Trickster

Trickster is one of the base classes available.

## Abilities

### Shadow Bound

The Trickster draws their power from the darkness that resides within their shadow. With such a pact, they need to use their shadow in order to perform their magical powers. This acts similar to having an Arcane Bond, with the bonded item being the Trickster's Shadow.

**Bonded Illusion:** The Trickster can call upon their Shadow to cast certain Illusion spells. At 1st level, The Trickster can choose any spell from the Illusion School in the Trickster spell list, up to the highest tier the Trickster can cast. They may add this spell to their Shadow, able to use the Shadow to cast it rather than themselves. This acts similar to the Arcane Bond's Bonded Spell ability. At 4th Level, and every 4 levels thereafter, the Trickster can add another spell to their shadow. They may only cast each individual spell once per day.

The Trickster is immune to any spell or magical effects that affect their shadow, apart from their own Shadow Tricks.

If the Trickster is in an area of extreme light, or otherwise denied having a shadow, they must roll a Concentration check to cast a spell or risk losing it (DC 20 + spell's tier level).

In areas of complete darkness or where a Trickster is standing on a shadow, they still can use their magic freely.

Creatures that do not cast a shadow cannot be Tricksters.

### Shadow Tricks

The Trickster is capable of using their shadow as an extension of their body, allowing them to perform daring tricks. Performing a trick consumes their shadow. Once the trick ends, their shadow returns to normal. They cannot have 2 tricks active at the same time, and they cannot use a trick if they are unable to cast a shadow. They gain a new trick at 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th Level.

### Sneak Attack

At 1st Level, the Trickster gets the Sneak Attack ability, similar to Rogue.

### Deceptive Flourish

Every movement you make is followed by your shadow, eerily making slight changes in your movement to throw off those who watch closely. Beginning at 2nd level, the illusionist gains a +2 enhancement bonus on Bluff and Disguise skill checks. This bonus increases by 1 for every five illusionist levels he has, up to a maximum of +6 at 20th level.

### Evasion

At 2nd level, a Trickster can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If they make a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, they instead take no damage. Evasion can be used only if the Trickster is wearing light armor or no armor. A helpless Trickster does not gain the benefit of evasion.

### Ranged Trickery

At 3rd Level, the Trickster can use Disable Device and Sleight of Hand checks on items that are up to 30 ft away. If they use this ability on an object that is normally out of their reach, the DC increases by 5. They cannot use this to steal an object, but they can move objects that weigh less than 5 lbs with it.

### Always Ready

At 4th Level, a Trickster can no longer be caught Flat-Footed, nor do they lose their Dex bonus to AC due to their opponent being invisible. The Trickster can still lose their Dex bonus due to being immobilized, however.

### Impromptu Sneak Attack

At 7th Level, once per day, the Trickster can declare one attack they make to be a sneak attack. You do not have to meet Sneak Attack requirements to use this ability. The target loses their Dexterity bonus to AC for this attack, and the Trickster deals their Sneak Attack damage.

At 14th Level, you may perform this ability twice a day.

### Counter-Flank

At 7th Level, the Trickster cannot be flanked. This denies any bonuses, special attacks, or effects that are given from flanking an opponent to the enemies, unless that enemy's class level is 4 or more levels higher than your Trickster level.

### Surprise Spell

At 17th Level, the Trickster can add Sneak Attack damage on to any spells that deal damage.

### Death Shadow

At 20th level the Trickster can become a death shadow. This functions as the Ethereal Jaunt spell, except the Trickster can still make attacks and perform Shadow Tricks against targets in the material plane if those targets are in an area of dim or less lighting. The Trickster must be in an area of dim or less light to become a death shadow, but may then travel freely into bright light while maintaining the form. The Trickster can maintain the death shadow form for a number of rounds equal to his class level plus Charisma modifier each day. The duration need not be used consecutively. The Trickster may assume this form numerous times a day, as long as the total rounds used does not exceed his maximum. Death shadow requires a standard action to activate and a free action to dismiss.