View source for Strider (3.5e Prestige Class)

{{author
|author_name=Summerscythe
|date_created= March 4, 2009
|adopter=
|date_adopted= 
|status=Under construction
|editing=
|balance=Wizard
|img=Strider.jpg
}}
{{3.5e PrC Semantic
|description=A rogue uses his environment to sneak around and remain unseen.  A Strider uses his background in druid to make his environment usable.
|len=10
|minlvl=6
}}


== Strider ==

{{quote
|Hahaha, I don't need to take advantage of my surroundings, silly, I just have to ask.
|orig= Jack Humbles, Human Strider
}}

The strider is the thief of the world.  He combines the stealth and guile of a [[SRD:Rogue|rogue]] with the purpose and control of nature of a [[SRD:Druid|druid]], bringing out the best in both of them.  The earth gives a little underneath the strider and softens his footsteps, it lets the striders' appearance blend in with its own to help them hide.  The strider uses the earth as its ally in fights.  The earth always gives the strider permission to pass. The strider is the ultimate burglar, and the most intimate friend of the earth.  

=== Becoming a Strider ===

Some striders travel more along the rogue's path in that they use the druid's environment-controlling powers to better themselves as thieves. Some striders are druids who use the rogue's sneakiness to better their reverence of the world. Either way, the strider seeks to better himself by becoming intimate with nature and the shadows. Most striders are [[SRD:Rogue|rogue]]/[[SRD:Druid|druids]], though a few high-level [[SRD:Rogue|rogue]]/[[SRD:Ranger|rangers]] may find the class appealing.

{| class="dragon monstats" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
|+ style="font-size: larger; white-space: nowrap;" | Entry Requirements
|-
! Skills:
| [[SRD:Move Silently Skill|Move Silently]] 5 ranks, [[SRD:Survival Skill|Survival]] 5 ranks.
|-
! Spellcasting:
| The ability to cast 2nd-level divine spells.
|-
! Special:
| [[SRD:Rogue#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +2d6, must have an [[SRD:Druid#Animal Companion|animal companion]].
|} 

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ <div>{{Anchor|Table: The Strider}}</div>
<p>Hit Die: d6</p>
|-
! rowspan="2" | Level
! rowspan="2" | [[BAB|Base<br/>Attack Bonus]]
! colspan="3" | [[SRD:Saving Throw|Saving Throw]]s
! rowspan="2" | Special
! rowspan="2" | [[#Spellcasting|Spellcasting]]
|-
! [[SRD:Saving Throw#Fortitude|Fort]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Reflex|Ref]] || [[SRD:Saving Throw#Will|Will]]
|- 
| 1st || +0 || +0 || +2 || +2
| class="left" | [[#Animal Companion|Animal Companion]], [[#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +1d6
| class="left" | 
|- 
| 2nd || +1 || +0 || +3 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] +2
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
|- 
| 3rd || +2 || +1 || +3 || +3
| class="left" | [[#Sensory Link|Sensory Link]], [[#Nature's Passage|Nature's passage]]
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
|- 
| 4th || +3 || +1 || +4 || +4
| class="left" | [[#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +2d6
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
|- 
| 5th || +3 || +1 || +4 || +4
| class="left" | [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] +4
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class 
|- 
| 6th || +4 || +2 || +5 || +5
| class="left" | [[#Cornered Prey|Cornered Prey]], [[#Improved Evasion|Improved Evasion]]
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
|- 
| 7th || +5 || +2 || +5 || +5
| class="left" | [[#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +3d6
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
|- 
| 8th || +6 || + 2|| +6 || +6
| class="left" | [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] +6
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
|- 
| 9th || +6 || +3 || +6 || +6
| class="left" | [[#Hide in Plain Sight|Hide In Plain Sight]]
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class 
|- 
| 10th || +7 || +3 || +7 || +7
| class="left" | [[#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +4d6
| class="left" | +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class
|- class="noalt"
| colspan="42" class="skill" |
'''Class Skills (6 + [[Int]] modifier per level)'''<br/>
[[SRD:Balance Skill|Balance]] ([[Dex]]), [[SRD:Concentration Skill|Concentration]] ([[Con]]) [[SRD:Climb Skill|Climb]] ([[Str]]), [[SRD:Disable Device Skill|Disable Device]] ([[Int]]), [[SRD:Disguise Skill|Disguise]] ([[Cha]]), [[SRD:Escape Artist Skill|Escape Artist]] ([[Dex]]), [[SRD:Hide Skill|Hide]] ([[Dex]]), [[SRD:Intimidate Skill|Intimidate]] ([[Cha]]), [[SRD:Jump Skill|Jump]] ([[Str]]), [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|Knowledge]] (local) ([[Int]]), [[SRD:Knowledge Skill|Knowledge]] (Nature) ([[Int]]), [[SRD:Listen Skill|Listen]] ([[Wis]]), [[SRD:Move Silently Skill|Move Silently]] ([[Dex]]), [[SRD:Open Lock Skill|Open Lock]] (D[[ex]]), [[SRD:Search Skill|Search]] ([[Int]]), [[SRD:Sense Motive Skill|Sense Motive]] ([[Wis]]), [[SRD:Sleight of Hand Skill|Sleight of Hand]] ([[Dex]]), [[SRD:Spellcraft Skill|Spellcraft]] ([[Int]]) [[SRD:Spot Skill|Spot]] ([[Wis]]), [[SRD:Survival Skill|Survival]] ([[Wis]]) [[SRD:Swim Skill|Swim]] ([[Str]]), [[SRD:Tumble Skill|Tumble]] ([[Dex]]), [[SRD:Use Magic Device Skill|Use Magic Device]] ([[Cha]]), [[SRD:Use Rope Skill|Use Rope]] ([[Dex]]).
|}

