3rdEd 'Helmsman' character class

I notice various people are talking about extended 3rdEd
character classes that might have a SJ application.

I was wondering how I might convert the 2ndEd 'Helmsman' class?

2ndEd version:
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Helmsman - ROM, 18/Sep/00

Helmsman is a magic-user specialisation, intended just to be able
to operate a Spell Jamming Helm. Though they are treated in all
ways as a magic-user of their level for the purpose of operating
a helm, and have the same character class requirements as a
magic-user (and 6+ STR, 7+ DEX), the only thing that they can do
with their magical powers is to operate a helm. In other words,
they cannot cast spells, or enchant magical items. They can,
however, use any magical item that can be used by a magic-user,
including scrolls (they will need some means to Read Magic), and
may be allowed to work on enchanting helms. DMs might allow them
to learn and cast the various Helm spells at high level (and
possibly Permanence, but only on Helms), but spell casting should
make them incapable of operating a helm for a week after.

A helmsman gains the equivalent non-weapon proficiencies (NWP)
and saving throws as a magic-user, but has the weapon
proficiencies, hit dice and combat skills of a thief, though
armour is still restricted as a magic-user (however, only while
operating a helm). They use the thief table for experience points
required for levels, as they have such a specialised way of using
their magic.

Except for use as NPC hirelings, this class is probably most of
use if the character is a split class, for example a
Fighter/Helmsman, or a Thief/Helmsman, answering questions like:
"How could he have stolen that Spell Jammer? He is a thief, not a
magic-user!", or: "How does he spell jam without help from a
spell caster?".
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This 2ndEd class depends on the Thief experience table making
them a far cheaper class than the obviously far more useful
Wizards.

It also relies on the character who becomes this class having
'magical talent', which the DnD system seems to consider is
something every character has if their player wants it, even if
not all members of the population do so.


Does this class even make sense as an idea under 3rdEd, and if so
how would people go about making it work?

As I understand it a prestige class probably wouldn't be
appropriate (it's not very prestigious! [grin] ).

Maybe you'd turn it into a (non-wizard/sorcerer/priest) Feat?

Apprentice Helmsman allows you to operate a Helm as an arcane
spell caster of half your level (round down, minimum 1st;
prerequisite INT 10), Journeyman Helmsman as one of two-thirds
your level (round to nearest, prerequisite Apprentice Helmsman),
and Master Helmsman as one of your level (prerequisite Journeyman
Helmsman)?

(If someone takes this Feat, and has either arcane or divine
magic from some other source, such as high level Rangers, then
the Helm drains this for the day as well.)


It strikes me that it would be a very useful NPC class (or Feat,
or whatever), in particular if there was something like a Guild
of Helmsmen.

-- 
Dreamer
dreamer@??????.?????.??.uk
http://www.romsys.demon.co.uk/