PS: I was flipping through my copy of Complete Warrior, and I was wondering if the Purple Dragon Knight would make a good Legion Knight.
One thing that helps me when designing a PrC is to look at the organization, and to try to represent the tenets of the organization in game stats. In this case, I would try to represent the tenets of the Legacy. Also, require honor-bound for a bit of knightly flavor.
If you've already got some of the Complete books, try for something like the pious templar (in Complete Warrior, formerly the templar in Sword & Fist) or the cavalier. They're a little closer to the Legion than the Purple Dragon knight.
Cheers,
Cam
Basically, I view them as an organization that did start out with knights as members, but one that has grown beyond just having knights. Stealth is a very important part of the LoS now, and to me, they just don't feel like knights any more. Not to say that some Legionnaires don't act like knights, but oh well.
However, this topic has been debated to death, and I'd rather focus on Jacen's request on building a Legion Knight PrC. My apologies to Jacen and the rest of the board for bringing an old topic back to life.
I already thought that the steel legionarres were knights? I wonder why there is so much confusion about that? Is that because they are relatively new in the history of Krynn?
Because people associate knights with mounted and armored warriors of chivalry and honor, I imagine, and it's very hard indeed for some people to separate the Solamnic knight from any other knight in that sense. What's most interesting is that the Legion, who are often said not to be knights because they sneak about and form small clandestine groups and cells, took the idea of sneaking about in small groups from the Solamnics, who did exactly that for 300 years in the wake of the Cataclysm.
The Legion has many knights in its number, armoured and skilled and swearing an oath of brotherhood and dedication to a cause, just like the Solamnics and the Nerakans. It's made up of people who left those groups because they were seen to be losing touch with their real mission and what is right and honorable, believe it or not, so it makes sense that there would be a considerable number of them who think the Solamnics are a corrupt body and the Nerakans are a mob of thugs.
Cheers,
Cam
First, I'd like to reference an article on the Nexus, by Wolverine. It's a pretty good summary of the Legion of Steel.
The Legion of Steel
A few things stand out at me. First, courage. I'd say they might get a bonus vs. fear effects.
Stay alert. Perhaps the Alertness feat as a prerequisite.
Perhaps the Diehard feat for the "never give up" part. That may also be a good prerequisite.
Great, I've got a bunch of prerequisites, but no abilities. lol
I'd also give them a bonus when pursuing someone, trying to bring them to justice. The bonus only works on the one you bring to justice, and could be applied to attack rolls, and various skill checks required to bring him in.
I don't have my DLCS and AoM in front of me, so if I covered something that has been tackled already, please forgive me. I'm not fully coherent today, but maybe that will get you started.
:D
Seriously though...I can see a concession on this. I've come to the point that I don't necessarily see the Legion of Steel as a Knighthood...I see it as an organization with several sub-groups. All member of the Legion of Steel are "Legionaires"...but you have different titles depending on what group you are in. Basically, I believe there is a Knighthood within the Legion of Steel. Meaning, if one is a Legionaire, they aren't necessarily a knight. However, a Legionaire could also be a Steel Knight, if they belong to the Legion of Steel Knighthood.
Also, a Legionaire could have formerly been a KoS or KoN and not be a Steel Knight. I really see the Steel Knights as a unique part of the Legion of Steel. We have a Steel Legionaire, Legion Mystic, Legion Sorcerer, and Legion Rogue PrC...but I still truly believe there needs to be a Steel Knight PrC.
Hmm...maybe I'll do a write up on the Steel Knighthood...founded in 27 SC...yeah...no wait, 29 SC, after the founding of the Academy of Sorcery...yeah. I'll have to come up with something on this...
mumblesmumblesmumbles....
;)
Also, a Legionaire could have formerly been a KoS or KoN and not be a Steel Knight. I really see the Steel Knights as a unique part of the Legion of Steel. We have a Steel Legionaire, Legion Mystic, Legion Sorcerer, and Legion Rogue PrC...but I still truly believe there needs to be a Steel Knight PrC.
Wouldn't the Rouge Knight PrC fill that nitch? It would stand to reason that former KoS or KoN would transition to that PrC and then to Steel Legionaire IMO.
Wouldn't the Rouge Knight PrC fill that nitch? It would stand to reason that former KoS or KoN would transition to that PrC and then to Steel Legionaire IMO.
