Bender, 2nd Variant (3.5e Class)

Elemental Bender is a Utility fighter. Like a cross between a rogue and a sorcerer. They use their own energy to bend and shape the elements of the world around them. While able to enter combat and go into the heart of the fray Benders prefer to use their minds and their bending to defeat opponents and protect their allies.

Bender

A lone figure stood at the end of the hallway with a wicked smile on her face. Titus was unafraid though, after all, he was a Paladin, he had faced down much more vile things then some half-crazed adolescent girl. Titus drew his sword and spoke "In the name of Justice, give up, and I will arrest you unharmed. But if you resist, I shall not hesitate to give you an early execution!"

The girl looked up at the Paladin. "Silly male." Then in a blink of an eye, a huge fireball roared from her fist. Titus spun to the left and realized this was not going to be easy, as the girl let out a evil laugh and charged...

Making a Bender

A Bender brings a new approach to combat for the party. An Earthbender can turn the very ground into a weapon, while an Airbender can draw the very air from your lungs. A party with a Bender is a formidable one, but a Bender is not without weakness, and should look to the sturdier members of the party for support.

Bending is also a inborn talent, Benders are born, not made. Because of this, Benders of all types tend to be proud and assertive. They also dress the part. Airbenders tend to wear lose, light colored clothing, with few (visible) magical, or mundane, trinkets. Firebenders also wear lose, comfortable clothing, but tend to be prouder, and even arrogant, they show their wealth and dress in reds and oranges. Waterbenders wear dark colors, and more regal clothing. Though not as haughty as a firebender, Waterbenders are not afraid to show the world what they are. Earthbenders, dress in greens and browns, and tend to wear things that show the muscles the best.

When making a bender, especially at levels higher than first, remember that while proficient with certain weapons, a Bender is a martial artist. So items and equipment that improves their unarmed combat is a good idea.

Abilities: Bender's most power depends on the Charisma. Dexterity very helps since benders fight without armor. Wisdom helps with their AC. Choose one base element among Air, Fire, Earth. and Water; this will be the basis for your Bender's damage type.

Races: A Bender can be from any race, but they tend to make sense amongst the people. For instance, not many Elves become Firebenders, and not may Dwarves become Airbenders. But anything can happen.

Alignment: any.

Starting Gold: 3d4x30 gp.

Starting Age: Moderate.

Table: The Bender

Hit Die: d8

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special	Bends Known	AC bonus
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+0	+0	+2	+2	Bend element (Bend Damage 1d6), Unarmed strike, Elemental Resistance, Bonus Feat	2	0
2nd	+1	+0	+3	+3	Evasion, Bonus Feat	4	0
3rd	+2	+1	+3	+3	Bend Element (2d6), Increased Speed	6	1
4th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Improved Disarm, Talented Bend, Bonus Feat	8	1
5th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Bend Element (3d6)	10	1
6th	+4	+2	+5	+5	Element Burst (4d6), Bonus Feat	12	2
7th	+5	+2	+5	+5	Bend Element (4d6)	14	2
8th	+6/+1	+2	+6	+6	Channel Bend, Bonus Feat	16	2
9th	+6/+1	+3	+6	+6	Bend Element (5d6), Improved Trip	18	3
10	+7/+2	+3	+7	+7	Improved Evasion, Create Element, Bonus Feat	20	3
11th	+8/+3	+3	+7	+7	Greater Bend Element (6d6)	22	3
12th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Element Burst (8d6), Bonus Feat	24	4
13th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Greater Bend Element (7d6)	26	4
14th	+10/+5	+4	+9	+9	Improved Channel Bend, Bonus Feat	28	4
15th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+9	+9	Greater Bend Element (8d6)	30	5
16th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Element Burst (12d6), Bonus Feat	32	5
17th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Greater Bend Element (9d6)	34	5
18th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+11	+11	Death Bend, Bonus Feat	36	6
19th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+11	+11	Greater Bend Element (10d6)	38	6
20th	+15/+10/+5	+6	+12	+12	Primal Elemental shape 1/day, Bonus Feat	40	6
Class Skills (4 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level) The Bender’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Climb (Str), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Hide (Dex), Jump (Str), Knowledge (the planes) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis),Spot (Wis), Swim (Str), and Tumble (Dex).

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the Bender.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Benders are proficient all simple weapons and one other weapon of their choice to suit their fighting style. This can be exotic in nature. Benders are also not proficient with any armors or shields. A Bender wearing any armor or shields, or carrying a heavy load, loses all class abilities.

Increase Speed: A Bender can move at greater speeds when they are in their elements. An Airbender can expend a bend to gain momentary flight. If a flight speed already exists then it increases maneuverability by one step and speed by 10'. an Earthbender can gain tunneling, a Waterbender can walk on water, and a Firebender can move at a supernatural speed. For this ability the speeds are 20 ft, and for the Firebender it is 10ft. All of these expend a bend for that day, and last a number of rounds equal to your Bender's Charisma modifier. The speed of this ability is determined by the table above. For Firebenders, add the speed bonus to your base land speed during this ability.

