User:TK-Squared/MudBox/Acolyte of the Scythe old (3.5e Prestige Class)

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Acolyte of the Scythe

“	The scythe is a weapon forged in chaos and must be used with order. It is perfection.	”
—The Way of the Scythe, Jerrod Polt, Human Acolyte of the Scythe

Those who can appreciate and understand the skill that is required to wield a scythe with grace and perfection realize its potential and often seek out ways to improved their skill. These few people become Acolytes of the Scythe, learning how to wield their chosen weapon with finesse, learning how to control the battlefield with their abilties and making sure that all realize the power of their weapon.

Becoming an Acolyte of the Scythe

Any character who wields a scythe as a main combat weapon can be drawn into the Ways of the Scythe, willing to learn the tricks and abilities that the Acolytes of the Scythe wield with finesse. Becoming an Acolyte of the Scythe can require a willing teacher, but there are those of such a passionate dispoisiton on Scythes that they teach themselves the powers that a Scythe delivers.

Entry Requirements

Alignment:	Any
Base Attack Bonus:	+8.
Feats:	Weapon Focus (scythe), Improved Critical (scythe), Two-Weapon Fighting

Table: The Acolyte of the Scythe

Hit Die: d8

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+1	+2	+2	+0	Shaft Fighting -1, Shaft Defense +1, Weighted Shaft, Scythe Aptitude
2nd	+2	+3	+3	+0	Scythe Trick
3rd	+3	+3	+3	+1	Shaft Defense +2
4th	+4	+4	+4	+1	Scythe Trick
5th	+5	+4	+4	+1	Shaft Fighting +0, Shaft Defense +3

Class Skills (2 + Int modifier per level)
Bluff (Cha), Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Profession (Wis), Tumble (Dex) and Swim (Str).

Class Features

All the following are class features of the Acoylte of the Scythe

Shaft Fighting (Ex): At 1st level, the Acolyte of the Scythe is capable of using the shaft of his Scythe as an offensive weapon, gaining an offhand attack as though wielding two light weapons, but the penalty is reduced by 1 (For -1/-1 on attack rolls). The shaft of the scythe is a bludgeoning weapon that deals 1d4 damage with a x2 critical and it cannot be magical. It has no additional weight. If the shaft has a Weighted Shaft, then it uses the properties for a Weighted Shaft and can be magical. This only applies when wielding the scythe in two hands. At 5th level, the penalty is reduced by an additional 1 point, for no penalty.

Shaft Defense (Ex): While wileding a scythe, the Acolyte of the Scythe is capable of blocking incoming attacks with the shaft. He gains a +1 shield bonus to Armour Class while wielding a Scythe. This increases to +2 at 3rd level and +3 and 5th level.

Weighted Shaft: An Acolyte of the Scythe is so trained in the use of a scythe, he is able to wield the scythe with finesse even with a weighted shaft. While fighting with a Weighted Shaft in his scythe, the Acolyte of the Scythe forgoes the -2 penalty associated with it.

Scythe Aptitude: An Acolyte of the Scythe may stack his levels with any fighter levels to determine his fighter level for fighter feats (such as Weapon Specialization). This only affects feats used for a scythe.

Scythe Trick (Ex): At 2nd and 4th level, the Acolyte of the Scythe is capable of performing extraordinary feats of expertise while wielding a Scythe.

• Palm Balance Reach: The Acolyte of the Scythe is capable of doubling their normal reach with the Scythe for one attack per round by thrusting it out and keeping the shaft held in an open palm for a short amount of time, before grabbing it and pulling it back sharply. For one attack per round, the range of the Acolyte is doubled (5 feet to 10 feet, 10 feet to 20 feet) and the Acolyte takes a -2 on the attack roll. This only works when wielding a scythe designed for the Acolyte's size catergory. While using this trick, the Acolyte is not capable of using the shaft as an offhand weapon for the round it is used on.
• Leg Sweep: As a full round action, the Acolyte of the Scythe can spin his scythe around in a full circle, jumping over the shaft as it spins around to make a trip attack against every creature in an adjacent square to the Acolyte. This trip attempt cannot be countered and can only be dodged by those it's made against. The opponents cannot attempt a counter-trip attempt.
• Push Back Slice: The Acolyte of the Scythe is capable of pushing away his opponent with the shaft of his weapon and then immediatly slice the enemy with the blade. The initial strike from the shaft acts as though a bull rush attempt to push the opponent back 5 feet, except there are not Attacks of Opportunity and the Acolyte does not gain any bonuses due to relevant bull rush feats. If the check is successful, then the Acolyte immediatly gains an attack with the scythe's blade against a flatfooted opponent, as he stumbles back. The opponent cannot be targetted by any Attacks of Opportunities from the Acolyte for this movement. This action is a standard action.

