Dead heart interrogator
“Ah, but you don’t understand, I don’t mind if you’re dead or alive. I will still get the answers I need from you…”
-Tuorvoch, a dead heart interrogator.
Dead heart interrogators are feared by their victims. Masters of the mind, they know how to wrench information from the psyche against one’s will. Worse yet, skilled defilers, they have studied the dark lore of necromancy a may ask questions to a difficult target better when she’s deceased. They have a place among the sorcerer-kings and queen’s templarate from which they have been trained. The title of dead heart interrogator is one for life for the cities’ monarchs would not accept to let go such a talented individual… especially with the knowledge they have earned in all those years of service.
Hit Die: d4
Requirements
To qualify to become a dead heart interrogator, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Alignment: Any nongood.
Skills: Bluff 10 ranks, Diplomacy 7 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 10 ranks, Sense motive 7 ranks.
Feats: Inquisitor, Spell focus (necromancy).
Powers: Must be able to manifest read thoughts.
Spells: Must be a defiler.
Class skills
The dead heart interrogator’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather information (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (all skills taken individually) (Int), Profession (Wis), Psicraft (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Languages, Spellcraft (Int).
Psychological Tormenter (Ex): A dead heart interrogator has a very knowledgeable way with words and the psyche of those he interrogates. At 2nd level, the dead heart interrogator gains a bonus equal to half is level to his Bluff and Intimidate checks.
Should this be equal to his class level or character level? I suggest class level.
False Pact (Ex): By expanding her psionic focus, a dead heart interrogator may exchange information of her target with a false promise… Not sure where I'm going with that one but I was thinking of Pavek's young friend who is tempted and actually believes he is a defiler.
I'd say the effect should work along the lines of a suggestion spell. It may need to be a (Su) ability not a (Ex) and maybe a power point cost.
Will Breaker (Ex): By either being friendly or being intimidating, a dead heart interrogator of 5th level can sap the will from his victims. By succeeding a Bluff or Intimidate check against the target’s modified level check (1d20 + character level or Hit Dice + target’s Wisdom modifier [if any] + target’s modifier against fear or compulsion effects), a dead heart interrogator does 1d6 Wisdom damage to his target. This action takes one minute, is language dependent and cannot bring the Wisdom score of the target below 1.
This should probably be a (Su) or (Ps). Doing wisdom damage is a pretty potent ability as for an (Ex) ability an unlimited number of times a day. If it was changed to a (Ps) ability I'd almost be tempted to say that you should add a power point cost to it as well.
Should this be equal to his class level or character level? I suggest class level.
Yeah thanks, that's what I had in mind, I just hadn't specified it... done now.
I'd say the effect should work along the lines of a suggestion spell. It may need to be a (Su) ability not a (Ex) and maybe a power point cost.
That and maybe false sensory input as a combo. Taking notes.
This should probably be a (Su) or (Ps). Doing wisdom damage is a pretty potent ability as for an (Ex) ability an unlimited number of times a day. If it was changed to a (Ps) ability I'd almost be tempted to say that you should add a power point cost to it as well.
Well, it's now (Ps). Couldn't it be used with the expanded psionic focus instead of a point cost (althought you would still have to have at least one power point)?
Thanks.
Well, it's now (Ps). Couldn't it be used with the expanded psionic focus instead of a point cost (althought you would still have to have at least one power point)?
I'd almost say that it should be both. That being to expend focus and pay power points to use the ability. Or, you could have be limited to "uses per day" rather than dealing with power points. But if you do that, I still think you would still be required to expend focus.
You might consider changing the wisdom damage to a will save penalty if you didn't want to worry about balancing it with a PP cost/expend focus/uses per day kind of thing.
True, I'm almost tempted to say to dump the entire (1d20 + character level or Hit Dice + target’s Wisdom modifier [if any] + target’s modifier against fear or compulsion effects mechanic. I understand that your going for flavor here, but the mechanic as written seems kind of messy IMO.
