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[Epic] Scions of the Endless Falls Rogues' Gallery
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<blockquote data-quote="Kelleris" data-source="post: 1837403" data-attributes="member: 19130"><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Arion Kietsudoku</strong></span></p><p><strong>Male Half-fey/Half-human Bard 23, Ex-assassin 5, Shadowdancer 1</strong></p><p><strong>Alignment:</strong> Chaotic Good</p><p><strong>Patron Deity:</strong> Irreligious</p><p><strong>Region:</strong> Rokugan, Endless Falls</p><p><strong>Height:</strong> 5’ 9”</p><p><strong>Weight:</strong> 147 lbs.</p><p><strong>Hair:</strong> Dirty Blonde</p><p><strong>Eyes:</strong> Vary by season</p><p><strong>Age:</strong> 312 years</p><p></p><p><strong>Str:</strong> 21 (+5) <span style="font-size: 9px">[15 base + 6 enhancement]</span></p><p><strong>Dex:</strong> 28 (+9) <span style="font-size: 9px">[22 base + 6 enhancement]</span></p><p><strong>Con:</strong> 24 (+7) <span style="font-size: 9px">[18 base + 6 enhancement]</span> </p><p><strong>Int:</strong> 34 (+12) <span style="font-size: 9px">[28 base + 6 enhancement]</span> </p><p><strong>Wis:</strong> 7 (–2) <span style="font-size: 9px">[7 base]</span></p><p><strong>Cha:</strong> 29 (+9) <span style="font-size: 9px">[23 base + 6 enhancement]</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Class and Racial Abilities:</strong></span></p><p></p><p><em>Human:</em></p><p>no favored class, additional feat at 1st level, 4 skill points at 1st level and +1 skill point per level thereafter </p><p></p><p><em>Half-fey:</em></p><p>low-light vision, immune to enchantment spells and effects, +2 Dex, +4 Cha, <em>charm person</em> at will, <em>hypnotism</em> 1/day, <em>faerie fire</em> or <em>glitterdust</em> 1/day, <em>detect law</em> 3/day, <em>sleep</em> or <em>enthrall</em> 1/day, <em>protection from law</em> 3/day, <em>Tasha’s hideous laughter</em> or <em>suggestion</em> 1/day, <em>confusion</em> or <em>emotion</em> 1/day, <em>eyebite</em> or <em>lesser geas</em> 1/day, <em>dominate person</em> or <em>hold monster</em> 1/day, <em>mass invisibility</em> 1/day, <em>geas</em> or <em>mass suggestion</em> 1/day, <em>insanity</em> or <em>mass charm</em> 1/day, <em>Otto’s irresistible dance</em> 1/day</p><p></p><p><em>Bard:</em></p><p>bardic knowledge (+47), bardic music 23/day (countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +4, inspire competence, mass suggestion, inspire greatness, song of freedom, and inspire heroics; voice of the ancestors, cathartic joke, gutwrench, twilight of the idols, death of false ideals, yin dance, yang dance [see “<em>sacred scrolls of the Mugenaga clan</em>,” below]), spells</p><p></p><p><em>Ex-assassin:</em></p><p>death attack (DC 29), poison use, improved uncanny dodge, +2 save against poison, 3 fighter bonus feats, spells</p><p></p><p> <em>Shadowdancer:</em></p><p>hide in plain sight</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Hit Dice:</strong> 29d6 + 174</p><p><strong>HP:</strong> 312</p><p><strong>AC:</strong> 46 [55 melee] <span style="font-size: 9px">(10 + 5 luck + 5 deflection + 9 Dex [+9 insight] + 2 dodge + 1 monk + 8 armor + 5 natural armor enhancement + 1 dastana)</span></p><p><strong>Init:</strong> +9 <span style="font-size: 9px">(+9 Dex)</span></p><p><strong>Speed:</strong> 50 ft.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Saves:</strong></span></p><p><strong>Fortitude:</strong> +30 <span style="font-size: 9px">(7 base, +7 Con, + 4 epic + 5 resistance + 5 luck + 2 morale)</span> [+32 vs. poison]</p><p><strong>Reflex:</strong> +36 <span style="font-size: 9px">(11 base, +9 Dex, + 4 epic + 5 resistance + 5 luck + 2 morale) </span> [+45 in melee]</p><p><strong>Will:</strong> +24 <span style="font-size: 9px">(10 base, –2 Wis, + 4 epic + 5 resistance + 5 luck + 2 morale) </span></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 12px">Attacks:</span></strong></p><p><strong>BAB:</strong> +20/+15/+10</p><p><strong>Melee Atk:</strong> +51/+46/+41 (<em>Akumunaga</em>: 1d6+15 plus 1 point of Con damage, 18-20/x2, P) <span style="font-size: 9px">[20 BAB + 9 Dex + 9 insight + 7 enhancement + 1 weapon focus + 2 morale + 3 luck]</span></p><p><strong>Ranged Atk:</strong> +41/+36/+31 (<em>Shadow Blades</em>: 1d2+13/x2, 20 foot range increment, P) <span style="font-size: 9px">[20 BAB + 9 Dex + 5 enhancement + 2 competence + 2 morale + 3 luck]</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Skills:</strong></span></p><p><em>Balance:</em> +44/+77 [22 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale + 4 synergy)</span> </p><p><em>Bluff:</em> +52 <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) </span></p><p><em>Climb:</em> +36/+69 [22 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 5 Str + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) </span> </p><p><em>Concentration:</em> +17/+32 [15 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(15 ranks + 6 Con + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale)</span></p><p><em>Craft (action):</em> +47 <span style="font-size: 9px">(16 ranks + 12 Int + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 8 synergy) </span></p><p><em>Diplomacy:</em> +36 <span style="font-size: 9px">(10 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 6 synergy) </span></p><p><em>Disguise:</em> +28/+47 [19 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(23 ranks +9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 4 synergy) </span> </p><p><em>Escape Artist:</em> +20/+52 [32 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) </span> </p><p><em>Hide:</em> +44/+73 [18 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) </span> </p><p><em>Jump:</em> +48/+81 [22 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 5 Str + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale + 4 synergy + 8 speed) </span> </p><p><em>Knowledge (history):</em> +28 <span style="font-size: 9px">(5 ranks + 12 Int + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) </span></p><p><em>Move Silently:</em> +44/+73 [18 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) </span> </p><p><em>Perform (act):</em> +25/+43 [18 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(23 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale)</span></p><p><em>Perform (comedy):</em> +52 <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) </span></p><p><em>Perform (dance):</em> +40/+73 [22 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) </span> </p><p><em>Perform (oratory):</em> +43 <span style="font-size: 9px">(23 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) </span></p><p><em>Sense Motive:</em> +12/+15 [3 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(6 ranks –2 Wis + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) </span> </p><p><em>Sleight of Hand:</em> +66/+77 <span style="font-size: 9px">(32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale + 4 synergy) </span></p><p><em>Spellcraft:</em> +50 <span style="font-size: 9px">(27 ranks + 12 Int + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) </span></p><p><em>Tumble:</em> +29/+49 [20 invested] <span style="font-size: 9px">(25 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 4 synergy) </span> </p><p></p><p><strong>Languages:</strong> Common, Draconic, Elven, Gnome, Halfling, Infernal, Sylvan, Rokugani, Yuan-ti</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Feats:</strong></span></p><p>Deflect Arrows [IB]</p><p>Snatch Arrows [IB]</p><p>Dodge (HB)</p><p>Obscure Lore (Flaw: Gullible)</p><p>Weapon Finesse (1)</p><p>Item Familiar (3)</p><p>Combat Expertise (6)</p><p>Mobility (AB)</p><p>Weapon Focus (rapier) (AB)</p><p>Arcane Strike (9)</p><p>Combat Reflexes (AB)</p><p>Superior Expertise (12)</p><p>Single Blade Style (15)</p><p>??? (18)</p><p>Permanent Emanation (<em>zone of silence</em>) (21)</p><p>??? (24)</p><p>Battle Dance (27)</p><p>Weaver of Symphonies (Bard 23)</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Assassin Spells:</strong></span> </p><p><em>Caster Level:</em> 8th </p><p><em>Save DC:</em> 22 + spell level</p><p><em>Spells per Day:</em> 6/5/3</p><p><strong>1st –</strong> <em>jump</em>, <em>low-light vision</em>, <em>obscuring mist</em>, <em>true strike</em></p><p><strong>2nd –</strong> <em>illusory script</em>, <em>invisibility</em>, <em>pass without trace</em></p><p><strong>3rd –</strong> <em>deeper darkness</em>, <em>false life</em></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Bardic Spells:</strong></span></p><p><em>Caster Level:</em> 26th </p><p><em>Save DC:</em> 19 + spell level</p><p><em>Spells per Day:</em> 4/7/6/6/6/6/5</p><p><strong>0th –</strong> <em>dancing lights</em>, <em>footpad’s grace</em> (DR302), <em>ghost sound</em>, <em>glittering razors</em> (DR302), <em>light</em>, <em>prestidigitation</em></p><p><strong>1st –</strong> <em>grease</em>, <em>harmony</em> (CV), <em>Nystul’s magic aura</em>, <em>undetectable alignment</em>, <em>unseen servant</em></p><p><strong>2nd –</strong> <em>alter self</em>, <em>cure moderate wounds</em>, <em>heroism</em>, <em>misdirection</em>, <em>tongues</em></p><p><strong>3rd –</strong> <em>blink</em>, <em>haste</em>, <em>fear</em>, <em>glibness</em>, <em>sculpt sound</em></p><p><strong>4th –</strong> <em>dimension door</em>, <em>freedom of movement</em>, <em>legend lore</em>, <em>ruin delver’s fortune</em> (<a href="http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/fw/20041022a" target="_blank">WotC</a>), <em>zone of silence</em></p><p><strong>5th</strong> – <em>false vision</em>, <em>greater dispel magic</em>, <em>improvisation</em> (S&S), <em>persistent image</em>, <em>shadow walk</em></p><p><strong>6th</strong> – <em>analyze dweomer</em>, <em>animate objects</em>, <em>heroes’ feast</em>, <em>programmed image</em></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Equipment:</strong></span></p><p><em>Akumunaga, the Serpent’s Nightmare</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">[1,333,020 gold pieces]</span></p><p><em>mithral dastana</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">[1,200 gold pieces]</span></p><p></p><p><em>boots of springing, striding, and haste</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">[23,000 gold pieces]</span></p><p><em>charm of the Mugenaga clan</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(+10 insight bonus on all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Perform (dance), and Sleight of Hand checks) [200,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>cloak of defense</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(+5 resistance bonus to saves, +5 deflection bonus to AC, +5 enhancement bonus to natural