View source for Publication:Dread Codex 2/Prestige Classes/Savant of the Dead

====Class Features====

All of the following are class features of the Savant of the Dead.

'''Weapon and Armor Proficiency:''' The savant of the dead gains no new proficiencies with weapons, armor, and shields.

'''{{Anchor|Spellcasting}}:''' At each level, 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 spellcasting class before becoming a Savant of the Dead, you must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.

'''{{Anchor|Ghostsight}} ([[Su]]):''' At 1st level, the savant of the dead gains the ghostsight power, and her eyes change color to a dull grey. This enables the savant of the dead to see ghosts and invisible creatures within 60 feet. This power is always active.

'''''{{Anchor|Summon the Dead}}'' ([[Sp]]):''' This is a ritual power, where the savant calls forth one of the dead who must answer his questions. The ritual takes half an hour to prepare, and the savant must know the name of the spirit he is summoning. At level 2, the savant can use this power once per day, twice per day at level 5, and thrice per day at level 8. Each time the savant asks the dead spirit a question, he must succeed at an Intimidate check (DC 10 + the original creature's challenge rating) as he commands the spirit to answer him. After an hour, the dead returns to wherever they came from. This power should not be compared to the cleric spell ''[[SRD:Speak with Dead|speak with dead]]'' as this is a spirit summoning from the realms beyond, and the spirit knows whatever the original creature knew. The savant does not need a corpse to use this power, only the name of a dead creature.

'''{{Anchor|Darkvision}} ([[Su]]):''' The savant of the dead now has [[SRD:Darkvision|Darkvision]] out to 60 feet. If he already had Darkvision, then it increases to 120 feet.

'''{{Anchor|Negative Energy Resistance}} ([[Su]]):''' At 4th level, the savant of the dead gains resistance to negative energy equal to 10 + his class level.

'''{{Anchor|Spirit Possession}} ([[Su]]):''' At 6th level, the savant has the power to call upon a spirit from the realms beyond and let it take possession of his body. This possession is not a mental possession, but one of memories and powers. There is several uses of this power, and each time the savant uses this ability he must specify the use.

* '''Ancestral Guidance:''' The savant calls forth one of his ancestors to aid him perform a task. He gains a +5 bonus to saves or skill checks.
* '''Heroic Guidance:''' The savant calls upon a heroic spirit of the past to aid him in battle. He gain a +2 bonus to AC and attack rolls.
* '''Master’s Guidance:''' The savant calls forth the spirit of one of the ancient necromancers to strengthen his ability to cast spells. Necromancy spells the savant casts are at +1 caster level and +2 to the save DC.

The savant is possessed by the spirit a number of rounds which equals his Intelligence or Wisdom modifier (whichever is higher), and can only be possessed by one spirit at a time. This power can be used a number of times per day equal to the caster’s Intelligence or Wisdom modifier (whichever is higher) + half his class level, rounded down.

'''''{{Anchor|Detect Undead}}'' ([[Sp]]):''' The savant of the dead can use ''[[SRD:Detect Undead|detect undead]]'' as a spell-like ability at will (caster level equal to the savant's hit dice).

'''{{Anchor|Greater Spirit Possession}} ([[Su]]):''' At level 9, the savant can summon a more powerful spirit, but only once per day.

* '''Ancestral Guidance:''' The savant calls forth one of his ancestors to aid him perform a difficult task. He gains a +10 bonus to saves or skill checks.
* '''Heroic Guidance:''' The savant calls upon a heroic spirit to aid him in battle. He gains a +4 bonus to AC and attack rolls.
* '''Master’s Guidance:''' The savant calls forth the spirit of one of the ancient necromancers to strengthen his ability to cast spells. Necromancy spells the savant cast are at +1 caster level and +4 to the save DC.

The greater spirit can only be called upon once every day, and not while the savant is already possessed by another spirit. The savant is possessed by the greater spirit a number of rounds which equals his Intelligence modifier or Wisdom modifier, whichever is higher.

'''{{Anchor|Negative Energy Immunity}} ([[Su]]):''' At 10th level, the savant of the dead is immune to negative energy.
</onlyinclude>

----
{{3.5e OGL Prestige Classes Breadcrumb}}<br />
{{3.5e Dread Codex 2 Breadcrumb/Prestige Classes}}
{{OGL Bottom|part of the Dread Codex 2|Dread Codex 2}}
[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:OGL]]
[[Category:Class]]
[[Category:Prestige Class]]
[[Category:Dread Codex 2]]
Allowed Alignments	Lawful Good +, Lawful Neutral +, Lawful Evil +, Neutral Good +, Neutral +, Neutral Evil +, Chaotic Good +, Chaotic Neutral + and Chaotic Evil +
Base Attack Bonus Progression	Poor +
Class Ability	Arcane Spellcasting + and Divine Spellcasting +
Class Ability Progression	Full +
Fortitude Save Progression	Poor +
Length	10 +
Minimum Level	7 +
Reflex Save Progression	Poor +
Skill	Bluff +, Concentration +, Craft +, Decipher Script +, Gather Information +, Intimidate +, Knowledge +, Profession +, Sense Motive +, Speak Language + and Spellcraft +
Skill Points	4 +
Summary	A not-necessarily-evil scholar of the forces of undead and negative energy. +
Title	Savant of the Dead +
Will Save Progression	Good +