Prowler

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Description

Have you ever seen an Errol Flynn movie? Or how about Raiders of the Lost Ark? Errol Flynn, Indiana Jones, heck, Jackie Chan? Those guys were all prowlers.

Prowlers are not exactly thieves. They can be sneaky, and they can crack safes and take care of traps. And for sure, they like getting into places they shouldn't be in and they like going where others simply can't go. But don't get the wrong idea! Prowlers are not some broody loner of a class, they actually really enjoy being part of a team, and thanks to the amazing debuff of their Encroaching Jolt power, they're really good at grouping. In a party, their superb mobility, more-than-decent damage, and helpful debuffs make them extremely valuable. But at the same time, their Loner buff really rewards them for going off on their own and being all dark and mysterious. Ooooh, tension!

Plus, let's get real, these guys can cling to ceilings. How freakin' cool is that?!

So, if you like being stealthy and secret-agent-like, but are sick to death of always being a Rogue, try a Prowler. They're seriously different, but also seriously good.

Alignment: Any

Hit Die: d6.

Class Skills: The prowler's class skills are Acrobatics (Dex), Appraise (Int), Bluff (Cha), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Dex), Disguise (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Fly (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (local) (Int), Knowledge (Nobility), Perception (Wis), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Stealth (Dex), and Use Magic Device (Cha).

Skill Ranks per Level: 6 + Int modifier.

Table: Prowler

Level	BAB	Fort	Ref	Will	Encroachment	Special
1st	+0	+0	+2	+0	1d6	Trapfinding, Skirmisher1
2nd	+1	+0	+3	+0	1d6	Uncanny dodge, Loner +2
3rd	+2	+1	+3	+1	2d6	Spring attack, Trap sense +1
4th	+3	+1	+4	+1	2d6	Shifty1, Evasion
5th	+3	+1	+4	+1	3d6	Encroaching Jolt1
6th	+4	+2	+5	+2	3d6	Fast movement1 10, Trap sense +2
7th	+5	+2	+5	+2	4d6	Fast Stealth1, Freestyle, Loner +4
8th	+6/+1	+2	+6	+2	4d6	10-foot step1
9th	+6/+1	+3	+6	+3	5d6	Trap sense +3, Acrobatic Stride1
10th	+7/+2	+3	+7	+3	5d6	Prowling
11th	+8/+3	+3	+7	+3	6d6	Flexible tumbler1
12th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+4	6d6	Fast movement1 20, Trap sense +4, Loner +6
13th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+4	7d6	Practiced hurdler1
14th	+10/+5	+4	+9	+4	7d6	Kip up1
15th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+9	+5	8d6	Trap sense +5
16th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+5	8d6	Shadow-touched
17th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+5	9d6	Circuitous charge, Loner +8
18th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+11	+6	9d6	Fast movement1 30, Trap sense +6
19th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+11	+6	10d6	Vanish
20th	+15/+10/+5	+6	+12	+6	10d6	Danse Macabre1

Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

Prowlers are proficient with all simple and martial weapons. They are proficient with light armor, but not with shields.

One Hand Free

Prowlers must keep one of their hands empty of weapons and other objects to use many of their abilities. This limits them to one-handed weapons unless they gain some feat or ability which allows them to wield a two-handed weapon with one hand.

Special abilities which require one hand free are marked with a ¹.

Skirmisher¹ (Ex)

If the prowler has one hand free, he may add his DEX modifier to attack rolls (but not damage) for melee attacks, in addition to his STR modifier.

Trapfinding (Ex)

A prowler adds 1/2 his level to Perception skill checks made to locate traps and to Disable Device skill checks (minimum +1). A prowler can use Disable Device to disarm magical traps.

Encroachment (Ex)

A prowler adds 1d6 damage to the first attack made in any round in which they have moved at least 10 feet from their starting position. Encroachment damage increases by an additional 1d6 per two levels. Beginning at level 8, the prowler may apply Encroachment damage to any attack during a full attack action, as long as they displace an additional 10 feet between each attack. Any attack made without first displacing 10 feet from the location of their previous attack cannot make use of encroachment dice.

