Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jaerom Darkwind 01-24-07, 10:42 PM	Okay, here's my revised version of the Chameleon. The flavor text has been rewritten, the prereqs have been altered, the sub-optimal aptitude focuses and mimicked class features have been changed to make them worthwhile, and a sixth aptitude focus (Psychic) has been added. Oh, and I tagged two supporting Incarnum feats on the end. Enjoy. * * * * * RED MAGE You are stronger than you feel, wiser than you think, more powerful than you may care to admit, more courageous than you believe. All creatures are born with an incredible potential, from the moment their souls hatch in the burnings of the Positive Energy plane. While the more motivated individuals scratch the surface of this potential, becoming great spellcasters or mighty warriors, few creatures even begin to unlock the full power that is inside them. Those who manage it, however, discover that once this process begins, there is no limit to what can be achieved. The red magi are a society of such men and women. Using special meditation techniques, they focus and partition their minds to such an extent that they can learn at a phenomenal rate, absorbing and integrating massive amounts of knowledge. With this faculty, they seek to master all fields, learning martial arts along with arcane knowledge, calling power from the gods while unlocking it in their own minds. They seek to forge and purify their bodies, minds, and souls through training and experience, and learn to manipulate the laws of the Cosmos to their benefit. BECOMING A RED MAGE A member of any class can become a red mage, since red mages ultimately seek to master the abilities of all classes. Bards and Psychic Warriors are the most common applicants, since they have naturally diverse talents and interests, which allow them to take quite easily to the more advanced training of a red mage. Monks also frequently join the society, discovering their own quest for perfection to be but one element of the larger goal of the red magi. Clerics and Paladins are the smallest minority in the organization, since the total devotion to an external cause required by their trades often interferes with the quest for self-knowledge. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Race: Human or demihuman Base Attack: +3 Skills: Concentration 8 ranks, Martial Lore 4 ranks, Psicraft 4 ranks, Spellcraft 4 ranks, Survival 4 ranks Feat: Able Learner Table 1-1: The Red Mage . . . Hit Die: d8 FORT REF WILL -SPELLCASTING- MAX LVL BAB SAVE SAVE SAVE SPECIAL 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 PSP UP/D LVL --- --- ---- ---- ---- ------- - - - - - - - --- ---- --- 1st +0 +0 +0 +0 Aptitude focus 1/day (+2) 4 2 0 - - - - 6 3 2nd 2nd +1 +0 +0 +0 Bonus feat 4 3 1 - - - - 11 4 2nd 3rd +2 +1 +1 +1 Mimic class feature 1/day 4 3 2 0 - - - 17 4 3rd 4th +3 +1 +1 +1 Ability boon +2 4 4 3 1 - - - 25 5 3rd 5th +3 +1 +1 +1 Aptitude focus 2/day (+4) 4 4 3 2 0 - - 35 5 4th 6th +4 +2 +2 +2 Mimic class feature 2/day 4 4 4 3 1 - - 46 6 4th 7th +5 +2 +2 +2 Ability boon +4, 4 4 4 3 2 0 - 58 6 5th double aptitude 8th +6 +2 +2 +2 Rapid refocus 4 4 4 4 3 1 - 72 7 5th 9th +6 +3 +3 +3 Mimic class feature 3/day 4 4 4 4 3 2 0 88 7 6th 10th +7 +3 +3 +3 Ability boon +6, 4 4 4 4 4 3 1 106 8 6th aptitude focus 3/day (+4)Class Skills (6 + Int per level): Autohypnosis, Bluff, Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script, Forgery, Knowledge (any), Martial Lore, Profession, Psicraft, Search, Sense Motive, Spellcraft, Survival, and Use Magic/Psionic Device. CLASS FEATURES The red mage's class features allow you to adopt a variety of roles, from armored warrior to spellcaster to sneaky rogue. You can’t use any abilities gained from your aptitude focus, ability boon, or mimic class feature abilities to qualify for a feat, prestige class, or other option. You can use your bonus feat to qualify for such options, but if you change the feat, you suffer the normal drawbacks for no longer meeting a prerequisite or requirement. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: You gain proficiency with all simple weapons and with all forms of armor, including shields (but not tower shields). Aptitude Focus (Ex): Once per day, you can select one of six areas upon which to focus your diverse talents. After meditating for 1 hour, you gain the chosen abilities for 24 hours or until you change your aptitude focus. An aptitude focus ability is usable once per day at 1st level, twice per day at 5th level, and three times per day at 10th level. At 5th level, you can change your aptitude focus one time per day, and at 10th level you can change your aptitude focus two times per day. If you change to the arcane focus or divine focus ability, you must still obey the normal rules for preparing spells (including any rest required). Arcane Focus: You gain the ability to prepare and cast arcane spells, which may be chosen from the spell list of any arcane spellcasting class. You prepare and cast these spells just as a wizard does, including the use of a spellbook. Your spells per day are noted on Table 1-1: The Red Mage. You gain bonus spells for a high Intelligence score, just as a wizard does. When Table 1-1 indicates that you get 0 spells per day of a given spell level, you gain only the bonus spells you would be entitled to based on your Intelligence score for that spell level. Your caster level is equal to twice your class level, but cannot exceed your total Hit Dice. You also gain a +2 competence bonus on Knowledge (arcana) checks and Spellcraft checks and a +2 bonus on Will saves; at 5th level, the bonuses improve to +4. Combat Focus: You gain proficiency with all martial weapons. You also gain a +2 competence bonus on attack rolls and weapon damage rolls, a +2 competence bonus on Martial Lore checks, and a +2 bonus on Fortitude saves. At 5th level, the bonuses improve to +4. Divine Focus: You gain the ability to prepare and cast divine spells, which may be chosen from the spell list of any divine spellcasting class. You prepare and cast these spells just as an archivist does. You can only prepare new divine spells at sunrise. Your spells per day are noted on Table 1-1: The Red Mage. You gain bonus spells for a high Wisdom score, just as an archivist does. When Table 1-1 indicates that you get 0 spells per day of a given spell level, you gain only the bonus spells you would be entitled to based on your Wisdom score for that spell level. Your caster level is equal to twice your class level, but cannot exceed your total Hit Dice. You also gain a +2 competence bonus