Difference between revisions of "Judicator (D&D class)"

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{{D&D}}
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:''This class is a version of the [[Champion (D&D class)|Champion]] character class adapted to fit drow society. It will only work in a drow campaign! See design note below for details. Both judicator and champion may be used to refer to the class in the rules section of this article.''
 +
 
A mortal imbued with fiendish cruelty, the drow judicator is a
 
A mortal imbued with fiendish cruelty, the drow judicator is a
 
dark knight and Champion of Lolth. Consort of demons and demonic
 
dark knight and Champion of Lolth. Consort of demons and demonic
 
arachnids, the drow judicator is hated and feared by all.  
 
arachnids, the drow judicator is hated and feared by all.  
The meaning of "judicator" is "someone who acts as a judge". The
+
The meaning of "judicator" is "someone who acts as a judge". In drow society, a 
Judicator is judge, jury and executioner, but such terms
+
judicator is both judge, jury and executioner and embodies the vengeance of the Goddess.
hold little meaning for the drow. All they know is that the
+
{{tocright}}
judicator is the vengeance of the Goddess.
+
Juicators are usually assigned to a temple. A strong judicator can be a power in his own right, and the presence of a high level judicator is enough to make even a high priestess wary. The judicator is one of the few ways a male can be granted divine power by Lolth.
 +
 
 +
== Class information ==
  
Juicators are usually assigned to a temple. A strong judicator can be a power in her own right, and the presence of a high level judicator is enough to make even a high priestess wary. The judicator is one of the few ways a male can be granted divine power by Lolth.
+
'''Alignment''': Any evil.
  
:''This class is a version of the [[blackguard]] character class adapted to fit drow society. It will only work in a drow campaign! See design note below for details.''
+
'''Hit Die''': d10
 +
 
 +
'''Weapon and Armor Proficiency''': The champion is proficient
 +
with all simple and martial weapons, with all types of
 +
armor, and with all types of shields (except tower shields).
  
 
== Class skills ==
 
== Class skills ==
Line 18: Line 28:
 
Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (religion) (Int), Profession
 
Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (religion) (Int), Profession
 
(Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), and Survival (Wis). See Chapter
 
(Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), and Survival (Wis). See Chapter
4: Skills in the Player’s Handbook for skill descriptions.
+
4: Skills in the ''Player’s Handbook'' for skill descriptions.
  
 
'''Skill Points at each level''': 2 + Int modifier.
 
'''Skill Points at each level''': 2 + Int modifier.
  
{| cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" style="border: 1px solid #aaa;" class="wikitable"
+
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''The Judicator'''
+
|+ '''Table: The Judicator'''
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan=2 | Character<br>Level
 +
! rowspan=2 | Base Attack<br>Bonus
 +
! rowspan=2 | Fort<br>Save
 +
! rowspan=2 | Ref<br>Save
 +
! rowspan=2 | Will<br>Save
 +
! rowspan=2 | Special
 +
! colspan=4 | Spells per day
 
|-
 
|-
!Lvl !!BAB !!Fort !! Ref !! Will !! align="left"| Special
 
 
! 1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 4  
 
! 1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 4  
 
|-
 
|-
| 1    || +1  ||  +2  || +0  ||  +0 || Smite 1/day, aura of evil, spider empathy || - || - || - || -
+
| 1    || +1  ||  +2  || +0  ||  +0 || [[#Smite_(Su)|Smite]] 1/day, [[#Aura of Evil|aura of evil]], [[#Rebuke Undead (Su)|Rebuke undead]] || - || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 2    || +2  ||  +3  || +0  ||  +0 || Dark blessing, lay on hands || - || - || - || -
+
| 2    || +2  ||  +3  || +0  ||  +0 || [[#Dark Blessing (Su)|Dark blessing]], [[#Spider Step (Ex)|Spider step]], [[#Spider Bite|spider bite]] || - || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 3    ||  +3 ||  +3  || +1  ||  +1 ||   Aura of despair, Lolth's Meat || - || - || - || -
+
| 3    ||  +3 ||  +3  || +1  ||  +1 || [[#Aura of Despair (Su)|Aura of despair]], [[#Spider Grace (Sp)|spider grace]] || - || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 4    ||  +4 ||  +4  || +1  ||  +1 || Command spiders || 0 || - || - || -
+
| 4    ||  +4 ||  +4  || +1  ||  +1 || [[#Command Spiders (Ex)|Command spiders]] || 0 || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 5    ||  +5 ||  +4  || +1  ||  +1 || Smite 2/day, spider servant || 0 || - || - || -
+
| 5    ||  +5 ||  +4  || +1  ||  +1 || [[#Smite_(Su)|Smite]] 2/day, [[#Spider Servant|Spider servant]] || 0 || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 6    ||  +6 ||  +5  || +2  ||  +2 || War strike || 1 || - || - || -
+
| 6    ||  +6 ||  +5  || +2  ||  +2 || || 1 || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 7    ||  +7 ||  +5  || +2  ||  +2 ||  || 1  || - || - || -
 
