The Starduster (Peach) [Archive] - Wizards Community

The Starduster (Peach) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
malykoth
05-28-07, 09:13 PM This was inspired by "Kiki's Delivery Service", Harry Potter's quidditch game, and even listening to the soundtrack of "Wicked". I've taken the archetypical conveyance of the witch, the flying broom, and tried to come up with a PrC that will embrace and refine its potential.

The Starduster:
The starduster comes from an adventurous tradition of nature mages. Said to have started amongst a clan of gypsy halflings centuries ago, these thrill-seekers ride their magnificent flying brooms at breakneck speeds, weaving in and out of thick forests nearly too fast for the eye to see. Others would rather do nothing so much as soar through the silvery, moonlit clouds, high above the surface of the world.

Hit Die: 1d6

Requirements:
Skills: Balance 4, Craft (alchemy) 8, Knowledge (arcana) 4, Ride 4
Special: Must own a broom of flying

Class Skills:
The starduster’s class skills (and the key abilities for each skill) are: Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Jump (Str), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), and Use Magic Device (Cha)
Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + INT mod.

Fort Ref Will
Level BAB Save Save Save Special
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Born rider, favored broom, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Burst of speed, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Nimble defense, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
4th +3 +1 +4 +4 Battle broom, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
5th +3 +1 +4 +4 Summon broom, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class

Class Features: all the following are class features of the starduster prestige class. Where applicable, caster level for any ability is equal to the starduster's full caster level, and the DC is based on the starduster's primary casting attribute.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Initially, the starduster gains no additional proficiencies with weapons, armor or shields (see Battle Broom)

Born Rider (Ex): These bonuses apply whenever the starduster is controlling a flying mount or item. When mounted/in control, the creature/item in question gains either their own Dexterity modifier, or the starduster’s, whichever would be more advantages. In addition, while riding, the starduster gains a competence bonus to his Balance, Concentration, and Ride checks equal to his class level. Finally, a starduster is hard to unseat; any attempt made to resist being knocked off or pulled off a mount gains a bonus equal to his class level. He can attempt a Fortitude save (DC 12) to attempt to hang on (at no special bonus) if he is loses consciousness or becomes helpless. Many stardusters enchant their brooms to take a predetermined course of action should such an event occure.

Favored Broom (Su): A starduster performs a simple ritual over a broom of flying. The ritual requires 100 gp, and takes an hour to complete. Thereafter, the broom used is treated as his “favored broom”. A starduster can only have one favored broom at a time, though he can perform the ritual over a new broom if his current one is lost or destroyed. Most of the benefits only apply to the starduster’s favored broom, and only when it is in his hands. In the hands of anyone else, it acts like a standard broom of flying.

By applying various alchemical procedures and performing arcane rituals, a favored broom gains various enhancements and upgrades as the starduster gains levels in this class. The broom will work continuously for its master, beyond the normal 9 hour duration.

At will, he may use a supernatural ability to determine the location of his favored broom. This ability functions like the spell discern location.

The following chart indicates what bonuses are gained by level.
Weight Call
Level Hp Hardness Speed Limit Distance
1st +2 +1 +10 200/400 --
2nd +2 +2 +10 250/450 1 miles
3rd +4 +2 +10 300/500 10 miles
4th +4 +2 +10 400/650 100 miles
5th +8 +3 +20 500/800 1000 miles

A broom of flying starts with an AC of 7, 10 hit points, a hardness of 5, and a break DC of 24.

Hit points, hardness, and speed all stack. The first indicated weight is the limit for full speed, the second indicated weight can be managed with a speed reduction of 25% (rounded down to nearest 5 feet). Call distance is how far away the broom can be and still respond to its master's summons.

Finally, a favored broom has its break DC increase by +1 at 3rd and again at 5th level, and energy resistance (all) of 10, increasing by 10 each level. This energy resistance only applies to the broom, not the rider or any other items on it. At 3rd level, its maneuverability increases to good; at 5th, it increases to perfect.

The bonus hit points, hardness, break DC increase, energy resistance, and increased call distance stay with the broom, even out of the starduster's hands. These benefits only fade when the broom is broken, or when the starduster performs the ritual to gain a new favored broom.

Burst of Speed (Su): Once per day per class level, the starduster can cause his favored broom to travel at a much faster rate than normal, even if only for a moment. Activating this ability is a free action, and can only be activated once per round. For a period of one full round, multiply the flight speed of the broom by a factor of 10. This is often used as a method of escape.

