Difference between revisions of "Holy Hunter (3.5e Prestige Class)"

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|adopter=
 
|adopter=
 
|date_adopted=  
 
|date_adopted=  
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|status=in progress
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|status=complete
 
|editing= grammar and clarifying edits only, please
 
|editing= grammar and clarifying edits only, please
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|balance=Moderate
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|balance=high
 
}}<div class="blank">
 
}}<div class="blank">
 
[[Summary:: A Ranger devoted to the eradication of evil]]
 
[[Summary:: A Ranger devoted to the eradication of evil]]
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[[Minimum Level:6]]
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[[Minimum Level::6]]
  
 
{{3.5e Class Alignments ng, cg}}
 
{{3.5e Class Alignments ng, cg}}
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}}
 
}}
  
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Sometimes fighting evil requires a warrior with capabilities beyond that of a religious organization's normal champions.  In such circumstances, these organization turn to the holy hunters.  A holy hunter is a ranger who, while not drawn to the strict regulations of religious orders, feels that their war against evil is one worth waging.  They offer their services to temples and churches plagued with particularly potent enemies, or trapped in particularly sticky circumstances, the kinds that a cleric of paladin might not be able to handle because of their devotion to law.
+
Sometimes fighting evil requires a warrior with capabilities beyond that of a religious organization's normal champions.  In such circumstances, these organization turn to the holy hunters.  A holy hunter is typically a ranger who, while not drawn to the strict regulations of religious orders, feels that their war against evil is one worth waging.  They are called upon by temples and churches plagued with particularly potent enemies, or trapped in particularly sticky circumstances -- the sorts of circumstances where the more restrictive moral code of clerics and paladins would just get in the way.
  
 
===Becoming a Holy Hunter===
 
===Becoming a Holy Hunter===
  
−
The typical Holy Hunter who is an individual who pursued at least some training as a paladin, then decided the life a ranger was better suited to his personality and convictions.  Other classes could certainly pursue the holy hunter class, but anyone taking this prestige class will most likely have at least one level of paladin and two levels of ranger.
+
The typical Holy Hunter is an individual who considered (and perhaps pursued some) training as a member of a holy office, then decided the life of a ranger was better suited to his personality and convictions.  In addition to more traditional ranger builds, rangers with the Sword of the Arcane Order feat may find the prestige class particularly appealing, as well.
  
 
{{3.5e Prestige Class Prereqs
 
{{3.5e Prestige Class Prereqs
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|alignment= neutral good or chaotic good only.  A lawful good character may take this prestige class, but he immediately becomes neutral or chaotic good as a result.
+
|alignment= Neutral Good or Chaotic Good only.  A Lawful Good character may take this prestige class, but he immediately becomes Neutral Good or Chaotic Good as a result (without any resulting penalty to previous class abilities for no longer being lawful).
 
|bab= 6
 
|bab= 6
 
|race= Any
 
|race= Any
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|skills= Survival, Sense Motive
+
|skills= Survival (4 ranks), Knowledge (Religion) (2 ranks)
 
|feats= Track
 
|feats= Track
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|special= Combat Style and Smite Evil class abilities
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|special= Combat Style class ability, Any "Smite" class ability (e.g. Smite Evil, Smite Undead, etc)
 
}}
 
}}
  
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|ref=Good
 
|ref=Good
 
|will=Good
 
|will=Good
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|special1= Smite Evil 1/day, Ordained Prey, Celestial Companion
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|special1= Smite Evil 1/day, Ordained Prey, Celestial Companion, Armor Expert
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|special2=Divine Combat, Righteous Pursuit, +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
+
|special2=Divine Combat, Righteous Pursuit, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
 
|special3=Strength of Conviction (frightened); Holy Focus (+2/-1)
 
|special3=Strength of Conviction (frightened); Holy Focus (+2/-1)
−
|special4=Favored Enemy: Evil (+1), +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
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|special4=Favored Enemy: Evil (+1), Evasion, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
 
|special5=Smite Evil 2/day, Convincing Martyr
 
|special5=Smite Evil 2/day, Convincing Martyr
−
|special6=Holy Focus (+4/-2), +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
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|special6=Holy Focus (+4/-2), +1 level of existing spellcasting class
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|special7=Emboldened Caster, Improved Divine Combat
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|special7=Synchronized Spellcasting, Improved Divine Combat
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|special8=Favored Enemy: Evil (+2), +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
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|special8=Favored Enemy: Evil (+2), +1 level of existing spellcasting class
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|special9=Holy Focus (+6/-3)
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|special9=Holy Focus (+6/-3), Armor Master
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|special10=Strength of Conviction (panicked), +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
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|special10=Smite Evil 3/day, Strength of Conviction (panicked), +1 level of existing spellcasting class
 
|skillpoints=6
 
|skillpoints=6
 
|skills=
 
|skills=
 +
Bluff,
 
Climb,  
 
Climb,  
 
Concentration,  
 
Concentration,  
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====Class Features====
 