No! That is exactly not what I'm saying. Just because someone is a former KoS or KoN (read: "Rogue Knight") doesn't mean they can call themselves a Steel Knight. To be a Steel Knight, you have to do more than just join the Legion of Steel.
Granted...this is all hypothetical and theoretical at this point...but it's how I see the Legion to be working (at this moment). Not that what you said is wrong in anyway...it was just not what I was trying to say.
We just talked about this...Margaret called them "knights" in Amber and Ashes...end of story.
Seriously though...I can see a concession on this. I've come to the point that I don't necessarily see the Legion of Steel as a Knighthood...I see it as an organization with several sub-groups. All member of the Legion of Steel are "Legionaires"...but you have different titles depending on what group you are in.
[/b]
That's a very astute way of putting what I've always felt. I don't think anyone ever disagreed that the Legion of Steel had a military arm. After all somebody has to watch over the Missing City and a few other military instillations. I believe they have a fortress in Solace (though I'm not sure what it does).
The Legion seems to be a loose affiliation of people bound by the amphorous idea of "doing good". Included in their ranks are nobles, former KoT and KoS knights, peasant heroes, merchants, thieves, privateers, spies, clerics, mystics, wizards, sorcerers, clerics, barbarians and many many others.
Woe be to this organization's cohesiveness if anyone within that organization ever tries to define what good is, or establish regulations of behavior. I imagine it is a lot like a coalition of left-wing groups during protest rallies. They are able to band together in the face of a perceived "evil" but are beneath the surface very divided in philosophy and creed.
The description of the Legacy seems to support this. In the DLCS for example it says "...the Legacy teaches a few central virtues without codifying virtue into legislation: to do what is right; to gain strength through self-knowledge, to remain vigilant against danger and injustice, to respect virtue in all its forms, to grant justice to all beings, and to fight for one's belief's unto death. Essentially, if you want to be cynical about it, it boils down to "Do what you want, but be cool and look out for the little guy."
It is a very well-meaning speech, but if that was all it took to regulate human behavior and define morality there would be a lot of clerics and lawyers going hungry in our own world. Without a strong legal code, morality and authority in the legion must necessarily evolve in two ways:
1) Authoritative: To define morality without a written code, you generally have to rely on those more powerful than you to tell you what is proper conduct. Essentially, if it is okay to kill the bandit prisoners or take them to trial, what level of professionalism and equipment upkeep is expected, and what tactics are acceptable in any given situation. Of course if there is any sort of stable chain of command, what is expected generally filters into the military organization through precedent and the agendas of those superior officers. These things generally get written down, and thus you have things like the Measure. Notice the Knights of Nereka do not use a complex code like the measure, and as a result rely primarily on the judgements of their superior officers through the "The Code" and more particularly "The Vision".
2) Anarchistic: Basically you just train and fund new cells, set them up, and hope for the best. Of course you would check in on them once and awhile, remove rogue cells if necessary. However, this would all be dependant on you being able to.
It is of course, very easy to go rogue if your purpose, mission and ideology are kept rather vague as it is here. For example, take Token Greenleaf and his band of elven bowmen fighting a guerrilla war in the Qualinesti forest. He realizes that there is no military target to fight against and the only way to reclaim it is to kill the sword wearing mommy and daddy farmers and refugees, and driving away the children. If necessary, killing the children too.
He can pretty much justify it through the Legacy:
1) Always have the courage to do right: "Though outnumbered, we will continue to fight against the invaders until Qualinesti is restored to the elves".
2) To gain strength through self-knowledge: "This land is where the bones of my ancestors are buried, where the artifacts of our culture lie waiting to be reclaimed. To lose Qualinesti would mean to become spiritually dead to who we really are, to forget our strength as a people."
3) Remain vigilant against danger and injustice: "Though the road to reclaiming Qualinesti is hard, we must harden ourselves against the dangers posed by our enemies and stand firm in their continued destruction and **** of our homelands."
4) Respect virtue in all its forms: "We will give them the chance to leave and save themselves and their families. We are not murderous barbarians. If they do not accede to our demands, We have the righteousness of our cause to strengthen our arms."
5) To Grant Justice to all Beings: "Qualinesti belongs to the elves by right of tradition and law. Justice is being done by granting freedom to the elves and death to the occupiers."
6) To Fight for One's Beliefs unto Death: "And to the death we shall!"
