At 1st Level: the cavalier is able to vault into the saddle and have the steed underway during the same round.Cavaliers benefit from a number of other special abilities, including the following:
At 3rd Level: the cavalier is able to coax additional speed out of a steed, increasing its movement by 30'(10').
At 5th Level: a cavalier may ride a pegasus as a steed.
At 7th Level: a cavalier may ride a hippogriff as a steed.
At 9th Level: a cavalier may handle a griffon (or similar creature of lawful or neutral alignment) as a steed.
Fear Immunity. Cavaliers are immune to all fear effects (magical or otherwise).ARMOR: To a cavalier, armor is more than protection—it’s a badge of station. With appearance being just as (if not) more important than function, cavaliers will seek to own the best and most elaborate armor they can afford. Plate is the cavalier’s armor of choice, with lesser types of armor ranking increasing lower on the scale of desirability (with banded/splint next in line behind plate, then chain, then scale and ring mail). This succession of desirability for armor supercedes its protective abilities (e.g., a cavalier would rather wear standard plate armor than +3 chain mail). A cavalier may never wear leather or padded armor; being the dress of theives and commoners, such armor is below the cavalier’s station.
Strong Will. There is a 90% chance that any attempt to control a cavalier magically or psionically (e.g., charm, domination, hold, hypnosis, possession, sleep, suggestion, etc.) will fail. If the resistance roll fails, saving throws are made normally by the attempt to control.
Charge. The charge of the cavalier is among the most devastating offensive weapons any culture can hope to field. When mounted and using a lance, the cavalier recieves a damage bonus equal to his or her level (e.g., a 5th level cavalier would receive a +5 damage bonus when using a lance while mounted).
Reputation. As a cavalier rises in level, the character’s reputation precedes them, providing them a bonus on all reaction rolls for all intelligent creatures with whom the cavalier is capable of speaking. For example, if the cavalier meets a goblin king who doesn’t speak common, and the cavalier is not capable of speaking goblin, then the reaction modifier does not apply to the roll.
Banner. Beginning at 7th level (as a Grand Knight), a cavalier’s banner becomes a symbol of inspiration to his allies and companions. As long as the cavalier’s banner remains clearly visible, all allies within 60' receive a +1 bonus on saving throws against fear; additional and all companions of the party (hirelings, henchmen, etc.) within that range receive a +1 bonus on morale checks. For each 3 additional levels, the bonus increases by +1 (i.e., +2 at 10th level, and +3 at 13th level). The banner must be large enough to be clearly seen from the 60' distance, and must be carried or displayed by the cavalier (or his mount) in order to function.
Serve a Person or Cause: Normally, this is a deity, a greater noble, an order of knighthood, or a similar cause.STRONGHOLDS: Beginning at 6th, any cavalier with enough money may choose to build a manor house, but must hire any personnel required to manage it (especially in the cavalier’s absence). Even after the manor house has been constructed, the cavalier is still considered to be in the service of their lord or order. However, beginning at 9th level, a cavalier may petition their lord or order to establish their own lordship or order, respectively. Should this privilege be awarded (and assuming the cavalier has enough money) the cavalier may then build a stronghold (usually a village castle), which will attract additional settlers beyond those in the employ of the cavalier.
Sustain the Knightly Virtues: In all actions, the cavalier must seek to sustain the following chivalric virtues: prowess, courage, honesty, loyalty, generosity, faith, courtesy, and franchise. Franchise is the virtue of practicing the other eight virtues without any though of profit or personal gain. It is the purest motive—selflessness in every action
Adhere to the Knight’s Code: Cavaliers fight not to defeat foes, but to prove their honor, demonstrate their prowess, and win renown. As stories rise from their deeds, they seek to lead by example, and encourage others to live righteous lives. The Knight’s Code, therefore, focuses on fair play; victories won through skill gain more glory than those achieved through chicanery. Any victory won that violates the following code will not earn experience points for the cavalier.A cavalier never attacks from behind.
A cavalier never strikes a foe that has not prepared themselves for battle. (A cavalier may never attack during a round in which his party has surprise.)
A cavalier never attacks a helpless foe in a manner that will cause the foe hit point damage. A cavalier may, however, strike a foe as long as the damage imposed does not deal hit point damage (e.g., magical effects).
A cavalier of neutral or lawful alignment never uses poison against a foe.
Third Eye. Beginning at 3rd level, a devine gains a permanent third eye. While it precludes the use of third eyes (as psionic items), it does provide the devine with a number of permanent abilities based on his or her level, including the following:
– 3rd Level: infravision to 120'
– 5th Level: ability to see into the Ethereal Plane
– 7th Level: psionic true seeing
All of these abilities are usable concurrently if the devine so chooses.
