Re: 3rdEd 'Helmsman' character class

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

Well, here's a *very* quick and dirty Helmsman Prestige Class for discussion
purposes:

HELMSMAN Prestige Class

The Helmsman is someone with magical talent who has chosen to express their
talent entirely through their ability to power and operate Spelljammer
helms.

Usually this class is taken by those in non-spelljamming classes, but some
of the benefits of the class could appeal to spellcasters as well.

Hit Die: D8

REQUIREMENTS

In order to become a Helmsman, a character must fulfill the following
criteria:

Base Attack +2

Characteristics: Int 10+

Skills: Profession Space Hand 5 ranks, Profession Wildspace Navigator 5
Ranks, Knowledge Wildspace 5 ranks, Knowledge Arcana 2 ranks, Spellcraft 2
ranks.

Feats: Spacefarer, Space Mariner, and Phlogiston Sense.

CLASS SKILLS

The Helmsman's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Craft
(Int), Knowledge (Arcana), Knowledge (Wildspace), Profession (Wis),
Spellcraft (Int).

Skill Points at Each Level: 4 + Int modifier.

CLASS FEATURES

Weapons and Armor Proficiencies: A Helmsman can use all simple weapons, and
additionally gains proficiency in Cutlass, Rapier, Boarding Pike, Grappling
Hook and Starlock Pistol.  A Helmsman is proficient with light armor and
shields.

Base Attack Bonus: Average
Base Fortitude Save: Poor
Base Reflex Save: Good
Base Will Save: Good

Helmsman Powers: A Helmsman may operate a helm as a spellcaster of his
Character Level + 1.

Helm Resistance: All saves a Helmsman makes because of a helm (including
lifejammers and deathjammers) are made at +4.  (Level 1).

Detect Portal: Once a day as a spell like ability.  (Level 1).

Burst of Speed: For up to one hour, a Helmsman may increase the speed of the
ship is powering by +2.  He may not power a helm for 48 hours after using
this skill.  (Level 2).

Increased Maneuverability: Any ship powered by the Helmsman is has its
maneuverability class increased by 1, to a maximum of class A. (Level 3)

Eyes of the Ship I: While powering a ship, the Helmsman gains the ability to
See Invisible. The ship must have eyes painted on its bow for this spell to
work, or eye-like windows built in. (Level 4)

Ram Mastery: A ship powered by the Helmsman gets +4 to hit on ram attacks.
(Level 5)

Heal Ship I:  Once a day, the Helmsman may heal 1 hull point of damage while
powering the helm.  This requires 10 minutes.  (Level 6)

Eyes of the Ship II: While powering a ship, the Helmsman gains the ability
of True Seeing. The ship must have eyes painted on its bow for this spell to
work, or eye-like windows built in. (Level 7)

Create Portal: Once a day as a spell-like ability.  (Level 8)

Heal Ship II: Once a day, the Helmsman may heal 1d3+1 hull points of damage
while powering the helm.  Requires 10 minutes per point of damage repaired.
(Level 9).

Create Minor Helm: Once per day as a spell-like ability.