Nimble Defense (Ex): On any round where the starduster moves while riding a broom (any broom of flying, not just his favored one), he gains a dodge bonus of +1 to his AC. At 5th level, this dodge bonus increases to +2.

Streamline (Ex): For purposes of resisting the effects of strong winds, treat a starduster riding any broom of flying as being one size category larger than he really is. Starting at 5th level, treat him as two size categories larger than he really is for this purpose.

Battle Broom (Ex): The starduster can use his broom as a weapon. In the hands of the starduster, a broom is treated as a quarterstaff, including in regards to feat that effect quarterstaffs. Unlike a standard quarterstaff, one end (the bristle end) only inflicts nonlethal damage. The other end (handle end) inflicts lethal bludgeoning damage. The broom can now be enchanted as a weapon, following the normal rules for double weapons.

Summon Broom (Sp): Once per day, as the spell drawmij’s instant summons, but this ability will only work on the starduster’s favored broom. It is considered to be permanently cast on the broom, only requiring activation to bring it to the starduster’s hand. Unlike the normal spell, the starduster has a chance of wresting the broom from another's grasp. The one grasping the broom may attempt a Reflex save to maintain his hold.
periscope
05-30-07, 03:34 AM I love those movies! Thx you!

Looks like a fun prc, not overpowered at all (Id even give them their casting at 1st level, this aint that powerful).

I suddenly have the urge to make a campaign where the pc's are ambushed by a bunch of broomstick wielding gnomes/halflings :walks off with evil grin:
malykoth
05-30-07, 11:38 PM Thanks, glad you like it. I see what you mean about the caster level, and have added it in. The prerequisites should be enough of a commitment, seeing as how Balance and Ride aren't sorcerer/wizard skills. Perhaps a gish angle? The broom can be treated as a weapon, and given weapon enhancements.

I could see an orc sitting in a clearing...suddenly, a howling bolt of arcane fire and thunder roars up through the trees. Uh...it's a maniiacal halfling...on a broom. A magnificent, flaming, sparkling, smoking, rippling broom of power. In midair he momentarily dismounts, wacks the orc in the head hard with his broom, then instantly remounts, zooming away all in one round. The orc (if he still lives) struggles to his feet and says something like "what the hell was that?!"