| 7    ||  +7 ||  +5  || +2  ||  +2 ||  || 1  || - || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 8    ||  +8 ||  +6  || +2  ||  +2 || Spider's grace 1/day || 1 || 0  || -  || -
+
| 8    ||  +8 ||  +6  || +2  ||  +2 || || 1 || 0  || -  || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 9    || +9  || +6  || +3  ||  +3  ||    || 1  ||  0  || - || -
 
| 9    || +9  || +6  || +3  ||  +3  ||    || 1  ||  0  || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 10  || +10 || +7 || +3 || +3 || Smite 3/day || 1  || 1 || - || -
+
| 10  || +10 || +7 || +3 || +3 || [[#Smite_(Su)|Smite]] 3/day || 1  || 1 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
|11    || +11 || +7 || +3 || +3 || || 1 || 1 || 0 || -
+
|11    || +11 || +7 || +3 || +3 || || 1 || 1 || 0 || -
 
|-
 
|-
| 12  || +12 || +8  || +4  || +4  || Poison immunity  || 1  || 1  || 1  || -
+
| 12  || +12 || +8  || +4  || +4  ||   || 1  || 1  || 1  || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 13  || +13  || +8  || +4  || +4  ||  || 1  || 1  || 1  || -
 
| 13  || +13  || +8  || +4  || +4  ||  || 1  || 1  || 1  || -
Line 56: Line 73:
 
| 14  || +14  || +9  || +4  || +4  ||  || 2  || 1  || 1 || 0
 
| 14  || +14  || +9  || +4  || +4  ||  || 2  || 1  || 1 || 0
 
|-
 
|-
| 15  || +15  || +9  || +5  || +5  || Smite 4/day  || 2  || 1 || 1 || 1
+
| 15  || +15  || +9  || +5  || +5  || [[#Smite_(Su)|Smite]] 4/day  || 2  || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
| 16  || +16  || +10 || +5  || +5  ||  || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
+
| 16  || +16  || +10 || +5  || +5  ||  || 2 || 2 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
| 17 || +17  ||  +10  || +5  || +5  || Judgement 1/day || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
+
| 17 || +17  ||  +10  || +5  || +5  || || 2 || 2 || 2 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
| 18 || +18  || +11  || +6  || +6  || ||  3  || 2  || 2  || 1                         
+
| 18 || +18  || +11  || +6  || +6  || [[#Judgement (Su)|Judgement]] ||  3  || 2  || 2  || 1                         
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 19 || +19  || +11  || +6  || +6  ||  || 3 || 3 || 3 || 2
 
| 19 || +19  || +11  || +6  || +6  ||  || 3 || 3 || 3 || 2
 
|-
 
|-
| 20 || +20  || +12  || +6  || +6  || Smite 5/day  || 3  || 3  || 3 || 3
+
| 20 || +20  || +12  || +6  || +6  || [[#Smite_(Su)|Smite]] 5/day  || 3  || 3  || 3 || 3
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Class features ==
 
== Class features ==
  
'''Alignment''': Any evil.
 
 
'''Hit Die''': d10
 
 
All of the following are class features of the judicator class.  
 
All of the following are class features of the judicator class.  
  
'''Weapon and Armor Proficiency''': Drow judicators are proficient
+
==== Aura of Evil (Ex) ====
with all simple and martial weapons, with all types of
+
The power of a judicator’s aura of evil (see the detect evil spell) is equal to her class level plus her cleric level, if any.  
armor, and with all types of shields including tower shields.
 
  
'''Aura of Evil (Ex)''': The power of a judicator’s aura of evil (see the detect evil spell) is equal to her class level plus her cleric level, if any.  
+
==== Dark Blessing (Su) ====
 +
A judicator applies her Charisma modifier (if positive) as a bonus on all saving throws.  
  
'''Dark Blessing (Su)''': A judicator applies her Charisma modifier (if positive) as a bonus on all saving throws.  
+
==== Aura of Despair (Su) ====
 +
The judicator radiates a malign aura that causes enemies within 10 feet of her to take a -2 penalty on all saving throws.  
  
