Overview: There are those who follow codes of conduct, wrought by god, teacher or kingdom. Each code differs from the others. The Code of Pendrakken Knighthood and its ilk commands courtesy to nobility and commoner. Those that follow the savage Codes of the Jotunbrud or the Firbolg allow only dignity to the strong. There are Codes writ, as Code of Dammerung, that call for ultimate loyalty to the King-Priest. The followers of the Code of Kali-Ishtar allow for no mortal to be above their goddess.
But for each Code, there are Champions – those that have taken the code to their very heart, as their very soul.
All Champions believe that when one strives for an ideal, when one strives for something above and beyond their own flesh and blood and bones, they become more than what they are.
Thus are the Champion and the Code one.
As the Code is infallible, so too must a Champion be without fail.
As the Code is unbreachable, so too must a Champion be without dishonor.
And as the Code is indestructible, so too can a Champion be without defeat.
Role-playing Notes: Honor and glory -- these are bread and butter to a Champion. You are bound by a code of conduct that is as unbending as steel.
Act honorably- as your code professes.
Act justly- as your code dictates.
But let no Man think you their lesser for following a code that is greater than all Men. They might call you a Knight, a Bushi, a Cavalier or a Kshatrya. You might fight for honor or for clan, for god or for king, but know this: as the code is your armor, so too is it your hammer. Smite your enemies, defend your friends and advance your ideals! For honor and for glory!
SUB-CLASS FEATURES: A first level Champion automatically receives the following abilities at no cost to build:
-COMRADE-IN-ARMS
A Champion gains the Comrade-in-Arms skill. In addition, those he declares as his comrade-in-arms do not count his favor as a latent effect.
-WATCHFUL INTERCEPTOR
The Champion gains either the Parry feat or the Block feat (his choice). He can use either feat to negate attacks against a comrade-in-arms within weapon reach. Within 5 seconds after his comrade is attacked, he touches his ally with his weapon and invokes an “Intercept Parry” or “Intercept Block” to negate the attack.
The following Sub-class features can only be gained when the Character reaches the required level and has learned the required feats, skills and/or spells.
Level 2: Smite the Unjust
Requires: Critical Strike
Once per period, a Champion may invoke this ability and deliver a melee attack that delivers regular melee damage +10. At level 10, a smite deals 15 points of damage. You can only smite those who are enemies of the cause you champion or those who have directly attacked your Comrades-in-arms.
For example: A Champion of the God Valder uses Smite the Unjust only on Giants and Giant-minions while a Champion of King-Priest Siegfried Gotthammer uses Smite the Unjust only on outlaws, rogue undead and demons. A Champion of the Obsidian Kingdom or Arcturus Pendrakken uses Smite the Unjust only on outlaws, oathbreakers and the enemies of his Lord.
Level 4: Righteous Retribution
Requires: Critical Strike feat and the Block feat or the Parry feat
Whenever a Champion uses his Watchful Interceptor ability to parry or block an attack meant for an ally, he gains the ability to invoke an expert Critical Strike. Alternatively, he can may invoke an “expert knockback 10” if he has already learned the Knock Back feat.
Level 6: For Honor and Glory!
Requires: Requires Challenging Strike
Once per period, he may imbue the Critical Strike feat or Challenging Strike with the Whirlwind effect, thereby inflicting all within melee reach with injury to their bodies or their pride.
Level 8: Shield of Honor
Requires: Intervene feat
The Champion may use the intervene ability upon one of his comrade-in-arms at no SP cost. If he uses Shield of Honor to protect against a melee strike, he can invoke an expert Critical Strike upon the aggressor, or an “expert Knockback” if he has learned the Knock Back feat. He has to use either feat before 10 seconds have passed since the use of Watchful Interceptor.
Level 10: Honorable Warriors Never Fall
Requires: Courage, Persistence, Resilience and Willpower
Once per moon, a Champion can rise up 1 minute after his HP total falls to zero or below. When he rises again, he is at full HP and SP but any AP he might have remains depleted.