Campaign Information

Playing an Acolyte of the Scythe

Adventure: Acolytes of the Scythe adventure to improve their skill and even find those that are capable of besting them in combat; as to become stronger and gain closer understanding of the Way of the Scythe and how to develop Order from Chaos or Chaos from Order. An Acolyte of the Scythe will not normally travel with any other Acolytes; but may find companions with other adventurers. Furthermore, an Acolyte of the Scythe may travel with a companion student who is learning the Way of the Scythe; acting as a mentor to teach the secrets of the weapon to their pupils. An Acolyte of the Scythe does not require exceptional reasons to travel out, normally only doing so to advance their own abilities.

Characteristics: Coming in many shapes, sizes and races, the Acolytes of the Scythe have only one obvious thing in common; their choice of weapon (that of the scythe), otherwise they are usually indistinguishable from other melee combatants or adventurers. It is only in battle an Acolyte of the Scythe becomes exceptionally notable; wielding their weapon with grace and skill normally unmatched. They use scythe tricks in order to trick opponents and make sudden attacks with their specially modified weapons that may surprise opponents. They often talk of the Scythe highly; regarding it as a near perfect weapon and they focus on the dichotomy of Order and Chaos, rather than Good and Evil. Two ideologies come from the Way of the Scythe; Order from Chaos and Chaos from Order. The former is usually upheld by the lawful Acolytes, while the chaotic acolytes follow the latter.

Races: Any race can become an Acolyte of the Scythe; the scythe's subtle ways call to all and only those that are entranced by it's ways become an Acolyte.

Combat: The Acolyte of the Scythe is a front line combatant, wielding his Scythe with expertise and vigor against his opponents. The Acolyte uses his tricks to put enemies off guard and cripple them, before quickly finishing them with cuts of his blade and the blunt force of his shaft. In single combat, it is a general tactic to quickly overwhelm an opponent with a series of 'chaotic'-like attacks that are, otherwise, formed with perfect order. They usually seek out the most skilled of enemies; to test their own might against an enemy's skill.

Advancement: An Acolyte of the Scythe would most likely seek to advance in any class that would aid them in combat prowess. Through training and skill, they can achieve anything.

Resources: The Acolytes of the Scythe are not an organization and they only have a loose network between themselves. Acolytes are trained by other Acolytes or even just learn themselves. Those that are trained by others may have a network of other Acolytes, but often they are alone in such a resource.

Acolytes of the Scythe in the World

“	All I saw in the frosted air was a spinning vortex of a scythe's blade, cutting and maiming all those in it's path.	”
—Tim, the Cowardly Monk, High Time at the Sign of Rime

NPC Reactions: At first glance, an Acolyte of the Scythe may appear to be just a simple warrior with an odd weapon choice or even just a farmer wearing a bit too much. However, their combat prowess usually might leave people in awe at their fantastic tricks and displays of finesse with such an unruly weapon.

Acolyte of the Scythe Lore

Characters with ranks in Knowledge (religion) can research the Acolyte of the Scythe to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

Knowledge (Religion)

DC	Result
11	The Way of the Scythe is a series of martial scripts that explain how to wield a scythe
16	An Acolyte of the Scythe is a follower of the Way of the Scythe.
21	The Way of the Scythe is actually a secret that is not written down, but passed down between Acolytes of the Scythe.
26	An Acolyte of the Scythe wields their weapon with a precision saught by many, capable of various tricks and abilities in order to conquer their foes.

