View source for Bishop (3.5e Class)

==Bishop==

Bishops are the divine agents of the almighty entities known as 'gods', and stand tall amongst the other divine emissaries of the world, such as the [[SRD:Cleric|cleric]] or the [[SRD:Paladin|paladin]]. When a bishop learns to be a bishop, he is presented with three paths to choose from. He may choose to be the cold, intelligent, and calculating priest, the lucid, insightful, and wise prelate, or the feverent, confident, and passionate missionary. No matter the path that is chosen, a bishop is a force to be reckoned with, whether they bear the words of salvation or damnation upon their lips.

===Making a Bishop===

Bishops can be particularly powerful forces upon a battlefield, who can overwhelm foes with unerring power, and who can seemingly avoid every danger that befalls them, no matter how undodgable it may be. Bishops usually choose to stay in the background of a battle, choosing to decimate their foes and the rest of the world from afar, to avoid harm falling upon themselves. A bishop is truly a potent enemy to fight against, one who can surprise even the most veteran warriors.

'''Abilities:''' Bishops are an unusual class for one reason and one reason alone: they must decide which ability score is most important to them. At first level, a bishop must decide whether to base their spellcasting ability off of [[SRD:Intelligence|Intelligence]], [[SRD:Wisdom|Wisdom]], or [[SRD:Charisma|Charisma]]. Whichever of these ability scores the bishop selects, that one will inexplicably become the most important to a bishop. The second and third most important ability scores to a bishop will always be [[SRD:Constitution|Constitution]] and [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]], so that the bishop can have some extra hit points to compensate for their low [[SRD:Hit Dice|HD]], and to adjust for their low [[SRD:Armor Class|AC]] that sprouts from their lack of proficiency in [[SRD:Armor|armor]]. Dexterity also helps to raise the [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throw]] bonus of the class' lowest save. Next in importance come the two mental ability scores that the bishop did not select as the ability score that their spellcasting would be based on. [[SRD:Strength|Strength]] is not recommended for a bishop.

'''Races:''' Any.

'''Alignment:''' Unlike a [[SRD:Cleric|cleric]], a bishop does not need to stay within one step of their god's alignment to keep their powers. In fact, a [[SRD:Lawful Evil|lawful evil]] bishop could very easily worship a [[SRD:Chaotic Good|chaotic good]] deity.

'''Starting Gold:''' 6d6&times;10 gp (210 gp).

'''[[SRD:Race Descriptions#Starting Age|Starting Age]]:''' Complex, As [[SRD:Wizard|wizard]].

