I wanted to have a class looked at by some people other than me, I'm biased.
I would like to hear some feedback on how it looks/plays/appears.
Devil Binder
“I control the devil inside me, it does not control me.”
The Devil Binder is a very rare individual that is formed from a miraculously tiny chance that their body and will is such that a possessing high level devil is instead permanently trapped inside the mortal’s body, and the mortal can then use his powers against the devil’s will. Sometimes a host and a devil will bond in this manner intentionally whether it was for survival or some other purpose, but once the two are bonded they are permanently together.
The process of creating a Devil Binder destroys the originating devil’s body, and its spirit and essence is transferred to the host body. The devil’s personality remains, and can advise the host as it deems necessary, but otherwise has little control over the host. The host’s will is of a superior caliber, and it alone is the barrier that prevents the devil from possessing them. The host’s will is strong enough that they may keep control of their body even while sleeping or otherwise distracted. This does not however protect the Devil Binder from his captive’s persuasive influences. Some devils seek to drive the host to suicide, so that they may free themselves. Some try converting the host into a tool, persuading them to do their wishes even though the devil cant directly control them. Many devils, realizing they are trapped and essentially powerless to change their situation, form positive bonds with their strong willed hosts. Working together the both of them can survive until they are able to come up with a solution to their problem.
Though the devil trapped inside the host may have been an incredibly powerful being, the amount of power that a Devil Binder can wield is dependent on the level of synchronization that the two beings have. As the Devil Binder increases in level the synchronization ratio increases and the host gains access to more power or learns to use another of the devil’s abilities. A fully synchronized Devil Binder steps outside their normal mortal limits, becoming an outsider of their own.
The first thing a Devil Binder learns to do is to take on a combat capable hybrid form, giving their mortal body some of the durability and strength of the possessing devil. They can only maintain this form for a limited time, but they cannot use any of their other Devil Binder abilities unless they are in hybrid form. The actual physical shape of the mortal does not change, but a series of glowing lines trace across the torso and down the limbs, as well as run up the neck and face to the eyes. Their skin turns to the color of ash and their eyes take on a malevolent amber color and are slits like a cat’s. Their hands grow into fierce claws, the tips of which glowing with infernal energy. Their hair (if they have any) stands on end or takes on a darker, bloody tint.
A devil binder can never be separated from his devil, as their spirits are merged with each other. Even an exorcism spell will not undo the binding. Slaying and then resurrecting a Devil Binder will not separate the two either. In fact not even a greater wish or personal deific intervention can split the two from that point on. Learning how to 'un-stick' a Devil from their binder is a long and arduous quest on it's own. It is unknown what happens to the devil half of a devil binder's soul when they suffer their final death and their spirit moves on to their 'heaven'. This alone is reason enough for most devils to cooperate with their host.
MAKING A DEVIL BINDER
Devil Binders are a combination ranged and close combat class, alright at both in the beginning but not a master of either. Their choice of devil powers allow them to focus into close combat or ranged combat mastery so the character should focus on one or the other in order to be successful.
Abilities:Constitution is the most important attributes for a Devil Binder as it improves their ability to resist their possessing devil’s influence as well as be tough enough to survive battling enemy devils. Strength or Dexterity is also useful depending on what Devil Powers the binder takes.
Races: So far only humans have successfully become Devil Binders, though it is possible a particularly strong willed member of another race could forge a similar union.
Alignment: The host character can be of any alignment, though the possessing entity is usually of the lawful evil variety. Extremely rare is the devil that bonded with a host purely for good reasons.
Starting Gold: Devil Binder’s start with 2D4*10 gold.
Starting Age: The binding has happened with hosts of almost any age, though usually young adults have the zeal for life to drive the will needed to become a Devil Binder.
Class Skills: The Devil Binder’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge:The Planes (Int), Profession (Wis), Spot (Wis), and Use Magic Device (Cha).
