Pale Master

Description

Necromancy is usually a poor choice for arcane spellcasters -- those who really want to master the deathless arts almost always pursue divine means. However, an alternative exists for those who desire power over undead but refuse to give up their arcane craft completely. Enter the pale master, who draws on a font of special lore that provides a macabre power all its own. Many pale masters still end up supplementing their arcane power with levels of divine magic. The mixture of "pale lore" and clerical abilities to sway, create, command, and destroy undead can be a potent one.

Requirements

Alignment: Any non-good

Spellcasting: Ability to cast 3rd-level arcane spells

Class Features

Hit Die: d6

Base Attack Bonus: Low

High Saves: Fortitude and Will

Skill points: 2 + Int modifier

Skills: Concentration, Craft Alchemy, Craft Trap, Craft Weapon, Diplomacy, Heal, Hide, Listen, All Lore Skills, Move Silently, Spellcraft

Class Progression

Level	Features Gained
1	arcane spellcasting level+1, bone skin I
2	Animate dead x1
3	arcane spellcasting level+1, darkvision
4	Bone skin II, summon undead x1
5	arcane spellcasting level+1, deathless vigor
6	Undead graft x2
7	arcane spellcasting level+1, tough as bone
8	Bone skin III, undead graft x3
9	arcane spellcasting level+1, summon greater undead x1
10	arcane spellcasting level+1, Deathless mastery, deathless master's touch x3

Bone Skin

At 1st level, the pale master's tough, cadaverous flesh gives them a +2 natural armor bonus to AC. This bonus increases to +4 at 4th level and +6 at 8th level.

Animate Dead

A 2nd-level pale master can use Animate dead as a spell-like ability once per day.

Darkvision

At 3rd level, the pale master gains the ability to see in the dark.

Summon Undead

At 4th level, the pale master can use Create undead as a spell-like ability once per day.

Deathless Vigor

At 5th level, the pale master gains a +4 bonus to their Fortitude saves.

Undead Graft

At 6th level, the pale master performs a horrific operation that replaces one of their arms with a supernaturally-animated, undead appendage. The pale master may make a touch attack with this arm that paralyzes the target twice per day. At 8th level, the pale master may use this touch attack three times per day.

Tough as Bone

At 7th level, the pale master becomes more and more like one of the implacable undead. They gain immunity to hold, paralysis, and stun effects.

Summon Greater Undead

At 9th level, the pale master can use Create greater undead as a spell-like ability once per day.

Deathless Mastery

At the 10th level, the pale masters are practically undead creatures themselves. They gain immunity to critical hits.

Deathless Master's Touch

At 10th level the pale master's touch becomes deadly and can instantly kill a target. This ability may be used three times a day.

DC is 10+Palemaster level + casting attribute modifier (CHA or INT)

Does not bypass death immunity.

Level 10 Pale master summons

Palemaster Animate Dead Level 10

Palemaster Summon Undead Level 10

Palemaster Summon Greater Undead Level 10