====Class Features====
  
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All of the following are class features of the <-class name->.
+
All of the following are class features of the Holy Hunter.
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Spellcasting}}:''' At every other level, beginning with the second, you gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. You do not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. If you had more than one divine spellcasting class before becoming a holy hunter, you must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.
+
'''Weapon and Armor Proficiency:''' A holy hunter is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, but is restricted to light and medium armor, plus shields (except tower shields).
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Spells}}:''' To cast a particular spell, you must have an Wisdom score of at least 10 + the spell's level.  Your bonus spells are based on your Wisdom.  Saves to avoid the effects of your spells have a DC of 10 + the spell's level + your WIS bonus (if any).
 
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Smite Evil}} {{Su}}:''' Once per day, a holy hunter may attempt to smite evil with one normal melee attack. He adds his Charisma bonus (if any) to his attack roll and deals 1 extra point of damage per holy hunter level. If the paladin accidentally smites a creature that is not evil, the smite has no effect, but the ability is still used up for that day. A holy hunter gains a second daily smite evil use at level 5.
+
'''{{Anchor|Spellcasting}}:''' At every other level, beginning with the second, the holy hunter gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if he had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. If he had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a holy hunter, he must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.
  
−
If a holy hunter has smite evil from another class, the smite evil uses gained from holy hunter levels are in addition to these other uses.  Also, holy hunter levels stack with levels from other classes that grant the smite evil ability for the purpose of determining the extra damage deal by smite evil attempts.
 
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Ordained Prey}}:''' Because of their religious service, holy hunters often find themselves facing the same sorts of enemies over and over again.  At first level a holy hunter may substitute any of his existing favored enemies for choices from the following: undead, aberration, dragons, and evil outsiders. For example, a Ranger who chose goblins as his first favored enemy and orcs as his second favored enemy might, upon becoming a holy hunter, choose instead to have his first favored enemy be undead, and his second be evil outsiders.  Any ordained prey substitutions can only be made when taking the first level of holy hunter.  Ordained prey substitutions do not affect any bonuses granted by the favored enemy class ability; they merely affect the target of that ability.   
+
'''{{Anchor|Smite Evil}} {{Su}}:''' Once per day, the holy hunter may attempt to smite evil with one normal melee attack. He adds his Charisma bonus (if any) to his attack roll and deals 1 extra point of damage per holy hunter level.  This damage stacks with favored enemy bonuses.  If he accidentally smites a creature that is not evil, the smite has no effect, but the ability is still used up for that day.  He gains a second daily smite evil use at level 5, and a third at level 10.
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Celestial Companion}} {{Ex}}:''' In order to prove an appropriate companion in fight against evil, your animal companion gains the celestial template.  If you do not yet qualify for an animal companion because of insufficient levels as a ranger, then you do not gain the celestial companion ability until at time.  Ranger and holy hunter levels stack for the purpose of qualifying for an animal companion, as well as determining the animal companion's abilities.
+
If the holy hunter has the smite evil ability from another class, the smite evil uses gained from holy hunter levels are in addition to these other uses.  Also, holy hunter levels stack with levels from other classes that grant the smite evil ability for the purpose of determining the extra damage dealt by smite evil attempts.
  
−
'''{{Anchor| Divine Combat Style}} {{Ex}}:''' Your learn to adapt your unique combat style to the demands of your role as a holy hunter.
+
If a holy hunter had a different Smite class ability (such as Smite Undead) before becoming a holy hunter, he may choose to gain additional uses of this particular Smite ability whenever he would gain a smite evil use as a holy hunter, instead.  He may also simply choose to gain the Smite Evil ability, instead of gaining additional uses of this other Smite class ability.
  
−
If you selected archery as your ranger combat style, then you gain Ranged Smite as a bonus feat.  If you already have this feat, you may choose another for which you qualify.
 
