Prestige Class - Chromatic Initiate

[DonQuixote]

Chromatic Initiate
"I strive for beauty and elegance in my work."
--Irokusa Hikari, chromatic initiate

Mages have always sought power.  Though the powers of spellshaping fall naturally into different circles, many spellshapers over the years have become convinced that it could be possible to create a greater order to govern their magic.  While most of these arcanists have gone to their graves without seeing any evidence of such an order, a handful of their number unlocked a rare and powerful talent.
   Inspired by the prismatic spells developed by wizards and sorcerers, these spellshapers realized that, while it might not be possible to completely abolish the divisions of the circles, it could be possible to combine their powers into formulae that transcended the circles.  Developing an unpredictable spellshape attack off of which to base these combined formulae, these chromatic initiates developed their magical talents into a beautiful and deadly art.

Becoming a Chromatic Initiate
Many chromatic initiates come from the ranks of spellsages, driven to their path by their desire for greater understanding of the workings of magic.  However, impulse mages are also common chromatic initiates, as the unpredictable nature of prismatic formulae appeals to their uncontrolled natures.  Anchorites and savants are less likely to follow the path of the chromatic initiate, and elemental adept or spellshape champion chromatic initiates are practically unheard of.
   More important than class, however, is the knowledge of magic required to become a chromatic initiate.  While it is possible for an unlearned spellshaper to accidentally discover a talent for creating prismatic formulae, such occurrences are uncommon.  In general, only those who actively seek out magical knowledge will find their way to the path of the chromatic initiate.

Entry Requirements
   Skills: Concentration 8 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks, Spellcraft 8 ranks
   Feats: Skill Focus (Spellcraft), Spellshape Focus
   Arcane Formulae: Ability to shape 3rd-level formulae, must know at least one formula from four different circles.


THE CHROMATIC INITIATE         HIT DIE: d4

Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Formulae Known	Formulae Prepared	Special
1st	+0	+0	+0	+2	1	1	Prismatic blast, prismatic formulae
2nd	+1	+0	+0	+3	1	0	Iridescent curse (-2)
3rd	+1	+1	+1	+3	1	1	Hypnotic hues
4th	+2	+1	+1	+4	1	0	Chromatic veil
5th	+2	+1	+1	+4	1	1	Variegated magic
6th	+3	+2	+2	+5	1	0	Iridescent curse (-4)
7th	+3	+2	+2	+5	1	1	Arcane spectrum
8th	+4	+2	+2	+6	1	0	Kaleidoscopic veil
9th	+4	+3	+3	+6	1	1	Chromatic wall
10th	+5	+3	+3	+7	1	0	Chromatic mastery, opalescent body, iridescent curse (-6)

Class Skills (2 + Int modifier per level): Appraise (Int), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (all skills, taken individually) (Int), Profession (Wis), Spellcraft (Int)

Class Features
All the following are class features of the chromatic initiate.

   Formulae: At each level, you gain a new formula known--either a prismatic formula (see below) or a formula from any of the circles to which you have access.  In addition to meeting the formula’s prerequisite, your spellshaping ability score must be equal to at least 10 + the formula’s level in order to learn it.  You add your full chromatic initiate levels to your shaper level to determine your total shaper level and your highest-level formulae known.
   At each odd-numbered level, you gain an additional formula prepared per day.

   Prismatic Blast (Sp): At 1st level, you learn to use the prismatic blast spellshape attack.  A prismatic blast is a concentrated blast of multicolored light with a range of 60 feet.  It is a ranged touch attack that affects a single target, dealing 1d6 points of damage.  For every four shaper levels beyond 1st, you deal an additional 1d6 points of damage to the subject, to a maximum of 5d6 at 17th level.
   Unlike most spellshape attacks, a prismatic blast can deal multiple different types of damage.  Any creature hit by the attack is randomly struck by one or more colors, which determine the type of damage that it takes.  If a creature is struck by more than one color, the damage dealt by the prismatic blast is divided equally between the appropriate damage types.