Uncanny Dodge (Ex)

Starting at 2nd level, a prowler can react to danger before his senses would normally allow him to do so. He cannot be caught flat-footed, even if the attacker is invisible. He still loses his Dexterity bonus to AC if immobilized. A prowler with this ability can still lose his Dexterity bonus to AC if an opponent successfully uses the feint action against him.

Loner (Ex)

Starting at 2nd Level, whenever a Prowler is twenty feet or more away from any ally, he gains a bonus to all damage rolls he makes. This damage bonus is +2 at second level, and increases by +2 every five levels thereafter. Namely, +2 damage at 2nd Level, +4 damage at 7th Level, +6 damage at 12th Level, +8 damage at 17th Level, +10 damage at 22nd Level, +12 damage at 27th Level, and +14 damage at 32nd Level.

Trap Sense (Ex)

At 3rd level, a prowler gains a +1 bonus on Reflex saves made to avoid traps and a +1 dodge bonus against attacks made by traps. These bonuses increase by +1 every three prowler levels. Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack. Furthermore, when a prowler is within 10 feet of a trap, he gets a perception check as a free action to notice it. This check is typically made in secret by the GM.

Spring Attack (Ex)

At 3rd level, the prowler gains the Spring Attack feat, even if he doesn't meet the prerequisites.

Shifty¹ (Ex)

Beginning at 4th level, if the prowler has one hand free, he may make a 5-foot step at any point during his turn as a free action. This may even occur after actions which normally end your turn immediately, such as a charge. The prowler may even use this ability after he has taken a 5-foot step. Shifty may only be used during the prowler's turn.

Evasion (Ex)

At 4th level and higher, a prowler can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If he makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, he instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the prowler is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless prowler does not gain the benefits of evasion.

Encroaching Jolt¹ (Ex)

Beginning at 5th level, the first time each round that the prowler inflicts encroachment damage, the struck enemy must make a Reflex save vs. DC 10 + half the prowler's level + DEX modifier. If the opponent fails this save, he takes a penalty to his AC equal to the prowler's STR mod. Encroaching Jolt lasts until the beginning of the opponent's next turn. The prowler must have one hand free to use this ability.

Fast Movement (Ex)¹

At 6th level, as long as the prowler has one hand free, his base move increases by 10 feet. This increases to 20 feet at level 12, 30 feet at level 18, 40 feet at level 24 and 50 feet at level 30. These bonuses are not additive. E.g., if the prowler began with a move of 30, he would have a move of 40 at level 6, 50 at level 12, 60 at level 18, 70 at level 24 and 80 at level 30.

Fast Stealth¹ (Ex)

At 7th level, the prowler gains the ability to move at full speed while using stealth with no penalty, as long as he has one hand free.

Freestyle (Ex)

At 7th level, the prowler gains a swim move equal to half their base move. This ability does not confer any method of breathing underwater, so you might want to consider that. If they already have a swim move higher than this because they're cheating, add 5 feet of move to this movement.

10-Foot Step¹ (Ex)

While the prowler has one hand free, any time the prowler takes a 5-foot step action, he may move up to 10 feet. This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks, and is treated in all ways like the 5-foot step action, except that the prowler can move further. Coupled with the Shifty ability, this allows the prowler to move up to 20 feet per round, without provoking, and still make a full attack.

Acrobatic Stride¹ (Ex)

At 9th level, the prowler may move at full speed through rough terrain, as long as he has one hand free.

Prowling (Su)

At 10th level, the prowler gains a climb speed equal to his move speed. The prowler can climb and travel on vertical surfaces or even traverse ceilings as well as a spider does. The prowler must have one hand free to climb in this manner. The prowler also gains a +8 class bonus on Climb skill checks; furthermore, he need not make Climb checks to traverse a vertical or horizontal surface (even upside down). A prowler retains his Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) while climbing, and opponents get no special bonus to their attacks against him. However, he cannot use the run action while climbing.

Flexible Tumbler¹ (Ex)

When a prowler has one hand free and uses Acrobatics to move at full speed through a threatened square without provoking an attack of opportunity, the DC of the Acrobatics check does not increase by 10.

Shadow-Touched (Su)

A prowler which moves at least 15 feet from his starting position in a round gains concealment until the start of his next turn. This concealment may be used to initiate stealth, though the standard rules for breaking stealth still apply.

