Overview:
Warriors are battle-hardened masters of close combat. They are the front-line fighters, dealing sweeping attacks, absorbing damage and protecting their companions in equal measure. Most are adept with multiple types of weapons and armor. Stamina and strength are a warrior's two primary assets.
Specializations:
Specializations require members to go through questing, or meeting and learning from characters with the ability. The specialization field is something only staff may edit. Characters may have multiple specializations, but they cannot start out onsite with them. We need to see the threads.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, but these exceptions are rare and apply to characters who are tied to a site plotline.
Current Specializations
(Warrior) Reaver: Drinking dragon blood unlocks a warrior’s latent abilities. Granted unholy strength and speed, the sanguine power within them pushes the character above and beyond their limits. These warriors are fearsome adversaries on the battlefield, given reserves of stamina that turn them into unstoppable juggernauts. Where a normal warrior might falter, the Reaver keeps going, striking fear into the hearts of their enemies.
>>Requirements: Character must embark on a quest to find and collect the blood of, at least, a mature dragon - preferably older. Must have a demon possession as this spec is demon taught.
(Warrior) Dragon Hunter: Dragon Hunters, such as the Pentaghast line, are people who have spent years learning the best ways to take dragons of all ages and all types down. These are the people who are going to be armed heavily, and have extensive knowledge as to how each species of dragon functions. They've spent years studying them, and they're an integral part of understanding a dragon's weakness.
>>Requirements: Must be Nevarran. 5 threads studying dragons in the wild.
(Warrior) Titan: Titans are always created. They result from a warrior drinking lyrium, and wearing armor infused with lyrium—which then fuses to their bodies. These practices hail from the Sha-Brytol dwarves. With the Veil gone, lyrium in any form attracts spirits, and these Titans can capture spirits to further bolster their strength.
>>Requirements: While this was originally only known to the Sha-Brytol dwarves, it is open to other races. To acquire this speciality, you must thread out your character finding or obtaining processed lyrium and drinking from it. You must also thread out the creation of the lyrium-infused armor.
(Warrior) Feral Blood: The Feral Blooded are able to tap into their beastly heritage in order to augment their abilities for a short period of time. They gain strength, stamina, and have increased senses as they bring their latent bloodline to the forefront in battle. In this heightened state they are almost impossible to calm, and are known to mistake their allies for enemies in their sudden rush of bloodlust.
>>Requirements: Must be either an aberration or a werebeast. Alternatively, must have access to the blood of said characters, and either drink or inject it into their bloodstream.
Archetype: Fighter
These warriors are terrors on the battlefield. They are the damage-dealers, the ones who wade into the fight and come out the other side soaked in the blood of their enemies. Whether brawlers, berserkers, blade-wielders, or straight-up bomb-throwers, fighters get the job done.
Foci: Berserker
As the battle gets bloodier, these vicious and deadly warriors get even more brutal. Hurting them just makes them mad, a mistake most enemies don't live to repeat. Berserkers sacrifice finesse for a dark rage that increases their strength and resilience. The madder these warriors get, the stronger they seem to become. It's almost like hurting them makes them invincible.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Seeing Red: The more damage the berserker takes, the stronger their attacks become.
Blood Rage: The character taps into an all-consuming rage to ignore incoming damage
Thick Skin: The berserker steals their body against harm. Conventional weapons do less damage against them.
Unrelenting Attack: The berserker attacks in a mindless frenzy, barely pausing for a breath between strikes.
One Mind: The character is so consumed by brutal rage that they completely ignore mind-altering effects and illusions.
Foci: Pugilist
Brawlers and boxers, these fighters often forgo traditional weapons and instead fight with their fists. Some warriors have adapted the techniques to fit with other fighting styles - though in all scenarios, they specialize at close-range combat. As a result, they tend to be quick and light on their feet, and have a unique perspective on battle. They focus on doing as much damage as possible within a short period of time, with a “get in, get out” mindset.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Swift Strike: The pugilist steps into an opponent’s guard, dealing a blow before the enemy can even raise their sword.
Lightly Armored: The pugilist is trained for speed, not defense. They receive a bonus to defense when wearing only light armor.
Quick Tap: The character deals a piercing blow, and then immediately dodges the enemy’s counterstrike.
Vital Hit: The pugilist strikes where it hurts the most, hitting their opponent’s weak points with unerring precision.
Magic Fists: The pugilist channels their will into their strikes, able to ignore enemy armor.
