The Philosopher Warrior [Archive] - Wizards Community

The Philosopher Warrior [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
angryman
05-16-07, 08:12 AM THE PHILOSOPHER WARRIOR

Magnus reigned his horse in. Ahead lay the Vale of Tears, a fey area said to hold the key to his ailment. The rest of his group stopped, and looked at him, puzzled. Echus the
grey wizard raised an eyebrow. "What is it Magnus? This vale holds no lurking threats." Magnus opened his saddlebags and produced his grimoire, a weighty tome bound in
heavy leather and sealed with an iron clasp. He thumbed through the pages, something gnawing at the back of his mind. He knew there was something he shouldn't forget about this vale.
He found the page. "Aah," he murmered, half pleased. "Here there be dragons." He placed the book back and drew his sword. "If memory serves, a dragon named Vyrahus lives here.
If we have to confront it, we must be careful of its gas breath. Echus, can you do anything about that?"
The wizard smiled, "Maybe I can."

The Philosopher-warrior is a learned soldier, or a sage-like mercenary. He may come upon this path as a bard who wishes to further delve into mysteries or as a rogue who wishes to know how the universe functions. He lives by his wits and his immense knowledge. He often knows enough to forge pacts with outsiders to improve his already impressive knowledge.

Pre-requisites- Base attack +4, knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 5 ranks, any other knowledge 5 ranks.

Philosopher-Warriors have the following game statistics.

Abilities: Like any warrior, the Philosopher Warrior needs Strength but some abilities require a high Intelligence.
Alignment: Philosopher-Warriors may be of any alignment, although they tend slightly towards law.
Hit Die: D10
Class Skills: Alchemy, Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge (all), Ride, Search, Sense motive, Spellcraft, Spot and Use Magic Device (6 skill points/level)

Class Features:
Weapon & Armour Proficiency:
Philosopher-Warriors are proficient with all
simple and martial weapons, and all armour
and shields.

Grimoire- the PW has a tome that stores
all of his knowledge. This grimoire gives him
a +1 competence bonus on all knowledge skills
and a +2 competence bonus to INT. It costs
5000gp to make and 300xp.

Worldly Knowledge - His studies into the
minds of men and the workings of the multiverse
have given the PW a great deal of knowledge.
He may make a Worldly Knowledge check as a
Bard would Bardic Knowledge with an INT check.
This ability stacks with Bardic Knowledge or any
similar ability such as a Loremaster's Lore ability.

Identify- The Philosopher-Warrior gains
Identify as a spell-like ability, usable three
times per day at no gold cost.

Philosophical Outlook- The Philosopher
Warrior is wise to the ways of the worlds and
his life experience leans him away from dogmatic
thinking and illogical debate. He gains Iron Will,
able to ignore prattle and nonsense at will. At level
6 he gains Great Iron Will, adding a further +2
to his Will save & gains immunity to Confusion. At level 8,
he gains immunity to charms and compulsions.

Rigorous Academia- A level 4, the PW
has studied and thought on a vast array of
subjects, and is a master of his field. He gains a
bonus feat. He gains it again at 8th level.

Multiversal Awareness- The PW learns,
at level 5, a meditative trance that allows him
to open his mind to the powers of the multiverse.
He can cast Contact Other Planeonce per
week as a spell- like ability.

Enemy's Weakness- the PW knows about the
creatures he fights. He may make a detailed knowledge
check in combat as a free action, and furthermore at 4th
level he may add his intellgence bonus to damage
(at a rate of +1 per level of the PW class) representing
his intense knowledge of his foes. Creatures immune
to critical hits are immune to the INT damage. At 7th
level, he may also add his INT bonus to any disarm, trip,
sunder, bullrush or grapple checks.

Master Grimoire- The master PW is finally able to
finish his greatest work- his valuable grimoire. He must
spend an additional 2500XP and 15,000gp in materials
for his grimoire to be completed. This tome, a treasure
trove of knowledge and occult power gives the PW a
+4 competence bonus to his INT, and a +5 to all of his
Knowledge skills. If he loses it or it is destroyed, he can
remake one for half the original cost.