  
−
If you selected two-weapon combat, then you may add your full Charisma modifier to your off-hand attacks, instead of half your Strength modifier, if the former is higher.
+
'''{{Anchor|Ordained Prey}}:''' Because of their religious service, holy hunters often find themselves facing the same sorts of enemies over and over again.  At first level the holy hunter may substitute any of his existing favored enemies for choices from the following: undead, aberrations, dragons, monstrous humanoids, or evil outsiders.  For example, a ranger who chose goblins as his first favored enemy and orcs as his second favored enemy might, upon becoming a holy hunter, choose instead to have his first favored enemy be undead, and his second be evil outsiders.  Any ordained prey substitutions can only be made when taking the first level of holy hunter.  Ordained prey substitutions do not affect the favored enemy class ability in any way, other than determining the target of this ability.  
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Righteous Pursuit}} {{Ex}}:''' Because you have studied evil in depth, you have learned to predict its movement through more than just tracks on the ground.  When tracking a creature you know to be evil, you may make a sense motive check, as well as a survival check, taking the higher of the two.  In addition, the penalties for all tracking are reduced as if you had the ranger's swift tracker ability.
 
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Strength of Conviction (frightened)}} {{Ex}}:''' Your enemies are taken aback by the great and certain hatred you hold for your enemies.  When you make a successful melee or ranged attack, your target must make a Will save of DC 10+ WIS mod + holy hunter level or be frightened for 1d4 rounds.  If the target is evil, they take an additional 1d6 damage per round.  You may use this power a number of times a day equal to your Wisdom modifier.
+
'''{{Anchor|Celestial Companion}} {{Ex}}:''' In order to provide an appropriate companion in the fight against evil, the holy hunter's animal companion gains the celestial template.  If he does not yet qualify for an animal companion because of insufficient levels as a ranger or other animal companion-granting class, then he does not gain the celestial companion ability until that time.  Holy hunter levels stack with levels from other animal companion-granting classes for the purpose of qualifying for an animal companion, as well as determining the animal companion's abilities.   
  
−
At level 10, targets who fail their Will save become panicked for 1d4 rounds.  If the target is evil, they take an additional 2d6 damage per round.
 
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Holy Focus (+2/-1)}} {{Su}}:''' You have the ability to your attention on the task at hand, even in the midst of battle.  Choose a target.  You gain a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls when attacking this target.  These bonuses stack with any bonuses gained from Smite Evil or Favored Enemy abilities.  In addition you gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC and a +2 bonus on all saves.  However, because you are so focused on the target, you are vulnerable to attacks from elsewhere.  Thus, you take a -1 penalty to attack and damage rolls against any other creature, as well as a -1 penalty to AC and saves.
+
'''{{Anchor|Armor Expert}}:''' A holy hunter's continued training with nearby paladins and other holy warriors allows him to grow more comfortable in armor than other rangers.  The holy hunter maintains the use of his ranger combat style, even while wearing medium armor.  
  
−
Holy focus lasts until either the target is killed, or you choose to end it, which you may do at any time.  You may use this ability a number of times per day equal to your Charisma bonus. 
 
  
−
As you advance in the ranks of the holy hunters, the strength of your holy focus increases, as do the penalties associated with it.  You gain a +4 bonus (with -2 penalties) at level 6, and a +6 bonus (with -3 penalties) at level 9.  
+
'''{{Anchor| Divine Combat Style}} {{Ex}}:''' The holy hunter learns to adapt his combat style to the demands of his new role.
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Favored Enemy: Evil (+1)}} {{Ex}}:''' You gain a +1 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Spot, Search, Sense Motive, and Survival checks against evil creatures.  You also gain a +1 bonus to damage rolls against such creatures.  These bonuses stack with those granted by smite evil and favored enemy abilities, but, again, only apply against evil creatures.
+
ARCHERY: The holy hunter gains Ranged Smite as a bonus feat (This does not have to be Smite Evil.  See above conversation).  If he already has this feat, he may choose another archery-related feat for which he qualifies.
  
−
At level 8, these bonuses increase to +2.
+
TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING: The holy hunter may subtract his Charisma modifier (if any) from the related TWF penalties on any attack against an evil target (min 0 penalty).
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Convincing Martyr}} {{Ex}}:''' As much as you want to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies, sometimes it's best to let them think they've won ... at least temporarily.  As a free action, immediately following a successful attack against you, you may fall prone and appear dead, without provoking attacks of opportunity.  Any creature wishing to know if you are truly dead or not make make a spot check against an opposed DC of 10 + WIS mod + holy hunter level.  Any creature who fails the spot check will not attempt to attack you while you appear to be dead, though they may take other reasonable actions (such as a wild animal trying to eat you) as the DM's discretion.
+
TWO-HANDED FIGHTING: If the holy hunter does not already have the Power Attack feat, he is treated as having this feat when attacking evil targets.  Furthermore, when using Power Attack against evil targets, the holy hunter may choose to distribute up to half (rounded down) of the penalties associated with the feat to his AC and/or saves, instead of attack rolls.  For example, a holy hunter taking a -6 penalty with a power attack could choose to take a -1 penalty to AC, -2 to saves (all saves are affected), and a -3 to attack rolls.  This still does not allow the holy hunter to take a penalty larger than his base attack bonus.
  
