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#1 dedonas Jun 08, 2009 22:28:39

I also posted another thread on this on the Paragon Paths board. This is my take on the bladesinger. Some things to note: As I created this paragon path, I relied heavily on the fluff (and intent) of the original kit in the 2nd ed. Complete Book of Elves. The "main" design ideas are that bladesingers are very accomplished fighters with their swords, they are good at both defending themselves against attacks (while remaining lightly armored) and they are capable of making accurate melee attacks (but not necessarily causing massive amounts of damage with each attack). Although the original kit (and the 3rd edition prestige class) were based on a fighter/wizard (not always, but for the most part) and these would be defender/controller characters, I wanted the paragon path to feel more like a striker in terms of being lightly armored and moving around a lot. It is worth noting that the MM2 version is a skirmisher. For the requirements, I feel that it is important to keep this for Eladrin only. I know that the original was for Elves, but in 4e Eladrin have taken over the "high/grey elves" of past editions. I know that in 3e half elves and drow were allowed to take the prestige class, but in the 2e fluff, this was explicitly forbidden and I agree with this decision. Since swordmages are probably the closest thing we currently have to an official bladesinger, I wanted the paragon path to be especially attractive to swordmages, but I felt it should be open to bards and wizards as well. Warlocks, artificers, and sorcerors didn't really seem to fit and those classes would not get as much benefit from the paragon path as the majority of it is based on INT. For the features, I "stole" powers from the Kensai (since it is a single weapon master) and the Coronal Guard from FRPG since these seemed closest to the flavor I wanted. Note on the powers: all of the powers rely on wielding a blade in a single hand. Some people have mentioned two weapon wielding bladesingers, but I believe they are incorrect and the use of a single weapon is pretty well documented. Also, the original kit relied quite a bit on Dex. This was due both to the descriptions of graceful attacks, but also because that was the only way to survive with light armor in earlier editions. Since in 4e, there is usually very little need for high int and dex, I only gave a slight nod to a need for higher than average dex by making it the secondary ability for the stance. I realize the paragon path may not be perfect, but it was thought out. Again, as I have said on other threads, I welcome Wizards to come out with an "official" version. But until then, please consider my version and let me know what you think. If you see areas for improvement please let me know. Also, I wrote a bladesong feat (to represent the training that was available to non bladesingers in 2nd eds Complete Book of Elves). Please look at it as well. Bladesinger “My tutelage at the Spiral Tower has helped me take my mastery of spell, blade and music to a new level of art. With this art, I will seek out the foes of the Eladrin and eliminate them!” Prerequisites: Eladrin, Member of an arcane class (Swordmage, Wizard, or Bard) Of all the roving elves, few are as deadly as the Bladesinger. They are the masters of their weapons and have spent their lives in the study of their chosen weapon. They have also learned to cast spells while engaged in combat, thus they double their might. While some characters may stay at home and defend the Eladrin way, Bladesingers go out and actively promote it. They do this by seeking out their races foes and eliminating them, either through words or actions. Acting as both diplomats and one-eladrin armies, they insure the safety of the Eladrin race. The poised steps of the bladesong (the act of attack by a Bladesinger) not only reveals the Bladesinger to be a creature of beauty even during battle, but the steps also carry him into advantageous positions for either offense or defense. He can instinctively grasp the flow of battle around him, and his feet will carry him through the intricate maneuvers necessary to optimize his attack. Those who practice the bladesong appear as if they are dancing when they fight. Their movements seem misleadingly slow and elegant, deflecting opponents' blades while lazily drifting back to score hits themselves. The technique requires, above all, misdirection and subtly. The bladesingers do not believe in smashing blows or strong and crushing offense, but rather in guiding their opponents to anticipate a different attack entirely, thus overbalancing the foe and making him seem clumsy. BLADESINGER FEATURES Bladesinger Focus (11th level): You gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls with a sword used in one hand. Bladesong Action (11th level): When you spend an action point to take another action, you also gain a +2 bonus to all defenses until the start of your next turn. Improved Bladesinger Armor (16th level): While wearing light armor (or no armor) and using a light blade or heavy blade in one hand, you receive a +1 bonus to AC. BLADESINGER SPELLS Spellsong Strike, Bladesinger Attack 11 As you sing to maintain your mental focus, your expert strikes make it difficult for your enemy to counterattack you successfully. Encounter – Arcane, Radiant, Weapon Standard Action; Melee Weapon Requirement: You must be wielding a light blade or a heavy blade in one hand (and nothing in the other). Target: One creature Attack: Intelligence vs. Reflex Hit: 2[W] + Intelligence modifier Radiant damage. Make a secondary attack against the target. Secondary Attack: Intelligence vs. Will Hit: The target takes a -3 penalty on attack rolls against you until the end of your next turn, and this power is not expended. Song of Celerity, Bladesinger Utility 12 While singing a haunting wordless tune, your feet carry you to the most advantageous position for either offense or defense. Encounter - Arcane, Stance Requirement: You must be wielding a light blade or a heavy blade in one hand (and nothing in the other). Move Action; Personal Effect: While this stance is in effect, you may shift a number of squares equal to your Dexterity modifier (minimum of 1) before and after taking a standard action. Song of Fury Attack 20 Your Bladesong reaches a fevered pitch and you whirl through your enemies with deadly capability. Daily – Arcane, Radiant, Weapon Standard Action; Melee weapon Requirement: You must be wielding a light blade or a heavy blade in one hand (and nothing in the other). Primary Target: One creature Attack: Intelligence vs. AC Hit: 2[W] + Intelligence modifier radiant damage. Miss: Half damage. Effect: You can shift 3 squares and repeat the attack against a second target. You can then shift 3 squares and repeat the attack against a third target. New Feat: Bladesong Prerequisite: Eladrin Benefit: Gain a +1 shield bonus to AC and Reflex when wielding a sword in one hand and no weapon (or shield) in the other. You must be wearing light armor or no armor to receive this benefit. This Bonus increases to +2 at 11th level, and +3 at 21st level.