Artiste (Apath)

Unofficial rules compendium

An artiste is a the creator of great art. While his person might be unassuming, his art can change the world - at high levels literally so.

Class Abilities

The artiste has all the class abilities of the bard, except as noted below.

Spells

Like the bard, the artiste is a spontaneous spellcaster, but unlike the bard they use Intelligence to determine the save DCs of their spells and their bonus spells.

Add the following spells to the artiste's spell list:

1. Floating disc, snow shape
2. Stone shape, wood shape
3. Fabricate, minor creation
4. Animate objects, major creation
5. Telekinesis

Inspiring art

An artiste is trained to use the Craft skill to create magical effects on those around him, including himself if desired. He can use this ability a number of times per day equal to his class level.

Using inspiring art has two stages. First, the piece of art must be created, then it must be displayed.

Creating Art

Creating a piece of art uses a Craft skill and usually takes at least one day of work (8 hours), but can take more depending on the Craft skill the artist works with. Make a Craft check at the end of this period; The DC of this check is 15 + the artiste's class level. On a failure, the object just doesn't meet the artiste's rising standards and is not good enough to use with the inspiring art ability. Materials are not destroyed, so the project can be attempted again.

There is no limit to the number of artistic works an artiste can create, so it is certainly possible to carry around multiple artworks for different effects or in case they get destroyed (or sold). Each art object created is liked to one specific inspiring art effect (see below), and displaying that particular work of art always uses the same effect. As the artiste learns new inspiring art effects, he needs to craft new artworks to use them.

Artworks that is not on display is generally packed in protective containers that provide a hardness of 5 and add 5 hit points. Such containers are included in the cost and weight of artworks. They are made to allow rapid unveiling of the art, but stowing it again takes a little more time (see displaying art below).

The following craft skills are typically used to make art, and each lists what a typical artwork made by that skill is, how long it takes to craft, and it's physical characteristics. A day is 8 hours of work, a week is 5 works days (40 hours of work). Time need not be spent in one go, it is possible to work on art projects a little bit at a time.

Craft Table

Craft	Examples	Time	Weight (lbs.)	Hardness	Hit points
Blacksmithing	Ironwork	1 week	10	10	10
Calligraphy	Illumination	1 day	0	0	1
Carpentry	Paneling	1 week	20	5	20
Carving	Scrimshaw	1 week	1	5	5
Founding	Metal sculpture	1 week	50	9	50
Glassblowing	Glassworks	1 day	5	3	1
Jewelry	Jewelry	1 week	0	5	1
Leatherworking	Patternwork	1 week	5	5	10
Mechanic	Automatons	1 week	20	5	10
Painting	Pantings, murals	1 day	5	3	10
Pottery	Vases, urns,	1 day	10	3	3
Sculpting	Sculpture	1 week	100	5	100
Tailor	Banners, Clothes	1 day	5	3	10
Weaving	Tapestries	1 week	20	3	40
Whitesmithing	Engraving	1 week	2	9	5

Times are arbitrarily kept short to keep artistes playable.

Cost and Value of Art

The gold piece cost to create a piece of art is the artiste's level, squared, for each day of successful work. Failed Craft checks represent angst and creative frustration rather than mechanical failure and do not cost any gold. The base price of a piece of art made by an unrecognized artist is twice this, meaning the artist normally makes no profit selling his art at the usual half price. See also the Commercial Art technique.

Displaying art

Displaying inspiring art is a standard action and lasts a number of rounds equal to the artiste's level + Intelligence modifier. Halting the inspirational effect of an artistic work once it has been started is a full-round action, and includes wrapping it up and packing it. An artiste cannot have more than one inspiring art in effect at one time. An artiste need not put any effort into maintaining the effect once it has begun - it runs its course regardless of what happens to the artiste. If the art object on display is destroyed, this heinous act restarts the art's inspirational inspiring effect; it lasts artiste's level + Intelligence modifier rounds from the moment it was destroyed, and any level-dependent effects count as six levels higher than the artiste's actual level.

At 7th level, an artiste can display inspiring art as a move action instead of a standard action. At 13th level, an artiste can display inspiring art as a swift action.

All inspiring art effects are mind-affecting effects with visual components. Targets must have line of sight to the art when the art is displayed for the art to have any effect. Blind creatures are immune to inspiring art.

Any effect that modifies a visual bardic performance also modifies inspiring art.