{| class="zebra d20"
|+ {{Anchor|Table: The [[SRD:Epic Level Basics|Epic]] Strider}}
|-
! Level || Special
|- 
| 11th|| class="left" | [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] +8
|- 
| 12th|| class="left" | Bonus Feat
|- 
| 13th|| class="left" | [[#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +5d6
|- 
| 14th|| class="left" | [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] +10
|- 
| 15th|| class="left" | Bonus Feat
|- 
| 16th|| class="left" | [[#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +6d6
|- 
| 17th|| class="left" | [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] +12
|- 
| 18th|| class="left" | Bonus Feat
|- 
| 19th|| class="left" | [[#Sneak Attack|Sneak Attack]] +7d6
|- 
| 20th|| class="left" | [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] +14
|}

==== Class Features ====

All of the following are class features of the strider.

'''{{Anchor|Spellcasting}}:''' At each level except 1st 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 divine 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 Strider, you must decide to which class to add each level for the purpose of determining spells per day, caster level, and spells known.

'''{{Anchor|Animal Companion}}:''' Your strider class levels stack with class levels from all other classes that grant an [[SRD:Druid#Animal Companion|animal companion]] for determining the abilities granted to your companion.

'''{{Anchor|Sneak Attack}}:''' Beginning at 1st level, a strider deals an extra 1d6 points of damage when [[SRD:Flanking|flanking]] an opponent or at any time the target would be denied its [[SRD:Dexterity|dexterity]] bonus.  This extra damage applies to ranged attacks only if the target is within 30 feet. It increases by 1d6 damage every 3 levels.  If a Strider gets a sneak attack bonus from any other source, the bonuses on damage stack.

'''{{Anchor|Nature's Cloak}} ([[Su]]):''' At 2nd level, the strider attunes his body with the world to provide him with the abilities to get to where he needs to go unhindered and undetected.  The Earth softens under the strider's feet, providing him with a +2 bonus to [[SRD:Move Silently Skill|move silently]] checks when he is on natural ground, such as stone or earth.  The earth hides the strider as well, helping him blend into natural surroundings, giving him a +2 bonus on [[SRD:Hide Skill|hide]] checks against natural surroundings and walls made of worked or unworked stone, wood, or earth, but nothing made predominately of brick, cement, or plaster. These bonuses increase by 2 every 3 levels.

'''{{Anchor|Sensory Link}} ([[Su]]):''' A strider gets ever closer to his [[SRD:Druid#Animal Companion|animal companion]] as he grows. At 3rd level, a strider may even look through the eyes of his companion. This is a full round action that provokes an [[SRD:Attacks of Opportunity|attack of opportunity]]. The strider sees and hears everything his [[SRD:Druid#Animal Companion|animal companion]] does.  The strider is still in his body when using this, but his mind is elsewhere, and is [[SRD:Flat-Footed|flat-footed]] for as long as he uses this ability. He may use this ability for 1 minute per class level per day.