−
While on the ground, you suffer from all the penalties associated with the prone condition.  Getting up is also a free action, but it provokes an attack of opportunity from any creature with line of sight who who normally have an attack of opportunity because of their position in relation to you. Creatures who cannot see you, however, will not know you have gotten up. 
+
SWORD AND BOARD: If the holy hunter does not already have the Improved Shield Bash feat, he is treated as having this feat when attacking evil creatures.  Furthermore, any evil target hit by his shield bash must make a Reflex save of DC 10+ CHA modifier, or be considered flat-footed against the next attack that targets him.
  
−
You may use the Convincing Martyr ability an unlimited amount of times per day; however, any creature who has already seen you use fake death in this way will get a +15 bonus to their next spot check to perceive if you are dead or not.  Each additional attempt to use convincing martyr against the same creature will grant the creature an additional +15 bonus. 
 
  
−
'''{{Anchor|<-extraordinary class feature->}} {{Ex}}:''' <-class feature game rule information, including any differences in the class feature at epic levels->
+
'''{{Anchor|Righteous Pursuit}} {{Ex}}:''' Because the holy hunter has studied evil in depth, he has learned to predict its movement through more than just tracks on the ground.  When tracking a creature he knows to be evil, he may make a sense motive check, as well as a survival check, taking the higher of the two.  In addition, the penalties for all tracking are reduced as if he had the ranger's swift tracker ability.
  
−
'''''{{Anchor|<-psi-like class feature->}}'' {{Ps}}:''' <-class feature game rule information, including any differences in the class feature at epic levels->
 
  
−
'''''{{Anchor|<-spell-like class feature->}}'' {{Sp}}:''' <-class feature game rule information, including any differences in the class feature at epic levels->
+
'''{{Anchor|Strength of Conviction}} {{Ex}}:''' The holy hunter's enemies are taken aback by the great and certain hatred he holds for them.  When the holy hunter makes a successful melee or ranged attack, his target must make a Will save of DC 10+ WIS mod + holy hunter level or be frightened for 1 round.  If the target is evil, they take an additional 1d6 damage for that round.  The holy hunter may use this power a number of times a day equal to his Wisdom modifier.
  
−
'''{{Anchor|<-supernatural class feature->}} {{Su}}:''' <-class feature game rule information, including any differences in the class feature at epic levels->
+
At level 10, targets who fail their Will save become panicked for 1 round, instead.  If the target is evil, they take an additional 2d6 damage for that round.
  
−
'''{{Anchor|<-class feature->}}:''' <-class feature game rule information, including any differences in the class feature at epic levels->
 
  
−
''{{Anchor|<-subclass feature->}} <-"{{Ex}}", "{{Su}}", "{{Sp}}", or "{{Ps}}" if applicable.->:'' <-subclass feature game rule information->.
+
'''{{Anchor|Holy Focus}} {{Su}}:''' Holy hunters have the ability to focus their attention on the task at hand, even in the midst of battle.  Choose a target.  The holy hunter gains a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls when attacking this target.  These bonuses stack with any bonuses gained from Smite or Favored Enemy abilities.  In addition the holy hunter gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC and a +2 bonus on all saves against attacks from the target.  However, because the holy hunter is so focused on the target, he is vulnerable to attacks from elsewhere. Thus, he takes a -1 penalty to attack and damage rolls against any other enemy, as well as a -1 penalty to AC and saves on attacks from other enemies.
  
−
<-Lather, rinse...->
+
The holy hunter may use this ability a number of rounds per day equal to 3 + CHA modifer (if any). These rounds do not need to be consecutive. As he advances in skill, the strength of a holy hunter's holy focus increases, as do the penalties associated with it. He may use holy focus for a +4 bonus (with -2 penalties) at level 6, and a +6 bonus (with -3 penalties) at level 9.
  
−
<-... repeat as necessary.->
+
Unlike many of the holy hunter's other abilities, the target of Holy Focus does not have to be evil. Instead, Holy Focus represents a divine blessing on aspects of his ranger training, such as his favored enemy ability, that allow him to target particular enemies for more damage.
  
−
'''{{Anchor|Bonus Feats}}:''' <- any bonus feats gained in pre-epic levels->.
 
  
−
The epic <-class name-> gains a bonus feat (selected from the list of epic <-class name-> feats) every <-# of levels-> levels after <-usually the last non epic level->.   
+
'''{{Anchor|Favored Enemy: Evil}} {{Ex}}:''' The holy hunter gains a +1 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Spot, Search, Sense Motive, and Survival checks against evil creatures.  He also gains a +1 bonus to damage rolls against such creatures.  These bonuses stack with those granted by smite evil and favored enemy abilities, but, again, only apply against evil creatures.
  