Foci: Swiftsword
There are those in this world who have the ability to move at virtually impossible speeds, and move around obstacles as though they weren't even there. These individuals are known as swiftswords, and it is a common joke that they are able to outrun their own shadows from time to time. A swiftsword is not a terribly dangerous opponent in terms of their damage output, but is extremely difficult to pin down, making them highly irritating enemies to fight. They specialize in precise, targeted strikes, bleeding their enemies from a thousand cuts.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Spinning Blades: The warrior lashes out with a flurry of blows in quick succession. You might block one, but you cannot block them all.
Hamstring: The swiftsword slices into a vital muscle, crippling their foe.
Dubious Dodge: The swiftsword desperately manages to evade a blow that might otherwise spell their doom.
Double Strike: The swiftsword deals two strikes to the same exact point, dealing greater damage each time.
Quickstep: The character is fast on their feet, dodging and running with ease, vastly outstripping most of their peers.
Foci: Grenadier
Grenadiers are warriors with a taste for destruction, crafting alchemical items such as bombs and potions to aid them in battle. They come from many backgrounds, but they all have a fascination with the wonders of alchemy, whether it be a tonic that cures a man's blindness or the gleeful arson that can be caused by a simple alchemist's fire. Most of them use their alchemy to enhance their physical prowess and to destroy their foes, and they're always looking for that bigger bang, that better potion, that new technique.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Elemental Weapon: The grenadier uses their alchemical knowledge to apply elemental effects to their weapons.
Da Bomb: Mixing up something special for their foes, the character hurls volatile glass vials into the heat of battle.
Elixirs: The grenadier creates a special brew that temporarily enhances their strength, speed, and dexterity when imbibed.
Smoke Bombs: Able to conceal their movements by throwing a cloud of smoke at their feet, the grenadier disappears in the resulting fog.
Demolitions Expert: The Grenadier is a master at all things that go boom. Bombs, mines, and explosive runes are their best friends, and they employ them liberally in battle.
05-19-2023, 08:41 AM
Archetype: Knight
While Warriors focus on attacking, the Knight focuses on defense. Their mastery of armor is second to none, and they are skilled in damage mitigation first and foremost. These characters are the tanks on the battlefield, soaking up damage so that their allies don't have to.
Foci: Cavalier
At home in the saddle, these warriors prefer mounted combat; they can bond with almost anything that can be ridden. If you ask them how they do it, they're not going to know what to tell you, as it's different for every Cavalier. Mounted knights are terrible at range but great at high speeds, and their mounts are often trained to participate in battle alongside them.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Charge: The character charges full-tilt ahead, riding down anything in their path.
Rider’s Seat:The Cavalier’s bond with their mount prevents them from being thrown from the saddle.
Mounted Combat: The Cavalier is skilled at fighting from the saddle.
War Horse: The mount is trained in combat, too. They participate in the battle with tooth, hoof, or claw, as the case may be.
Team Effort: The Cavalier fights best with a cavalry. They get bonuses to power and speed if there are other Cavaliers in the party.
Foci: Juggernaut
These stalwart warriors make themselves the biggest target on the battlefield. When enemies take the bait, Vanguards pick them apart with brutal precision. These people are large, intimidating, and showy, and they're always going to put themselves in the most conspicuous place in the battle. When surrounded, they will use pure strength to rip their enemies to pieces. Juggernaut’s usually, but not always, favor heavy two-handed weapons.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Aggro: The juggernaut steps right into the heart of the battle, drawing the attention of any enemies nearby.
Pointed Target: The juggernaut makes a show of targeting a specific enemy, luring other foes into complacency…or frenzy.
Force of Will: The juggernaut’s commanding presence physically draws enemies into striking range.
Man of Steel: A powerful physique allows the character to knock aside any enemies who are in the way
War Cry: The juggernaut lets out a fearsome cry that demoralizes all nearby enemies.
Foci: Shield Bearer
Armored combatants who specialize in shield based combat. Some utilize lances or swords in their off hands, while others make their shield their primary weapon. While they specialize in defense, many are also adept at the “sword and board” style of fighting. Shield bearers are punishing adversaries in combat, balanced fighters that are capable of doing damage without taking much themselves.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Shield Bash: The character charges forward, shield first. Enemies are knocked prone.
Impenetrable Defense: The character’s got a shield, and they know how to use it! They take significantly less damage when fighting with any type of shield.
Duck and Cover: Archers find these characters especially annoying. Arrows stand little chance against a trained shield bearer.
Dangerous Edge: The shield bearer smashes the edge of their shield into the opponent’s weak point, immediately crippling them.
Pummel: The character uses their shield as a bludgeoning tool, striking out several times in quick succession to beat an enemy into submission.