How about this instead:
Will Breaker (Ex): Starting at 5th level, a dead heart interrogator can sap the will from his victims. By succeeding on a Bluff or Intimidate check the dead heart interrogator can cause one target to become shaken. The target is shaken for a number of rounds equal to the dead heart interrogator's class level. This ability takes the dead heart interrogator one full minute before he is able to make the appropriate skill check. If the target cannot understand or cannot hear what the dead heart interrogator is saying this ability fails.
Here are the effects of a shaken character if your unfamiliar with them.
Shaken: Characters who are shaken take a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
How about making it a 5 level PrC like so:
PB,
I like it better as a 10 level progression vs a 5 level. Its your call though
HAHA- jinx for the double post!
Doh, better cover my tracks and make it look like another post! :P
PB,
I like it better as a 10 level progression vs a 5 level. Its your call though
Yeah I like it better too, the thing is, I thought the original Will breaker would be a good ability to get at 10th... not now though. To be able to "shake" your oponent's will doesn't sound much like 10th level.
I'll go and work on it some more, see what I can come up with. The Will breaker ability you came out with is fine... not as powerful but more in with the general mechanics.
If anybody as any ideas about other abilities, let me know. BTW, I am putting this stuff on Word so as to not lose it so no worries, eh! :D
Yeah I like it better too, the thing is, I thought the original Will breaker would be a good ability to get at 10th... not now though. To be able to "shake" your oponent's will doesn't sound much like 10th level.
I'll go and work on it some more, see what I can come up with. The Will breaker ability you came out with is fine... not as powerful but more in with the general mechanics.
If you use the Will Breaker mechanic I tinkered with, I'd suggest removing the speak with dead 2/day ability at 8th level and with replace with this one.
As for a 10th level ability. What about an ability called Brainwash? It would bascially allow the DHI to dominate or charm a target that has fallen victim to the Will Breaker ability for a number of rounds/minutes/hours (can't decide which yet) equal to 1 + the DHI's Chr modifier.
If you use the Will Breaker mechanic I tinkered with, I'd suggest removing the speak with dead 2/day ability at 8th level and with replace with this one.
As for a 10th level ability. What about an ability called Brainwash? It would bascially allow the DHI to dominate or charm a target that has fallen victim to the Will Breaker ability for a number of rounds/minutes/hours (can't decide which yet) equal to 1 + the DHI's Chr modifier.
This is a good idea but take a look at what I modified first and tell me what you think. I figured there wasn't much about undead or dead people's minds so there.
Also I changed the requirements to need 4 levels of psion and at least one of defiler.
Master of the Undead Mind (Su): At 10th level, the dead heart interrogator can even affect the mind of intelligent undead with mind-affecting spells and powers.
PB,
I like this ability, but not for this PrC. It fits a PrC geared towards fighting or controlling undead than it does for one focused on obtaining info thru interrogation IMO.
Other than the 10th level ability I like the rest of the PrC
P.S. Will Breaker can be turned back to a (Ex) ability due to it not draining an opponent's Wis score anymore ;)
P.P.S. Master of the Undead Mind would fit the PrC if you narrowed it down to specific powers or spells. read thoughts, mind probe, suggestion, false sensory input, mind wipe, and maybe a few others focused on interrogation. Having it work for ALL mind-affecting spells and powers goes against the grain of the PrCs flavor IMO
P.P.S. Master of the Undead Mind would fit the PrC if you narrowed it down to specific powers or spells. read thoughts, mind probe, suggestion, false sensory input, mind wipe, and maybe a few others focused on interrogation. Having it work for ALL mind-affecting spells and powers goes against the grain of the PrCs flavor IMO
Yeah, that's pretty good. I'll check on that. The idea behind this power is just that, to interrogate.
"Sir, that morg from Kalidnay as been captured although the cost in lives as..."
"Excellent, bring it in for interrogation!"
Here's what I'm thinking for the Master of the Undead Mind ability.
Master of the Undead Mind (Su): At 10th level, the dead heart interrogator is able to extract information even from the undead. The dead heart interrogator can affect undead, with a minimum intelligence score of 5, with the following spells and powers: Spells: cause fear, command, demand, detect thoughts, modifiy memory, and suggestion. Powers: cloud mind, demand, disable, distract, forced sense link, inflict pain, read thoughts, psionic suggestion, and mind wipe.
