Blademaster of Shambhala (3.5e Prestige Class)

Created By

STDoc (talk)
Date Created:	October 10, 2009
Status:	Just Started
Editing:	Please feel free to edit constructively!
Balance:	Fighter

Summary: A five level prestige class that Pursues Perfect Mastery of a Weapon

Length: 3 levels; minimum level: 11.

Blademaster of Shambhala

“

Only through Perfection can one ascend. Mastery of this Blade is just one facet of Perfection

”

The Blademaster of Shambhala is a Warrior who has devoted his life so completely to his chosen weapon that he begins to exhibit quasi-magical aptitude with it.

Becoming a Blademaster of Shambhala

Almost every Blademaster of Shambhala is a Fighter. But there are a few who are Warblades, or other characters who can gain high level Fighter Bonus Feats.

Entry Requirements

Alignment:	Any
Base Attack Bonus:	+12
Race:	Any
Feats:	Weapon Focus (Any), Weapon Specialization (Any), Greater Weapon Focus (Any), Greater Weapon Specialization (Any)

Table: The Blademaster of Shambhala

Hit Die: d10

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+1	+2	+2	+2	Armor Check Penalty -1, Bypass DR/Hardness 5. Channel-Blade
2nd	+2	+3	+3	+3	Armor Check Penalty -2, Improved Movement Speed +10', Unlock Potential.
3rd	+3	+3	+3	+3	Armor Check Penalty -3, Bypass DR/Hardness 10, Lifedrinker
4th	+3	+4	+4	+4	Armor Check Penalty -4, Improved Movement Speed +20', Quickstep
5th	+3	+4	+4	+4	Armor Check Penalty -5, Bypass DR/Hardness 15, Dismissal
Class Skills (Skill Points::2 + Int modifier per level. Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Heal (Wis), Hide (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis) Move Silently (Dex), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex),

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the Blademaster of Shambhala.

Armor Check Penalty: A Blademaster of Shambhala, through countless hours of practice, can ignore some of her armor class penalty. For each Class Level, reduce the Armor Check Penalty of all armor worn by 1 point.

Bypass DR/Hardness: For Each Weapon that you have the Greater Weapon Specialization Feat for, you may bypass the damage reduction and hardness of Creatures. At level 1, you may bypass 5 points of DR/Hardness. At Level 3

Channel-Blade: Once per round, the Blademaster of Shambhala can channel his Focus in such a way that he tears Power from the Elemental Planes. He may add an elemental type of damage to his attack. He may choose between Fire, Cold, Acid, or Electricity. On a single attack per turn, he may add 1d6/Class Level elemental damage of Fire, Cold, Acid, or Electricity.

Unlock Potential: Once per Day per Class Level, the Blademaster of Shambhala may benefit from Bear's Endurance, Bull's Strength, or Cat's Grace. He may only have one of these effects granted by this Class Ability active at any given time.

Lifedrinker: Once per round, the Blademaster of Shambhala can channel his Focus in such a way that saps the resolve from his enemies. When he downs an enemy, he gains 2d6 hit points.

Dismissal: Once per round, the Blademaster of Shambhala can attempt to send an Outsider back to their homeplane by striking them. The DC is 10 + Class Level + Str/Dex Mod, whichever is higher.

Campaign Information

Playing a Blademaster of Shambhala

Combat: The Blademaster takes a roll in combat dependant upon the class he was before. Regardless of whether he specialized in Ranged or Melee combat, he can benefit from this class. His Extra Abilities just add more damage, and allow him to stay in the fight longer.

Advancement: Usually Fighter, Kensai, or Ranger

Resources: Blademasters of Shambhala are not a unified organization. Those who do meet are more likely to help one another if they happen to be of similar alignment.

Blademaster of Shambhala in the World

“

Hardly. This Weapon is about as Magical as a pile of dung.

”

NPC Reactions: Most NPC's regard the Blademaster with a Degree of Respect, as their exploits are probably well known in the areas from which they hail.

Blademaster Lore

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

Knowledge (History)

DC	Result
11	Blademasters are extremely profficient with their chosen weapon.
16	Blademasters learn certain abilities that seem to mimic some type of magic.
21	Blademasters are known to be crusaders against outsiders.
26	Blademasters can Add Elemental Damage to their attacks, drain the life of their foes, and seem to gain Supernatural Strength and Speed when they wish it.

Blademasters in the Game

Blademasters of Shambhala stand alongside Duskblades and Hexblades as Arbiters of Blade Magic. But unlike their colleagues, thier approach to Blade Magic is much subtler and easier to master.

Adaptation: This class could fit well in almost any campaign session, whether it's an Older Mentor to one of the Party's Melee Combatants, or perhaps a Young, but talented Warrior with a Favored Weapon.

Sample Encounter: The Party needs to acquire a Mystical Blade in order to combat a Demi-God who is attempting to destroy all Non-Humans on the Planet. However, it's in the Possession of an Evil Warrior who refuses to give it up.

EL whatever:20 Sero Gesnid. Human Barbarian 12/Jack of Blades 3/Blademaster of Shambhala 5.

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