Dark Whisperer By Matthew W. Lynn

“By order of the mayor, you may not enter the city.” “But Sergeant Ghallum, the mayor himself gave us the keys to the

city. How can he do this?” “I know not how, but his advisor brought the signed warrant to us

just before the second bell. Signed and sealed by the mayor himself. You have been denied the shelter of the city.”

“But, but….” “Don't grovel so, won't do you any good. So move along others are

waiting now. Else we shall have to do far worse…” Smooth talking, silken tongued, hidden power behind the throne. Speaking from the shadows, he orchestrates the course of kingdoms. The Dark Whisperer works in secret, destroying heroes, and bringing entire civilizations to their knees. Few have encountered these secretive people. Yet many have felt the effects of their manipulations. A Dark Whisperer makes the perfect recurring nemesis for almost any party. His gifts make him a difficult foe to locate, much less destroy. He is always surrounded by hordes of servants, many of whom are not even aware of whom they serve, and is rarely helpless. Requirements: Alignment: Any Evil Base Attack Bonus: +4 Statistics: Cha 14+ Skill Ranks: 6+ ranks in Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Sense Motive Feats: Negotiator, Persuasive, Spell Focus (Enchantment) Special: Must have 6+ levels as a Sorcerer or Bard. HD: D6 Class Skills: Bluff (Cha), Diplomacy (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Forgery (Int), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) (Int), Profession (Actor) (Wis), Profession (Seneschal) (Wis), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis) Skill Points: 2+Int Modifier Class Attack Saves: Level: Bonus: Fortitude: Reflex: Will: Special:

1 +0 +0 +0 +2 Spell casting: +1 level of existing class, Guise of the Face, Dark Whisper 2 +1 +0 +0 +3 Spell casting: +1 level of existing class, Aura of Evil, Dark Whisper 3 +1 +1 +1 +3 Spell casting: +1 level of existing class, Dark Beauty, Dark Whisper 4 +2 +1 +1 +4 Spell casting: +1 level of existing class, Aura of Chaos, Dark Whisper 5 +2 +1 +1 +4 Spell casting: +1 level of existing class, Gift of the Form, Dark Whisper

Class Features All of the following are class features of the Dark Whisperer. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Dark Whisperers are proficient with all simple weapons. They are not proficient with any type of armor or shield. Armor of any type interferes with a Dark Whisperer’s gestures, which can cause his spells with somatic components to fail. Arcane Caster: The Dark Whisperer gains an additional level of spell caster in his spell casting (Sorcerer or Bard) class. Any new spells gained with this Dark Whisperer level must be taken from the Enchantment & Illusion schools only. When casting spells from any other school, he gains no benefit to caster level. For purposes of all supernatural Dark Whisperer abilities, the Dark Whisperers effective caster level is equal to his spell casting (Sorcerer or Bard) class levels plus his Dark Whisperer class levels.

Open Game Content With the exception of proper names of non-player characters, flavor text, and art, this product is 100% Open Game Content. All artwork is copyrighted January 2007, by Matthew W. Lynn.

Guise of the Face (Su): The Dark Whisperer may disguise himself from the eyes of others, allowing him to pass more readily among them. He may cast disguise self as the spell, a number of times per day equal to his Charisma bonus. Dark Whisper (Su): Each time this ability is gained, the Dark Whisperer gains an ability picked from the following list. Any given ability can only be gained once.

Dark Temptation: A Dark Whisperers spells sink deep roots into his victims, finding fertile ground in the darkness of their souls. All Enchantment & Illusion school spells cast by the Dark Whisperer are extended as the Extend Spell metamagic feat, at no additional cost. This extension stacks with the Extend Spell feat.

Dark Conviction: A Dark Whisperer leaves many victims behind who know not what they do or why. Whisper is a prerequisite for this ability. Once per victim, a Dark Whisperer may impose a geas effect (as the spell) on the victim. This ability may only be used on a victim who has repeatedly failed his Will save against suggestion effects cast by the Dark Whisperer. For game purposes, repeatedly failed means that the victim has failed his Will save a number of times equal to twice the victims Intelligence bonus. The intended victim must be able to hear and understand the Dark Whisperer, when this ability is used.