Unarmored AC Bonus: A Bender has the innate ability to sense incoming blows due to their link with the elements around him. Thus giving him a bonus to his AC equal to his wisdom modifier. They also every three levels gain a +1 bonus to their AC.

Bend Element: A Bender can turn the very elements against an opponent, yet only if the element is available; meaning the element of the Benders type must be within 30ft. A Bender can manipulate his element a certain number of times per day equal to his Charisma modifier + his bends known , choose to make 1 of 4 different kinds of attack with his bending. Bending takes a standard action, and requires a free hand. The four types of bends are as follows...

• 1) A Touch attack. on success does damage and pushes the target back 5 feet.
• 2) A 15 foot cone. Reflex save DC=10+half of class level+ charisma modifier,and half damage for a successful save
• 3) A 45 foot line. Reflex save DC=10+half of class level+ charisma modifier. Half damage for a successful save.
• 4) A 20 foot burst. Reflex save DC=10+half of class level+ charisma modifier. Half damage for a successful save.

The damage done by a bender's elemental bend overcomes energy resistance equal to the Bender's class levels (in Bender) plus his charisma modifier, and a Bend is considered magical for overcoming Damage Reduction. In the case that a creature is immune to a Bender's specific energy or damage type, a bend still does damage, but only half. Benders add their bending ability modifier to their bending damage. Additionally, a successful bend pushes a target back 5 feet as long as they are the same size as the bender. A smaller target gets pushed back 10ft per size category difference. To push back a larger size category target, the bender must spend one additional bend point per size category to push back 5 feet. For each additional bend, the target is pushed back an additional 5 feet. A larger category target is otherwise unaffected by this additional push of the bend unless the additional point(s) are added.

Bending does not provoke an attack of opportunity.

Talented Bend: A Bender can use his bending abilities without the use of his hands. Without free hands, Benders can't normally bend. Benders learn to traverse their energy downward towards their feet. making them an all around elemental fighter with impressive effect. Also each bender gets a different ability; Air Benders can cast Wind Wall, Fire Benders can cast Feather Fall by shooting a jet of fire, Earth Benders gain Tremor Sense (30 ft), and Water Benders can cast Cure Moderate Wounds. Each use of these gained abilities costs an additional bend for each use. For the Air, Fire, and Earth Benders their extra ability can be sustained an extra turn by making a Concentration check dc 10 (add +3 to the dc for each round after.)

Unarmed Strike: A Bender gains Improved Unarmed Strike as a bonus feat. Also a Bender's unarmed strikes deal 1d6, not 1d3, damage. This damage increases as a monk's would.

Elemental Resistance: A Bender gains Damage Reduction/Energy Resistance 6 to his damage type. Air=bludgeoning, Fire=fire, Water=cold, Earth=bludgeoning. This bonus increases by 1 every two levels. The damage reduction/energy resistance applies to the Bender's second type once he reaches 11th level, and the Bender's original energy type no longer does damage to the Bender.

Evasion: Starting at 2nd level a Bender takes no damage on a successful reflex saving throw.

Improved Disarm: At 3rd level a Bender gains Improved Disarm as a bonus feat.

Element Burst: At 6th level, a Bender has learned to let go of his control for a quick second and unleash a 360 degree burst of energy. The range of this burst is 20ft and increases 10ft at 12th level and 16th level. The DC Reflex is 18 and increases by 8 at 12th level and 16th level for half damage. The damage increases as well, starting at 4d6 at 6th level, 8d6 at 12th level, and 12d6 at 16th level + his bending ability modifier. This ability can be used 3 times a day and does not count against his bends known.

Channel Bend: Starting at 8th level a Bender can channel one of his bends into one of his attacks; either the first or the last attack when the Bender makes a full round attack. Damage from the Bend only deals damage if the attack roll is successful.

Improved Trip: At 9th level a Bender gains Improved Trip as a bonus feat.

Improved Evasion: Starting at 10th level a Bender takes no damage upon failing a reflex save.

Create Element: At 10th level a Bender has trained how to draw his element out of the natural material space around him. It forms and concentrates around the Bender's fists. The Bender has the ability to create his element at will.

Greater Bend Element:A Bender has now crossed a threshold. No longer is basic elements under his command, but greater things. A Bender gains a second option on determing what kind of damage he does. An Airbender can now deal either Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Sonic damage. A Waterbender can deal cold or slashing damage. An Earthbender can deal bludgeoning damage and can now roughly Bend Metal. If you want the campaign to be set before metal bending, then replace it with acid damage. And a Firebender can deal fire or electricity damage. Also the Bender's cone of energy increase to 30 feet, and his line increase to 100 feet, and his burst increases to 40 feet.

Improved Channel Bend: At 14th level, a Bender can unleash a destructive wave of elemental attacks. He can now channel a bend into all of his attacks during a full attack. This ability can only be used three times a day and uses a bend known per attack.

Death Bend: At 18th level a Bender can now cause death with some very cunning bending. An Airbender can cause suffocation, an Earthbender can rip the minerals out of your blood, a Firebender can cause your blood to boil, and a Waterbender can tear the blood right out of your body. When a Bender chooses to use his Death Bend, usable a number of rounds equal to your charisma modifier, the opponent must make a Fortitude save equal to 18+ the Bender's Charisma modifier, or die. Upon a successful saving throw, the opponent still takes 10d6 damage.