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
malykoth 05-28-07, 09:13 PM	This was inspired by "Kiki's Delivery Service", Harry Potter's quidditch game, and even listening to the soundtrack of "Wicked". I've taken the archetypical conveyance of the witch, the flying broom, and tried to come up with a PrC that will embrace and refine its potential. The Starduster: The starduster comes from an adventurous tradition of nature mages. Said to have started amongst a clan of gypsy halflings centuries ago, these thrill-seekers ride their magnificent flying brooms at breakneck speeds, weaving in and out of thick forests nearly too fast for the eye to see. Others would rather do nothing so much as soar through the silvery, moonlit clouds, high above the surface of the world. Hit Die: 1d6 Requirements: Skills: Balance 4, Craft (alchemy) 8, Knowledge (arcana) 4, Ride 4 Special: Must own a broom of flying Class Skills: The starduster’s class skills (and the key abilities for each skill) are: Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Jump (Str), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (nature) (Int), Listen (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Spot (Wis), and Use Magic Device (Cha) Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + INT mod. Fort Ref Will Level BAB Save Save Save Special 1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Born rider, favored broom, +1 level of existing spellcasting class 2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Burst of speed, +1 level of existing spellcasting class 3rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Nimble defense, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class 4th +3 +1 +4 +4 Battle broom, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class 5th +3 +1 +4 +4 Summon broom, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class Class Features: all the following are class features of the starduster prestige class. Where applicable, caster level for any ability is equal to the starduster's full caster level, and the DC is based on the starduster's primary casting attribute. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Initially, the starduster gains no additional proficiencies with weapons, armor or shields (see Battle Broom) Born Rider (Ex): These bonuses apply whenever the starduster is controlling a flying mount or item. When mounted/in control, the creature/item in question gains either their own Dexterity modifier, or the starduster’s, whichever would be more advantages. In addition, while riding, the starduster gains a competence bonus to his Balance, Concentration, and Ride checks equal to his class level. Finally, a starduster is hard to unseat; any attempt made to resist being knocked off or pulled off a mount gains a bonus equal to his class level. He can attempt a Fortitude save (DC 12) to attempt to hang on (at no special bonus) if he is loses consciousness or becomes helpless. Many stardusters enchant their brooms to take a predetermined course of action should such an event occure. Favored Broom (Su): A starduster performs a simple ritual over a broom of flying. The ritual requires 100 gp, and takes an hour to complete. Thereafter, the broom used is treated as his “favored broom”. A starduster can only have one favored broom at a time, though he can perform the ritual over a new broom if his current one is lost or destroyed. Most of the benefits only apply to the starduster’s favored broom, and only when it is in his hands. In the hands of anyone else, it acts like a standard broom of flying. By applying various alchemical procedures and performing arcane rituals, a favored broom gains various enhancements and upgrades as the starduster gains levels in this class. The broom will work continuously for its master, beyond the normal 9 hour duration. At will, he may use a supernatural ability to determine the location of his favored broom. This ability functions like the spell discern location. The following chart indicates what bonuses are gained by level. Weight Call Level Hp Hardness Speed Limit Distance 1st +2 +1 +10 200/400 -- 2nd +2 +2 +10 250/450 1 miles 3rd +4 +2 +10 300/500 10 miles 4th +4 +2 +10 400/650 100 miles 5th +8 +3 +20 500/800 1000 miles A broom of flying starts with an AC of 7, 10 hit points, a hardness of 5, and a break DC of 24. Hit points, hardness, and speed all stack. The first indicated weight is the limit for full speed, the second indicated weight can be managed with a speed reduction of 25% (rounded down to nearest 5 feet). Call distance is how far away the broom can be and still respond to its master's summons. Finally, a favored broom has its break DC increase by +1 at 3rd and again at 5th level, and energy resistance (all) of 10, increasing by 10 each level. This energy resistance only applies to the broom, not the rider or any other items on it. At 3rd level, its maneuverability increases to good; at 5th, it increases to perfect. The bonus hit points, hardness, break DC increase, energy resistance, and increased call distance stay with the broom, even out of the starduster's hands. These benefits only fade when the broom is broken, or when the starduster performs the ritual to gain a new favored broom. Burst of Speed (Su): Once per day per class level, the starduster can cause his favored broom to travel at a much faster rate than normal, even if only for a moment. Activating this ability is a free action, and can only be activated once per round. For a period of one full round, multiply the flight speed of the broom by a factor of 10. This is often used as a method of escape. Nimble Defense (Ex): On any round where the starduster moves while riding a broom (any broom of flying, not just his favored one), he gains a dodge bonus of +1 to his AC. At 5th level, this dodge bonus increases to +2. Streamline (Ex): For purposes of resisting the effects of strong winds, treat a starduster riding any broom of flying as being one size category larger than he really is. Starting at 5th level, treat him as two size categories larger than he really is for this purpose. Battle Broom (Ex): The starduster can use his broom as a weapon. In the hands of the starduster, a broom is treated as a quarterstaff, including in regards to feat that effect quarterstaffs. Unlike a standard quarterstaff, one end (the bristle end) only inflicts nonlethal damage. The other end (handle end) inflicts lethal bludgeoning damage. The broom can now be enchanted as a weapon, following the normal rules for double weapons. Summon Broom (Sp): Once per day, as the spell drawmij’s instant summons, but this ability will only work on the starduster’s favored broom. It is considered to be permanently cast on the broom, only requiring activation to bring it to the starduster’s hand. Unlike the normal spell, the starduster has a chance of wresting the broom from another's grasp. The one grasping the broom may attempt a Reflex save to maintain his hold.
periscope 05-30-07, 03:34 AM	I love those movies! Thx you! Looks like a fun prc, not overpowered at all (Id even give them their casting at 1st level, this aint that powerful). I suddenly have the urge to make a campaign where the pc's are ambushed by a bunch of broomstick wielding gnomes/halflings :walks off with evil grin:
malykoth 05-30-07, 11:38 PM	Thanks, glad you like it. I see what you mean about the caster level, and have added it in. The prerequisites should be enough of a commitment, seeing as how Balance and Ride aren't sorcerer/wizard skills. Perhaps a gish angle? The broom can be treated as a weapon, and given weapon enhancements. I could see an orc sitting in a clearing...suddenly, a howling bolt of arcane fire and thunder roars up through the trees. Uh...it's a maniiacal halfling...on a broom. A magnificent, flaming, sparkling, smoking, rippling broom of power. In midair he momentarily dismounts, wacks the orc in the head hard with his broom, then instantly remounts, zooming away all in one round. The orc (if he still lives) struggles to his feet and says something like "what the hell was that?!"