This may need some rewording. If anyone has any suggestions, by all means, please share them
Making the class related to the undead somehow rings false. Allowing mind-affecting spells and powers to affect mindless undead sounds worse.
Their abilities should involve getting information, influencing people, and inflicting pain. Linking them too much to the undead just ruins it IMO.
The more I think of it, the more an initiate feat confering the ability to use speak with dead without a save captures all that we know of the abilities of the dead hearts. The rest of their character, it seems, is just their outlook on life, like Kal says: "cold, merciless, and ruthless in following their goals".
* Escrissar was a dead heart, part of the templarate, and could mentally assault people en masse, so he could have been a psion coupled with either a templar or defiler.
Or potentially, if you want to leave it open to pure defilers (i.e. without the requisite levels in templar to cast Speak With Dead) I would grant them the ability to cast Speak with Dead as an arcane spell.
Either way, I wouldn't make it so the corpse gets no save. Rather I would give the DHI a bonus to their spell DC specific to Speak with Dead, perhaps even say add their class level to it.
Let me mull it over some more, I may have some more thoughts.
IF I had to make a dead heart PrC, I would have said that the character can use speak with dead without a save. This means that if you need to know something, you just kill the person and get all the info you want. (A Dead Heart initiate feat, confering this ability, would have worked as well.)
Making the class related to the undead somehow rings false. Allowing mind-affecting spells and powers to affect mindless undead sounds worse.
I disagree. The dead heart should be more apt at gaining info from the living than he is from the dead. If he had an ability that let him question the dead with a no save speak with dead the DHI would be better off killing everyone he ever wanted info from.
The PrC has some undead under tones, but is by no means any type of necomancer wannabe. Allowing the handful of spells and powers, like the ones I listed above, affect undead adds a bit a flavor IMO. Just like those handful of PrCs out there that allow a character to critically hit or sneak attack undead. However, I feel the Master of the Undead Mind could stand to be bumped down to an 8th level ability and changed so that it affects ALL creatures that are immune to mind-effecting spells and abilities and not just undead.
Of course if everybody feels the DHI should be only multiclassed templar/psion, I can work it in that direction.
And no, I didn't think "dead heart" meant the DHI was specifically related to the dead. I saw it as a dual symbolism as they may ruthlessly interrogate the living or dabble in necromancy to do the same thing to the dead. The prereqs were supposed to be meant as an acceptable method to relate their studies into the realm of the dead (the Gray, undeath, spirits, etc.). It could simply be Knowledge (Religion) or (The planes) skills instead. But again, making them exclusively a Templar Prc would probably not even need that.
If it makes everybody scream that the DHI shouldn't be able to interrogate undead, it could just be made as Sysane suggested.
Anyways, I don't see the DHI as my particular PrC. I just wanted to see it made because I felt it had to. I don't want to make it a PrC the majority hates so feel free to bring more suggestions as to what you guys want it to be.
PB
Somehow Escrissar felt more like a defiler (in the employ of Hamanu) than a templar and since defilers can't cast speak with dead...
Of course if everybody feels the DHI should be only multiclassed templar/psion, I can work it in that direction.
And no, I didn't think "dead heart" meant the DHI was specifically related to the dead. I saw it as a dual symbolism as they may ruthlessly interrogate the living or dabble in necromancy to do the same thing to the dead. The prereqs were supposed to be meant as an acceptable method to relate their studies into the realm of the dead (the Gray, undeath, spirits, etc.). It could simply be Knowledge (Religion) or (The planes) skills instead. But again, making them exclusively a Templar Prc would probably not even need that.
If it makes everybody scream that the DHI shouldn't be able to interrogate undead, it could just be made as Sysane suggested.
Anyways, I don't see the DHI as my particular PrC. I just wanted to see it made because I felt it had to. I don't want to make it a PrC the majority hates so feel free to bring more suggestions as to what you guys want it to be.