Inspiring Art Effects

As he advances in ability, the artiste learns to use his art to inspire in more powerful ways. When an effect targets only a limited number of creatures, the artiste gets to select who is affected.

Distraction (Su): At 1st level, an artiste can use his art to counter magic effects that depend on sight. Each round of the Distraction, he makes the appropriate Craft skill check for the art on display. Any creature within 30 feet of the art (including the artiste himself) that is affected by an illusion (pattern) or illusion (figment) magical attack may use the artiste’s Craft check result in place of its saving throw if, after the saving throw is rolled, the Craft check result proves to be higher. If a creature within range of the Distraction is already under the effect of a non-instantaneous illusion (pattern) or illusion (figment) magical attack, it gains another saving throw against the effect each round it sees the Distraction, but it must use the artiste’s Craft check result for the save. Distraction does not work on effects that don’t allow saves.

Fascinate (Su): At 1st level, an artiste can use his art to cause one or more creatures to become fascinated with his work of art. Each creature to be fascinated must be within 90 feet, able to see the art, and capable of paying attention to it. The Distraction of a nearby combat or other dangers prevents the ability from working. For every three levels an artiste has attained beyond 1st, he can target one additional creature with this ability.

Each creature within range receives a Will save (DC 10 + ½ the artiste’s level + the artiste’s Int modifier) to negate the effect. If a creature’s saving throw succeeds, the artiste cannot attempt to fascinate that creature again for 24 hours. If its saving throw fails, the creature sits quietly and observes the art while the art inspiration lasts. While fascinated, a target takes a –4 penalty on skill checks made as reactions, such as Perception checks. Any potential threat to the target allows the target to make a new saving throw against the effect. Any obvious threat, such as someone drawing a weapon, casting a spell, or aiming a weapon at the target, automatically breaks the effect.

Fascinate is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting ability.

Inspire Courage (Su): A 1st level artiste can use his art to inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. At 5th level, and every six artiste levels thereafter, this bonus increases by +1, to a maximum of +5 at 23 level.

Inspire Competence (Su): An artiste of 3rd level or higher can use his art to help an ally succeed at a task. The ally must be within 30 feet and able to see the art. The ally gets a +2 competence bonus on skill checks with a particular skill as long as she continues to see the art. This bonus increases by +1 for every three levels the artiste has attained beyond 3rd (+3 at 7th, +4 at 9th, +5 at 12th, +6 at 15th, +8 at 18th).

When crafting an artwork to inspire competence, the artiste must pick what skill the bonus applies to; any time the artwork is displayed it inspires that same skill.

Vista of Doom (Su): An artiste of 4th level or higher can use his art to foster a sense of growing dread in his enemies, causing them to take become shaken. To be affected, an enemy must be within 30 feet and able to see the artwork. The effect persists for as long as the enemy is within 30 feet. The art cannot cause a creature to become frightened or panicked, even if the targets are already shaken from another effect. Vista of doom is a mind-affecting fear effect. A Will saving throw (DC 10 + ½ artiste’s level + artiste’s Int modifier) negates the effect.

Suggestion (Sp): An artiste of 8th level or higher can use his art to make a suggestion (as per the spell) to each creature that has already become fascinated (see above). Using this ability does not disrupt the fascinate effect and does not require a separate action. The suggestion takes place after one round of fascinated observation of the artwork.

A Will saving throw (DC 10 + ½ artiste’s level + artiste’s Int modifier) negates the effect. This ability affects only a single creature (but see mass suggestion, below). Mass suggestion is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting ability.

Unlike other forms of inspiring art, an art object can both fascinate and suggest an action, but the general type of action the suggestion is to inspire must be decided when the art object is created.

Inspire Greatness (Su): An artiste of 9th level or higher can use his art to inspire greatness in himself or a single willing ally within 30 feet, granting extra fighting capability. For every three levels an artiste attains beyond 9th, he can target one additional ally while using this art (up to a maximum of six at 24th level). To inspire greatness, all of the targets must be able to see the art. A creature inspired with greatness gains 2 bonus Hit Dice (d10s), the commensurate number of temporary hit points (apply the target’s Constitution modifier, if any, to these bonus Hit Dice), a +2 competence bonus on attack rolls, and a +1 competence bonus on Fortitude saves. The bonus Hit Dice count as regular Hit Dice for determining the effect of spells that are Hit Dice dependent.

