Thanatologist

Often ill understood, even when they’re not mistaken for necromancers or vivisectionists, the thanatologist wishes to understand death and its processes. While their understanding of biology and chemistry produces less explosive results than the traditional alchemist, their unmatched expertise in physiognomy makes them a credible threat to both the living and the dead when their studies (or their person) are under threat.

Funerary Expertise

A thanatologist adds Knowledge (religion) to his list of class skills.

Sneak Attack

At 1st level, a thanatologist gains the sneak attack ability as a rogue of the same level. If a character already has sneak attack from another class, the levels from the classes that grant sneak attack stack to determine the effective rogue level for the sneak attack’s extra damage dice (so an alchemist 1/rogue 1 has a +1d6 sneak attack like a 2nd-level rogue, an alchemist 2/rogue 1 has a +2d6 sneak attack like a 3rd level rogue, and so on). This ability replaces bomb.

One Eye on the Grave

At 2nd level, a thanatologist adds gentle repose to his formula book as a 1st-level extract. He may add deathwatch to his formula book as a 1st-level extract whenever he is normally able to add formulae to his book (such as when gaining a new level).

Magpie’s Eye

At 7th level, a thanatologist adds blood biography to his formula book as a 2nd-level extract.

At 9th level, a thanatologist adds blade of bright victory (if he is good) or blade of dark triumph (if he is evil) to his formula book. A neutral thanatologist may choose either, but may only choose one.