PB
I still like the thought of the DHI being able to speak with dead, just not with a no save mechanic. I also like the Master of the Undead mechanic, but maybe renaming it ( i.e. Master of Secrets?) and allowing to work on the handful of powers I mention on all creatures with and Int score of at least 5 it would fit the PrC nicely.
I like that its a defiler/psion PrC, but maybe the requirement could be changed in that any spellcaster/manifester could enter it which would allow for templars, defilers, psions, wilders, and psi-warriors access it as well.
Requirements
To qualify to become a dead heart interrogator, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Alignment: Any nongood.
Skills: Intimidate 10 ranks, Bluff 7 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 10 ranks, Sense motive 7 ranks.
Feats: Interrogator, Spell focus (necromancy).
Powers: Must be able to manifest read thoughts.
Spells: Must be able to cast third level spells.
Master of Secrets (Ex): At X level, the dead heart interrogator is able to extract information even from the most resilient of minds. The dead heart interrogator can affect creatures (with a minimum of 5 Int) that are normally immune to mind-effecting abilities with the following spells and powers: Spells: cause fear, command, demand, detect thoughts, modify memory, and suggestion. Powers: cloud mind, demand, disable, distract, inflict pain, read thoughts, psionic suggestion, mind probe and mind wipe.
I like some of the abilities in both versions, but none are quite there yet, IMO.
What would you suggest?
Alright, here's the rewrite of PB's Master of the Undead Mind ability which takes the emphasis off the undead.
Yeah, that's cool.
Made some changes to the PrC where I thought some needed to be made. I also added a new ability of discern lies.
Let me know what you think.
Dead Heart Interrogator
Hit Die: d4
Requirements
To qualify to become a dead heart interrogator, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Alignment: Any nongood.
Skills: Bluff 4 ranks, Diplomacy 4 ranks, Intimidate 4 ranks, Sense motive 4 ranks.
Feats: Inquisitor, Skill focus (Sense motive).
Powers: Manifester level 3rd and able to manifest read thoughts.
Spells: Must be able to cast 2nd-level spells.
Class skills
The dead heart interrogator’s class skills (and key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (all skills taken individually) (Int), Psicraft (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Languages, and Spellcraft (Int).
Skill Points at Each Level: 2+Int modifier.
[HTML]
CL BAB Fort Ref Will Special
1st +0 +0 +0 +2 read thoughts, Secular authority
2nd +1 +0 +0 +3 Psychological tormenter
3rd +1 +1 +1 +3 speak with dead 1/day
4th +2 +1 +1 +4
5th +2 +1 +1 +4 Will breaker
6th +3 +2 +2 +5 mind probe
7th +3 +2 +2 +5 speak with dead 2/day
8th +4 +2 +2 +6
9th +4 +3 +3 +6 discern lies
10th +5 +3 +3 +7 Master of secrets [/HTML]
[HTML]Level Spell per day/ Powers known
1st -
2nd +1 level of existing manifesting class
3rd +1 level of existing spellcasting class
4th +1 level of existing manifesting class
5th +1 level of existing spellcasting class
6th +1 level of existing manifesting class
7th +1 level of existing spellcasting class
8th +1 level of existing manifesting class
9th +1 level of existing spellcasting class
10th -[/HTML]CLASS FEATURES
All the following are class features of the dead heart interrogator prestige class.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Dead heart interrogators gain no proficiency with any weapon or armor.
Powers Known: At every level indicated on the accompanying table, a dead heart interrogator gains additional power points per day and access to new discovered powers as if he had also gained a level in whatever psionic manifesting class he belonged to before he added the prestige class. He does not however gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. If a character had more than one psionic class before becoming a dead heart interrogator, he must decide to which class to add the new level of dead heart interrogator for the purpose of determining power points per day, powers known, and manifester level.
Spells Known: At every level indicated on the accompanying table, a dead heart interrogator gains new spells per day as if she had also gained a level in a arcane spellcasting class he belonged to before he added the prestige class. He does not however gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained. If a character had more than one spellcasting class before becoming a dead heart interrogator, he must decide to which class to add the new level of dead heart interrogator for the purpose of determining spells per day, spells known, and caster level.