Primal Elemental Shape: At 20th level a Bender can now become the most powerful representation of his element. Once per day, as a free action, a Bender can become a primal elemental of his type. He keeps all of his mental ability scores (intelligence, wisdom, and charisma). This ability is free for a number of rounds equal to the bender's charisma modifier. But at the beginning of any additional rounds, the Bender must make a DC 20 will save. The DC for the save increases by 5 for every round the bender keeps it. If the Bender ever fails the Will Save, he loses the form and is exhausted. The Bender can chose to end the form at any time as a free action.

• Primal Fire Elemental

• Primal Water Elemental

• Primal Earth Elemental

• Primal Air Elemental

Epic <-class name->

Table: The Epic <-class name->

Hit Die: d<-Die size for Hit Die->

Level	Special
21st	Greater Bend Element (11d6)
22nd
23rd	Greater Bend Element (12d6)
24th	Element Burst (16d6)
25th	Greater Bend Element (13d6)
26th	Primal Elemental shape 2/day
27th	Greater Bend Element (14d6)
28th
29th	Greater Bend Element (15d6)
30th	Primal Elemental shape 3/day
4 + Int modifier skill points per level.

Human Bender Starting Package

Weapons: Quarterstaff (1d6/1d6, crit ×2, 4 lb., two-handed, bludgeoning).

Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int modifier + 1 (Human).

Skill	Ranks	Ability	Armor Check Penalty
Diplomacy	4	Cha	-
Knowledge (the planes)	4	Int	-
Perform (dance)	4	Cha	-
Spot	4	Wis	-
Tumble	4	Dex	-

Feat: Toughness.

Bonus Feats: Dodge (Human).

Gear: Standard Adventurer's Kit

Gold: 4d6 (14) gp.

Campaign Information

Playing a Bender

Religion: Religion varies amongst Benders. The life of a Bender does not need the justification of a god, but some Benders still follow racial deities. Some Benders chose to follow nature deities.

Other Classes: Benders dislike or like other classes depending on what type of bender they are. A Firebender tends not to get along with the lawful and disciplined classes, while an Earthbender would get along great. All Benders get along great with rogues, monks, and rangers, because, like themselves, are largely self taught.

Combat: A Bender is a supplemental caster. Whether they are slinging fireball along with the wizard, or taking place of the wizard. The Bender's attack bonus allows him to survive in combat, but he should not be without support.

Advancement: A Bender tends to stay a Bender, but Benders taking levels in fighter or ranger to enhance the combat abilities in not un-heard of, also a Bender/cleric is a fearsome opponent.

Benders in the World

“	Fire is my weapon, but it is also my friend. When all others have forsaken me, it will still be there to warm me and light my path.	”
—Kali Blackheart, Human Firebender

Daily Life: The life of a Bender is a busy one. Constant training is needed to master elemental control (especially in the case of Firebenders). Some Benders are performers, using their bending to create a spectacle, while other use it as a mean to better themselves.

Notables: The most notable Bender is Elith "Blaze" Kain, a Firebender who once took out an entire orc raiding force by causing the very ground they stood on to melt.

Organizations: All four types of Benders have schools where that specific type of Bending is taught. These tend to be small though, as Benders are not a plentiful people.

NPC Reactions: Benders are treated just like a wizard would be, respected, but also a little feared.

Bender Lore

Characters with ranks in Knowledge (the planes) can research Benders to learn more about them. When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including information from lower DCs.

DC	Result
5	A Bender is a monk-like guy who seems to be very nature conscious.
10	A Bender is a monk who specializes in the elements.
15	A Bender is a well trained combatant who specializes in using the elements in combat against his foes.
20	A Bender can shoot fire, ice, rocks, or even lightning out of their hands.

Benders in the Game

A Bender can be a good or a bad guy. While most just want to get by and practice their art, some have more exciting ends in mind. A Bender can be a help in the case of a Waterbender, aiding a fishing village for instance, or a hindrance in the case of a Firebender burning down a Druid enclave. Just play with it, and be creative.

Sample Encounter: Kali Blackheart

EL 9: Kali is a Firebender who has deciding to start a war with the peaceful Druid enclave outside of town. The Druid's have asks the PC's to stop her.

Kali Blackheart

CR —

	CE Medium Humanoid
Init/Senses	+2/Listen -1, Spot -1
AC	19, touch 19, flat-footed 17
hp	55 (9d6 + 18 HD)
Fort/Ref/Will	+5/+8/+5
Speed	30 feet
Base Atk/Grp	+7/+2/+7
Abilities	Str 10, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 16
SQ	Energy Resistance 10 to fire, Bending (9d6+3 fire damage, 8/day), channel bend (3/day)
Feats	Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved Grapple, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus, Toughness
Skills	Concentration 12, Craft (Weaponsmithing) 12, Bluff 12, Jump 12.
Advancement	—
Possessions	Amulet of Protection +2, 10 cure serious wounds potions.

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