Base Attack Fort Ref Will Special
1 +1 +2 +0 +2 Grimoire, Worldly Knowledge
2 +2 +3 +0 +3 Identify
3 +3 +3 +1 +3 Philosophical Outlook (+2),
4 +4 +4 +1 +4 Enemy's Weakness (INT to damage), Rigorous Academia
5 +5 +4 +1 +4 Multiversal Awareness
6 +6 +5 +2 +5 Rigorous Academia, Philosophical Outlook (+4, immune to confusion)
7 +7 +5 +2 +5 Enemy's Weakness (INT to special combat moves)
8 +8 +6 +2 +6 Philosophical Outlook (charms and compulsions), Rigorous Academia
9 +9 +6 +3 +6
10+10 +7 +3 +7 Master Grimoire
angryman
05-17-07, 02:50 AM So what do you guys think of this class? Don't get it? Don't like it? Awesome?
DarkRhystar
05-17-07, 03:06 AM Your class features' "code" is hard to read.
Leress
05-17-07, 03:18 AM THE PHILOSOPHER WARRIOR

Magnus reigned his horse in. Ahead lay the Vale of Tears, a fey area said to hold the key to his ailment. The rest of his group stopped, and looked at him, puzzled. Echus the
grey wizard raised an eyebrow. "What is it Magnus? This vale holds no lurking threats." Magnus opened his saddlebags and produced his grimoire, a weighty tome bound in
heavy leather and sealed with an iron clasp. He thumbed through the pages, something gnawing at the back of his mind. He knew there was something he shouldn't forget about this vale.
He found the page. "Aah," he murmered, half pleased. "Here there be dragons." He placed the book back and drew his sword. "If memory serves, a dragon named Vyrahus lives here.
If we have to confront it, we must be careful of its gas breath. Echus, can you do anything about that?"
The wizard smiled, "Maybe I can."

The Philosopher-warrior is a learned soldier, or a sage-like mercenary. He may come upon this path as a bard who wishes to further delve into mysteries or as a rogue who wishes to know how the universe functions. He lives by his wits and his immense knowledge. He often knows enough to forge pacts with outsiders to improve his already impressive knowledge.

I will keep that in mind

Pre-requisites- Base attack +4, knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 5 ranks, any other knowledge 5 ranks.

Okay

Philosopher-Warriors have the following game statistics.

Abilities: Like any warrior, the Philosopher Warrior needs Strength but some abilities require a high Intelligence.
Alignment: Philosopher-Warriors may be of any alignment, although they tend slightly towards law.
Hit Die: D10
Class Skills: Alchemy, Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge (all), Ride, Search, Sense motive, Spellcraft, Spot and Use Magic Device (6 skill points/level)
Okay

Class Features:
Weapon & Armour Proficiency:
Philosopher-Warriors are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and all armour and shields.
Okay

Grimoire- the PW has a tome that stores all of his knowledge. This grimoire gives him a +1 competence bonus on all knowledge skills and a +2 competence bonus to INT. It costs 5000gp to make and 300xp.

This is nice.

Worldly Knowledge - His studies into the minds of men and the workings of the multiverse have given the PW a great deal of knowledge. He may make a Worldly Knowledge check as a Bard would Bardic Knowledge with an INT check.

Does this stack with Bardic Knowledge? As it this is worse than Bardic Knowledge.

Identify - The Philosopher-Warrior gains Identify as an extraordinary ability, usable once per day at no gold cost.
only once per day and extraordinary??? Make it at will and a Spell-like ability

Philosophical Outlook- The Philosopher Warrior is wise to the ways of the worlds and his life experience leans him away from dogmatic thinking and illogical debate. He gains Iron Will, able to ignore prattle and nonsense at will. At level 8 he gains Great Iron WIll, adding a further +2 to his Will save & gains immunity to Confusion.
Why only confusion?? What about the other mind effecting afflictions like charmed, illusions, rage, and etc.

Rigorous Academia- A level 3, the PW has studied and thought on a vast array of subjects, and is a master of his field. He gains Skill Focus on any knowledge. and he gains this again at 6th and 9th.
That's all I get giving skill focus as a class ability at these levels (ECL 9,12,15) is not good at all.

