Khoran
2007-05-31, 11:04 AM
Not all Champions of Good are the knights in shining armor the stories that children hear of in their beds. Outside of this glorious image there are the Nightblades, Crusaders against evil who strike at it where-ever it lays its head. The Nightblade is not far from the Paladin, they are both tools of the good gods, but these champions are far more willing to put their personal honor behind them to strike down evil where it stands, no matter what law protects it. The Nightblade will often use stealth and deception to strike down the wicked.
Adventures: A Nightblade will often see an adventure in a similar way to a Paladin, like a quest that they must complete. While their cousins are concerned more on Bravery and developing their martial skills, a Nightblade will focus more on hunting evils in the shadows and honing their deceptive practices. While they are dedicated to exterminating evil, a Nightblade must also attempt to aid those in need
Characteristics: A Nightblade’s strength lies mainly in its deceptive skill. Stealth, cunning and a silver tongue are what normally keep a Nightblade’s head on their shoulders. Although, one cannot disregard the divine power that the Nightblade has been granted, which may aid themselves and their allies in their mission against evil. Nightblades have their strengths in combat, able to strike hard at those who are wicked and those they are able to deceive.
Alignment: Nightblades are always Chaotic Good, and much like a Paladin, will lose their divine gifts if they ever deviate from this alignment. Like Paladins, they also swear a code of conduct, but theirs is less restrictive, granting the Nightblade more freedom to carry out their mission.
Religion: A Nightblade does not need to align themselves with a particular god; devotion to the cause of destruction of the wicked is enough to fuel their divine power. However, it is not uncommon for a Nightblade to swear themselves to one of the gods.
Background: What creates a Nightblade is a bit of an enigma. Perhaps they were to be Paladins, but did not comprehend their calling completely. Perhaps they are of their own stock, where Paladins are called by the Gods of Valor to begin their crusades; Nightblades are called by other sources. Perhaps there is no call; perhaps Nightblades are born, not made. Many Nightblades describe seeing a great injustice when they were children, often ones that went unpunished by the law.
Nightblades often are self trained, learning their non-divine abilities on streets of towns and cities. In youth, if they have not already discovered themselves, they would be more akin to a rogue with a nagging conscious. Nightblades are rarely members of the upper echelons of society, and are far more likely to rise out of poor city streets and slums. Though it is not unheard of for a nobleman to suddenly become inspired and join the ranks of the Nightblades.
Races: Humans take easily to becoming a Nightblade, with their flexibility and adaptability. Elves, Half-Elves and Halfling also have been known to become Nightblades, which blend more with their races morality and their natural abilities then becoming a Paladin. Gnomes rarely become Nightblades due to their aloof nature, and Dwarves are even rarer, often seeing the practices as dishonorable and untraditional.
Other Classes: NightBlades often are found amongst rogues, since this is where it is easiest to hide from those who would seek to end them before their missions are complete. They will often associate with near anymore, though are most reluctant to side with Paladins and Monks, who are often too restrictive and rigid to mix well with the Nightblade’s divine mission.
Role: The Nightblade is most often a melee combatant akin to a rogue, using their ability to sneak attack and smite evil to inflict damage upon the wicked. Their spell casting also allows them to act in a support role. High Charisma and many social skills also give a Nightblade the ability to become the “face” of the party.
The Nightblade
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Hit Die: d6
Class Skills Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide(Dex), Knowledge [Local][Religion] (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive(Wis), Sleight of Hand(Dex), Spot(Wis), Tumble(Dex), Use Magical Device(Cha), Use Rope(Dex)
Skills Points: 6+Int, (6+Int) x4 at First Level.
{table=head]Level|
Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|1st|2nd|3rd|4th
1st|
+0|
+0|
+2|
+2|Smite Evil 1/Day, Aura of Good, Detect Evil|-|-|-|-
2nd|
+1|
+0|
+3|
+3|Divine Guardian|-|-|-|-
3rd|
+2|
+1|
+3|
+3|Aura of Stealth, Divine Resistance, Sneak Attack +1d6|-|-|-|-
4th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+4|Evasion|0|-|-|-
5th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+4|Smite Evil 2/Day, Sneak Attack +2d6|0|-|-|-
6th|
+4|
+2|
+5|
+5 ||1|-|-|-
7th|
+5|
+2|
+5|
+5|Sneak Attack +3d6|1|-|-|-
8th|
+6/1|
+2|
+6|
+6||1|0|-|-
9th|
+6/1|
+3|
+6|
+6| Sneak Attack +4d6|1|0|-|-
10th|
+7/2|
+3|
+7|
+7|Smite Evil 3/Day|1|1|-|-
11th|
+8/3|
+3|
+7|
+7|Sneak Attack +5d6|1|1|0|-
12th|
+9/4|
+4|
+8|
+8|Improved Evasion|1|1|1|-
13th|
+9/4|
+4|
+x8|
+8|Sneak Attack +6d6|1|1|1|-
14th|
+10/5|
+4|
+9|
+9||2|1|1|-
15th|
+11/6/1|
+5|
+9|
+9|Smite Evil 4/Day, Sneak Attack +7d6|2|1|1|0
16th|
+12/7/2|
+5|
+10|
+10||2|2|1|1
17th|
+12/7/2|
+5|
+10|
+10|Sneak Attack +8d6|2|2|2|1
18th|
+13/8/3|
+6|
+11|
+11||3|2|2|1
19th|
+14/9/4|
+6|
+11|
+11|Sneak Attack +9d6|3|3|3|2
20th|
+15/10/5|
+6|
+12|
+12|Smite Evil 5/day|3|3|3|3[/table]
Weapons and Armor Proficiency:
Nightblades are proficient with all Light Armors and Bucklers. Nightblades are proficient with all simple weapons and one Martial Weapon of their choice.