armor) [325,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>greater bracers of throwing</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">[25,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>greater luck stone</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(possessor gains a +3 luck bonus on saving throws, ability checks, skill checks, and attack rolls) [180,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>lesser crown of mastery</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">[153,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>metamagic rod of disguise</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">[11,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>orb of illusory power</em> <span style="font-size: 9px"> [50,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>ring of regeneration</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">[90,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>sacred scrolls of the Mugenaga clan</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(grant improved kuji-kiri and bardic music abilities; see below) [110,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p></p><p><em>devil’s own luck</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(+5 luck bonus on saves and AC) [150,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>fruits of Mottlegrasp’s orchard</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(already eaten) [687,500] </span></p><p><em>lightning hands</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(grants the Deflect Arrows and Snatch Arrows feats; doesn’t use a slot] [8,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>perfected chakras</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(+6 enhancement bonus to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, and Charisma; doesn’t use any slots) [288,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>personal pocket dimension</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(25 slotless, easy-access heward’s haversacks see below; doesn’t take an item slot) [75,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>protector’s instinct</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(+8 armor bonus to AC; doesn’t take up a slot) [128,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>predator’s instinct</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(as <em>monk’s belt</em>; doesn’t use a slot) [26,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>shadow mastery</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(as <em>robe of stars</em>, plus may cast <em>silent image</em> at will as a caster of your character level; doesn’t use a slot) [120,000 gold pieces] </span></p><p><em>unchained soul</em> <span style="font-size: 9px">(+3 caster level) [168,750 gold pieces] </span></p><p></p><p>4,152,470 gold pieces spent / 147,530 gold pieces remaining</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Akumunaga, the Serpent’s Nightmare –</strong> This weapon is the sacred blade of the Mugenaga ninja clan, and has a long history stretching back some eleven centuries. The weapon appears to be a battered, but still useable, ninja-to. It is utterly unassuming in appearance. The more its abilities are called upon, however, the more sinister its aspect; it soon becomes obvious that the weapon is a decidedly deadly one, and it has indeed slain hundreds of people over the centuries.</p><p></p><p>The basic enchantments of <em>Akumunaga</em> make it a <em>+5 vicious, wounding ninja-to</em> (base statistics as a rapier). When the <em>vicious</em> special ability is activated <em>Akumunaga</em> emits an almost invisible dull red glow; this glow can only be spotted in pitch darkness, and doing so requires a DC 30 Spot check. There is no penalty to the wielder’s Hide checks while this ability is active. In addition to dealing 1 point of Constitution damage with every blow, the sword can drain blood 3 times per day, dealing an additional 1d6 points of Constitution damage. When it does so, a Rokugani rune appears inscribed in red on the blade, near the hilt. Touching this symbol and uttering the phrase “a serpent’s life is venom” in Rokugani allows the wielder of <em>Akumunaga</em> to gain temporary hit points, as though the <em>false life</em> spell were cast on him by a 10th-level caster. This requires a standard action. The symbol fades if the wielder draws on it in this way, and it will fade on its own after 24 hours in any case.</p><p></p><p><em>Akumunaga</em> is also amazingly light and easy to use. It may be wielded even in a grapple or when the wielder has been swallowed, as the whisper-light blade passes cleanly through flesh and other obstructions when they would block its swing.</p><p></p><p>The weapon is forged of the incredibly rare metal thinaun, a dark and glittering steel alloy, although the weapon’s enchantments make it less conspicuous than most thinaun weapons. If <em>Akumunaga</em> is touching a creature when it dies, that creature’s soul is sucked into the weapon rather than passing on to its final reward. The soul remains trapped in the blade until <em>Akumunaga</em> is destroyed or another creature dies while touching the weapon. <em>Raise dead</em>, <em>resurrection</em>, and similar spells won’t bring back a creature whose soul is trapped in <em>Akumunaga</em> unless the caster has the blade in his possession. Because the soul is nearby in this case, only one-half of the usual allotment of expensive material components is necessary to bring back the deceased creature. If the wielder dies holding <em>Akumunaga</em>, the sword absorbs his soul, displacing the one previously locked in the weapon’s blade. The wielder has no control over this process, although <em>Akumunaga’s</em> recently-awakened sentience (see below) may retain or release souls as it sees fit.