Skill Points at 1st Level: 4 + int modifier
Skills Points per level: 4 + int modifier
Hit Dice: D8
DEVIL BINDER:
BAB Fort Ref Will Abilities Natural Attack
1. +0 +2 +0 +2 Devil's Voice, Devil Hybrid, Devil Body +2, Devil Power 1D6
2. +1 +3 +0 +3 Devilish Recovery 1D6
3. +2 +3 +1 +3 Devil's Will 1D8
4. +3 +4 +1 +4 Infernal Communion 1D8
5. +3 +4 +1 +4 Devil Body +4 1D8
6. +4 +5 +2 +5 Devil Power 1D10
7. +5 +5 +2 +5 Devil Resistance 1D10
8. +6 +6 +2 +6 Devilish Resilience 1D12
9. +6 +6 +3 +6 Quick Hybrid 1D12
10. +7 +7 +3 +7 Devil Body +6 2D6
11. +8 +7 +3 +7 Devil Sense 2D6
12. +9 +8 +4 +8 Devil Power 2D8
13. +9 +8 +4 +8 2D8
14. +10 +9 +4 +9 Instant Transformation 2D8
15. +11 +9 +5 +9 Devil Body +8 2D10
16. +12 +10 +5 +10 2D10
17. +12 +10 +5 +10 2D12
18. +13 +11 +6 +11 Devil Power 2D12
19. +14 +11 +6 +11 Improved Devil Senses 3D8
20. +15 +12 +6 +12 Devil Body +10 Perfect Synchronization 3D8
Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: Devil Binders are proficient with the dagger, and light armor.
Devil's Voice: The host of the Devil inside cannot shut out the thoughts or whispers of their source of power. Their devil may communicate with their host at any time, and shares their host's senses. They may attempt to tempt the host into doing their bidding anyways, but have no direct control. The devil may also share information they wish to with their host, though there is nothing preventing them from lying, and the host cannot take the information from them directly... yet.
Devil Hybrid: The Devil binder can transform into her hybrid form as a full round action which provokes an attack of opportunity. Her hybrid form gains many benefits, least of which is allowing the Binder access to her Devil Powers.
While in Hybrid form, the Devil Binder gains natural claw attack, which do the damage as indicated on the table above. This damage is slashing damage. They can only use this natural attack when in Hybrid form and will do normal unarmed attacks when out of it. The Hybrid form can be maintained as long as the Devil Binder is conscious. However, all social interactions become more difficult while in Hybrid form. Increase the difficulty of all social rolls by their Devil Body Bonus, and most people of good or neutral alignment who don't know the character personally start off one step closer to hostile than normal.
Devil Body: The Devil Binder’s hybrid form is stronger and more resilient. While in hybrid form the Devil Binder gains a bonus to strength, constitution, and natural armor. This bonus improves by +2 at 5th level, and every 5 levels after that until it reaches +10 at level 20.
Devil Power: Devil Binders learn to tap into the powers of the devil inside them while in hybrid form, learning to use one of their powers. They gain one power at level one, six, twelve, and eighteen. Devil Binders can choose from the following list of powers:
-Flame of Inferno: The Hybrid form ignites her hand with blue burning flames, flinging them at her enemies to scorch them with infernal power. Flame of Inferno is a single target ranged attack with a maximum range of 100ft. This ability does 1D6 Damage for every +1 bonus that devil body provides. Half of the damage is fire damage, and the other half is from unholy power for ignoring energy resistance. Treat this as a supernatural ability, usable at will.
-Wrath of Armageddon: This Devil Power can only be taken once Flame of Inferno is known to the Devil Binder. This Devil power causes enemies struck with Flame of Inferno to suffer the Devil Binder's Devil Body Bonus in damage at the start of each turn until they make a successful fortitude save. (DC 10+ 1/2 lvl + Devil Body Bonus)
-Might of Gehenna: The Hybrid form’s glowing lines tracing her body flare and leak infernal power as the Hybrid temporarily overcharges her body. She gains an additional bonus to attack, natural attack damage, and saving throws equal to her Devil Body bonus. Treat this as a supernatural ability, usable at will.
-Aegis of the Infernal: This Devil Power can only be taken once Might of Gehenna is known to the Devil Binder. This Devil Power gives the Hybrid form an aura of unholy blue flames while Might of Gehenna is active. Enemies striking the Devil Binder in combat are dealt 1D4 unholy damage per point of Devil Body. The Devil Binder also deals this damage in addition to normal natural attack damage when striking a foe in combat. This damage is also inflicted automatically each turn to opponents the Devil Binder is grappling with, even if the Devil Binder is the one being grappled.