on Knowledge (religion) checks and a +2 bonus on Fortitude and Will saves; at 5th level, the bonuses improve to +4. Psychic Focus: You gain the ability to manifest psionic powers, which may be chosen from the power list of any psionic class. You learn to manifest these powers just as an erudite does. Your power points and unique powers per day are noted on Table 1-1: The Red Mage. You gain bonus power points for a high Intelligence score, just as an erudite does. Your manifester level is equal to twice your class level, but cannot exceed your total Hit Dice. You also gain a +2 competence bonus on Knowledge (psionics) checks and Psicraft checks and a +2 bonus to Will saves; at 5th level, the bonuses improve to +4. Stealth Focus: You gain trapfinding, uncanny dodge, trap sense +2, a +2 competence bonus on Disable Device, Hide, Move Silently, Open Lock, and Search checks, and a +2 bonus on Reflex saves. At 5th level, you gain improved uncanny dodge, and the bonuses improve to +4. Wild Focus: You gain wild empathy (treat your druid level as equal to your class level), woodland stride, a +2 competence bonus on Climb, Handle Animal, Jump, Knowledge (nature), Ride, Survival, and Swim checks, and a +2 bonus on Fortitude saves. At 5th level, the bonuses improve to +4. Bonus Feat (Ex): At 2nd level, you gain a bonus feat. You must meet the prerequisites for this feat. At the start of each day, you can choose to change your bonus feat to any other feat for which you meet the prerequisites. Mimic Class Feature: At 3rd level, you gain the ability to mimic a certain class feature possessed by other characters. Once per day, you can use any of the class features described below. At 6th level, you can use this ability twice per day (either to mimic the same class feature on two different occasions or two different class features at separate times). At 9th level, you can use this ability three times per day. Evasion (Ex): As an immediate action, you can avoid damage from certain attacks with a successful Reflex save. You can activate this ability after you have rolled a successful Reflex save, but before you have taken damage. This ability lasts for 1 minute. Rage (Ex): You can fly into a screaming blood frenzy. See the barbarian class feature, except that the duration of the rage is 1 round + 1 round per point of your (newly improved) Constitution modifier. Smite (Ex): You can smite a foe with a normal melee attack. You add your Charisma bonus (if any) to the attack roll and deal 1 extra point of damage per class level. Sneak Attack (Ex): You can deal an extra 1d6 points of damage per three class levels when flanking an opponent or any time the target would be denied its Dexterity bonus (except on ranged attacks, which must be point-blank to deliver the extra damage). Treat your rogue level as equal to your class level for the purpose of defeating improved uncanny dodge. Each use of this ability lasts one full round. Turn/Rebuke Undead (Su): You can turn or rebuke undead creatures (your choice when activating the ability) by channeling the power of your faith through a holy symbol. Treat your cleric level as equal to your class level. Ability Boon (Ex): At 4th level, when choosing an aptitude focus, you also gain a +2 competence bonus to an ability score of your choice. This bonus lasts until you change your aptitude focus. At 7th level this bonus improves to +4, and at 10th level to +6. Double Aptitude (Ex): At 7th level, you can adopt two aptitude focuses in the same amount of time it previously took for you to adopt one. For example, you could adopt both the combat focus and the wild focus to simulate a ranger, or the divine focus and arcane focus to simulate a mystic theurge. You can’t adopt the same aptitude focus twice simultaneously. You can still only adopt as many focuses per day as indicated by your aptitude focus ability. Rapid Refocus (Ex): At 8th level, you gain the power to change your aptitude focus in only 10 minutes. AZURE APTITUDE [INCARNUM] You have the ability to invest incarnum into your aptitude focuses. . Prerequisites: Con 13, aptitude focus class feature . Benefits: Once per day, you can invest essentia into this feat. When you choose an aptitude focus, you gain bonuses as follows: . Arcane: You can prepare and cast arcane spells with the incarnum descriptor (see Magic of Incarnum, page 98). . Combat: You gain an insight bonus on attack rolls equal to the invested essentia, and two additional hit points per point of invested essentia. . Divine: You can prepare and cast divine spells with the incarnum descriptor (see Magic of Incarnum, page 98). . Psionic: Incarnum-based powers that you manifest (incarnum fusion, open chakra, and soul crystal) do not count against your unique powers per day. In addition, you gain bonus power points equal to the invested essentia. . Stealth: If you pass within 5 feet of a trap, you are entitled to a Search check to notice it as if you were actively looking for it. In addition, you gain an insight bonus on Disable Device, Hide, Move Silently, Open Lock, and Search checks equal to the invested essentia. . Wild: You can use the Hide skill in any sort of natural terrain, even if the terrain doesn’t grant cover or concealment. In addition, you gain an insight bonus on Climb, Handle Animal, Jump, Knowledge (nature), and Survival checks equal to the invested essentia. . Once the amount of essentia invested is chosen, it cannot be altered and remains invested for 24 hours. . You gain 1 point of essentia. MIDNIGHT MIMICRY [INCARNUM] You can channel incarnum to enhance class features that you mimic. . Prerequisites: Con 13, mimic class feature class feature. . Benefits: Once per day, you can invest essentia into this feat. When you mimic a class feature, you gain a bonus on that ability as follows: . Evasion: When using evasion, you gain an insight bonus on your Reflex saves equal to the invested essentia. . Rage: While raging, you gain an insight bonus on melee damage rolls and on Will saves equal to the invested essentia. . Smite: You gain a +3 insight bonus on damage dealt by your smite for every point of essentia invested. . Sneak Attack: You gain an insight bonus on damage rolls made when delivering sneak attacks equal to twice the invested essentia. . Turn/Rebuke: When you make turning checks, any undead whose HD are low enough to be potentially turned or destroyed by your checks are also dealt 1d8 points of damage per point of essentia invested. . Once the amount of essentia invested is chosen, it cannot be altered and remains invested for 24 hours. . You gain 1 point of essentia.
