Let's give this another go...
I created the Philocreed Theurge for two reasons:
1. I want there to be a Pathfinder compatible class based on the theurges of my self-published fantasy novel series, Four Winds - One Storm. By using the OGL, I hope to publish the class as a way of promoting my stories.
2. I want to create a class that has all the flavor and versatility of a spellcaster, but without the spells. I admit that I am bad about remembering how all my spells work when playing a caster. I think many have this game-slowing problem. To a degree, I hope to solve this problem by making a class with supernatural skills, a "skillcaster", if you will.
And so, I humbly ask you all to critique and playtest the philocreed theurge to ensure balance and clarity. Thank you.
I think the class could use another draft. Admittedly, I haven't combed through every aspect of the class in great detail. I find it a bit annoying to read with all the inconsistent formatting (some text have different sizes and fonts) and style errors. Here are some of my thoughts so far.
1. A supernaturally skilled philosopher sounds pretty interesting. Caster skills also feel like what the skill unlocks in Unchained should have been like.
2. Adding your level to a skill check sounds too powerful when you can gain this benefit on 10 skills of your choice. Keep in mind that the investigator's inspiration is kept only at 1d6 and that other classes (like inquisitors and rogue) typically only add half their level on a specific skill. It's like this because not all skills are the same. For some skills, adding your level to it is no big deal. For others, like commonly used skills, skills that require opposed checks, or skills with static DCs, adding your level to the checks is major.
3. Saving throw DCs of some abilities (like maxim of destruction) don't use the standard formula of 10 + 1/2 level + ability score modifier. Deviating from this formula creates mathematical problems.
4. Caution-in-combat epiphany strikes me as broken. Touch attacks are a problematic mechanic and this allows a character to resolve ALL their melee attacks as touch at-will. Having it deal minimum damage doesn't fix it, especially considering most damage relies on static modifiers like ability scores and feats like Power Attack. Compare to similar abilities like the unchained monk's one touch ki power, which is a higher level ability and done as a standard action. Finally, this ability feels really out of place when compared to the power level of other epiphanies.
5. I don't understand the point of Philocreed Oath.
I wanted to comment on this yesterday but fell asleep and forgot. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the formatting issues - I already thought I needed glasses...
I like the premise of a skill-based caster.
A few observations:
- Be careful with the use of game terms. 'Empower' already exists; 'Caster skill' is prone to misunderstandings (we already have 'caster level checks'); 'positive' is not a damage form (positive energy is); it's Wisdom modifier, not Wisdom bonus; etc.
- Caster skills: I would make it so that these become more powerful at specified levels and stick to established benchmarks. For example: Fly(Dex): feather fall (1st) => levitate (4th) => fly (8th) => fly with increased duration/speed/maneuvrability (12th, 16th, 20th)
- I personally like the use of descriptors for each ability (I think Pathfinder rules could sometimes be more precise in this regard).
- The maxim pool is rather small, considering that basically all class features require you to expend points. I like that all three mental scores have an impact on this pool, but it should probably increase by level, especially if stronger abilities cost more points. Also, I don't get the 'speak out loud' part. Do I have to make these up?
- I don't get how the area for maxim of destruction is determined.
- the oath should have some game-effect (for example a bonus on diplomacy or intimidate checks under the right circumstances).
-I'm might do away with Philocreed Oath, as it really serves no purpose in the game. It matters in the novel series, but...
-The formatting will be better in the next daft. Promise!
-To fix empowering a skill, how does adding 1/2 philocreed theurge level sound instead of full level?
-I need to specify that maxims that affect the philocreed theurge do not require a vocal component, and maxims that affect targets do require a vocal component. What the phrase actually is is up to the player, as I encourage each philocreed theurge pc to be a philosophically flavored as they wish. For example: the PYROTHEURGES in the books shout "A BURT CHILD FEARS THE FIRE!" when throwing flames at foes. Hence, "casting maxims". Words of wisdom are words of power :)
-Game terms. I will take greater care in the next draft. Thank you.
-Maxim of Destruction is intended as a fully customizable area effect. The player chooses a shape and damage type. The shape increases in size and damage as levels are gained.
-Caution-in-Combat does need retooling. Good points.
Thank you both for the feedback, thus far!
Does anyone else have two coppers to throw in?