Practiced Hurdler¹ (Ex)

A prowler with this ability and one hand free is always considered to have a running start when making jumping checks.

Kip Up¹ (Ex)

A prowler with this ability and one hand free may make an acrobatics check to stand up from prone as part of his move action, using 5 feet of move. If there is one opponent threatening the brawler at the start of his move, the DC of this check is equal to the CMD of the opponent. If there is more than one opponent, the brawler must make an acrobatics check against the CMD of each opponent. If he fails any of these rolls, the opponent(s) may make an opportunity attack against the brawler, but he may still complete his move (if he's still alive). If there are no opponents threatening the brawler when he begins his move, the DC of this check is 20.

Circuitous Charge (Ex)

The prowler may take any path he likes during a charge, provided he is able to attack an opponent at the end of his move. He may still take the 5-foot step granted by the Shifty ability after the charge.

Vanish (Su)

Once per round as an immediate action, if the prowler has any concealment or cover, he may make a stealth check to begin (or resume) stealth.

Danse Macabre¹ (Ex)

While the prowler has one hand free, he can take an additional 5-foot step action as a free action at any point during his turn. Combined with Shifty and the 10-Foot Step abilities, the prowler can make up to three 10-foot step actions during a round and still execute a full attack.

Prowler Example Build

For those who are non-expert in this class, or who are busy, or who simply don't want to spend hours digging around feats, here's an example build. Note: This is not a suggested build. Heck, it's probably even not very good. But what it WILL do is let you play without hours of investment, and it will perform more than adequately. If you want to tweak, feel free!

Human, base stats: Str 16, Dex 18, Con 14, int 12, Wis 9, Chr 12.

Example Feats

1st Level: Exotic Weapon Proficiency: War Whip, Weapon Focus, War Whip. A good solid weapon that has adaptive reach. Trust us, you will love the flexibility as you start jockeying for encroachment damage.

3rd Level: Combat Reflexes. As much as you move, you're always going to be in the baddies' way. Make those AOO's!

5th Level: Dodge. Armor class is always useful. Always.

7th Level: Mobility. Is there anybody who doesn't want this? NOPE!

9th Level: Power Attack. Your to-hits are getting good enough to use this. It's reaaal nice.

11th Level: Cleave. You have a lot of maneuver and a reach weapon. Cleave is awesome for you.

13th Level: Great Cleave. Find clusters of bad guys, PUNISH THEM.

15th Level: Combat Expertise. Unlocks a lot of nice stuff, and is sweet on it's own.

17th Level: Whirlwind Attack. Aw, HELL yeah! Pop minions, soften up a crowd, just generally wreak havoc. This is awesome, baby.

19th Level: Second Chance. Why is this awesome, seems kinda bad... Well, it lets you be SURE to land that Encroaching Jolt! This is a big deal, if you need the debuff, you NEED the debuff.

Epic Prowler

Table: Prowler

Level	BAB	Fort	Ref	Will	Encroachment	Special
21st	+15/+10/+5	+7	+13	+7	11d6	Trap sense +7, Encroaching Smash1
22nd	+16/+11/+6	+7	+13	+7	11d6	Loner +10, Gets the Jump
23rd	+16/+11/+6	+8	+14	+8	12d6	Boneless1
24th	+17/+12/+7	+8	+14	+8	12d6	Fast movement1 40, Trap Sense +8
25th	+17/+12/+7	+9	+15	+9	13d6	Always Armed1, Strongarm Tactics1
26th	+18/+13/+8	+9	+15	+9	13d6	Mugger1
27th	+18/+13/+8	+10	+16	+10	14d6	Loner +12, Trap sense +9
28th	+19/+14/+9	+10	+16	+10	14d6	Pearl Diver, Uncanny Step
29th	+19/+14/+9	+11	+17	+11	15d6	Skitter1
30th	+20/+15/+10	+11	+17	+11	15d6	Fast movement1 50, Trap sense +10
31st	+20/+15/+10	+12	+18	+12	16d6	Death From Above1
32nd	+21/+16/+11	+12	+18	+12	16d6	Loner +14
33rd	+21/+16/+11	+13	+19	+13	17d6	Trap sense +11
34th	+22/+17/+12	+13	+19	+13	17d6	Breath Control, Spring-Heeled
35th	+23/+18/+13	+14	+20	+14	18d6	Precise Encroaching Smash1
36th	Apotheosis!

