Shadowchild (base class) - Contains OGC!

[Xathan]

Hey everyone. This is a new base class: the shadowchild. It's still in development, but this is a close to final version. I'd love to hear feedback on the mechanics right now: I'll include flavor later.
 ALL INFORMATION BELOW THIS IS CONSIDERED OPEN GAME CONTENT UNTIL OTHERWISE NOTED
[class=Shadowchild (d6 HD)]
[bab=rogue]
[fort=poor]
[ref=good]
[will=poor]
[special]
[1]Umbral Pool, Dark Fortitude, Shadow Stride[/1]
[2]Darkvision 60ft, AC bonus[/2]
[3]uncanny Dodge[/3]
[5]True Darkvision (half)[/5]
[6]Darkvision +30,  Evasion[/6]
[8]Shadow Companion[/8]
[9]Improved Uncanny Dodge[/9]
[12]Darkvision +30[/12]
[14]Improved Evasion[/14]
[16]True Darkvision (full)[/16]
[18]Darkvision +30[/18]
[20]Second Companion[/20]
[/special]
[special=Dusk Strike]
[1]1d6[/1]
[4]2d6[/4]
[7]3d6[/7]
[10]4d6[/10]
[13]5d6[/13]
[16]6d6[/16]
[19]7d6[/19]
[/special]
[special=Shadow Stride]
[1]10ft[/1]
[4]20ft[/4]
[8]30ft[/8]
[12]40ft[/12]
[16]50ft[/16]
[20]60ft[/20]
[/special]
[special=Companion HD]
[11]+2[/11][repeat]
[14]+4[/14][repeat]
[17]+6[/17][repeat]
[20]+8[/20]
[/special]
 [/class]

Class skills (key ability): Balance (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Int), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (the planes) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Open Lock (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Use Magic Device (Cha), and Use Rope (Dex).

Skill points at first level: 6 + intelligence modifier x4

Skill points at each additional level: 6 + intelligence modifer

Umbral Pool(su)
At first level, a shadowchild gains an umbral pool. By drawing and storing energy from the Plane of Shadow into himself, a shadowchild gains power he can use to power his special abilities. A shadowchild's pool contains a number of charges equal to his charisma modifier (if any) plus 1/2 his Hit Dice, minimum 1. To recharge his umbral pool, a shadowchild must rest in an area of shadow, taking no action that involves physical exertion (and casting no spells) during this time period. If he does, he gains 1 charge for each minute spent resting.

Dark Fortitude (su)
As long as a shadowchild's umbral pool is not empty, he gains a +2 bonus on fortitude saves.

Dusk Strike (ex)
At 1st level, a shadowchild gains the dusk strike special ability. Against an opponent who is flat footed or would be denied his dexterity bonus to AC, a shadowchild deals an additional 1d6 points of damage. At 4th level, and every three levels thereafter (7, 10, 13, 15, and 18), the extra damage dealt by dusk strike increases by 1d6. This damage increases to 1d8 per dice if the shadowchild spends a charge from his umbral pool. If a charge is spent in this manner, this ability becomes a supernatural ability. Ranged attacks can count as dusk strikes only if the target is within 30 feet. With a sap (blackjack) or an unarmed strike, a shadowchild can make a dusk strike that deals nonlethal damage instead of lethal damage. She cannot use a weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage in a dusk strike, not even with the usual -4 penalty. A shadowchild can dusk strike only living creatures with discernible anatomies'"undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures lack vital areas to attack. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is not vulnerable to dusk strikes. The shadowchild must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. A shadowchild cannot dusk strike while striking a creature with concealment or striking the limbs of a creature whose vitals are beyond reach.

The extra damage from dusk strike stacks with the extra damage from sneak attack whenever both would apply to the same target.

