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From Fax Encyclopedicus

==The Storybook Hero== As a child, it’s easy to get caught up in the adventures of your favorite storybook or movie characters. Some children take this excitement to extreme proportions, emulating the fighting techniques of their favorite character and becoming Storybook Heroes. A Storybook Hero’s skills are gained from long hours of pretend battles. A Storybook Hero can act as a stalwart guardian of his/her friends, a deft and adroit combatant able to strike quickly and easily, as an expert in ranged combat, or as a hulking brute capable of hitting extremely hard. And these are only a few of the possibilities available to the Storybook Hero. '''Adventures: '''A Storybook Hero adventures most often to live out the life of his/her favorite character. They tend to have similar motivations to the character they emulate, though some just like doing the cool stuff described in the story/movie. '''Characteristics: '''Storybook Heroes are best suited to combat of all forms, their plethora of feats and combat-related abilities allowing them to fill many roles in combat. Their impressive hit dice and armor-using abilities make them ideal protectors and damage dealers. '''Alignment: '''A Storybook Hero’s alignment is always within one step of the hero he/she emulates. '''Religion: '''While a Storybook Hero may worship any god he/she chooses, most Storybook Heroes are so caught up in their literary idol that they revere him/her above any deity. '''Background: '''Storybook Heroes can arise from any environment that provides enough access to books/TV/movies. '''Other Classes: '''Storybook Heroes realize that their combat abilities synergize well with the abilities of both Darlings and Whiners and they appreciate the Darling’s skills as necessary to overcome challenges they can’t. They also appreciate the healing ability of Dreamers. '''Role: '''Storybook Heroes can fill almost any combat role, their plethora of feats making them incredibly versatile in their combat skills. ===Game Rule Information === ====Class Abilities==== '''Abilities: '''Strength and Constitution are key to effective wielding of weaponry and provide much needed hit points to the Storybook Hero. Dexterity provides much-needed armor class and initiative bonuses. '''Alignment:''' Any '''Hit Die:''' d10 '''Class Skills''' (4 + Int, x4 at 1st level): Climb (str), Craft (int), Intimidate (cha), Imagine (wis), Jump (str), Listen (wis), Play (cha), Profession (wis), Ride (dex), Spot (wis), Swim (str), Tantrum (cha), and Use Rope (dex) '''Weapon and Armor Proficiencies:''' A Storybook Hero is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with all armor. '''Archetype:''' At level 1, a Storybook Hero begins his/her emulation of a specific hero. The Storybook Hero choses the Archetype (see below) that best describes the character he/she emulates. This Archetype adds tothe Storybook Hero's class skill list, as well as the list of bonus feats available to the Storybook Hero. In addition to determining skill and feat selection, the Storybook Hero's Archetype grants him/her a special ability at 7th and 20th levels. These special abilities are described in the Archetype description. A Storybook Hero may only have one Archetype, and that Archetype cannot be changed by any means. A Storybook Hero's feat and skill selection combine with the special abilities granted by the Archetype to represent the character's attempts to become increasingly like his/her idol. Note that the Archetypes presented here are by no means the limit of possible Archetypes, and players and DM's are encouraged to write up new Archetypes to better represent specific characters. '''Bonus Feats:''' Beginning at level 1 and continuing at levels 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, and 17, a Storybook Hero gains a bonus feat from the Storybook Hero feat list. Whenever he/she gains a bonus feat, a Storybook Hero (regardless of Archetype) may select from the following list of feats: Debate Death, Dramatic Pose, Imagine Proficiency (Armor), Imagine Proficiency (Weapons), Imaginary Tactics, Imagine Prowess, Blind-Fight, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Improved Critical, Improved Initiative, Mounted Combat, Point Blank Shot, Power Attack, Cleave, Quick Draw, Toughness, Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse. '''Luck of the Hero:''' Beginning at 4th level, a Storybook Hero is touched by the luck of his/her idol. The Storybook Hero gains a +1 luck bonus to all saves. This bonus increases to +2 at 8th level, +3 at 12th level, +4 at 16th level, and +5 at 20th level. '''Literary Favor:''' Nothing bad ever happens to