-Aura of Fear: The Hybrid form emits a palpable aura of fear. Whenever the Devil binder successfully strikes an enemy in combat, the enemy must make a will save (DC 10+ 1/2 lvl + Devil Body Bonus) or be shaken for one round. Treat this as a supernatural ability, this aura can be turned on and off at will and does not have an active duration
-Terror of Death: This Devil Power can only be taken once Aura of Fear is known to the Devil Binder. This Devil Power increases the the will save DC to (DC 15+ 1/2 lvl + Devil Body Bonus). The Shaken effect lasts for one round per +1 bonus that Devil Body provides.
-Flight of the Winged Devil: The Devil Binder sprouts wings of ash and soot, gaining the ability to fly at twice their land speed, with good maneuverability. Treat this as a supernatural ability, usable at will.
-Malicious Alacrity: The Devil Binder’s speed increases while in Hybrid form, gaining +5 speed for every +1 bonus that Devil Body provides. This ability is always on while in Hybrid form.
-Infernal Assault: The Devil Binder taps into their Devil's ferocity, gaining an extra natural attack at their highest base attack bonus. This extra attack is only available in Hybrid form. This power can only be taken once.
-Infernal Onslaught:This Devil Power can only be taken once Infernal Assault is known to the Devil Binder. They gain a second extra attack, at their base attack bonus -5. This power can only be taken once.
-Devilish Seduction: The Hybrid can look someone in the eyes, and the strength and power of their will draws their victim into a state where they are pliable to the Devil Binder's suggestion. If the victim fails a will save (DC 10+Devil Body Bonus+1 for every 4 levels.), they must follow the Devil Binder's next command, even if it is to cause harm to himself. This exchange of glances must be within 30 feet of each other, and both must be able to see each others' eyes. This takes a full round action. This is a supernatural ability, useable three times per day.
-Irresistible Paramour: The seduction a Devil Binder performs leaves an impression that lingers in their thoughts. This Devil Power can only be taken once Devilish Seduction is known to the Devil Binder. The Devil Binder can now give complex, long term instructions to the victim of their Devilish Seduction, allowing them to implant conditional commands that the victim may not even be aware of. An example of this is instructing a guard to kill his partner when the bell tower rings twelve times, but not to remember being told to do so.
-Mire of Despair: The Hybrid can radiate a constant feeling of despair in battle. Enemies entering within 30 ft. of the Hybrid must make a will save (DC 10+ half class level+Devil Body Bonus) or suffer a penalty to attack rolls, saving throws, and skill checks. The penalty is equal to the Devil Binder's Devil Body Bonus. This ability can be turned on or off at will and is considered an extraordinary ability.
-Panoply of Anguish: This Devil Power can only be taken once Mire of Despair is known to the Devil Binder. This Devil Power improves the Mire of Despair. The penalty now also negates dexterity modifier bonuses to AC. The saving throw increases to (15+half Class level+Devil Body Bonus).
Devilish Recovery: Drawing on the resilience of the Devil inside, Devil Binders gain fast healing equal to his devil body bonus. This applies in and out of hybrid form, but does not work if the Devil Binder is below 0 hit points.
Devil's Will: Devil Binders learn that their concentration is paramount to survival. They gain a +3 bonus Will saving throws. The Devil Binder is also immune to possession by any entities. The space is full, so to speak.
Devilish Resilience: The Devil Binder draws on the ability of the devil within to shrug of small cuts and scrapes, instantly healing them. The Devil Binder gains Damage reduction 1/- for every point of Devil Body bonus they possess. This ability only applies while in Hybrid Form.
Devil Resistance: Drawing on the natural resistances of the Devil inside, the Devil Binder gains resistance to Acid, Cold, and Electricity 5 while in hybrid form. This ability improves to resistance 10 at level seventeen.
Infernal Communion: The Host of the Devil Binder learns to dredge information from their source of power, even if it weren't willing. Once per day, the Devil Binder may make a concentration check to imitate the effects of a bardic knowledge check, with the caveat that the information can only be things the devil itself knows or has learned.