Epic Class Abilities

Encroaching Smash¹ (Ex)

When the prowler uses Encroaching Jolt, the target must save as usual or suffer a penalty to Armor Class. In addition, the prowler may choose to force the target to roll a second saving throw, regardless of the success or failure of the first save. If the target fails this second saving throw, they are knocked prone.

Gets the Jump¹ (Ex)

As long as he has one hand free, the prowlers extraordinary athleticism lets him power his way into action faster than seems possible. Add your Str mod to your inititative rolls.

Boneless¹ (Ex)

While the prowler has one hand free, he behaves as if he is under the effects of a permanent 'Squeeze' spell. Namely, he may squeeze normally (to half his usual Size) while taking no penalties, and he may squeeze to one quarter his normal size while taking normal squeezing penalties.

Mugger¹ (Ex)

While the prowler has one hand free, up to once per round, he may attack an enemy against whom he is stealthed as a touch attack.

Always Armed¹ (Ex)

While the prowler has one hand free, he gains the benefit of the Catch Off Guard and Improvised Weapon Mastery feats even if he does not meet the requirements. He may use Encroachment dice with Improvised weapons.

Strong-arm Tactics¹ (Ex)

Prowlers are not about finesse, like a rogue, they're about athletic power. A prowlers mindset is, 'If it's locked, give it a good smash, that should free it up.' As a result, prowlers can muscle their way past a lot of trouble, as long as they have one hand free. Once per round, the Prowler may add his Str mod to any d20 roll he likes, as long as that roll was not already modified by his Str. This includes but is not limited to saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, etc. This can't be used for attacks, sorry.

Pearl Diver (Ex)

The prowler's athleticism allows them to hold their breath for incredible lengths of time and still act normally. The prowler can hold his breath for five rounds per point of Con he has, and taking actions never reduces the length of time he can hold his breath.

Skitter (Ex)¹

The prowler takes no penalties from being prone and can take all actions normally, including taking a normal or double move, or even a charge. If the prowler engages in melee while prone, he does not suffer the -4 penalty to his attacks, nor does he grant his attackers the +4 bonus to their to-hit rolls. The prowler may go prone and remain prone on any solid surface as a free action.

Uncanny Step (Ex)¹

The prowlers athletic movement abilities become frankly superhuman. Once per encounter, as a move action, the Prowler may choose a location they can perceive and simple move themselves there. This is treated as a Dimension Door effect, except the Prowler is not restricted in their actions after they arrive, the maximum distance they can move is ten feet times their level, they can carry no passengers, and they must be unencumbered with one hand free.

Death from Above (Su)¹

The prowler may, as a full round action, add his falling damage to his encroachment dice, assuming he deliberately leapt at his target, and succeeds in a ranged touch attack against the target, with a -1 to-hit per ten feet of falling distance. If the prowler hits the target, he calculates his normal attack damage, adds his encroachment dice and adds the falling damage (up to 20d6), while taking no falling damage himself. Accidental falls may not be used for Death from Above attacks, and if the prowler misses the ranged touch attack, he is prone adjacent to his target and takes full falling damage himself as normal. Death from Above can be used with either Uncanny Step or Spring-Heeled.

Breath Control (Ex)

As pearl diver, the prowler may hold his breath for incredible amounts of time. With breath control, he may hold his breath for five minutes per point of Con he has.

Precise Encroaching Smash¹ (Ex)

When the prowler uses Encroaching Jolt, the target must save as usual or suffer a penalty to Armor Class. In addition, the prowler may choose to force the target to roll a second saving throw, regardless of the success or failure of the first save. If the target fails this second saving throw, they are dazed until the beginning of the prowlers next turn. This ability does not stack with Encroaching Smash. The prowler may use one, or the other, not both.

Spring-Heeled (Ex)¹

The Prowler is incredibly agile. They may now use Uncanny Step once a round, up to three times per encounter. Further, they may use Uncanny Step as a five foot step.