This class was originally created to adapt the Nataya Ravenwood character, a Half-Elf Ranger/Cleric (Preist of Meilikki kit), from 2nd-Edition rules to 3.5e. Simply put, trying to convert her to a straight Ranger or Druid stripped her of many key abilities used in that campaign. As many have found in the past, trying to convert a multi-class caster to a 3E makes their spellcasting extremely weak compared to melee multi-class conversions. This custom class was my answer to that problem.

You may have noticed that many of the combat abilities of this class mirror the abilities granted to Rangers. However, it should be noted that the abilities of the Sylvan Blade are meant to reflect a progressive combat style that is separate from the fighting techniques used by other classes, even those of their close kin, the Ranger. This is done both for mechanics balance purposes, and for Role-playing purposes.

The Leaf Dance, for instance, is adapted from the elven Blade Dancers of old, who developed a martial combat technique that flows like a ceremonial dance. Already naturally adept in the art of dual-wielding, a few talented Rangers were able to learn their techniques, and eventually combine them with Druidic ceremonial dances, creating the Leaf Dance. Of course, the technique proved much harder to learn than the standard fighting styles, but once mastered, it proved much more versatile.

Likewise, with Talon Focus, Sylvan Blades were able to learn the secrets of the Elven Arcane Archers. While not able to learn the arcane arts needed for imbuing, they were able to learn techniques to make their shots more accurate, and more versatile.

In practical (game mechanics) terms, Leaf Dance starts off about as powerful as the Two-Weapon Fighting Feat. However, I wanted an ability that more accurately reflected the niche that Rangers held in 2nd-Edition. Rangers in that edition were the only ones who started out knowing how to dual-wield. However, to balance Sylvan Blades getting this automatically, I made it so they must use skill points and gain more levels in the class to access the improvements.

As for Talon Focus, I wanted something that would replace the abysmal Manyshot and other weak archery feats in 3.5e. Again, to balance this, the character must invest in skill points and gain levels in this class to access all the improvements.

Finally, the other built-in balance to this class is, this class needs good starting scores in 4 stats (Str, Dex, Con, and Wis) to be effective. The base classes (even other Prestige classes) only need 2 or 3 high stats to be effective.

If you do choose to allow this class in your campaigns, please feel free to contact me and let me know how it worked out.