Shadow Stride (su): At 1st level, a shadowchild gains the ability to step between this world and the plane of shadow. As a move action that provokes attacks of opportunity, a shadowchild can teleport himself and up to 50 lbs of gear a maximum 10 feet. At 4th level, and every four levels thereafter, the maximum range of this ability increases by an additional 10 feet. The shadowchild must begin and end his teleport in an area of shadow. In all other regards, this teleportation function as the dimension door spell. Each use of shadowstride takes one charge.

Darkvision (su)
At 2nd level, a shadowchild gains darkvision out to 60 feet, or his existing darkvision increases by 30 feet. At level 6, and every 6 levels thereafter (12, 18), a shadowchild's darkvision increases by 30 feet. If a shadowchild spends a charge, this darkvision allows the shadowchild to see colors as he would with normal vision, and also allows the shadowchild to see up to his range in areas of magical darkness.

AC Bonus (su)
At 2nd level, a shadowchild adds her charisma modifier as a deflection bonus to AC as long as her umbral pool is not empty. By spending a charge, the shadowchild can increase this bonus by +1 per 5 class levels for a number of rounds equal to the shadowchild's charisma modifier. This bonus only applies when the shadowchild is wearing no armor and is carrying only a light load. The bonus provided by this ability stacks with similar bonuses provided by other classes.

Uncanny dodge (ex) At 3rd level, a shadowchild gains the uncanny dodge special ability, as the barbarian ability of the same name.

True Darkvision (su): At 5th level, a shadowchild gains true darkvision, up to half the distance of his normal darkvision. While in an area of darkness, even magical darkness, a shadowchild can distinguish color as if seeing in a well lit area out to the limits of his true darkvision range.  Beyond the limit of his true darkvision, the shadowchild's normal black and white darkvision functions normally.
At 16th level, the range of a shadowchild's true darkvision extends out to his normal darkvision range.

Evasion (ex): At 6th level, a shadowchild gains the evasion special ability, as the rogue ability by the same name.

Shadow Companion
At 8th level, a shadowchild can summon a shadow, an undead shade. Unlike a normal shadow, this shadow's alignment matches that of the shadowchild, and the creature cannot create spawn. The summoned shadow cannot be turned, rebuked, or commanded by any third party. This shadow serves as a companion to the shadowchild and can communicate intelligibly with the shadowchild. Every third level gained by the shadowchild adds +2 HD (and the requisite base attack and base save bonus increases) to her shadow companion. At 20th level, a shadowchild gains the service of a second companion. This companion is a dread wraith, with the same benefits and restrictions as a shadow. However, it does not gain additional HD.

If a shadow companion is destroyed, or the shadowchild chooses to dismiss it, the shadowchild must attempt a DC 15 Fortitude save. If the saving throw fails, the shadowchild loses 200 experience points per shadowchild level. A successful saving throw reduces the loss by half, to 100 XP per shadowchild class level. The shadowchild's XP total can never go below 0 as the result of a shadow's dismissal or destruction. A destroyed or dismissed shadow companion cannot be replaced for 30 days.

Improved Uncanny Dodge (ex): At 9th level, a shadowchild gains the improved uncanny dodge special ability, as the barbican ability of the same name.

Improved Evasion (ex): At 14th level, a shadowchild gains the improved evasion special ability, as the rogue ability of the same name.
 THIS POST CONTAINS NO MORE OPEN GAME CONTENT

[Matt Larkin (author)]

Xathan, seems like a cool base version of the shadow dancer.

I never liked the shadow companion ability of that class, so I'm not happy to see that.

Your shadow stride text distance doesn't match the table.

Why not just call it sneak attack and make a note in the umbral pool that you can spend a charge for an umbral strike.

As written, I think it could be slightly more powerful without going over the top. Maybe make Will a strong save. Or perhaps blend a little with the Tome of Magic shadow class?

[Xathan]

Thanks for the reply!

I'm personally a big fan of the shadow companion, so I'll be keeping it - but I understand where you're coming from.

Whoops on the stride - I'll go fix that. The written text is the accurate version.