benstundze 02-06-07, 02:26 PM	:shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ .................... awesome................................. ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ .siged.................................. ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........................................ ........ thanks ben EDIT: I doubt I coulda (i put it in allot of spots) but please tell me if I categorized it wrong. PrC Compendium (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=784585)
benstundze 02-06-07, 02:27 PM	:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :ghosted: :ghosted: :ghosted: :ghosted: :gah: :gah:
benstundze 02-06-07, 02:27 PM	:gah: :emp: :emp: :emp: :emp: :monk: :monk: :elf: :elf: :duel: :duel: :duel: :hides: :hides: :hides:
benstundze 02-06-07, 02:28 PM	:hides: :bounce: :bounce: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :bow: :bow:
benstundze 02-06-07, 02:29 PM	:bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :bow: :weep: :weep:
benstundze 02-06-07, 02:29 PM	:weep: :weep: :weep: ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) :weep: :weep: :weep: :weep: :):) they only alow 15 per post........ awsome ben
Ventilatory_Threshold 02-06-07, 03:05 PM	As spamtastic as benstundze's posts are, I agree with him.
benstundze 02-16-07, 12:23 AM	:bump:
Magicianguy131 02-16-07, 09:53 AM	I like it but I dont understand the name that well....Red Mage?
Jaerom Darkwind 02-16-07, 01:33 PM	I like it but I dont understand the name that well....Red Mage? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_character_classes#Red_Mage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_Warriors_%288-Bit_Theater%29#Red_Mage http://www.nuklearpower.com/daily.php?date=011010 In my game world, the Ancient and Mystic Brotherhood of the Seekers of Quintessence is a monastic organization that believes that all people have a spark of divinity within them, and that the ultimate goal of all life is ascension. They are also known as "red mages" due to the color of their robes, and they frequently take levels in this prestige class (though a few powerful members have not, such as a bard/psychic warrior and a monk/perfected one).
lumber_of_the_beast 02-16-07, 03:49 PM	What are the PSP and UP/D columns for? I think PSP may be power points, but I have no idea about the other... EDIT: And do Elans qualify as demihuman?
Jaerom Darkwind 02-16-07, 04:13 PM	PSP is a now-defunct term from 2E roughly equal to 3E's power points. I've never played 2E, but I find PSP useful as an abbreviation. UP/D is Unique Powers per Day, the number of unique powers from your repertoire you can manifest each day with your psionic aptitude. Elans are a type of advanced human, so yes, they qualify.
