Author Topic: sirpercival's things  (Read 47517 times)

Offline sirpercival

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Re: sirpercival's things
« Reply #40 on: November 18, 2016, 01:00:43 PM »
Blade Styles and Techniques III
Each of the individual blade techniques described below is of the same complexity indicated for its blade style.

Clay Style
The Clay style has Expert complexity. Clay yields to the sculptor's touch, then becomes hard as stone, but brittle, in the fire. This form emphasizes misdirection, risk, and reward; it is usually referred to as the most difficult style to master. A practitioner of Clay style might make minimal movements, possibly taking small (or large) wounds, to maneuver the enemy into position, then execute the overconfident opponent with stunning precision; or, the blademaster might end a fight quickly and decisively with an unexpected gamble, coming a hairsbreadth from death in the process.

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Glass Style
The Glass style has Expert complexity. Often used by wizened, arthritic blademasters to teach their young prodigies humility, Glass style is the ultimate defensive style. Practitioners of Glass style understand the fragility of the body, the brevity and mortality of the soldier's plight, and seek to avoid deadly contact at nearly any cost.

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Water Style
The Water style has Expert complexity. Even more so than Wax style, Water style is the most versatile, granting its practitioners a means of adapting to their opponents' strengths and weaknesses. As water flows, it courses around obstacles and through barriers, cutting a channel through mountains, or flooding a rolling plain. Water style is perhaps the most utilized style by blademasters of sufficient skill and experience, as it is balanced for every situation, and attempts to turn weakness into strength.

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I am the assassin of productivity

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Offline sirpercival

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Re: sirpercival's things
« Reply #41 on: November 18, 2016, 01:01:35 PM »
BLADEMASTER
   
If a sword had memory, it might be grateful to the forge fire, but never fond of it.
-Rand al'Thor

A Blademaster is a true student of Bladecraft, wielding a heron-marked sword.

BECOMING A BLADEMASTER
The fastest entry into Blademaster is through the Fighter class, though many other paths are possible.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Base Attack Bonus: +6
Feats: Any one [Bladecraft] feat.
Skills: Bladecraft 9 ranks
Special: Must know 6 Blade techniques, including at least 1 of Moderate complexity, and at least one each of Assault, Form, and Parry.

Class Skills
The Blademaster's class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance (Dex), Bladecraft (Int), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Diplomacy (Cha), Concentration (Con), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Spot (Wis), and Swim (Str).

Skills Points at Each Level 4 + Int modifier

Hit Dice: d10

Blademaster
Level
Base Attack
Bonus
Fort
Save
Ref
Save
Will
Save
SpecialTechniques
1st
+1
+2
+2
+0
Blade techniques, heron-marked blade
3
2nd
+2
+3
+3
+0
The flame and the void
6
3rd
+3
+3
+3
+1
Advanced studies
9
4th
+4
+4
+4
+1
Reap what is sown
12
5th
+5
+4
+4
+1
Heart's blood weeps
15
6th
+6
+5
+5
+2
Death is lighter than a feather
18
7th
+7
+5
+5
+2
Expert studies
21
8th
+8
+6
+6
+2
Power-wrought blade
24
9th
+9
+6
+6
+3
Battle is not glory
27
10th
+10
+7
+7
+3
Duty is heavier than a mountain
30

Weapon and Armor Proficiencies: A Blademaster is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and one exotic weapon, chosen when entering the class.

Blade Techniques: A Blademaster learns 3 blade techniques of a complexity to which she has access at each level, as shown on the table above. These are in addition to the technique she may learn at every even value of her Base Attack Bonus.

Heron-marked Blade (Ex): By making a DC 10 Craft (Weaponsmithing) check, a Blademaster can inscribe a heron insignia onto any melee weapon of at least masterwork quality, which serves as a sign that its wielder is a Blademaster. That weapon is forevermore considered a "heron-marked" weapon. Whenever the Blademaster is in a Form and wielding a heron-marked weapon, she gains a circumstance bonus on Bladecraft, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks equal to her Blademaster level.