−
''Epic <-class name-> Bonus Feat List:'' <-list of bonus epic feats->
+
At level 8, these bonuses increase to +2.
−
 
 
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====Ex-<-pluralized class name->====
 
  
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<-What happens (if anything) if characters of this class lose an entry requirement or violate their code of conduct (if this class has one).  Delete this section if there are no contingencies for continuing in this class->
 
  
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED AT LEAST ONE OF THE SECTIONS BELOW
+
'''{{Anchor|Evasion}} {{Ex}}:''' The holy hunter gains the Evasion class ability.
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===Campaign Information===
 
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "PLAYING A ... " SECTION
 
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====Playing a <-class name->====
 
  
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'''Combat:''' <-Typical role in combat->
+
'''{{Anchor|Convincing Martyr}} {{Ex}}:''' As much as the holy hunter wants to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, sometimes it's best to let them think they've won ... at least temporarily.  As a free action, immediately following a successful attack against him, the holy hunter may fall prone and appear dead, without provoking attacks of opportunity.  Any enemy wishing to know if the holy hunter is truly dead or not must make a spot check against an opposed DC of 10 + WIS mod + holy hunter level.  Any enemy who fails the spot check will not attempt to attack the holy hunter while he appears to be dead, though they may take other reasonable actions (such as a wild animal trying to eat the holy hunter) at the DM's discretion. 
  
−
'''Advancement:''' <-Typical advancement options for characters with this class.  Include desirable multiclass options->
+
While on the ground, the holy hunter suffers from all the penalties associated with the prone condition.  Getting up is also a free action, but it provokes an attack of opportunity from any enemy with line of sight who would gain an attack of opportunity under normal circumstances.  Enemies who cannot see the holy hunter, however, will not know he has gotten up, and thus gain no attack of opportunity.   
  
−
'''Resources:''' <-What kind of assistance members of this class can expect from each other including possible organizations->
+
The holy hunter may use the Convincing Martyr ability an unlimited amount of times per day; however, any enemies who has already seen the holy hunter fake death in this way will get a +10 bonus to their next spot check to perceive if he is dead or not. Each additional attempt to use convincing martyr against the same enemy will grant the the enemy an additional +10 bonus.
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  REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "PLAYING A ... " SECTION -->
 
  
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... IN THE WORLD" SECTION
+
Like Holy Focus, the target of convincing martyr does not need to be evil.
−
====<-pluralized class name-> in the World====
 
  
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{{quote|<-Some quote from a character of this class->|4=<-NPC name->, <-race-> <-class->}}
 
  
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<-Where characters of this class fit in a d20 world->
+
'''{{Anchor| Synchronized Spellcasting}}:''' Choose WIS or CHA.  The holy hunter may now use this ability for all of his spell casting, divine or arcane. 
  
−
'''NPC Reactions:''' <-How NPCs react to characters of this class->
 
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REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... IN THE WORLD" SECTION -->
 
  
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... LORE" SECTION
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'''{{Anchor|Improved Divine Combat}} {{Ex}}:''' The holy hunter continues to hone his combat style for the work of a holy hunter.
−
====<-class name-> Lore====
 
  
−
Characters with ranks in <-the appropriate skills-> can research <-insert prestige class name-> to learn more about them.  When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.
+
ARCHERY: A holy hunter automatically confirms critical hits against evil targets, and he provokes no attacks of opportunity for evil opponents when using a bow.
  
−
{| class="zebra d20"
+
TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING: Once per encounter, a holy hunter may take a move action, then still make a full-round attack action, as long as he targets an evil opponent.
−
|+ <-the appropriate skills->
 
−
! DC || class="left" | Result
 
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|-
 
−
| 11 || class="left" | <-not so common knowledge->.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 16 || class="left" | <-rare information->.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 21 || class="left" | <-very rare information->.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 26 || class="left" | <-information so obscure that members of this class might not even know it->.
 
−
|}
 
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... IN THE GAME" SECTION
+
TWO-HANDED FIGHTING: A holy hunter may subtract his CHA modifier from the DR of any evil target, where applicable, before determining damage dealt.
−
====<-pluralized class name-> in the Game====
 
  
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<-How characters of this class fit in the game (PC and NPC) and what roles they play->
+
SWORD AND BOARD: Once per encounter, if a holy hunter successfully hits an evil target with a shield bash, he may immediately attempt a bull rush, trip, or overrun as a free action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity.  He may also choose to forgo any damage from the attack in order to add his shield's enhancement to AC as a bonus to the bull rush, trip, or overrun check.
  