{| class="zebra d20"
|+
<div>{{Anchor|Table: The Bishop}}</div>
Hit Die: d6
|-
!  rowspan="2" | Level
!  rowspan="2" | [[BAB|Base<br/>Attack Bonus]]
!  colspan="3" | [[SRD:Saving Throw|Saving Throw]]s
!  rowspan="2" | Special
!  colspan="10" | [[#Spells|Spells per Day]]<sup>1</sup>
|- 
! [[SRD:Saving Throw#Fortitude|Fort]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Reflex|Ref]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Will|Will]]
! 0 || 1<sup>st</sup> || 2<sup>nd</sup> || 3<sup>rd</sup> || 4<sup>th</sup> || 5<sup>th</sup> || 6<sup>th</sup> || 7<sup>th</sup> || 8<sup>th</sup> || 9<sup>th</sup>
|- 
|1st|| class="left" | +0 || +2 || +0 || +2
| class="left" | [[#Grace of God|Grace of God]]
|3||1+1||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|2nd|| class="left" | +1 || +3 || +0 || +3
| class="left" |
|4||2+1||—||—||—||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|3rd|| class="left" | +1 || +3 || +1 || +3
| class="left" |
|4||2+1||1+1||—||—||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|4th||class="left" | +2 || +4 || +1 || +4
| class="left" |
|5||3+1||2+1||—||—||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|5th||class="left" | +2 || +4 || +1 || +4
| class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|5||3+1||2+1||1+1||—||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|6th||class="left" | +3 || +5 || +2 || +5
| class="left" |
|5||3+1||3+1||2+1||—||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|7th||class="left" | +3 || +5 || +2 || +5
| class="left" | [[#Divine Fate|Divine Fate]]
|6||4+1||3+1||2+1||1+1||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|8th||class="left" | +4 || +6 || +2 || +6
| class="left" |
|6||4+1||3+1||3+1||2+1||—||—||—||—||—
|- 
|9th||class="left" | +4 || +6 || +3 || +6
| class="left" |
|6||4+1||4+1||3+1||2+1||1+1||—||—||—||—
|- 
|10th||class="left" | +5 || +7 || +3 || +7
| class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|6||4+1||4+1||3+1||3+1||2+1||—||—||—||—
|- 
|11th||class="left" | +5 || +7 || +3 || +7
| class="left" |
|6||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||2+1||1+1||—||—||—
|- 
|12th||class="left" | +6/+1 || +8 || +4 || +8
| class="left" |
|6||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||3+1||2+1||—||—||—
|- 
|13th||class="left" | +6/+1 || +8 || +4 || +8
| class="left" | [[#God's Power|God's Power]]
|6||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||2+1||1+1||—||—
|- 
|14th||class="left" | +7/+2 || +9 || +4 || +9
| class="left" |
|6||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||3+1||2+1||—||—
|- 
|15th||class="left" | +7/+2 || +9 || +5 || +9
| class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|6||5+1||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||2+1||1+1||—
|- 
|16th||class="left" | +8/+3 || +10 || +5 || +10
| class="left" |
|6||5+1||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||3+1||2+1||—
|- 
|17th||class="left" | +8/+3 || +10 || +5 || +10
| class="left" |
|6||5+1||5+1||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||2+1||1+1
|- 
|18th||class="left" | +9/+4 || +11 || +6 || +11
| class="left" |
|6||5+1||5+1||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||3+1||2+1
|- 
|19th||class="left" | +9/+4 || +11 || +6 || +11
| class="left" | [[#Sacred Aura|Sacred Aura]]
|6||5+1||5+1||5+1||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||3+1||3+1
|- 
|20th||class="left" | +10/+5 || +12 || +6 || +12
| class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|6||5+1||5+1||5+1||5+1||5+1||4+1||4+1||4+1||4+1
|-
| class="foot" colspan="16" |
# In addition to the stated number of spells per day for 1st-through 9th-level spells, a bishop gets a domain spell for each spell level, starting at 1st. The "+1" in the entries on this table represents that spell. Domain spells are in addition to any bonus spells the bishop may receive for having a high Wisdom score.
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
'''Class Skills (6 + [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] modifier per level, &times;4 at 1st level)'''<br/>
[[SRD:Bluff Skill|Bluff]] ([[SRD:Charisma|Cha]]), [[SRD:Concentration Skill|Concentration]] ([[SRD:Constitution|Con]]), [[SRD:Craft Skill|Craft]] ([[SRD:Intelligence|Int]]), [[SRD:Diplomacy Skill|Diplomacy]] ([[SRD:Charisma|Cha]]), [[SRD:Disguise Skill|Disguise]] ([[SRD:Charisma|Cha]]), [[SRD:Heal Skill|Heal]] ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|Knowledge]] (all skills, taken individually) ([[SRD:Intelligence|Int]]), [[SRD:Listen Skill|Listen]] ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), [[SRD:Profession Skill|Profession]] ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), [[SRD:Spellcraft Skill|Spellcraft]] ([[SRD:Intelligence|Int]]), [[SRD:Spot Skill|Spot]] ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]]), [[SRD:Survival Skill|Survival]] ([[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]])
|}

{{:Bishop (3.5e Class)/Class Features}}

====Epic Bishop====

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ class="epic" |
<div>{{Anchor|Table: The Epic Bishop}}</div>
Hit Die: d4
|-
! Level !! Special
|- 
| 21st || class="left" | 
|- 
| 22nd || class="left" | 
|- 
| 23rd || class="left" | 
|- 
| 24th || class="left" | 
|- 
| 25th || class="left" | [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|- 
| 26th || class="left" | 
|- 
| 27th || class="left" | 
|- 
| 28th || class="left" | 
|- 
| 29th || class="left" | 
|- 
| 30th || class="left" | [[#Divine Agent|Divine Agent]], [[#Bonus Feats|Bonus Feat]]
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
6 + [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] modifier skill points per level.
|}

'''{{Anchor|Divine Agent}} ([[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Extraordinary|Ex]]):''' At 30th level, a bishop's mind truly begins to channel the infinite energies that are the divine forces of existence, becoming a new force upon the face of reality. At this point, the bishop gains a +4 inherent bonus to whichever [[SRD:Ability Scores|ability score]] he chose at first level to be his main spellcasting ability. Additionally, the bishop gains the ability to cast 3 spells of 5th level or lower that he knows as [[SRD:Special Abilities Overview#Spell-Like|spell-like abilities]]. Also, the bishop's type changes to [[SRD:Outsider Type|outsider]], and he gains the [[SRD:Augmented Subtype|augmented subtype]], with his original type next to it. The bishop can still be raised normally. Additionally, the bishop never has to pay an XP cost less than 5,000 XP again, and any XP cost that he has to pay is lowered to 5,000 points.