'''{{Anchor|Nature's Passage}} ([[Su]]):''' At 3rd level, the earth does not prevent a strider from going anywhere he wants to go. A strider gains the ability to walk through all walls made of non-magical natural material; This means walls made of unworked or worked stone, wood, or earth, but not brick, cement, or plaster. Treat this ability as the ''[[SRD:Passwall|passwall]]'' spell, except that no "door" is created and only the strider may go through the wall.  The strider may use this a number of times per day equal to his class level.

'''{{Anchor|Cornered Prey}} ([[Su]]):''' At 6th level, the strider and his [[SRD:Druid#Animal Companion|animal companion]] learns how to use the earth as their ally. They may use trees and walls and other natural and earth or weather-made obstacles as allies to [[SRD:Flanking|flank]] opponents.

'''{{Anchor|Improved Evasion}} ([[Su]]):''' At 6th level the strider gains [[SRD:Rogue#Improved Evasion|improved evasion]], this ability works like [[SRD:Rogue#Evasion|evasion]] except that, while the strider still takes no damage on a successful reflex [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throw]] against attacks, henceforth he takes only half damage on a failed save. A helpless strider does not gain the benefit of [[SRD:Rogue#Improved Evasion|improved evasion]]. 

'''{{Anchor|Hide In Plain Sight}} ([[Ex]]):''' While in any sort of natural terrain, or anywhere that the strider would gain his [[#Nature's Cloak|Nature's Cloak]] bonus, a strider of 9th level or higher can use the [[SRD:Hide Skill|hide skill]] even while being observed.

The epic strider gains a bonus feat (selected from the list of epic strider feats) at 12th level and every 3 levels after.  

''Epic Strider Bonus Feat List:'' [[SRD:Automatic Quicken Spell|Automatic Quicken Spell]], [[SRD:Automatic Silent Spell|Automatic Silent Spell]], [[SRD:Automatic Still Spell|Automatic Still Spell]], [[SRD:Blinding Speed|Blinding Speed]], [[SRD:Combat Archery|Combat Archery]], [[SRD:Dexterous Fortitude|Dexterous Fortitude]], [[SRD:Dexterous Will|Dexterous Will]], [[SRD:Energy Resistance (Feat)|Energy Resistance]], [[SRD:Enhance Spell|Enhance Spell]], [[SRD:Epic Dodge|Epic Dodge]], [[SRD:Epic Spell Focus|Epic Spell Focus]], [[SRD:Epic Spell Penetration|Epic Spell Penetration]], [[SRD:Epic Spellcasting|Epic Spellcasting]], [[SRD:Epic Reputation|Epic Reputation]], [[SRD:Epic Skill Focus|Epic Skill Focus]], [[SRD:Epic Speed|Epic Speed]], [[SRD:Fast Healing (Feat)|Fast Healing]], [[SRD:Ignore Material Components|Ignore Material Components]], [[SRD:Improved Combat Casting|Improved Combat Casting]], [[SRD:Improved Combat Reflexes|Improved Combat Reflexes]], [[SRD:Improved Heighten Spell|Improved Heighten Spell]], [[SRD:Improved Metamagic|Improved Metamagic]], [[SRD:Improved Sneak Attack|Improved Sneak Attack]], [[SRD:Improved Spell Capacity|Improved Spell Capacity]], [[SRD:Intensify Spell|Intensify Spell]], [[SRD:Intuitive Trapfinding|Intuitive Trapfinding]], [[SRD:Legendary Climber|Legendary Climber]], [[SRD:Lingering Damage|Lingering Damage]], [[SRD:Magical Beast Companion|Magical Beast Companion]], [[SRD:Multispell|Multispell]], [[SRD:Perfect Health|Perfect Health]], [[SRD:Permanent Emanation|Permanent Emanation]], [[SRD:Self-Concealment|Self-Concealment]], [[SRD:Sneak Attack of Opportunity|Sneak Attack of Opportunity]], [[SRD:Spellcasting Harrier|Spellcasting Harrier]], [[SRD:Spell Stowaway|Spell Stowaway]], [[SRD:Spell Opportunity|Spell Opportunity]], [[SRD:Spontaneous Spell|Spontaneous Spell]], [[SRD:Superior Initiative|Superior Initiative]], [[SRD:Tenacious Magic|Tenacious Magic]], [[SRD:Uncanny Accuracy|Uncanny Accuracy]].

=== Campaign Information ===

==== Playing a Strider ====

By entering the world of the strider, your character enters a world of opportunity.  The art of burglary becomes so much easier when the earth approves. Your reverence and honor of nature becomes so much easier when you can get to where you need to unseen. By looking through the eyes of your [[SRD:Druid#Animal Companion|animal companion]], you become an indispensable scout for your party, able to have a harmless animal see what's ahead for you. 

