Jedi (3.5e Class)

Jedi
Emotion, yet peace; Ignorance, yet knowledge; Passion, yet serenity; Chaos, yet harmony; Death, yet the Force.

The Jedi are an organization of warrior-monks, believing in harmony and balance in themselves, and also the universe (and indeed, the multiverse as a whole). Through intense self-perfection, training, meditation and ultimately spiritual enlightenment, they seek to be a force for peace and good throughout the multiverse, but are fully prepared to fight to achieve those goals. Drawing upon magical techniques, termed 'the Force' by those who practice it, as well as their powerful physical, mental and spiritual training, the Jedi are a force to be reckoned with, but can also act as advisers, spiritual guides and peacemakers if the needs require.

Jedi follow a strict code of behaviour, and are trained from a young age in the various tenets and philosophies of the Jedi Code. They are in constant struggle against the Sith, and other users of the Dark Side of the Force. They believe the Force requires detachment and calm, as well as a philosophical approach, and that the Force is an end in itself, rather than a means to an end. They also value all life, but understand that sometimes, fighting (and killing) are necessary to protect it.

Making a Jedi
Jedi are very capable melee combatants, and their Force powers can allow them to contribute to a wide variety of situations if needs be. They are also skilled in a wide variety of other things, as over-reliance on the Force can lead to the Dark Side.

Abilities: Dexterity and Wisdom are most valued by the Jedi, as they combine to make them capable warriors and capable observers. Constitution and Intelligence are also valuable to this class, as they are expected to fill many roles and survive on the front lines.

Races: Jedi welcome all races to their fold. A Jedi can be of any race.

Alignment: Any non-evil, non-chaotic. Jedi cannot be evil due to the culture of the Jedi Knights, and chaotic behaviour can often lead to the Dark Side.

Starting Gold: 2d4&times;10 gp (50 gp).

Starting Age: Simple

Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Jedi.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Jedi are proficient with all simple weapons, as well as any form of lightsaber. They are proficient with light armour, but not with shields.

 : Jedi learn to use mystical powers, termed 'Force powers', which are spell-like abilities. Jedi cannot learn any Force power with the Dark Side descriptor, but are otherwise free to learn any Force powers they wish. A Jedi begins play with two Force powers, and learns an additional Force power each level. A list of force powers can be found here.

Force powers are given a rank, between I and V, which indicates its relative power. A Jedi starts off being able to learn only rank I Force powers, but as they gain levels, they can learn more advanced powers, as indicated on the table. Note that a Jedi can always choose to learn a lower-rank power than their maximum if they want.

The caster level for any Force power is always equal to the Jedi's character level, and any saves that Force powers require are calculated as 10 + 1/2 the Jedi's character level + the Jedi's Wisdom modifier. Whenever a Force power duplicates a spell, it keeps all of the characteristics of that spell, except that it is a spell-like ability (thus having no components), and its caster level and DC are set as above, unless indicated otherwise.

Starting at 3rd level, and every odd-numbered level after that, a Jedi can forget one of the Force powers they know, and instead learn another. That Force power can be any power they could have learned at that level.

A multiclassed Jedi loses the benefit of this class feature, as the path of the Jedi requires focus and dedication. Once the Jedi has six or more class levels, they retain this ability even if they are multiclassed.

This can be found here. A Jedi that fails to follow the code consistently, repeatedly and willingly becomes an ex-Jedi (see section on Ex-Jedi below).

They are apprenticed to a more senior Jedi, whose job it is to teach them the proper interpretations of the Jedi Code, as well as give them more advanced training and guidance, tailored to them and their choices. Additionally, Padawans are given one of the Jedi's legendary lightsabers, but the lightsaber is not theirs, but is instead loaned to them by their master for the duration of their apprenticeship.