1d8	Color	Type of Damage
1	Red	Fire
2	Orange	Acid
3	Yellow	Electricity
4	Green	Untyped (Prevented by immunity to poison)
5	Blue	Cold
6	Indigo	Sonic
7	Violet	Untyped
8	Multihued	Struck by two colors; roll twice more, ignoring any "8" results or duplicate rolls

   A prismatic blast can only be used to shape prismatic formulae (see below).  If multiple creatures would be affected by a single prismatic blast attack, roll separately to determine which colors strike each creature.


   Prismatic Formulae: As a chromatic initiate, you have the ability to create and learn prismatic formulae.  A prismatic formula is composed of seven normal formulae, one assigned to each color.  Only major formulae that modify spellshape attacks can be combined into a prismatic formula.  At first, you can only learn new prismatic formulae from chromatic initiate levels (but see Chromatic Mastery, below).

   When you learn a prismatic formula, you choose one Searing Flame formula, one Deteriorating Corrosion formula, one Shocking Current formula, one Devouring Shadow formula, one Perfect Freeze formula, one Glimmering Moon formula, and one Astral Essence formula.  These seven formulae are combined into a single prismatic formula.  You need not meet the prerequisites of these formulae, and you can choose a formula that you already know.

   To shape a prismatic formula, you make a single attack with your prismatic blast attack.  If it hits, your target is affected by the formula tied to the color that struck it.  The red component of a prismatic blast carries the prismatic formula's Searing Flame effect, the orange component carries the Deteriorating Corrosion effect, the yellow component carries the Shocking Current effect, the green component carries the Devouring Shadow effect, the blue component carries the Perfect Freeze effect, the indigo component carries the Glimmering Moon effect, and the violet component carries the Astral Essence effect.  A creature struck by two colors is subject to the effects associated with both colors that struck it.

   A prismatic formula has a formula level equal to that of the highest-level formula used to create it.  If any of the formulae composing the prismatic formula are of a lower level, they are heightened (as by the Heighten Formula metashaping feat) to the appropriate level.  Prismatic formulae are subject to all the normal restrictions on the highest-level formulae you can learn or shape.

   Prismatic formulae do not count as belonging to the Searing Flame, Deteriorating Corrosion, Shocking Current, Devouring Shadow, Perfect Freeze, Glimmering Moon, or Astral Essence circles for the purpose of meeting prerequisites or qualifications.  However, they can benefit from the Circle Focus and Greater Circle Focus feats as though they belonged to any of these circles.  Multiple instances of these feats do not stack for prismatic formulae, even if the feats are applied to different circles.  Prismatic formulae cannot be reshaped (as by the Reshape Formula feat) to be treated as belonging to one of the circles of spellshaping, nor can normal formulae be reshaped into prismatic formulae.

   Because a prismatic formula is made up of multiple formulae, you can have more than one instance of the same prismatic formula active at once.  However, you still can have only one instance of each formula that makes up the prismatic formula active at one time.  For example, if you strike a creature with the red effect of a prismatic formula that includes the Blistering Flames formula, the Blistering Flames effect will be applied normally.  If you shape the same prismatic formula a second time and strike your target with the green effect of the formula, the existing Blistering Flames effect is not immediately ended.  If, however, you strike your target with the red effect of the prismatic formula, that creature is affected by the Blistering Flames effect, causing your existing instance of that effect to end.  Similarly, shaping the Blistering Flames formula itself would immediately end an existing instance of the effect caused by a prismatic formula.


   Iridescent Curse (Sp): Starting at 2nd level, you can take a swift action to imbue your prismatic blast attack with a shimmering curse of many colors.  Until the end of your turn, any creature that takes damage from your prismatic blast attack must make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 shaper level + your spellshaping ability modifier) or be afflicted by an iridescent curse for 5 rounds.  A cursed creature takes a -2 penalty to one or more of its attributes, depending on which color of the curse is currently afflicting it.  This penalty increases to -4 when you reach 6th level, and again to -6 when you reach 10th level.

