Companion of the Dead - Dragonlance Prestige Class
This Prestige class uses elements that may not be applicable to the Forgotten Realms Campaign
Although the gnomes of Taladas are known for their obsession with technological tinkering, at least a few groups of gnomes that dwell deep in the inhospitable reaches of central Taladas have abandoned this love of all things technological. The most infamous of these groups is the Company of the Dead.
The gnomes that comprise this society come from a long tradition of highly focused warriors that have chosen to accept the inevitability of death so completely and wholly that they view themselves as kin to the dead. Upon becoming a member of the Company, a gnome cuts all ties with friends and family and gives his worldly possessions away. His family often holds a funeral service for him, a service that the new companion of the dead is welcome to attend. From this point on, his family and friends no longer acknowledge him as living.
A companion of the dead is instantly recognizable by his skull-like face paint and distinctive armor that bears an image of a skeleton on its surface. Members of the Company are strictly melee fighters; ranged weapons are forbidden to them. Most companions of the dead have several levels of fighter to help offset the significant number of feats required to gain entry into the organization. To this point, no non-gnomes have been welcomed into the Company, but this is more out of tradition than an intrinsic quality possessed by gnomes.
Hit Die: d12
To qualify to become a Companion of the Dead, a character must fulfill all the following criteria:
- Race: Gnome.
- Skills: Intimidate 10 ranks, Knowledge (history) 5 ranks.
- Feats: Armor Proficiency (heavy), Diehard, Endurance, Power Attack, Toughness, Weapon Focus (any melee weapon).
- Special: Must sever all ties with family and forsake all personal wealth and possessions (with the exception of armor, melee weapons, and magic items that augment melee combat).
From:
Dragon #315
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