'''Combat:''' Becoming a strider opens up your combat abilities more than you can imagine. The [[#Cornered Prey|cornered prey]] ability gives you the ability to use you friend, the earth, as a flanker, opening up sneak attack advantages galore. Your [[SRD:Druid|druid]] spells can be used to control your battlefield, which makes your battle strategies that much more controlled. Imagine casting a ''[[SRD:Wall of Thorns|wall of thorns]]'' spell behind your enemy, and using it to [[SRD:Rogue#Sneak attack|sneak attack]] them into nature's oblivion. This is just one of the many tricks the strider has up his sleeve.

'''Advancement:''' By combining [[SRD:Rogue|rogue]] and [[SRD:Druid|druid]], the strider continues to advance upon both roads as long as he is in this prestige class. If he wants to increase his caster level and get those last high level [[SRD:Druid|druid]]  spells, as well as the ability to [[SRD:Druid#Wildshape|wildshape]], he may continue in [[SRD:Druid|druid]]  afterward.  If he wants to be sneaky, he may continue in rogue.

'''Resources:''' Depending on the personality of the strider, the [[SRD:Druid|druid]]  council may look upon the strider with approval or disdain. If the strider is still putting nature above all else, the [[SRD:Druid|druid]]  council will revere him and provide what they can to help him within their means. If nature is not a top priority to the strider, he may find solace in thieves' guilds and the city, for the [[SRD:Druid|druid]]  council may not approve of his ways.

==== Striders in the World ====

{{quote|The council doesn't like me; but I still get what I want and I still love nature.  I walk a fine line, and I'm ok with it.  Are you?|orig=Obbynebek "Obby" Sarahasi, Durzite Strider}}

The Strider fits into the D&D world pretty well.  For example striders can make a living for themselves stealing, working in a thieves' guild, and even some of the more nature revering striders can make a living working for the druidic council.  Some Striders can out track a [[SRD:Ranger|ranger]] if they really wanted to, and as such they can follow a rangers path of work.  Although, for the most part, the strider is more of a loner than anything else; although many times they are very willing to join an adventurer's group, where they make a fine addition.

'''NPC Reactions:''' NPCs tend to trust the strider more than a [[SRD:Rogue|rogue]], but less than a [[SRD:Druid|druid]].  striders are generally liked or at least acted indifferent towards.  They can be respected or ridiculed, just like any other thief or [[SRD:Druid|druid]].

==== Strider Lore ====

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

{| class="d20" {{#vardefine: odd | 0}}
|+ Knowledge (Nature) or Knowledge (Local)
! DC || class="left" | Result
|- 
| 10 || class="left" | The strider combines the stealth of a rogue, with the mastery of nature of a druid.
|- 
| 15 || class="left" | The earth itself joins the Strider in hiding it and fighting with it.
|- 
| 20 || class="left" | The strider can look through the eyes of animals to help it see what lies ahead.
|- 
| 26 || class="left" | At this level of success you may disclose information on specific striders in your world.
|}

==== Striders in the Game ====

The strider fits into any game spectacularly. They have there own special niche in both skilled combat and spellcasting that gives them a unique role in any party.  Their skills let them master there environment and their spell let them control the battlefield in a new and interesting way. The strider fits into any party with it's skillful repertoire and command over the battlefield. 

'''Adaptation:''' This class fits well into anyplace where you would place a [[SRD:Ranger|Ranger]].  They are pretty much interchangeable in society and can fill any role that requires knowledge of nature and a little thievery.

'''Sample Encounter:''' Vadania Crisp is a strider trying to infiltrate an elven fortress in the middle of the woods.  Her motive is to get a relic that the PC's have either been assigned to get also, or protect, depending on their alignment.  The fortress is made mostly of wood, utilizing Vadania's strider abilities.  If the PC's are guarding the relic, they may have to fight her, if they are trying to teal it however, they have an indispensable ally. 

''EL:'' 10 {{:Vadania Crisp (3.5e NPC)}} 


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{{3.5e Prestige Classes Breadcrumb}}
[[Category:3.5e]]
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Article Balance	Very High +
Author	Summerscythe +
Identifier	3.5e Prestige Class +
Length	10 +
Minimum Level	6 +
Rating	Undiscussed +
Summary	A rogue uses his environment to sneak around and remain unseen. A Strider uses his background in druid to make his environment usable. +
Title	Strider +