The reason I'm not making it sneak attack is because sneak attack is better than this: dusk strike doesn't provide a bonus to flanked opponents, making it useful less often. While I could just call it sudden strike, since that was the inspiration, but I want to keep this class OGC, so I can't use anything that's not found in the SRD.

I considered giving it some mystical abilities that would function similarly to invocation, though you'd have to spend charges to use them. While I'd love to just give it invocations or mysteries, the same problem with sudden strike applies - both of those are not OGC, and therefore I cannot use them (or rather, do not want to.) I'll consider some ways to beef this class up - I'm actually somewhat relieved to hear it's underpowered, rather than overpowered.

Thanks for the feedback!

Update: Fixed shadowstride, and mentioned that you can carry 50 lbs of material with you.

[Captain Obvious]

Like the idea for this class. I have the same comments as Pheoix, but you already dealt with them.

One more thing. When you spend a charge to boost your AC bonus, how long does the boost last for?

[Xathan]

Ahh, thanks: the boost lasts for a number of rounds equal to the characters charisma modifier.

[brainface]

I don't think the umbral pool is helping out that much--without more awesome abilities for it to power, i think you could lose the pool and just let the class use its darkvision and AC boosts unlimited. I'm not sure it's necessary to limit shadow strike in such a way. I'm guessing you're basing it off WotC's ninja's sudden strike ability, but the ninja could at least hide themselves as a swift action, letting them use their ability more. But mostly i think this guy's having to pay resources for things other classes get for free (rogue & sneak attack, monk & level dependent ac bonus).

Also, the class has search and disable device, but no trap-finding. That's not really unheard of, but it's kind of irritating to have to multi-class to rogue to be able to look for traps that actually matter.

I like the theme of the class otherwise. Shadow-magic people are always cool. :)

[Poseptune]

I like the Umbral Pool, it gives versatility and makes the abilities more per encounter than per day. However I find it lacking. For example at first level I would be able to (Assuming 14 in CHA) up my Dusk Strike 2 times (wanting to leave the one point in there for the Fort Boost) per encounter.

That's not bad at first level but what about at 5th level (upped CHA to 15 at lvl 4), I can either raise my AC by one or up the Dusk strike 4 times (The colored darkvision is not used in combat since one of the party members will not have darkvision it almost always happens and with 1 minute of rest is an at will ability :( ). +1 AC or +2d8 damage the AC just doesn't seem worth it (I'm already gain +2 from the ability), so I flank and up my damage.

What about at level 14 (upped Cha to 17 at lvls 8 at 12, so 10 Umbral Points), I can up my AC by 2 or I can add 5d8 to may attack 9 times. What happens then? I up my AC for three rounds and use those rounds to deal +5d8 damage.

There is really nothing else to do with it. There is no real versatility in it as written. There need to be other abilities that use the Umbral Pool. What about something based off the spells Shadow Conjuration and Shadow Evocation? (I don't know what else would be a good ability that is OGC.)


What's abusable: The Shadow Stride ability does not say that it locations must be within sight. Otherwise the character can jump through walls and closed doors as long as they are not 10 feet thick at will at first level.




What constitutes shadow? In a completely dark alley or hallway do the jumping and Ubmral recharge abilities work?

The class gives the impression of an infiltrator/assassin, so like Brainface said the class should have trapfinding.

[Xathan]

Thanks for the feedback, guys:

First of all, on needing more cool things for umbral pool - you're both right. Right now, I'm working on a list of supernatural abilities that will be usable with umbral pool (though I can't decide if I make them usable at will and allow umbral pool to boost them or if I just require spending points from the umbral pool to use them.) I will be dropping the use of umbral pool to boost AC and darkvision (especially since true darkvision covers that without any need for charges), though I will be keeping the damage boost for umbral strike.

Brainface: First, leaving trapfinding off the list was rather silly of me. I'll put it in there.

