RPGNow.com Crusader Subclass APG0014
This 4 (6) page PDF details the Crusader Subclass. The subclass is, as its name implies, a character class that doesn?t provide the abilities of a full class. Rather, they provide a specific set of abilities that in themselves don?t qualify as a full class, and aren?t specific enough to count as a Prestige Class. Think of them as specific character shticks a character can develop.
You obtain a Subclass by leveling; however, those levels don?t add to the character?s level or add a Hit Die. Instead, they are paid for via an experience penalty similar to Multi-classing. Subclass levels appear to be counted as 1/4th of a normal character class level. A character?s Subclass level can never exceed his normal class levels. Because the experience point penalties for sub-classing and Multi-Classing stack, for a whopping 40%, it is not recommended a character both take on a sub-class and multi-class. Additionally, a character can only choose one sub-class; there is no ?multi sub-classing?.
The Crusader subclass is defined by his focus on fighting against infidels in foreign lands, the main advantage of the sub-class is the Religious Fury feat, first gained at 4th level. This provides the character with a bonus equal to his charisma modifier to attack and damage rolls against enemies who do not follow his religion or deity. It also allows him to make a full move and still attack; he is considered flat-footed while he does so however. He gains an additional use of this ability at the 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th levels of the subclass. He also gains the Weapon Focus feat with his deities preferred weapon as part of his Servant of War feat, gained at first level. At 2nd level he gains the Divine Grace feat, providing him a bonus to all of his saving throws equal to his charisma modifier. Additionally, he gains a +1 to his BAB at level 4, as well as moderate bonuses to his Saving Throws starting at level 6.
The PDF also includes two new spells. First is ?Healing the Faithful? which heals 10 points of damage to characters of the same faith as the Crusader. Second is Crusader?s Feast, which works like Heroes Feast for 1 humanoid of the same faith/level as the Crusader. A new type of magic weapon special ability, called Crusader, is included. A weapon with the Crusader special ability automatically does critical hits against opponents not of the wielder?s faith. Keen Weapons and Vorpal weapons can not have this ability as well however. Finally, there is a text-box with a brief description of Crusaders and the Crusades in history, and a brief description of Crusaders in the Hill Lands setting.
The PDF is nicely laid out in a two-column format with an ornate decorative border and a wax-seal like decoration for the page number. There is one piece of artwork, a picture of a Crusader character in the rain, it looks pretty good.
Overall the Crusader sub-class is solid and distinctive sub-class option, and also serves as a good campaign focus for character?s who take that route, or an interesting back-story for a character that went on a Crusade. The abilities provided are not unbalancing, and are thematically charged. Thus I recommend this class to player?s wanting to add some religious conflict themes to their campaign, and character?s who gain abilities from their militant religious fervor.
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<b>LIKED</b>: Religious Fury feat<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: Not appropriate to all campaigns due to issues involved in character type.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>
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