Nightshade Warlock (Witch/Ninja)

For most witches, working from the shadows is a common thing. Yet, to be exposed as such is often viewed by many as abominable, especially amongst the superstitious communities of the land, but to be exposed as such on the battlefield can be disastrous. In direct response to this fear, the dark realm of the nightshade warlock takes things one step further. Laboring to discover and harness their inner ki as well as the arcane, they prefer to keep to the shadows of society and the battlefield, employing their magic from afar on those who are unaware of their presence. (Original Concept by Taco Man)

Primary: Witch.

Secondary: Ninja.

Alignment: Any.

Hit Dice: d6.

Bonus Skills and Ranks: The nightshade warlock may select six ninja skills to add to her class skills in addition to the normal witch class skills. The nightshade warlock gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 4 + Int modifier.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The nightshade warlock is proficient with all simple weapons, plus the kama, katana, kusarigama, sai, nunchaku, shortbow, short sword, shuriken, siangham, and wakizashi. The nightshade warlock is not proficient with any type of armor or shield. Armor interferes with the nightshade warlock's gestures, which can cause her spells with somatic components to fail.

Diminished Spellcasting: The nightshade warlock casts arcane spells drawn from the witch spell lists, and gains one fewer spell of each spell level per day. If this reduces the number to 0, she may cast spells of that level only if they are patron spells or if her Intelligence allows bonus spells of that level. She otherwise learns, prepares, and casts spells as a witch of equal level.

Witch’s Familiar (Ex): This is exactly like the witch’s ability of the same name, except that at 4th level, the familiar gains a pool of ki points similar to a ninja’s ki pool. This ki pool has a number of ki points equal to 1 + the familiar’s Charisma modifier (minimum 0). The familiar has a ninja level equal to the nightshade warlock’s level –3 for the purpose of qualifying for feats with the ki pool class feature as a prerequisite.

Hex: This is exactly like the witch ability of the same name. In addition, whenever the nightshade warlock could choose a hex, she can select a ninja trick instead. A nightshade warlock’s level is equal to her ninja level for the purpose of qualifying for ninja tricks. A number of new ninja tricks or new hexes may complement the Nightshade Warlock multiclass archetype.

Ki Pool (Su): At 2nd level, an nightshade warlock gains the ninja’s ki pool ability. This ability, nightshade strike, no trace, light steps, and tricky ki spells replace spells lost due to diminished spellcasting.

Nightshade Strike (Sp): At 3rd level, an nightshade warlock can sacrifice spells to allow others deal extra damage. As a standard action, the nightshade warlock can expend a prepared spell. Allies within 30 feet of the nightshade warlock gain a bonus to their attack and damage until the nightshade warlock’s next turn. This extra damage is precision damage. These bonuses are dependent upon the level of spell that is sacrificed, as shown on the table below. The nightshade warlock can affect a number of allies equal to her Intelligence modifier.

Table: Nightshade Strike Bonuses

No Trace (Ex): A nightshade warlock gains the ninja’s no trace ability. At 5t level, she learns learns to cover her tracks, remain hidden, and conceal her presence. The DC to track a nightshade warlock using the Survival skill increases by +1. In addition, her training gives her a +1 insight bonus on disguise skill checks and on opposed Stealth checks whenever she is stationary and does not take any action for at least 1 round. Every three levels thereafter, the increase to Survival DCs and the bonuses on Disguise and opposed Stealth checks increase by 1, to a maximum of +6 at 20th level.

Light Steps (Ex): At 9th level, a nightshade warlock gains the ninja’s light steps ability.

Major Hex: This is exactly like the witch ability of the same name. In addition, whenever the nightshade warlock could choose a hex, she can select a master trick instead.

Tricky Ki Spells (Su): Starting at 13th level, an nightshade warlock can use her ki to cast her spells without their somatic or verbal components as if using the Still Spell and Silent Spell feats. Spells cast using this ability expends 1 point from her ki pool and do not increase in spell level or casting time. She can use this ability 3 times per day at 13th level and one additional time per every three levels thereafter, to a maximum of 5 times per day at 19th level. The nightshade warlock decides to use this ability at the time of casting.

Table: Nightshade Warlock