| Royal Guardian There have been many groups that have devoted themselves to the defense of their ruler. Some are no more than simple bodyguards but others are more than that. They are elite warriors, defenders of king and country. The royal guardian prestige class is meant to be a specific organization devoted to the defense of king and country. Feel free to change the name. Royal guardians are typically fighters before adopting the prestige class. Barbarians, bards, rangers, and rogues may also be common depending on the character of the organization. Occasionally a cleric, druid, or paladin will devote themselves to the royalty as well as their deity. Rarely does a sorcerer or wizard give up their studies to become a warrior for the kingdom. Royal guardians often work in groups to protect the ruler and his assets. Hit Die: d10. Requirements To qualify to become a royal guardian, a character must fulfill all the following criteria. Alignment: Any lawful. Base Attack Bonus: +4. Diplomacy or Intimidate: 2 ranks. Sense Motive: 2 ranks. Spot: 2 ranks. Feats: Alertness. Special: Membership in an order of royal guardians. Class Skills The royal guardian�s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Climb (Str), Diplomacy (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Listen (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), and Spot (Wis). Skill Points at Each Level: 2 + Int modifier. Class Features All the following are class features of the royal guardian prestige class. Weapons and Armor Proficiency: Royal guardians are proficient in all simple and martial weapons as well as all armor and shields. Fearless (Ex): At 1st level the royal guardian becomes immune to fear effects. Ultimate Devotion (Ex): At 2nd level, the royal guardian may elect to place himself in the path of danger in order to protect the royal family and its agents. Any time he is within 5 feet of such an individual, and he or she suffers an attack you may switch places with that individual and receive the attack in his or her place. You must declare this before the attack roll is made. The Guard�s Flair (Ex): At 3rd level, the royal guardian gains an ability unique to his order. This might be the ability to add his Intelligence modifier to his unarmored AC for a swashbuckling group, a bardic inspire courage ability once per day, or perhaps automatic specialization in a polearm. Slippery Mind (Ex): At 4th level, a royal guardian becomes able to wriggle free of magical effects that would otherwise control or compel him. If the character fails a saving throw against an enchantment, 1 round later he can make his saving throw again. He can only attempt one extra saving throw. Eye for Danger (Ex): At 5th level, a royal guardian become attuned to the dangers around him. He retains his Dexterity bonus to AC regardless of being caught flatfooted or struck by an invisible attacker. (He still loses his Dexterity bonus if immobilized.) This also allows him to use his ultimate devotion ability at any time as long as he is not helpless and is within 5 feet of the individual. |
| Table 1: Royal Guardian Class Base Attack Fort Ref Will Special Level Bonus Save Save Save 1st +1 +2 +0 +2 Fearless 2nd +2 +3 +0 +3 Ultimate devotion 3rd +3 +3 +1 +3 The guard�s flair 4th +4 +4 +1 +4 Slippery mind 5th +5 +4 +1 +4 Eye for danger |