Divine Guardian (Su): The Gods have granted the Nightblade the power to have his very presence act as a protective shield. This shield is always active and is invisible. A Nightblade adds his Cha modifier (if positive) as a deflection modifier.
Aura of Stealth(Su): Beginning at 3rd level, a divinely magical force surrounds the Nightblade, partially muting sound and making the Nightblade seem to stand out less. While in this Aura, the Nightblade and all Allies within 10 feet gain +4 on Hide and Move Silently.
Divine Resistance (Ex): Starting at 4th Level, the Nightblade becomes immune to poison, including supernatural and magical poisons.
Spells:
1st: Bless, Bless Water, Bless Weapon, Create Water, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Poisons, Detect Undead, Divine Favor, Endure Elements, Magic Weapon, Protection from Law/Evil, Read Magic, Resistance, Restoration, Virtue
2nd: Cat's Grace, Delay Poison, Eagle's Splendor, Owl's Wisdom, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Shield Other, Undetectable Alignment, Zone of Truth
3rd: Cure Moderate, Deeper Darkness, Discern Lies, Dispel Magic, Glibness, Magic Circle against Law/Evil, Greater Magic Weapon, Prayer, Remove Blindness/Deafness, Remove Curse
4th: 4th: Break Enchantment, Cure Serious Wounds, Death Ward, Dispel Law, Dispel Evil, Holy Sword, Mark of Justice, Neutralize Poison, Restoration
----
Whatcha'll think? This is mainly a product of boredom. I decided to practice writting the fluff and drew up a quick class to go along with it.
Adventures: A Nightblade will often see an adventure in a similar way to a Paladin, like a quest that they must complete. While their cousins are concerned more on Bravery and developing their martial skills, a Nightblade will focus more on hunting evils in the shadows and honing their deceptive practices. While they are dedicated to exterminating evil, a Nightblade must also attempt to aid those in need
Characteristics: A Nightblade’s strength lies mainly in its deceptive skill. Stealth, cunning and a silver tongue are what normally keep a Nightblade’s head on their shoulders. Although, one cannot disregard the divine power that the Nightblade has been granted, which may aid themselves and their allies in their mission against evil. Nightblades have their strengths in combat, able to strike hard at those who are wicked and those they are able to deceive.
Alignment: Nightblades are always Chaotic Good, and much like a Paladin, will lose their divine gifts if they ever deviate from this alignment. Like Paladins, they also swear a code of conduct, but theirs is less restrictive, granting the Nightblade more freedom to carry out their mission.
Religion: A Nightblade does not need to align themselves with a particular god; devotion to the cause of destruction of the wicked is enough to fuel their divine power. However, it is not uncommon for a Nightblade to swear themselves to one of the gods.
Background: What creates a Nightblade is a bit of an enigma. Perhaps they were to be Paladins, but did not comprehend their calling completely. Perhaps they are of their own stock, where Paladins are called by the Gods of Valor to begin their crusades; Nightblades are called by other sources. Perhaps there is no call; perhaps Nightblades are born, not made. Many Nightblades describe seeing a great injustice when they were children, often ones that went unpunished by the law.
Nightblades often are self trained, learning their non-divine abilities on streets of towns and cities. In youth, if they have not already discovered themselves, they would be more akin to a rogue with a nagging conscious. Nightblades are rarely members of the upper echelons of society, and are far more likely to rise out of poor city streets and slums. Though it is not unheard of for a nobleman to suddenly become inspired and join the ranks of the Nightblades.
Races: Humans take easily to becoming a Nightblade, with their flexibility and adaptability. Elves, Half-Elves and Halfling also have been known to become Nightblades, which blend more with their races morality and their natural abilities then becoming a Paladin. Gnomes rarely become Nightblades due to their aloof nature, and Dwarves are even rarer, often seeing the practices as dishonorable and untraditional.