Jaerom Darkwind 02-24-07, 01:49 AM	I suppose it wouldn't hurt to throw this up here, to give a better idea of the organization. "But Master Jaerom, you know the secrets of the Quintessence. Why can't you just tell us, and let all of us become gods." "But I can," Jaerom said, looking surprised. "I can picture the relevant formulae in my mind right now. In under a fortnight I could engrave the ritual on golden tablets, and place them in the Grand Hall for all to see. It would only be so much gibberish to you, but most of the Transcendent Masters and even some of the Ancients could read it, and adapt it to their means, and in under a year we'd have a whole pantheon of the ascended here. So why don't I? "How old would you guess that I am, apprentice?" The young man shook his head mutely. "No? Then I'll tell you: in two months' time, I will celebrate my 743rd naming day. How I lived long enough to attain immortality is unimportant--it will be revealed when you're older. What does matter is how I've passed those centuries, the work I've been engaged in since I had only a few more years than you do now. I learned and mastered our 'red magic' before I even reached my majority. I visited more worlds than you can imagine, and studied their arts and their magics, their history and their philosophies. Each one has its own mysteries and treasures, waiting for he who would seek them out. You've heard legends of the Realities Beyond, the homes of the gods themselves, and probably believe them to be little more than bed-time stories. But I've been there--I've fought fiends and angels, studied with sages and factors. I traveled the length and breadth of the Cosmos, and saw more beauty and horror than you can presently comprehend, and the ritual of ascension drew upon it all." Jaerom placed a hand on the youth's shoulder, and they were transported to an island temple complex, perfectly visible despite the apparent lack of lighting. Ribbons of colored light danced across a starry alien sky at random intervals, seemingly driven by the same currents that poured pure knowledge into their minds. The very air seems to crackle with eldritch energies, and the entire site had an unshakable quality of surrealism. The apprentice's eyes widened, and Jaerom smiled as he felt the same expansion of his mind, the same rush of power. "I designed and built this reality from the first strands of protomatter to the final bricks. I used materials from a dozen worlds and spells from twice that number. All of the magic and power that saturates this place had its origin in my own soul. It took over a decade of near-constant labor, but this world is a physical manifestation of the fruits of my own search for Quintessence. And it was here, kneeling within the rune circle on this very platform, that I unlocked the quintessence in my own heart. "I am not jealous of my power, my young friend. I do not withhold the secret of Quintessence because I wish no one else to find it--this couldn't be farther from the truth. I keep it to myself because it is through the quest that one proves his worthiness. Beyond all of the outward signs of power that seem to have you and your peers awestruck and captivated, there is a spiritual readiness that one must obtain before ascension ever becomes a possibility. You must first unlock your true power, realize your full potential. You must understand your own abilities, and achieve the perfection that this process alone can bring. "Did you know, young one, that not one of the Transcendent Masters has ever asked me to reveal my path? Even Master Aerlyn, my best friend and soulmate, has not asked this question--even though I would reveal it in a heartbeat if she did, and I think she'd succeed if she tried. Like the other masters, though, she understands this important truth: the Quintessence only has meaning in the context of each person's struggles to find it." Seekers of Quintessence Symbol: A silver sword, point down, in front of a stylized crimson flame. Motto: We are all gods in embryo. Background, Goals, and Dreams: The Ancient and Mystic Brotherhood of the Seekers of Quintessence, more commonly known as the red magi (due to the color of their robes), is an ancient order of monks. They believe, not in any deity, but in themselves. This does not mean that red magi deny the existence or power of deities like the Athar—on the contrary, divinity (or the Quintessence, as they call it) is their highest ideal. Rather, the brotherhood believes that every person holds within himself the capacity to become divine, and that the Powers that are worshiped in the Cosmos are but the few who have realized this potential. Far from being atheists, the red magi respect all gods as exemplars, as those who have completed a process that they have just begun. Through research and exploration, the red magi seek to uncover the secrets of the Cosmos, learn the laws that govern all Creation—and gain the power that accompanies such knowledge. To this end, they seek to master all fields, learning martial arts along with arcane knowledge, calling power from the gods while unlocking it in their own minds. They seek to forge and purify their bodies, minds, and souls through training and experience, and to learn to manipulate the laws of the Cosmos to their benefit. In this way, they believe that eventually they will uncover the final truths that will allow them to catapult themselves to divinity. Enemies and Allies: The red magi are occasionally mocked, but they have few collective enemies (though an individual red mage will typically acquire many over the course of her adventures). Each monastery tends to be on good terms with surrounding organizations, particularly institutions of learning. Due to their disinterest in political power, they are generally ignored by governments and religious institutions. Members: Most red mages are humans and augmented humans, including such mutated and demihuman subraces as azurins, changelings, elans, and illumians. Few members of other races have the adaptability and diverse interests necessary to excel in the organization, though those that do are welcomed without much prejudice. Secrets: The Seekers of Quintessence respect only personal achievement. Though they freely share knowledge and training with each other, ultimately they know that unlocking the quintessence is a goal that each person must achieve alone. Thus, there is a certain threshold beyond which red mages no longer reveal their knowledge, and every senior member of the organization will have many secret techniques that are unique to herself. The greatest secret that the organization might be said to possess is the epic ritual constitute transitive nexus, which its Grandmaster Jaerom Darkwind used to raise himself to divinity. Type: Monastic Order (College/Temple) (Social) Scale: 18 (Multiple Prime Worlds) CRITERION AFFILIATION SCORE MODIFIER Expertise and power +1/2 character levels Base attack bonus +5 or higher +1/2 Base attack bonus +15 or higher +1 5 or more ranks in appropriate skill (Autohypnosis, Concentration, Use Magic/Psionic Device) +1/2 per 5 ranks Has Able Learner feat +1/2 Can cast 3rd- to 4th-level spells +1 Can cast 5th- or higher-level spells +2 Member of Red Mage prestige class +1 Member of racial paragon class +1 Makes an important discovery +1/2 (or more, depending on discovery) Possesses magic items that augment personal power +1/50,000 gp Augments mortal form +4 Transcends mortal form +8 Titles, Benefits, and Duties: As you advance within the ranks of the Red Magi, you gain access to greater secrets and more specialized training. 1-3 NOVICE: Access only to public libraries and resources. 4-10 APPRENTICE: Martial Lore and Psicraft as class skills; full access to red mage training and resources. 11-15 ACOLYTE: Gain a +2 competence bonus on the skill of your choice, changeable once per day. Can be divided among multiple skills as desired. 16-21 SCHOLAR: Access to libraries with all spells of 5th-level and lower; purchase magic and mundane items at 90% market value through organization. 22-29 MASTER: +6 bonus on skill of choice; 1 additional action point per level OR increase essentia pool by 1 30 or higher ANCIENT MASTER: +8 competence bonus on skill of choice; +2 competence bonus on attack rolls, caster level checks, and manifester level checks; borrow one item of up to 40,000 gp value from the order's stores once per month or 2d4 days; while the item is borrowed, the order's capital is decreased by 1 if the item is valued at more than 10,000 gp. Executive Powers: Beatify, Craft, Research
Voldar_Mecorthio 02-24-07, 10:52 PM	Looks nice. Most Jack-of-all-Trades classes turn out to be crap, but this one is pretty good. I doubt if I'll ever play one, but I tend towards specialization anyway. You did a good job, and while I don't understand the Incarnum stuff (never even opened the book), the rest of the mechanics are very well implimented. I love the idea of "choose a specialization" every day. For a humor standpoint, I suggest implimenting a new ability at 10th level: Cheat (su): When the Red Mage reaches the peak of his studies, he has learned so much about the underlying mechanics of the world that he can do what others only dream of: Momentarily change them. Once per week, a red mage of tenth level or higher can, as an immediate action, declare his use of Cheat, and in doing so may change the result of an attack roll, saving throw, skill check, ability check, or pretty much any other roll of a d20 but up to ten (increase or decrease), ignore all damage sustained in a single round from a single source, change any one of his ability scores by up to ten (higher or lower) for one round, or preform some other deed normally impossable by the laws of physics and reality. (A reader of 8-bit theatre knows exactly the kind of stuff I'm talking about.)