Devil Senses: The Devil Binder is in tune with his devilish counterpart enough to sense when other devils are nearby. They can sense a devil is nearby within 100 ft. This does not tell the Devil Binder exactly where the devil is, but rather is an expanded awareness that one is nearby. They may also tell at a glance if a devil is possessing a mortal, and unerringly identify a devil disguised as something else. The Devil Binder also gains Darkvision 60 ft. This ability works in and out of hybrid form. This ability improves at level nineteen, increasing the range of their senses to 300 ft, and gives them the general direction where the devil is. The Devil Binder's Darkvision also improves, allowing the Devil Binder to see in magical darkness. Unfortunately for the Devil Binder, Devils can also detect them, should they be 'feeling' for them, and they can identify a Devil Binder from the mortal next to them unerringly.
Quick Hybrid: The Devil Binder learns to quickly shift into his hybrid form. Changing form now only takes a movement action.
Instant Transformation: The Devil Binder reaches a point of synchronization that he is able to shift into their Devil Hybrid form as an immediate action.
Perfect Synchronization: The Devil Binder gains a perfected synchronization with the Devil Trapped inside her. Their type changes to Outsider (native). Their Devilish Resistance increases to 15, and their Devilish Resilience increases to 2/- for every point of Devil Body bonus. They also become immune to fear effects and magical sleep. The Devil Binder no longer needs to sleep, if their race normally required it.
PLAYING A DEVIL BINDER
Devil Binders use their hand to hand abilities and devil powers to become a nightmare in close to mid ranged combat. Their abilities make them decent mercenaries or warriors. Their devil hybrid makes them capable devil or demon hunters, able to wield their evil powers against the denizens of the hells.
Religion: A Devil Binder can be an adherent of whatever religion that they belonged to before the event that made them what they are, but typically Devil Binders either suffer a falling out, rejection, or they leave of their own accord, feeling set apart from their church by their unique situation.
Other Classes: Devil Binders get along well with members of other martial classes, finding a sense of camaraderie with battle. They are however typically distrusted by clerics and paladins once they learn of their nature, however imposed it may be. Magic users find Devil Binders fascinating, many of them hoping to study the character in a more… private environment.
Combat: Devil Binders typically change into their Hybrid form and use their improved attributes and Devil Powers to defeat their foes in combat.
Advancement: Devil Binders have a great deal of versatility when advancing their class, they can prefer ranged or melee combat, and when multiclassing can get benefits from taking levels in almost any other class, helping shape them to a particular style of combat and play.
DEVIL BINDERS IN THE WORLD
I knew a Devil Binder once. A poor young man with a devil trapped inside. He made the best of his situation though he still has to be careful who learns of his ‘other’ identity.
–Thaenor Malgeddon, dwarven fighter.
Misunderstanding would be the best way to describe the way the world interacts with a Devil Binder. Thought by the ignorant to be evil much like warlocks, known Devil Binders are distrusted by the general populace. Luckily for them their human form looks different enough from their Hybrid form that unless someone witnessed the transformation or discovered the mark of a Devil Binder, a regular person could not tell that the two are the same. Devil Binder’s use their bluff and profession skills to live their alter ego at a trade, blending into society to avoid undue suspicion. This usually gets more difficult as time passes as true devils sometimes detect the presence of a Devil Binder and seek to destroy this threat to devil kind.
Daily Life: Devil Binders usually ply a trade until adventure knocks on their door, masking themselves as normal humans unless their nature is directly brought to light. At some times a Devil Binder must pack up and move on to a new locale.
Organizations: Most Devil Binders travel alone, as they are all unique situations and people. Their origins may be the same, but each was an ordinary person up until a devil tried to possess them. There are rumors of a hidden league of possessed humans who seek to manipulate Devil Binders for some unknown purpose. The red wizards of Thay also seek to capture Devil Binders to study the phenomena in order to recreate the effect in their academies to further their quest for power.
NPC Reaction
Most NPC’s can not tell that a Devil Binder is what he is just from looking at their human side. They would have to search for a telling mark on their body that can universally identify a Devil Binder, which is usually an evil looking symbol with a number on it. Detect evil spells will respond to the host’s alignment. True seeing will reveal the Devil Binder’s Hybrid form, as well as a mandala of unholy flames above the host’s head with infernal symbols depicting how close to complete synchronization the Devil Binder is.