Detect Planar Natives. Beginning at 4th level, a devine gains the ability to sense the presence of planar natives to a radius of 360' (if in the same plane as the devine). This ability works through all materials except iron, and includes bound creatures (e.g., through magic jar or in a soul gem). The type of being detectable depend on the level of the devine as below:
– 4th Level: Ethereal natives
– 6th Level: Astral Natives
– 8th Level: natives of the inner/outer planes
Devines are unable to detect the presence of natives of the Shadow or Dream Planes.
Extra Limbs. Beginning at 9th level, a devine gains access to the use of an extra pair of arms. These arms take 1 round of concentration to manifest and they remain for 3 turns, though the devine may dismiss them before the end of that duration. From 9th through 11th level, this ability is usable 3 times per day. Beginning at 12th level, it is usable 5 teims per day. These arms provide one additional one additional attack per round (as outlined below), but do not allow the use of a second shield:
a) 1 additional melee attack per round with a 1-handed weapon against the same opponent as the first attack (made with a separate 1-handed or 2-handed weapon) or
b) 1 additional arrow attack per round against the same target as the first attack, using the same bow as the first shot
While manifested, these extra limbs provide the opportunity to wear/use additional magic items (e.g., bracers, gloves, rings, etc.), increase the amount of weight a character may carry/lift/drag by 25%, and provide a +3 bonus to any Strength check or grappling attempt.
Banishment. Beginning at 10th level, a devine gains knowledge of the psychoportative discipline banishment. The devine may use this ability at will, but with the same PSP cost as a mystic (3 PSPs per use).
Concurrent Use of 2 Attack Modes. Beginning at 11th level, a devine may use 2 attack modes concurrently. The PSP cost for each is the same as normal. Victims must make separate psionic saving throws for each or suffer the effects of each attack as normally prescribed.
Concurrent Use of 2 Defense Modes. Beginning at 13th level, a devine may use 2 defense modes concurrently. The PSP cost for each is the same as normal. The benefits provided by the concurrent modes do not stack; instead, the more beneficial option of the 2 modes employed is used for the sake of determining saving throws, and the more beneficial option of the 2 modes employed is used for the sake of determining effects on a failed saving throw.
Premonitions. Bogatyrs are predisposed to having premonitions—dream-like visions of people, places and things they are destined to encounter. The distance and the clarity of these premonitions increase with level (e.g., a 1st level bogatyr would have a much fuzzier vision of something no more than a day or two away, while a 14th level bogatyr would have a much clearer vision of something that may not happen for months or even years). The type, clarity, and frequency of premonitions is at the discretion of the DM, but provide opportunities to create suspense and intrigue for players in the adventure or campaigns.At 9th (name) level, the bogatyr may petition for ennoblement to the highest ranking noble in his or her district. Those bogatyrs that have proved themselves greathearted will generally find their request fulfilled. Once the bogatyr has been designated as aristocracy, he or she may choose to build a barony (at his or her own expense) by building a palace, clearing the land around it, and maintaining control of the area (by retaining footmen, horsemen, etc.). There is a 50% chance that the king will allow the bogatyr to clear an area of his or her choosing. Otherwise, the area of land on which the bogatyr will establish his or her barony will be chosen for him, based on the strategic needs of the kingdom.
Giant Growth. Every day, a bogatyr is able to grow to a larger size, temporarily increasing his or her Strength and the damage caused in melee combat (similar to a potion of growth). The number of turns per day that the bogatyr may spend in giant form rises with the character’s level, as does the height to which the bogatyr may grow, and the damage done while at that size.
Feats of Competition. At each level, beginning at 1st level, the bogatyr acquires one Feat of Competition. This feat can be used to automatically defeat an opponent in a contest that might otherwise seem unwinnable by the bogatyr (e.g., footrace against a character with a movement rating greater than the bogatyr’s). The feat must be accomplished in direct competition with a single NPC (and may not be a member of the bogatyr’s party). The bogatyr may use the feat at any time he or she wishes, but once used it is permanently lost. Unused feats may be “carried over” to the next level.
I'm essentially converting the standard "required shaping time" (which, in the past, has been a random die roll to determine the time taken, e.g. 1d6 days), and assigning the rune a "Shaping Value" (essentially a complexity rating for the individual rune). Then, the number of runes that can be shaped per hour (or per day) is determined by the level of the runecaster (see the chart below). So while adventuring, a runecaster can shape 1 hour's worth of runes (after a full 8 hours rest). While not adventuring, the runecaster can shape 8 times that amount (assuming the full day is dedicated to shaping runes).
