Oxylepy |
I adore the class concept, but when working off a rogue, the lack of sneak attack is depressing and disturbing, and it really seems it lends itself conceptually to rogue builds.
However, considering the nice casting effects, it seems like it could also be a PrC for casters nicely, something like a Dragon Disciple for the Shadow Bloodline, or some kind of wizard specializing in illusion.
Considering the need Perform Dance, it would do well for Bards too, which it also fails to advance
At the moment I can only see it being a martial class advancement, and it doesn't do that very well either...
So what is it, what does it do, should it be fixed to allow the continuation of class abilities? As such how should it be fixed?
Tinalles |
I think Shadow Dancer is still mostly relegated to the same role it had in the 3.5 era -- a one or two-level dip class. At least that's how I've used it.
The stuff you get at level 1 and 2 (hide in plain sight, darkvision, evasion, uncanny dodge) are excellent. After that ... well, the abilities are flavorful, but not mechanically compelling.
My Self |
If you want it to be "fixed", let it stack with Rogue for Rogue-level dependent talents and Debilitating Injury, give it a strong Will save, and give it +1d6 Sneak Attack at 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th. That will keep it somewhat competitive with the base Rogue until later levels. Consider also gifting in the Ninja ki pool or something.
Cyrad RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16 |
Devilkiller |
Hide in Plain Sight is pretty cool. You just need to be within 10 feet of an area of dim light, not actually in an area of dim light, so you could basically stand under a spotlight in a dark room and folks still won't know where you are.
Using something like Spring Attack or Wand Dancer you could potentially dance out of the shadows, cause some havoc, and then disappear again. The shadow companion can also work well with a build focused on debuffs.
At higher levels something like a shadow celestial dire tiger could be a pretty cool flanking buddy. At lower levels I guess you could probably get airborne on a shadow dire bat (perhaps you'd have to sing, "I believe I can fly"?) or summon some shadow dretches to release "shadow gas".
My Self |
I think the misconception is that it "has to go together with rogue".
Base it off of a fighter or barb, grab a two-handed weapon, dip 2-4 levels and go to town.Ruyan.
It's not necessarily a Rogue thing, but Sneak Attack benefits anybody who attacks from stealth, and Hide in Plain Sight provides exactly that. Plus, it offers Rogue Talents, which for whatever reason, don't stack with Rogue levels to determine the benefits.