The Flame and the Void (Ex): One of the first things a blademaster learns is to wipe away all emotion and distractions from battle by feeding them into a mental construction called "The Flame". When she has done this, she occupies "The Void", free of complications, and she can concentrate solely on destroying her opponents. At 2nd level, a Blademaster may substitute a Bladecraft check for any Will save against an effect which would alter her emotions (including fear effects, or effects from the Charm subschool), or cause her to become confused, dazed, or fascinated. The Blademaster may only use this ability when in a Form, and while wielding a heron-marked weapon.

Advanced Studies: Beginning at 3rd level, a Blademaster's training has surpassed that of other students of Bladecraft. She can learn blade techniques of Advanced complexity, even if she otherwise does not meet the prerequisites.

Reap what is sown (Ex): A Blademaster must learn to work with what she is given, capitalizing on her opponents' mistakes. Once per encounter, a Blademaster of 4th level or higher may treat a successful attack of opportunity as an automatic critical threat. She need not decide to use this ability until after she knows whether or not the attack of opportunity hit. The Blademaster may only use this ability when wielding a heron-marked weapon.

Heart's blood weeps (Ex): The Blademaster must strike true, or lose all advantage in battle. When she achieves 5th level, a Blademaser's critical multiplier increases by 1. This ability only applies when she is wielding a heron-marked weapon, and only when using Assault techniques; however, it stacks with other effects which increase critical multiplier.

Death is lighter than a feather (Ex): Death is a freedom that Blademaster does not fear, though she does not seek it, either. Starting at 6th level, whenever a Blademaster is in a Form and wielding a heron-marked weapon, she can act without penalty while disabled or dying. She automatically stabilizes between -1 and -9 hit points, and does not need to roll. She still dies when reaching -10 hit points, as normal.

Expert Studies: Beginning at 7th level, the Blademaster is a true master of the art. She can learn blade techniques of Expert complexity, even if she does not meet the prerequisites.

Power-wrought Blade (Ex): Upon reaching 8th level, a heron-marked weapon in the hands of a Blademaster is a fearsome implement indeed. When a Blademaster wields a heron-marked weapon of her chosen type, the weapon cannot be damaged or broken in any way, and it bypasses all forms of damage reduction.

Battle is not glory (Ex): A Blademaster understands that while one may achieve glory during combat, it is not the battle itself which has glory. Whenever a Blademaster of 9th level or higher uses a Parry technique while wielding a heron-marked weapon, she gains damage reduction equal to one-third of her ranks in Bladecraft (rounded down, minimum 1), which is not bypassed by anything but another Blademaster's Power-wrought ability. This damage reduction lasts for 1 round.

Duty is heavier than a mountain (Ex): A Blademaster feels the weight of responsibility rest on her shoulders like a well-worn cloak, and does not stray from her path under any circumstances. Upon achieving 10th level, the Blademaster becomes extremely resilient. Whenever she is subject to a spell or effect that has a partial or half effect on a successful save, she suffers no adverse effect on a successful save. The Blademaster may only use this ability while in a Form, and wielding a heron-marked weapon.

 
PLAYING A BLADEMASTER
A Blademaster may be a champion or bodyguard of an important political figure; the general of a rebel army; or simply an adventurer who has mastered her weapon completely. The pinnacle of melee combat in the world, Blademasters carry swords marked by herons to proclaim their skill. Any who have seen them fight, however, do not need the mark to know that they are among the most dangerous men and women to walk the lands.

 The rigorous training and experience required to reach this level of skill leaves only a handful of people in the known world skilled enough to even consider claiming the Heron. To become a Blademaster and earn a heron-marked blade requires either that the prospect defeat a Blademaster in single combat, or that they be proclaimed to possess the skill of a Blademaster by a council of their future peers. Most Blademasters train for decades before they claim the rank, although there are rumors of some who have attained it in as few as five years.
 Combat: A Blademaster is a melee combatant first and foremost. She wields her heron-marked weapon like a surgeon's scalpel, slicing through enemy ranks and leaving a trail of dead in her wake. She uses a continuous flow of Forms, Assaults, and Parries, each action seeming inevitable from her positioning and stance. However, depending on the Blade Styles, chosen weapons, and feat choices, the individual tactics of a Blademaster can vary widely.
 Advancement: A Blademaster might seek command of a group of warriors, taking levels in Marshal; or, she might focus on honing her craft with an unusual weapon, by taking levels in Exotic Weapon Master.
Resources: Blasemasters are always in high demand, as their reputation and unparalleled skills can prove effective at quelling any number of social or physical conflicts. Many Blademasters are noble, either by birth, or gifted lands through exemplary actions; others have noble patrons.