Jaerom Darkwind 02-25-07, 12:31 AM	Heh, well, all I have to say is, vindication (http://www.nuklearpower.com/daily.php?date=070224).
Alpha_Moose 02-25-07, 03:14 PM	First off, great class. I liked the original Chameleon class and you added a lot of good things to it. What about adding in any maneuvers and stances from Tome of Battle?
Jaerom Darkwind 02-26-07, 02:19 AM	As an aptitude focus, I toyed with the idea but decided that it wouldn't work. You see, vancian magic is the name of the game for red mages. Their rigorous training program pumps them full of pretty much every type of "artificial" power available--wizard arcane magic , archivist divine magic, erudite psionics, etc. There is no room in the training program for developing any latent innate gifts they might have (sorcery, for example). Now, ToB mechanics are odd in that they mix the vancian and the spontaneous. You have a specific number of maneuvers you learn, but from this list of powers known you must prepare a selection Jack Vance-style. In order for it to be a proper aptitude focus, though, you should be able to learn as many maneuvers as you want. Show me a class like that, and I'll be able to adapt it into an aptitude focus (I already have ideas on how I could add additional hypothetical focuses without unbalancing the class). However, that's not to say that you can't use ToB mechanics with this class. It has Martial Lore as a class skill (since I've expanded its uses to cover other areas of combat knowledge). The Bonus Feat on a given day could very easily be Martial Strike, and if you take Focused Bonus Feat, you could have Martial Stance, too. You can also pick these up as normal feats and use your Bonus Feat to snag more advanced maneuvers. This becomes even easier if you also get one of the maneuver-granting items from ToB. Also, remember that the heroics spell can grant you an additional maneuver or stance if you choose. The same goes for Tome of Magic classes. You can use the "lesser" versions in the form of various types of spells (including truenaming spells, and note that even though Truespeech isn't a class skill, with Able Learner you still only pay 1 point per rank), and even gain elementary binding with your bonus feat (although binding in general is rather un-red mage-like), but there are no aptitude focuses for it.
benstundze 03-19-07, 04:09 PM	bemp edumped ump blump
Alpha_Moose 03-19-07, 06:18 PM	The same goes for Tome of Magic classes. You can use the "lesser" versions in the form of various types of spells (including truenaming spells, and note that even though Truespeech isn't a class skill, with Able Learner you still only pay 1 point per rank), and even gain elementary binding with your bonus feat (although binding in general is rather un-red mage-like), but there are no aptitude focuses for it. This made me think of something. If you take that feat that makes Truespeak a class skill for your bonus feat, level up and put a bunch of ranks in it, then swap out the feat, what happens to your Truespeak? It's no longer a class skill, so do you lose some ranks or what?
Jaerom Darkwind 03-19-07, 08:41 PM	Given that cross-class ranks in the skill change to full ranks when you gain the feat, it stands to reason that they'd change back to cross-class ranks when you lost it.
Alpha_Moose 03-19-07, 08:45 PM	Given that cross-class ranks in the skill change to full ranks when you gain the feat, it stands to reason that they'd change back to cross-class ranks when you lost it. But if you have Able Learner you pay on a 1 for 1 basis, only limited on the max for cross-class skills. And this class has Able Learner. So... you would lose ranks, but where would they go?
benstundze 03-19-07, 10:57 PM	id say, they disappear into nothing, till you re a line the planets...... again……. ben
Firkling 04-15-07, 03:52 AM	Amazing. :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG! :OMG!
Aktariel 04-15-07, 04:10 AM	Two Thumbs Up. What else did you have in mind for aptitude focuses? I always love to have more options...
benstundze 05-16-07, 07:18 PM	id like to see this as a bace class, can you convert it? saving both ofcorse thanks ben EDIT: i agrea with the race requierment....alot :)
Jaerom Darkwind 05-27-07, 01:27 PM	As a base class, things would get... messy. I'm not sure where I'd even begin.