A Jedi automatically has a number of ranks in Knowledge (religion) equal to their class level + 3. This can never give them more ranks than their normal maximum ranks for Knowledge (religion). Additionally, a Jedi has a standard lightsaber, which is on-loan from their master, until they build their own. While this lightsaber is every bit as capable as any other, it must be looked after carefully. Unintentional loss of this lightsaber is considered a violation of the Jedi Code, and any intentional loss (such as selling or giving it away) is considered a very grave violation, which is enough to render one an ex-Jedi.

A multiclassed Jedi loses the benefit of this class feature, as the path of the Jedi requires focus and dedication. Once the Jedi has six or more class levels, they retain this ability even if they are multiclassed.

 : From 2nd level, a Jedi has learned to use their lightsaber to protect themselves in a way others could only imagine. The lightness and strength of a lightsaber's beam allow them to protect themselves against almost any kind of attack. If the Jedi is wielding a lightsaber (of any kind) in one hand, and nothing in the other, they receive a +3 shield bonus to their AC. This bonus also applies on touch attacks, but is lost if the Jedi is denied their Dexterity bonus to AC.

 : A 2nd level Jedi's senses are very powerful, and thus, they retain their Dexterity bonus to AC when caught flat-footed.

If a Jedi already has uncanny dodge from another source when they gain this ability, or later gains uncanny dodge, they gain improved uncanny dodge instead.

 : 3rd level Jedi are trained in augmenting their own senses using the Force, being able to detect tiny disturbances with sufficient concentration. As a standard action, the Jedi can activate this ability, which gives the benefit of the see invisibility spell. The ability can be used indefinitely, but each round after the first requires the Jedi to use a move action to continue using it. If the Jedi chooses not to concentrate in a round, they must use a standard action to activate this ability again.

Additionally, while this ability is active, the Jedi rolls any Listen or Spot checks they make twice, and chooses the better roll.

Whenever they wield a lightsaber, they may add their Dexterity modifier to damage rolls.

A multiclassed Jedi loses the benefit of this class feature, as the path of the Jedi requires focus and dedication. Once the Jedi has six or more class levels, they retain this ability even if they are multiclassed.

 : 4th level Jedi become incredibly capable acrobats, using their training and the Force to propel themselves to greater acrobatic stunts. They treat any Jump check they make as automatically having a running start, and reduce any Balance, Jump or Tumble DCs for checks they have to make by half.

 : At 5th level, a Jedi's immune system is boosted by their own training and the Force that they regularly meditate and draw upon. They become immune to all mundane poisons and diseases. Supernatural and magical diseases and poisons can still affect them, however.

 : From 6th level, a Jedi has trained their senses to the point that very few can catch them off-guard. They can no longer become flanked, except by a creature whose BAB is at least 3 points higher than their own.

 : At 6th level, a Jedi officially stops being a Padawan. As part of becoming a Jedi Knight, they must assemble their own lightsaber. In game terms, this means that they can change their Padawan lightsaber for a different one. However, they must pay all costs for it (as if they were making it themselves). Losing, selling or doing anything similar with this lightsaber incurs the same penalties as doing so for the Jedi's Padawan lightsaber.

Additionally, this lightsaber, being made especially for the Jedi, is significantly better in their hands. It receives a +1 enhancement bonus on attack and damage rolls per three character levels of the Jedi wielding it (rounding down).

Lastly, the new Jedi Knight is expected to take on one (or more) Padawans, who see them as a teacher and a guide. They gain followers, all of which must have the Jedi class, according to the table below.

' :''' From 7th level, a Jedi becomes so in-tune with the Force that they can ask questions of it, and all of the knowledge it contains. Although it won't always give a perfect answer, it will occasionally provide mysterious insights. Once per day, the Jedi can use vision as a spell-like ability, with a caster level equal to their character level.

This must be a fighter bonus feat, a Force feat, or a Meta-Force feat, and they must meet all the prerequisites of the feat before selecting it.

 : An 8th level Jedi has been training for a long time with their lightsaber, and have become extremely deadly in its use - when required. Whenever they wield any lightsaber, their critical threat range and critical multiplier with it improve by 1 point each. Note that if their critical threat range is multiplied, this is applied before this benefit.

