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Scholar

The scholar believes that the solution to any problem can be studied. The scholar bristles at the term “dabbler,” as the scholar is nothing if not serious. Nonetheless, the scholar’s breadth of knowledge is just as impressive as its depth. Rarely at a loss for a theory, anecdote, or words of counsel, the scholar is a constant inspiration and occasional frustration to her companions. While ordinary sages and experts remain in their libraries and workshops, the adventuring scholar is a questing soul, as daring, resolute, and curious as any knight, wizard, or treasure-hunter. The scholar is a learner of the world as much as a student of words, and never hesitates to borrow a few tricks learned from her companions and foes. While a scholar is an expert at locating and retrieving wealth, magic, and information, the scholar’s greatest treasure is experience.

Role: The scholar is an explorer and sage, identifying dangerous hazards and neutralizing them through knowledge. Her logic, learning, and perceptions aid and protect her party members. While not much of a straight-up combatant, a scholar can bring to bear a number of impressive tactics in a tight spot. Additionally, with the right preparation, the scholar is capable of substituting for a number of different roles, whether sniper, spell-caster, or negotiator.

Alignment: Any

Hit Die: d8

Class Skills

The scholar’s class skills are Appraise (Int), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Disable Device (Dex), Heal (Wis), Knowledge (all) (Int), Linguistics (Int), Perception (Wis), Perform (all) (Cha), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spellcraft (Int), Survival (Wis), and Use Magic Device (Cha).

Skill Ranks per Level: 6 + Int modifier.

Table: Scholar


Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Special
1st	+0	+0	+2	+2	Lore, smart defense, knowledge focus, bonus languages
2nd	+1	+0	+3	+3	Scholar secret, evasion, tough-minded
3rd	+2	+1	+3	+3	Identify magic items, trap sense +1
4th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Scholar secret, in the bag
5th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Decipher script, lore master
6th	+4	+2	+5	+5	Scholar secret, trap sense +2
7th	+5	+2	+5	+5	Erudition
8th	+6/+1	+2	+6	+6	Scholar secret
9th	+6/+1	+3	+6	+6	Trap sense +3
10th	+7/+2	+3	+7	+7	Advanced scholar secrets, scholar secret
11th	+8/+3	+3	+7	+7	Lore master 2/day
12th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Scholar secret, trap sense +4
13th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Spell resistance
14th	+10/+5	+4	+9	+9	Scholar secret
15th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+9	+9	Trap sense +5
16th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Scholar secret
17th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Lore master 3/day
18th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+11	+11	Scholar secret, trap sense +6
19th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+11	+11	True lore
20th	+15/+10/+5	+6	+12	+12	Scholar secret, sagacity

Class Features

The following are class features of the scholar class.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

Scholars are proficient with simple weapons, plus the hand crossbow. They are not proficient with any armor or shields.

Lore

A scholar adds half her class level (minimum +1) to all Knowledge checks and may make all Knowledge checks untrained.

Smart Defense (Ex)

A scholar adds her Intelligence bonus to her armor class. Any time she would lose her Dexterity bonus to AC, she loses her Int bonus, as well.

Knowledge Focus (Ex)

The scholar gains Skill Focus in any one Knowledge skill of her choice.

Bonus Languages

A scholar may choose any non-secret languages as bonus languages.

Scholar Secrets

Starting at 2nd level, and every even level thereafter, the scholar may select one of the following secrets. Unless otherwise stated, each secret may be selected only once.

Animal Companion: The scholar gains an animal companion, as the druid ability, nature bond. The scholar’s effective druid level for this purpose is her level -2.

Augury (Sp): The scholar may cast augury, as the spell, once per day. Prerequisite: Intuition, Minor Mysticism.

Call it Out (Ex): One per day as a standard action, a scholar can identify the weaknesses of one creature she can perceive. She must succeed at a Knowledge check to identify the creature. If successful, she and all allies within 30 feet who can hear her gain a knowledge of any special vulnerabilities and weaknesses a creature may have, including what forms of attack defeat its DR and regeneration, and gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls and the DCs of their spells and abilities against that opponent for one minute. Is she has 10 or more ranks in the relevant Knowledge skill for that creature’s type, the bonus is doubled to +2.