BLADEMASTER IN THE WORLD
"Unwise to try separating a man from his sword."
-Al'Lan Mandragoran
Most common folk step very carefully around a visiting Blademaster. Even if they don't recognized the Heron mark, it's obvious from a Blademaster's carriage and demeanor that she isn't someone to trifle with. Others might fawn over a Blademaster, trying to curry favor, or convince her to teach them.
 Daily Life: A Blademaster begins every day with some sort of warm-up to keep the muscles strong and joints limber. Then, endurance training - usually running, but could also be swimming or something similar. A small breakfast follows - usually water, and some cured meats for salt and protein. The remainder of the day is spent on the training grounds, teaching or sparring, or taking care of other duties (diplomatic missions, guard duty, etc.).
 Notables: Many of the most famous swordsmen in history are Blademasters. Tales are told of the legendary Durendal - champion, chancellor, and slayer of immortals - and his blade Harvest. Bards sing songs of Al'Lan Mandragoran, the throneless king of fallen Malkier. New stories of High Prince Dalinar of House Kholin, the infamous Blackthorn, are being written even now.
 Organizations: The swordsman's school at Ironhall trains Blademasters from a young age, most of whom enter the service as bodyguards of the King. Many armies prize Blademasters as officers and champions.

NPC Reaction
 Once they see the Heron on a Blademaster's weapon, most NPCs will tread very carefully. No one wants to provoke a Blademaster to rash action, though such things happen very rarely in truth - Blademasters are disciplined to a fault.

BLADEMASTER IN THE GAME
 A Blademaster is primarily a front-line melee attacker. However, the individual tactics can take many forms. Some Blademasters excel at wading into large masses of enemies and mowing them down. Others identify the most powerful opponents and single them out for individual attention. Still others will wreak havoc with trips, disarms, and bull-rushes, attempting to lock down the battlefield.
 Adaptation: The easiest way to adapt the Blademaster is to associate the class with a particular organization or group, using thematic elements appropriate to the setting but keeping the mechanics mostly intact. It would be difficult to adapt Blademaster into something other than a melee combatant, due to the focus and cohesion of the Bladecraft subsystem upon which it is built.
 Encounters: An NPC Blademaster might be the bodyguard of a powerful noble, a captain in a rebel army, or a skeletal champion bound beyond death to guard a forgotten tomb.

Sample Encounter
Deep in the Iron Mountains lies a cavernous dungeon crawling with undead, traps, and ancient magic. At the center of the dungeon lies the Tomb of Phazziz, a dragon necromancer from ages past who entered the Tomb to begin the transition to lichdom. No one knows if he succeeded, as the Tomb has never opened since.

Ogryx the Soulless stands motionless at the base of the dais, sword resting in a stone sheath, silvery hilt grasped in its bony hands. Ogryx was a loyal minion of Phazziz, and volunteered to be sacrificed so that it could guard its master's slumber for all eternity.

EL 14: Ogryx the Soulless is a humanoid undead, unclothed and unarmored, but covered with thick black scales growing directly from bone and desiccated muscle. Its unblemished, silvery sword is a masterpiece of weaponsmithing, with delicate herons etched along the blade which can be seen once it's drawn.

