Here's a little crossbow focused prestige class I whipped up just for fun. I have been informed that it's a little too goofy to be marketable but I'm hoping there's someone here who might enjoy it. Bonus points if you get all the references.
The Tempest
The tempests are an order of freedom fighters who devote themselves to protecting common folk from oppressive aristocracy. They are known for their mastery of the crossbow which they have adopted as a symbol of the people.
Class Details:
BAB: Full
HD: d10
Good Save: Reflex
Skill Points per Level: 6 + Int modifier
Requirements:
Feat: Crossbow Mastery
Skills: 5 ranks in acrobatics, 5 ranks in sleight of hand
Class Skills
The tempest's class skills are Acrobatics (Dex), Diplomacy (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Knowledge (Engineering) (Int), Knowledge (History) (Int), Knowledge (Local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility) (Int), Linguistics (Int), Perception (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), and Stealth (Dex).
Table: Tempest
1. Reload Trick, Close and Personal +1
2. Strike Pose, Graceful Fury
3. Crossbow Kata
4. Dodge This, Close and Personal +2
5. Fabulous
6. Hair-Trigger Defense
7. Calamity Trigger, Close and Personal +3
Class Features
The following are class features of the tempest prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: the tempest gains proficiency in all crossbows.
Reload Trick (Ex): Using a series of quick maneuvers and unlikely contortions, a tempest can reload wielded crossbows without needing a free hand.
Close and Personal (Ex): Experts in close-ranged crossbow fighting, the tempest gains a +1 damage bonus on ranged attack against adjacent enemies.
At 4th level this bonus increases to +2.
At 7th level this bonus increases to +3.
Strike Pose (Ex): Starting at 2nd level the tempest can strike a pose at the end of their turn as a swift action. When the tempest poses he gains a morale bonus on saves and skills checks equal to his charisma modifier until the end of their next turn.
Graceful Fury (Ex): Starting at 2nd level, the tempest gains a bonus on acrobatics checks to avoid AOOs equal to his class level.
Crossbow Kata (Ex): Starting at 3rd level, the tempest gains a competence bonus to AC against ranged attacks equal to his charisma modifier. If the tempest is caught flatfooted or is otherwise denied their dexterity bonus, they also lose this bonus.
Dodge This (Ex): At 4th level the tempest gains the ability to deliver a powerful close range attack. As a standard action he may make a single ranged attack against an adjacent enemy, adding his charisma modifier to damage. In addition the target must make a fortitude save equal to 10 + half the tempest's character level + their charisma modifier or be knocked prone.
Fabulous (Ex): Starting at 5th level, whenever the tempest uses his Strike Pose ability, any ally within 30 feet may also pose as an immediate action and receive a morale bonus to saves and skills equal to the tempest's charisma modifier.
Hair-Trigger Defense (Ex): Starting at 6th level, whenever the tempest is wielding a loaded crossbow and is aware of an attempted ranged attack targeting them, he may make an AOO with a crossbow to deflect the shot. If the tempest is caught flatfooted or is otherwise denied his dexterity bonus, he may not use this ability
Calamity Trigger (Ex): At 7th level the tempest becomes one with his crossbow, operating it as an extension of his body. Whenever he fires a crossbow as part of a full attack action, he may make a 5 foot step which does not provoke an attack of opportunity. The tempest may not use this ability to travel a distance greater than his base speed.