Cantrips (Sp): The scholar may select two additional 0-level spells from the sorcerer/wizard spell list for her minor magic ability. The scholar may use her minor magic an unlimited number of times per day. The scholar may take this secret multiple times, adding two more 0-level spells each time. Prerequisite: Minor Magic.

Careful Search (Ex): The scholar may take 10 on Perception checks, even if it would not normally be allowed. She also gains a +1 on Perception checks to search an area.

Coax Magical Item (Ex): The scholar gains a bonus equal to half her level (minimum 1) on Use Magic Device checks.

Combat Trick: The scholar gains a bonus combat feat. She must meet the prerequisites normally.

Coordinate (Ex): When the scholar spends a full round directing her allies, she provides her allies within 30 feet a +1 morale bonus on their attack rolls and skill checks. The bonus lasts for a number of rounds equal to the scholar’s Charisma modifier.

Creature Focus (Ex): The scholar selects one type of creature from the ranger’s favored enemy list. The scholar gains a +3 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks against creatures of her selected type. Likewise, she gets a +3 bonus on weapon attack and damage rolls against them. If the scholar has 10 or more ranks in the applicable Knowledge skill for the type of creature, these bonuses increase to +6. The scholar may select this secret more than once, each time selecting a different type of creature. If a creature fits more than one category, only the best bonus applies.

Creature Mythology (Ex): When she uses her call it out ability, she and her affected allies also gain +2 to overcome SR against that creature for one minute. The bonus is doubled if she has at least 10 ranks of the relevant Knowledge skill for that creature’s type. Prerequisite: Call it Out.

Defensive Training (Ex): The scholar selects one category of foe (from the ranger’s favored enemy list). The scholar gains a +2 dodge bonus against opponents of that type. If the scholar has 10 or more ranks in the Knowledge skill that pertains to that creature type, the bonus is doubled, to +4. This talent may be selected more than once, each time choosing a different type of foe. If more than one category applies, the scholar gains only the highest bonus.

Deliberate Accuracy (Ex): When the scholar takes the attack action, she gains +1 on attack rolls.

Detect Magic (Sp): The scholar may use detect magic, as the spell, at will. Prerequisite: Minor Magic or Minor Mysticism.

Disruptive: The scholar gains Disruptive as a bonus feat.

Exploit Weakness (Ex): Once per day, the scholar may designate one opponent, and gain an insight bonus equal to her Int bonus (minimum +1) on attack rolls against that opponent.

Extracurricular Study (Ex): The scholar selects one skill. That skill is considered a class skill for the scholar and gains a +1 bonus on skill checks.

Fast Movement (Ex): The scholar gains fast movement, as the barbarian ability.

Greater Inspiration (Ex): The benefits of inspiration increase by +1, to a total of +3. Prerequisite: Inspiration.

Improvise Tools (Ex): Choose one skill. The scholar can perform a skill check without proper tools with that skill, without penalty, taking a minimum of a full round action.

Inspiration (Ex): The scholar can inspire her allies, bolstering them and improving their chances of success. An ally must listen to and observe the scholar for a full round for the inspiration to take hold. The effect lasts for a number of rounds equal to the scholar’s Charisma modifier and affects allies within 30 feet. An inspired ally gains a +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, and damage rolls. A scholar can’t inspire him or herself. Prerequisite: Coordinate.

Intuition (Ex): Once per day, the scholar can gain an insight bonus equal to his Int bonus (minimum +1) to any Int-, Wis-, or Charisma-based ability check or skill check.

Lightly Armored: The scholar becomes proficient in light armor.

Look Out (Ex): All allies within 30 feet gain the benefits of the scholar’s evasion. This only applies to allies who are aware of her presence.

Magic Circle (Sp): The scholar may cast magic circle versus good, evil, chaos, or law, as the spell, once per day. Prerequisite: Major Magic or Major Mysticism.

Major Magic (Sp): A scholar with this talent gains the ability to cast a 1st-level spell from the sorcerer/wizard spell list two times a day as a spell-like ability. The caster level of this ability is equal to the scholar’s level. The save DC for this spell is 11 + the scholar’s Intelligence modifier. The scholar must have an Intelligence of at least 11 to select this secret. A scholar may select this secret more than once, choosing a different spell each time. Prerequisite: Minor Magic.