</p><p></p><p>If it so desires, <em>Akumunaga</em> may reconstitute the soul it stores, either its wielder or its latest victim, bringing that creature back from death as though a <em>true resurrection</em> spell were cast on them by a 21st level caster. This ability may only be used once per month, as it is extremely draining.</p><p></p><p>Although decidedly effective in out-and-out melee, <em>Akumunaga</em> is really an assassin’s weapon, designed with cold-blooded murder in mind. It adds +2 to the save DC of any death attack made using the weapon, and grants a +4 bonus to attack and damage rolls when used for any kind of sneak attack, including death attacks and the sudden strike ninja class ability.</p><p></p><p>Twice per day, after a successful melee attack with <em>Akumunaga</em>, the wielder may slip between the threads of local space, moving up to 800 feet as the <em>dimension door</em> spell cast by a 10th-level caster, except that the wielder may act immediately upon arrival. Calling on this ability is a free action. In the days when <em>Akumunaga</em> served the will of its original clan this was a popular assassination technique. The ninja stole into the enemy camp, killed a sentry, and thereby slipped through the enemy’s picket lines. A single blow was then dealt to the real target, slaying them instantly and moving the ninja beyond the reach of any would-be avengers. Inability to kill the target in this way was considered deeply dishonorable for one granted the sacred clan weapon, and such a crime generally led to a demand that the offender take his or her own life.</p><p></p><p>To facilitate this desire for the clean kill, <em>Akumunaga</em> was also granted the ability to draw on the life-force of the wielder to deal more damage. As a free action useable once per round, the wielder may sacrifice 50 hit points (no more and no less) and add this total to his next attack roll. This damage automatically forces a save versus massive damage; if this slays the wielder, he falls dead only after the attack has been completed.</p><p></p><p>In addition, the weapon’s wielder can swear to bring death to a given target by holding forth the blade and whispering “even the dragon can fall before the serpent’s fangs” as a standard action, focusing <em>Akumunaga’s</em> abilities on slaying a single person selected by the character who swears the oath. The weapon always gives the mental impression of a striking serpent when it is wielded, although there is no specific mental imagery associated with this effect, but against the sworn target this effect takes on terrifying proportions. <em>Akumunaga</em> is treated as though it had an enhancement bonus 2 greater than normal against a sworn enemy, it gains the <em>keen</em> special ability, it deals 2d6 points of bonus damage against that enemy, and it has a x3 critical damage multiplier against that enemy. These benefits come at a price, however: <em>Akumunaga’s</em> enhancement bonus is 3 points lower against all other opponents, and using any other weapon against the sworn foe requires a Will save against <em>Akumunaga’s</em> ego score. If the sworn enemy is not dead within 7 days, the weapon loses its enhancement bonus entirely for a week. Regardless of the length of time before <em>Akumunaga’s</em> bloodlust is sated, the wielder may only swear one such oath per day.</p><p></p><p>Even if all these abilities are insufficient to defeat the assassin’s target (which has only happened a dozen or so times in the weapon’s entire history), the target generally wishes that he had died under <em>Akumunaga’s</em> fang, rather than feeling its poisoned gaze. The blade seeps a minute amount of an awesomely powerful poison into the blood of any who are struck by it (though the sentient weapon may choose not to do so). At the same time, the blood (or other vital fluids) that the blow spills adheres to the blade, a macabre decoration with a sinister purpose.</p><p></p><p>This poison cannot be detected by magical or mundane means and can only be neutralized only if <em>Akumunaga</em> or its wielder wills it or if the blood on the blade wears itself away, which takes one day per HD of the target. Unless this is done, the sufferer experiences horrible nightmares every hour of every night that he or she fails a Will save with a DC of 44. This nightmare prevents restful sleep and inflicts 1d10 points of damage. In addition, the effect encourages "oversleeping" by subtly hypnotizing the sleeper; a DC 44 Will save is required to wake up; this save may be attempted once per hour. This also makes the victim fatigued for the next day and prevents the sleeper from regaining arcane spells for 24 hours. A <em>dispel evil</em> spell cast on the victim will prevent him from having to make this save, but only for a single night. This effect has a caster level of 30. The dreams take the form of a horrible whispering snake’s voice, which coldly points out the victim’s flaws and dishonoring mistakes and relentlessly prophesies doom. Most victims commit suicide or are killed by this damage within a week, and the experience deeply scars virtually everyone subjected to it. The voice is recognizable as <em>Akumunaga’s</em> if someone who has had these dreams hears it elsewhere.