Science Specialist

At 1st level, a Science Specialist selects a number of Non-Magical, Non-psionic mental statistic [INT,WIS or CHA] skills or party abilities equal to 2 + his Intelligence modifier. When making a check using one of these skills, the Science Specialist may take 10 even if stress and distractions would normally prevent him from doing so. He becomes so accomplished in the use of these skills that he can use them reliably even under adverse conditions.

At 2nd level, a Science Specialist gains the ability to improvise solutions using common objects and scientific know-how. This ability lets the Science Specialist create objects in a dramatic situation quickly and cheaply, but the items have a limited duration.

By spending 1 action point and combining common objects with a Craft check that corresponds to the function desired, the Science Specialist can build a tool or device to deal with any situation. The DC for the Craft check is equal to 5 + the purchase DC of the object that most closely matches the desired function.

Only objects that can normally be used more than once can be improvised.

Electronic devices, special tools, weapons, mechanical devices, and more can be built with scientific improvisation. It takes a full-round action to make an object by using scientific improvisation. The object, when put into use, lasts for a number of rounds equal to the Science Specialist’s class level, or until the end of the current encounter, before it breaks down. It cannot be repaired.

At 3rd level, the Science Specialist selects either the Treat Injury skill or one Knowledge skill to be his primary area of study. This is where the Science Specialist focuses his research and study, and he will become extremely proficient within it. He will gain a competence bonus equal to half his class level (rounding down) to any check using this skill.

Science specialists can use their bonus Feat slots to buy Scientist secrets even if they do not possess the class.

At 5th level, the Science Specialist’s Intelligence score raises by +1, and it raises an additional +1 at 9th level.

The Science Specialist can choose two cross-class skills and make them class skills. When multiclassing, these new skills are always considered class skills unless the new class considers them to be cross-class skills.

Upon reaching 7th level, the Science Specialist has gained enough background knowledge that he can study strange and wonderful alien artifacts, perhaps millions of years old, and make them fully functional once more even if he does not know their true purpose. To activate an alien artifact, the Science Specialist must spend at least one hour studying the device and then make an Intelligence check, using half his class level as a bonus, rounding down. The DC for this check is set by the Gamemaster and is dependent upon the complexity of the artifact, but most will have a DC in excess of 20.

The team can usually count on the Science Specialist for last-minute solutions that work. At 10th level, once per session, the Science Specialist may make one Intelligence based skill check with which he is considered to automatically take 20. Finally, the target skill check is accomplished in half the standard amount of time (rounded down, minimum 1 full action). The Science Specialist must declare that he is using this ability before making a roll for the chosen activity. This ability can be used without provoking an attack of opportunity.