Major Mysticism (Sp): A scholar with this talent gains the ability to cast a 1st-level spell from the cleric spell list two times a day as a spell-like ability. The caster level of this ability is equal to the scholar’s level. The save DC for this spell is 11 + the scholar’s Wisdom modifier. The scholar must have a Wisdom of at least 11 to select this secret. A scholar may select this secret more than once, choosing a different spell each time. Prerequisite: Minor Mysticism.

Medical Knowledge: The scholar gains First Aid or Medical Expert as a bonus feat.

Mental Resolve (Ex): One per day, the scholar may designate one opponent, and gain an insight bonus equal to her Wis bonus (minimum +1) to her saves against all abilities by that opponent.

Mind Trick (Ex): The scholar may add her Intelligence modifier to Bluff checks.

Minor Magic (Sp): A scholar with this talent gains the ability to cast a 0-level spell from the sorcerer/wizard spell list. This spell can be cast three times per day as a spell-like ability. The caster level for this ability is 10 + the scholar’s level. The save DC for this spell is 10 + the scholar’s Intelligence modifier. The scholar must have an Intelligence of at least 10 to select this talent.

Minor Mysticism (Sp): A scholar with this talent gains the ability to cast a 0-level spell from the cleric spell list. This spell can be cast three times per day as a spell-like ability. The caster level for this ability is 10 + the scholar’s level. The save DC for this spell is 10 + the scholar’s Wisdom modifier. The scholar must have a Wisdom of at least 10 to select this talent.

Orisons: The scholar may select two additional 0- level spells from the cleric spell list for her minor mysticism ability. The scholar may use her minor mysticism an unlimited number of times per day. The scholar may take this secret multiple times, adding two more 0-level spells each time. Prerequisite: Minor Mysticism.

Quick Disable: A scholar who selects this secret can disable a trap in half the normal amount of time using the Disable Device skill (minimum 1 round). Prerequisite: Trapfinding.

Skill Focus: The scholar gains Skill Focus as a bonus feat.

Smart Weapon (Ex): The scholar can use her Int bonus instead of her Str or Dex bonus to hit with any light or one-handed weapon or any crossbow.

Sneak Attack: The scholar gains +1d6 sneak attack, as a rogue.

Spell-Casting Dilettante (Ex): The scholar casts all spells and spell-like abilities at +1 caster level, to a maximum of her Hit Dice.

Student of War (Ex): The scholar gains proficiency in all martial weapons.

Track (Ex): The scholar may add half her level (minimum 1) to Survival checks to find or follow tracks.

Trap Spotter (Ex): Whenever a scholar with this secret comes within 10 feet of a trap, she receives an immediate Perception skill check to notice the trap. This check should be made in secret by the GM. Prerequisite: Trapfinding.

Trapfinding (Ex): A scholar with this secret adds half her class level (minimum 1) to Perception skill checks made to locate traps and to Disable Device skill checks. A scholar can use Disable Device to disarm magic traps.

Turn Undead: The scholar gains Command Undead or Turn Undead as a bonus feat. She gains channel energy a number of times per day equal to 3 + her Intelligence modifier, but only to use the selected feat. She can take other feats that add to this ability, such as Extra Channel and Improved Channel, as well as feats that alter this ability, such as Elemental Channel and Alignment Channel. The DC to save against these feats is equal to 10 + ½ her scholar level + her Charisma modifier. At 20th level, undead cannot add their channel resistance to the save against this ability.

Twice Ready (Ex): When the scholar readies an action, she can specify two triggers with a separate action for each trigger. Whichever action triggers first cancels the other.

Weapon Training: The scholar gains Weapon Focus as a bonus feat.

Wise Counsel (Ex): As a full round action, the scholar can aid an ally and grant an insight bonus equal to the scholar’s Wis bonus on the check.

Evasion (Ex)

At 2nd level and higher, a scholar can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage. Evasion can be used only if the scholar is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless scholar does not gain the benefits of evasion.

Tough-Minded (Ex)

At 2nd level and above, the scholar heals one point of Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma damage every 24 hours.

Identify Magic Items (Ex)

At 3rd level, the scholar may use her knowledge to identify magical items. She may examine the item as with the spell detect magic, and may add her level to the Spellcraft check to determine its properties.