</p><p></p><p>These powers make <em>Akumunaga</em> a formidable death-dealing tool, but is has become something more since the fall of the Mugenaga. In Arion’s hands <em>Akumunaga</em> has become fully sentient. as Arion grew in power and forced that part of his past he was unwilling to face into his only remaining memento of his past. It has a 16 Intelligence and Wisdom, as well as an alarming 30 Charisma, as befits one awakened through sheer force of another’s will. This consciousness is not exactly evil, though it retains the wordless bloodlust of its origins. It seeks the deaths of others, and actively enjoys the slick feeling of blood on its surface, but would much rather kill those who do harm to others than the innocent. The truly evil cannot suffer enough for their crimes as far as <em>Akumunaga</em> is concerned, and it will unhesitatingly use its poisonous bite against those who flee its wrath. It pursues this goal with an abundance of energy, mitigated only by a fanatical loyalty to Arion Kietsudoku, the last remaining member of the clan it was created to serve.</p><p></p><p><em>Akumunaga</em> can communicate telepathically out to 120 feet with Arion, and can speak, read, and understand Common, Yuan-ti, Infernal, and Draconic. It may see normally as though it were a sighted creature, as though it were a normal creature (though it lacks any special sight abilities).</p><p></p><p>So strong is Arion’s connection to <em>Akumunaga</em>, and so vital is the energy of its sentience that Arion may restore the weapon once per month, recreating it entirely and restoring its full magical power, even if it has been completely destroyed.</p><p></p><p>The synergistic relationship between <em>Akumunaga</em> and Arion also grants it greater abilities. Its base enhancement bonus in his hands is +7, and it gains the <em>merciful</em> special ability. This sheathes the weapon in a crackling white light, and makes the aura generated by Akumunaga’s <em>vicious</em> ability stand out in stark relief. The extra damage granted by the <em>vicious</em> ability represents that weapon’s thirst for blood, and is never converted to nonlethal damage by the <em>merciful</em> quality.</p><p></p><p>The intelligence of <em>Akumunaga</em> is basically a localized pool of pure life-force, and this accumulation of positive and negative energy has given rise to some new and powerful abilities that were not part of the original weapon’s design. The spiritual energy of both creatures and objects is attracted, slowly but surely, to <em>Akumunaga</em>. This creates a gigantic pool of energy that can be used in ways both subtle and overt, as the blade warps the very nature of reality around itself.</p><p></p><p>More commonly, this power manifests as a sort of proactive prophecy most of the time. At the start of each day, roll a d20. Once during that day, the wielder may use that roll for and d20 roll instead of rolling normally. This ability must be used before the actual roll, and it replaces it entirely. <em>Akumunaga’s</em> wielder may also draw on the weapon’s energy reserve to duplicate a <em>wish</em> spell, as cast by a 21st level character. When “fully charged” <em>Akumunaga</em> may do this three times, and it regains one such “charge” per month as it draws in more energy. It is not clear yet whether or not these abilities will remain if the weapon is no longer wielded by Arion, as would many of the abilities above (those that derive from Arion’s Item Familiar feat).</p><p></p><p><strong>Sacred Scrolls of the Mugenaga Clan –</strong> The scrolls, made of thin, beaten sheets of thinaun, are said to hold the spirits of the greatest senseis of the Mugenaga clan. The are filled with the secret techniques of the clan, ways of channeling ki energy toward a variety of effects beyond those well-known by those who have the talent. In addition to a great deal of factual information on the Mugenaga and their history, the sacred chants and katas inscribed herein allow for a dizzying variety of techniques, only a select few of which Arion has mastered. In addition, Arion has been hard at work adding marginalia to the <em>scrolls</em> since they have come into his possession, in accordance with his divergent tastes in performance styles. The <em>sacred scrolls</em> contain dozens of different techniques, but the seven that Arion has mastered or added are those below:</p><p></p><p>The Mugenaga placed a premium on the techniques of disguise, and young initiates have always been taught the basic techniques of the theater. This mixture of theory and practice has led to the development of the <em>voice of the ancestors</em> technique. By entering a trance and accessing the spirits of his ancestors, one who has mastered the technique may use the <em>inspire competence</em> bardic music ability to speak with authority on any topic. This grants a +14 competence bonus on skill checks, rather than the usual +2 bonus, and the performer may grant this bonus to himself as well as his allies. When using this ability, the ninja’s voice takes on a whispery quality reminiscent of the old and wise teachers that the ability draws upon. Mastering the <em>voice of the ancestors</em> requires 23 ranks in Perform (act).