Biotic Vanguard (3.5e Class)

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Biotic Vanguard

A unique Dark Matter specialist who mixes ranged attacks with high mobility. Born with the deadly curse of being able to harness the power of Dark Matter, the Biotic Vanguard uses this trait with devastating effects. Using powerful bursts of swirling energy they blast and throw opponents across the battlefield.

Dark Matter itself is an energy field created by sentient beings and all types of intelligent life. Appearing visibly only as blue or purple streams of searing light this energy is often associated with spiritual manifestations. In it's unstable and gathered forms it can be a terribly destructive force capable of shredding molecular bonds and splitting atoms.

In some exotic breeds and species they can actually touch and harness this power in small quantities. These persons are called Biotics. Also, while not intelligent itself, Dark Matter does obey and interact with the brains electronic commands and stimulus. The result is dangerous blasts of concentrated energy emanating from the arms or hands of these powerful individuals. These blasts are often hurled at their enemies with shocking effect. Whether as symbols of hope or destruction, the Biotic Vanguards themselves are deadly and lethal humanoid weapons.

Making a Biotic Vanguard

The Biotic Vanguard is a skilled ranged attack unit. Focus your efforts on raising a high Dexterity and Wisdom for accuracy, power, and defense.

Abilities: Dexterity, Wisdom.

Races: Any.

Alignment: Any.

Starting Gold: None. Package received.

Starting Age: Moderate.

Table: The Biotic Vanguard

Hit Die: d10

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Special
		Fort	Ref	Will
1st	+0	+0	+2	+2	Biotic Blast Ability, Dark Tech
2nd	+1	+0	+3	+3	Crit Tech
3rd	+2	+1	+3	+3	Mind Tech
4th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Dark Tech
5th	+3	+1	+4	+4	Biotic Shell Ability
6th	+4	+2	+5	+5	Power Tech
7th	+5	+2	+5	+5	Biotic Shockwave Ability
8th	+6/+1	+2	+6	+6	Biotic Blast Upgrade
9th	+6/+1	+3	+6	+6	Biotic Skywalker Ability
10th	+7/+2	+3	+7	+7	Crit Tech|Biotic Bodyslam Biotic Mastery
11th	+8/+3	+3	+7	+7	Mind Tech
12th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Dark Tech
13th	+9/+4	+4	+8	+8	Biotic Blast Upgrade
14th	+10/+5	+4	+9	+9	Mind Tech, Biotic Shockwave Ability
15th	+11/+6/+1	+5	+9	+9	Power Tech
16th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Biotic Restoration Ability
17th	+12/+7/+2	+5	+10	+10	Biotic Blast Upgrade
18th	+13/+8/+3	+6	+11	+11	Mind Tech
19th	+14/+9/+4	+6	+11	+11	Crit Tech
20th	+15/+10/+5	+6	+12	+12	Power Tech
Class Skills (4 + Int modifier per level, ×4 at 1st level) Choose 10 skills as Class Skills.

Class Features

All of the following are class features of the Biotic Vanguard.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons, and Light Armor.

Biotic Blast Ability (Ex): A Dexterity based Ranged Attack which follows a linear path to its target and requires the use of only one free hand. This is an unnamed energy subtype, similar to fire or lightning, which ignores Spell Resistance but does not penetrate Damage Reduction.

Biotic Body Slam Ability (Ex): A devastating telepathic body slam that sends targets 20 ft into the air and slams them down with massive force, if the target fails a fortitude save of 1D20+Wisdom Modifier they are prone and cannot get up for 1D4 rounds. Damage for Biotic Body Slam is 2D6+Wisdom Modifier.

Biotic Mastery (Ex): Through the use of Dark Energy the Biotic Vanguard may bend the energy to move objects or alter the environment around them.

Biotic Blast functions similar to using an Unarmed Strike in that you gain additional attacks from a high Base Attack Bonus. However, the use of this ability does provoke an Attack of Opportunity from adjacent opponents, similar to an Unarmed Strike as well. This ability offers complete feat interactions, meaning you can take feats similar to Weapon Focus and apply them to your Biotic Blast Ability.

Level 01: Range: 120 feet. Damage: 1d6 + Wisdom Modifier. Critical: 19/x3.

Level 08: Range: 160 feet. Damage: 3d6 + Wisdom Modifier. Critical: 19/x3.

Level 13: Range: 200 feet. Damage: 4d6 + Wisdom Modifier. Critical: 19/x3.

Level 17: Range: 240 feet. Damage: 6d6 + Wisdom Modifier. Critical: 19/x3.

Dark Tech (Ex): Your understanding of Dark Matter increases and unlocks new abilities.

Level 01: An opponent struck by your Biotic Blast Ability does not grant flanking bonuses to their allies until the start of your next turn. Opponents with the Uncanny Dodge feat are immune to this effect.

