Dread Pirate
Class Description
Thugs and cutthroats in every port lay claim to the title “pirate,” but actually making a fortune through piracy is no easy task. A dread pirate, however, has mastered every aspect of larceny on the high seas. His network of contacts tells him when a particularly valuable cargo is shipping out. After a flawless ambush at sea, he swings aboard the target ship on a rope, rapier in hand. Once he and his shipmates have overpowered the prize vessel’s crew, they liberate the cargo and make their escape. Later, the dread pirate meets representatives from the black market in some isolated cave and sells his newly acquired cargo for a handsome profit.
Some dread pirates accomplish their goals through fear, killing indiscriminately and ruling their ships at rapier-point. Others minimize bloodshed and exhibit a curious sort of chivalry, perhaps realizing that the captain and crew of a prize ship are more likely to surrender if they believe they’ll live to see port again. Now and then a dread pirate takes his chivalric streak a step further and preys only on the ships of enemy nations—or even solely on other pirates.
A dread pirate’s lifestyle fits most rogues to a tee, for the job requires a number of skills that members of other classes don’t have the time or inclination to learn. However, the class is also attractive for some spellcasters, who can use magic to conceal their ships or incapacitate a prize vessel’s crew.
Requirements
Feats: Weapon Finesse.
Base Attack Bonus: +4.
Alignment: Any nonlawful.
Skills: Appraise 8, Lore: Geography 4.
Class Features
Hit Die: d8
Base Attack Bonus: High.
High Saves: Reflex
Weapon Proficiencies: All simple and martial weapons.
Armor Proficiencies: Light armor.
Skill Points: 6 + Int modifier.
Class Skills: Acrobatics, Appraise, Athletics, Bluff, Gather Information, Intimidate, Listen, Lore: Geography, Lore: Local, Perform, Search, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Spot
Class Abilities
|
Level |
Features Gained |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two Weapon Fighting |
| 2 | Fearsome Reputation +2 |
| 3 | Rally the Crew +1 |
| 4 | Spring Attack |
| 5 | Luck of Heroes |
| 6 | Fearsome Reputation +4, Improved Two Weapon Fighting |
| 7 | Rally the Crew +2 |
| 8 | Skill Focus (Tumble) |
| 9 | Fight to the Death |
| 10 | Fearsome Reputation +6, Rally the Crew +3 |
Fearsome Reputation
Specifics: By the time he attains 2nd level, a dread pirate has developed a reputation on the high seas and gains a +2 bonus on either Diplomacy or Intimidate checks depending if he is known as honorable or dishonorable. This bonus increases to +4 at 6th level and to +6 at 10th level.
Use: Automatic
Rally the Crew
Specifics: Starting at 3rd level, a dread pirate can inspire his allies (including himself) to great bravery in combat once per day. This inspiration grants them a +1 bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects, a +1 attack bonus, and a +1 bonus on weapon damage rolls. This is an instantly activated ability and lasts for 1 minute per class level. At 7th level, a dread pirate can use this ability twice per day, and the bonus increases to +2. At 10th level, a dread pirate can use this ability three times per day, and the bonus increases to +3. Rally the Crew can not be used while Inspire Courage is active.
If a dread pirate has the inspire courage bardic music ability, he adds this bonus whenever he uses the inspire courage ability. For example, an 8th-level bard/3rd-level dread pirate would provide a +3 bonus on attack rolls and weapon damage rolls. Inspire Courage does not gain the benefit of the Fight to the Death ability.
Use: Selected
Fight to the Death
Specifics: Fight to the Death: At 9th level and higher, a dread pirate can inspire his allies to carry on against tremendous odds. Each ally within range gains temporary hit points equal to 10 + the dread pirate's Cha bonus (minimum 10) and gains a dodge bonus to Armor Class equal to the dread pirate's Cha bonus (minimum +1, caps at +5). These bonuses last for 1 round per dread pirate level.
Use: Selected