Multiversal Awareness- The PW learns, at level 5, a meditative trance that allows him to open his mind to the powers of the multiverse. He can cast Contact Other Plane once per week as a spell- like ability.
Only once a week? At this level wizard can cast this many times per day. I say increase to 3/day with a caster level equal to character level

Enemy's Weakness- the PW knows about the creatures he fights. He may make a detailed knowledge check in combat as a free action, and furthermore he may add his INT to damage, representing his intense knowledge of his foes. Creatures immune to critical hits are immune to the INT damage.
Even with the quick ID of creatures this is not a very level appropriate ability it adds very little to damage (2-6 if you are lucky) per swing.

Master Grimoire- The master PW is finally able to finish his greatest work- his valuable grimoire. He must spend an additional 2500XP and 15,000gp in materials for his grimoire to be completed. This tome, a treasure trove of knowledge and occult power gives the PW a +4 competence bonus to his INT, and a +5 to all of his Knowledge skills. If he loses it or it is destroyed, he can remake one for half the original cost.

This is decent but this class has no offensive nor defensive abilities that are level appropriate.
A bard wouldn't take this class because...

Progress of spell casting
Already has an ability that works exactly as Wordly knowledge
With losing the first two, isn't compensated for the loss.

A rogue won't take this class because...

No progression of sneak attack
A number of abilities don't work in heavier armors
It is not compensated for loss of core class features

Base Attack Fort Ref Will Special
1 +1 +2 +0 +2 Grimoire, Worldly Knowledge
2 +2 +3 +0 +3 Identify
3 +3 +3 +1 +3 Philosophical Outlook (+2), Rigorous Academia
4 +4 +4 +1 +4
5 +5 +4 +1 +4 Multiversal Awareness
6 +6/1 +5 +2 +5 Rigorous Academia
7 +7/2 +5 +2 +5 Enemy's Weakness
8 +8/3 +6 +2 +6 Philosophical Outlook (+4, immune to confusion)
9 +9/4 +6 +3 +6 Rigorous Academia
10 +10/5 +7 +3 +7 Master Grimoire

This class doesn't offer really anything; the Grimoire is nice ,but it doesn't make up for the loss of everything else.
rampant
05-17-07, 03:41 AM Ok maybe one way to work the int to damage ability would be to put it in at level 2 or 3, but have it apply only to creatures whose weaknesses the PW has revealed with the appropriate knowledge skill. Undead - Know religion, outsiders - know planes. (check knowledge skill description)

The skill focus ability could be given at first, third, fifth, seventh, and 9th

I'd add decipher script, speak language, heal and survival to the skill list for flavor.

Toss in the open mind feat a couple times

Maybe the ability to replace a save, attack roll or something like that with a knowledge check of the appropriate type.
angryman
05-18-07, 02:29 AM Thanks for the tips guys. I know this class isn't finished, I'm trying to flesh out the ideas. :) I hadn't thought of a lot of what you mentioned, so let me see what else I can do.
Dean
05-19-07, 12:35 PM I really enjoy the concept of the class, but as said before it seems a bit underpowered. If it gets fixed, maybe add a bard spell casting progression or sneak attacks for rogues and the like then you will defineatly be seeing me taking this class in the next campaign
angryman
05-21-07, 04:59 AM I really enjoy the concept of the class, but as said before it seems a bit underpowered. If it gets fixed, maybe add a bard spell casting progression or sneak attacks for rogues and the like then you will defineatly be seeing me taking this class in the next campaign

Thanks for the input. :) I'm working on it now, so hopefully soon I'll update it.
angryman
05-21-07, 07:08 AM UPDATED

I've updated the class features and given the class a significant buff. Rigorous academia is now at 4th & 8th and gives a bonus feat, not skill focus. Enemy's Weakness also adds INT to combat moves such as disarm and grapple. Don't forget that the grimoire ALSO gives an INT bonus, and it gives a COMPETENCE bonus which stacks with a Circlet of Intellect.
So a high level philosopher warrior who started with 14 INT could very well have 14+4 (grimoire) +4 (circlet)= 22 INT.
Dean
05-23-07, 08:50 PM i think i am gonna make a character from this class and play test it and see how it goes. Like i said i really like hte idea so i am gonna try it and if it's a bit underpower i ain't to worried about our games aren't always balls to the wall combat anyways

