Tactician's Oath [Archive] - Wizards Community

Tactician's Oath [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Master_Vega
09-28-07, 10:08 PM I'm very seriously considering adding a guild of Fire Emblem-inspired tacticians to a world Lady_Lindis and I created (the one her half-drow story takes place in). I'm not stepping on her toes -I've talked to her her about this idea and she likes it- so please don't worry about that. :P
The tacticians will be psions and mages with the ability to see an entire battlefield, and telepathically communicate with their comrades/troops.
Before the final decision to add them is made, though, I need to create mechanics and flavor for the tacticians. Currently I simply have a Tactician's Oath feat similar to the Vow of Peace feat from BoED, but I'm contemplating making a prestige class out of it instead.
I wrote this oath up last night, and have been making edits to it since this morning; hopefully I haven't missed any huge errors. :P

Alumni: I am an alumni of (name), school of tacticians.
In merging myself with the great magic of Fydarus Aldain,
I take this oath to heart that I may be granted the powers and knowledge of the tactician.
I will not directly inflict harm by my body, magic, or psionic talents on those whose minds I can read, nor will I touch weapons or wield a tool to hurt unless I am attacked by the aforementioned exception.
I will not pray on those who follow me.
I will not invade the mind of a defenseless being, and will only enter their thoughts with permission.
I will not touch weapons, or wield a tool to do harm, unless it is combat one whose mind.
All of this said, I will not let the anti-tacticians destroy this beacon of intellect,
Nor will I allow them to destroy myself or those around or in service to me.
I will vanquish the murderers, the jealous ones who would abuse Fydarus Aldain,
regardless of the ways of the people around me.
I will be a boon to my comrades and employers,
and a curse to the ones who threaten them.
I will bring glory to (name) and it's followers, and keep the tactician's reputation honorable,
that my fellow student may more easily prosper.

Initiator: *while performing the rite of merging* Your power is now joined with Fydarus Aldain.
Go forward and demonstrate to this world what an asset you can be.
Be an example for those who will become like you,
and bring glory (need a different word) to our humble school.
Rise and state your new title, tactician of (name.)

Alumni, now a full-fledged tactician: I am a tactician of (name), and a wielder of Fyrdarus Aldain.

Initiator: Welcome, my (brother or sister depending on the alumni), to our ranks. May your campaigns be successful,
and your comrades be many.

Alumni: May yours be the same. (Alumni turns to the tacticians and bows, then to the students to receive applause.)

Questions:

1. How is it? How can it be improved?

2. Does it sound neutral, or lawful? The tactician characters Lindis and I have already 'created' (fluff only thus far) are Neutral Good and it makes sense for them to be such, so I don't want them to seem inconsistent with the oath.

3. Do you think this oath should be a feat, or a code of conduct for a Tactician class?

4. What's a good name for the tactician's school?

Note: the reason the Tacticians my not directly harm anyone they can read is because their passive mind-reading ability makes them nigh-untouchable (nice-sized insight bonus to AC).

Another note: the Fydarus Aldain is a powerful and semi-conscious magic entity, probably lawful by nature, that the tacticians merge with to amplify their powers of insight. If a tactician breaks the Oath, he/she is severed from Fydarus Aldain until he/she atones for whatever offense caused the severing.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: This class/society may or may not be in Lindis' story. I'm making it for a game we're running in the setting.
JulesCARV
10-06-07, 04:18 AM 1. It seems okay, overall.

2. Overall, in alignment terms, it seems to depend on who these tacticians work for. Are they mercenaries who work for the highest bidder? Are they trained to work for some coalition of good states? I could see tacticians of all alignments (including neutral good) obeying that code, but overall, it seems to be lawful neutral. Depending on nuances, though, it could be neutral good.

3. I'd go with a code of conduct for the tactician class, myself.

4. Arthanduille War College? I dunno.
Master_Vega
10-06-07, 11:56 AM 1. It seems okay, overall.
Thanks. Anything I can do to make it less corny/cooler?

2. Overall, in alignment terms, it seems to depend on who these tacticians work for. Are they mercenaries who work for the highest bidder? Are they trained to work for some coalition of good states? I could see tacticians of all alignments (including neutral good) obeying that code, but overall, it seems to be lawful neutral. Depending on nuances, though, it could be neutral good.
I guess the school could be lawful neutral. They tend to be against the slaughtering the innocent thing, but only because that would tarnish their reputation as honorable mercenaries. The tactician characters that we've started are neutral good, as I already said, and have managed to dodge out of the dirtier jobs available. They'll run an assassination, but only if said assassination would be just (the sucker's an evil tyrant or something) and have good results (it has a positive effect on society.)

