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		THE BLADESINGER FIGHTER/MAGE KIT
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(This is a modification of the kit presented by T$R in The Complete
Book of Elves)

Of the roving elves, few are as deadly as the Bladesinger. They are
masters of their weapons and have spent their lives in the study of
their chosen weapons. They have also learned to cast spells while
engaged in combat, thus doubling their might.

To be a Bladesinger, a character needs at least a 13 in Strength and
Constitution, as well as a 15 in Dexterity and Intelligence.


SECONDARY SKILLS:
Hunter, Trader/Barterer, Trapper/Furrier


WEAPON PROFICIENCIES:
	The Bladesinger chooses a Weapon of Choice.  This may be any
one-handed weapon, most common are long sword, rapier, broad sword and
sabre.  Bladesinging can not be performed when fighting two-handed so
bastard sword is very rare and two-handed swords are non-existent as
Bladesong-weapons.\\ The Bladesong fighting style requires 2 weapon
slots.


NON-WEAPON PROFICIENCIES
Bonus: 		Blind-Fighting, Dancing;
Recommended: 	Etiquette, Juggling, Singing, 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 APPERANCE
	In addition to being exceptionally graceful in combat, all
Bladesingers are identified by a distinctive tattoo that identifies
him as a member of a specific Bladesinger Guild. This tattoo is
depicting the chosen weapon of the guild through an animal
representation.


SPECIAL BENEFITS
There are 3 special benefits to the Bladesinger kit, as follows:

	The Bladesinger chooses one weapon and practices with it
	extensively.  This shows itself in game terms as +1 to hit 
	and +1 to damage.


	In addition, he may choose one of the following bonuses from
	the Bladesong fighting style: \begin{itemize} 

		+1 to hit, +2 if 3 slots are devoted, OR

		+1 to AC, +2 if 3 slots are devoted, OR

		the fighter may get one parry attack against one front
		or flank attack without wasting any of his ordinary
		attacks. This option is only available after 3 slots
		have been devoted to this style.
	
	After 3 slots he also gets a -1 initiative bonus.


	Bladesingers 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 attack, they can defend themselves with their weapon.
	The defense factor of the Bladesinger is as given under the
	Parry-section in the PH. When casting spells while parrying,
	the casting time of the spell is doubled to reflect the fact
	that he can only use one hand for the somatic components.
	This is the only option available when casting spells.  (i.e.
	he cannot get free parry attack, etc.)


SPECIAL HINDRANCES
	To account for the fact that the Bladesinger is so powerful,
he has several hindrances to balance it all out:

	Being a protector of the elven way of life, a Bladesinger is
	expected to sacrifice his life if needed to save elves in
	trouble, unless this elf is proved to be an enemy of the elven
	community.

	The Bladesinger has -1 to hit with any weapon except his
	chosen weapon. He does get the +1 to hit with bows, but this
	is negated by the above mentioned penalty. This penalty is in
	addition to the -2 for non-proficiency and is also counted for
	when he is using other weapons he is proficient in. For this
	reason, very few Bladesingers ever bother to learn any other
	weapon but their chosen one and perhaps a bow, concentrating
	instead on weapon specialization and unarmed combat.

	Bladesinging is only possible when fighting single-handed, it
	is not possible to Bladesing with two weapons, weapon and
	shield or a two-handed weapon (like a bastard sword et al.).

	As Bladesinging requires minimum hindrance from armor, a
	Bladesinger may not wear any armor heavier than studded
	leather or elven chain.  Chain mail, banded mail and scale
	mail impose a -2 penalty to attack rolls, plate mail imposes a
	-3 penalty and field or full plate impose a -4 penalty to all
	attack rolls while Bladesinging.  Of course, spellcasting in
	any armor except elven chain is prohibited.


WEALTH OPTIONS
	Bladesingers start their adventuring lives with 30-180 gp
(3d6x10), but must purchase their weapon of choice at double the
normal cost.  This reflects the fact that the weapon is ornate and
beautiful. In addition, they must return all but up to 3 gp to their
Bladesinger Guild. Other from this, they may spend their money as they
choose.







 © 1994, Swordhawk Inc.

o
Adne Brunborg}, brunborg@alkymi.unit.no