s body, whether it be sheathed in his scabbard, hidden in his boot, held in his hand, etc. If you choose to have it appear in the bounty hunter’s hand, he may immediately make a Bluff check to feint in combat as a move action instead of a standard action (a character with the Improved Feint feat receives no further benefit). The bounty hunter receives a +4 bonus to this Bluff check. The bounty hunter may expend his two daily uses of this ability at the same time if he wishes, having two light weapons absorbed in his body at the same time. The bounty hunter can absorb two weapons simultaneously as one standard action instead of two as long as the weapons meet the conditions outlined above. Also, both weapons may be recalled at the same time as a free action and can appear in either of the bounty hunter’s hands if he so wishes. Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex): At 5th level, a bounty hunter can no longer be flanked, since he can react to opponents on opposite sides of him as easily as he can react to a single attacker. This defense denies rogues the ability to use flank attacks to sneak attack the bounty hunter. The exception to this defense is that a rogue at least four levels higher than the bounty hunter can flank him (and thus sneak attack him). If a character gains uncanny dodge (see above) from a second class the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge, and the levels from those classes stack to determine the minimum rogue level required to flank the character. Eyes on the Prize (Ex): At 6th level, a bounty hunter can attempt a coup de grace as a standard action rather than a full-round action. He still provokes attacks of opportunity as usual. If the coup de grace is successful and if he so chooses, the bounty hunter may remove a portion of the target’s body as part of his coup de grace action as evidence that he killed the target. The token must be reasonable (for example, the head of human or the tooth of a dragon) and not outrageous (for example, the head of the tarrasque). DM discretion may be required. Efficient Killer (Ex): As of 8th level, if a bounty hunter’s first lethal blow attempt fails, instead of having to observe his target for an extra 3 rounds before attempting another lethal blow, he need only observe for an additional 1 round. If this second attempt fails, the bounty hunter must study the target for the full 3 rounds if he wishes to attempt another lethal blow. Perfect Predator (Ex): At 10th level a bounty hunter has become the perfect predator. Once per week, he can attempt a lethal blow against a target after studying her for only 1 round, instead of 3. Thoughts/ideas/questions are welcome. Thank you.
Cartigan 12-13-07, 10:05 AM	For Eyes on the Prize - you are not always going to be coup de gracing opponents. Can he not get any trophies if he kills opponents any other way?
Shadowhowler 12-13-07, 02:12 PM	Meh. I didn't get to into the mechanics becuase, well, to be blunt, it does not fell like a Bounty Hunter to me. Just a differant kind of assassin. In my mind, a Bounty Hunter does not always, or even often, kill his target. He brings it back alive. The flavor for this PrC seems off.
StevenO 12-13-07, 02:35 PM	Aren't there already enough "Bounty Hunter" style PrCs out there that are published in official books? I am thinking Bloodhound, Justicator, Consecrated Harrier just to name a few.