Second, thanks for pointing out that other classes get the things I'm making the shadowchild pay for, and you make a compelling case for allowing dusk strike to function like sneak attack (plus damage boost). Since I've been told that three times now (twice here, once somewhere else), popular opinion holds that sneak attack wouldn't be unbalanced, so I'll change it that way.

Posiedeon: First, I cannot thank you enough for the breakdown of umbral pool at various levels - that, more than anything, convinced me I need more with it. I'll hopefully have a writeup of various abilities at some point in the near future.

Good catch on shadow stride. I'm going to make it line of sight at 1st level, and then allow bypassing barriers at 10th.

As for what counts as shadow...I'm honestly not entirely sure. My working idea was "any area darker than the surrounding areas, or anywhere if pitch black," but that doesn't quite work. I'll have to ponder that.
So, right now, what I need help with are the following items:

1) Is the SC's darkvision range too extreme?
2) Should I make the SC's shadow abilities usable at will with umbral points augmenting them, or should I just make them cost charges to use? Or should I have some abilities that use the former structure, and some that use the latter?
3) Is the shadow stride range too short? I considered making it scale more rapidly, but I wasn't sure.
4) Should I keep shadow companion as is? if I change it, how so? (I considered making a "Shadowborn" template and giving the shadowchild a choice of companions with that template)
5) What constitutes shadow?

More to come as I think of them. Thanks again to everyone for the feedback. :)

[Poseptune]

I read the Dusk Strike, as though it was Sneak Attack. Without the flanking there are almost no options for using the Umbral Pool once combat has started.

[quote Xathan, Not Quite Actually Back But Kinda Is]
So, right now, what I need help with are the following items:

1) Is the SC's darkvision range too extreme?[/quote]
2) Should I make the SC's shadow abilities usable at will with umbral points augmenting them, or should I just make them cost charges to use? Or should I have some abilities that use the former structure, and some that use the latter?
[/quote]
3) Is the shadow stride range too short? I considered making it scale more rapidly, but I wasn't sure.
[/quote]
4) Should I keep shadow companion as is? if I change it, how so? (I considered making a "Shadowborn" template and giving the shadowchild a choice of companions with that template)[/quote]
5) What constitutes shadow? [/quote]

That all depends on what you have in mind for these guys. Are they drawn to darkness, as their sight seems to suggest? So you could change their recharge resting area to "any darkened or shadowed area". Now if you want these guys to be of the shadows (true shadows) then there must be a light source near by to cast the shadow.



For their shadow stride ability, what size does the shadow need to be? Can he jump into or out of a small shadow of a thin pole?

[Ishmayl-Retired]

I'm having a bit of a hard time figuring out what the purpose of the class is.  Don't get me wrong, I love anything that has to do with shadows (such as...), and I think the class has good flavor, but he seems to realistically be more of a combination of a race and class, than just a class - almost like the old first edition classes of "elf" and "dwarf."  The class seems mostly rogue, with some various supernatural powers related to the dark.  If you were to put a shadowchild in your setting(s), what would its role(s) be?

[Xathan]

I read the Dusk Strike, as though it was Sneak Attack. Without the flanking there are almost no options for using the Umbral Pool once combat has started.

Not really, though it reaches 150ft by 20th level. That's not too bad, but you could possibly lose one of those +30's to put in another ability.[/quote]A mixture. Allow the ShadowChild to boost one or too things (AC, Dusk Stride, Darkvision) and  then have other abilities that can only be used from expending an Umbral Point (Spell like ability and such). [/quote]Probably. Shadow Jaunt from the Tome of Battle is available to a 4th level character and allows the character to jump 50ft as a standard action (within line of sight and line of effect). Possibly adding a shadow meld ability to help with hiding.[/quote]The template may be better, the Shadow Companion seems out of place as is with this class, but because you said you loved it I stayed away from it in my comments.[/quote]That all depends on what you have in mind for these guys. Are they drawn to darkness, as their sight seems to suggest? So you could change their recharge resting area to "any darkened or shadowed area". Now if you want these guys to be of the shadows (true shadows) then there must be a light source near by to cast the shadow.

