Balance Help - Graftpunk Prestige Class

[CoyoteCamouflage]

Generally speaking, I'm not fond of Class Abilities that simply provide free feats (the Multiattack tier, in this case), though with how the feat system has been re-worked, I'm not too sure what to make of it in this case-- I don't know if 'free' feats are more, less, or neutral in power compared to 3.5 DnD.

What I would personally like to see is, given the wide variance you can see from grafts, a way to encourage a graft-user to fit a theme or idea, not simply trying to stitch on as many weapons as they can afford (in the classic, I have 14 attacks, at least some of them will hit you mindset. Or, worse, the 14 attacks based around that Suicidal Strike challenge in an opening round).

I am still considering the 'how', exactly. But What I think may work could be to go back to the 'either/or' in the multiattack ability. Similar to the old Monk Fighting Styles from Unearthed Arcana as seen here.

This way, you can really allow a wider option of choices for how people want to handle grafts. Maybe over a way for someone to really deck out a single grafted natural weapon, because only having one or two appeals to them more than having dozens.

I think the multiattack tier just... pushes people in an obvious direction, so I think a few choices in how to accommodate those styles could work better. Maybe something even like a Ranger's Fighting style-- at the first level, the PC picks a type of graft to specialize in. Combat grafts give the same kinda of basic bonuses you have now, but close off some other options. Whereas you can have a more skill-defense focused group that provides access to better conditions-- increased armor, better skill bonuses, etc. but at the cost of reduced access to the combat bonuses.

I could easily see it catering to a more diverse group of graft-users, who might be more interested in being able to adapt the class to a particular theme, as opposed to being pushed into a single theme that the class was designed for.

Summary:

1. Consider more options for bonuses to grafts.

2. Consider splitting a focus between combat/weapon and non-combat grafts.

3. Better upgrades build upon lower-level upgrades as requirements.

3. Allow only limited access (Tier 1 of 3?) to the opposite specialty, making the choice of grafts the focus-- there are lots of kinds of grafts, so why not let people focus on the grafts they want, how they want?

[Steerpike]

Thanks for the comments Llum - and if you are a power gamer you're not the obnoxious kind!

Coyote, great thoughts.  I'm going to retool the class some more.  Crow, I hope that's OK - Carver hasn't leveled up yet, has he?

EDIT: The monk fighting styles are an excellent guide.  I think I'll follow a very similar model.  Possible styles might include the "Multifarious Limbs" strand of abilities and the "Horrific Abomination" strand of abilities, as well as possible sets of abilities designed for clockwork-oriented Graftpunks and the like.

[CoyoteCamouflage]

Possible styles might include the "Multifarious Limbs" strand of abilities and the "Horrific Abomination" strand of abilities, as well as possible sets of abilities designed for clockwork-oriented Graftpunks and the like.

...


I think I just let out a maniacal giggle.

[Superfluous Crow]

Perfectly fine. Haven't taken any levels in it yet.

EDIT: It should be noted that Carver isn't modifying himself in any particular direction, so I'd end up in a bit of a dilemma if forced to choose between actual graft paths. Otherwise it sounds good.

[Steerpike]

Tentatively, I've updated the class above with mechanics inspired by Coyote's suggestion.  The class can now be pursued for up to 10 levels.

Three "Archetypes" are available from which the Graftpunk can select abilities.  I want to add at least one more potential Archetype.  A swiss-army knife/skill-monkey Archetype is a possibility, but I'm having trouble coming up with abilities for it that don't simply involve flat skill bonuses, which are sort of boring.

As now the Graftpunk doesn't gain as many of his abilities per level as he did before I tried to beef up one or two.  Hopefully it's not underpowered.  There's now also a way for the Graftpunk to become immune to sneak attacks/critical hits but he'd need to be level 10 to accomplish it.

EDIT: Added the "Patchwork Blademaster" Archetype for those with lots of grafted artificial weapons.  The Archetype's 5th level ability is stolen from the Dervish prestige class.  It's pretty crazy at high levels, but usable only once per day.

[blockquote=Conundrum Crow]EDIT: It should be noted that Carver isn't modifying himself in any particular direction, so I'd end up in a bit of a dilemma if forced to choose between actual graft paths. Otherwise it sounds good. [/blockquote]I hope the class is still versatile enough for you.  As you're not bound to a single Archetype you can create any "graft path" you desire: dedicating yourself to fewer styles simply concentrates your efficacy in them.

EDIT: Added the "Posessed" Archetype for those with demoniac grafts, with abilties culled from Prestige Classes such as Blackguard and Acolyte of the Skin.  Also added Prerequisities to each Archetype.

[Superfluous Crow]

Looks really cool! If nothing else, the Horror path seems to follow the old class pretty closely. But I can imagine dabbling in the others.
The names are superb by the way; Patchwork Blademaster and gearborg. neat.

[O Senhor Leetz]

if I ever started a death metal band, it would be called Graftpunk Prestige Class.