Find the Secrets: The darkness within another person’s soul cries out to the Dark Whisperer, if only he would open his ears, and listen. This ability may be used a number of times per day equal to half the Dark Whisperers Charisma bonus. This effect is similar to a detect thoughts spell effect. Find the Secrets may be targeted on one visible target per use. The target must continue to be visible for three rounds for it to be used. For all other game mechanics (range, saves, etc), refer to the detect thoughts spell description. A successful use of Find the Secrets on a victim, grants the Dark Whisperer a +10 circumstance bonus to the DC of any suggestion effects he uses on the victim. This bonus stacks with any other bonus.

Open Ears: Whisper is a prerequisite for this ability. When the Dark Whisperer speaks, everyone listens. All creatures capable of hearing the Dark Whisperer, can now understand him, regardless of language. This ability only applies when the Dark Whisperer uses one of his Dark Whisperer supernatural abilities, and is always active.

Subvert the Domitor: Even being under the control of another does not preserve one from the insidious power of the Dark Whisperer. This ability allows a Dark Whisperer to usurp control of any magical (not psionic) spell effects from the compulsion sub-school for himself. The spell effect does not end. Control of the targeted spell effect is transferred to the Dark Whisperer, as if he had been the original caster. For purposes of determining success, use the mechanics for a targeted dispel as described in the dispel magic spell description. On a successful transfer of control, the effect is considered to have been cast at the Dark Whisperers effective casting level, for the purpose of any future checks. The spell still ends at the end of the original duration. The original caster of the targeted spell will be aware that the spell has been tampered with on a successful DC15 Knowledge (Arcane) skill check. On a successful DC20 Knowledge (Arcane) skill check, the original caster is aware of exactly what has happened.

Trusted Gift: The Dark Whisperer gains a large measure of insight into the mundane aspects of his profession. He gains a number of bonus skill points equal to twice his Charisma bonus, to spend on class skills only. The Dark Whisperer may not exceed the maximum skill ranks allowed , for his character level, with these points. These skill points must be spent when this ability is gained, or they are lost.

Weaken the Mind: The merest touch of a Dark Whisperer is enough to turn the mightiest of kings into the most idiotic of fools. A number of times per day equal to his Charisma bonus, the Dark Whisperer may weaken his targets mind. On a successful touch attack, the victim takes 1d6 points of attribute damage to his Wisdom score. This damage may be healed normally.

Whisper: Those who hear a Dark Whisperers words are in the most peril from him. A number of times per day equal to his Charisma bonus, the Dark Whisperer may cast a suggestion spell as an innate ability. The intended victim must be able to hear and understand the Dark Whisperer, at the time this ability is used.

Whisper, Greater: A Dark Whisperers words just grow stronger with time. Whisper is a prerequisite for this ability. The Dark Whisperer may now choose to cast a suggestion or mass suggestion spell when using his Whisper ability. No other change is made to the Whisper ability. Dark Beauty: The Dark Whisperer has grown terrible in deed and word. A +2 ability score increase to his Charisma score is permanently gained. All the usual benefits gained from an increase to Charisma apply.

Aura of Evil (Su): Forces of good find it harder to touch the Dark Whisperer, as the darkness within his soul repels their very touch. The Dark Whisperer is affected by a constant protection from good effect, as if he had cast the spell himself. This ability is always active, and can not be cancelled by the Dark Whisperer. Aura of Chaos (Su): As Aura of Evil, except the effect is protection from law. Gift of the Form (Su): With Gift of the Form, a Dark Whisperer can move undetected through a crowd, spreading his influence. This effect is identical to the alter self spell, and may be used at will. What the Gossips Know: Some knowledge of these manipulative people is available, if someone can just find the right gossip. On a Gather Information check, the following knowledge might be gained. Beware, the gossips aren’t always right! DC: Information: 10 Dark forces are afoot in the world, spreading hate and discontent. Beware who you listen to, for

