Classes

Blade Dancer- by T.A. Saunders ©2013 v1.0 - Retooled by B. Kellestine - 2021 v2.0

Summary Originally the exclusive domain of the Tallis-Kah, the art of Blade Dancing has slowly spread to the other races of Imarel that have both the grace and the ferocity to master it. Eight known forms exist, though there are rumors and legends that persist that there are in fact up to twelve, the other four lost to time or kept a lethal secret. Blade Dancers believe in the balance of life and death or in the case of Fallen Dancers, that Death is absolute. Blade Dancers prefer medium armor and may only use edged weapons and a shield (if their style utilizes one.) To learn more about Blade Dancers, read this article. Blade Dancers cannot be dual-classed. A Blade Dancer can learn other styles of Blade Dancing aside from the one they know at character creation, provided they have a teacher and expend the appropriate value of EP per rank. This does not mean, however, the bonuses stack. The Dancer must choose the style they wish to use, and do not get the benefit of multiple styles at the same time.

Shared Class Abilities

The Art of The Kill 

The Blade Dancer is peerless in use of their weapons. Because of their deep commitment to learning, understanding and believing their weapons are in fact an extension of Natural Law, Blade Dancers are incredibly dangerous in close combat. A Blade Dancer gains a 60% base-to-hit initially but as the fight progresses, they become faster and more dangerous, giving them a +5% to hit every round until the 500% hit hard cap is reached.  

Inspirational Lethality 

The Blade Dancer is both quite awe-inspiring to observe in the field of combat and fearsome to face once that combat is joined. A Blade Dancer may use this awe to inspire those around them to fight with their ferocity, granting all melee attackers (including themselves) an extra attack per round and an additional +15% to hit for 1d4 rounds.  Provided there is an allied bard performing to the Blade Dancer’s benefit, this increases to +20%..  This talent can be used three times per day. (Inspire melee with an extra attack per round and +15% hit for 1d4 rounds, 3 times per day, increasing by 5% if a bardic ally is performing).

Dancer’s Grace

The Dance is the term used to refer to the spiritual transcendence one experiences when engaging into a sword fight as a Blade Dancer. It doesn't matter what sort or how many swords you use (single or dual wield) or if you employ a shield. Entering one's self into this fighting awareness increases one's speed, strength, agility and endurance to levels that are almost peerless. This only lasts for the duration of the Dance, and will cease the moment the Blade Dancer stops dancing.  A Blade Dancer can learn other styles of Blade Dancing aside from the one they know at character creation, provided they have a teacher and expend the appropriate value of EP per rank.  This does not mean, however, the bonuses stack.  The Dancer must choose the style they wish to use, and do not get the benefit of multiple styles at the same time.  (Gain one Blade Dance at adept rank on character creation)

Paragon Class Abilities  (Available only to single class characters who spend 12 EP for all three skills.)

Paragon of Skill

Because an individual spends a great deal of focused effort and time to become a Paragon they learn things of their profession that those who are dual-classed would not otherwise discover. This skill translates into a bonus +15% to hit for their appropriate combat focus (+15% to melee hit for melee types, +15% to ranged for ranged attackers and +15% to spell hit for spell casters). Additionally, the Paragon gains an extra -20% to their overall armor rating and mystic defense versus all forms of attack.

Death Blossom

If pressed in combat, the Blade Dancer may draw upon all their focus and can execute a whirlwind attack that conveys 12 attacks for 1 round, at +15% to hit (even if the 500% hit cap has been reached) for one round. Additionally, melee attackers are at a -20% to hit the Blade Dancer during this one round of furious onslaught. Items and abilities that would increase attacks above the 12-hit cap have no effect. This ability can be used once per week. (Execute twelve attacks per round at +15% to hit for one round, melee attackers are at -20% to hit the Blade Dancer during this round).

Storied Lethality - Fame or Infamy

A storied Blade Dancer is granted a +15% to melee hit and 1 extra attack a round that may be used instead as a deflection if needed (declared when attacks are made). Along with this, the Storied Blade Dancer are so feared and respected that individuals in their presence are more likely to provide them with information, lest face their wrath. This manifests as a -15% penalty to opponents attempts to resist interrogation, intimidation, or torture. Further, Paragon Blade Dancers may adapt their own Dancing style, provided they are Grandmaster of at least one style, possess the Combat Technique Trade Skill at Master, and work through the process over time with the consultation of a GM.