The keeper of the black flame’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Bluff (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Heal (Wis), Innuendo (Wis), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (religion) (Int), Knowledge (arcana), Listen (Wis), Scry (Int), Sense Motive (Wis), Speak Language (Int), Spellcraft (Int), and Spot (Wis).
Skill Points at Each Level: 2 + Int modifier.
Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The keeper
of the black flame is proficient with all simple weapons, all types of armor (light, medium, and heavy), as well as with shields. Note that armor check penalties for armor heavier than leather apply to the skills Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Pick Pocket, and Tumble.
Spellcasting: The keeper of the black flame
continues training in magic as he devotes his life to the return of the dark god. Thus, when a new keeper of the black flame level is gained, the character gains new spells per day as if he had also gained a level in a spellcasting class he belonged to before he added the prestige class. He does not, however, gain any other benefit a character of that class would have gained for doing so. This means that he adds his level of keeper of the black flame to the level of anoth- er spellcasting class the character has, then determines spells per day, spells known, and caster level accordingly. If a character had more than one spellcasting class before he became a keeper of the black flame, he must decide to which class he adds each level of keeper of the black flame for purposes of deter- mining spells per day when he adds the new level.
Agent of the Black Flame (Sp): Through
secret rituals, devoted research, and unyielding faith, the worshipper of the dark god has gained the attention of his patron master. The rituals necessary to gain the attention of such a deity are secrets that agents of good (and in some sit- uations the agents of evil) will kill to protect and destroy. The splintered cults of the dark god must maintain a level of total secrecy and stealth for fear of gaining the attention of nosy heroes or rival villains. To maintain this, the
agent of the black flame learns a secret means of communication and develops a supernatural sense for detecting those pure of heart. At 1st level, the agent of the black flame gains a +2 competence bonus to all Innuendo skill checks while communicating with a member of the dark god’s cult. Also at 1st level, the agent of the black flame may detect good at will as a spell-like ability.
Blessing of the Dark God (Ex): The cult of
the dark god is comprised of a precious few individuals who have learned of his existence (either through divine contact or years of researching ancient tomes). The number of fol- lowers entrusted as keepers of the black flame is small, and these precious few carry a small portion of the dark god’s power within them- selves, waiting for the time of his return. This is a dangerous task, and as such the dark god uses what few resources he has to help ensure the safety of his agents. Beginning at 2nd level, the agent of the black flame gains a +1 profane bonus to all of his saving throws. This bonus increases by +1 at every even-numbered level thereafter.
Protector of the Black Flame (Sp): As an
agent of the black flame, the character has per- formed a number of tasks (both mundane and dangerous) in the name of his dark patron. This service is rewarded by his promotion within the ranks of the dark god’s cult and in the eyes of the patron himself. At 3rd level, the agent of the black flame becomes a protector of the black flame. With this new title, the charac-
ter gains two abilities. First, his competence bonus with Innuendo skill checks increases from +2 to +3. Next, the protector of the black flame is granted his first taste of the dark power that slumbers within his soul. Once per day, the protector of the black flame may use a spell- like ability that acts as an inflict critical wounds spell as cast by a cleric of his character level.
Touched by the Black Flame (Ex): Within the
protector of the black flame’s soul burns a small piece of his dark god’s power. The power touches the soul of the character and tempers his resistance to the fires of the mortal world, making him stronger and putting him closer to the image of his dark god. At 4th level, the pro- tector of the black flame gains fire resistance 5.
Vessel of the Black Flame (Su): With the pas-
sage of time, the faith and fanatical devotion the protector of the black flame displays to his dark god increases. By this time, no task is too great and no price is too much to pay. At 6th level, the protector of the black flame becomes a vessel of the black flame. This position grants the character two new abilities. First, the com- petence bonus he is granted to Innuendo skill checks increases to +4. Next, he is entrusted with more freedom in using the power he car- ries. The vessel of the black flame may tap into the power within his soul and once per day spontaneously cast any prepared spell as a maximized spell. Using this ability does not increase the spell level of the augmented spell.
CHAPTER ONE: The Faithful
34
Keeper of the Black Flame
Class Base Fort Ref Will
Level Attack Save Save Save Special Spellcasting
1st +0 +2 +0 +2 Agent of the black flame +1 level of existing class
2nd +1 +3 +0 +3 Blessing of the dark god +1 +1 level of existing class
3rd +2 +3 +1 +3 Protector of the black flame +1 level of existing class
4th +3 +4 +1 +4 Blessing of the dark god +2 +1 level of existing class
5th +3 +4 +1 +4 Touched by the black flame +1 level of existing class
6th +4 +5 +2 +5 Vessel of the black flame +1 level of existing class
Blessing of the dark god +3
7th +5 +5 +2 +5 Caressed by the black flame +1 level of existing class
8th +6 +6 +2 +6 Blessing of the dark god +4 +1 level of existing class
9th +6 +6 +3 +6 Sentinel of the black flame +1 level of existing class
10th +7 +7 +3 +7 Keeper of the black flame +1 level of existing class