'''Aura of Despair (Su)''': Beginning at 3rd level, the judicator radiates a malign aura that causes enemies within 10 feet of her to take a -2 penalty on all saving throws.  
+
==== Smite (Su) ====
 +
Once per day, a judicator may attempt to smite an enemy with one normal melee attack. She adds her Charisma bonus (if any) to her attack roll and deals 1 extra point of damage per judicator level. At 5th level, and at every five levels thereafter, the judicator may use smite enemy one additional time per day, to a maximum of five times per day at 20th level.  
  
'''Lay on hands (Su)''': Once per day, the judicator can use this supernatural ability to cure herself or her spider servant of damage equal to his Charisma bonus × her level.
+
This ability works against any target. If the target (in the opinion of the DM) is a true servant of the Goddess, the ability fails but is still used. This ability channels negative energy and is equivalent to smite good for rule purposes and feat acquisition.
  
'''Lotlth's Meat''': The judicator has learned the pleasure of killing for her Goddess and gains the feat Lolth's Meat.
+
==== Command Spiders (Ex) ====
  
'''Smite Enemy (Su)''': Once per day, a judicator may attempt to smite an enemy with one normal melee attack. She adds her Charisma bonus (if any) to her attack roll and deals 1 extra point of damage per judicator level. At 5th level, and at every five levels thereafter, the judicator may use smite enemy one additional time per day, to a maximum of five times per day at 20th level.  
+
The judicator is a servant of Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders. As her favored servant, the judicator is able to command or rebuke spiders. This is identical to the cleric ability ability, but only works on spiders.
  
This ability works against any target. If the target (in the opinion of the DM) is a true servant of the Goddess, the ability fails but is still used.
+
==== Spider Step (Ex) ====
  
'''Spider Empathy (Ex)''':
+
The Spider Champion takes on the wall-walking ability of a spider and gains a climbing movement rate of 20 ft. A creature with a climb speed has a +8 racial bonus on all Climb checks. The creature must make a Climb check to climb any wall or slope with a DC of more than 0, but it always can choose to take 10 even if rushed or threatened while climbing. The creature climbs at the given speed while climbing. If it chooses an accelerated climb it moves at double the given climb speed (or its base land speed, whichever is lower) and makes a single Climb check at a -5 penalty. Creatures cannot run while climbing. A creature retains its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) while climbing, and opponents get no special bonus on their attacks against a climbing creature.
The judicator is a servant of Lolth, and is able to befriend spiders. This ability is similar to the ranger ability Wild Empathy but only works on spiders.  
 
  
A judicator can improve the attitude of a spider. This ability functions just like a Diplomacy check to improve the attitude of a person. The judicator rolls 1d20 and adds her judicator level and her Charisma modifier to determine the spider empathy check result. The typical domestic spider has a starting attitude of indifferent, while wild spiders are usually unfriendly.
+
==== Spider Bite (Sp) ====
  
To use spider empathy, the judicator and the spider must be able to study each other, which means that they must be within 30 feet of one another under normal visibility conditions. Generally, influencing an animal in this way takes 1 minute, but, as with influencing people, it might take more or less time.
+
The spider champion gains a bite attack that deals 1d4 points of damage and is poisonous. The bite is a secondary natural weapon that can be used once per round at the spider champion’s highest base attack bonus, with the standard –5 penalty for a secondary attack. The Fortitude save DC for the poison is 18 + the spider champion’s Con modifier, and it deals 1d6 points of Strength damage for both its initial and its secondary damage.
  
The judicator can also use this ability to influence a magical or fiendish spiders with an Intelligence score of 1 or 2, but she takes a -4 penalty on the check.
+
==== Spider Grace (Sp) ====
  
'''Command Spiders (Su)''': Lolth grants her judicators the ability to command spiders.
+
The Spider Champion takes on the elusive attributes of a spider. The character receives a +4 insight bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks.
When a drow judicator reaches 4th level, she gains the ability
 
to compel spiders in the same way that an evil cleric can
 
rebuke or command undead (see the Player’s Handbook). Unlike Spider Empathy, this ability works on intelligent spiders.  
 
  
The
+
==== Judgement (Su) ====
drow judicator can attempt to command spiders a number of
 
times per day equal to 3 + her Charisma modifier. She is treated
 
as a cleric of a level equal to her drow judicator level for the purpose
 
of turning checks and turning damage.
 
