Martial Power 2.pdf

the site as the base for a new money-making organizationofyour own_These aims might lead into skill challenges, andbecause in business it's vital to know whom you cantrust, InSight is a key skill. Diplomacy is important fornegotiating favorable contracts, and Streetwise andThievery can help you stay ahead ofvillains who wouldseek to enrich themselves from your growing coffers_SEEKING FAMEAll heroes seek to perfect their skills_ For many martialcharacters, it's not enough to be the best unlesseveryone knows about it You might want your namerepeated in bards' songs for your own vain satisfaction,or you might desire to prove yourself to doubtersand naysayers_For you, a good minor quest is one that contributesto your legend_ You might hope for a feast or a parade tobe held in your honor, or you could seek an invitation toa prestigious conclave ofadventurers. You will achieveyour goals in tandem with the main quest ofan adventure.When the party defeats the scourge that has beenterrorizing a farm community, yourjob will be to makesure the group receives the credit it deserves. Whenyou eradicate a nest ofvillains, you'll want to make anIntimidate check to be sure that one oftheir lackeysescapes to spread a properly impressive tale.You might attempt skill challenges to persuadeimportant personages to celebrate your legend.Because the tales ofyour accomplishments shou Idalways stretch the limits of believability without goingtoo far, Bluff and InSight are key skills. Acrobaticsand Intimidate can show your audience a little bit ofyour bluster and derring-do, while Diplomacy andStreetwise make sure your tale reaches the right ears.As your fame grows, it can create complicationsthat lead to further adventures. You might need tosquelch malicious rumors spread by a rival, rescue ayoungster who got into trouble trying to emulate yourlegend, or strive to live up to the inflated expectationsofsomeone you can't disappoint without losing face.SEEKING A LEGACYMany martial characters harbor an ambition tocreate something greater than themselves. You mightwant to establish a stronghold for yourself and yourcause, organize a thieves' guild, start a mercenarycompany, open a weapon shop, or found a militaryacademy to pass on your martial lore.At first your minor quests will be individual stepstoward this goal. such as recruiting followers oracquiring a site where you want to build. Diplomacyis a key skill for challenges during this phase, sinceyou have to negotiate a place for your organizationwithin the existing social structure. You must alsoset an example for your followers, working and trainingalongSide them using AthleticS, Endurance, andThievery. Martial practices such as Forge Weapon,Forge Armor, and Master Artisan can help to equipyour followers or start a retail venture, while PeerlessExploration is invaluable for locating a good site for astronghold and patrolling its environs.Once you establish your organization, its growingpains will inspire additional quests, such as discreditingthe slander ofa rival school or making the roadssafe for traders to reach your territory. Although thepossibilities for skill challenges in this phase are aswide as the range ofobstacles that might block yourpath, the History skill will always help you learn fromthe mistakes ofyour predecessors.As you build, expect to pursue this goal in paraJIelwith the party's main quests. Don't fall into the trapofdepriving yourself to pay your organization's bills,and don't expect the organization's income to supportyou unless you have retired from adventuring. Whenthe baron pays your adventuring party a chest full ofgold, you should join the rest ofthe party in using thereward to improve your gear. You can try to gain furthergratitude by making your academy the officialtraining center for the barony's troops, or lending tothe baron the services ofyour master mason.HIRING HELPOnce upon a time, every well-planned expeditioninto the dungeon began with a visit to the nearesttavern to recruit hirelings and henchmen. Althoughthis practice is useful at low levels, its use declines asthe heroes' power outstrips that ofcommon warriors.Mercenary recruits can still be helpful to martialcharacters in certain circumstances, though. Ifyou'relucky, you and your companions will find a treasureso massive that you need help hauling it back toREGA1N1NG EXPL01TSEach martial character does something while resting that light pipes, chew leaves, or swig from wineskins to steadyrenews his or her ability to perform mighty deeds ofarms, their nerves and refresh their courage. A few charactersachievements that wouldn't be possible ifthat individual perhaps dose their eyes and tum Inward to regain theirwere forced to press on. One character might resharpen poise or pull out lucky talismans and kiss them. Somea weapon, honing the edge to better hew through foes. A might offer prayers to the ones they worship, chant invocarangedexpert might sort through ammunition, balancing tions to ward off harm, or meditate on their connectionsarrows or tossing and catching throwing knives to stay to nature, even if they draw upon only the martial powerfamiliar with their centers of gravity_ Other heroes might source in battle.C H A PTE R 5 I Martial Options