Pale Master

 
 Necromancy is usually a poor choice for arcane spellcasters -- those who really want to master the deathless arts almost always pursue divine means. However, an alternative exists for those who desire power over undead but refuse to give up their arcane craft completely. Enter the pale master, who draws on a font of special lore that provides a macabre power all its own. Many pale masters still end up supplementing their arcane power with levels of divine magic. The mixture of "pale lore" and clerical abilities to sway, create, command, and destroy undead can be a potent one.

Requirements

Alignment: Any non-good

Spellcasting: Ability to cast 3rd-level arcane spells

Skills:  Knowledge (Religion) 8 ranks

Class Features

Spells per Day / Spells Known

When a new, odd-numbered pale master level is gained, the character gains new spells per day as though they had gained a level in whatever arcane spellcasting class gave them access to 3rd-level arcane spells. If the character had more than one applicable arcane spellcasting class, they must pick one to improve.

Bone Skin

At 1st level, the pale master's tough, cadaverous flesh gives them a +2 natural armor bonus to AC. This bonus increases to +4 at 4th level and +6 at 8th level.

Animate Dead

A 2nd-level pale master can use animate dead as a spell-like ability once per day.

Darkvision

At 3rd level, the pale master gains the ability to see in the dark.

Summon Undead

At 4th level, the pale master can use create undead as a spell-like ability once per day.

Deathless Vigor

At 5th level, the pale master gains a +4 bonus to their Fortitude saves.

Undead Graft

At 6th level, the pale master performs a horrific operation that replaces one of their arms with a supernaturally-animated, undead appendage. The pale master may make a touch attack with this arm that paralyzes the target twice per day. At 8th level, the pale master may use this touch attack three times per day.

Tough as Bone

At 7th level, the pale master becomes more and more like one of the implacable undead. They gain immunity to hold, paralysis, and stun effects.

Summon Greater Undead

At 9th level, the pale master can use create greater undead as a spell-like ability once per day.

Deathless Mastery

At the 10th level, the pale masters are practically undead creatures themselves. They gain immunity to critical hits.

Deathless Master's Touch

At 10th level the pale master's touch becomes deadly and can instantly kill a target. This ability may be used three times a day.

Does not bypass death immunity.

Class Progression