</p><p></p><p>Arion’s own tastes tend toward the comedic more than the overly-serious, and he has worked long and hard to channel his ki in a way that avoids the ponderous solemnity of most of the techniques found in the <em>sacred scrolls</em>. One result of this is the <em>cathartic joke</em> technique, developed after Arion attended the lectures of a famous philosopher who taught that performances could purify the emotions if used correctly. This section of scrolls is a detailed analysis of the psychology of comedy, and is one of Arion’s most inspired pieces. By mastering the <em>cathartic joke</em>, a performer may bend the power of the <em>inspire greatness</em> ability to tell a single, perfect joke. This joke is a bit like a zen koan – devoid of meaning until it is filled by the hearer. The effect is spiritually purifying, and the audience gains a +10 competence bonus on Fortitude and Will saves upon hearing it. This supercedes the normal bonuses of <em>inspire greatness</em>, and the effect may not be maintained. It always lasts for exactly 5 rounds. This technique requires 22 ranks in Perform (comedy).</p><p></p><p>In contrast to the spiritual nature of the <em>cathartic joke</em>, Arion’s other notes tend instead to be of the gut-wrenchingly funny variety. There is no particular name for this technique; it is simply a collection of really funny jokes, gestures, and facial expressions. When called on, this allows the bard to use <em>fascinate</em> to inflict a -14 penalty on Listen and Spot checks to his audience. The concentration required to maintain this effect is absolute, and the bard may only move 5 feet per round while he maintains it. Both his voice and his hands are likewise occupied, making any other actions difficult. The technique requires 10 ranks in Perform (comedy) to master.</p><p></p><p>Since the destruction of the Endless Falls, Arion has acquired something of a distaste for the clerics and devoted followers of the gods, although he doesn’t dislike the gods too much, seeing them as little more than mechanistic ideals with little in the way of free will. In keeping with his tendency toward mischief-making, he has worked for years on a speech entitled <em>twilight of the idols</em>, a powerfully moving imprecation against the gods. When used to get across a message contrary to a deity known to the audience, <em>twilight of the idols</em> tends to be uncannily persuasive, granting a +15 bonus on all Perform (oratory) checks made in these circumstances. Mastering this technique requires 5 ranks in Perform (oratory).</p><p></p><p>Performing <em>twilight of the idols</em> tends to cause a lot of trouble, which is why Arion has penned its counterpart, <em>death of false ideals</em>. The speech invokes the resentment latent in mortal hearts against those impossible circumstances that oppress them, granting great courage. Remarkably, this spirited response lasts for an unprecedented length of time after hearing the performance; struggling against impossible odds is one of the most inspiring of all situations, as long as hope remains. When <em>death of false ideals</em> is performed to <em>inspire courage</em>, it grants the usual morale bonuses, as determined by the level of the bard. The effect of this oration is to make these effects last for a full 90 rounds after the bard concludes the performance, enough to see even a large audience through a large battle. Mastering <em>death of false ideals</em> requires 18 ranks in Perform (oratory).</p><p></p><p>The most holy and difficult of the techniques in the <em>sacred scrolls</em> are the battle dances, complex and rhythmic movements that allow a full range of movement in battle while still using the flow of ki in a harmonious way. The trickiest of these dances, both of which Arion has mastered, are the <em>yin</em> and <em>yang dances</em>. They each require 16 ranks in Perform (dance).</p><p></p><p>The <em>yin dance</em> awakens the positive, nurturing element of the user’s spirit, creating a flow of positive energy that greatly increases the dancer’s pool of life energy. This is held in abeyance until the energy is called on by the performer, at which time the effect grants an extra 2d10 HD (with bonus points for a high Constitution) per round for 5 rounds. These bonuses remain until they are cut through by damage or until 5 rounds after the performer ceases to dance. The <em>yin dance</em> also grants a +2 competence bonus on all Fortitude saves, but does not grant the usual bonus to attacks associated with <em>inspire greatness</em>. This dance requires 16 ranks in Perform (dance) to master.