See, that's why the Solamnic Knighthood has a specific rule in the measure not to raise your weapon against non-combantants. It is why the measure has a good long chapter describing in detail what a combatant is, along with prior trial judgments by the High Council and the opinions of esteemed jurists. It was also probably one of the things cut by Lord Gunthar and Liam Ehrling as "useless". After all, you have to get down to one volume somehow. Of course, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe too many laws are the problem with the Solamnic Knighthood and deregulation will solve everything. It certainly solves everything in our world.
Now the natural consequences of having a more loose coalition of cells that don't necessarily have an ideological and legal cohesion is this. Certain cells are going to cause embaressment for the organization as a whole. Token Greenleaf's band of Merry Elves for example are going to cause problems for the Legion of Steel in Abanasania which is where many of the human settlers are from as well as being where one of the Legion of Steel's major strongholds are kept. You also have some difficulties disavowing these agents that you have trained, particularly if you have a reputation for intrigue and deception (which the Legion of Steel certainly has). You also would, naturally enough, have some problems with infighting among the organization itself as different methodologies and ideologies conflict.
Basically, I believe there is a Knighthood within the Legion of Steel. Meaning, if one is a Legionaire, they aren't necessarily a knight. However, a Legionaire could also be a Steel Knight, if they belong to the Legion of Steel Knighthood.
I think we would have to define what we mean by knighthood here.
The Solamnic Knights for example knights in the classical sense. They have aristocratic title, they own manorial estates and they serve as heavy calvary which is used is shock charges and to command infantry. The measure supplies their in-world explanation for noble obligations, religious duties, chivalry, and morality. For the Solamnic Knights battle is spiritual rite and ritual, in which they find the meaning of their existance.
The Legion of Steel Knight I don't see having any of those things except a warhorse. They are not aristocrats, not particularly chivalrous, nor need to be particularly pious. They have morality certainly, but it is a gritty practical morality. To a Legionaire of Steel, battle is a scary and bloody experience to be borne bravely so that evil can be defeated and the innocent spared.
Personally, I think we would perhaps be better off with a "Cavalier" prestige class to cover Knights within the Legion of Steel, Ergothian Calvary, and innumerable smaller knighthoods. To create an honour-bound order of warriors within the Legion of Steel would go against, to a great degree, of what the 5th Age designers were trying to create when they came up with the Legacy in the first place. The whole point of the legacy was that you were not honour-bound but did what was right by following your own heart.
It is a bit ironic though. The 5th Age design team came up with the Legion of Steel to do this, but then did all the characters and storylines that would have fit the Legion of Steel using the Solamnic Knights. That pleased neither the new fans of the Legion of Steel or the fans who liked the Solamnic Knighthood the way they were, thank you very much.
No! That is exactly not what I'm saying. Just because someone is a former KoS or KoN (read: "Rogue Knight") doesn't mean they can call themselves a Steel Knight. To be a Steel Knight, you have to do more than just join the Legion of Steel.
Granted...this is all hypothetical and theoretical at this point...but it's how I see the Legion to be working (at this moment). Not that what you said is wrong in anyway...it was just not what I was trying to say.
I was just stating that because it seemed to only make sense in a role playing aspect. A knight, be it KoS or KoN, losing faith in its knighthood's cause and tenants becoming a Rogue Knight till they see that the LoS is more aligned to their knew belief system and goals.
Plus the LoS are more of a freedom fighting organization than a "holy order" with strict religious codeS.
We just talked about this...Margaret called them "knights" in Amber and Ashes...end of story.
:P ;)
Seriously though...I can see a concession on this. I've come to the point that I don't necessarily see the Legion of Steel as a Knighthood...I see it as an organization with several sub-groups. All member of the Legion of Steel are "Legionaires"...but you have different titles depending on what group you are in. Basically, I believe there is a Knighthood within the Legion of Steel. Meaning, if one is a Legionaire, they aren't necessarily a knight. However, a Legionaire could also be a Steel Knight, if they belong to the Legion of Steel Knighthood.
Also, a Legionaire could have formerly been a KoS or KoN and not be a Steel Knight. I really see the Steel Knights as a unique part of the Legion of Steel. We have a Steel Legionaire, Legion Mystic, Legion Sorcerer, and Legion Rogue PrC...but I still truly believe there needs to be a Steel Knight PrC.
You know, the interesting thing is that we actually see this as the same. I'm not so sure that the Legion of Steel has specific orders like the KoS and KoN, but I would say that each role has some sort of regimented training.
