The Songblade | ||
A Bladesinger variant kit, the Songblade is all that a Bladesinger is, plus they have mastered magic to such an extent that they need only sing to cast spells!
Of all the roving elves, few are as deadly and beautiful as the songblades. They are the masters of their weapons and their music; and have spent their lives in the study of their chosen weapon and blending its keening with that of bardic magic. They have learned to cast spells while engaged in combat, thus they double their might. To be a Songblade, a character needs at least a 13 Strength and Constitution, as well as a 15 Dexterity, Intelligence and Charisma. If a normal Bladesinger fills all the requirements but the final Charisma of 15, he may begin play as a normal Bladesinger (although at the same time a Songblade in training). As the soon to be Songblade advances in levels his Charisma may increase according to the below special benefit #1! Once gaining the required 15 in Charisma, the Bladesinger becomes a 1st-level bard in addition to being an experienced Bladesinger. Although this last type of Songblade (those who initially start play as a normal Bladesinger) will forever have the hit points of only a fighter/mage. This last type of Songblade becomes a triple-class character, he must earn triple experience for every level he gains in bard, until he reaches the same level as what he possesses in his highest class.
Role. While some characters may stay at home and defend the elven way, songblades go out and actively promote it. They do this by seeking out their races foes and eliminating them, either through words or actions. Acting as both diplomats and one-elf armies, the insure the safety of the elven race. The songblades also promote elven music and guard and protect it wherever it is found. They are the elves that bring back the relics and other important historical items, as they willingly seek these items, so they never again fall into the wrong hands. Secondary Skills. Singer, Hunter, Trader/Barterer, Trapper/Furrier. Weapon Proficiencies. Bonus: none. Recommended: One-weapon style for use in combat and spellcasting; two-weapon style for use when spells run out. Nonweapon Proficiencies. Bonus: Blind-Fighting, Dancing, Reading/Writing (Elven; a.k.a. Espruar), Singing, Spellcraft. Recommended: Etiquette, Juggling, Tumbling, Weaponsmithing. Equipment. The Bladesinger is always identifiable by his weapon of choice. Such an item is always ornate and beautiful, enhancing the Bladesinger's appearance in battle. Distinctive Appearance. Not only are they easily identifiable by their weapon of choice and catlike grace, songblades are decorated with their weapon guild's distinctive tattoo, as all Bladesingers are. Each guild has a separate and unique tattoo depicting its style of weapon through an animal representation. Long swords are often represented by great cats, such as lions or panthers, a whip would be shown as a striking snake, and so forth. In addition to this common choice of animal representation, the more excentric of the songblades choose a mystical animal; often a creature that is made up of more than one animal type. Unicorns are a good example. Special Benefits. There are six special benefits to the Songblade Bladesinger kit, as follows: 1. The DM rolls a d20 every time the Songblade increases to the next highest level, typically in bard. If the roll equals or is greater than the Songblade's current Charisma score than he gains 1 point of Charisma permanently (to a maximum 20 Charisma). If the roll is lower than the Songblade's Charisma nothing occurs. This is to represent the beauty and command of the more experienced artist Bladesinger. 2. The Songblade chooses one weapon and practices with it extensively, to the exclusion of most other weapons. If practice makes perfect, the songblades are very well practiced in their weapon of choice, for they are virtually perfect.
3. Songblades receive a special bonus when they wish to try an unusual maneuver with their blade. This bonus is equal to +1 for every four levels the Songblade has attained. This bonus only serves to cancel the penalties normally applied for such a maneuver. All other penalties and bonuses still apply. 4. Songblades have been taught from an early age to grasp the flow of magic around them and turn it to their advantage. They can cast spells even while in the front lines. Although they cannot actually attack while casting their spells, they may defend themselves against incoming melee attacks.
5. Songblades also gain the unique ability to bladesing* once they have achieved 3rd-level in each of their 3 character classes (fighter, mage, and bard). This allows the Songblade to cast spells without using somatic components at all; thus they do not suffer the normal +2 spell initiative penalty for bladesingers. Furthermore, the Songblade can cast spells and still use his weapon in two hands, thus making disarm attempts twice as difficult!
6. The training is hard enough that only a 6th-level Songblade can begin to teach even the rudiments of the spellsinging known as the bladesing*. If another elf wishes to learn the bladesing, he must first be a Songblade, then seek one of the masters of song. Songblades charge a high price for sharing their skills. Special Hindrances. To offset their abilities, songblades suffer some severe penalties. Not only must they attempt to advance the cause of elvendom somehow at all times, they must also lend aid to any elf in need. Unless the elf has proven to be an enemy of the elven way of life, the Songblade must sacrifice life and limb to save that elf's life.
Wealth Options. Songblades start their adventuring lives with 30 to 180 gp (3d6 x 10), and only one restriction: They must purchase their weapon of choice. Any monies left after buying their initial equipment must be returned to the Bladesinger's guild. Later in their adventures. they must take opportunities to upgrade their weapons. Other than these restrictions, they are free to do as they wish with their money. Suggested Elf Subraces. Gold (grey) elf, silver (high) elf; Drow, although they call themselves Blade Dancers.
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