Without further adeu,
***Under construction***
Notable Class Features
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=3<3
-Confusing Language
-"Shiny Weapon" Inadequate as a feature set for any class.
-Save Progression is Bizzare
Overall this concept is so narrow that it is more in line with a Prestige class (and even then given the feature set, something more like a 5-level one, than a 10 level one).
This really isn't at the point where you can try for refinement & specific advice. The framework needs to be entirely redone before it even comes close to being workable.
-Dead Levels
Definitely a problem.
-"Shiny Weapon" Inadequate as a feature set for any class.
It's fine as a feature, but there needs to be more on top of that.
-Save Progression is Bizzare
BAB progression is also odd.
Overall this concept is so narrow that it is more in line with a Prestige class (and even then given the feature set, something more like a 5-level one, than a 10 level one).
I agree with this assessment. And, in fact, that prestige class already exists. (though I'm drawing a blank on the name, I believe it's in Complete Warrior.)
Skills: First Level - 4 + Int. Modifier x4 (4 + Int. Modifier for every level after)
Class Skills: Balance, Craft, Intimidate, Listen, Sense Motive, Spot
If this is the class skill list, you need to reduce your skill points to 2 + Int per level. There's just not enough in the list to warrant giving out 4 skill points per level.
Also, there's really no need at all to bump something on this forum after 30 minutes. The traffic here is slow enough that you'll still be on the first page after a day or two.
It's fine as a feature, but there needs to be more on top of that.
That's exactly what I meant when I said "Feature Set". "Shiny Weapon" does not serve as an adequate set of features for class. While it might make for an Okay-ish feature among many. Even then, I'm of the opinion that anything you could buy with money is a tough sell in a class table.
I agree with this assessment. And, in fact, that prestige class already exists. (though I'm drawing a blank on the name, I believe it's in Complete Warrior.)
Kensai. It's pretty "Meh", even as standard martial stuff goes.
Also, you messed up the BAB table and the save tables, and you class skill list is pathetically short. There's no excuse for that.
That's exactly what I meant when I said "Feature Set". "Shiny Weapon" does not serve as an adequate set of features for class. While it might make for an Okay-ish feature among many. Even then, I'm of the opinion that anything you could buy with money is a tough sell in a class table.
I had a hunch that's what you meant. But I figured it didn't hurt to elaborate just in case.
Kensai. It's pretty "Meh", even as standard martial stuff goes.
Thanks. Now I can stop wracking my brain trying to think of it.
Kensai is a semi-powerful class in a campaign run by a stingy DM, since you get free magic enhancements. Even in that case, there's a good chance that there's a better class out there somewhere.
I'm sorry, but what exactly is the purpose of this? It seems needless and not even very good or unique at all. You need this and can't just play a certain build of Fighter or Warblade or something because...?
Yeah, you can replicate this exact class by playing a fighter, assuming your DM gives out standard wealth by level. And, frankly, whenever a standard fighter build is better there's probably some serious flaws in the class design.
Letigre: think about what you actually want the class to be. A few bonus feats and free magic enhancements aren't really a class. Even as a prestige class, that'd be pretty weak. So you have an elf who is the ultimate warrior with a particular weapon. Actually, to be more particular, they're the ultimate warrior with a 2-handed bladed weapon of their choice (waraxe, greatsword, longsword wielded in two hands, rapier wielded 2 handed, etc). That's the theme you're shooting for, right?
My first suggestion would be to come up with some sort of "weapon tricks" the character can do. My suggestion would be to make up a whole bunch of them and allow the character to choose which ones he/she wants. Scatter those all throughout the class, probably one trick every other level or so.
I'd also give out bonus feats, probably at a rate of one every other level (making them on levels opposite the tricks). If you're intent on specifically giving out Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization, etc, I suppose that's OK. But really I'd rather you let the player choose. Put those on the list, certainly, but if the player doesn't want it for whatever reason, then don't force him/her to take it.
That's the minimum I'd go with. I'd also look at "capstone" abilities. Feats and weapon tricks are nice, but they're not really anything to write home about. You need a few abilities that make a player want to stay in the class. Come up with three or four (maybe five) of these, and spread them throughout the class, making sure you put something extremely cool at 10th (or thereabouts) and 20th.
Fix your math, correct your skills, and you're set.
As for the purpose of this post, it was to present the responses to the group I'm playing with. I can honestly say that I agree with quite a bit of what you were saying and this is, in fact, not that class that I had started making.
the original concept had the class very much like a fighter, in terms of how many feats you would receive over time. This class had more in the way of number of feats, the drawback being that they were already chosen as apart of the class. (For example: By level 4, a Human Fighter has a total of 6 feats available to him. the Blademaster would have had 8 feats, 6 of which were already build into the class.)
Initially I had left the class at that. It was essentially a specialized fighter with extra feats at the cost of versatility.
Problem was when I presented this to my group it was immediately slapped down as overpowered and the subsequent four hours of discussion and nerfs left it in the state it's currently at.
I admit the skills were a bit of an oversight on my part, easily corrected though.
Generally speaking, if something compares in power to the fighter, it's not overpowered. And, in fact, you'd do well to boost it, since the fighter (in most campaigns, anyway) can't compete with the spellcasters at mid- to high-levels.
Hey, thanks a lot for the help ^^,. I really liked the idea of "weapon tricks" and I've kinda taken that and run with it a bit trying to make them powerful, balanced and still fitting for the heavy RP type of game my friends are looking at running.
My only issue now is selling it to them without screams of Overpowered. I come from a group that has really only had experience in levels lower than 10 and mostly melee heavy groups, so they haven't exactly seen how class' scale.
Any tips on how I might sell this to them or explain how scaling late game can go? (I mean, if I can give them some hard facts they can't ignore they'll give up the ghost, but they'll not go down quietly if they don't agree with it.)