1d8	Color	Attribute Penalized
1	Red	Charisma
2	Orange	Strength
3	Yellow	Dexterity
4	Green	Constitution
5	Blue	Intelligence
6	Indigo	Wisdom
7	Violet	Attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls
8	Multihued	Afflicted by two colors; roll twice more, ignoring any "8" results or duplicate rolls

   A target is initially afflicted by the color of the curse corresponding to the color of the prismatic blast that struck them, but the color of the curse changes randomly each round at the beginning of the afflicted creature's turn.
   Any effect that removes or dispels a curse eliminates the effect of your iridescent curse.  Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again until you recover at least one expended formula.

   Hypnotic Hues (Sp): At 3rd level, you gain the ability to surround yourself with rapidly changing colors as a standard action.  This effect grants you concealment and fascinates all who can see it unless they succeed on a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 shaper level + your spellshaping ability modifier).  Those fascinated by this effect approach you at half speed, but take no other actions.  This effect lasts for as long as you maintain concentration.  Fascinated creatures regain their senses when the effect ends.
   This is a mind-affecting ability that does not affect sightless creatures.  You are immune to the effect of your own hypnotic hues.

   Chromatic Veil (Sp): When you reach 4th level, you gain the ability to take a swift action to shroud yourself or one creature within 60 feet with a veil of twisting colors for 5 rounds.  This veil grants the subject concealment, as well as a +2 bonus to one or more of its attributes, depending on which color of the veil is currently dominant.

1d8	Color	Attribute Improved
1	Red	Charisma
2	Orange	Strength
3	Yellow	Dexterity
4	Green	Constitution
5	Blue	Intelligence
6	Indigo	Wisdom
7	Violet	Attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls
8	Multihued	Two colors dominant; roll twice more, ignoring any "8" results or duplicate rolls

   In addition, any creature that successfully strikes the subject of your chromatic veil with a melee attack must make a Reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 shaper level + your spellshaping ability modifier) or be affected by the prismatic mist (see page 121 of Player's Handbook II) effect associated with the currently dominant color (or colors).  The save DCs (if any) against these prismatic mist effects are equal to 10 + 1/2 shaper level + your spellshaping ability modifier.
   The color that is dominant initially is determined randomly when you use this ability, but the dominant color of the veil changes randomly each round at the beginning of the affected creature's turn.
   Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again until you recover at least one expended formula.

   Variegated Magic (Sp): Starting at 5th level, your growing talent with magic grants you the ability to understand and unravel the threads that make up enchantments.  This ability functions just as if you were using the targeted version of the dispel magic spell, except that you add your shaper level (instead of your caster level) to the d20 roll and the maximum bonus on your dispel check is +20 (instead of +10).  You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 1 + your spellshaping ability modifier (minimum 1).

   Arcane Spectrum (Su): When you reach 7th level, your attunement to the arcane grants you the ability to see nearby magical auras.  This ability functions like the arcane sight spell, except that it is permanent and your eyes become iridescent, rather than glowing blue.

   Kaleidoscopic Veil (Sp): At 8th level, your chromatic veil improves into a kaleidoscopic veil.  The veil now provides total concealment, and the bonus it grants increases to +4.  In addition, any creature that successfully strikes the subject of your kaleidoscopic veil with a melee attack and fails its Reflex save is now affected by the relevant prismatic mist effect each round at the start of its turn for 1d8 rounds.


