Sword Dancer Class

The Sword Maiden
ver.2

A Prestige Class for D&D3.5e

Over a century ago a Sword Dancer named Linaelle brought a ancient scroll back from a tomb of a Dragon Lord. The Scroll told of a prophecy that when Liastria the Goddess of the Dance fell during the Chaos Wars, her spirit would reform in another. The scroll went on to describe various omens that would happen upon her spirits reform. The Sword Dancers Councils was split and chose to form a sect that would search for and protect the Prophecy of the Lost Maiden. Then born was the order of Sword Maidens in honor of the one who originally found the scroll. Since their forming, they have been gaining increasing divine favors as the omens come true one by one. The maidens are sure their Goddess's return is soon, and have set their sights on the most likely candidates, one Ielenia Moonwhisper & Amber Hetarae. Their histories match many of the omens set forth in the Prophecy of the Lost Maiden, over half the current sects members now protect Ielenia and watch her every move for signs of the Goddess's favor.

To join the order a novice enters the monastery and is stripped of all her worldly possessions brought with her. (If she fails they will be returned) She then takes a ritualistic cleansing bath, then enters the first of 3 arches, in one her skills are tested against a shadow opponent. Upon conquering her shadow foe, she is released from the arch to enter the second, where her greatest fears will be brought to life. If she conquers her fears, she is released from the arch free to enter the third arch. Here is her test of faith and blood. The room is filled with ancient blades from the age of the Dragon Lords, if she can navigate through them to the one that is her chosen blade, she will know immediately upon drawing if she chose correctly. For drawing the wrong blade dooms the Novice to a shadow existence in the service of the first arch. Up until the novice enters the third arch she may at any time back down and leave, but stepping into the third arch seals her path. Upon leaving the third arch she is given a gown of white to represent her state as a chosen novice, then begins the training.

Requirements: Elven, Female, any lawful alignment, 5 ranks Perform (Dance), 8 ranks Balance, 8 ranks Tumble, Two-Weapon Fighting, Endurance
Skill Points: 2 + Int Modifier
Weapon and Armor: They are proficient with all Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons, & Exotic Weapons (Katana, Wakizashi only) they are Proficient with no armor
Class Skills: Balance (Dex), Bluff (Chr), Climb (Str), Concentration (con), Composure (Wis), Diplomacy (Chr), Heal (Wis), Intuit Direction (Wis), Intuit Danger (Wis), Jump (Str), Knowledge (nature, history elven, religion ) (Int), Listen (Wis), Perform (Dance, Sing, Flute, Harp) (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Search (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex), Iaijutsu Focus (Cha)
Multi-Classing: They may Multi-class as normal, but like monks may never raise their Sword Maiden class again if they do multi class or level up another class (If multi-classed already).
Hit Dice: D10

LV: 1	BaB: +1	Fort: 0	Ref: 2	Will: 2	Special: Aura of Courage, Ancestral Blades, Bonus Feat :Improved Unarmed Strike	AC: +2
2	+2	0	3	3	Divine Grace, Bonus Feat (martial art)
3	+3	1	3	3	Special Mount (Unicorn), Glory of the Divine
4	+4	1	4	4	Spells (Paladin list), Bonus Feat (martial art)
5	+5	1	4	4	Falling Touch, Leap of Clouds	+4
6	+6/+1	2	5	5	Bonus Feat (martial art)
7	+7/+2	2	5	5
8	+8/+3	2	6	6	Bonus Feat (martial art)
9	+9/+4	3	6	6		+6
10	+10/+5	3	7	7	Bonus feat (martial art)

Glory of the Divine: Maidens gain their Charisma modifier (if positive) to their AC

Aura of Courage: (as per Paladins) The Sword Maiden is immune to fear, and all allies within 10' gain a +2 morale bonus to fear checks.

Ancestral Blades: (Ancestral Daisho, Samurai) All Sword Maidens start play with a Katana & Wakizashi (masterwork weapons), which can become magical through sacrifice later.

Divine Grace: (as per Paladins) The Sword Maiden applies her cha mod to all saving throws. (if positive)

Special Mount: (as per Paladins Horse) Upon reaching 3rd level the Sword Maiden under takes a spiritual journey to prove her worth for her unicorn mount

Spells: (as per Paladin Casting)

Falling Touch & Leap of Clouds: (as per monk)

Bonus Feats: All Sword Maidens learn a form of martial arts, these feats are to go towards learning those.