Alpha_Moose 05-27-07, 01:39 PM	I'd just use the Human Paragon that Jaerom made to lead in to this class. That only takes to level 15 though. Extreme Explorer?
Jaerom Darkwind 05-27-07, 02:20 PM	That is how the leader (http://dicefreaks.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=49781#49781) of the organization is built.
DavidWL 05-29-07, 06:01 AM	However, that's not to say that you can't use ToB mechanics with this class. It has Martial Lore as a class skill (since I've expanded its uses to cover other areas of combat knowledge). The Bonus Feat on a given day could very easily be Martial Strike, and if you take Focused Bonus Feat, you could have Martial Stance, too. You can also pick these up as normal feats and use your Bonus Feat to snag more advanced maneuvers. This becomes even easier if you also get one of the maneuver-granting items from ToB. Also, remember that the heroics spell can grant you an additional maneuver or stance if you choose. As always, a wonderful tweaking of an already great pre-existing class. You mention, "Focused Bonus Feat", but I know of no such feat or ability ...? I do agree with your handling of martial adepts. Also, have you seen the Factotem? Because of the cross-class nature of the skills (for any other class), taking Factotem for the 1st level makes qualifying for this class much easier (or something like your human paragon, which lets you choose class skills). A thought: Since this is a clear powerup (to an already strong class) ... perhaps add a feat requirement which is a "cost" ... perhaps Jack of all Trades, or something like that? Not a bad feat, but it is a feat which would dilute pure power ... ? (Note, because your human paragon gives that as a bonus feat, if you intend the two to work together, then I'd pick a different feat, just so that the feat requirements of entry are genuine costs). One interesting aspect of including a psychic focus is that it adds a lot more flexibility to the Red Mage after 5th level ... you can always change focus to Psychic Focus if you don't have what you need. Also, it means that you can start with 2 casting focuses, swap one, and still have 2 casting focuses. (Before people started arcane/divine, buffed with divine spells, and went to arcane/combat). Finally, the spell "Mental Pinnacle" http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/spells/mentalPinnacle.htm is interesting, giving 60 extra Power Points, a few other perks, and a way to bypass the HD cap you placed on Manifestor level (since manifestor level is now set to caster level, which has no such cap). Since it costs your casting while in place, it would surely be done judiciously. I give comments, but only because I really do like what you've done! It really is a wonderful and logical remake. Kudos, David
Jaerom Darkwind 05-29-07, 01:39 PM	As always, a wonderful tweaking of an already great pre-existing class.Thank you, sir. You mention, "Focused Bonus Feat", but I know of no such feat or ability ...?I think it ended up as an epic feat for balance reasons. I do agree with your handling of martial adepts.Thanks. I'm still hoping to figure out a way to do more with them. Also, have you seen the Factotem? Because of the cross-class nature of the skills (for any other class), taking Factotem for the 1st level makes qualifying for this class much easier (or something like your human paragon, which lets you choose class skills).Indeed. Although, any character with Concentration as a class skill and at least 5 skill points per level (a monk, for example, or a wizard) can pull it off by level 5 or 6. In general, I'm not a factotum fan. I think I'm going to have to take the thing apart and rebuild it at some point. A thought: Since this is a clear powerup (to an already strong class) ... perhaps add a feat requirement which is a "cost" ... perhaps Jack of all Trades, or something like that? Not a bad feat, but it is a feat which would dilute pure power ... ? (Note, because your human paragon gives that as a bonus feat, if you intend the two to work together, then I'd pick a different feat, just so that the feat requirements of entry are genuine costs).I don't know that I'd agree that this is a power-up. None of the aptitude focuses or mimicked class features became more powerful than the best choices before my tampering, and indeed, I toned down a few aspects of the most powerful features (like capping the CL on the spellcasting aptitudes and making the divine focus require a prayerbook). That said, I think the original PrC might have been light on prereqs, which would mean that the revision is as well. Jack of All Trades would indeed be a good second feat, although I'll have to look through my books first to see if there's a feat I like better. One interesting aspect of including a psychic focus is that it adds a lot more flexibility to the Red Mage after 5th level ... you can always change focus to Psychic Focus if you don't have what you need.Not so much, actually. the ability states that it works like erudite manifesting, which requires 8 hours of rest before recovering power points. All three caster focuses must be assumed at the beginning of the day or not at all. Also, it means that you can start with 2 casting focuses, swap one, and still have 2 casting focuses. (Before people started arcane/divine, buffed with divine spells, and went to arcane/combat).See above. But the one time I ever played a high-level chameleon (which was before my revision of the class), I did pretty much as you describe. Finally, the spell "Mental Pinnacle" http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/spells/mentalPinnacle.htm is interesting, giving 60 extra Power Points, a few other perks, and a way to bypass the HD cap you placed on Manifestor level (since manifestor level is now set to caster level, which has no such cap). Since it costs your casting while in place, it would surely be done judiciously. The caster level of the aptitude focuses has the same cap as the manifester level. But those spells are indeed very nice. I give comments, but only because I really do like what you've done! It really is a wonderful and logical remake. Kudos, DavidThanks!