  
'''Spider’s Grace (Sp)''': At 8th level, a drow judicator gains the
+
At 18th level, a drow judicator gains the ability
ability to take on attributes of a spider for up to 10 minutes once
+
to judge all creatures within 100 feet of her that he can see.
per day. While this ability is active, the character can climb on
+
Those he finds wanting are immediately targeted with a ''horrid
surfaces as if subjected to a spider climb spell, and she receives a
+
wilting effect''. Damage dice is equal to class level, and DC is 10 + half class level ´+ Cha modifier. The drow judicator can base his decision on any
+4 insight bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks. She also gains
+
parameters he chooses. This ability is usable once per day as a
a bite attack that deals 1d4 points of damage and is poisonous.
+
standard action.
The bite is a secondary natural weapon that can be used once per
 
round at the drow judicator’s highest base attack bonus, with the
 
standard –5 penalty for a secondary attack. The Fortitude save
 
DC for the poison is 18 + the drow judicator’s Con modifier, and
 
it deals 1d6 points of Strength damage for both its initial and its
 
secondary damage.
 
  
'''War Strike (Su)''': War is the ulimate expression of the judicator's
+
==== Spider Servant (Sp) ====
power. Beginning at 6th level, she can attempt a war strike
 
with a smite attack. If she hits, she deals 2d6 points of
 
Constitution damage in addition to her regular damage. The
 
target may attempt a Fortitude save (DC 10 + half judicator
 
level + the judicator’s Cha modifier) to halve the Constitution
 
damage. This ability is usable once per target.
 
 
 
'''Judgment (Su)''': At 18th level, a drow judicator gains the ability
 
to judge all creatures within 100 feet of her that she can see.
 
Those she finds wanting are immediately targeted with a ''horrid
 
wilting effect'' (at her caster level;
 
save DC 18 + drow judicator’s
 
Wis modifier). The drow judicator can base her decision on any
 
parameters she chooses. This ability is usable once per day as a
 
standard action.
 
  
'''Spider Servant''': At 5th level, a drow judicator can call for a
+
At 5th level, a drow judicator can call for a
 
spider servant. See the Spider Servant section for details.
 
spider servant. See the Spider Servant section for details.
  
'''Posion Immunity (Su)''': The judicator gains immunity to poisons of all kinds.
+
== Spells ==
 
 
== Spell list ==
 
  
 
Judicators  choose their spells from the following list:  
 
Judicators  choose their spells from the following list:  
  
'''1st Level''': ''cause fear, cloak of dark power (u), corrupt weapon (*), cure light wounds, curse water, detect poison, divine favor, doom, endure elements, inflict light wounds, magic weapon, misdirection, protection from good, read magic, speak with animals*, summon monster I (*)
+
'''1st level''' - cause fear, cloak of dark power, cure light wounds, curse water, detect poison, detect undead, divine favor, doom, endure elements, inflict light wounds, magic weapon, misdirection, read magic, speak with vermin*, spider climb, summon monster I*.
 
 
'''2nd Level''': ''bull's strength, cure moderate wounds, darkness, death knell, eagle's splendor, hold person, inflict moderate wounds, resist energy, shatter, owl's wisdom, shatter, summon monster II (*), summon swarm, undetectable alignment''
 
  
'''3rd level''': ''bestow curse, contagion, cure serious wounds, deeper darkness, dispel magic, inflict serious wounds, magic circle against good, magic weapon (greater), prayer, protection from elements, summon monster III (*)''
+
'''2nd level''' - bull's strength, clairaudience/clairvoyance, cure moderate wounds, darkness, death knell, desecrate, eagle's splendor, hold person, resist energy, shatter, owl's wisdom, summon monster II*, summon swarm (*), undetectable alignment.
  
'''4th level''': ''break enchantment, cure critical wounds, discern lies, dispel good, freedom of movement, giant vermin, inflict critical wounds, mark of justice, poison, summon monster IV (*), unholy sword (*)''
+
'''3rd level''' - bestow curse, contagion, cure moderate wounds, deeper darkness, dispel magic, inflict moderate wounds, magic weapon, greater, neutralize poison, phantom steed*, prayer, protection from elements, suggestion, summon monster III*, summon swarm.
  
See notes below for spells marked (*). Spells marked (u) can be found in the ''Underdark'' sourcebook.
+
'''4th level''' - break enchantment, cure serious wounds, freedom of movement, death ward, discern lies, giant vermin, inflict serious wounds, mark of justice, poison, restoration, spiderform (u), summon monster IV*.
  
=== Speak with animals ===
+
See notes below for spells marked (*). Spells marked (u) can be found in the ''Underdark'' sourcebook. As a rule of thumb, judica
 +
tors are able to use any blackguard spell (listed in expansion books) unless they deal with good or evil.
  