So yes, a Legion Knight/Steel Knight would be a good prestige class to have. While the Steel Legionnaire is good enough just for membership and could even represent the common warrior type within the Legion, the Legion Knight would be a step beyond. He follows a code of chivalry and knightly virtue. And so on and so forth.
Now, to bring us back on topic, what sorts of abilities would a Legion Knight have?
He follows a code of chivalry and knightly virtue. And so on and so forth.
Now, to bring us back on topic, what sorts of abilities would a Legion Knight have?
Well not ones that represent a code of chivalry and knightly virtue. That completely goes against the purpose of the Legacy, which was to build an order that wasn't based on a code of chivalry and knightly virtue. Besides, that's the Solamnics turf. The legion of Steel has been slowly and painfully trying to build its own flavor text, so that they don't look like a copy of the Solamnic Orders. Why go back on that now?
It would say that it would have to be a nuts and bolts calvary combat build, in which case you are better off with a "Cavalier" prestige class.
Perhaps you could get away with building prestige class based on the 6 virtues of the Legacy though. Perhaps these options:
Courage to do what is right: Bonus vs. fear effects
Strength through Self-Knowledge: Add wisdom to attack rolls
Remain Vigilant against Danger: Bonus to Spot, Search, Gather Info, and Sense Motive
Respect Virtue in all its Forms: ?
Grant Justice to all beings: ?
Fight for one's beliefs unto death: Rage ability when your hit points start getting low.
Basically...the character wanted to be a Solamnic, but didn't want to be LG, and super-honorbound, like they are. I told him to take a gander at the Legion; I thought it might fit his philosophies better. Well, he liked it, but he still wanted to be a knight, alhtought he liked the Legion. Well, I said okay, just take the Legionnairre(sp ?) class. Well, that's when he sugested the Steel Knight. I at first told him it wasn't needed, but then he pointed out that a Legion Sorcerer, Mystic, or Scout wasn't *NEEDED*, and he *IS* right. THere's no reason *NOT* to have a Steel Knight. It'd be for former knights and Knight wannabes. For instance, this character is a bastard half-elf. He idolizes Tanis Half-Elven, and even attempted to become a Knight, since he was one(thought it was only honorary), and they didn't want him. So, basically, I'm thinking the Steel Knights would be like a sort of(how should I put this...)...watered down Knighthood. Not with all the rules and restrictions as the SOlamnics, or even the Nerakans, but an ordered, militaristic lifestyle. I also thought to make it 5 levels, in the manner of the other Legion specialties. That's why the Purple Dragon Knight jumped out at me. It works pretty well, I think. Well, not flavor-wise...but it's the right number of levels...Heroic Shield(aid another) fits...Rallying Cry seems okay to me...Fear doesn't really fit...Oath of Wrath doesn't really fit either, but it kinda does, too...Final Stand would work great(Fight for one's beliefs unto death). It doesn't work perfectly...but it makes a good solid base, does it not?
Whoa...I didn't know that this would cause so much controversy...
Basically...the character wanted to be a Solamnic, but didn't want to be LG, and super-honorbound, like they are. I told him to take a gander at the Legion; I thought it might fit his philosophies better. Well, he liked it, but he still wanted to be a knight, alhtought he liked the Legion. Well, I said okay, just take the Legionnairre(sp ?) class. Well, that's when he sugested the Steel Knight. I at first told him it wasn't needed, but then he pointed out that a Legion Sorcerer, Mystic, or Scout wasn't *NEEDED*, and he *IS* right. THere's no reason *NOT* to have a Steel Knight. It'd be for former knights and Knight wannabes. For instance, this character is a bastard half-elf. He idolizes Tanis Half-Elven, and even attempted to become a Knight, since he was one(thought it was only honorary), and they didn't want him. So, basically, I'm thinking the Steel Knights would be like a sort of(how should I put this...)...watered down Knighthood. Not with all the rules and restrictions as the SOlamnics, or even the Nerakans, but an ordered, militaristic lifestyle. I also thought to make it 5 levels, in the manner of the other Legion specialties. That's why the Purple Dragon Knight jumped out at me. It works pretty well, I think. Well, not flavor-wise...but it's the right number of levels...Heroic Shield(aid another) fits...Rallying Cry seems okay to me...Fear doesn't really fit...Oath of Wrath doesn't really fit either, but it kinda does, too...Final Stand would work great(Fight for one's beliefs unto death). It doesn't work perfectly...but it makes a good solid base, does it not?