the heroes of stories, and a Storybook Hero is infused with some of that good fortune. Once per day beginning at 5th level, a Storybook Hero can re-roll the result of a single attack roll, save, or skill check. The Storybook Hero can choose to make this roll after hearing the result of the first roll, and gains a +1 bonus on the re-roll. At 10th level and 15th level, he/she gains an additional daily use of this ability. ====Storybook Hero Progression==== {|border=1px !Level !!Base Attack Bonus !!Fort Save !!Ref Save !!Will Save !!Special |- |1st || +1 || +2 || +0 || +0 || Archetype, Bonus Feat |- |2nd || +2 || +3 || +0 || +0 || Bonus Feat |- |3rd || +3 || +3 || +1 || +1 || - |- |4th || +4 || +4 || +1 || +1 || Luck of the Hero +1 |- |5th || +5 || +4 || +1 || +1 || Bonus Feat, Literary Favor 1/day |- |6th || +6/+1 || +5 || +2 || +2 || - |- |7th || +7/+2 || +5 || +2 || +2 || Heroic Transition |- |8th || +8/+3 || +6 || +2 || +2 || Bonus Feat, Luck of the Hero +2 |- |9th || +9/+4 || +6 || +3 || +3 || - |- |10th || +10/+5 || +7 || +3 || +3 || Literary Favor 2/day |- |11th || +11/+6/+1 || +7 || +3 || +3 || Bonus Feat |- |12th || +12/+7/+2 || +8 || +4 || +4 || Luck of the Hero +3 |- |13th || +13/+8/+3 || +8 || +4 || +4 || - |- |14th || +14/+9/+4 || +9 || +4 || +4 || Bonus Feat |- |15th || +15/+10/+5 || +9 || +5 || +5 || Literary Favor 3/day |- |16th || +16/+11/+6/+1 || +10 || +5 || +5 || Luck of the Hero +4 |- |17th || +17/+12/+7/+2 || +10 || +5 || +5 || Bonus Feat |- |18th || +18/+13/+8/+3 || +11 || +6 || +6 || - |- |19th || +19/+14/+9/+4 || +11 || +6 || +6 || - |- |20th || +20/+15/+10/+5 || +12 || +6 || +6 || Luck of the Hero +5, Heroic Apotheosis |} ====Archetypes==== =====Gallant Knight Archetype===== A Gallant Knight is a noble character, committed to high ideals of selflessness, chivalry, and doing what is right. A Gallant Knight reviles trickery and treason of all kinds, and holds brave deeds and martial prowess to be the highest of ideals Examples: The Knights of the Round Table Class Skills: A Storybook Hero focusing on the Gallant Knight archetype adds Diplomacy, Knowledge (nobility & royalty) and Sense Motive to his/her list of class skills. Heroic Transition: Upon reaching 7th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Gallant Knight archetype gains the ability to use Shield Other at a caster level equal to his/her class level on any ally within 30 ft thrice per day as a supernatural ability. Heroic Apotheosis: Upon reaching 20th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Gallant Knight archetype gains a +2 bonus to his/her Strength score. Additionally, a number of times per day equal to 3 + his/her Wisdom modifier, a Gallant Knight may switch places with any ally within 30 ft, as the Benign Transposition spell as an Immediate action once per round. Gallant Knight Bonus Feats: Whenever he/she gains a bonus feat, a Gallant Knight may select from the following list in addition to the general Storybook Hero bonus feat list: But it’s not Bedtime Yet, Play Nice, I’m not A-Scared, Stick Optimization, Heroic Sprint, Improved Disarm, Combat Reflexes, Negotiator, Improved Shield Bash, Improved Overrun, Improved Sunder =====Daring Adventurer Archetype ===== The Daring Adventurer is one of the most enduring archetypes in literature. He might be the dashing young privateer captain. He might be the youngest son of a duke whose audacious exploits in the military become famous. He might be the nobleman who risks his life shepherding innocents out of an oppressive country. Above all, a Daring Adventurer is skilled, dexterous, adaptable, and audacious. Examples: Don Juan, Will Turner, The Scarlet Pimpernel Class Skills: A Storybook Hero focusing on the Daring Adventurer Archetype adds Balance, Perform, and Tumble to his/her class skills. Heroic Transition: Upon reaching 7th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Daring Adventurer Archetype gains the Acrobatic Charge ability as a 7th level Swashbuckler. He/she may charge over difficult terrain that normally slows movement or allies blocking his/her path. He/she may make Jump, Tumble, or any other appropriate checks as part of the charge, should the situation require it. Heroic Apotheosis: Upon reaching 20th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Daring Adventurer Archetype gains a +2 bonus to his/her Dexterity score. In addition, for a number of rounds per day equal to his/her class level, a Daring Adventurer may act under the influence of the Freedom of Movement spell. This ability is considered an Extraordinary ability. Daring Adventurer Bonus Feats: Whenever he/she gains a bonus feat, a Daring Adventurer may select from the following list in addition to the general