Bladedancer

Base Classes | Prestige Classes

None know who first heard the song, but its tune inspired a dance unlike any other dance. While the tune itself may remain nameless, the dance that it inspired has been labeled the Blade Dance.

Over the past few decades, followers of Lalaith have been most likely to hear the nameless tune. However, others besides followers of the Songstress may also learn the tune, and in doing so perform the dance. The first Bladedancers were always seen wielding two swords of the same size within their dance, however in recent years, other forms of weapons have also been used.

Hinting at the possibility that the song is divinely inspired is the fact that the tune and its inspired dance have appeared amongst the more nimble of the races of Eramere independently, such as the Syl'vae, Chorav, and the Lakoi. Some say that while the dancers perform the Blade Dance, their foes hear the nameless tune in the moments before they are struck down, while others insist that only a mirthless chuckle is heard. Regardless of the origins of the song or the inspired dance, one thing is certain: Blade Dancing is a formidable skill and those that practice its rhythm should be afforded the utmost respect.

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Requirements

Base Attack Bonus: +8
Feats: Mobility, Two-Weapon Fighting, Two-Weapon Defense
Skills: Perform (10 ranks), Jump (8 ranks), Tumble (6 ranks)

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Class Features

Hit Die: d8
Base Attack Bonus: High
High Saves: Reflex
Weapon Proficiencies: None
Armor Proficiencies: None
Skill Points: 4 + Int modifier
Class Skills: Acrobatics (DEX), Bluff (CHA), Diplomacy (CHA), Parry (DEX), Perception (WIS), Perform (CHA), Sleight of Hand (DEX), Taunt (CHA)

1st Level: Blade dance, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
2nd Level: Ambidexterity, Bladedancer defense +1
3rd Level: Hasted blade dance, Greater Two-Weapon Fighting
4th Level: True ambidexterity, Bladedancer defense +2
5th Level: Furious blade dance, Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting

Bonus Feats: At first level, a bladedancer gains Improved Two-Weapon Fighting as a bonus feat. At third level, she gains Greater Two-Weapon Fighting as a bonus feat. At fifth level, she gains Perfect Two-Weapon Fighting as a bonus feat. She need not meet the requirements for any of these feats.

Blade Dance (Ex): At first level, once per day, a bladedancer can engage in a blade dance to harry her foes.
While in a blade dance, the bladedancer gains a bonus to AC (dodge) and attack rolls equal to a sum equal to a tenth of her Perform skill, plus her Charisma modifier.
The blade dance lasts for a duration equal to her bladedancer class levels plus her Constitution modifier.
In order to engage in a blade dance, the bladedancer must be dual wielding weapons of the same type, and wearing light or no armor. While in the blade dance, the bladedancer cannot cast spells, activate selected feats, or use items.
After the blade dance expires, the bladedancer is fatigued for one minute.
At every additional Bladedancer level, she gains an additional use of this ability per day.

Ambidexterity (Ex): At second level, a bladedancer no longer suffers the base -2 penalty for dual wielding.

Bladedancer Defense (Ex): At second level, a bladedancer gains a +1 dodge bonus to AC when dual wielding weapons of the same type, and wearing light or no armor. This bonus increases to +2 at 4th level.

Hasted Blade Dance (Su): At third level, When engaging in a blade dance, the bladedancer also gains the benefits of the haste spell.

True Ambidexterity (Ex): At fourth level, a bladedancer no longer suffers the additional -2 penalty for using a one-handed weapon in the off hand.

Furious Blade Dance (Ex): At fifth level, when engaging in a blade dance, the bladedancer also gains the benefits of the Multiattack feat. Their cumulative attack penalty for multiple attacks in a round is reduced from -5 to -2.