Trap Sense (Ex)

At 3rd level, a scholar 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 scholar levels. Trap sense bonuses gained from multiple classes stack.

Editor’s Note

The trap sense ability, listed on Table: Scholar has been added to the list of class features.

In the Bag (Ex)

A scholar of 4th level and higher can retrieve needed items very quickly. Once per round, she may ready an item as a standard action if it would normally be a full round action, a move action if it would normally be a standard action, and a swift action if it would normally be a move action.

Decipher Script (Ex)

At 5th level, the scholar gains +2 on Linguistics checks to decipher writing.

Lore Master (Ex)

At 5th level, the scholar becomes a master of lore and can take 10 on any Knowledge check that she has ranks in. A scholar can choose not to take 10 and can instead roll normally. In addition, once per day, the scholar can take 20 on any Knowledge check as a standard action. She can use this ability one additional time per day for every six levels she possesses beyond 5th.

Erudition (Ex)

At 7th level, the scholar’s logical mind becomes a powerful tool of persuasion. Add her modifier to Intelligence to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks, in addition to her Charisma bonus.

Advanced Scholar Secrets

A scholar of 10th level and higher can select from the following additional secrets whenever she gains a scholar secret.

Dispelling Touch (Sp): Once per day, the scholar can use a targeted dispel magic effect as a touch attack. Her caster level equals her level. Prerequisite: Detect Magic.

Feat: The scholar can select any one feat for which she qualifies.

Improved Evasion: This works like evasion, except that while the scholar still takes no damage on a successful Reflex saving throw against attacks, she henceforth takes only half damage on a failed save. A helpless scholar does not gain the benefits of improved evasion.

Improved Spell Resistance: The scholar’s spell resistance improves to 10 + her level. Prerequisite: Spell Resistance.

Jack of All Trades (use untrained) (Ex): A scholar who selects this secret can use any skill, even if the skill normally requires her to be trained.

Jack of All Trades (class skills) (Ex): A scholar with this secret treats all skills as class skills. Prerequisite: Jack of All Trades (use untrained).

Jack of All Trades (mastery) (Ex): A scholar with this secret can take 10 on any skill check, even if it is not normally allowed. Prerequisite: Jack of All Trades (class skills).

Just the Thing (Ex): The scholar may use in the bag twice per round. Prerequisite: In the Bag.

Miracle-Worker (Ex): The scholar gains Minor Medical Miracle or Major Medical Miracle as a bonus feat. She must meet the usual prerequisites.

Only Mostly Dead (Sp): The scholar may cast resurrection, as the spell, once per day. She must supply the usual material components and focus. Her caster level, for the purposes of this ability, is equal to her ranks in Heal. Prerequisites: Major Medical Miracle, Medical Expert, Major Mysticism.

Rummage (Ex): As a full round action, the scholar can treat the result of a Perception check to search an area as though she rolled a twenty. The scholar may use this ability a number of times per day equal to her Int bonus (minimum 1). Prerequisite: Careful Search.

Share Spell Resistance (Su): With a touch, the scholar can grant spell resistance equal to her own granted by the scholar class to an ally for 1 round. Prerequisite: Spell Resistance.

Slippery Mind (Ex): If a scholar with slippery mind is affected by an enchantment spell or effect and fails her saving throw, she can attempt it again 1 round later at the same DC. She gets only this one extra chance to succeed on this saving throw.

Spellbreaker: The scholar gains Spellbreaker as a bonus feat.

Vital Strike: The scholar receives Vital Strike as a bonus feat.

Spell Resistance (Su)

At 13th level, the scholar gains spell resistance equal to her scholar level +5. She may activate or deactivate this ability as a standard action.

True Lore (Ex)

At 19th level, a scholar’s knowledge becomes vast indeed. Once per day a scholar can use her knowledge to gain the effects of a legend lore spell or an analyze dweomer spell. If used to create a legend lore effect, this ability has a casting time of 1 minute, regardless of how much information is already known about the subject in question.

Sagacity

At 20th level, the scholar’s powerful mind leads her to enlightenment. Her Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma all increase by 2 points. She becomes immune to fear and confusion.

Section 15: Copyright Notice – Adventuring Classes: A Fistful of Denarii

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