Foci: Sentinel
The sentinel is an elite warrior who has mastered the art of the guard. Through their conquests and expeditions, they learn to use it to defend themselves from harm and defend those who they’re allied with. Sentinels are masters with armor, and are trained to soak up as much damage as possible. The very sight of them can strike fear into their enemy. These soldiers sometimes wear so much armor that it's difficult to identify who or even what race they are.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Heavy Armor: The sentinel wears heavy armor that would otherwise be far too cumbersome for anyone else. They move at reduced speed, but their defense is unparalleled.
Bulwark: The sentinel places themselves in their enemies’ path, entirely blocking the way forward.
Damage Sponge: The sentinel is steeled against pain. Their tolerance is through the roof, and their stamina on the battlefield is second to none.
No Pain No Gain: Through sheer willpower, the sentinel can temporarily halt their own blood loss, able to survive otherwise mortal wounds until they can be attended by a healer.
Fearsome Aura: The sentinel’s intimidating aura demoralizes enemies.
05-19-2023, 08:47 AM
Archetype: Guardian
Many warriors foolishly believe that they can control the tide of a battle on their own, but a guardian realizes that an ally's survival is as important as an enemy's death. Guardians prefer to protect party members directly, but if necessary, they are prepared to make personal sacrifices to ensure that their companions live.
Foci: Blade Dancer
Some warriors have taken up using ancient battle dances found in old elvhen texts. These dances vary depending on the lessons the person has had, but it's always focused on footwork and defense, not necessarily attacking. These people are on the front-lines, aiming to give their party mates the space and necessary time to complete spells and attacks by deflecting blows. They are masters of redirecting their enemies’ attacks and pitting foes against one another.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Redirection: Using their opponents’ momentum against them, the blade dancer slides out of the way of an incoming attack - and their enemy strikes another foe instead.
Deflect: The blade dancer enters a state of heightened awareness and blocks all incoming attacks for a short period of time.
Sword Dance: The sight of the blade dancer’s graceful movements and flashing swords imbue their allies’ with additional morale and defense.
Surefooted: The blade dancer is perfectly balanced at all times. They cannot be knocked prone.
Darting Distraction: The blade dancer flits in and out of combat, dancing between enemies and drawing their ire and attention away from allies.
Foci: Tactician
The tactician is someone who has trained in tactical prowess. They may be gifted in other manners, but these people are your leaders, the ones making the battle plans. They can hold their own in the front line, but they command and lead. Tacticians grant their party protective auras that last for a number of turns in a fight, bolstering morale. These people are very charismatic, and use that to their parties' advantage.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Commanding Presence: When a tactician is on the battlefield, all allies receive a buff to attack, and stamina.
By My Word: The tactician directs the battle. When party members follow a tactician’s command, they are imbued with a sense of purpose, improving morale and speed.
Protective Aura: The guardian sheaths the entire party in mystical protection, granting each member a temporary bonus to armor.
Charismatic Overture: The tactician knows how to broker peace as well as war. They have a better chance of convincing an enemy to surrender, with the terms always coming up roses for the tactician’s party.
Strategist: The tactician is a skilled strategist, able to account for enemy weakness, tactical advantage, battlefield terrain, and more. They utilize these skills both in and out of combat.
Foci: Bodyguard
A bodyguard chooses a singular person to protect. They are skilled, dedicated fighters who have pledged themselves to the safety of another, mastering whatever techniques they have to in order to keep their target safe. While their weapon choice and fighting style might vary, a bodyguard’s first priority is always going to be the defense of their party. Bodyguards are fiercely loyal, and never stray far from the person to whom they have dedicated their sword.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
My Arm is Yours: When defending an ally or anyone other than themselves, the bodyguard’s attack and defense are doubled.
Always There: The bodyguard steps into the path of a blow intended for an ally, almost seeming to teleport into the space in order to avert the strike.
Stalwart Defender: Through sheer willpower, the bodyguard creates a temporary shield around an ally, increasing their guard.
Get Over Here: The bodyguard physically hauls an enemy towards themselves, and away from their allies.
Danger Sense: A good bodyguard is always alert to danger. They can sense when hostile eyes fall on the party.
Foci: Beast Tamer
Warriors who have bonded, heart and soul, with an animal companion. They dive into battle together, possessing an almost uncanny connection that is intensely private and personal to each pairing. They may only bond with one animal at a time, but the strength of that bond is unparalleled. The mabari warriors of Ferelden would fall under this aegis, as would the griffon riders of the Aerial Protectorate.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Animal Bond: The beast tamer has partnered with a particular creature.