Soothing Art (Su): An artiste of 11th level or higher can use his art to create an effect equivalent to the cure serious wounds and calm emotions in all viewers, using the artiste's level as the caster level. A Will saving throw (DC 10 + ½ artiste’s level + artiste’s Int modifier) negates the effect.

Frightening Art (Sp): An artiste of 13th level or higher can use his art to cause fear in his enemies. To be affected, an enemy must be able to see the art and be within 30 feet. Each enemy within range receives a Will save (DC 10 + ½ the artiste’s level + the artiste’s Int modifier) to negate the effect. If the save succeeds, the creature is immune to this ability for 24 hours. If the save fails, the target becomes frightened and flees for as long as the target see the art.

Inspire Heroics (Su): An artiste of 15th level or higher can inspire tremendous heroism in himself or a single ally within 30 feet. For every three artiste levels the character attains beyond 15th, he can inspire heroics in one additional creature. To inspire heroics, all of the targets must be able to see the art. Inspired creatures gain a +4 morale bonus on saving throws and a +4 dodge bonus to AC. The effect lasts for as long as the targets are able to witness the performance. Inspire heroics is a mind-affecting ability that relies on audible and visual components.

Mass Suggestion (Sp): At 16th level, an artwork's suggestion can affect all who view it.

Alter Reality (Su): An artiste of 19th level can display a work that alters reality, depicting the world in such a way that it becomes real. This is similar to a limited wish spell. The effect of the wish must be expressed trough art, and takes effect when the art is displayed. Subtle effects of alter reality can become permanent, such as changes in the appearance or demeanour of onlookers.

Deadly Art (Su): An artiste of 20th level or higher can use his art to cause one enemy to die from joy or sorrow. To be affected, the target must be able to see the art for 1 full round and be within 30 feet. The target receives a Will save (DC 10 + ½ the artiste’s level + the artiste’s Int modifier) to negate the effect. If a creature’s saving throw succeeds, the target is staggered for 1d4 rounds, and the artiste cannot use deadly art on that creature again for 24 hours. If a creature's saving throw fails, it dies. Deadly art is a mind-effecting death effect.

This replaces bardic performance.

Versatile Art

Through studying crafts, the artiste gains an insight into many areas. At 2nd level, an artiste can choose one type of Create skill. He can use his bonus in that skill in place of his bonus in associated skills. When substituting in this way, the bard uses his total Craft skill bonus, including class skill bonus, in place of its associated skill's bonus, whether or not he has ranks in that skill or if it is a class skill. At 6th level, and every 4 levels thereafter, the artiste can select an additional type of Perform to substitute.

The types of Craft that qualify for this ability and and their associated skills are: Blacksmithing (Intimidate, Sense motive), Calligraphy (Bluff, Linguistics), Carpentry (Disable device, Survival), Carving (Handle animal, Survival), Founding (Acrobatics, Heal), Glassblowing (Heal, Perception), Jewelry (Appraise, Bluff), Leatherworking (Handle Animal, Ride), Mechanic (Disable device, Perception), Painting (Diplomacy, Disguise), Pottery (Perception, Swim), Sculpting (Climb, Escape artist), Tailor (Diplomacy, Stealth), Weaving (Climb, Fly), and Whitesmithing (Appraise, Disable device).

This replaces versatile performance.

This is the reverse of the above list; it shows what skills are connected to what types of Craft. Acrobatics (Founding), Appraise (Jewelry, Whitesmithing), Bluff (Calligraphy,Jewelry), Climb (Sculpting, Weaving), Diplomacy (Painting, Tailor), Disable device (Carpentry, Mechanic, Whitesmithing), Disguise (Painting), Escape artist (Sculpting), Fly (Weaving), Handle animal (Carving, Leatherworking), Heal (Glassblowing, Founding), Intimidate (Blacksmithing), Linguistics (Calligraphy), Perception (Pottery, Glassblowing, Mechanic), Ride (Leatherworking), Sense motive (Blacksmithing), Stealth (Tailor), Survival (Carpentry, Carving), and Swim (Pottery).

Art Techniques

At level 2 and every 5 levels thereafter, the artiste can select one art technique, methods that lets him alter how his inspiring art works. Except as noted, a certain artwork can only be affected by one art technique at the time.

Commercial Art (Ex): The artiste has had a commercial breakthrough. He can expect to be feted when he makes public appearances and the sale value of his art is multiplied by his class level. This technique can only be taken with the DMs permission and should not be permitted to disrupt the wealth balance of the campaign.