Acolyte of the Scythe Martial Variant

Entry Requirements

Alignment:	Any
Base Attack Bonus:	+8.
Feats:	Weapon Focus (scythe), Improved Critical (scythe), Two-Weapon Fighting

Table: The Acolyte of the Scythe

Hit Die: d8

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special	Martial Maneuvers
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+1	+2	+2	+0	Shaft Fighting -1, Shaft Defense +1, Weighted Shaft, Scythe Aptitude	+1 of previous initiator class.
2nd	+2	+3	+3	+0	Scythe Trick	+1 of previous initiator class.
3rd	+3	+3	+3	+1	Shaft Defense +2	+1 of previous initiator class.
4th	+4	+4	+4	+1	Scythe Trick	+1 of previous initiator class.
5th	+5	+4	+4	+1	Shaft Fighting +0, Shaft Defense +3	+1 of previous initiator class.

Class Skills (2 + Int modifier per level)
Bluff (Cha), Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Profession (Wis), Tumble (Dex) and Swim (Str).

Acolyte of the Scythe in the Game

Adaptation: As the Acolyte of the Scythe is nothing new or sensational in it's powers and they have little to no organization between each other, they can slot right in as though always there.

Jerrod "Scythe" Polt

CR 12

	Male Human Fighter 8 / Acolyte of the Scythe 4
	Lawful Evil Medium Humanoid(Human)
Init/Senses	+10/Listen +8, Spot +8
AC	27, touch 18, flat-footed 21
hp	84 (12 HD)
Fort/Ref/Will	+12/+12/+4
Speed	30ft (6 Squares)
Melee	+2 Frost Scythe +20/+15/+10 (2d4+12+1d6, 19-20/x4) or
Melee	+2 Frost Scythe +19/+14/+9 (2d4+10+1d6, 19-20/x4) & +1 Weighted Shaft +18 (1d6+2, x2)
Base Atk/Grp	+12/+14
Special Actions	Scythe Trick(Leg Sweep), Scythe Trick(Palm Balance Reach)
Abilities	Str 18, Dex 22, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 10
SQ	Shaft Fighting(-1), Shaft Defense +2, Weighted Shaft, Scythe Aptitutde
Feats	Weapon Focus(Scythe), Combat ExpertiseB, Improved TripH, Power AttackB, Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiativeb,Weapon Specialization(Scythe), Two-Weapon Fightingb, Improved Critical(Scythe)b, Greater Weapon Focus(Scythe), Greater Weapon Specialization(Scythe)
Skills	Climb +15, Intimidate +11, Jump +15, Listen +16, Spot +7, Tumble +18
Possessions	Gloves of Dexterity +4, Belt of Giant Strength +4, +2 Frost Scythe, +3 Mithral Shirt, Handy Haversack, Ring of Protection +2
Scythe Trick (Ex) (Leg Sweep)	As a full-round action, Jerrod can spin his scythe around in a full circle beneath his feet. This attack affects every creature adjacent to the Acolyte. All affected creatures are subject to a trip attempt which cannot be countered. Jerrod cannot be counter tripped when using this ability.
Scythe Trick (Ex) (Palm Balance reach)	By utilizing the palm and a delicate ability to balance the scythe's shaft on the palm of his hand, Jerrod is able to extend his reach with the scythe for one attack per round. Doing this enables him to double his reach to a total of 10ft by taking a -2 penalty on the attack roll. By doing this, he forfeits the ability to make an attack with the shaft of his weapon. This only works while he wields a weapon that is created for a medium size category.

History

Jerrod Polt is the only son of a farmer and his wife, a happy union with little to no domestic disputes. He grew up on the farmstead and in the small community village they were part of. In such, there was little darkness in his life. However, when maturing in his teenage years, it soon became obvious that Jerrod was not what was called an "average" child. He grew at an exponetial rate in all aspects, learning quickly, working at the farmstead and becoming tall. Very tall. Infact, Jerrod grew to a total of 7 feet and 3 inches tall, dwarfing others around him, an unnatural height for humans. He grew to be athletic and lithe, becoming strong from his daily routine on the farm. However, the more he learnt from various books, gossip and other sources, the more his mind festered on darkness; he soon became convinced that the world was not as it seemed, that it was corrupt. With these thoughts, Jerrod's mind slipped into evil.