For their shadow stride ability, what size does the shadow need to be? Can he jump into or out of a small shadow of a thin pole?
[/quote]

I'll probably go with the former: the other one gets too esoteric, and also deprives the shadowchild of powers when he's in a fully dark area, which is just silly.

The shadow size needs to be'¦well, I don't know how to define that. I guess I'd say any shadow that has a length and width of at least one foot. That prevents silliness, like jumping into the shadow of a fly, but allows for some of the cool mental images I have, such as a shadowchild jumping out of a chair's shadow to attack someone or, most importantly, jumping out of the shadow

[Xathan]

I'm having a bit of a hard time figuring out what the purpose of the class is. Don't get me wrong, I love anything that has to do with shadows (such as...), and I think the class has good flavor, but he seems to realistically be more of a combination of a race and class, than just a class - almost like the old first edition classes of "elf" and "dwarf." The class seems mostly rogue, with some various supernatural powers related to the dark. If you were to put a shadowchild in your setting(s), what would its role(s) be?

Combat wise, as you noted, the shadowchild is a supernatural rogue. When you get right down to it, in a combat, the shadowchild functions almost the same way a rogue does: hits people while the meat shield keeps their attention.

Setting wise, that does somewhat vary depending on the setting. Once I get the flavor hammered out and written better (as well as The Dark Frontier, the setting this class is designed to work in), you'll see a more defined role, but overall, here's how I envision shadowchildren working.

You were right in calling them somewhat of a race/class, as much so as the sorcerer is in 3.5 DnD. A shadowchild is someone born touched by shadow. It could be from heritage, or just a natural mutation, or perhaps the shadowchild was just born at the right time, under the right sign. They fit best in a setting where the Plane of Shadow (or local equivalent) play a strong role. On the whole, however, what the sorcerer is to magic, so the shadowchild is to shadow.

However, this only tells where they come from, not what they do. Other people are born with this same touch, but don't train it in or revel in it like shadowchildren (and some later classes) do. While their role is largely setting specific, here's a few examples of what they do in some of my settings:

In one, they are almost universally part of the Atramentous Cabal, a religious cult dedicated to the concept of Divine Shadow. They serve as the Cabal's spies and assassins, using the power they have to fulfill these roles. Note that shadowchildren are not inherently part of the Cabal, but rather adopted once they display their powers. (Untrained shadowchildren often cause ambient light to flicker, fade away when standing in darkness, etc.) Often such children are disowned, and view the Cabal as their family. Some, however, are renegades, either overlooked by the Cabal or deliberately avoiding it. These people find work in thieves guilds or among adventurers, but must be careful of their powers, lest the Cabal find them and give them an offer: membership or death.

In another, The Dark Frontier (which should be posted soon), they are born among the people that are slowly populating the Duskwilds. Byliving in, or even on the border, of a land so tied to darkness, people are exposing themselves to it and slowly becoming altered over generations. Shadowchildren are the strongest manifestation of this, but since they are a very recent phenomena, they don't have a defined role yet: the only thing they share in common is they are generally disowned when their powers manifest, so eek out a living much like an orphaned rogue must.

Finally, in Datrik 2.0, shadowchildren are just another manifestation of the darkness. They are somewhat mistrusted because their abilities make them natural thieves, liars, and killers, but there is no huge prejudice against them. Many join Guilds composed of shadowchildren and other classes that have an umbral pool, (what, you think I'd only use such a fun mechanic once?) or are hired by people looking to delve further into the mysteries of the dark, because they possess an intuitive connection to it that makes them perfect guides and companions.

Those are just three examples of how they work. Because of their class abilities, they tend to fall into some roles more easily then others, but they are flexible enough to fit a wide variety of roles in a setting.

Does that answer your question? Any other ones? I'm really looking forward to seeing shadowfell updates - I'm quite a fan of it. :-)