Add a few levels to the Legionnaire and mix the Purple Dragon abilities with the abilities of the Steel Legionnaire PrC. The Legion is not entirely a covert organization. I think that's a misnomer due to Legion Scout PrC that seems very prevalent, and the fact that writers had to find a way to distinguish them from the KoS and KoN. They do maintain a military lifestyle and mannerisms. While not as large as the KoS and KoN they do maintain a small standing army and numerous outposts. When called upon they do ride out on horses with lances at the ready, like in the DoFS, when the Legionnaires came to Alhana's rescue against the Orges. Go with your modified Steel Legionnarie PrC and then just add levels of Fighter or Ranger or high god forbid...Paladin.
---------
Legion Knight
The Legion Knight is honorable in his own way. Not all Legion Knights subscribe to the same definition of "honor". Some use the old Solamnic/Nerakan definitions, while others find their own inner honor.
This inner code allows the Legion Knight to push the limits of their physical body. Whatever their definition, the Legion Knight sticks to his own personal code of ethics as strongly as any Solamnic or Nerakan Knight does.
Most Legion Knights are Rangers or Fighters, though a few Barbarians and Rogues fill out the ranks. Very few Clerics, Mystics, Druids, and other spellcastery types are members of the Legion Knights, but these are few and far between.
Hit Die: d8
Requirements-
Alignment: Any Good
Base Save Bonus: Fort +4, Will +4
Base Attack Bonus: +7
Feats: Weapon Focus (Any Martial), Iron Will
Special: Must possess the Legion Knowledge class feature.
Class Skills: Craft, Diplomacy, Gather Information, Intimidate, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty), Knowledge (Local), Profession, and Spot.
Skill Points per Level: 2 + Int Mod
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Legion Knights are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, as well as light and medium armor.
What's a perfection bonus? Why do they get 4 skill points a level when they only have 8 class skills? Does hardiness of spirit affect hit point totals? Isn't DR 10/adamantine and magic extraordinarily tough for something which is the character's dedication to honor?
It needs some work, but I think you're off to a good start there!
Cheers,
Cam
What's a perfection bonus?
Perfection bonuses were introduced in the Book of Exalted deeds. It's basically just another bonus type.
Why do they get 4 skill points a level when they only have 8 class skills?
Because I'd been without sleep for quite a while and didn't think of it? ;)
Does hardiness of spirit affect hit point totals?
Yeah, it does. Went back and fixed it.
Isn't DR 10/adamantine and magic extraordinarily tough for something which is the character's dedication to honor?
Yeah, again, same thing as the skill points. Went back and changed it.
Not too shabby, Jacen.
I look nothing like Jacen, silly silly Kiwi. :P
I made a few revisions, based on your suggestions. Changed some bonuses, made Spirit of Steel WAY less crazy, dropped their skill points per level, added a better description, and made it look prettier.
-TRRW
Perfection bonuses were introduced in the Book of Exalted deeds. It's basically just another bonus type.
Ah, okay. Consider changing it to something that's not just in a supplementary book like BoED, then.
I look nothing like Jacen, silly silly Kiwi. :P
You Americans all look alike to me. When I haven't had any sleep.
I made a few revisions, based on your suggestions. Changed some bonuses, made Spirit of Steel WAY less crazy, dropped their skill points per level, added a better description, and made it look prettier.
There you go! As the person behind the three AoM Legion classes, I heartily endorse using the 3-level steel legionnaire as a gateway class in this manner. Good stuff.
Cheers,
Cam
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Cam.
-TRRW
Now, if only I could figure out how to submit things to The Nexus.
You would need the handy, dandy Nexus Submissions Page.
And if you're ever in doubt, just send it to me in an e-mail. I really appreciate this being worked up. I've been wanting a Legion Knight for the site now for quite some time. I just never had time to do it myself.
If anyone has any other ideas for some new Legion PrCs, be sure to send those in as well.
Thanks!
Anyway, I'm working on a Legion Mage and a Legion Bodyguard as followups.
-TRRW
Sent and sent.
Anyway, I'm working on a Legion Mage and a Legion Bodyguard as followups.
-TRRW
Excellent! Looking forward to those.