Other Classes: NightBlades often are found amongst rogues, since this is where it is easiest to hide from those who would seek to end them before their missions are complete. They will often associate with near anymore, though are most reluctant to side with Paladins and Monks, who are often too restrictive and rigid to mix well with the Nightblade’s divine mission.
Role: The Nightblade is most often a melee combatant akin to a rogue, using their ability to sneak attack and smite evil to inflict damage upon the wicked. Their spell casting also allows them to act in a support role. High Charisma and many social skills also give a Nightblade the ability to become the “face” of the party.
The Nightblade
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Hit Die: d6
Class Skills Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Forgery (Int), Gather Information (Cha), Hide(Dex), Knowledge [Local][Religion] (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive(Wis), Sleight of Hand(Dex), Spot(Wis), Tumble(Dex), Use Magical Device(Cha), Use Rope(Dex)
Skills Points: 6+Int, (6+Int) x4 at First Level.
{table=head]Level|
Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Special|1st|2nd|3rd|4th
1st|
+0|
+0|
+2|
+2|Smite Evil 1/Day, Aura of Good, Detect Evil|-|-|-|-
2nd|
+1|
+0|
+3|
+3|Divine Guardian|-|-|-|-
3rd|
+2|
+1|
+3|
+3|Aura of Stealth, Divine Resistance, Sneak Attack +1d6|-|-|-|-
4th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+4|Evasion|0|-|-|-
5th|
+3|
+1|
+4|
+4|Smite Evil 2/Day, Sneak Attack +2d6|0|-|-|-
6th|
+4|
+2|
+5|
+5 ||1|-|-|-
7th|
+5|
+2|
+5|
+5|Sneak Attack +3d6|1|-|-|-
8th|
+6/1|
+2|
+6|
+6||1|0|-|-
9th|
+6/1|
+3|
+6|
+6| Sneak Attack +4d6|1|0|-|-
10th|
+7/2|
+3|
+7|
+7|Smite Evil 3/Day|1|1|-|-
11th|
+8/3|
+3|
+7|
+7|Sneak Attack +5d6|1|1|0|-
12th|
+9/4|
+4|
+8|
+8|Improved Evasion|1|1|1|-
13th|
+9/4|
+4|
+x8|
+8|Sneak Attack +6d6|1|1|1|-
14th|
+10/5|
+4|
+9|
+9||2|1|1|-
15th|
+11/6/1|
+5|
+9|
+9|Smite Evil 4/Day, Sneak Attack +7d6|2|1|1|0
16th|
+12/7/2|
+5|
+10|
+10||2|2|1|1
17th|
+12/7/2|
+5|
+10|
+10|Sneak Attack +8d6|2|2|2|1
18th|
+13/8/3|
+6|
+11|
+11||3|2|2|1
19th|
+14/9/4|
+6|
+11|
+11|Sneak Attack +9d6|3|3|3|2
20th|
+15/10/5|
+6|
+12|
+12|Smite Evil 5/day|3|3|3|3[/table]
Weapons and Armor Proficiency:
Nightblades are proficient with all Light Armors and Bucklers. Nightblades are proficient with all simple weapons and one Martial Weapon of their choice.
Divine Guardian (Su): The Gods have granted the Nightblade the power to have his very presence act as a protective shield. This shield is always active and is invisible. A Nightblade adds his Cha modifier (if positive) as a deflection modifier.
Aura of Stealth(Su): Beginning at 3rd level, a divinely magical force surrounds the Nightblade, partially muting sound and making the Nightblade seem to stand out less. While in this Aura, the Nightblade and all Allies within 10 feet gain +4 on Hide and Move Silently.
Divine Resistance (Ex): Starting at 4th Level, the Nightblade becomes immune to poison, including supernatural and magical poisons.
Spells:
1st: Bless, Bless Water, Bless Weapon, Create Water, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Poisons, Detect Undead, Divine Favor, Endure Elements, Magic Weapon, Protection from Law/Evil, Read Magic, Resistance, Restoration, Virtue
2nd: Cat's Grace, Delay Poison, Eagle's Splendor, Owl's Wisdom, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Shield Other, Undetectable Alignment, Zone of Truth
3rd: Cure Moderate, Deeper Darkness, Discern Lies, Dispel Magic, Glibness, Magic Circle against Law/Evil, Greater Magic Weapon, Prayer, Remove Blindness/Deafness, Remove Curse
4th: 4th: Break Enchantment, Cure Serious Wounds, Death Ward, Dispel Law, Dispel Evil, Holy Sword, Mark of Justice, Neutralize Poison, Restoration
----
Whatcha'll think? This is mainly a product of boredom. I decided to practice writting the fluff and drew up a quick class to go along with it.