   Chromatic Wall (Sp): Starting at 9th level, you can shape your prismatic formulae into walls of multicolored energy.  When you shape a prismatic formula in this way, the formula is expended normally, but you do not make an attack with your prismatic blast attack.  Instead, the formula creates a chromatic wall, up to 100 feet long and 50 feet high.  The wall can be made smaller and can be shaped to accommodate variations in surrounding terrain, but it is not otherwise shapeable.  The wall must begin within 30 feet of your location, but can extend beyond that distance.  The wall cannot extend through solid objects and is immobile once created.  You may choose to make crossing through the wall in one direction safe, if you choose.  In any event, you can pass through your own chromatic wall with no danger.  A chromatic wall provides concealment to creatures on either side.  It lasts for 10 minutes or until dismissed.
   A creature or object that attempts to cross a chromatic wall that you have shaped takes damage as though hit by your prismatic blast attack, and is treated as having been hit by your attack for the purpose of being affected by the prismatic formula that you shaped into the wall.   If you create a chromatic wall such that it materializes in a space occupied by a creature, that creature may attempt a Reflex save (DC 10 + 1/2 shaper level + your spellshaping ability modifier) to move out of the way, ending up in the closest space not occupied by the wall.
   You may create only one chromatic wall at a time.  If you shape a chromatic wall while one is already active, the old wall disappears as soon as the new one comes into existence.  For as long as a chromatic wall remains active, you cannot recover the formula that you shaped into it.  You recover all other formulae normally, but that formula remains expended until the effect ends, at which time you can recover it normally.  At any time, you may dismiss a chromatic wall as a free action.
   Though a formula shaped into a chromatic wall remains expended, it continues to count as one of your prepared formulae.  If you later change your prepared formulae such that the prismatic formula in question is no longer prepared, the chromatic wall disappears immediately.


   Chromatic Mastery: When you reach 10th level, your mastery of your art allows you to continue pursuing its ways, even should you choose to follow other paths.  You can choose to learn prismatic formulae from any spellshaping class in which you take levels, so long as those levels would allow you to learn formulae from any of the circles to which you normally have access.

   Opalescent Body (Ex): At 10th level, your work with prismatic magic grants you the ability to resist a wide variety of effects.  You gain immunity to acid, electricity, and fire.  In addition, you are immune to poison, petrification, and confusion and insanity effects.


Playing a Chromatic Initiate
As a chromatic initiate, a deep understanding of the mechanics of magic is far more important to you than mere power.  Though your formulae exist beyond the confines of the circles of spellshaping, you still respect the circles for what they are: a natural organization of magical power.  While others might view magic as a tool to be used, you see it as an art to be crafted.  Just as the painter does not restrict himself to a single color, you shape formulae that draw from multiple circles at once.
   That is not to say that you cannot bring power to bear when necessary, of course.  Each of your prismatic formulae is the equivalent of seven normal formulae, allowing you to access a wider range of powers than any other spellshaper.  Moreover, your study of magic allows you to see and dispel the magic of others, making you a deadly foe to other magic-users.  Secure in the knowledge of these advantages, you rarely feel the need to declare your greatness to others.

Combat
For the most part, becoming a chromatic initiate does not radically change your general combat tactics.  You shape formulae in the same manner as before, and you do not gain a particularly high attack bonus.  However, some of your class features grant you new capabilities, such as the defensive ability to cloak you or your allies in shimmering colors.  Your ability to dispel ongoing magical effects can also be valuable, so be sure to use that to its best effect.
   Your primary focus as a chromatic initiate is on your prismatic formulae.  Since you cannot choose which color of a given formula will affect its target, it is best to learn prismatic formulae that combine similar or complementary effects.  Your iridescent curse is also a powerful weapon against your foes, though similarly unpredictable.

Advancement
Though some chromatic initiates learn from masters of the craft, many find their ways to the path through their own studies.  Sufficient knowledge, aided by a momentary spark of inspiration, can bring a spellshaper from nearly any background to the epiphany required to learn prismatic formulae.  In most cases, this realization is accompanied by a sense of awe, rather than arrogance.
   Like most spellshapers, you rely primarily on your arcane formulae for dealing with enemies.  As such, you would do well to focus on feats and items that improve your spellshaping.  However, as you construct each prismatic formula yourself, you can choose specific combinations of effects that suit your needs.  When learning these formulae, keep the enemies that you are likely to encounter in mind.