some of the speakers can bend your will with honeyed words. 12 Trust not the words of all you speak to, for evil wears many faces. 14 Those who whisper into the ears of kings from the dark, they are the true powers behind the thrones. 16 Some sorcerers are extremely skilled at manipulation. The most skilled of these sorcerers are

sometimes called Dark Whisperers. 18 When dealing with a Dark Whisperer, it is simpler to just give up. Even the strongest minds

crumble under the force of their words and touch. 20 Hunting a Dark Whisperer? If you find him, kill him, else he bends you to his will, making of you

a puppet. Mistress Adreinia of the Silvered Word CR13 Female Human Sorcerer 10/Dark Whisperer 3 NE Medium Humanoid Init 2 (+2 Dex); Senses Listen +5, Spot +5 Languages Common, Celestial, Dwarven, Infernal AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 hp 66 (13HD) Fort +6 Ref +6 Will +12 Speed 30 ft. (6 squares) Melee +1 morningstar +6 (1d8) Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. Base Atk +6; Grp +5 Sorcerer Spells learned (CL 10 (CL13 where indicated), +5 melee touch, +8 ranged touch) 6 (4/day) -- shadow walk* (DC 20/W), symbol of persuasion* (DC 21/W) 5 (6/day) -- dominate person* (DC 20/W), mind fog* (DC 20/W), shadow evocation* (DC 19/W) 4 (7/day) -- charm monster* (DC 19/W), dimension door (DC 18/W), scrying (DC 18/W), shadow conjuration* (DC 18/W) 3 (7/day) -- deep slumber (DC 18/W), gaseous form, major image (DC 17/W), suggestion (DC 18/W) 2 (7/day) -- daze monster* (DC 17/W), eagles splendor, hideous laughter* (DC 17/W), invisibility* (DC 16/W), touch of idiocy* 1 (7/day) -- charm person* (DC 16/W), expeditious retreat, obscuring mist, silent image* (DC 15/W), sleep* (DC 16/W)

Mistress Adreinia hard at work

0 (6/day) -- acid splash, arcane mark, daze* (DC 15/W), detect poison, flare (DC 14/F), ghost sound* (DC 14/W), message, prestidigitation (DC 14), ray of frost *free Extend Spell feat applies, these spells are cast at CL 13 as well Abilities Str 8, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 16, Wis 11, Cha 19 SQ familiar Feats Iron Will, Negotiator, Persuasive, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Still Spell Skills Bluff +13 (+7 ranks, +4 cha, +2 Persuasive), Diplomacy +13 (+7 ranks, +4 cha, +2 Negotiator), Intimidate +13 (+7 ranks, +4 cha, +2 Persuasive), Knowledge (Local) +6 (+3 ranks, +3 int), Listen +5 (+2 ranks, +3 familiar), Read Lips +3 (+3 ranks), Search +5 (+2 ranks, +3 int), Sense Motive +9 (+7 ranks, +2 Negotiator), Spellcraft +8 (+5 ranks, +3 int), Spot +5 (+5 ranks) Guise of the Face (Su): Mistress Adreinia has the ability to disguise herself from the eyes of others, so as to pass more readily among them. She may disguise self as the spell, four times per day. Aura of Evil (Su): Mistress Adreinia is surrounded by a constant protection from good effect, as if she had cast the spell herself. This ability is always active, and is calculated into her statistics. Dark Whisper (Su):

Dark Temptation: All Enchantment & Illusion school spells cast by Mistress Adreinia are extended as the Extend Spell metamagic feat, at no additional cost. See above.

Whisper & Greater Whisper: Four times per day, Mistress Adreinia may cast a suggestion or mass suggestion spell as an innate ability. See above. Possessions +1 morningstar, potion of greater magic fang +4, gloves of storing, deck of illusions, 10 pp, 12 gp, 13 sp, 17 cp, 18084 gp in other assets. Personal Info: Background: Diplomat - Arcane, Ht: 5' 2", Wt: 130lbs, Hair: Blond, Eyes: Grey, Age: 31. Adreinia`s cat familiar “Stockings": hp 24

Stockings at play

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