3. I'd go with a code of conduct for the tactician class, myself. Yeah, I'm leaning towards that now.

4. Arthanduille War College? I dunno.
Sounds good. I might go with that. :P

Thanks again!
Dead_Weasel
10-08-07, 05:00 AM The vow of peace/non-involvement section makes me want to skirt Tactician as a title. Perhaps Observer, Director, or a similarly "neutral" title would be more appropriate? Since it seems to me that the average Tactician would feel the need to indicate that her involvement in the conflict was (from her moral point of view) fairly indirect?

1. Interesting take on adaption to a world with supernatural perceptions/communications.
2. Lawful Neutral sounds right to me.
3. It seems right. Obviously a different code of conduct from paladins, but nonetheless, a code of conduct of some kind would establish that there are then "rogue" Tacticians - who have either connected with some particular group's cause or simply abandoned some part of their oaths.
4. JulesCARV's is reasonable enough fantasy name. In line with my opening suggestion, though - perhaps the "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression"? A title that flaunts the Tacticians' superior intellect (real or imagined) seems to fit well to me.

Immediately it becomes clear to me that I have constructed my own view of the Tacticians and their college, without any hard data on their motives, obligations, ideals or history. If nothing else, that should indicate to you that you have a compelling base to work off of.
Master_Vega
10-08-07, 12:15 PM The vow of peace/non-involvement section makes me want to skirt Tactician as a title. Perhaps Observer, Director, or a similarly "neutral" title would be more appropriate? Since it seems to me that the average Tactician would feel the need to indicate that her involvement in the conflict was (from her moral point of view) fairly indirect?
Perhaps... What I meant by not directly harming was that the tacticians may not punch, kick, stab, slash, blast, fry, etc... opponents. They certainly do help their allies do all the aforementioned forms of harm, though.
*shrugs* Maybe you're right, though. I'll think about it. :P

1. Interesting take on adaption to a world with supernatural perceptions/communications.
2. Lawful Neutral sounds right to me.
3. It seems right. Obviously a different code of conduct from paladins, but nonetheless, a code of conduct of some kind would establish that there are then "rogue" Tacticians - who have either connected with some particular group's cause or simply abandoned some part of their oaths.
I suppose when I write up the class I'll have to make one for rogue tacticians, then. Thanks!
4. JulesCARV's is reasonable enough fantasy name. In line with my opening suggestion, though - perhaps the "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression"? A title that flaunts the Tacticians' superior intellect (real or imagined) seems to fit well to me.
Heheheheh, that's a funny image. I think that I'll go with your idea, or merge the two in some way "Arthanduille, College of Peace and Through the Conclusion of Aggression."

Immediately it becomes clear to me that I have constructed my own view of the Tacticians and their college, without any hard data on their motives, obligations, ideals or history. If nothing else, that should indicate to you that you have a compelling base to work off of.

Wow, thanks! I'll have to start writing more about them than they're oath. :P I'll try and get on that later today.
JulesCARV
10-08-07, 12:51 PM Personally, I think the Orwellian euphemism of "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression" sorta goes against the "honorable good guys" image you seem to be going for, although it does add an interesting twist.
Master_Vega
10-08-07, 01:21 PM Point taken... :P I'll discuss it with Lin and see what she thinks. *passes buck*
Dead_Weasel
10-08-07, 01:31 PM Heheheheh, that's a funny image. I think that I'll go with your idea, or merge the two in some way "Arthanduille, College of Peace and Through the Conclusion of Aggression."Pretty appropriate - place names, building names, building titles... a place lots of people think is important is a place that you can always make another Knowledge check about (ex. Rivendell, House of Elrond, Refuge of the Elves, blah, blah, blah...).Personally, I think the Orwellian euphemism of "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression" sorta goes against the "honorable good guys" image you seem to be going for, although it does add an interesting twist.Shhh, stop letting people know that I am less creative than I like to seem.

Seriously though, I meant to cast it more as a task to be fulfilled, rather than pure arrogance - the Tacticians see their role as doing and/or encouraging ____, so they named the place where the learn to do it ____. The people who view the Tacticians with... less esteem... are the ones who will say the name sarcastically.
LadyLindis
10-08-07, 01:32 PM Thanks to everyone for so many helpful responses. ^_^

Anyhoo, I think the "Peace and Through the Conclusion of Aggression" name is a little...soft to be the title of the actual college, but it would make an excellent name for a department within.

