Hi. So I've been asked to provide a teaser on what I am currently working on for the next Hak update (which isn't due any time soon btw and has no ETA, so curb your enthusiasm). I thought that this time I might release my plans earlier so that you have your word to say about it before it hits the test server. It is my pleasure to present you the Avenger Knight prestige class.
Outrageous! MAB this is NOT a P&P prestige class! Where are your standards?
Well... yes and no. It is in fact the Knight of the Shadows prestige class from Van Richten's Arsenal, supplemented with some abilities salvaged from the Blessed Defender prestige class from Heroes of Light. On their own these PrCs are lackluster, and have requirements or abilities we can't implement in-game. But the concept of what they represent has always been something I'd like to see more represented in game: holy warriors empowered by a furious need for vengeance instead of faith. So I mashed them together in a form I hope you would find interesting. It goes as follows.
Avenger Knight
(PRESTIGE CLASS)
The Avenger Knight is a warrior willing to take a stand against evil in the world with the same conviction and dedication as a paladin. It selflessly seeks to protect the virtuous, destroy monstrous beings, and avenge those wronged by the forces of darkness. It is pledged to the destruction of evil, be it a powerful being, a fell organization, a dangerous artifact, etc. Unlike paladins, it is unfettered by ethical concerns regarding law and chaos but always acts with the greater good in mind. Such a knight tries to set an example by performing good deeds wherever he goes and will steadfastly refuse to ally oneself with anyone known to perform evil acts. It's a life on the run as one is bound to make powerful enemies in its crusade. The powers of the Avenger Knight come from its indomitable resolve and unflinching dedication to the cause.
WARNING: To cast a spell, an avenger knight must have a Wisdom score of 10 + the spell's level. For example, to cast a 4th-level spell, an avenger knight must have a Wisdom of 14.
- Base Attack Bonus: +1 / Level.
- Hit Die: d10.
- Primary Saving Throws: Fortitude
- Proficiencies: All simple and martial weapons, light and medium armor, and shields.
- Skill Points: 4 + Int Modifier.
- Spellcasting: Divine (Wisdom-based, spell failure from armor is ignored).
- Ex-Avenger Knight: An avenger knight that is no longer good loses all class spells and abilities, and cannot gain levels until its alignment is good again. An avenger knight may also fall from grace by willingly allying with evil people.
Class Skills: Antagonize, Concentration, Discipline, Disguise, Heal, Hide, Influence, Lore, Move Silently, Parry, Spellcraft.
Unavailable Skills: Animal Empathy, Use Magic Device.
REQUIREMENTS:
Alignment: Any good
Base Attack Bonus: +6
Skills: Lore 4 ranks
Feats: Courage, Dead Man Walking, Expertise
ABILITIES:
Level
1: Guardian of Innocence I - +1 to all saving throws.
Virtue is its Own Reward I - +1 to Lore and Influence skills.
2: Improved Expertise.
3: Virtue is its Own Reward II - +2 to Lore and Influence skills.
4: Sacred Alliance I - +1 bonus to attack and on all saving throws vs fear, +2 enhancement bonus on primary weapons or gloves to self and allies.
5: Guardian of Innocence II - +2 to all saving throws.
Virtue is its Own Reward III - +3 to Lore and Influence skills.
6: Uncanny Dodge I - Retain Dexterity bonus to AC, even when flat-footed.
7: Virtue is its Own Reward IV - +4 to Lore and Influence skills.
8: Sacred Alliance II - Weapon EB increased to +3, 1d8 temporary hit points gained.
Healing Circle - Healing Circle spell can be cast 3x/day.
9: Virtue is its Own Reward V - +5 to Lore and Influence skills.
10: Guardian of Innocence III - +3 to all saving throws.
Damage Reduction V - Ignore 5 physical damage per hit.
Spellcasting:
As per the original Knight of the Shadows PrC.
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
0
1
1 0
1 1
1 1 0
1 1 1
2 1 1 0
2 1 1 1
2 2 1 1
2 2 2 1
1st: Bless, Disguise Self, Expeditious Retreat, Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, Sanctuary.
2nd: Aid, Darkness, Invisibility, Ultravision*, Undetectable Alignment*
3rd: Displacement, Haste, Magic Circle against Alignment, Negative Energy Protection, Prayer.
4th: Death Ward, Freedom of Movement, Improved Invisibility, Greater Magic Weapon, Shadow Conjuration
* Not in the usual Knight of the Shadows selection, but chosen for their thematic to shore up the amount of spell options for that level.
One falls from grace and loses all benefits of this prestige class if ceasing to be of good alignment.
Guardian of Innocence
At 1st level, the Avenger Knight gets a +1 bonus to all saving throws. This raises to +2 at 5th level, and +3 at 10th level.
Virtue is its Own Reward
Through its deeds, an avenger knight earns a reputation as a champion of good allowing one to exert a greater influence on others and facilitating the acquisition of knowledge. At 1st level, the Avenger Knight gains a +1 bonus to the Influence & Lore skills, increasing by +1 every 2 Avenger Knight levels.
Defender's Edge
At 2nd level, the Avenger Knight gains the benefit of the Improved Expertise feat.
Sacred Alliance
The Avenger knight can invoke this mystical ability to grant himself and all allies standing within 10' a +1 bonus to attack rolls, a +1 bonus on will saves against fear, and a +2 enhancement bonus to their primary weapons, or gloves if unarmed. Upon reaching level 8, this ability also provides a temporary 1d8 hit points and increases the weapon enhancement bonus to +3. The effect lasts for 1 Hour + 1 Turn per caster level.
Defensive Awareness
At 6th level, the Avenger Knight gains the benefit of the Uncanny Dodge I feat.
Healing Circle
At 8th level, the Avenger Knight can cast the Healing Circle spell three times a day.
Damage Reduction V
At 10th level, the Avenger Knight ignores 5 physical damage per hit.