Read Thoughts (Ps): At 1st level, a dead heart interrogator can manifest read thoughts once per day at a reduced power point cost. The cost of read thoughts is reduced by the dead heart interrogator’s level, to a minimum of one power point. The effect of this power is still restricted by the dead heart interrogator’s manifester level.
Additionally, the dead heart interrogator gains an augmentation option unavailable to other manifesters of this power.
Augment: For every 2 additional power points you spend, this power's save DC increases by 1.
Secular Authority (Ex): This ability is explained in the DS 3 Core Rules’ Templar entry in the Classes section.
Psychological Tormenter (Ex): A dead heart interrogator is skilled in the art of conversation and attuned to the psyche of those he interrogates. At 2nd level, the dead heart interrogator gains a competence bonus equal to half his class level to Bluff and Intimidate checks.
Speak with Dead (Su): The dead heart interrogator’s studies have given him a way to tap the memories of the dead. At 3rd level, he may do this once per day and twice at 7th level. This works the same as the spell in the PHB.
Will Breaker (Ex): Starting at 5th level, a dead heart interrogator can sap the will from his victims. By succeeding on a Bluff or Intimidate check the dead heart interrogator can cause one target to become shaken. The target is shaken for a number of minutes equal to the dead heart interrogator's class level. This ability takes the dead heart interrogator one full minute before he is able to make the appropriate skill check. Will breaker is an [Language-Dependent, Mind-Affectng, Sonic] ability.
Mind Probe (Ps): At 6th level, a dead heart interrogator adds mind probe to his powers known (if he doesn't already know it). Once per day, he can manifest mind probe at a reduced power point cost. The cost of mind probe is reduced by the dead heart interrogator’s level, to a minimum of one power point. The effect of this power is still restricted by the dead heart interrogator’s manifester level.
Discern Lies (Su): On reaching 9th level, a dead heart interrogator can sense when someone is lying.The dead heart interrogator can discern lies (caster level equal to class level) as the spell within a 10' radius.This ability is active as long as the dead heart interrogator is psionically focused.
Master of Secrets (Ex): At 10 level, the dead heart interrogator is able to extract information even from the most resilient of minds. The dead heart interrogator can affect creatures (with a minimum of 5 Int) that are normally immune to mind-effecting abilities with the following spells and powers: Spells: cause fear, command, demand, detect thoughts, modify memory, and suggestion. Powers: cloud mind, demand, disable, distract, inflict pain, read thoughts, psionic suggestion, and mind probe.
I like it, although you might want to change read thoughs to read thoughts in the requirement section. I'm not sure reading "thoughs" has anything to do with interrogation. :P
Doh! Good catch. Its corrected now ;)
Read Thoughts (Ps): At 1st level, a dead heart interrogator can manifest read thoughts once per day at a reduced power point cost. The cost of read thoughts is reduced by the dead heart interrogator’s class level, to a minimum of one power point. The effect of this power is still restricted by the dead heart interrogator’s manifester level.
Read thoughts is only a 3 point, unaugmentable power, so after second level this isn't really going to give you any benefit. What if you do something more along the lines that a DHI can reduce up to his class leve PPs per day split up however he wants for telepathic powers. (If that makes sense.)
Alternatively, allow it to be DHI level total per day for read thoughts. So a 4th level DHI can reduce it to 1 PP twice a day, 6th 3/day, etc.
Read thoughts is only a 3 point, unaugmentable power, so after second level this isn't really going to give you any benefit. What if you do something more along the lines that a DHI can reduce up to his class leve PPs per day split up however he wants for telepathic powers. (If that makes sense.)
Alternatively, allow it to be DHI level total per day for read thoughts. So a 4th level DHI can reduce it to 1 PP twice a day, 6th 3/day, etc.
I was thinking along the same lines, but was considering on allowing the DHI to be able to augment read thoughts as follows:
Augment: For every 2 additional power points you spend, this power's save DC increases by 1.