Many NPC’s react with fear and distrust when they see a Devil Binder in Hybrid form, as their supernatural powers and abilities mark them as just as evil as a devil to NPC's. Some people however find the hybrid form subtly attractive and do not fear the Hybrid when they observe it.
EPIC DEVIL BINDERS
An epic Devil Binder takes her first step in her new, perfectly synchronized form. While their unarmed damage ceases progressing, their Devil Body and Devil Power abilities continue to progress at the same rate. their ever improving Devil Body will also improve the base abilities of their Devil Powers. Devil Binders get a bonus feat every five levels after twenty, starting at twenty-five.
EPIC DEVIL POWERS
It is believed that given enough time, a Devil Binder consisting of both a cooperative host and devil could figure out how to make the whole far more powerful than either could have been individually. Here are three epic leveled Devil Powers, available after level twenty-one.
-Rise of the Thanatos: This Devil Power can only be taken after Aegis of the Infernal and Infernal Onslaught is known to the Devil Binder. This Devil Power temporarily transforms the Devil Binder's Hybrid form into a horned, ashen brute of death and destruction. The Devil Binder is covered in soot and ashes as they increase in size by one size category(usually large). Their natural attacks are considered unholy weapons, overcoming damage or energy resistance. Their base attack bonus is raised to that of a fighter of equal level. This ability lasts for one round per point of Devil Body bonus she has, useable once per day.
-Hellfire Dreadlord: This Devil Power can only be taken once Wrath of Armageddon and Terror of Death is known to the Devil Binder. This Devil Power temporarily transforms the Devil Binder's Hybrid form into a horned, fiery specter of nightmares. Wreathed in flames, the Devil Binder's Flame of Inferno power takes on a life of its own. Every enemy struck by the Flame of Inferno takes normal damage initially. On the beginning of the Devil Binder's next turn the enemies struck must make a fortitude save (DC 15+Half Class level+Devil Body Bonus) or suffer the same damage again. This saving throw must be rolled every turn until the target is incinerated or they successfully save against the flames. Multiple Flame of Inferno strikes stack up, making the unfortunate enemy roll multiple saving throws per round. This extra damage will continue on even when the Devil Binder has left Hellfire Dreamer form. This ability lasts for one round per point of Devil Body bonus she has, useable once per day.
-Mouth of the Deceiver: This Devil Power can only be taken once Irresistible Paramour and Panoply of Anguish is known to the Devil Binder. This Devil Power grants them the hypnotic silver tongue of a devilish master deceiver. The Devil Binder gains an insight bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate and Gather Information rolls equal to her Devil Body bonus. They also can choose to use their hypnotic voice to sway crowds of listeners. Whenever the Devil Binder speaks while using this power all within hearing range of her voice must make a will saving throw DC equal to the Devil Binder's Irresistible Paramour DC or be charmed. This Devil Power is unique as it can be used while the Devil Binder is not in their Hybrid form.
I'm starting to take a look over it and will have more to say later tonight. It's an interesting concept. Not sure if it makes sense for a full class, but I can see how it could work.
Something that struck me right away was that they should have an aura of evil, just as a neutral cleric who worships an evil god would. They're infused with a devil after all.
The lack of limit to Devil Hybrid, combined with the +2 untyped bonus to Str and Con and their Natural Armor (which increases to +10 by level 20) as well as an increasingly powerful claw attack is a very strong ability open to lots of abuse. Barbarians top out at +8 to Str and Con, and that's a morale bonus. Further, Barbarians are limited in how long they can rage for each day and suffer a combat penalty while doing so in the shape of the AC penalty.
Again, I need to really sit down and go over it, and will tonight, but that's something that I noticed that would be a problem.
My 3.5 version had an incrementally difficult concentration roll to remain in hybrid form, but I took it out with the removal of concentration.
Also devil powers that were constantly active increased the base DC of the concentration check.
I want there to be balance, but am unsure how to do it now. Any help would help make this more balanced and effective.