The judicator speak with spiders but not with animals. Technichally, this would be ''speak with vermin''. Actually, I'm not sure any spell will let you speak with non-intelligent vermin. Still, it fits the concept.
+
==== Phantom steed ====
  
=== Summon monster ===
+
The phantom steed has a vermin shape.
  
The judicator can only summon spiders. There are no suitable spiders for ''summon monster III'', but 1d4+1 spiders from ''summon monster II'' can be summoned.
+
==== Speak with vermin ====
  
=== Corrupt Weapon ===
+
As speak with animals, but only works on vermin. Actually, I'm not sure any spell will let you speak with non-intelligent vermin. Still, it fits the concept.
  
Judicators and blackguards have access to a special spell, ''corrupt weapon'', which is the opposing counterpart of the paladin spell ''bless weapon''. Instead of improving a weapon’s effectiveness against evil foes corrupt weapon makes a weapon more effective against good foes.
+
==== Summon monster ====
  
=== Unholy weapon ===
+
The judicator can only summon spiders. There are no suitable spiders for ''summon monster III'', but 1d4+1 spiders from ''summon monster II'' can be summoned.
 
 
This is the evil equivalent of ''holy sword''.
 
 
 
== Spider servant ==
 
 
 
<pre>
 
Judicator    Bonus  Armor  Str  Int 
 
  Level      HD      Adj.  Adj.  Adj.  Special
 
  5-7        +2      +2    +2    -    Improved evasion, share spells, share saving throws,
 
                                        share spells
 
  8-10      +4      +4    +4    +2  Speak with judicator
 
  11-14      +6      +6    +6    +4  Blood bond
 
  15-20      +8      +8    +8    +6  Spell resistance
 
</pre>
 
 
 
At 5th level or above, a drow judicator can call a spiderlike
 
monster to serve him. He may choose to call an 8 HD Large
 
fiendish monstrous spider, a fiendish sword spider, a myrlochar,
 
or a phase spider. (See the Monster Manual or Monsters
 
of Faerûn for these creatures’ statistics.) He can use this
 
spider servant as a guardian or a mount, at his discretion. The
 
spider servant gains HD and special abilities based on the drow
 
judicator’s class level, as given on Table 3–5.
 
The drow judicator may have only one spider servant at a
 
time. Should his servant die, he may call for another after 24
 
hours. The new spider servant has all the accumulated abilities
 
due a servant of the character’s current drow judicator level.
 
 
 
Drow Judicator Level: The character’s level in the drow
 
judicator prestige class.
 
 
 
Bonus HD: These are extra Hit Dice appropriate to the
 
creature’s type (vermin for a Large monstrous spider or
 
sword spider, outsider for a myrlochar, or magical beast for a
 
phase spider). Each bonus Hit Die gains a Constitution modifier
 
and improves the creature’s base attack and base save
 
bonuses, as normal.
 
  
Natural Armor Adj.: The number noted here is an improvement
+
== Spider Servant ==
to the servant’s existing natural armor bonus. It represents
 
the preternatural toughness of a drow judicator’s servant.
 
  
Str Adj.: Add this figure to the servant’s Strength score.
+
: ''This should be changed to use the default rules for companion critters.''
  
Int Adj.: Add this figure to the servant’s Intelligence score.
+
This ability is identical to the standard champion companion ability, but the champion can only summon spiders. Instead of a single spider, the champion can summon a swarm (1 per 2 levels) of tiny monstrous spiders. Regardless of the champion's level, these spiders only gain the first tier abilities. The empathic link mean that they make excellent guards and spies.
  
Improved Evasion (Ex): When subjected to an attack that
+
The champion can summon a 8 HD monstrous spider, a fiendish sword spider, a myrlochar or a phase spider. These are the only available servants. These use the full progression table regardless of their Challenge Rating.
normally allows a Reflex saving throw for half damage, a servant
 
takes no damage if it makes a successful saving throw and
 
half damage even if the saving throw fails.
 
  
Share Saving Throws: For each of its saving throws, the
+
== The Epic Champion ==
servant uses its own base save bonus or the drow judicator’s,
 
whichever is higher. The servant applies its own ability modifiers
 
to saves, and it doesn’t share any other bonuses on saves
 
that the drow judicator might have (such as from magic items
 
or feats).
 
  
Share Spells: At the drow judicator’s option, he may have
+
At epic levels, the champion continues to gain smite and war strike uses. The spider companion improves as a normal paladin mount.  
any spell (but not any spell-like ability) he casts upon himself
 
also affect his spider servant. The servant must be within 5 feet
 
of him at the time of casting to receive the benefit. If the spell
 
or effect has a duration other than instantaneous, it stops affecting
 
the spider servant if the latter moves farther than 5 feet
 
away and will not affect the creature again even if it returns to
 
the drow judicator before the duration expires. Additionally, the
 
drow judicator may cast a spell with a target of “You” on his
 
spider servant (as a touch range spell) instead of on himself. The
 
drow judicator and his servant can share spells even if the spells
 
normally do not affect creatures of the servant’s type.
 