And, for clarification; the drow story I'm still working on is either in the future or past of this particular world so it won't conflict with this, or any other campagin within this setting.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Master_Vega 09-28-07, 10:08 PM	I'm very seriously considering adding a guild of Fire Emblem-inspired tacticians to a world Lady_Lindis and I created (the one her half-drow story takes place in). I'm not stepping on her toes -I've talked to her her about this idea and she likes it- so please don't worry about that. :P The tacticians will be psions and mages with the ability to see an entire battlefield, and telepathically communicate with their comrades/troops. Before the final decision to add them is made, though, I need to create mechanics and flavor for the tacticians. Currently I simply have a Tactician's Oath feat similar to the Vow of Peace feat from BoED, but I'm contemplating making a prestige class out of it instead. I wrote this oath up last night, and have been making edits to it since this morning; hopefully I haven't missed any huge errors. :P Alumni: I am an alumni of (name), school of tacticians. In merging myself with the great magic of Fydarus Aldain, I take this oath to heart that I may be granted the powers and knowledge of the tactician. I will not directly inflict harm by my body, magic, or psionic talents on those whose minds I can read, nor will I touch weapons or wield a tool to hurt unless I am attacked by the aforementioned exception. I will not pray on those who follow me. I will not invade the mind of a defenseless being, and will only enter their thoughts with permission. I will not touch weapons, or wield a tool to do harm, unless it is combat one whose mind. All of this said, I will not let the anti-tacticians destroy this beacon of intellect, Nor will I allow them to destroy myself or those around or in service to me. I will vanquish the murderers, the jealous ones who would abuse Fydarus Aldain, regardless of the ways of the people around me. I will be a boon to my comrades and employers, and a curse to the ones who threaten them. I will bring glory to (name) and it's followers, and keep the tactician's reputation honorable, that my fellow student may more easily prosper. Initiator: while performing the rite of merging Your power is now joined with Fydarus Aldain. Go forward and demonstrate to this world what an asset you can be. Be an example for those who will become like you, and bring glory (need a different word) to our humble school. Rise and state your new title, tactician of (name.) Alumni, now a full-fledged tactician: I am a tactician of (name), and a wielder of Fyrdarus Aldain. Initiator: Welcome, my (brother or sister depending on the alumni), to our ranks. May your campaigns be successful, and your comrades be many. Alumni: May yours be the same. (Alumni turns to the tacticians and bows, then to the students to receive applause.) Questions: 1. How is it? How can it be improved? 2. Does it sound neutral, or lawful? The tactician characters Lindis and I have already 'created' (fluff only thus far) are Neutral Good and it makes sense for them to be such, so I don't want them to seem inconsistent with the oath. 3. Do you think this oath should be a feat, or a code of conduct for a Tactician class? 4. What's a good name for the tactician's school? Note: the reason the Tacticians my not directly harm anyone they can read is because their passive mind-reading ability makes them nigh-untouchable (nice-sized insight bonus to AC). Another note: the Fydarus Aldain is a powerful and semi-conscious magic entity, probably lawful by nature, that the tacticians merge with to amplify their powers of insight. If a tactician breaks the Oath, he/she is severed from Fydarus Aldain until he/she atones for whatever offense caused the severing. Thanks in advance! Edit: This class/society may or may not be in Lindis' story. I'm making it for a game we're running in the setting.
JulesCARV 10-06-07, 04:18 AM	1. It seems okay, overall. 2. Overall, in alignment terms, it seems to depend on who these tacticians work for. Are they mercenaries who work for the highest bidder? Are they trained to work for some coalition of good states? I could see tacticians of all alignments (including neutral good) obeying that code, but overall, it seems to be lawful neutral. Depending on nuances, though, it could be neutral good. 3. I'd go with a code of conduct for the tactician class, myself. 4. Arthanduille War College? I dunno.
Master_Vega 10-06-07, 11:56 AM	1. It seems okay, overall. Thanks. Anything I can do to make it less corny/cooler? 2. Overall, in alignment terms, it seems to depend on who these tacticians work for. Are they mercenaries who work for the highest bidder? Are they trained to work for some coalition of good states? I could see tacticians of all alignments (including neutral good) obeying that code, but overall, it seems to be lawful neutral. Depending on nuances, though, it could be neutral good. I guess the school could be lawful neutral. They tend to be against the slaughtering the innocent thing, but only because that would tarnish their reputation as honorable mercenaries. The tactician characters that we've started are neutral good, as I already said, and have managed to dodge out of the dirtier jobs available. They'll run an assassination, but only if said assassination would be just (the sucker's an evil tyrant or something) and have good results (it has a positive effect on society.) 3. I'd go with a code of conduct for the tactician class, myself. Yeah, I'm leaning towards that now. 4. Arthanduille War College? I dunno. Sounds good. I might go with that. :P Thanks again!