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'''Adaptation:''' <-Fitting this class in your campaign->
 
  
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'''Sample Encounter:''' <-DM placement for NPC of this class->
+
'''{{Anchor|Armor Master}}:''' Continued training with paladins or other holy warriors grants the holy hunter proficiency with heavy armor, if he does not already have it.  The holy hunter may now use his ranger combat styles even while wearing heavy armor.  In addition, the holy hunter adds half his wisdom modifier (min 1) to the dexterity bonus of any armor he wears, and subtracts half his wisdom modifier (min 1) from the armor penalties associated with his armor (min 0).
  
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''EL <- whatever ->:'' <-Encounter scenario and character info on sample NPC including stat block.  The CR of the NPC is typically the same as the EL for the encounter->
+
====Ex-Holy Hunter====
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REMOVE THIS LINE WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE "... IN THE GAME" SECTION -->
 
  
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<!-- REMOVE THIS LINE BEFORE YOU SAVE! --> <nowiki>
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A Holy Hunter who willingly commits evil loses any supernatural abilities, as well as his divine combat abilities.  He can regain these after performing a proper atonement. 
 
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{{3.5e Prestige Classes Breadcrumb}}
 
{{3.5e Prestige Classes Breadcrumb}}

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Date Created: 1/21/13
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A Ranger devoted to the eradication of evil 6

Template:3.5e Class Alignments ng, cg


Holy Hunter[edit]

“ I hate all your rules and regulations, but I hate evil more. ”
—Daesonne Shadowbane, Human Holy Hunter

Sometimes fighting evil requires a warrior with capabilities beyond that of a religious organization's normal champions. In such circumstances, these organization turn to the holy hunters. A holy hunter is typically a ranger who, while not drawn to the strict regulations of religious orders, feels that their war against evil is one worth waging. They are called upon by temples and churches plagued with particularly potent enemies, or trapped in particularly sticky circumstances -- the sorts of circumstances where the more restrictive moral code of clerics and paladins would just get in the way.

Becoming a Holy Hunter[edit]

The typical Holy Hunter is an individual who considered (and perhaps pursued some) training as a member of a holy office, then decided the life of a ranger was better suited to his personality and convictions. In addition to more traditional ranger builds, rangers with the Sword of the Arcane Order feat may find the prestige class particularly appealing, as well.

Entry Requirements  
Alignment: Neutral Good or Chaotic Good only. A Lawful Good character may take this prestige class, but he immediately becomes Neutral Good or Chaotic Good as a result (without any resulting penalty to previous class abilities for no longer being lawful).. 
Base Attack Bonus: 6. 
Race: Any. 
Skills: Survival (4 ranks), Knowledge (Religion) (2 ranks). 
Feats: Track. 
Special: Combat Style class ability, Any "Smite" class ability (e.g. Smite Evil, Smite Undead, etc)

Table: The Holy Hunter

Hit Die: d10

Level Base
Attack Bonus 		Saving Throws Special
Fort Ref Will
1st +1 +2 +2 +2 Smite Evil 1/day, Ordained Prey, Celestial Companion, Armor Expert
2nd +2 +3 +3 +3 Divine Combat, Righteous Pursuit, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
3rd +3 +3 +3 +3 Strength of Conviction (frightened); Holy Focus (+2/-1)
4th +4 +4 +4 +4 Favored Enemy: Evil (+1), Evasion, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
5th +5 +4 +4 +4 Smite Evil 2/day, Convincing Martyr
6th +6/+1 +5 +5 +5 Holy Focus (+4/-2), +1 level of existing spellcasting class
7th +7/+2 +5 +5 +5 Synchronized Spellcasting, Improved Divine Combat
8th +8/+3 +6 +6 +6 Favored Enemy: Evil (+2), +1 level of existing spellcasting class
9th +9/+4 +6 +6 +6 Holy Focus (+6/-3), Armor Master
10th +10/+5 +7 +7 +7 Smite Evil 3/day, Strength of Conviction (panicked), +1 level of existing spellcasting class

Class Skills (6 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level)
Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (dungeoneering)(geography)(nature)(religion) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis), Swim (Str), Use Rope (Dex).

Class Features[edit]

All of the following are class features of the Holy Hunter.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: A holy hunter is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, but is restricted to light and medium armor, plus shields (except tower shields).


Spellcasting: At every other level, beginning with the second, the holy hunter gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if he had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level. He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. If he had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a holy hunter, he must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.