  
Speak with Drow Judicator: The drow judicator and his servant
+
== Design notes ==
can communicate verbally as if they were using a
 
common language. Other creatures do not understand the communication
 
without magical help.
 
  
Blood Bond: The spider servant gains a +2 bonus on all
+
The judicator has been changed from a power hungry schemer to a true servant of a divine power (in this case Lolth). Much like a paladin or blackguard can be chosen before birth to serve a higher purpose, so can the judicator.  
attack rolls, checks, and saves if it witnesses the drow judicator
 
threatened or harmed. This bonus lasts as long as the threat is
 
immediate and apparent.
 
 
 
Spell Resistance: The spider servant’s spell resistance equals
 
the drow judicator’s class level + 15. To affect the servant with
 
a spell, a spellcaster must get a result on a caster level check
 
(1d20 + caster level) that equals or exceeds the servant’s spell
 
resistance.
 
 
 
== Behind the scenes ==
 
 
 
The judicator has been changed from a power hungry scheme to a true servant of a divine power (in this case Lolth). Much like a paladin or blackguard can be choosen before birth to serve a higher purpose, so can the judicator.  
 
  
 
The class is based on the blackguard (and the paladin to a lesser extent), but several special abilities have been replaced. This sort of tweaked character class is not suitable for all campaigns. For one thing, this character class is only available to certain races (drow and possibly driders). While this is a valid point, one can just as easily imagine a class like the samurai being limited to a certain race or culture.  
 
The class is based on the blackguard (and the paladin to a lesser extent), but several special abilities have been replaced. This sort of tweaked character class is not suitable for all campaigns. For one thing, this character class is only available to certain races (drow and possibly driders). While this is a valid point, one can just as easily imagine a class like the samurai being limited to a certain race or culture.  
Line 271: Line 181:
 
The character class version of the Judicator works better than the prestige class version (typically  a cleric/judicator or wizard/judicator). Rather than standing in the shadow of a higher level cleric, the judicator can be a power in her own right. This lets the judicator focus on martial skills and divine vengeance aided by a small spell selection.
 
The character class version of the Judicator works better than the prestige class version (typically  a cleric/judicator or wizard/judicator). Rather than standing in the shadow of a higher level cleric, the judicator can be a power in her own right. This lets the judicator focus on martial skills and divine vengeance aided by a small spell selection.
  
One important difference between the blackguard and the judicator is that the judicator can use her smite against any target. The judicator is probably slightly more powerful that the blackguard, perhaps due to the fact that the blackguard's Sneak Attack is difficult to quantify. A blackguard with a pair of trained wardogs should be able to use his sneak attack quite often.  
+
'''Spells''': Some added from Drow and Spider domains. Note that ''spiderform'' has changed to 4th level for this class.  
 
+
Some alignment-specific spells (such as ''protection from good'') have been removed. The champion cares not for good or evil, only the will of the Goddess. If if he did, his opponents would probably be evil.
Lay on hands: This is useful and the class needs some ability that scales with level (like the blackguard's sneak attack). Note that the more limited blackguard version of lay on hands is used.
 
  
Spells: Some added from Drow and Spider domains, as well as a few paladin spells.
+
The lower spells from the Drow and Spider domains have been added. ''Spiderform'' has been changed to a 4th level spell for Judicators. This seems quite appropriate for an avenging champion. Since the judictor is not concerend with good or evil, spells like ''corrupt weapon'', ''unholy sword'', dispel good, detect good, protection from good, magic circle against good,
  
Aura of despair: This is a standard blackguard ability. It works very well with the imgae of the judicator as a grim avenger of the Goddess. The drow know the judicator is willing to sacrifice them for the Goddess given the slightest reason. This works nicely with Lolth's Meat.
+
'''Aura of despair''': This is a standard blackguard ability. It works well with the image of the champion as a grim avenger of the Goddess. All drow know the champion is willing to sacrifice them for the Goddess given the slightest reason.  
  
Spider Servant: The one thing missing is the ability to summon a swarm of smaller spiders (perhaps a fiendish spider hivemind?) instead of a single spider servant. These would make great spies. Sigh...
+
'''Spider Servant''': Changed to allow the champion to summon a group of spiders. Choices are the same as for the Judicator in ''The Underdark''. The servant use the same progression regardless of level.
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 19:35, 29 November 2011

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Unofficial rules compendium
This class is a version of the Champion character class adapted to fit drow society. It will only work in a drow campaign! See design note below for details. Both judicator and champion may be used to refer to the class in the rules section of this article.