When he was 19, Jerrod left the farmstead to become stronger and better. He travelled to near-by villages, towns and cities and began to learn the way of the fighter, drawing on his specilalization with the scythe. After a few years of training, learning how to turn combat situations to his advantage through the use of his mind, speed and strength, Jerrod began adventuring with some of his fellows, but the adventures he embarked on had a heavy toll on Jerrod's mind. He soon became obsessed with being stronger. Being better. Being the best. He simply had to beat anyone who could challange him, he had to prove to the world that he could win, coming from such a background; he knew it. With such a mind, Jerrod killed his team, insisiting they were weak. They were the reason he wasn't going anywhere. He slaughtered them; yet not in their sleep, but rather turning on them in the middle of a battle. After this, he embarked on his quest to become the best there is. He learnt of the Way of the Scythe, a way to achieve the perfection of such a weapon through various abilities and skills. He sought out one of the Acolytes to teach him how to become a master of his chosen weapon.

It took three years of duels and challenges for Jerrod to finally discover an Acolyte. One that was willing to teach him the Way of the Scythe, but only if he would make any sacrifice that was worthy. Jerrod fulfilled this condition by returning to his village and severing all ties with anyone close to him; he slaughtered his own family. For such a great sacrifice, the Acolyte taught Jerrod the Way of the Scythe, acknowledging his devotion and tenacity. Jerrod left after learning everything he needed to learn from the Acolyte and continued his quest to become the best.

Interaction

While evil, Jerrod still adheres to his own code of conduct and recognizes duelling standards, but refuses to adhere to authority figures. This has given him quite a notorious reputation, as well as his reputation for killing those that he deems too weak to survive. Jerrod believes in a law of equals; if a problem arises, a battle shall settle the dispute. To death if necessary. Jerrod has a distinct lack of morals and has a flagrant disregard for anyone that is not a worthy battle.

In interaction, Jerrod attempts to size up the PCs and figure out which one is the strongest. If he figures them as a suitable challenge for him, he will challenge them to a duel. Without a show of strength, Jerrod generally refuses to aid others. If they persist, he will attack, if the situation is not in high favour of the PCs. If Jerrod issues a duel, it will be taken as a great insult if he is refused a duel without a proper reason.

Duelling Outcomes

If Jerrod wins the duel without any real challenge (easily defeating his opponent, retaining more than half his total hit points), then he leaves without aiding the characters in any way, claiming them as weak and beneath him.

If Jerrod wins the duel but with a decent challenge (losing over half his total hit points), then he will congratulate his opponent on a well fought duel and provide useful information.

If Jerrod loses the duel but with a decent challenge (his opponent loses over half his total hit points), then he will provide his opponents with semi-useful information and leave to become stronger. He will then attempt to duel the opponent again. He will also garner respect for the one that defeated him.

If Jerrod loses the duel without any real challenge (his opponent retains half of his total hit points), then Jerrod will leave immediatly and brashly to become stronger. He will attempt to kill the one that defeated him, if necessary, at a later point in time.

While duelling, Jerrod will not kill an opponent and will accept defeat when he reaches less than 10 hitpoints. If his opponent attempts to kill him, then Jerrod will retaliate in kind, taking this as a breach of Duelling Etiquette and Rules.

Combat

In a combat situation, Jerrod's tactics differ between group fighting and one-on-one fighting. If fighting a single opponent, then Jerrod will use the first few rounds to realize his opponents strengths. He will start off by using his Palm Balance Reach attack if he wins initiative, letting his opponent come to him instead and trying to deny them a full attack. When fully engaged in combat, Jerrod will assess the situation with his cunning tactical mind; if he can easily hit his opponent, he will either use Power Attack or Combat Expertise. If he is getting hit, he will boost his armor with the latter, otherwise he will use the former. If he drops beneath quarter hit points, he will adopt a defensive stance, maxing out his Combat Expertise and Fighting Defensively. If this doesn't help, he'll use his Power Attack to hopefully do serious damage. Other than the tactics noted, Jerrod will make use of his tripping abilities and use the Attacks of Opportunities they give him.

While fighting against groups, Jerrod will attempt to surrond himself with enemies, use his Combat Expertise skill and then his Leg Sweep scyhte trick in order to trip all those around him. He'll use his two-weapon fighting to make more attacks per round. Jerrod realizes the power that spellcasters can bring to a battle and will attempt to shut them down as quickly as possibly, utilizing his Palm Balance Reach in order to get past defenses, if necessary.

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