'''{{Anchor| Bonus Feats }}:''' The epic bishop gains a bonus feat (selected from the list of epic bishop bonus feats) every five levels after 20th.

''Epic Bishop Bonus Feat List:'' [[SRD:Augmented Alchemy|Augmented Alchemy]], [[SRD:Automatic Quicken Spell|Automatic Quicken Spell]], [[SRD:Automatic Silent Spell|Automatic Silent Spell]], [[SRD:Automatic Still Spell|Automatic Still Spell]], [[SRD:Combat Casting|Combat Casting]], [[SRD:Craft Epic Magic Arms and Armor|Craft Epic Magic Arms and Armor]], [[SRD:Craft Epic Rod|Craft Epic Rod]], [[SRD:Craft Epic Staff|Craft Epic Staff]], [[SRD:Craft Epic Wondrous Item|Craft Epic Wondrous Item]], [[SRD:Efficient Item Creation|Efficient Item Creation]], [[SRD:Enhance Spell|Enhance Spell]], [[SRD:Epic Spell Focus|Epic Spell Focus]], [[SRD:Epic Spell Penetration|Epic Spell Penetration]], [[SRD:Epic Spellcasting|Epic Spellcasting]], [[SRD:Forge Epic Ring|Forge Epic Ring]], [[SRD:Ignore Material Components|Ignore Material Components]], [[SRD:Improved Combat Casting|Improved Combat Casting]], [[SRD:Improved Heighten Spell|Improved Heighten Spell]], [[SRD:Improved Metamagic|Improved Metamagic]], [[SRD:Improved Spell Capacity|Improved Spell Capacity]], [[SRD:Intensify Spell|Intensify Spell]], [[SRD:Multispell|Multispell]], [[SRD:Permanent Emanation|Permanent Emanation]], [[SRD:Scribe Epic Scroll|Scribe Epic Scroll]], [[SRD:Spell Focus|Spell Focus]], [[SRD:Spell Knowledge|Spell Knowledge]], [[SRD:Spell Penetration|Spell Penetration]], [[SRD:Spell Stowaway|Spell Stowaway]], [[SRD:Spell Opportunity|Spell Opportunity]], [[SRD:Spontaneous Spell|Spontaneous Spell]], [[SRD:Tenacious Magic|Tenacious Magic]]. In addition to the [[SRD:Feats|feats]] on this list, a bishop may select any item creation [[SRD:Feats|feat]] or metamagic [[SRD:Feats|feat]] not listed here.

====[[SRD:Elves, Gray (Race)|Gray Elf]] Bishop Starting Package====

'''Weapons:''' [[SRD:Light Crossbow|Light Crossbow]]

'''Skill Selection:''' Pick a number of skills equal to 6 + [[Int]] modifier.

{| class="zebra d20"
|-
! class="left" | Skill || Ranks || Ability || Armor<br/>Check<br/>Penalty
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Bluff Skill|Bluff]] || 4 || [[SRD:Charisma|Cha]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Concentration Skill|Concentration]] || 4 || [[SRD:Constitution|Con]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Diplomacy Skill|Diplomacy]] || 4 || [[SRD:Charisma|Cha]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|Knowledge (History)]] || 4 || [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|Knowledge (Religion)]] || 4 || [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Listen Skill|Listen]] || 4 || [[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Spellcraft Skill|Spellcraft]] || 4 || [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Spot Skill|Spot]] || 4 || [[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]] || &mdash;
|- 
| class="left" | [[SRD:Survival Skill|Survival]] || 4 || [[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]] || &mdash;
|}

'''Feat:''' [[SRD:Heighten Spell|Heighten Spell]].

'''Gear:''' Bedroll, 12 [[SRD:Candle|Candles]], [[SRD:Ink|Ink]] (10 oz.), Inkpen, [[SRD:Bullseye Lantern|Bullseye Lantern]], [[SRD:Oil|Oil]] (6 pint flask), Paper (20 sheets), Belt Pouch, Sealing Wax, Signet Ring, Waterskin, Winter Blanket.

'''Gold:''' 100 gp.

