Cacophony Blaster (Gunslinger/Bard)

There are those that seek out the way of the gun, not because of its deadly potential, but because they find music and rhythm in its booms and bangs. Channeling the power of the inner music, these eccentric firearm artists are more dangerous than many may believe. Studious and deadly, they carve their own niche in the world, demanding an audience, whether they want to hear the music or not. (Original Concept by Christos Gurd)

Primary: Gunslinger.

Secondary: Bard.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Dice: d10.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The cacophony blaster may select three bard skills to add to her class skills in addition to the normal gunslinger class skills. The cacophony blaster gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The cacophony blaster is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, all firearms, and with light and medium armor.

Grit: This is exactly like the gunslinger’s grit ability, except that he gains a number of grit points equal to his Charisma modifier (minimum 1). In addition, instead of regaining grit by making a critical hit with his firearm, the cacophony blaster regains grit in the following way.

Critical Hit During a Performance Deed: Each time a cacophony blaster’s ally confirms a critical hit in the heat of combat while under the effects of a performance deed, he regains 1 grit point. Confirming a critical hit on a helpless or unaware creature or on a creature that has fewer Hit Dice than half the cacophony blaster’s character level does not restore grit.

Sonic Gunsmith (Su): This is exactly like the gunslinger’s gunsmith ability, except that half the damage dealt by a cacophony blaster’s battered firearm is of the sonic energy type. If a cacophony blaster uses a firearm in an area that suppresses sound, such as a zone of silence, or he is targeted by a silence spell, the firearm deals no sonic damage (but still deals half the normal damage). This battered firearm can be replaced like a gunslinger’s battered firearm.

Deeds: This is exactly like the gunslinger’s deeds ability, except that the cacophony blaster swaps nine deeds for the following deeds. Some of these deeds are performance deeds that duplicate the effects of certain bardic performances. Unless noted otherwise, the effects of a performance deed can be maintained for a number of rounds equal to the cacophony blaster’s Charisma modifier plus 1 round for every four levels the cacophony blaster has attained.

Derring-do (Su): At 1st level, a cacophony blaster can, as a standard action, inspire bring out grace in the clumsiest allies. The cacophony blaster and any allies who see him receive a +1 morale bonus on Reflex saving throws and a +2 competence bonus on Dexterity-based skill checks. Allies who move at least 10 feet during their turn gain a +1 dodge bonus to their Armor Class until the start of their next turn. At 5th level, and every six cacophony blaster levels thereafter, the saving throw and Armor Class bonuses increase by +1, to a maximum of +4 at 17th level, and the skill check bonuses increase by +2, to a maximum of +8 at 17th level. This is a mind-affecting ability that uses visual components. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point. This performance deed replaces the deadeye deed.

Hammer Strike (Su): At 3rd level, a cacophony blaster can, as a standard action, use his firearm to unleash a sonic burst at a creature or object. This deed deals 1d6 points of sonic damage plus the cacophony blaster’s level to an object, or 1d4 points of sonic damage plus the cacophony blaster’s level to a living creature. This deed replaces replaces the pistol-whip deed.

Inspire Courage (Su): A 3rd level cacophony blaster can, as a standard action, inspire courage in his allies (including himself), bolstering them against fear and improving their combat abilities. To be affected, an ally must be able to perceive the cacophony blaster’s performance. An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. At 7th level, and every six cacophony blaster levels thereafter, this bonus increases by +1, to a maximum of +4 at 19th level. Inspire courage is a mind-affecting ability. Inspire courage can use audible or visual components. The cacophony blaster must choose which component to use when using this deed. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point. This performance deed replaces the utility shot deed.

Inspire Competence (Su): At 7th level, a cacophony blaster can, as a standard action, help an ally succeed at a task. The ally must be within 30 feet and able to see and hear the cacophony blaster. The ally gets a +2 competence bonus on skill checks with a particular skill as long as she continues to hear the cacophony blaster. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels the cacophony blaster has attained beyond 7th (+3 at 11th, +4 at 15th, and +5 at 19th). Certain uses of this ability are infeasible, such as Stealth, and may be disallowed at the GM's discretion. A cacophony blaster can't inspire competence in himself. Inspire competence relies on audible components. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point. This performance deed replaces the targeting deed.

Song of Surrender (Su): At 7th level, a cacophony blaster can, as a standard action, encourage an enemy to surrender. To be affected, an enemy must be within 30 feet and be able to see and hear the cacophony blaster. An affected enemy feels the irresistible urge to drop any held weapons and fall prone. This effect lasts for 1 round—essentially, the affected enemy takes no actions on its next turn other than to lie prone, although it is not considered flat-footed or helpless. A Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 the cacophony blaster’s level + the cacophony blaster’s Charisma modifier) negates the effect. This ability affects only a single creature. Song of surrender is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting, language-dependent ability and relies on audible component. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point. This performance deed replaces the startling shot deed.

Inspire Greatness (Su): At 11th level, a cacophony blaster can, as a standard action, inspire greatness in himself or a single willing ally within 30 feet, granting extra fighting capability. For every three levels a cacophony blaster attains beyond 11th, he can target one additional ally while using this performance (up to a maximum of four at 20th level). To inspire greatness, all of the targets must be able to see and hear the cacophony blaster. A creature inspired with greatness gains 2 bonus Hit Dice(d10s), the commensurate number of temporary hit points (apply the target’s Constitution modifier, if any, to these bonus Hit Dice), a +2 competence bonus on attack rolls, and a +1 competence bonus on Fortitude saves. The bonus Hit Dice count as regular Hit Dice for determining the effect of spells that are Hit Dice dependent. Inspire greatness is a mind-affecting ability and it relies on audible and visual components. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point. This performance deed replaces the bleeding wound deed.

Cacophonic Barrage (Su): At 15th level, a cacophony blaster can, as a full-attack action, use his firearm to unleash a barrage of sonic bursts equal to 1/2 the cacophony blaster’s level (maximum 10), with each burst affecting one target within 30 feet. Each burst deals 1d8 points of damage plus the cacophony blaster’s Charisma modifier (Fortitude save for half damage). This deed replaces the menacing shot deed.

Inspire Heroics (Su): At 19th level, a cacophony blaster can, as a standard action, inspire tremendous heroism in himself or a single ally within 30 feet. To inspire heroics, the target must be able to see and hear the cacophony blaster. The inspired creature gains a +4 morale bonus on saving throws and a +4 dodge bonus to AC. The effect lasts for as long as the target is able to witness the performance, or after the number of rounds ends. Inspire heroics is a mind-affecting ability that relies on audible and visual components. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point. This performance deed replaces the stunning shot deed.

Mass Song of Surrender (Su): This functions like song of surrender, but allows the cacophony blaster to affect all enemies within 30 feet. Enemies within range of this effect still receive a saving throw. Mass song of surrender is an enchantment (compulsion), mind-affecting, language-dependent ability that relies on audible components. Performing this deed costs 1 grit point. This performance deed replaces the cheat death deed.

Bardic Knowledge (Ex): At 4th level, a cacophony blaster gains the bard’s bardic knowledge ability. This ability replaces the bonus feat gained at 4th level.

Well-Versed (Ex): At 8th level, a cacophony blaster gains the bard’s well-versed ability. This ability replaces the bonus feats gained at 8th level.

Lore Master (Ex): At 12th level, a cacophony blaster gains the bard’s lore master ability. He can use this ability once per day at 12t level, and an additional time per day at 16th and 20th level. This ability replaces the bonus feats gained at 12th, 16th, and 18th level.

Table: Cacophony Blaster