The runecaster may only have a maximum number of active runes equal to his or her level (e.g., a 7th level runecaster could have 7 runes active at one time). The number of active runes is unrelated to the shaping value (which only determines how many runes can be shaped in one hour, based on the shaping value of the rune).
Unlike spells, the "level" of the rune doesn't reflect a power level (that's reflected by the shaping value). Instead, it simply denotes how may runes must be known as a prerequisite to that rune (e.g., a 2nd level rune requires knowledge of a particular 1st level rune, and a 3rd level rune requires knowledge of a particular 2nd level rune; I have yet to create a 4th level rune, and doubt that I will).
Aliases: A varlet is never allowed to use his or her true identity, regardless of whom with the varlet interacts (including the varlet’s own party). Instead, the varlet must operate under a number of aliases. The varlet may choose as many or few aliases as he or she deems necessary. However, the varlet must have at least one alias for each assumed identity possessed by the character (see Assumed Identities below).SPECIAL ABILITIES: The special abilities of a varlet are centered around the varlet’s goal furthering his or her agenda.
Pick Locks: As the thieves’ ability.
Pick Pockets: As the thieves’ ability.
Forge: This ability permits a varlet to make documents that appear as authentic (e.g., deeds, titles, etc.). A failed roll on this ability will result in the forgery being flawed and, therefore, easily detectable as such by any qualified person attempting to determine its authenticity. A varlet is able to forge a number of pages each day equal to their level. A varlet will never willingly accept commissions to produce forged documents. In fact, unless coerced (e.g., by charm), a varlet will never admit he or she possesses such a skill. Each forgery costs 100 gp per attempt (regardless of the attempt’s success).
Distract: This ability permits the varlet the following opportunities:1) hold a person or monster’s attention while performing another unnoticed actionDisguise: Allows the varlet to disguise him or herself as a general type of personage (e.g., an old lady, a priest, etc.). The percentage noted represents the chance of the varlet passing off as the alternate identity with someone familiar with the varlet. The chance of success is increased by +25% for total strangers, and by +10% for those with Intelligence scores of 8 or lower. Additionally, the varlet is able to appear as ±1" taller/shorter per level, to a maximum of 12". This ability is different than an assumed identity, in that it is used most often to have the varlet appear as someone else to someone who is familiar with the varlet, while an assumed identity is about convincing someone that the varlet is who he or she claims to be.
2) move a person or monster’s attention from one point to another (e.g., moving the monster’s attention away from the archer-rogue to another character)
3) intentionally draw a person or monster in motion to a specific area or object
Assumed Identities: At each level, the varlet cultivates a new identity under which he or she may operate. This identity include details like personal history, tone of voice, mannerisms, etc. Identities will often include, but are not limited to the following: nobles, high-level classed characters, merchants & traders, and experts in various fields. The varlet gains no abilities possessed by any of these identities (e.g., posing as a high-level fighter does not give the varlet the abilities of a fighter). At first level, the varlet’s assumed identity must be a commoner, but requires no additional gp investment in clothing or accoutrements (beyond the character’s normal equipment). However, beginning at 2nd level, the varlet may choose to cultivate any type of identity, with the monetary investment required at the discretion of the GM (e.g., assuming the role of a noble may cost as much as 500 gp). The chances for a varlet to convincingly portray any of these identities among a crowd of peers (of that identity type) increases with each level gained by the varlet. The chance of the varlet convincingly portraying an identity outside of that identity’s group of peers is automatic. A peer is considered to be any character that might normally interact with that type of identity (e.g., a bishop might be considered a noble’s peer, but a parish priest might not, unless that parish priest was of noble birth).
Reaction Adjustment: Through personal experience and the ability to quickly “read” an adversary or acquaintance, varlets are able to gain positive reaction adjustments through a combination of body language, tone of voice, and choice of words. Noted adjustments are in addition to any bonuses the varlet gains from a high Charisma score. This ability does not affect reactions by non-intelligent creatures.
Danger Sense. For all savants this ability is automatic, with a range of 10' per level, a permanent duration, and no PSP cost. From 1st through 8th level, a savant is surprised only on a 1. Beginning at 9th level, a savant is never surprised. When the psionic ability of the same name is used by a savant, it doubles the range for the duration of the ability.Note Regarding Psionic Combat Mode Vulnerability
Understand Enemy. The savant has an innate ability to pick up on the most minor of clues (a look, a thought, a gesture, etc.), and to understand the move that his or her enemy will take next. This provides the savant a bonus in combat for all ranged and melee attacks.