A mortal imbued with fiendish cruelty, the drow judicator is a dark knight and Champion of Lolth. Consort of demons and demonic arachnids, the drow judicator is hated and feared by all. The meaning of "judicator" is "someone who acts as a judge". In drow society, a judicator is both judge, jury and executioner and embodies the vengeance of the Goddess.

Juicators are usually assigned to a temple. A strong judicator can be a power in his own right, and the presence of a high level judicator is enough to make even a high priestess wary. The judicator is one of the few ways a male can be granted divine power by Lolth.

Class information

Alignment: Any evil.

Hit Die: d10

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The champion is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, with all types of armor, and with all types of shields (except tower shields).

Class skills

The drow judicator’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Concentration (Con), Craft (any) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (religion) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), and Survival (Wis). See Chapter 4: Skills in the Player’s Handbook for skill descriptions.

Skill Points at each level: 2 + Int modifier.

Table: The Judicator
Character
Level
Base Attack
Bonus
Fort
Save
Ref
Save
Will
Save
Special Spells per day
1 2 3 4
1 +1 +2 +0 +0 Smite 1/day, aura of evil, Rebuke undead - - - -
2 +2 +3 +0 +0 Dark blessing, Spider step, spider bite - - - -
3 +3 +3 +1 +1 Aura of despair, spider grace - - - -
4 +4 +4 +1 +1 Command spiders 0 - - -
5 +5 +4 +1 +1 Smite 2/day, Spider servant 0 - - -
6 +6 +5 +2 +2 1 - - -
7 +7 +5 +2 +2 1 - - -
8 +8 +6 +2 +2 1 0 - -
9 +9 +6 +3 +3 1 0 - -
10 +10 +7 +3 +3 Smite 3/day 1 1 - -
11 +11 +7 +3 +3 1 1 0 -
12 +12 +8 +4 +4 1 1 1 -
13 +13 +8 +4 +4 1 1 1 -
14 +14 +9 +4 +4 2 1 1 0
15 +15 +9 +5 +5 Smite 4/day 2 1 1 1
16 +16 +10 +5 +5 2 2 1 1
17 +17 +10 +5 +5 2 2 2 1
18 +18 +11 +6 +6 Judgement 3 2 2 1
19 +19 +11 +6 +6 3 3 3 2
20 +20 +12 +6 +6 Smite 5/day 3 3 3 3

Class features

All of the following are class features of the judicator class.

Aura of Evil (Ex)

The power of a judicator’s aura of evil (see the detect evil spell) is equal to her class level plus her cleric level, if any.

Dark Blessing (Su)

A judicator applies her Charisma modifier (if positive) as a bonus on all saving throws.

Aura of Despair (Su)

The judicator radiates a malign aura that causes enemies within 10 feet of her to take a -2 penalty on all saving throws.

Smite (Su)

Once per day, a judicator may attempt to smite an enemy with one normal melee attack. She adds her Charisma bonus (if any) to her attack roll and deals 1 extra point of damage per judicator level. At 5th level, and at every five levels thereafter, the judicator may use smite enemy one additional time per day, to a maximum of five times per day at 20th level.

This ability works against any target. If the target (in the opinion of the DM) is a true servant of the Goddess, the ability fails but is still used. This ability channels negative energy and is equivalent to smite good for rule purposes and feat acquisition.

Command Spiders (Ex)

The judicator is a servant of Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders. As her favored servant, the judicator is able to command or rebuke spiders. This is identical to the cleric ability ability, but only works on spiders.

Spider Step (Ex)

The Spider Champion takes on the wall-walking ability of a spider and gains a climbing movement rate of 20 ft. A creature with a climb speed has a +8 racial bonus on all Climb checks. The creature must make a Climb check to climb any wall or slope with a DC of more than 0, but it always can choose to take 10 even if rushed or threatened while climbing. The creature climbs at the given speed while climbing. If it chooses an accelerated climb it moves at double the given climb speed (or its base land speed, whichever is lower) and makes a single Climb check at a -5 penalty. Creatures cannot run while climbing. A creature retains its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) while climbing, and opponents get no special bonus on their attacks against a climbing creature.

Spider Bite (Sp)

The spider champion gains a bite attack that deals 1d4 points of damage and is poisonous. The bite is a secondary natural weapon that can be used once per round at the spider champion’s highest base attack bonus, with the standard –5 penalty for a secondary attack. The Fortitude save DC for the poison is 18 + the spider champion’s Con modifier, and it deals 1d6 points of Strength damage for both its initial and its secondary damage.