Dead_Weasel 10-08-07, 05:00 AM	The vow of peace/non-involvement section makes me want to skirt Tactician as a title. Perhaps Observer, Director, or a similarly "neutral" title would be more appropriate? Since it seems to me that the average Tactician would feel the need to indicate that her involvement in the conflict was (from her moral point of view) fairly indirect? 1. Interesting take on adaption to a world with supernatural perceptions/communications. 2. Lawful Neutral sounds right to me. 3. It seems right. Obviously a different code of conduct from paladins, but nonetheless, a code of conduct of some kind would establish that there are then "rogue" Tacticians - who have either connected with some particular group's cause or simply abandoned some part of their oaths. 4. JulesCARV's is reasonable enough fantasy name. In line with my opening suggestion, though - perhaps the "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression"? A title that flaunts the Tacticians' superior intellect (real or imagined) seems to fit well to me. Immediately it becomes clear to me that I have constructed my own view of the Tacticians and their college, without any hard data on their motives, obligations, ideals or history. If nothing else, that should indicate to you that you have a compelling base to work off of.
Master_Vega 10-08-07, 12:15 PM	The vow of peace/non-involvement section makes me want to skirt Tactician as a title. Perhaps Observer, Director, or a similarly "neutral" title would be more appropriate? Since it seems to me that the average Tactician would feel the need to indicate that her involvement in the conflict was (from her moral point of view) fairly indirect? Perhaps... What I meant by not directly harming was that the tacticians may not punch, kick, stab, slash, blast, fry, etc... opponents. They certainly do help their allies do all the aforementioned forms of harm, though. shrugs Maybe you're right, though. I'll think about it. :P 1. Interesting take on adaption to a world with supernatural perceptions/communications. 2. Lawful Neutral sounds right to me. 3. It seems right. Obviously a different code of conduct from paladins, but nonetheless, a code of conduct of some kind would establish that there are then "rogue" Tacticians - who have either connected with some particular group's cause or simply abandoned some part of their oaths. I suppose when I write up the class I'll have to make one for rogue tacticians, then. Thanks! 4. JulesCARV's is reasonable enough fantasy name. In line with my opening suggestion, though - perhaps the "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression"? A title that flaunts the Tacticians' superior intellect (real or imagined) seems to fit well to me. Heheheheh, that's a funny image. I think that I'll go with your idea, or merge the two in some way "Arthanduille, College of Peace and Through the Conclusion of Aggression." Immediately it becomes clear to me that I have constructed my own view of the Tacticians and their college, without any hard data on their motives, obligations, ideals or history. If nothing else, that should indicate to you that you have a compelling base to work off of. Wow, thanks! I'll have to start writing more about them than they're oath. :P I'll try and get on that later today.
JulesCARV 10-08-07, 12:51 PM	Personally, I think the Orwellian euphemism of "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression" sorta goes against the "honorable good guys" image you seem to be going for, although it does add an interesting twist.
Master_Vega 10-08-07, 01:21 PM	Point taken... :P I'll discuss it with Lin and see what she thinks. passes buck
Dead_Weasel 10-08-07, 01:31 PM	Heheheheh, that's a funny image. I think that I'll go with your idea, or merge the two in some way "Arthanduille, College of Peace and Through the Conclusion of Aggression."Pretty appropriate - place names, building names, building titles... a place lots of people think is important is a place that you can always make another Knowledge check about (ex. Rivendell, House of Elrond, Refuge of the Elves, blah, blah, blah...).Personally, I think the Orwellian euphemism of "College of Peace through the Conclusion of Aggression" sorta goes against the "honorable good guys" image you seem to be going for, although it does add an interesting twist.Shhh, stop letting people know that I am less creative than I like to seem. Seriously though, I meant to cast it more as a task to be fulfilled, rather than pure arrogance - the Tacticians see their role as doing and/or encouraging ____, so they named the place where the learn to do it ____. The people who view the Tacticians with... less esteem... are the ones who will say the name sarcastically.
LadyLindis 10-08-07, 01:32 PM	Thanks to everyone for so many helpful responses. ^_^ Anyhoo, I think the "Peace and Through the Conclusion of Aggression" name is a little...soft to be the title of the actual college, but it would make an excellent name for a department within. And, for clarification; the drow story I'm still working on is either in the future or past of this particular world so it won't conflict with this, or any other campagin within this setting.