Combat Premonition. With this ability, the savant is able to know instinctually when an attack is being made against him, providing the savant an AC bonus.
| Level | Single Target | Multiple Targets |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 1 shot/round | — |
| 4-8 | 2 shots/round | — |
| 9-13 | 3 shots/round | 2 shots/round |
| 14 | 4 shots/round | 3 shots/round |
Hear Noise: As the thieves’ ability.
Detect Snares & Pits: Allows the archer-rogue to detect traps (e.g., missile traps) and pits to a distance of 10' in the direction the archer-rogue is searching.
Climb: Represents the chance of success for the archer-rogue to climb trees, rock faces, overhangs on building, or similar pinnacles. Wet surfaces will modify the attempt by -10%. Slick surfaces (e.g., covered with oil) are impossible for an archer-rogue to climb. A failed climb attempt will result in a fall (which does 1d6 per 10' fallen to a maximum of 20d6). The roll should be made for each 100' climbed.
Catwalk: This ability permits an archer-rogue to move across very narrow surfaces at their normal movement rate (even with running/fleeing). The archer-rogue is able to walk across the indicated width for their level without any chance of falling.
Hide: This works similarly to the thieves’ ability Hide in Shadows. Additionally, it allows the archer-rogue to camouflage him or herself in the wilderness and to go unnoticed when hiding behind minimal cover. All attempts should appear to succeed to the player (with the GM reacting accordingly if the attempt actually fails).
Surprise: This ability allows the archer-rogue, when standing/acting alone, to surprise opponents with a greater chance of success than normal. This ability only works if the archer-rogue is separated from his or her party, and is actively attempting to surprise a known adversary. A successfull Hide roll (see above) is required before an archer-rogue may attempt to Surprise. This ability does not apply to standard encounter surprise rolls.
Trip/Disarm: Represents the chance for an archer-rogue using a quarterstaff to trip an opponent of roughly human-size or smaller, or disarm them of a single melee weapon. There is a –25% penalty for opponents of ogre-size. An archer-rogue is unable to trip or disarm creatures of larger than ogre-size. If an archer-rogue fails in the attempt, he or she must make a Dexterity check or drop their quarterstaff.
Disguise: Allows the archer-rogue to disguise him or herself as someone else. The percentage noted represents the chance of the archer-rogue passing off as the alternate identity with someone familiar with the archer-rogue. The chance of success is increased by +25% for total strangers, and by +10% for those with Intelligence scores of 8 or lower. Additionally, the archer rogue is able to appear as ±1" taller/shorter per level, to a maximum of 12".
Distract: This ability permits the archer-rogue the following opportunities:1) hold a person or monster’s attention while performing
another unnoticed action
2) move a person or monster’s attention from one point
to another (e.g., moving the monster’s attention away
from the archer-rogue to another character)
3) intentionally draw a person or monster in motion to
a specific area or object
See into the Ethereal. This allows the sauteur to see directly from the Material into the Ethereal Plane.Note Regarding Psionic Combat Mode Vulnerability
Strike Planar Natives. Through a “partial phasing" of his or her body, the sauteur is able to make a melee strike against a native of a specified plane that would otherwise require a +1 magical weapon “to hit” (e.g., at 7th level, the sauteur would be able to strike an elemental with a normal weapon).
Strike Planar Natives with Bonus. As Strike Planar Native above, except the sauteur strikes with +1 bonuses on “to hit” and damage rolls against the specified planar native. Alternately, this ability allows the sauteur to make a melee strike against a planar native that would otherwise require a +2 weapon “to hit” (but without the +1 “to hit” and damage bonuses).
Charm: This ability provides the bard a chance, through his or her music, to mesmerize all creatures within hearing range. Undead are immune to this charm, and this ability does not affect the bard’s own party. Additionally, the chance to charm any creature is modified by –5% for each HD/level above 4. To determine if the charm attempt works, roll percentage dice. All those within hearing range whose adjusted percentage is equal to or greater than the roll will remain mesmerized as long as the bard continues performing. This ability may be used once per day per level.A bard is cannot employ hirelings or henchmen until he or she reaches name (9th) level.
Other Song Effects: Through song, the bard is able to influence others in the following ways:Counteract Charms. The performance of a bard will automatically counteract the charms of a harpy. Additionally, the preemptive playing of a bard will provide a +1 bonus to all saving throws by the bard’s party vs. charm and charm-like effects. Use of this ability requires the bard to play his or her instrument. The benefits of this song do not begin until the second round after the bard begins the song.Lore: Bards have a chance to know about the legends and lore surrounding people, places and things (including runes). This includes the ability to know what certain objects are, what they do, where they were manufactured, etc., including magical items (even the properties of intelligent swords). Use of the item is not required to know any information about it, as the information comes from the bard’s knowledge and experience.