Level 04: An opponent who successfully grapples you takes damage every round equal to your Wisdom Modifier.

Level 12: An opponent struck by your Biotic Shockwave also becomes Stunned for 1d4-1 rounds (Min 1).

Crit Tech (Ex): Your summoning power of Dark Matter increases and unlocks new abilities.

Level 02: When using the Full Attack Action and attacking with Biotic Blast, you can choose to instead make a single special attack instead. This single attack will increase the Critical Threat range and the Attack Modifier of your Biotic Blast by 1. (+1 Attack, 18/x3 Critical) This also doubles the effective range of your Biotic Blast.

Level 10: When using the Full Attack Action and attacking with Biotic Blast, you can choose to instead make a single special attack instead. This single attack will increase the Critical Threat range and the Attack Modifier of your Biotic Blast by 2. (+2 Attack, 17/x3 Critical) This also doubles the effective range of your Biotic Blast.

Level 19: When using the Full Attack Action and attacking with Biotic Blast, you can choose to instead make a single special attack instead. This single attack will increase the Critical Threat range and the Attack Modifier of your Biotic Blast by 3. (+3 Attack, 16/x3 Critical) This also doubles the effective range of your Biotic Blast.

Mind Tech (Ex): Your body's mental link with Dark Matter strengthens. It's command and manipulation become an extension of your very will.

Level 03: When using Biotic Blast, you no longer provoke Attacks of Opportunity from adjacent opponents. Also, Biotic Blast is now considered a Magic Weapon in terms of bypassing Damage Reduction and striking certain opponents.

Level 11: When using Biotic Blast, you can ignore cover bonuses for anything less than total cover.

Level 14: When using Biotic Blast, you can ignore concealment bonuses for anything less than total concealment.

Level 18: When using Biotic Restoration, you gain Regeneration 4, replacing Regeneration 2.

Biotic Shell Ability (Ex): You summon a blue barrier of Dark Energy to protect yourself.

Level 05: As a Minor Action you can gain a bonus to your Natural Armor equal to one plus your Wisdom Modifier. You also gain a +4 bonus against mind altering effects while maintaining this ability. However, while in use, you cannot summon any other Biotic Abilities and suffer a -5 penalty to your Hide Skill in normal light or a -10 penalty in low or no light. Sustaining this ability for multiple rounds costs your Minor Action for every round in which you are still maintaining the ability. This ability does not require a Concentration Check to sustain.

Power Tech (Ex): Your raw destructive power multiplies and unlocks new and devastating attacks. These specific abilities can only be used within 30 feet of your intended targets. You can also target more than one opponent with these abilities and Dark Tech still applies to all opponents struck with your attacks.

Level 06: When using Biotic Blast as a Standard Action you can gain an additional attack. However, all your attacks suffer a -2 penalty to hit.

Level 15: When using Biotic Blast as a Standard Action you can gain two additional attacks. However, all your attacks suffer a -4 penalty to hit.

Level 20: When using Biotic Blast as a Standard Action you can gain three additional attacks. However, all your attacks suffer a -6 penalty to hit.

Biotic Shockwave Ability (Ex): You summon a thunderstorm of Dark Energy to thrust your opponents away.

Level 07: Your opponent must succeed a Fortitude Saving Throw, DC 10 + 1/2 level + Wisdom Modifier, or be thrown backward 30 feet and knocked Prone. This is a Standard Action.

Level 14: Your opponent must succeed a Fortitude Saving Throw, DC 10 + Class level + Wisdom Modifier, or be thrown backward 30 feet and knocked Prone. This is a Standard Action.

Biotic Skywalker Ability (Ex): You summon a blue mist of surrounding Dark Energy to transport you over and through obstacles.

Level 09: As a Minor Action you summon a blue barrier and ignore any difficult terrain while maintaining this ability. You also gain a Movement Bonus of 10 feet to your Land Speed while maintaining this ability. However, while in use, you cannot summon any other Biotic Abilities and suffer a -5 penalty to your Hide Skill in normal light or a -10 penalty in low or no light. Sustaining this ability for multiple rounds costs your Minor Action for every round in which you are still maintaining the ability. This ability does not require a Concentration Check to sustain. Cancelling this effect is a free action.

Biotic Restoration Ability (Ex): You summon blue fibers of penetrating Dark Energy to heal your wounds.

Level 16: As a Minor Action you summon a blue barrier and gain Regeneration 2 while maintaining this ability. You also gain temporary Hit Points equal to your Wisdom Modifier while maintaining this ability. However, while in use, you cannot summon any other Biotic Abilities and suffer a -5 penalty to your Hide Skill in normal light or a -10 penalty in low or no light. Sustaining this ability for multiple rounds costs your Minor Action for every round in which you are still maintaining the ability. This ability does not require a Concentration Check to sustain. Cancelling this effect is a free action.

