Level AttackBase SaveFort SaveRef SaveWill Special Defense Bonus Reputation Bonus
1 +0 +0 +1 +1 Scientific Method +1 +2 2 +1 +0 +2 +2 Scientific Improvisation +1 +2 3 +1 +1 +2 +2 Protected By Code +2 +2 4 +2 +1 +2 +2 Smart Weapon +2 +3 5 +2 +1 +3 +3 Hypothesis +3 +3 6 +3 +2 +3 +3 Bonus Feat +3 +4 7 +3 +2 +4 +4 Lead Scientist +4 +4 8 +4 +2 +4 +4 Funding +4 +4 9 +4 +3 +4 +4 Bonus Feat +5 +4
10 +5 +3 +5 +5 Improved Scientific Method +5 +5
This ability leaves a lot to the GM’s discretion. The character does not receive unlimited resources, but she does receive enough to make continued and substantial progress. At a minimum, the Scientist should be provided with a lab, access to some Ancient research materials, and sufficient resources to perform experiments and crafts that require materials. Extremely rare and expensive requests may require significant time to acquire; they might even require assistance from the Scientist (can you say adventure?).
Improved Scientific Method: At 10th level, the
Scientist can apply her Scientific Method to specific projects. By using 1 action point, the Scientist can take 20 on any Craft skill check.
A true opportunist, the Tech Looter is like the small fish that follows the school of bigger fish, knowing that when all is said and done, there will be at least a few scraps for him to scavenge. Even better, if he manages to find out where they are headed, he’ll get there before the crowd and be out before anyone’s the wiser.
The Tech Looter specializes in stealth and tracking, keeping an ear to the ground for rumors of the next tech “mother lode” or simply eavesdropping on careless expedition members who let slip their intentions and destinations. If he can, the Tech Looter will try to get to the lost cache or stockpile before his more powerful competitors, looting it for everything he can and getting out before they ever arrive.
The Tech Looter is a hated nuisance to all groups that seek out lost artifacts. If he is caught, he is usually shot on sight; if his identity is ever discovered, he will soon find he has a price on his head.
Despite the dangers, the Tech Looter stands to make a terrific profit for his troubles. Whether he arrives ahead of the pack to take the choicest items before scampering off into the night or comes late and has only the leavings to pick from in the morning, there are many on the Twisted Earth who would buy his finds, whatever they might be.
Requirements
To qualify to become a Tech Looter, a character must fulfill all the following criteria.
Base Attack Bonus: +7.
Skills: Computer User 6 ranks, Disable Device
6 ranks, Gather Information 8 ranks, Knowledge (technology) 8 ranks, Knowledge (ancient lore) 6 ranks, Repair 6 ranks.
Feats: Advanced Technology.
Special: Ear to the Ground, Scav Scan, Sweep.
TECH LOOTER
The party of monastic warriors departed the choking atmosphere of the darkened drinking hole, taking with them their heavy laser weapons and powered armor. As they marched out the door, casting menacing glares at the local patrons, a lone individual emerged from the shadows to approach the bartender.
When he was sure the warriors were gone, he reached into his tattered robes and pulled out a small sack of corium nuggets, the slightly radioactive warmth of which he could feel even through the thick burlap.
As he dangled the coins over the bartender’s hand, a single question slipped from his lips.
“Which way did they say they were heading?”
The Tech Looter is a clever type of Scav or Trader who makes his living by following the trails of the major players in the post-apocalyptic world. Watching, waiting, and scrutinizing their movements, he tracks them hundreds of miles across the desert, knowing that wherever they are headed, something valuable is bound to be uncovered.
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Class Information
The following information pertains to the Tech Looter advanced class.
Hit Dice: 1d8.
Action Points: 6 + one-half of the character’s level,
rounded down.
Class Skills: The Tech Looter class skills are:
Computer Use (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Disable Device (Dex), Drive (Dex), Gather Information (Cha), Hide (Dex), Knowledge (ancient lore, technology) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Navigate (Int), Open Lock (Dex), Repair (Int), Search (Int), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Spot (Wis), and Survival (Wis).
Skill Points at Each Level: 5 + Int modifier.
Class Features
All of the following are class features of the Tech Looter prestige class.
Bonus Feats: A Tech Looter receives a bonus feat
at 3rd, 6th, and 9th level. The feat must be selected
from the following list, and the character must meet the prerequisites to select it: Acrobatic, Advanced Firearms Proficiency, Agile Riposte, Alertness, Cautious, Defensive Martial Arts, Dodge, Double Tap, Elusive Target, Futuristic Firearms Proficiency,
Improved Initiative, Meticulous, Mobility, Nimble, Personal Firearms Proficiency, Precise Shot, Point Blank Shot, Quick Draw, Run, Shot on the Run, Spring Attack, Stealthy, Track, and Unbalance Opponent.
Ancient Sense: The Tech Looter has a unique
understanding of Ancient facilities, which grants him many benefits when exploring ruins and disabling Ancient security measures.
When attempting to bypass Ancient security, the Tech Looter gains a +4 insight bonus to Computer Use, Disable Device, and Open Lock. Additionally, when making reflex saves due to high-tech traps, the Tech Looter may add his Intelligence modifier to his roll.
Contacts: The Tech Looter knows someone in
every town who is willing to buy for a fair price. A Tech Looter can sell any item of advanced technology (GM’s decision on what constitutes “advanced technology” in a given settlement) for the standard market price, regardless of whether the town has sufficient resources or cash on hand. He is always able to find a buyer (whether a passing merchant or local eccentric no one knew about).
On The Lookout: The Tech Looter receives a
bonus equal to twice his Tech Looter level to Gather Information checks when listening for rumors about technological finds, lost bases of the Ancients, tech mother lodes, etc.
Beat Feet: The Tech Looter has the uncanny
ability to make it to a chosen destination faster than most people by taking short cuts, forfeiting sleep for progress and taking secret paths through otherwise uncharted terrain. While his movement on a tactical level remains unchanged, the Tech Looter is able to cover a distance 50% greater than normal in a given 24-hour period when traveling over land.
Tech Mastery: Many items pass through a Tech
Looter’s hands, and he hears about a lot more. The Tech Looter can, without a Technology check, identify any tech item he sees and handles. He can also determine if the item is damaged or malfunctioning and discern its purpose and use.
When repairing technology, the Tech Looter gains a +4 insight bonus to Repair checks. Also, when using high-tech weapons, the Tech Looter does not suffer a non-proficiency penalty.
If the Tech Looter already possesses some Advanced Weapon Proficiencies, he may swap them out for bonus feats from the Tech Looter list.
Sneak Attack: Like a Scav, the Tech Looter is
a stealthy, sneaky predator, often ambushing lone wanderers and straggling merchants. As such, he receives a damage bonus when his target is
denied his Dexterity bonus or flanked. A Tech Looter may sneak attack with a melee weapon
or a ranged weapon, as long as the enemy is within 30 feet.