Cathardigan (3.5e Prestige Class)

[edit] Cathardigan

The Cathardigan are a rare and little-known paladin class within the Church of Modroben, but have a popular role in stories told by certain clans of smaller races. They are often seen as protectors of those smaller races from the depradations of undead villains. Their acrobatic skill in combat and their strong bound with their mounts - giant, intelligent condors - are much imitated, but the Cathardigan are a unique class, whose abilities are not reproducible by others.

[edit] Becoming a Cathardigan

Cathardigan are almost always pulled from the ranks of the Holyclaine, but don't have to be. Swordclaine or other Claine classes are eligible. Strength and Charisma are the most important Abilities for the Cathardigan.

[edit] Class Features

Like all members of the Church of Modroben, Cathardigan are expected to be neutral in most affairs (excepting only the defense of death, time and fate). Their class features should not be used except in the manner of church business and in direct self-defense. It is very rare for Cathardigan powers to be used against anyone other than undead creatures or necromancers. All of the following are class features of the Cathardigan. All of the following are class features of the Cathardigan.

Spellcasting: At each level, the Cathardigan gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if he had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which he belonged before adding the prestige class level. He do not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained.

Spells: To cast a particular spell, the Cathardigan must have a Charisma score of at least 10 + the spell's level. The Cathardigan's bonus spells are based on his Charisma. Saves to avoid the effects of his spells have a DC of 10 + the spell's level + his Cha bonus (if any).

Grand Condor: At first level, the Cathardigan's condor mount becomes a Large Condor, with a wingspan of 15', becomes intelligent and can telepathically communicate with its rider. The condor has 100 hit points, an AC of 26, two attacks, claw/bite, +14/+10, 2d4+4/2d6. Cardigan can not fall off their mounts.

Weapon Feats: At second level, the Cathardigan gains the bonus feats Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization with any chosen weapon.

Quickbounce: At third level, the Cathardigan can jump in and out of combat with any undead creature without getting hit by Attacks of Opportunity. Especially swift undead may get a Reflex Save (the Cathardigan should roll a Reflex save and use the result as the DC).

Quickstrike: At fourth level and every level thereafter, the Cathardigan can add an extra attack every round at his highest to-hit modifier but doing only 1d4 damage. This may not be a called shot but it may be a critical hit (or a fumble).

Celestial Condor: At fifth level, the Cathardigan's condor becomes a Celestial Condor with a 20' wingspan. Its hit points become 150, AC 30, +17/+14, 2d6+4/2d8)

Quickcharge: At sixth level, the Cathardigan and his condor may charge with a +4 bonus to hit and doing double damage to undead creatures. The standard -2 to AC that occurs the round after charging is a -4, however, only flying creatures can take advantage of it.

Quickbreath: At seventh level, the Cathardigan can share hit points with his mount telepathically, no matter where they are in the world. Thus, if the condor is dying, the Cathardigan can give him his hit points.

Quicklimbs: At eighth level, the Cathardigan gains a permanent +1 to his Dexterity.

Mount Swap: At ninth level, the Cathardigan may transform into a normal condor any time. He may also switch back freely. The condor can likewise turn into a gnome, and is capable of speaking only gnomish.

Lifebreath: At tenth level, the Cathardigan's mount gains the ability to cast Lifebreath once per day. This power can only be used in condor-form.