Smite Evil (Su): Once per day, the holy hunter may attempt to smite evil with one normal melee attack. He adds his Charisma bonus (if any) to his attack roll and deals 1 extra point of damage per holy hunter level. This damage stacks with favored enemy bonuses. If he accidentally smites a creature that is not evil, the smite has no effect, but the ability is still used up for that day. He gains a second daily smite evil use at level 5, and a third at level 10.

If the holy hunter has the smite evil ability from another class, the smite evil uses gained from holy hunter levels are in addition to these other uses. Also, holy hunter levels stack with levels from other classes that grant the smite evil ability for the purpose of determining the extra damage dealt by smite evil attempts.

If a holy hunter had a different Smite class ability (such as Smite Undead) before becoming a holy hunter, he may choose to gain additional uses of this particular Smite ability whenever he would gain a smite evil use as a holy hunter, instead. He may also simply choose to gain the Smite Evil ability, instead of gaining additional uses of this other Smite class ability.


Ordained Prey: Because of their religious service, holy hunters often find themselves facing the same sorts of enemies over and over again. At first level the holy hunter may substitute any of his existing favored enemies for choices from the following: undead, aberrations, dragons, monstrous humanoids, or evil outsiders. For example, a ranger who chose goblins as his first favored enemy and orcs as his second favored enemy might, upon becoming a holy hunter, choose instead to have his first favored enemy be undead, and his second be evil outsiders. Any ordained prey substitutions can only be made when taking the first level of holy hunter. Ordained prey substitutions do not affect the favored enemy class ability in any way, other than determining the target of this ability.


Celestial Companion (Ex): In order to provide an appropriate companion in the fight against evil, the holy hunter's animal companion gains the celestial template. If he does not yet qualify for an animal companion because of insufficient levels as a ranger or other animal companion-granting class, then he does not gain the celestial companion ability until that time. Holy hunter levels stack with levels from other animal companion-granting classes for the purpose of qualifying for an animal companion, as well as determining the animal companion's abilities.


Armor Expert: A holy hunter's continued training with nearby paladins and other holy warriors allows him to grow more comfortable in armor than other rangers. The holy hunter maintains the use of his ranger combat style, even while wearing medium armor.


Divine Combat Style (Ex): The holy hunter learns to adapt his combat style to the demands of his new role.

ARCHERY: The holy hunter gains Ranged Smite as a bonus feat (This does not have to be Smite Evil. See above conversation). If he already has this feat, he may choose another archery-related feat for which he qualifies.

TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING: The holy hunter may subtract his Charisma modifier (if any) from the related TWF penalties on any attack against an evil target (min 0 penalty).

TWO-HANDED FIGHTING: If the holy hunter does not already have the Power Attack feat, he is treated as having this feat when attacking evil targets. Furthermore, when using Power Attack against evil targets, the holy hunter may choose to distribute up to half (rounded down) of the penalties associated with the feat to his AC and/or saves, instead of attack rolls. For example, a holy hunter taking a -6 penalty with a power attack could choose to take a -1 penalty to AC, -2 to saves (all saves are affected), and a -3 to attack rolls. This still does not allow the holy hunter to take a penalty larger than his base attack bonus.

SWORD AND BOARD: If the holy hunter does not already have the Improved Shield Bash feat, he is treated as having this feat when attacking evil creatures. Furthermore, any evil target hit by his shield bash must make a Reflex save of DC 10+ CHA modifier, or be considered flat-footed against the next attack that targets him.


Righteous Pursuit (Ex): Because the holy hunter has studied evil in depth, he has learned to predict its movement through more than just tracks on the ground. When tracking a creature he knows to be evil, he may make a sense motive check, as well as a survival check, taking the higher of the two. In addition, the penalties for all tracking are reduced as if he had the ranger's swift tracker ability.


Strength of Conviction (Ex): The holy hunter's enemies are taken aback by the great and certain hatred he holds for them. When the holy hunter makes a successful melee or ranged attack, his target must make a Will save of DC 10+ WIS mod + holy hunter level or be frightened for 1 round. If the target is evil, they take an additional 1d6 damage for that round. The holy hunter may use this power a number of times a day equal to his Wisdom modifier.

At level 10, targets who fail their Will save become panicked for 1 round, instead. If the target is evil, they take an additional 2d6 damage for that round.


Holy Focus (Su): Holy hunters have the ability to focus their attention on the task at hand, even in the midst of battle. Choose a target. The holy hunter gains a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls when attacking this target. These bonuses stack with any bonuses gained from Smite or Favored Enemy abilities. In addition the holy hunter gain a +2 dodge bonus to AC and a +2 bonus on all saves against attacks from the target. However, because the holy hunter is so focused on the target, he is vulnerable to attacks from elsewhere. Thus, he takes a -1 penalty to attack and damage rolls against any other enemy, as well as a -1 penalty to AC and saves on attacks from other enemies.