Ogryx the Soulless
NE Draconic Undead
Dread Warrior (Silverbrow Human) Fighter 6/Blademaster 8
Init +6 (+8 when in Cat Crossing the Courtyard)
Senses Listen -1, Spot +3 (Listen +1, Spot +5 when in Cat Crossing the Courtyard)
Languages Common, Draconic
------------------------------------------------
AC 22 (+10 husk, +2 Dex), touch 12, flat-footed 20
hp 91 (14 HD)
Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +3 
------------------------------------------------
Speed 20 ft. (4 squares)
Melee Greatsword +22/+17/+12 [+25/+20/+15 in The Rose Unfolds] (2d6+9 [2d6+15 in The Rose Unfolds], 19-20/x3)
Base Atk +14/+9/+4, Grp +19
Atk Options Blade techniques (Bladecraft die 2d6), dungeoncrasher fighter
Combat Gear Heron-marked +2 ghost touch greatsword of brutal surge
Spell-like Abilities feather fall 1/day
Blade techniques known: Arc of the Moon, Black Lance's Last Strike, The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain, Cat Crossing the Courtyard (active form), Cat on Hot Sand, Cutting the Clouds, The Cyclone on the Plane, Dandelion in the Wind, Eel Among the Lily Pads, Emptiness, The Falling Leaf, Folding the Fan, The Grapevine Twines, Kingfisher Circles the Pond, Leopard in High Grass, Leopard in the Tree, Leopard's Caress, Lion Springs, Low Wind Rising, The Moon Rises Over the Lakes, Moon Rises Over the Water, Plucking the Low-Hanging Apple, Rain in High Wind, Rain on High Wind, The Ribbon Dances on the Breeze, The River Undercuts the Bank, The Rose Unfolds, Thistledown Floats on the Whirlwind, Tower of Morning, Two Hares Leaping, Unfolding the Fan, Watered Silk, Water Flows Downhill, The Wood Grouse Dances
-----------------------------------------------
Abilities Str 21, Dex 14, Con --, Int 6, Wis 8, Cha 6
SQ Dragonscale husk, heron-marked blade, the flame and the void, reap what is sown, heart's blood weeps, death is lighter than a feather, power-wrought blade, undead traits
Feats Blade Focus, Combat Reflexes, Favored Form (The Rose Unfolds), Improved Bull Rush, Improved Initiative, Power Attack, Trained Opportunist, Weapon Focus (Greatsword)
Skills Bladecraft +23 (17 ranks), Climb +9, Concentration +8, Diplomacy +6, Disguise +0, Intimidate +23 (+25 when in Cat Crossing the Courtyard), Jump +9, Spot +3 (+5 when in Cat Crossing the Courtyard)
Possessions Heron-marked +2 ghost touch greatsword of brutal surge
-----------------------------------------------
Tactics: Ogryx begins the encounter in Cat Crosses the Courtyard, to gain the bonus to initiative, Listen, and Spot checks (all excellent for guard duty). Its tactics from that point depend on the number and disposition of enemies. Options include Unfolding the Fan, The Moon Rises Over the Lakes, or Black Lance's Last Strike. Ogryx will use Low Wind Rising or Arc of the Moon as soon as the opportunity presents itself to switch into The Rose Unfolds (its Favored Form, where it gains +3 to attack and +6 to damage). If there are several combatants, with no clear champions, it will focus on Wind and Water techniques to attack multiple enemies; however, if one of the attackers uses Bladecraft, or seems to be the obviously biggest threat, it will focus on that enemy with Iron techniques. Ogryx will only change Forms with Low Wind Rising and Arc of the Moon unless absolutely necessary, so that it can use Parries as much as possible. Ogryx will also try to position its enemies so that it can combine The Cyclone Rages (or the 1 use it has of Brutal Surge) and its Dungeoncrasher abilities effectively.

EPIC BLADEMASTER

Hit Die: d10
Skills Points at Each Level: 4 + Int
Blade Techniques: The Epic Blademaster learns 1 blade techniques of any complexity at each level above 10th. It also learns a blade technique whenever its epic attack bonus increases.
Bonus Feats: The Epic Blademaster gains a Bonus Feat every 3 levels higher than 10th.
I am the assassin of productivity

(member in good standing of the troll-feeders guild)

It's begun — my things have overgrown the previous sig.