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
angryman 05-16-07, 08:12 AM	THE PHILOSOPHER WARRIOR Magnus reigned his horse in. Ahead lay the Vale of Tears, a fey area said to hold the key to his ailment. The rest of his group stopped, and looked at him, puzzled. Echus the grey wizard raised an eyebrow. "What is it Magnus? This vale holds no lurking threats." Magnus opened his saddlebags and produced his grimoire, a weighty tome bound in heavy leather and sealed with an iron clasp. He thumbed through the pages, something gnawing at the back of his mind. He knew there was something he shouldn't forget about this vale. He found the page. "Aah," he murmered, half pleased. "Here there be dragons." He placed the book back and drew his sword. "If memory serves, a dragon named Vyrahus lives here. If we have to confront it, we must be careful of its gas breath. Echus, can you do anything about that?" The wizard smiled, "Maybe I can." The Philosopher-warrior is a learned soldier, or a sage-like mercenary. He may come upon this path as a bard who wishes to further delve into mysteries or as a rogue who wishes to know how the universe functions. He lives by his wits and his immense knowledge. He often knows enough to forge pacts with outsiders to improve his already impressive knowledge. Pre-requisites- Base attack +4, knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 5 ranks, any other knowledge 5 ranks. Philosopher-Warriors have the following game statistics. Abilities: Like any warrior, the Philosopher Warrior needs Strength but some abilities require a high Intelligence. Alignment: Philosopher-Warriors may be of any alignment, although they tend slightly towards law. Hit Die: D10 Class Skills: Alchemy, Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge (all), Ride, Search, Sense motive, Spellcraft, Spot and Use Magic Device (6 skill points/level) Class Features: Weapon & Armour Proficiency: Philosopher-Warriors are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and all armour and shields. Grimoire- the PW has a tome that stores all of his knowledge. This grimoire gives him a +1 competence bonus on all knowledge skills and a +2 competence bonus to INT. It costs 5000gp to make and 300xp. Worldly Knowledge - His studies into the minds of men and the workings of the multiverse have given the PW a great deal of knowledge. He may make a Worldly Knowledge check as a Bard would Bardic Knowledge with an INT check. This ability stacks with Bardic Knowledge or any similar ability such as a Loremaster's Lore ability. Identify- The Philosopher-Warrior gains Identify as a spell-like ability, usable three times per day at no gold cost. Philosophical Outlook- The Philosopher Warrior is wise to the ways of the worlds and his life experience leans him away from dogmatic thinking and illogical debate. He gains Iron Will, able to ignore prattle and nonsense at will. At level 6 he gains Great Iron Will, adding a further +2 to his Will save & gains immunity to Confusion. At level 8, he gains immunity to charms and compulsions. Rigorous Academia- A level 4, the PW has studied and thought on a vast array of subjects, and is a master of his field. He gains a bonus feat. He gains it again at 8th level. Multiversal Awareness- The PW learns, at level 5, a meditative trance that allows him to open his mind to the powers of the multiverse. He can cast Contact Other Planeonce per week as a spell- like ability. Enemy's Weakness- the PW knows about the creatures he fights. He may make a detailed knowledge check in combat as a free action, and furthermore at 4th level he may add his intellgence bonus to damage (at a rate of +1 per level of the PW class) representing his intense knowledge of his foes. Creatures immune to critical hits are immune to the INT damage. At 7th level, he may also add his INT bonus to any disarm, trip, sunder, bullrush or grapple checks. Master Grimoire- The master PW is finally able to finish his greatest work- his valuable grimoire. He must spend an additional 2500XP and 15,000gp in materials for his grimoire to be completed. This tome, a treasure trove of knowledge and occult power gives the PW a +4 competence bonus to his INT, and a +5 to all of his Knowledge skills. If he loses it or it is destroyed, he can remake one for half the original cost. Base Attack Fort Ref Will Special 1 +1 +2 +0 +2 Grimoire, Worldly Knowledge 2 +2 +3 +0 +3 Identify 3 +3 +3 +1 +3 Philosophical Outlook (+2), 4 +4 +4 +1 +4 Enemy's Weakness (INT to damage), Rigorous Academia 5 +5 +4 +1 +4 Multiversal Awareness 6 +6 +5 +2 +5 Rigorous Academia, Philosophical Outlook (+4, immune to confusion) 7 +7 +5 +2 +5 Enemy's Weakness (INT to special combat moves) 8 +8 +6 +2 +6 Philosophical Outlook (charms and compulsions), Rigorous Academia 9 +9 +6 +3 +6 10+10 +7 +3 +7 Master Grimoire
