Bladesingers and Pathfinder

[Dane Pitchford]

I'm considering creating a version of Bladesinger for the PFRPG, something that captures the feel of these iconic elven fighter/wizards while using the updated PF rules and remaining OGL. Obviously, this means throwing out the Bladesinger versions that came previously since they don't fall under the OGL *mutters*, and instead focusing on the concept itself. An elven swordsman that melds art, magic, and swordplay into a seamless, deadly whole. I'm mainly wondering what others would like to see from such a prestige class. This also means coming up with a new name that captures the feel of the class, as well, but that can wait until later...

[Arnim Thayer]

As a base class, I just use the Duskblade (Player's Handbook 2), giving out the prestige class abilities starting at 6th level and every four levels after that. I agree though that a Pathfinder version would be sweet.

[Dane Pitchford]

I'm still debating between "base class" or "prestige class", though I'm leaning toward the prestige side of things. I was never too fond of Duskblade, to be honest. It seemed a bit off to me, and was too heavy for me to feel very "bladesingery".

yeah, I know, that's not a word, lol.

Anyway, I'll keep plugging away on something, focusing on the concept itself and building from there. I don't want to fall into the trap of basing it too heavily on the actual bladesinger's mechanics.

I did make an attempt at a base class version a while back, which I dubbed the Spellblade. I rather liked it, though I'm not sure if this is even the final version, posted on Giant in the Playground by a friend of mine.

I might drag that out and blow the dust off to start tweaking it again.

[KaeYoss]

Dane Pitchford wrote:

"bladesingery".

yeah, I know, that's not a word, lol.

You people's grasp of the English language is appaling. Of course it's "bladesongish" ;-P

I'd go with Prestigeclass, since it usually is a rather prestigious calling. Plus, it's something limited to elves.

Possible requirements:

Combat Casting - they're supposed to cast spells while in the thick of battle

Ranks in perform

Weapon focus (any elven blade). With elven blade I mean rapier, longsword or exotic elven weapon. Maybe limit it to one-handed weapons (depending on whether you want to allow them using two blades at once or using a two-handed blade, or limit them to one-handed style)

Weapon finesse. They're not brutes, but graceful warriors.

Arcane spellcasting ability.

Class features:

Full BAB, d10 HD. They're the warrior type

Advance in spellcasting class every odd level.

Armoured casting (light).

Bladesong style: Something that enables you to fight and use magic at the same time.

Possible benefits of the bladesong style:

Can cast spells even with hands full, provided you hold blades (not just anything)

As a full-round action, you can cast a spell and make a melee attack. Maybe you limit it to certain spell levels depending on bladesinger class level, starting with spell level 1 and going up by one every class 3 levels (2nd sl at 4th cl, 3rd at 7th, 4th at 10th).

Bladesong style could be improved by being able to make more than one melee attack with a blade, maybe even a full attack. This could be level-dependant, or maybe something you can only do 1/day (with more uses becoming available as you advance in the class)

It could also work better with touch spells - you can use bladesong style to cast a touch spell (or a ranged touch spell, though it becomes touch then) and deliver it with the attack. In that case, you could get some extra benefits, like higher possible spell level.

The touch spells could also work on every attack you make that round - this can be combined with the improved bladesong style (i.e. more than one attack).

[Matthew Morris]

I posted my arcane legionary base class awhile ago, and no one commented. The fluff suffers from typical Matthew-to-English difficulties, but I stand by the mechanics. Some might think it a bit too weak.

[Dane Pitchford]

As much as I'd love to use Bladesinger and Bladesong, somehow I doubt I can, lol. Still, I like the suggestions. :)

[Etales]

Matthew Morris wrote:

I posted my arcane legionary base class awhile ago, and no one commented. The fluff suffers from typical Matthew-to-English difficulties, but I stand by the mechanics. Some might think it a bit too weak.

I really like this!

What is the Hit Die?
D6? D8?