The holy hunter may use this ability a number of rounds per day equal to 3 + CHA modifer (if any). These rounds do not need to be consecutive. As he advances in skill, the strength of a holy hunter's holy focus increases, as do the penalties associated with it. He may use holy focus for a +4 bonus (with -2 penalties) at level 6, and a +6 bonus (with -3 penalties) at level 9.

Unlike many of the holy hunter's other abilities, the target of Holy Focus does not have to be evil. Instead, Holy Focus represents a divine blessing on aspects of his ranger training, such as his favored enemy ability, that allow him to target particular enemies for more damage.


Favored Enemy: Evil (Ex): The holy hunter gains a +1 bonus on Bluff, Listen, Spot, Search, Sense Motive, and Survival checks against evil creatures. He also gains a +1 bonus to damage rolls against such creatures. These bonuses stack with those granted by smite evil and favored enemy abilities, but, again, only apply against evil creatures.

At level 8, these bonuses increase to +2.


Evasion (Ex): The holy hunter gains the Evasion class ability.


Convincing Martyr (Ex): As much as the holy hunter wants to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, sometimes it's best to let them think they've won ... at least temporarily. As a free action, immediately following a successful attack against him, the holy hunter may fall prone and appear dead, without provoking attacks of opportunity. Any enemy wishing to know if the holy hunter is truly dead or not must make a spot check against an opposed DC of 10 + WIS mod + holy hunter level. Any enemy who fails the spot check will not attempt to attack the holy hunter while he appears to be dead, though they may take other reasonable actions (such as a wild animal trying to eat the holy hunter) at the DM's discretion.

While on the ground, the holy hunter suffers from all the penalties associated with the prone condition. Getting up is also a free action, but it provokes an attack of opportunity from any enemy with line of sight who would gain an attack of opportunity under normal circumstances. Enemies who cannot see the holy hunter, however, will not know he has gotten up, and thus gain no attack of opportunity.

The holy hunter may use the Convincing Martyr ability an unlimited amount of times per day; however, any enemies who has already seen the holy hunter fake death in this way will get a +10 bonus to their next spot check to perceive if he is dead or not. Each additional attempt to use convincing martyr against the same enemy will grant the the enemy an additional +10 bonus.

Like Holy Focus, the target of convincing martyr does not need to be evil.


Synchronized Spellcasting: Choose WIS or CHA. The holy hunter may now use this ability for all of his spell casting, divine or arcane.


Improved Divine Combat (Ex): The holy hunter continues to hone his combat style for the work of a holy hunter.

ARCHERY: A holy hunter automatically confirms critical hits against evil targets, and he provokes no attacks of opportunity for evil opponents when using a bow.

TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING: Once per encounter, a holy hunter may take a move action, then still make a full-round attack action, as long as he targets an evil opponent.

TWO-HANDED FIGHTING: A holy hunter may subtract his CHA modifier from the DR of any evil target, where applicable, before determining damage dealt.

SWORD AND BOARD: Once per encounter, if a holy hunter successfully hits an evil target with a shield bash, he may immediately attempt a bull rush, trip, or overrun as a free action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. He may also choose to forgo any damage from the attack in order to add his shield's enhancement to AC as a bonus to the bull rush, trip, or overrun check.


Armor Master: Continued training with paladins or other holy warriors grants the holy hunter proficiency with heavy armor, if he does not already have it. The holy hunter may now use his ranger combat styles even while wearing heavy armor. In addition, the holy hunter adds half his wisdom modifier (min 1) to the dexterity bonus of any armor he wears, and subtracts half his wisdom modifier (min 1) from the armor penalties associated with his armor (min 0).

Ex-Holy Hunter[edit]

A Holy Hunter who willingly commits evil loses any supernatural abilities, as well as his divine combat abilities. He can regain these after performing a proper atonement.

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Facts about "Holy Hunter (3.5e Prestige Class)"
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Article BalanceHigh +
AuthorSomehownotsingle +
Base Attack Bonus ProgressionGood +
Fortitude Save ProgressionGood +
Identifier3.5e Prestige Class +
Length10 +
Minimum Level6 +
Racial RestrictionsAny +
RatingUnrated +
Reflex Save ProgressionGood +
SkillBluff +, Climb +, Concentration +, Craft +, Handle Animal +, Heal +, Hide +, Jump +, Knowledge +, Listen +, Move Silently +, Profession +, Ride +, Search +, Sense Motive +, Spot +, Survival +, Swim + and Use Rope +
Skill Points6 +
SummaryA Ranger devoted to the eradication of evil +
TitleHoly Hunter +
Will Save ProgressionGood +