Dual Art (Su): The artist can combine two subjects in one piece of art, and displaying the piece of art has both effects. Displaying such an artwork uses up three of the artiste's daily uses of inspiring art.

Gift Art (Su): The artiste can give away, lend, or sell a work of art that anyone can display, with effects just as if the artiste himself had displayed it, but only once. It is always a standard action to display someone elses' work of art. By giving away a work of art like this, the artiste ties up one of his daily uses of inspiring art in it; until this gift artwork is used, the artiste has one less daily use of inspiring art. If the artiste recovers the work, he can continue to use it normally or make gift art of it again.

Personal Art (Su): Personal art is keyed to specific individuals or to a specific group of viewers, and only affects members of this group. A particular work of art can even have two effects, one on the select group of people, and one on other viewers. The artiste can specify the group by race, class, alignment, cultural group, religion, or even by family. Unlike other art techniques, this one can be combined with gift art and public art.

Public Art (Su): The artiste can create an artwork for public display, that affects anyone when they first see that piece of art. This can be used to create an inspirational piece to attract people to certain location, or even as a kind of magical trap. Public Art has it's effect based on the artiste's current level, not the level at which the artwork was made. Public art is made to be displayed in a certain location; it generally cannot be displayed elsewhere without ruining the effect. Public art is made on an impressive scale; creating a piece of public art takes five times as long as creating a normal artwork, it weighs 10 times as much and has double the normal hit points. Public art that allows saving throws has a save DC of 10 + ½ the artiste’s level (no Int modifier).

Sketch Art (Su): An artist can create a temporary artwork on the fly as a full-round action, displaying it as a part of the act of creating it. The artste still needs tools and something to create the art out of and to pass the usual Craft skill check. An artiste that knows the prestidigitation spell can use that spell to create sketch art in thin air. Sketch art has a hardness of 0 and 5 hit points, and if it is it destroyed ceases to inspire and does not have the usual effect of destroyed artworks.

This ability replaces well-versed.

Table: The Artiste

Class Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Special	Spells per Day
						1	2	3	4	5	6
1st	+0	+0	+2	+2	Bardic knowledge, cantrips, distraction, fascinate, inspire courage +1, inspiring art	1	—	—	—	—	—
2nd	+1	+0	+3	+3	Art technique, versatile art	2	—	—	—	—	—
3rd	+2	+1	+3	+3	Inspire competence +2	3	—	—	—	—	—
4th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Vista of doom	3	1	—	—	—	—
5th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Inspire courage +2, lore master 1/day	4	2	—	—	—	—
6th	+4	+2	+5	+5	Versatile art	4	3	—	—	—	—
7th	+5	+2	+5	+5	Art technique,inspire competence +3	4	3	1	—	—	—
8th	+6/+1	+2	+6	+6	Suggestion	4	4	2	—	—	—
9th	+6/+1	+3	+6	+6	Inspire greatness	5	4	3	—	—	—
10th	+7/+2	+3	+7	+7	Jack-of-all-trades, versatile art	5	4	3	1	—	—
11th	+8/+3	+3	+7	+7	Inspire competence +4, inspire courage +3, lore master 2/day, soothing art	5	4	4	2	—	—
12th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Art technique	5	5	4	3	—	—
13th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Frightening art	5	5	4	3	1	—
14th	+10/+5	+4	+9	+9	Versatile art	5	5	4	4	2	—
15th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+9	+9	Inspire competence +5, inspire heroics	5	5	5	4	3	—
16th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Mass suggestion	5	5	5	4	3	1
17th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Art technique, inspire courage +4, lore master 3/day	5	5	5	4	4	2
18th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+11	+11	Versatile art	5	5	5	5	4	3
19th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+11	+11	Alter reality, inspire competence +6	5	5	5	5	5	4
20th	+15/+10/+5	+6	+12	+12	Deadly art	5	5	5	5	5	5

Summary of Changed Class Abilities

These abilities of the original class are lost or modified in this archetype:

• Spells
• Bardic performance
  • Countersong
  • Distraction
  • Fascinate
  • Inspire Courage
  • Inspire Competence
  • Suggestion
  • Dirge of Doom
  • Inspire Greatness
  • Soothing Performance
  • Frightening Tune
  • Inspire Heroics
  • Mass Suggestion
  • Deadly Performance
• Well-Versed
• Versatile Performance