===Campaign Information===

====Playing a Bishop====

'''Religion:''' Bishops of every faith can be found in the world, from the pious, passionate clergyman of a church of a god who reigns over glory and justice, to the cold, calculating zealot of a cult of a pantheon of abominations. Though, no matter their particular faiths, bishops are terrible forces to behold, who can turn away even the most resolute forces that oppose them. Of course, some bishops could not even follow a religion at all, and instead devote themselves to a particular philosophy or manner of living. While these bishops aren't usually as organized as others of their kind, they are with no doubt, just as strong.

'''Other Classes:''' Bishops tend to vary in who they get along with depending on their faith. For example, a bishop who worships a dark, evil god could very quickly befriend a [[SRD:Blackguard|blackgaurd]] or a [[SRD:Cleric|cleric]] of an evil diety. Controversely, a bishop who worships a good, kind god could find a connection with a [[SRD:Paladin|paladin]] or a [[SRD:Cleric|cleric]] of a good diety. Though, regardless, they tend to always have some find og connection with other spellcasters, be they [[SRD:Wizard|wizards]] or [[SRD:Sorcerer|sorcerers]]. 

'''Combat:''' Bishops can usually fit into the role of the group buffer with extreme ease, what with their personal survivability allowing them to enter into the thick of battle and heal or strengthen their allies with as little harm coming to them as possible. At the same time, of course, they are capable of decimating the field of battle with but a thought, acting in as intense and aggresive ways as they can. At later levels, a bishop gains unnatural power, being able to overwhelm barriers that would overwise stop magic in it's tracks, and crush their foes with a power that is rarely ever seen.

'''Advancement:''' Bishops always have many paths of advancement open to them, from the most subtle of routes, to the grandest, most destructive avenues imaginable. For example, a particular bishop may look to the [[SRD:Hierophant|hierophant]] class, to provide themselves with more diverse ways of channeling their divine power. On another hand, they may find the [[SRD:Loremaster|loremaster]] class to be enticing, for it's archaic mannerisms, and interesting symmetries. A particular bishop may seek to take levels in [[SRD:Thaumaturgist|thaumaturgist]] even, to allow themselves to bring their gods minions to the world with greater speed. Lastly, for those bishops who do not follow a set religion, they may be tempted by the fruits of arcane magic, and seek to take levels in [[SRD:Sorcerer|sorcerer]] or [[SRD:Wizard|wizard]] and then [[SRD:Mystic Theurge|mystic theurge]].

====Bishops in the World====

{{quote|The words I bear cannot be ignored, nor can they be endured.|orig=Eric Remiel, [[SRD:Planetouched—Aasimars (Race)|Aasimar]] Bishop}}

Bishops can find themselves in any role, from the chilly dispositioned priest who guides young ones to be pious and good, according to the commandments of their religion, to the passionate and strong-willed prelate who seeks to spread the word of their god, and strike down the enemies of their faith. Other bishops can find themselves coming into power that few others find themselves offered with, such as being the individual who an emperor seeks out for advice, or the ancient philosopher who men come to from around the world, just to meet.

'''Daily Life:''' The life of a bishop depends entirely on how they seek to live out their lives. For example, the day to day life of a bishop who chooses to follow a calm life as a priest may consist mostly of prayer and preaching. Or, on the other hand, a bishop who has sought to travel, and spread the words of their faith to the far reaches of the world may find that they are travelling every day, and meeting new people with each stop. Though, regardless, they will always have a connection to the divine that they can feel in their their daily lives.

'''Notables:''' ''Charles Ovoru'', Male [[SRD:Humans (Race)|Human]] Bishop: the last true high priest of an ancient religion.

''Kita Slate'', Female [[SRD:Gnomes, Rock (Race)|Gnome]] Bishop: partook in a battle held between two deities, and survived.

''Sean Petice'', Male [[SRD:Elves, Wood (Race)|Wood Elf]] Bishop: was the right hand man of a long-dead god for many years.

'''Organizations:''' Bishops who are part of an organization are usually priests or cultists, considering that their divine ability virtually anchors them into such positions. Though, it isn't uncommon for there to be wandering bishops who seek to spread the word of their faith alone. These bishops tend to shun organizations and rarely ever stay in the same place for long, instead always moving through the world, seeking out new people to spread the word to. Although, there are bishops who follow neither extreme, and merely serve as a preacher on a philosopher without actually being part of something larger.