 : 9th level Jedi become so in-tune with the Force that it can hold them aloft, sometimes for extended time periods. They gain a fly speed equal to their land speed, with average maneuverability.

Their type changes to outsider (although this doesn't cause anything to be recalculated). If they die, they instead become a Force ghost.

 : 10th level Jedi are incredibly aware of the Force. As a result, they always receive the benefits of their Force Senses ability, even when they don't concentrate. If they choose to concentrate (using it as normal), they instead receive the benefits of a true seeing spell, with a caster level equal to their character level.

Ex-Jedi
Any Jedi that grossly violates the Jedi Code does not lose access to any benefits of the Jedi class they have so far, but cannot advance in it further. Additionally, Jedi pursue ex-Jedi to the best of their ability (this is often seen by Jedi as an extension of the Code, though not all agree), which means that the GM is fully entitled to make your life difficult as a result of your former Jedi brothers chasing you around. However, Jedi are forgiving - anyone who wishes to return can atone for what they have done.

Playing a Jedi
Religion: Jedi as a general rule are spiritual, rather than religious. Their dedication to self-perfection and the force often fills the same gap in their lives as the gods do for others. However, Jedi don't necessarily worship the Force - they see it as a philosophy as much as a real, sentient entity, and treat it accordingly. Some Jedi do believe in deities, and the Jedi Knights don't discourage it, although they don't encourage it either.

Other Classes: Jedi work well with most other classes, although they don't tolerate any that would bring harm to others needlessly, or that act in a way that grossly offends the Jedi Code. At the same time, Jedi understand that not everyone can be a close adherent to the Code, and make allowances accordingly.

Combat: A Jedi only fights when no other way remains, but this doesn't mean that they are incapable or incompetent warriors. Often leading from the front, the Jedi conquers his fear through the Force and their training, and is able to go toe-to-toe with some of the most frightening creatures in existence and win.

Advancement: Jedi rarely multiclass, as the amount of focus required to be a Jedi is great.

Jedi in the World
"Remember, a Jedi fights only as a last resort. If you are forced to draw your lightsaber, you have already forfeited much of your advantage. A Jedi trusts the Force and at first seeks other ways to resolve problems: patience, logic, tolerance, attentive listening, negotiation, persuasion, calming techniques. But there are times when a Jedi must fight."

Jedi can be found all over the multiverse, seeking to bring peace and balance, as well as fighting those who would disrupt it. They are warriors and monks both, and seek to aid any that are being oppressed. They also make for capable diplomats and advisers, but infinitely prefer to solve problems themselves, rather than let others do it for them. At the same time, Jedi seek to help the universe, not any particular faction within it. Their neutrality is both why they are so loved - and so hated - by many.

Daily Life: The life of a Jedi is full of training, meditation and contemplation. They are expected to keep their bodies and minds active, and remain on the lookout for any indications that their skills are needed somewhere. When not on a mission, they usually spend time in a Jedi temple, meditating on the Force or practicing their many skills. A Jedi is never idle - to do so is to invite the Dark Side.

Notables: There are many notable Jedi, who are famed for their wisdom, their fighting prowess and their capabilities with the Force. At the same time, all are very humble about their achievements, always understanding that there is more to learn.

Organizations: Although the Jedi Knights are an order in themselves, they frequently work alone or with their Padawans. They can occasionally be found assisting other groups or organizations, but they do so to aid the universe and to bring peace and balance - not to help the group get their way.

NPC Reactions: Very few are indifferent to the Jedi. To some, they are saviours and protectors; to others, they are fickle allies ready to abandon them whenever it suits them. To others still, they are deadly enemies, always there to ruin their plans. As a result, almost nobody has no opinion of the Jedi. For ordinary people, or those who are oppressed or mired in war, Jedi are often regarded very positively, but even in this case, many claim that they don't practice what they preach by allowing them to remain in that state in the first place. As few understand the Jedi's need for detachment and a big-picture view, this can often lead to strained understanding and discomfort - on both sides.