Warrior

Warrior

Whether a hulking brute or an artful fencer, a raging berserker or a keen strategist, a warrior is first and foremost someone who gives battle. Some fight alone and some lead others; some rely on skill and some on power, but all devote their lives to warfare.

Warrior skills aren’t neatly grouped in skill paths like the other archetypes, but more of a selection of skills to suit different fighting styles: use of the call Strength; attacks to disarm, daze or pierce armour; terrible blows with long weapons; stalwart defence with a shield; berserk rage. Warriors can also build their bodies up to take more punishment and learn to make better use of armour. Generals can make inspiring speeches and learn keen tactical acumen.

Advice for Warrior Characters

No warrior would be without some weapon skills, of course; and it’s advisable to supplement the basic skill with some of the special attacks in the below list, such as Disarming, Strikedown Blow or Strong Blow. Body Development as a minimum is a must, and most warriors will learn at least Medium Armour. Iron Body, Iron Will and Resist Magic offer defence against magical attacks, given warriors are unable to counter spells in armour.

Blacksmith will give a warrior a keen eye for the quality of their weapons and armour – and the skills to repair them after the battle. Warrior-mages might combine spellcasting skill (with the Armoured Caster skill) with more martial training.

Warrior Skills

Body Development

• Greater Body Development (6 points)
  • Exceptional Body Development (10 points)
• Strong Blow (6 points)
  • Strength req. Greater Body Dev (12 points)
• Carry Others (6 points)
• Disarming (6 points)
• Dirty Fighting (5 points)
  • Confusing Blow (6 points)
  • Piercing Blow (10 points)

Long Weapons

• Strikedown Blow (6 points)
  • Crushing Blow (10 points)

Light Armour)

• Medium Armour (2 points
  • Heavy Armour (2 points)
• Armour Proficiency (6 points)
  • Through Defence (6 points)

Shield

• Sturdy Shield (6 points)
  • Immovable Shield (8 points)

Any Spellcasting skill

• Armoured Caster (8 points)

Sense Magic

• Defend Others (6 points)

Fearlessness

• Immune to Fear (6 points)
  • Maximum of 3 immunities
• Reckless Charge (6 points)
  • Berserker (12 points)

Iron Body

• Immune to Body Effect (6 points)
  • Maximum of 3 immunities

Iron Will

• Inspiration (6 points)
  • Rallying Cry (12 points)

Resist Magic

• Resist Exalted Magic (8 points)

Intuition

• Battlefield Insight (5 points)
  • Strategic Intuition (6 points)

Warrior Study Paths

Like scouts, most warrior pursue further training in their archetype skills, learning to use their skills more often or to greater effect, rather than individual research; but innovative and dedicated warriors will find routes for exploring new powers.

Study paths include the following:

• Strength
• Precision
• Destruction
• Defence
• Berserk
• Leadership
• Magical Warrior

Example Warriors

Berserker (Warrior)

Born in a harsh, dangerous land, the berserker has dedicated their life to a god of war and fury. Let others pray in the temple or the sacred grove – the berserker makes their worship in battle. Heedless of their own safety, they throw themselves at their enemies without reserve.

Skills: Body Development (6), Fearlessness (4), Reckless Charge (6), Two Weapons (3), 1 unspent point

Description: Runes and tattoos around the face and arms; furs and two one-handed axes.

Duellist (Warrior)

The child of a wealthy merchant in a major city, the duellist devoted their life to the study of swordplay. They sneer at warriors trudging under layers of armour and bristling with weapons – the beauty and precision of a simple blade is enough for them. Joining the warband to travel the world, they are always seeking an opponent worthy of them.

Skills: Confusing Blow (6), Dirty Fighting (5), Disarming (6), Light Armour (2), 1 unspent point

Description: Green skin with grey highlights and a single horn; light, fashionable clothes including leather armour and a cape, a single rapier and a dagger.

Monster Slayer (Warrior)

Driven to revenge for loved ones lost to vampires, the monster slayer is an implacable foe of all undead, training to wield both magic and the blade to defeat their terrible quarry – and honing their mind to throw off the vampires’ famed spiritual powers.

Skills: Armour Proficiency (6), Iron Will (3), Light Armour (2), Spiritual Spellcasting (6), Two Weapons (3)

Description: A long scar on the face; rugged, practical clothes with pockets for tools and charms, a prominent holy symbol and a sword and shield.