User:Entropy/SM

=Swordmaster= "The path of the blade is lonely and harsh, only walked by the most noble and strongest of warriors. It is a way of honor with sacrifice, chivalry with aloofness, and connectedness with isolation."

Intro
Swordmasters may not be as resilient as Warriors, having only 70 armor, but like the Assassin they rely on speed and cunning to finish off the foes with quick brutal strikes. After all, why waste time and effort with many blows when a single quality hit will suffice? Swordmasters excel in maximizing the efficiency of each blow, getting the most damage possible for the least amount of effort. Some would even call it an art form - deadly duels between Swordmasters could be better described as an elegant dance of blades.

Attributes
There are four primary Attributes for Swordmasters.


 * Combat Analysis is the primary Attribute. It increases one's battle awareness and perception, being able to sense the subtle flow of combat as if time itself slows down. True masters can sense a hit even before the opponent considers taking the action. Combat Analysis also helps the Swordmaster to spot weaknesses in the opponent's defenses and strike accordingly, raising critical hits and the potency of additional effects such as bonus damage.
 * Bushido is a secondary Attribute. This offensive skill line focuses primarily on skills that deal direct damage and otherwise harm the opponent. While many of these focus on various ways to use the sword, there are also a few spells and more esoteric methods. Bushido increases the effectiveness of all weapons, although only Swords receive the full and substantial bonus.
 * Ki Mastery is a secondary Attribute. This defensive skill line focuses primarily on skills that prevent, nullify, reduce, and otherwise negate damage. Many of these are spells and stances, though sometimes they involve the use of the blade as well. Ki Mastery increases the effectiveness of all spells, although only Swordmasters receive the full and substantial bonus.
 * Field Tech is a secondary Attribute. These mostly contain miscellaneous skills that are buffs, utility, self-healing, command (of party members), etc. Combat Analysis benefits slightly from points specced into Field Tech.

Equipment, Specs

 * The weapon of choice for the Swordmaster is the Katana, a two-handed swordlike weapon. Although a true Swordmaster can wield all types of weapons, especially Warrior Swords with ease, their skills and attributes almost exclusively rely on the Katana, so using something else will not be nearly as effective. Notably, Swordmasters actually receive a penalty from wielding Shields.
 * The armor of choice for the Swordmaster is light but durable stuff, no heavy platemail or stuff like that. Although each piece individually would seem to have less armor protection than your typical Assassin or Ranger gear, even the most novice Swordmaster has learned to soften blows by moving with the force instead of against it. Thus, what at first would pass for caster garments gains a slight edge due to the wearer. Swordmasters have a max of 70 armor, which is on par with Rangers against non-elemental damage. This can be increased by the application of the appropriate insignias, of course. Swordmaster Insignias tend to focus more on overall effectiveness rather than specializing in one attribute or being highly conditional.
 * Swordmasters have an inherent 500 (480 + inherent armor bonus) Health and 30 (20 + inherent armor bonus) Energy, with three pips of Energy regeneration.