dragon-magic-oef

HAND OF THE
WINGED MASTERS
“By the order of the Council of Wyrms, and for their greater glory,
you must die!”
—Myrmith Drakeblade
Dragons often need expert servants to be their eyes, ears, and
hands in humanoid society. A hand of the winged masters
has dedicated his life to the service of a single dragon or to a
group of dragons united in a common cause. A dragon master
becomes the political and spiritual leader for the hands, gaining
their total loyalty. This service rises above obedience to
country, church, family, or friend. Usually, the hands act as
spies and informants, but when needed, they can also be
saboteurs and killers.
Entry Requirements
Base Attack Bonus: +4.
Skills: Bluff 4 ranks, Hide 4 ranks, Move Silently 4 ranks,
Knowledge (arcana) 4 ranks, Sense Motive 4 ranks.
Languages: Draconic.
Feats: Dragontouched.
Special: Sneak attack, sudden strike, or skirmish +2d6.
Table 2–6:
The Hand of the Winged Masters Hit Die: d8
Base
Attack Fort Ref Will
Level Bonus Save Save Save Special
1st +0 +0 +2 +2 Draconic Senses
2nd +1 +0 +3 +3 Special attack +1d6
3rd +2 +1 +3 +3 Dragonfire Strike
4th +3 +1 +4 +4 —
5th +3 +1 +4 +4 Special attack +2d6
6th +4 +2 +5 +5 —
7th +5 +2 +5 +5 Master’s gift
8th +6 +2 +6 +6 Special attack +3d6
9th +6 +3 +6 +6 Improved dragonfire
strike
10th +7 +3 +7 +7 True stealth
Class Skills (6 + Int modifier per level): Appraise,
Balance, Bluff, Climb, Craft, Decipher Script, Diplomacy,
Disable Device, Disguise, Escape Artist, Forgery, Gather
Information, Hide, Intimidate, Jump, Knowledge (arcana),
Knowledge (local), Listen, Move Silently, Open Lock,
Profession, Search, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Spot,
Survival, Swim, Tumble, Use Rope.
BECOMING A
HAND OF THE WINGED MASTERS
Since hands of the winged masters primarily serve as spies
and informants, this prestige class is most applicable to rogues
and multiclass rogues (such as rogue/rangers and rogue/
fighters). In campaigns using the ninja, scout, and spellthief
classes (see Complete Adventurer), ninjas and scouts are equally
common members of this prestige class. Spellthieves are
less likely to enter this class, since it offers no arcane spell
progression, but a spellthief who is willing to sacrifice future
spellcasting ability can easily qualify.
CLASS FEATURES
As agents of great dragons, hands of the winged masters
constantly strive to accomplish their assigned missions and
train to be more effective tools. They learn to move about
unnoticed, strike from the shadows, and work with other
servants of their masters.
Draconic Senses: At 1st level, you gain Draconic Senses
(see page 17) as a bonus feat, even if you don’t meet its
prerequisite. If you already have Draconic Senses, you can
instead take any other draconic feat for which you meet the
prerequisite.
Special Attack (Ex): At 2nd level, 5th level, and 8th level,
your sneak attack, skirmish, or sudden strike ability deals
an extra 1d6 points of damage. If you have more than one
of these abilities, you can improve any one ability of your
choice (choose each time you gain this benefit).
Dragonfire Strike: At 3rd level, you gain Dragonfire
Strike (see page 18) as a bonus feat, even if you don’t meet its
prerequisite. If you already have Dragonfire Strike, you can
instead take any other draconic feat for which you do meet
the prerequisite.
Master’s Gift (Su): Starting at 7th level, you are so attuned
to the arcane powers of your dragon master that beneficial
arcane spells have an improved effect on you. Any arcane
spell that is harmless (those that include the word “harmless”
in their saving throw entry) has twice the standard duration
when cast on you. If the spell is cast on multiple targets, the
duration is doubled only for you.
Improved Dragonfire Strike (Su): At 9th level, you gain
the ability to deal extra damage when using your Dragonfire
Strike feat. Whenever you choose to convert your sneak
attack, skirmish, or sudden strike damage to energy damage
by using this feat, you can add an extra 1 point of damage per
die rolled. For example, if you have sneak attack +6d6, you
would deal 6d6+6 points of fire damage with your Dragonfire
Strike feat.
True Stealth (Ex): At 10th level, you gain a heightened
awareness of the difficulties involved with concealing your
presence from advanced senses. This ability helps you learn
to avoid even the keenest senses. If you take a –10 penalty
on Hide or Move Silently checks (as appropriate), you can
use these skills to conceal yourself from scent, tremorsense,
blindsense, and blindsight. Creatures using those sensory
abilities must make an opposed Listen or Spot check to
notice you.
PLAYING A
HAND OF THE WINGED MASTERS
You are a humanoid servant for one or more dragon masters
that desire to influence the world indirectly. As courier, spy,
guardian, warrior, and (if need be) assassin, you further the
cause of your overlords. Since your missions often require
CHAPTER 2
DRAGON
ASPIRANTS
43