Resources
Chromatic initiates are not members of some larger order, so material support from your fellows is unlikely.  Fellow initiates that you meet will likely treat you with respect, as you have both accumulated significant magical knowledge.  However, chromatic initiates are not obligated to aid or support one another, so do not rely on such individuals for your needs.

Chromatic Initiates in the World
"This one is...strange.  Though she twists the magic of the elements together, they do not weep.  Indeed, they almost seem to sing."
--Talis Flameheart, elemental adept

Chromatic initiates represent a pinnacle of magical learning and arcane mastery.  They exist outside of the circles of spellshaping, yet still value the structure that those circles create.  In fact, though chromatic initiates rarely lead others down their path, they often serve as mentors to younger or more inexperienced spellshapers, drawing upon their absolute mastery to teach the more traditional ways of shaping formulae.

Organization
Chromatic initiates tend to keep to themselves, rather than congregating in large groups.  While there can be value in the mingling of such learned minds, chromatic initiates are also devoted to the idea of personal inspiration.  It is for this reason that, though they may teach others the ways of spellshaping, chromatic initiates do not teach prismatic formulae to others.  Those who possess the knowledge and the drive to discover such a technique deserve to learn it for themselves.

NPC Reactions
As chromatic initiates do not seek out recognition for their power, it is unlikely that the common folk with recognize one for what she is.  Those who do not understand the nature of the circles of spellshaping will not necessarily find the powers of a chromatic initiate to be unusual--though they may find them to be more beautiful than usual.
   Those who possess more knowledge about the nature of magic are often impressed by chromatic initiates, as their talents represent an unusual degree of arcane talent.  Spellsages are likely to be jealous of the talents of a chromatic initiate, and wizards often treat them with more respect than they would give to most spellshapers.

Chromatic Initiate Lore
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (arcana) can research chromatic initiates to learn more about them.  When a character makes a skill check, read or paraphrase the following, including the information from lower DCs.

   DC 10: These spellshapers are capable of shaping unusual formulae with multiple different effects.

   DC 15: An chromatic initiate is capable of combining formulae from multiple circles into prismatic formulae.  These prismatic formulae manifest different aspects of their components, depending on which color of the formula affects the initiate's target.

   DC 20: In addition to their use of prismatic formulae, chromatic initiates can shroud themselves in multicolored veils or afflict their foes with unpredictable curses.  They also possess an unusual understanding of magic in general, granting them the ability to see and dispel magical effects.

Chromatic Initiates in the Game
Unlike those who would simply take power, chromatic initiates represent the act of developing one's powers by working in concert with them.  They fit well into most campaign settings that incorporate the rules of spellshaping, even those that attribute the powers of the circles to specific sources.  After all, a chromatic initiate does not force magic to bend to her will: she allows her powers to flow together, using them in concert.
   In an adventuring party, a chromatic initiate can serve well as a source of arcane knowledge, as she is likely to keep her Knowledge (arcana) and Spellcraft skills high.  In addition, her ability to detect magical auras and dispel enemies' magic can prove to be valuable in many circumstances.  Players who enjoy the variety and unpredictability of spells like prismatic spray will often find prismatic formulae to offer the same enjoyment, while those who like playing enlightened characters can explore the nature of the chromatic initiate's arcane mastery.

Adaptation
The chromatic initiate is written as a learned master of the arcane, but the class's flavor can be easily adjusted to fit a wide variety of circumstances.  For example, each of the seven colors of prismatic formulae could be associated with a specific philosophy, making advancement as a chromatic initiate into a journey of understanding.  Alternatively, chromatic initiates could represent a bridge between spellshaping and traditional spellcasting, with their prismatic formulae forming the final step between formula and spell.