Two as One: Partners for life, the warrior and their animal companion fight in tandem, taking direction and cues from one another.
Summon Creature: The warrior is able to summon additional allies of the same type as their animal companion for the duration of a battle or quest.
Animal Empathy: The beast tamer is in tune with their companion, and is able to communicate with them in a rudimentary way.
Enhanced Senses: Their bond with their companion has made the warrior a bit more beast-like themselves. Their eyesight, hearing, and scent detection are more sensitive than normal.
05-19-2023, 08:50 AM
Archetype: Champion
The heroes of legend, the noble knights of tale and deed. Champions are impressive and showy, but no less skilled for their (perceived) arrogance. They are often considered the peak of their respective fighting styles.
Foci: Paladin
Paladins are warriors who believe that they are blessed by a higher power. Whether this is true or not does not matter, as it is what they firmly hold as fact. These characters are highly religious and faith-driven. They're adeptly skilled and believe they are the hand of justice, living proof of their god(s) power on Thedas. Ex-Templars would most likely fall into this field. Unlike regular Templars, however, the Paladins’ abilities are not dependent on lyrium - their weapons’ are imbued with enchantments or blessings that come directly from their god(s) - or so the Paladin believes.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Holy Sword: The Paladin’s weapons are imbued with their faith. Their weapons never need maintenance, and will never break.
Smite: Each of the paladin's melee hits against an enemy spellcaster drains their mana.
Divine Protection: The paladin draws on their faith to improve their defense.
Cleanse: The paladin purges the area of magic, removing all dispellable effects from those nearby.
Righteous Flame: The paladin strikes out with righteous fire drawn directly from their god(s), inflicting spirit damage on the target and other nearby enemies. All enemies are stunned for a short while after this attack.
Foci: Weapon Master
The weapons' master is generally able to pick up and use any weapon, as if they simply have an innate well of knowledge on how to use everything they touch. In reality, they've worked for years of their life to learn to use a variety of weapons, so that battle can never surprise them. They are extremely adaptable and versatile, though some people joke that a weapon master is nothing more than a ‘walking armory’.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Jack of All Weapons: The weapon master is able to use any weapon. Ever. Any weapon they choose to wield feels at home in their hand.
Up My Sleeve: The weapon master is never unarmed. They can stash weapons in…well. Let’s just say that they’re never unarmed.
Quickdraw: The character can change weapons on the fly, seamlessly switching from one to another.
Disarm: The weapon master knows how to use your sword better than you do. Here, they’ll show you.
Improvised Assault: Even things that aren't meant to be weapons are deadly in the weapons’ master’s hand.
Foci: Chevalier
Nobles who uphold a strict code of honor in battle. The Chevaliers of Orlais would fall into this foci, but it is not restricted only to them. Any soldier who strictly upholds the customs and courtesies of their upbringing might be considered a chevalier, with all of the noblesse oblige that such entails. They often have the finest weapons and armor, and are given a good deal of consideration due to their noble status.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Unshakable Resolve: A Chevalier’s defining trait is their confidence in combat; though they may not be fearless.
Off-putting Display: Chevaliers use flashy techniques with an impressive display of skill to catch their opponents off-guard.
Vivacity: Chevalier’s words are just as deadly as their weapon. They’re known for trying to break the confidence of their opponent down with biting insults.
Finesse Step: Chevaliers are experts at dodging attacks, though to retain the speed and dexterity needed for this, they tend not to wear armor. Chevaliers often dress high-class.
Valor: Chevaliers are always watching out for their allies, and have the ability to make saving throws with a throwing weapon (such as a spear), to deal damage or paralyze/stun their opponent.
Foci: Rune Lord
Champions who have harnessed mystical abilities, they come in a range of specializations. In all cases, while these characters may not have magic, they have found ways to mimic or imbue it into their weapons and/or body.
Within this foci fall the following abilities:
Rune Mastery: Able to call upon the elemental power of imbued runes. They use these runes during battle to create temporary elemental changes to their weapons or the weapons of the people in their party.
Mimic Knight: These particular champions have imbued the palms of their hands with magical tattoos. This allows this champion to mimic the magic of a mage, even if they are without magic themselves.
Spirit Aid: These champions have taken on a spirit that has granted them the ability to use small amounts of magic with that spirit’s help. Because the knight is not equipped to deal with magic, their power is extremely weak and cannot be held for long.
Lyrium Echo: Able to summon duplicates of themselves using an intricate series of lyrium tattoos that they have received over the course of their lives.
Magic Resistance: Because of their familiarity and limited use of magic, these characters are able to resist a portion of the damage from malicious magics.
