Sword Master!

The Swordmaster, a perfect union between man and steel. The sword becoming an extension of the body. The Swordmaster wields the sword as if it were born of their own flesh and blood, for they have to be a master Swordsman as well as a master of bladesmithing. The Swordmaster is the creator of his/her own sword, no other substitute will be acceptable for the bond needed. They may only have proficiency in the sword in which they create, the one they bond to. This prevents proficiency in any other weapon except hand to hand skills. They are completely restricted from missile weapons, other than throwing their swords. They may not wear any armor nor carry a shield for in their eyes it is an act of cowardice. They must honor their name! If a Swordmaster dishonors their code they lose their instinctive talents and become but a fighter, until they have redeemed their honor. Famous Swordmasters are well known throughout all Vastonia, they are usually found within the employ of kings and other noble rulers of the land, not only as protective resources but for their highly sought after weapon creations. Apprentices travel from all over the world to watch these masters of the sword perform amazing works of steel. Only a few have the ability to grasp the knowledge needed to create such amazing blades, the rest usually become weaponsmiths, soldiers or some other class like the fighter, the ones not having the understanding nor the skill to become a true Swordmaster

Class Requirements: The Swordmasters has two prime requisites they are Strength and Dex, for they must be powerful but able to wield the sword very accurately. They must have a minimum Str and Dex of 13, a Con of at least 11. They must also have a minimum 13 Int in order to possess the mental affinity to create a bondible sword. They must be of lawful alignment (good, neutral or evil) for all other alignments allow disorder, and strict dedication is a must to become a Swordmaster.

General Info: Swordmasters receive 4 weapon proficiencies ( 3 of which must be devoted to double specialization in their chosen sword "the one they create" the fourth can be devoted to either unarmed skills or additional NWP ). and 3 non-weapon proficiencies. They then gain 1 additional slot for both weapon and non-weapon every 3 levels. Bonus Proficiencies include: Bladesmithing* (Int +2 only for chosen sword, Int -3 for other swords cost to upgrade = 3 slots) Read/Writing (needed for the formulas and instructions to create master blades)* they produce normal swords unless they chose to make a “masters sword” they get 1/2 of their proficiency roll and the sword is +1/+1 non-magical, this takes twice the amount of time. They may make a “legendary sword” they get 1/4 of the proficiency roll and the sword is +2/+2 non-magical, this takes 5 times the amount of time, both of which are considered unbreakable (by normal sword fighting) shrade swords are also an option.

Class Restrictions: They must be honorable. Failing to do so results in status removal, thus becoming a normal fighter. They may not use any type of magic weapon as their chosen weapon, for it disgraces and cheats their own skill. If the Swordmaster chooses to do so they are stripped of their bond to their swords and again must lower their status to but a fighter. Note: There is one exception to this rule! They may have their own sword enchanted but that is very difficult and expensive to do and the magical properties are only to be added to the quality bonus Eg. a +2/+2 legendary blade is about to have enchantment cast on it. The first two castings don’t do much for the blade except for making it magical, the third however will make it +3/+3 as normal

Combat Bonuses: If they choose a one-handed sword, they may wield any two created swords without penalty, NOTE: This does not apply to any other weapon. If it is a two-handed sword that is their chosen weapon they may lower the speed factor in half or add one attack per round (player's choice). They receive a +1 AC bonus every 3 levels (starting at 3rd level) and +1 damage bonus every level beyond 3rd level with their chosen sword. A Swordmaster's chosen sword speedfactor reduces by 1 every 5 levels until reaching zero, (starting at 5th level). Swordmasters are fearless in combat.

Special Advantages: Swordmaster may opt to learn oriental special maneuvers. Each of the following cost 1 WP slot ( They must be learned in order, NO exceptions)

1.) Parry

2.) Parry all

3.) Missile parry

All of these skills can be found in the Ninja Handbook, or first edition Oriental Handbook

Special Disadvantages: They cannot use armor, shields or any other weapon other than ones that they have created (unless emergency but even then no bonuses for those weapons apply). They suffer a -2 non proficiency penalty with any swords but their own and a -5 penalty with all other weapons (Their code of dedication denies training with any other weapons at all )

Experience Table

*** 250,000 XP per level beyond 9th level ***

Notes:

- Max AC bonus of +5

- Swordmaster specialization bonuses and class damage bonuses are cumulative. Eg they receive +3 weapon specialization damage at level 1 as well as 4th level and beyond, thus a 1st level SM gains a +3 damage bonus when using their chosen sword, while a 4th level SM would receive a +4 damage bonus with the same weapon.

By Steve Sharp