Spider Grace (Sp)

The Spider Champion takes on the elusive attributes of a spider. The character receives a +4 insight bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks.

Judgement (Su)

At 18th level, a drow judicator gains the ability to judge all creatures within 100 feet of her that he can see. Those he finds wanting are immediately targeted with a horrid wilting effect. Damage dice is equal to class level, and DC is 10 + half class level ´+ Cha modifier. The drow judicator can base his decision on any parameters he chooses. This ability is usable once per day as a standard action.

Spider Servant (Sp)

At 5th level, a drow judicator can call for a spider servant. See the Spider Servant section for details.

Spells

Judicators choose their spells from the following list:

1st level - cause fear, cloak of dark power, cure light wounds, curse water, detect poison, detect undead, divine favor, doom, endure elements, inflict light wounds, magic weapon, misdirection, read magic, speak with vermin*, spider climb, summon monster I*.

2nd level - bull's strength, clairaudience/clairvoyance, cure moderate wounds, darkness, death knell, desecrate, eagle's splendor, hold person, resist energy, shatter, owl's wisdom, summon monster II*, summon swarm (*), undetectable alignment.

3rd level - bestow curse, contagion, cure moderate wounds, deeper darkness, dispel magic, inflict moderate wounds, magic weapon, greater, neutralize poison, phantom steed*, prayer, protection from elements, suggestion, summon monster III*, summon swarm.

4th level - break enchantment, cure serious wounds, freedom of movement, death ward, discern lies, giant vermin, inflict serious wounds, mark of justice, poison, restoration, spiderform (u), summon monster IV*.

See notes below for spells marked (*). Spells marked (u) can be found in the Underdark sourcebook. As a rule of thumb, judica tors are able to use any blackguard spell (listed in expansion books) unless they deal with good or evil.

Phantom steed

The phantom steed has a vermin shape.

Speak with vermin

As speak with animals, but only works on vermin. Actually, I'm not sure any spell will let you speak with non-intelligent vermin. Still, it fits the concept.

Summon monster

The judicator can only summon spiders. There are no suitable spiders for summon monster III, but 1d4+1 spiders from summon monster II can be summoned.

Spider Servant

This should be changed to use the default rules for companion critters.

This ability is identical to the standard champion companion ability, but the champion can only summon spiders. Instead of a single spider, the champion can summon a swarm (1 per 2 levels) of tiny monstrous spiders. Regardless of the champion's level, these spiders only gain the first tier abilities. The empathic link mean that they make excellent guards and spies.

The champion can summon a 8 HD monstrous spider, a fiendish sword spider, a myrlochar or a phase spider. These are the only available servants. These use the full progression table regardless of their Challenge Rating.

The Epic Champion

At epic levels, the champion continues to gain smite and war strike uses. The spider companion improves as a normal paladin mount.

Design notes

The judicator has been changed from a power hungry schemer to a true servant of a divine power (in this case Lolth). Much like a paladin or blackguard can be chosen before birth to serve a higher purpose, so can the judicator.

The class is based on the blackguard (and the paladin to a lesser extent), but several special abilities have been replaced. This sort of tweaked character class is not suitable for all campaigns. For one thing, this character class is only available to certain races (drow and possibly driders). While this is a valid point, one can just as easily imagine a class like the samurai being limited to a certain race or culture.

The character class version of the Judicator works better than the prestige class version (typically a cleric/judicator or wizard/judicator). Rather than standing in the shadow of a higher level cleric, the judicator can be a power in her own right. This lets the judicator focus on martial skills and divine vengeance aided by a small spell selection.

Spells: Some added from Drow and Spider domains. Note that spiderform has changed to 4th level for this class. Some alignment-specific spells (such as protection from good) have been removed. The champion cares not for good or evil, only the will of the Goddess. If if he did, his opponents would probably be evil.

The lower spells from the Drow and Spider domains have been added. Spiderform has been changed to a 4th level spell for Judicators. This seems quite appropriate for an avenging champion. Since the judictor is not concerend with good or evil, spells like corrupt weapon, unholy sword, dispel good, detect good, protection from good, magic circle against good,

Aura of despair: This is a standard blackguard ability. It works well with the image of the champion as a grim avenger of the Goddess. All drow know the champion is willing to sacrifice them for the Goddess given the slightest reason.

Spider Servant: Changed to allow the champion to summon a group of spiders. Choices are the same as for the Judicator in The Underdark. The servant use the same progression regardless of level.

External links