The idea of a Legion Mage may at first seem to come into conflict with the role of the Legion Sorcerer, but such is only the case on the surface. While Legion Sorcerers serve the Legion as Diviners and counterintelligence, Legion Mages (or Magionnaires, as the Legion Sorcerers like to call them) focus primarily on protection and the creation of new magical items to help the Legion's cause.
Most Legion Mages are considered Renegades by the Orders of High Sorcery due to both their less than lawful nature and their association with practitioners of Primal Sorcery.
Hit Die: d4
Requirements -
Alignment: Any good.
Base Save Bonus: Will +6
Skills: Spellcraft 8 Ranks, Knowledge (Arcana) 8 Ranks,
Feats: Any three of the following; Spell Focus (Abjuration), Spell Penetration, Iron Will, Craft Magical Arms and Armor, Craft Wondrous Item, Brew Potion.
Spellcasting: Ability to prepare and cast 3rd level Arcane spells, including at least 5 Abjuration spells.
Special: Must possess the Legion Knowledge class ability.
Also, rather than "any three of the following", you should simplify it to any combination of three item creation or metamagic feats.
Have you looked at how the spell broker handles item creation? Make sure you're not treading too much on a class that can already handle this kind of thing, and present it either in a more thematic way for the Legion or go another route.
Cheers,
Cam
I didn't use Abjurer because it's already a term used elsewhere... maybe "Protective Magic Mastery" or something instead...
I'll work on retooling it and making it a bit less "all over the board" and a bit more "focused on something usefull".
-TRRW
I didn't use Abjurer because it's already a term used elsewhere... maybe "Protective Magic Mastery" or something instead...
Thorn Knights have an ability called "diviner" which is similar to your suggestion. Using the same word is often a good idea, you know.
Cheers,
Cam
-TRRW
Hard Way: Make it a ten level PrC with an additional use of Hardiness of Spirit, a bonus feat at 7th level and an additional use of Spirit of Steel at 9th level. Final Stand is the 10th level ability.
I'm glad people like this PrC. Gives me the motivation to work on some other gaming stuff I've been putting off (ie, those Adventures and Adventure Hooks for The Nexus's Fandom section).
-TRRW
Legion Knight Prestige Class
Thanks to TRRW for sending that in. I look forward to what you have in the future.
Still trying to get the Legion Mage to do something useful without stepping on the toes of other PrCs.
-TRRW
How will the Legion Mage differ from the Legion Sorcerer?
I imagine that the same class would work for wizards as well as sorcerers, actually, with minimal changes. The only real hurdle is dealing with the Orders, inasmuch as signing on to any other organization can present conflict with one's duty to the magic. Sorcerers have a much easier time of it.
Cheers,
Cam
I had considered making it a "Wizard Only" PrC, but I don't see the Legion as being very concerned with where the Legion Mage's magic comes from. They're pretty much concerned with the ability to get the job done.
I thought of giving the LegMag an Arcane Aegis-like ability, but based on Intelligence instead of Charisma. Basically, the Legion Mage would use his knowledge of minor abjurations and illusions to create a barrier of (what appear to be) armor plates over their allies existing protection. This would grant them a Deflection bonus to their AC, not sure how much to give though.
Another idea I had was to give them a Share Abjuration ability. They could share any Abjuration spell they cast on themself with a number of allies (1 + 1/2 Class level, round down). Probably useable a number of times per day equal to 3 + Wis Mod.
Their fifth level ability would probably be something like the effects of a Repulsion spell. The LegMag can use this ability once per day, using his own caster level, even if it wouldn't be sufficient to cast the spell.
Still working some kinks out, obviously. Some day I'll figure it out.
-TRRW
Now, if wizards do join, do they have to be renegades? Or could they also be robed wizards who work within the Legion?
Having said that, not all of them will be Renegades. Some of them will just focus their energy on bringing about good through magic instead of cloistering themself in a tower studying old books.
Short Answer: White Robes can be Legion Mages without losing their dedication to the Towers. Kinda works like the Solamnic Auxilliary Mage. How well that will work remains to be seen.
On the Diviner-like ability, I had thought about it, as is evidenced by the early "whacked out" version of the PrC. Still may include it, with the stipulation of choosing either Abjuration or Illusion.
That choice may also affect the Aegis ability, but I'm not sure how just yet.
I think I'll hammer out a revised Legion Mage tonight after work and post it tomorrow.
-TRRW