Ex-Biotic Vanguard

Biotic Vanguards who multi-class suffer a permanent -2 penalty to their Charisma and Wisdom Scores. They retain all other class traits and abilities. Biotic Vanguards level 20 and above do not suffer from this penalty and still retain all class traits and abilities.

Biotic Vanguard Starting Package

Weapons: Choice of two simple or one martial weapon.

Skill Selection: Pick a number of skills equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Skill	Ranks	Ability	Armor Check Penalty
Spot	4	Wis	0
Listen	4	Wis	0
Move Silently	4	Dex	0
Hide	4	Dex	0

Feat: Any.

Gear: Leather Armor and an Adventurer's Basic Kit.

Gold: 10g.

Campaign Information

Playing a Biotic Vanguard

Dark Matter: Dark Matter is an energy field created by sentient beings and all types of intelligent life. Appearing visibly only as blue or purple streams of searing light this energy is often associated with spiritual manifestations. In it's unstable and gathered forms it can be a terribly destructive force capable of shredding molecular bonds and splitting atoms.

In some exotic breeds and species they can actually touch and harness this power in small quantities. These persons are called Biotics. Also, while not intelligent itself, Dark Matter does obey and interact with the brains electronic commands and stimulus. The result is dangerous blasts of concentrated energy emanating from the arms or hands of these powerful individuals. These blasts are often hurled at their enemies with shocking effect.

While a single individual is not capable of gathering enough Dark Matter unto themselves to cause internal or external harm, these practitioners none the less experience sudden heart failure at astounding rates. Most see a lifespan considerably shorter than their native peers. The only positive effects so far noted among the biotic's, is their increased control of their healing and repairing bodily functions. They age slower and heal faster than their native peers at a very noticeable level.

Religion: Any. Biotic Vanguards regard their unique powers in various ways. Some believe it is a gift, some a curse.

Other Classes: This class is a ranged striker unit. It works well with high damage output and fast mobility. A comfortable addition to any party.

Combat: Ranged striker unit. Dealing high damage output to one unit at a time while maintain good mobility.

Advancement: Any. Multi-class penalty is stronger for some classes than others.

Biotic Vanguards in the World

“	Did you just seriously disintegrate that guy? Cause, he totally owed me money. Now how am I supposed to get it back!? He's just dust and ashes. Jeez! You biotic's are so inconsiderate sometimes...	”
—Drake Shadowtide, Human Rogue

Biotic Vanguards are flashy and confident in their lifestyle of combat. Feeling themselves above the average members of their race they are sometimes given to pride and arrogance. Viewing themselves as a superior evolution of their species they always strive to obtain the heroes portion. For this, they are viewed with fear, disdain, and a general dislike by others.

Daily Life: Soldiering, Freelancing, or Mercenary work. They are valued for their natural combat prowess.

Notables: None. Their flashy displays are always remembered, their names are mostly unknown.

Organizations: Local Military Corps, Freelancing Guilds, or Mercenary Companies.

NPC Reactions: A general dislike of their superior traits and prideful manner.

Biotic Vanguard Lore

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

Knowledge(History)

DC	Result
5	Superior breed of soldiers with extraordinary powers. Known to be prideful and arrogant.
10	Many only find and express their powers after reaching puberty. Even then, their powers only manifest outwardly when called upon.
15	It can often take up to four years for a Biotic to fully control their destructive powers. They have been known to melt a bedframe or two in their sleep.
20	Biotics often live shorter lives than most of their species due to heart failure. However, they show fewer signs of cellular breakdown than their peers, resulting in a slowing aging process.

Biotic Vanguards in the Game

Biotic Vanguards are few and far between. Player Characters will often never interact with a Biotic Npc in their lifetimes. They are just too few to make an impression on society.

Adaptation: Spell slinging Warlock or maybe a Chi wielding warrior.

Sample Encounter: A group of elite soldiers confront the party. Within their ranks numbers a single Biotic Vanguard wearing light armor. The Biotic will attempt to deal with the party one at a time focusing on spike damage to a single individual from a safe distance.

EL 1:

Adept Shauna

CR 1

	Female Human Biotic Vanguard 1
	LG Medium Humanoid
Init/Senses	+3/Listen +6, Spot +6
AC	15, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+2 armor, +3 dex)
hp	12 (1 HD)
Fort/Ref/Will	+1/+5/+4
Speed	30 ft.
Melee	Longsword (+1) (1d8), 19/x2
Ranged	Biotic Blast (+3) (1d6+2), 20/x3. range120ft.
Base Atk/Grp	+1/+1
Abilities	Str 11, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 10
Feats	Weapon Focus, Toughness
Skills	Spot+6, Listen+6, Heal+6, Move Silently+7, Hide+7.
Possessions	Leather Armor, Longsword, 10gp.

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