DavidWL 06-04-07, 12:58 AM	I don't know that I'd agree that this is a power-up. None of the aptitude focuses or mimicked class features became more powerful than the best choices before my tampering, and indeed, I toned down a few aspects of the most powerful features (like capping the CL on the spellcasting aptitudes and making the divine focus require a prayerbook). If you give a class an extra ability, without taking anything away, that is a clear power up. The reason that I think the psionic focus is a meaningful addition is that most Red Mages would start Divine/Arcane -> Psionic/Arcane. (Instead of going Combat/Arcane). Behavior changes because a new (better) choice becomes available. Note that I didn't notice that you had put a HD cap on the spellcasting - that is taking something away, so yes, I see that power-wise it is a relatively lateral move. That said, I think the original PrC might have been light on prereqs, which would mean that the revision is as well. Jack of All Trades would indeed be a good second feat, although I'll have to look through my books first to see if there's a feat I like better. I tend to agree that the original class was a little light on pre-reqs. Not so much, actually. the ability states that it works like erudite manifesting, which requires 8 hours of rest before recovering power points. All three caster focuses must be assumed at the beginning of the day or not at all. I don't understand. It seems to me that if you had memorized a set of spells as a arcane/divine chameleon, and didn't have what you needed, you could spend 10 minutes, and swap one of the focuses to Psionic, and use the spontaneous casting of psionic powers to fix the situation. For that matter, if you started combat/stealth, you could do the same thing by assuming an arcane focus, as long as you spent an hour to memorize choice spells .... The only casting focus you can't do this with (as you wrote the class) is the divine focus, since for that one you have to choose spells "at sunrise". The caster level of the aptitude focuses has the same cap as the manifester level. But those spells are indeed very nice. My bad - I missed that. Once again, Cool tweaks on the class :)
Firestick42 06-04-07, 03:58 AM	I don't see where these supposed increases to power are. The caster levels are now limited to HD, which as far as I know they weren't before. The divine casting now requires a spell book, meaning you need two spell books. Using powers as an Erudite without getting any free powers known means that the psychic focus is useless until you lean some powers, which effectively cost 1/5 the gp cost of a spell in xp...meaning you have another "spellbook" to keep track of. I too would like to see this "focused bonus feat" you mentioned. Finally, I want an epic progression, just enough to get 9th level spells/powers. It seems kind of underwhelming to have an epic Red Mage working with meager 6th level spells after all. That can't all be too much to ask now can it? :D Oh snap! Ninja'd with my own statement by the target of the question.
Jaerom Darkwind 06-04-07, 07:21 PM	I don't understand. It seems to me that if you had memorized a set of spells as a arcane/divine chameleon, and didn't have what you needed, you could spend 10 minutes, and swap one of the focuses to Psionic, and use the spontaneous casting of psionic powers to fix the situation. For that matter, if you started combat/stealth, you could do the same thing by assuming an arcane focus, as long as you spent an hour to memorize choice spells .... The only casting focus you can't do this with (as you wrote the class) is the divine focus, since for that one you have to choose spells "at sunrise".It is my understanding that you can only prepare spells (or equivalent activity) shortly after your 8 hours of rest. So if you don't pick up a particular spellcasting focus first thing in the morning, you probably won't get it at all that day.
Tweedledope 06-04-07, 08:41 PM	I don't really see much difference between this and the standard Chameleon...certainly not enough to elicit the responses that this has gotten. Don't get me wrong, however, I think the Chameleon is awesome and I really like the revisions you made. Have you ever thought about allowing it to stack with Factotum for purposes of Inspiration Points? I don't know exactly how useful that would be but, it seems rather preset...perhaps a feat maybe in the style of the Ascetic feats?
Jaerom Darkwind 06-05-07, 11:40 AM	Apparently they've pruned my epic chameleon from the boards. This version is the one I have sitting in a text document, but I'm not sure that it's the most current: LVL SPECIAL 11 -- 12 Mimic class feature 4/day 13 -- 14 Bonus feat 15 Aptitude focus 4/day (+6), mimic class feature 5/day 16 -- 17 -- 18 Bonus feat, mimic class feature 6/day 19 -- 20 Aptitude focus 5/day (+6) EPIC CHAMELEON Hit Die: d8. Skill Points at Each Additional Level: 4 + Int modifier. Ability Boon (Ex): The epic chameleon does not increase her competence bonus to an ability score after 10th level. Aptitude Focus (Ex): The epic chameleon can adopt one additional aptitude focus per day at 10th level and every 5 levels thereafter. The bonuses associated with each aptitude focus increase by +2 at 15th level and every 10 levels thereafter. The epic chameleon's caster levels and manifester level are equal to 10 + her class level. Mimic Class Feature: You may mimic a class feature one additional time per day at 12th level and every 3 levels thereafter. Bonus Feats: The epic chameleon gains a bonus feat (selected from the list of epic chameleon bonus feats) every four levels higher than 20th. Epic Chameleon Bonus Feat List: Additional Magic Item Space, Augmented Alchemy, Blinding Speed, Damage Reduction, Epic Ability Boon, Epic Bonus Feat, Epic Prowess, Epic Skill Focus, Epic Speed, Extra Aptitude Focus*, Extra Mimicry*, Fast Healing, Focused Bonus Feat, Integrated Aptitude Focus, Integrated Class Feature, Lightning Refocus, Mimic Greater Class Feature, Penetrate Damage Reduction, Polyglot, Superior Initiative, Triple Aptitude. * Non-epic feat. EPIC ABILITY BOON [Epic] You are remarkably adaptable to your various aptitudes. . Prerequisites: Ability boon +6 class feature, mimic class feature 4/day class feature. . Benefits: Your competence bonus to an ability score gained when adopting an aptitude focus increases by +1. . Special: You can gain this feat multiple times. Its effects stack. . Classes: Chameleon. EPIC BONUS FEAT [Epic] You can emulate even more advanced feats. . Prerequisites: Bonus Feat class feature, Focused Bonus Feat. . Benefits: One of your chameleon bonus feats can be epic. Alternately, you may choose one additional non-epic bonus feat. . Classes: Chameleon. FOCUSED BONUS FEAT [Epic] You can emulate feats based on your aptitude focus. . Prerequisites: Bonus Feat class feature. . Benefits: You may choose one additional bonus feat each day, depending on your aptitude focus. If you change your focus such that the feat is no longer approved, then you lose access to the feat for the rest of the day. . Arcane Focus: You can use your arcane spellcasting as a prerequisite. You may select any wizard bonus feat as your focused bonus feat. . Combat Focus: You can use your rage or smite class feature as a prerequisite. You may select any fighter bonus feat or [forthcoming] as your focused bonus feat. . Divine Focus: You can use your smite or turn/rebuke class features or divine spellcasting as a prerequisite. You may select any divine or metamagic feat as your focused bonus feat. . Psychic Focus: You can use your psionic manifesting as a prerequisite. You may select any psionic or metapsionic feat as your focused bonus feat. . Stealth Focus: You can use your sneak attack or improved uncanny dodge class feature as a prerequisite. You may select [forthcoming] as your focused bonus feat. . Wild Focus: You can use your wild empathy class feature as a prerequisite. You may select any wild feat or [forthcoming] as your focused bonus feat. . Classes: Chameleon. INTEGRATED APTITUDE FOCUS [Epic] Choose one aptitude focus you can access. You have mastered its granted abilities. . Prerequisite: Aptitude focus 3/day class feature. . Benefit: You may use the abilities granted by your selected aptitude focus to qualify for other feats and prestige classes. However, if you change your focus, you suffer the normal drawbacks for no longer meeting a prerequisite or requirement. . Certain integrated aptitude focuses also grant effective class levels as follows: combat focus confers a fighter level equal to your chameleon level, stealth focus confers a rogue level equal to your chameleon level, and wild focus confers a druid level equal to your chameleon level. These effective class levels grant no additional abilities or features, but do allow you to qualify for feats and classes that have such requirements. . Special: You can gain this feat six times. Its effects do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies to a new aptitude focus. . Classes: Chameleon. INTEGRATED CLASS FEATURE [Epic] Choose one class feature you can mimic. You have mastered this ability. . Prerequisite: Mimic class feature 4/day class feature. . Benefit: You may use your selected class feature to qualify for other feats and prestige classes. . Special: You can gain this feat five times. Its effects do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies to a new class feature. . Classes: Chameleon. LIGHTNING REFOCUS [Epic] Switching between your various aptitudes is almost second nature. . Prerequisites: Aptitude focus (+6) class feature, rapid refocus class feature. . Benefit: You can change your aptitude focus in only 1 minute. . Classes: Chameleon. MIMIC GREATER CLASS FEATURE [Epic] You can mimic more powerful class features. . Prerequisite: Mimic Class Feature 4/day class feature. . Benefits: Your mimic class feature options increase in power as follows: . Greater Rage: You can mimic a greater rage. See the barbarian class feature, except that the duration of the rage is 1 round + 1 round per point of your (newly improved) Constitution modifier. . Great Smiting: Your smite attacks deal 2 extra points of damage per class level. See the paladin smite evil class feature. . Improved Evasion: You can mimic improved evasion. Not only can you avoid certain attacks completely with a successful Reflex save, but you can partially avoid many attacks even on a failed save. You can activate this ability aftr you have rolled a Reflex save, but before you have taken damage. This ability lasts for 1 minute. See the monk class feature. . Improved Sneak Attack: You can deal an extra 1d6 points of damage per two class levels when flanking an opponent or any time the target would be denied its Dexterity bonus to AC. See the rogue class feature. . Planar Turning: You can turn or rebuke outsiders as if they were undead (your choice when activating the ability). An outsider has effective turn resistance equal to half of its spell resistance. See the cleric class feature. Treat your cleric level as equal to your class level. . Classes: Chameleon. TRIPLE APTITUDE [Epic] You can assume even more abilities simultaneously. . Prerequisites: Aptitude focus (+6) class feature, double aptitude class feature. . Benefit: You can adopt three aptitude focuses in the same amount of time it previously took for you to adopt two. You can't adopt the same aptitude focus multiple times simultaneously. You can still only adopt as many focuses per day as indicated by your aptitude focus ability. . Classes: Chameleon.
Jaerom Darkwind 11-07-07, 12:34 PM	I'm currently considering changing the Combat Focus to be maneuver-based. I also want to do something with the Stealth and Wild Focuses related to Skill Tricks.
bkdubs123 11-07-07, 05:48 PM	I would enjoy the change to a maneuver based combat focus. And skill tricks wouldn't be bad to include with the Stealth and/or Wild focuses either. I don't know if I've commented on this before, but I have to let you know that I've been following this for a while, and the class itself is superb, but the fluff concerning the organizaton is fantastic! This class has the single coolest organization ever! It reminds of me a character (the leader of the Red Mages) I recently made up only highly advanced. Again, great job! Good luck working in ToB and skill tricks! I'm sure you'll do fine.