Storybook Hero bonus feat list: Fashion Statement, Heroic Sprint, Stick Optimization, Warcry, Weapon Flourish, Improved Disarm, Improved Feint, Mobility, Spring Attack, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Two Weapon Defense =====Doughty Veteran Archetype ===== This guy's been around, and he can take any kind of punishment you give him. Forced marches and heavy loads? No problem. Hold the door against the horde while we make our escape? Sure, I can do that. He's smart and strong, but above all, he can take a beating and keep on going, no matter what. He's seen it all. Examples: Gimli, son of Gloin, Hama, the doorwarden of Theoden, G.I. Joe Class Skills: A Storybook Hero focusing on the Doughty Veteran Archetype adds Hold It, Heal, and either Knowledge (Geography) or Knowledge (Strategy & Tactics) to his/her class skills. Heroic Transition: Upon reaching 7th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Doughty Veteran Archetype can fight through wounds that would kill a less hardened warrior. This ability functions as a Rogue’s Defensive Roll ability, except the Doughty Veteran may reduce damage by half on a successful Fortitude Save instead of a successful Reflex Save. This ability is usable once per day. Heroic Apotheosis: Upon reaching 20th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Doughty Veteran Archetype gains a +2 bonus to his/her Constitution score. Additionally, the Doughty Veteran gains Damage Reduction 10/magic. Doughty Veteran Bonus Feats: Whenever he/she gains a bonus feat, a Doughty Veteran may select from the following list in addition to the general Storybook Hero bonus feat list: But it’s Not Bedtime Yet, I’m Not A-Scared, Insistent Foot Stamping, Kidney Stab, Tenacious Grappler, Endurance, Improved Grapple, Improved Bullrush, Improved Critical, Improved Shield Bash, Great Fortitude =====Cunning Outlaw Archetype ===== A Cunning Outlaw is a daring hero living on the fringes of society. Often, they protect the disenfranchised from those with power who would oppress them. Cunning Outlaws are known for their brilliant and audacious ambushes, infiltrations, and tactics. Examples: Robin Hood Class Skills: A Storybook Hero focusing on the Cunning Outlaw archetype adds Hide, Move Silently, and either Knowledge (Nature) or Knowledge (Local) to his/her list of class skills. Heroic Transition: Upon reaching 7th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Cunning Outlaw archetype can use the spell Disguise Self at a caster level equal to his/her class level thrice per day. Heroic Apotheosis: Upon Reaching 20th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Cunning Outlaw archetype gains a +2 bonus to his/her Intelligence score. Additionally, he/she gains the Hide in Plain Sight ability. Finally, he/she takes a -10 penalty on Hide checks after sniping, rather than the normal -20 penalty. Cunning Outlaw Bonus Feats: Whenever he/she gains a bonus feat, a Cunning Outlaw may select from the following list in addition to the general Storybook Hero bonus feat list: Heroic Sprint, Smuggle, Weapon Flourish, You’re Not the Boss of Me, Stealthy, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Improved Trip, Shot on the Run, Combat Reflexes, Skill Focus =====Skilled Hunter Archetype===== A Skilled Hunter is above all things a survivor. Able to live off the land for extended periods of time and track his/her quarry through the most inhospitable terrain imaginable, a Skilled Hunter prizes efficiency, resourcefulness, and awareness above almost all other qualities. Examples: Chase (Sword of Truth), Aragorn Class Skills: A Storybook Hero focusing on the Skilled Hunter Archetype adds Search, Survival, and either Knowledge (Nature) or Knowledge (Geography) to his/her class skills. Heroic Transition: Upon reaching 7th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Skilled Hunter Archetype can use the spell Endure Elements at a caster level equal to his/her class level thrice per day. Heroic Apotheosis: Upon reaching 20th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Skilled Hunter Archetype gains a +2 bonus to his/her Wisdom score. Additionally, the Skilled Hunter gains the ability to analyze the weaknesses of his/her opponents in combat by their actions and what the Skilled Hunter can deduce about them from past contacts/tracking/etc. As a Swift action, the Skilled Hunter can make a Wisdom check to analyze the opponent’s weaknesses. If his/her Wisdom check successfully beats a DC equal to the opponent’s character level or hit dice (whichever is higher), the Skilled Hunter gains a bonus on attack rolls, damage rolls, and armor class equal to his/her Wisdom modifier (minimum +1) against that opponent. This