'''NPC Reactions:''' An NPC's reaction to a bishop depends entirely on the NPC in question. For example, a particular NPC could have a strong aversion to religion, and behave outrightly rude to a bishop. On another hand, an NPC could share a religion with the bishop, and recognize them for being a priest of their faith, and act very friendly to the bishop. Though, individuals who do not fall into these two groups tend to be indifferent, friendly, or apprehensive of the bishop, depending on the NPC.

====Bishop Lore====

Characters with ranks in [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|knowledge (religion)]] can research bishops to learn more about them.  When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|Knowledge (Religion)]]
! DC || class="left" | Result
|- 
| 5 || class="left" | Bishops are individuals who can cast divine magic.
|- 
| 10 || class="left" | Bishops keep their spells in a prayerbook.
|- 
| 15 || class="left" | Bishops can channel the forces of the divine with a force that few can truly match.
|- 
| 20 || class="left" | Characters who get this result can know the names and locations of specific bishops and items related to them.
|}

====Bishops in the Game====

Bishops can be seen anywhere in this world, from the dark pits of an ancient dungeon that a local cult has claimed for themselves, to the pristine, white marble halls of a religious king, to the dusty, untrodden paths in the underside of civilization. Though, there is one thing about bishops that is set in stone, wherever they may be found, there is an almost palpable sense of divine energies in the air. Bishops are truly very powerful beings in this world, who can be found anywhere, and in any situation. 

'''Adaptation:''' Bishops can fit into any campaign imaginable. For example, bishops could be the dark cultists who lead their followers to raise an ancient god from the depths of history, so that he may once again wreak havoc upon the wolrd. Or, bishops could be the individual followers of gods, and there may only be one for any particular god. It is even possible for bishops to only be able to be found in a monestary floating in the astral plane. 

'''Sample NPC:''' Aaron Tagge grew up in a distant world, one that had no emotion, one that blended all together into a seamless stretch of grey. During the first half of his life he saw judges pass sentences without so much as batting an eye and men kill without a second thought. It seemed, from Aaron's point of view, that the world was a bleak place, where hope was almost non-existent. Aaron was a cold man because of this, and he was dreaded by those who knew of him as the man he was. Though, he was not happy, and he knew this, and this knowledge slowly ate away at him, until, one day, he attempted to take his life. Though, he did not die, not then, for there was someone there, a travelling bishop who had entered the room Aaron had rented in the local tavern by mistake. This man cut Aaron down, healed him as fast as he could, and brought him to. During that night, the man chose to stay with Aaron, and speak to him, talk to him about why he tried to kill himself. That night lasted longer than most nights, it seemed, and the two men talked about many things, from the dim prospect that was Aaron's life, to the exotic corners of the map that the bishop had travelled to. Eventually, the talk came back to why the man was here, and he told Aaron of his faith, and the joy and color it brought to his life. Then, in the morning, the bishop left again, heading back out to the road, waving goodbye to Aaron with a smile, but, before he had even gotten a mile down the road, Aaron had made a decision, bought a backpack, some clothes, a few weeks' worth of trail rations, and caught back up with him. To date, Aaron is still travelling with the man who saved his life, and they are still spreading the word of their faith, and the life that Aaron abandoned rested, quiet and still.

''EL 17:'' {{:Aaron Tagge (3.5e NPC)}}


----
{{3.5e Base Classes Breadcrumb}}
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:User]]
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:Class]]
[[Category:Base Class]]
[[Category:Strong Spellcasting]]
[[Category:Divine Spellcasting]]
[[Category:Prepared Spellcasting]]

{{Navboxes}}
Allowed Alignments	Lawful Good +, Lawful Neutral +, Lawful Evil +, Neutral Good +, Neutral +, Neutral Evil +, Chaotic Good +, Chaotic Neutral + and Chaotic Evil +
Article Balance	Very High +
Author	Rithaniel +
Base Attack Bonus Progression	Poor +
Challenge Rating	17 +
Class Ability	Prepared Divine Spellcasting +
Class Ability Progression	Full +
Fortitude Save Progression	Good +
Identifier	3.5e Class +
Length	20 +
Minimum Level	1 +
Name	Aaron Tagge +
Race	Human +
Rating	Unrated +
Reflex Save Progression	Poor +
Size	Medium +
Summary	Bishops are the powerful holy servants of deities. Whether they be cool and calculating, lucid and wise, or feverent and passionate, is entirely dependant on the bishop in question. + and A man wearing a crisp, clean, white, robe, with a slightly forceful yet smooth aura about him. +
Title	Bishop +
Type	Humanoid (Human) +
Will Save Progression	Good +