angryman 05-17-07, 02:50 AM	So what do you guys think of this class? Don't get it? Don't like it? Awesome?
DarkRhystar 05-17-07, 03:06 AM	Your class features' "code" is hard to read.
Leress 05-17-07, 03:18 AM	THE PHILOSOPHER WARRIOR Magnus reigned his horse in. Ahead lay the Vale of Tears, a fey area said to hold the key to his ailment. The rest of his group stopped, and looked at him, puzzled. Echus the grey wizard raised an eyebrow. "What is it Magnus? This vale holds no lurking threats." Magnus opened his saddlebags and produced his grimoire, a weighty tome bound in heavy leather and sealed with an iron clasp. He thumbed through the pages, something gnawing at the back of his mind. He knew there was something he shouldn't forget about this vale. He found the page. "Aah," he murmered, half pleased. "Here there be dragons." He placed the book back and drew his sword. "If memory serves, a dragon named Vyrahus lives here. If we have to confront it, we must be careful of its gas breath. Echus, can you do anything about that?" The wizard smiled, "Maybe I can." The Philosopher-warrior is a learned soldier, or a sage-like mercenary. He may come upon this path as a bard who wishes to further delve into mysteries or as a rogue who wishes to know how the universe functions. He lives by his wits and his immense knowledge. He often knows enough to forge pacts with outsiders to improve his already impressive knowledge. I will keep that in mind Pre-requisites- Base attack +4, knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 5 ranks, any other knowledge 5 ranks. Okay Philosopher-Warriors have the following game statistics. Abilities: Like any warrior, the Philosopher Warrior needs Strength but some abilities require a high Intelligence. Alignment: Philosopher-Warriors may be of any alignment, although they tend slightly towards law. Hit Die: D10 Class Skills: Alchemy, Bluff, Diplomacy, Knowledge (all), Ride, Search, Sense motive, Spellcraft, Spot and Use Magic Device (6 skill points/level) Okay Class Features: Weapon & Armour Proficiency: Philosopher-Warriors are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and all armour and shields. Okay Grimoire- the PW has a tome that stores all of his knowledge. This grimoire gives him a +1 competence bonus on all knowledge skills and a +2 competence bonus to INT. It costs 5000gp to make and 300xp. This is nice. Worldly Knowledge - His studies into the minds of men and the workings of the multiverse have given the PW a great deal of knowledge. He may make a Worldly Knowledge check as a Bard would Bardic Knowledge with an INT check. Does this stack with Bardic Knowledge? As it this is worse than Bardic Knowledge. Identify - The Philosopher-Warrior gains Identify as an extraordinary ability, usable once per day at no gold cost. only once per day and extraordinary??? Make it at will and a Spell-like ability Philosophical Outlook- The Philosopher Warrior is wise to the ways of the worlds and his life experience leans him away from dogmatic thinking and illogical debate. He gains Iron Will, able to ignore prattle and nonsense at will. At level 8 he gains Great Iron WIll, adding a further +2 to his Will save & gains immunity to Confusion. Why only confusion?? What about the other mind effecting afflictions like charmed, illusions, rage, and etc. Rigorous Academia- A level 3, the PW has studied and thought on a vast array of subjects, and is a master of his field. He gains Skill Focus on any knowledge. and he gains this again at 6th and 9th. That's all I get giving skill focus as a class ability at these levels (ECL 9,12,15) is not good at all. Multiversal Awareness- The PW learns, at level 5, a meditative trance that allows him to open his mind to the powers of the multiverse. He can cast Contact Other Plane once per