| Volvogg |
Picked this up on a whim because I like racial archetypes. Overall an alright product. However, the willow blade was for me a bit of a dud. I believe it could use some additional abilities instead of simply predefined feat choices. Given the fluff I would have liked to have seen an ability that granted a dodge bonus to AC or possibly a competence bonus to reflex saves and evasion?
Cheers
Volf
| Necromancers of the Northwest |
Volvogg,
Thanks for commenting on the product! Sorry to hear that you didn't like the willow blade. While there are some class features in that archetype besides predefined feat choices, in retrospect, you're right that there do seem to be a lot of those masquerading as class features with that particular archetype. I think part of this has to do with the fact that fighter, as a class, uses bonus feats as a large amount of its class features, but even so, there are better options.
If you were looking for something else to add to the archetype, I would probably suggest something along the following lines:
Battle Grace (Ex): Starting at 3rd level, a willow blade gains a +1 dodge bonus to AC as long as he is wearing light armor or no armor, is carrying no more than a light load. Every four levels thereafter (7th, 11th, 15th, and 19th), this bonus increases by +1 (to a maximum of +5 at 19th level).
This ability replaces armor training and armor mastery.
As far as evasion goes, it probably wouldn't be too game-breaking to trade evasion for one of the bonus feats granted by the archetype, but I'd be wary about improved evasion. Were I to add it to the archetype, I would probably do so in place of the bonus feat at 12th level.
Hope that helps!
| Volvogg |
Really like what you've created NotN!! Because I like the idea of the archetype so much I went ahead and added a few more things to round it out. Hopefully you don't mind.
ADDITIONAL CLASS FEATURES
Elven Reflexes (Ex): A willow blade focuses more on fluid and quick movements and disdains the use of heavy armor as it interferes with their sword style. Instead they focus on improving their already incredible elven reflexes. Due to this focus a willow blade has a good reflex saving throw progression.
This ability replaces medium and heavy armor proficiency as well as shield proficiency.
Evasion: At 8th the willow blade gains evasion as per the rogue class ability.
This ability replaces the bonus feat obtained at 8th level.
NEW STYLE FEATS
Willow Style: Adherents to this ancient form of elven swordplay requires the practioner to concentrate on flowing forms, lithe movements and insightful swordsmanship. This style focuses on grace, defense and movement moreso than offense.
Willow Style (Combat, Style)
Your deft body movements and fluid swordsmanship allow you to shield your body from harm.
Prerequisite: Dodge, base attack bonus +1.
Benefit: While using the Willow Style feat, you gain a +1 insight bonus to AC.
Weaving Willow (Combat, Style)
Your body's fluid movements allow you to both defend yourself and to reflexively counterattack an opponents strike.
Prerequisite: Weaving Willow, Willow Style, Dodge, Combat Reflexes, base attack bonus +3.
Benefit: While you are using the Willow Style feat, the insight bonus the style grants to your AC applies to your CMD and touch AC. Whenever an opponent misses you with a melee attack while you are using the Willow Style feat, you can, as an immediate action, make an attack of opportunity against that opponent, but with a –2 penalty. This attack counts towards the maximum amount of attacks of opportunity you can make in a round.
Willow in the Wind (Combat, Style)
You are a reed in the wind ...
Prerequisite: Weaving Willow, Willow Style, Dodge, Combat Reflexes, base attack bonus +5.
Benefit: While using the Willow Style feat, the insight bonus the style grants to your AC increases to +3, and you no longer suffer a -2 penalty to attacks of opportunity when using the Weaving Willow style feat.
Cheers
Volf