Boost Morale. The bard may perform a song that boosts the morale of the members of the bard’s party, providing a +1 bonus to morale, “to hit” rolls, and damage rolls while the bard is performing. This same song will also cause enemies within hearing range to incur a –1 penalty to morale, “to hit” rolls, and damage rolls. Use of this ability requires only the bards voice, allowing the bard to engage in melee while performing this song. The benefits of this song do not begin until the second round after the bard begins singing.
Read Languages: As a bard rises in level, he or she becomes more able to read unknown languages and comprehend them. The percentage indicated notes both the chance the bard has to comprehend the language, as well as how much of what is written will be understandable by the bard should the attempt succeed. This skill does not provide the ability to speak languages or comprehend them when spoken. The bard will automatically be able to read any language that is actually known by the bard.
Additional Languages: In addition to the languages provided a bard by a high Intelligence, the bard will learn to read, write, and speak a number of additional languages. Bards with an Intelligence of 8 or less will only be able to read and write these additional language as indicated by the penalties for that Ability Score (e.g., a bard with an Intelligence of 4-5 will only be able to speak the additional language, but will not be able to read or write that language).
Spell Use: Bards are able to use a number of illusionist and druid spells. Although the bardic ability to charm requires only the use of the bard’s instrument, the use of spells is subject to the same requirements as the spell type being used by the bard (i.e., rest and memorization for illusionist spells, or rest and prayer for druid spells).
Charm: This ability provides the bard a chance, through his or her music, to mesmerize all creatures within hearing range. Undead are immune to this charm, and this ability does not affect the bard’s own party. Additionally, the chance to charm any creature is modified by –5% for each HD/level above 4. To determine if the charm attempt works, roll percentage dice. All those within hearing range whose adjusted percentage is equal to or greater than the roll will remain mesmerized as long as the bard continues performing. This ability may be used once per day per level.As a bard rises in experience level, he or she will attract a number of wayfarers who will follow (and serve) the bard on his or her journeys. Every three levels, beginning at 4th level (i.e., at 4th, 7th, 10th, and so on) the bard should roll on the appropriate table below to determine the type of wayfarer attracted:
Lore: Bards have a chance to know about the legends and lore surrounding people, places and things (including runes). This includes the ability to know what certain objects are, what they do, where they were manufactured, etc., including magical items (even the properties of intelligent swords). Use of the item is not required to know any information about it, as the information comes from the bard’s knowledge and experience.
Read Magic: This percentage represents the chance for a bard to be able to read and cast spells from magic-user/elf scrolls. A failed roll indicates that unexpected result happens when the scroll is read, creating potentially disastrous effects (at the DM’s discretion).
Comprehend Languages: As a bard rises in level, he or she becomes more able to comprehend unknown languages when they are spoken. The percentage noted is the chance the bard will accurately comprehend any single use of a language which is unknown to the bard, even if the bard has heard the language used before. This skill does not provide the ability to read or write languages. The bard will automatically comprehend any language that is actually known by the bard.
Additional Languages: In addition to the languages provided a bard by a high Intelligence, the bard will learn to read, write, and speak a number of additional languages. Bards with an Intelligence of 8 or less will only be able to read and write these additional language as indicated by the penalties for that Ability Score (e.g., a bard with an Intelligence of 4-5 will only be able to speak the additional language, but will not be able to read or write that language).
Spell Use: Bards are able to use a number of magic-user spells (or druid spells, if using AEC rules). Although the bardic ability to charm requires only the use of the bard’s instrument, the use of spells is subject to the same requirements as the spell type being used by the bard (i.e., rest and memorization for magic-user spells, or rest and prayer for druid spells).
Thieves’ Abilities: Bards are able to perform thieves’ abilities at a skill level of approximately half that of thieves (e.g., a 6th level bard uses thieves’ abilities about as well as a 3rd level thief).
The wayfarer will join the bard as a first level character, and remain in the bard’s company until the character (or the bard) dies. Wayfarers need not be paid (though the bard may choose to pay them or share treasure with them). Furthermore, should a wayfarer die, he or she will never be replaced. All of a bard’s followers (including hired henchmen and other retainers) benefit from a +3 loyalty bonus (in addition to the bard’s standard Charisma modifiers).
BX/LL (roll 1d10) 1-4 bard 5-6 elf 7-8 fighter 9 magic-user 10 thief
AEC (roll 1d10) 1-3 bard 4-6 druid 7-8 fighter 9 magic-user 10 thief