week as a spell- like ability. Only once a week? At this level wizard can cast this many times per day. I say increase to 3/day with a caster level equal to character level Enemy's Weakness- the PW knows about the creatures he fights. He may make a detailed knowledge check in combat as a free action, and furthermore he may add his INT to damage, representing his intense knowledge of his foes. Creatures immune to critical hits are immune to the INT damage. Even with the quick ID of creatures this is not a very level appropriate ability it adds very little to damage (2-6 if you are lucky) per swing. Master Grimoire- The master PW is finally able to finish his greatest work- his valuable grimoire. He must spend an additional 2500XP and 15,000gp in materials for his grimoire to be completed. This tome, a treasure trove of knowledge and occult power gives the PW a +4 competence bonus to his INT, and a +5 to all of his Knowledge skills. If he loses it or it is destroyed, he can remake one for half the original cost. This is decent but this class has no offensive nor defensive abilities that are level appropriate. A bard wouldn't take this class because... Progress of spell casting Already has an ability that works exactly as Wordly knowledge With losing the first two, isn't compensated for the loss. A rogue won't take this class because... No progression of sneak attack A number of abilities don't work in heavier armors It is not compensated for loss of core class features Base Attack Fort Ref Will Special 1 +1 +2 +0 +2 Grimoire, Worldly Knowledge 2 +2 +3 +0 +3 Identify 3 +3 +3 +1 +3 Philosophical Outlook (+2), Rigorous Academia 4 +4 +4 +1 +4 5 +5 +4 +1 +4 Multiversal Awareness 6 +6/1 +5 +2 +5 Rigorous Academia 7 +7/2 +5 +2 +5 Enemy's Weakness 8 +8/3 +6 +2 +6 Philosophical Outlook (+4, immune to confusion) 9 +9/4 +6 +3 +6 Rigorous Academia 10 +10/5 +7 +3 +7 Master Grimoire This class doesn't offer really anything; the Grimoire is nice ,but it doesn't make up for the loss of everything else.
rampant 05-17-07, 03:41 AM	Ok maybe one way to work the int to damage ability would be to put it in at level 2 or 3, but have it apply only to creatures whose weaknesses the PW has revealed with the appropriate knowledge skill. Undead - Know religion, outsiders - know planes. (check knowledge skill description) The skill focus ability could be given at first, third, fifth, seventh, and 9th I'd add decipher script, speak language, heal and survival to the skill list for flavor. Toss in the open mind feat a couple times Maybe the ability to replace a save, attack roll or something like that with a knowledge check of the appropriate type.
angryman 05-18-07, 02:29 AM	Thanks for the tips guys. I know this class isn't finished, I'm trying to flesh out the ideas. :) I hadn't thought of a lot of what you mentioned, so let me see what else I can do.
Dean 05-19-07, 12:35 PM	I really enjoy the concept of the class, but as said before it seems a bit underpowered. If it gets fixed, maybe add a bard spell casting progression or sneak attacks for rogues and the like then you will defineatly be seeing me taking this class in the next campaign
angryman 05-21-07, 04:59 AM	I really enjoy the concept of the class, but as said before it seems a bit underpowered. If it gets fixed, maybe add a bard spell casting progression or sneak attacks for rogues and the like then you will defineatly be seeing me taking this class in the next campaign Thanks for the input. :) I'm working on it now, so hopefully soon I'll update it.
angryman 05-21-07, 07:08 AM	UPDATED I've updated the class features and given the class a significant buff. Rigorous academia is now at 4th & 8th and gives a bonus feat, not skill focus. Enemy's Weakness also adds INT to combat moves such as disarm and grapple. Don't forget that the grimoire ALSO gives an INT bonus, and it gives a COMPETENCE bonus which stacks with a Circlet of Intellect. So a high level philosopher warrior who started with 14 INT could very well have 14+4 (grimoire) +4 (circlet)= 22 INT.
Dean 05-23-07, 08:50 PM	i think i am gonna make a character from this class and play test it and see how it goes. Like i said i really like hte idea so i am gonna try it and if it's a bit underpower i ain't to worried about our games aren't always balls to the wall combat anyways