Spellsword

Spells for enhancing weapons have long been known to those who practice in the arcane aspects of the Al'Noth, however it is more often than not the weapon of another that becomes enhanced. This is not a universal truth, of course, as those who have such interests and are physically capable have combined martial prowess with arcane ability on the field of battle. Among such individuals, a relative few have sought to truly meld both sets of abilities, taking the benefits of both without having to sacrifice for either. Such individuals have become known collectively as Spellswords.

The exact origin of the Spellsword has been lost to history. For those who have sought the origins of such practices, there are several legends and stories that range from plausible to ridiculous, though none of them have more than the barest thread of proof. Some believe a single individual of renown began calling himself “Spellsword”, while others put stock in a forgotten and very old Lucindite sect of “knights” or a small band of mercenaries that all trained themselves in magic and swordplay. Whatever the origin of the name, it is commonly believed that the practices common to Spellswords predated each and every known legend about them.

While the common name for such people implies an affinity toward using a sword, Spellswords are not limited to any particular weapon, and it is a common thing to find all sorts of weapons in the hands of Spellswords. Whether a Spellsword uses a sword of some variety, a staff, mace, dagger or any other sort of melee weapon tends to be a matter of personal preference. The choice of melee weapon is unimportant.

Through practice and training, a Spellsword learns to imbue his weapon with magical energies. This is different than a spell that temporarily enhances a weapon in that the energies flow from the Spellsword and permeate the weapon. A Spellsword's weapon becomes an extension of the Spellsword, and by extension, it becomes a conduit for the Spellsword's power rather than simply a convenient container. To the untrained observer, the end results may seem similar, but to a Spellsword, the difference is profound.

In addition, Spellswords tend to train to fight while armored, as the use of melee weapons necessitates a closer proximity to one's enemies. Similar to how casters may train themselves to cast without moving, a Spellsword learns to cast while in the thick of battle and while wearing armor that may otherwise be too restrictive for the proper delivery of spells.

A Spellsword's abilities come solely from training oneself and practicing repeatedly over time. This is a common aspect of all Spellswords, regardless of whether the Spelllsword has learned or innate magical abilities. It is equally common for a would-be Spellsword to seek training from another Spellsword as it is for one to pursue such a mixing of talents on one's own. Ultimately, the most effective training for a Spellsword involves time and practice.

Because of their particular mixing of seemingly opposite talents, Spellswords are often viewed with disdain and fear, but also awe and respect, depending upon the viewpoint of the observer.


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Abilities:

Bonus Spells:

Spellswords gain one caster level every other level after the first (respectively at 1,3,5,7,9) gaining all benefits of durations and improved spellcasting, but not any other benefits from their spellcasting class.

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