bonus lasts until the end of the encounter. This ability can be used only once per encounter for any given opponent, and a failure to beat the DC ruins the attempt for that encounter. If the Skilled Hunter encounters the same opponent in more than one encounter, he/she must analyze that opponent’s weaknesses again in order to gain the bonuses. Skilled Hunter Bonus Feats: Unlimited Ammo, But it’s Not Bedtime Yet, Endurance, Improved Trip, Improved Disarm, Self-Sufficient, Skill Focus, Far Shot, Manyshot, Track, Mobility =====Beloved Leader Archetype===== In the literature of almost every culture, you can find tales of leaders so skilled and so charismatic that they inspire the very best in their followers and set examples for future leaders to follow. A Beloved Leader is one such individual, with the charisma to capture the hearts of his or her followers and the skills to lead them successfully into history’s pages. Examples: King Arthur, Alexander the Great, King Rama Class Skills: A Storybook Hero focusing on the Beloved Leader Archetype adds Concentration, Diplomacy, and either Knowledge (History) or Knowledge (Strategy & Tactics) to his/her class skills. Heroic Transition: Upon reaching 7th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Beloved Leader Archetype can grant a Moral bonus on attack rolls equal to half his/her Charisma modifier (minimum +1) to any single ally within 30 feet. A Beloved Leader cannot grant this benefit to him/herself. He/she can change the target of this bonus as a Swift action. This bonus lasts a number of rounds equal to the Beloved Leader’s class level (rounded down) and can be used thrice per day. Heroic Apotheosis: Upon reaching 20th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Beloved Leader Archetype gains a +2 bonus to his/her Charisma score. Additionally, he/she can grant a Moral bonus on attack and damage rolls equal to his/her Charisma modifier (minimum 1) to all allies within 30 ft. The Beloved Leader does not gain this benefit him/herself. This bonus lasts a number of rounds equal to the Beloved Leader’s class level (rounded down) and can be used five times per day. This ability replaces the Beloved Leader's Heroic Transition ability. Heroic Leader Bonus Feats: Whenever he/she gains a bonus feat, a Beloved Leader may select from the following list in addition to the general Storybook Hero bonus feat list: Fashion Statement, Heroic Sprint, I’m Not A-Scared, Stick Optimization, Warcry, Negotiator, Iron Will, Ride-by Attack, Spirited Charge, Great Cleave, Skill Focus =====Seventh Son Archetype===== A seventh son is a hero of humble origins, either poor or an unfavored later child of those of high station, who set out into the world to "make his fortune" but becomes a hero through his sheer innate nobility, his skill with a blade, his luck, and his wits. Though great fighters, seventh sons are known as much for their ability to avoid combat than their ability to fight it. Examples: Jack (of the beanstalk), Prince Ivan (of the firebird) Class Skills: A Storybook Hero focussing on the Seventh Son archetype adds Bluff, Hide, and Use Magic Device to his/her list of class skills. Heroic Transition: Upon reaching 7th level, a Storybook Hero focussing on the Seventh Son archetype can spontaneously cast a 1st-level spell or two 0-level spells from the Bard list, once per day. Heroic Apotheosis: Upon Reaching 20th level, a Storybook Hero focusing on the Seventh Son archetype gains a floating +1 ability bonus. Each sunset, the Seventh Son can decide what ability this will apply to until the following sunset. The bonus is untyped and stacks with all other bonuses; it is not magical and cannot be dispelled. Additionally, he/she gains a magical animal companion (see below). Seventh Son Bonus Feats: Whenever he/she gains a bonus feat, a Seventh Son may select from the following list in addition to the general Storybook Hero bonus feat list: Animal Affinity, Athletic, Great Fortitude, Improved Feint, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Magical Aptitude, Persuasive, Run, Self-Sufficient, Stealthy. '''The Seventh Son's Animal Companion''' At 20th level, a Seventh Son gains an animal companion as a Ranger of the same level, with the following changes: *Any animal with less than 1 HD can be chosen as a base type (with no penalty), in addition to the choices listed. *The animal loses the tricks and "Special" benefits normally gained by a ranger's companion*, although it does gain the HD, natural armor, and ability bonuses. *The animal gains the Fairytale Animal template, although it cannot take class levels. [[category:CUTE]][[category:CUTE Classes]]

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