</p><p></p><p>The <em>yang dance</em>, as one would expect, is decidedly less defensive. Similar in form to the <em>yin dance</em>, it grants a +2 competence bonus on attacks, increasing by +2 per round for 5 rounds, to a maximum of a +10 competence bonus on attacks. The <em>yang dance</em> also grants a +2 competence bonus on all Fortitude saves, but does not grant the usual bonus Hit Dice associated with <em>inspire greatness</em>. This dance requires 16 ranks in Perform (dance) to master. </p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Appearance:</strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Personality:</strong></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><strong>Background:</strong></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Kelleris, post: 1837403, member: 19130"] [SIZE=3][b]Arion Kietsudoku[/b][/SIZE] [b]Male Half-fey/Half-human Bard 23, Ex-assassin 5, Shadowdancer 1[/b] [b]Alignment:[/b] Chaotic Good [b]Patron Deity:[/b] Irreligious [b]Region:[/b] Rokugan, Endless Falls [b]Height:[/b] 5’ 9” [b]Weight:[/b] 147 lbs. [b]Hair:[/b] Dirty Blonde [b]Eyes:[/b] Vary by season [b]Age:[/b] 312 years [b]Str:[/b] 21 (+5) [SIZE=1][15 base + 6 enhancement][/SIZE] [b]Dex:[/b] 28 (+9) [SIZE=1][22 base + 6 enhancement][/SIZE] [b]Con:[/b] 24 (+7) [SIZE=1][18 base + 6 enhancement][/SIZE] [b]Int:[/b] 34 (+12) [SIZE=1][28 base + 6 enhancement][/SIZE] [b]Wis:[/b] 7 (–2) [SIZE=1][7 base][/SIZE] [b]Cha:[/b] 29 (+9) [SIZE=1][23 base + 6 enhancement][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][b]Class and Racial Abilities:[/b][/SIZE] [i]Human:[/i] no favored class, additional feat at 1st level, 4 skill points at 1st level and +1 skill point per level thereafter [i]Half-fey:[/i] low-light vision, immune to enchantment spells and effects, +2 Dex, +4 Cha, [i]charm person[/i] at will, [i]hypnotism[/i] 1/day, [i]faerie fire[/i] or [i]glitterdust[/i] 1/day, [i]detect law[/i] 3/day, [i]sleep[/i] or [i]enthrall[/i] 1/day, [i]protection from law[/i] 3/day, [i]Tasha’s hideous laughter[/i] or [i]suggestion[/i] 1/day, [i]confusion[/i] or [i]emotion[/i] 1/day, [i]eyebite[/i] or [i]lesser geas[/i] 1/day, [i]dominate person[/i] or [i]hold monster[/i] 1/day, [i]mass invisibility[/i] 1/day, [i]geas[/i] or [i]mass suggestion[/i] 1/day, [i]insanity[/i] or [i]mass charm[/i] 1/day, [i]Otto’s irresistible dance[/i] 1/day [i]Bard:[/i] bardic knowledge (+47), bardic music 23/day (countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +4, inspire competence, mass suggestion, inspire greatness, song of freedom, and inspire heroics; voice of the ancestors, cathartic joke, gutwrench, twilight of the idols, death of false ideals, yin dance, yang dance [see “[i]sacred scrolls of the Mugenaga clan[/i],” below]), spells [i]Ex-assassin:[/i] death attack (DC 29), poison use, improved uncanny dodge, +2 save against poison, 3 fighter bonus feats, spells [i]Shadowdancer:[/i] hide in plain sight [b]Hit Dice:[/b] 29d6 + 174 [b]HP:[/b] 312 [b]AC:[/b] 46 [55 melee] [SIZE=1](10 + 5 luck + 5 deflection + 9 Dex [+9 insight] + 2 dodge + 1 monk + 8 armor + 5 natural armor enhancement + 1 dastana)[/SIZE] [b]Init:[/b] +9 [SIZE=1](+9 Dex)[/SIZE] [b]Speed:[/b] 50 ft. [SIZE=3][b]Saves:[/b][/SIZE] [b]Fortitude:[/b] +30 [SIZE=1](7 base, +7 Con, + 4 epic + 5 resistance + 5 luck + 2 morale)[/SIZE] [+32 vs. poison] [b]Reflex:[/b] +36 [SIZE=1](11 base, +9 Dex, + 4 epic + 5 resistance + 5 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [+45 in melee] [b]Will:[/b] +24 [SIZE=1](10 base, –2 Wis, + 4 epic + 5 resistance + 5 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [b][SIZE=3]Attacks:[/SIZE][/b] [b]BAB:[/b] +20/+15/+10 [b]Melee Atk:[/b] +51/+46/+41 ([i]Akumunaga[/i]: 1d6+15 plus 1 point of Con damage, 18-20/x2, P) [SIZE=1][20 BAB + 9 Dex + 9 insight + 7 enhancement + 1 weapon focus + 2 morale + 3 luck][/SIZE] [b]Ranged Atk:[/b] +41/+36/+31 ([i]Shadow Blades[/i]: 1d2+13/x2, 20 foot range increment, P) [SIZE=1][20 BAB + 9 Dex + 5 enhancement + 2 competence + 2 morale + 3 luck][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][b]Skills:[/b][/SIZE] [i]Balance:[/i] +44/+77 [22 invested] [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale + 4 synergy)[/SIZE] [i]Bluff:[/i] +52 [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Climb:[/i] +36/+69 [22 invested] [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 5 Str + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Concentration:[/i] +17/+32 [15 invested] [SIZE=1](15 ranks + 6 Con + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale)[/SIZE] [i]Craft (action):[/i] +47 [SIZE=1](16 ranks + 12 Int + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 8 synergy) [/SIZE] [i]Diplomacy:[/i] +36 [SIZE=1](10 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 6 synergy) [/SIZE] [i]Disguise:[/i] +28/+47 [19 invested] [SIZE=1](23 ranks +9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 4 synergy) [/SIZE] [i]Escape Artist:[/i] +20/+52 [32 invested] [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Hide:[/i] +44/+73 [18 invested] [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Jump:[/i] +48/+81 [22 invested] [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 5 Str + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale + 4 synergy + 8 speed) [/SIZE] [i]Knowledge (history):[/i] +28 [SIZE=1](5 ranks + 12 Int + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Move Silently:[/i] +44/+73 [18 invested] [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Perform (act):[/i] +25/+43 [18 invested] [SIZE=1](23 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale)[/SIZE] [i]Perform (comedy):[/i] +52 [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Perform (dance):[/i] +40/+73 [22 invested] [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Perform (oratory):[/i] +43 [SIZE=1](23 ranks + 9 Cha + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Sense Motive:[/i] +12/+15 [3 invested] [SIZE=1](6 ranks –2 Wis + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Sleight of Hand:[/i] +66/+77 [SIZE=1](32 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 11 item familiar + 10 enhancement + 2 morale + 4 synergy) [/SIZE] [i]Spellcraft:[/i] +50 [SIZE=1](27 ranks + 12 Int + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale) [/SIZE] [i]Tumble:[/i] +29/+49 [20 invested] [SIZE=1](25 ranks + 9 Dex + 6 competence + 3 luck + 2 morale + 4 synergy) [/SIZE] [b]Languages:[/b] Common, Draconic, Elven, Gnome, Halfling, Infernal, Sylvan, Rokugani, Yuan-ti [SIZE=3][b]Feats:[/b][/SIZE] Deflect Arrows [IB] Snatch Arrows [IB] Dodge (HB) Obscure Lore (Flaw: Gullible) Weapon Finesse (1) Item Familiar (3) Combat Expertise (6) Mobility (AB) Weapon Focus (rapier) (AB) Arcane Strike (9) Combat Reflexes (AB) Superior Expertise (12) Single Blade Style (15) ??? (18) Permanent Emanation ([i]zone of silence[/i]) (21) ??? (24) Battle Dance (27) Weaver of Symphonies (Bard 23) [SIZE=3][b]Assassin Spells:[/b][/SIZE] [i]Caster Level:[/i] 8th [i]Save DC:[/i] 22 + spell level [i]Spells per Day:[/i] 6/5/3 [b]1st –[/b] [i]jump[/i], [i]low-light vision[/i], [i]obscuring mist[/i], [i]true strike[/i] [b]2nd –[/b] [i]illusory script[/i], [i]invisibility[/i], [i]pass without trace[/i] [b]3rd –[/b] [i]deeper darkness[/i], [i]false life[/i] [SIZE=3][b]Bardic Spells:[/b][/SIZE] [i]Caster Level:[/i] 26th [i]Save DC:[/i] 19 + spell level [i]Spells per Day:[/i] 4/7/6/6/6/6/5 [b]0th –[/b] [i]dancing lights[/i], [i]footpad’s grace[/i] (DR302), [i]ghost sound[/i], [i]glittering razors[/i] (DR302), [i]light[/i], [i]prestidigitation[/i] [b]1st –[/b] [i]grease[/i], [i]harmony[/i] (CV), [i]Nystul’s magic aura[/i], [i]undetectable alignment[/i], [i]unseen servant[/i] [b]2nd –[/b] [i]alter self[/i], [i]cure moderate wounds[/i], [i]heroism[/i], [i]misdirection[/i], [i]tongues[/i] [b]3rd –[/b] [i]blink[/i], [i]haste[/i], [i]fear[/i], [i]glibness[/i], [i]sculpt sound[/i] [b]4th –[/b] [i]dimension door[/i], [i]freedom of movement[/i], [i]legend lore[/i], [i]ruin delver’s fortune[/i] ([URL=http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/fw/20041022a]WotC[/URL]), [i]zone of silence[/i] [b]5th[/b] – [i]false vision[/i], [i]greater dispel magic[/i], [i]improvisation[/i] (S&S), [i]persistent image[/i], [i]shadow walk[/i] [b]6th[/b] – [i]analyze dweomer[/i], [i]animate objects[/i], [i]heroes’ feast[/i], [i]programmed image[/i] [SIZE=3][b]Equipment:[/b][/SIZE] [i]Akumunaga, the Serpent’s Nightmare[/i] [SIZE=1][1,333,020 gold pieces][/SIZE] [i]mithral dastana[/i] [SIZE=1][1,200 gold pieces][/SIZE] [i]boots of springing, striding, and haste[/i] [SIZE=1][23,000 gold pieces][/SIZE] [i]charm of the Mugenaga clan[/i] [SIZE=1](+10 insight bonus on all Balance, Climb, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Perform (dance), and Sleight of Hand checks) [200,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]cloak of defense[/i] [SIZE=1](+5 resistance bonus to saves, +5 deflection bonus to AC, +5 enhancement bonus to natural armor) [325,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]greater bracers of throwing[/i] [SIZE=1][25,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]greater luck stone[/i] [SIZE=1](possessor gains a +3 luck bonus on saving throws, ability checks, skill checks, and attack rolls) [180,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]lesser crown of mastery[/i] [SIZE=1][153,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]metamagic rod of disguise[/i] [SIZE=1][11,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]orb of illusory power[/i] [SIZE=1] [50,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]ring of regeneration[/i] [SIZE=1][90,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]sacred scrolls of the Mugenaga clan[/i] [SIZE=1](grant improved kuji-kiri and bardic music abilities; see below) [110,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]devil’s own luck[/i] [SIZE=1](+5 luck bonus on saves and AC) [150,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]fruits of Mottlegrasp’s orchard[/i] [SIZE=1](already eaten) [687,500] [/SIZE] [i]lightning hands[/i] [SIZE=1](grants the Deflect Arrows and Snatch Arrows feats; doesn’t use a slot] [8,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]perfected chakras[/i] [SIZE=1](+6 enhancement bonus to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, and Charisma; doesn’t use any slots) [288,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]personal pocket dimension[/i] [SIZE=1](25 slotless, easy-access heward’s haversacks see below; doesn’t take an item slot) [75,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]protector’s instinct[/i] [SIZE=1](+8 armor bonus to AC; doesn’t take up a slot) [128,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]predator’s instinct[/i] [SIZE=1](as [i]monk’s belt[/i]; doesn’t use a slot) [26,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]shadow mastery[/i] [SIZE=1](as [i]robe of stars[/i], plus may cast [i]silent image[/i] at will as a caster of your character level; doesn’t use a slot) [120,000 gold pieces] [/SIZE] [i]unchained soul[/i] [SIZE=1](+3 caster level) [168,750 gold pieces] [/SIZE] 4,152,470 gold pieces spent / 147,530 gold pieces remaining [b]Akumunaga, the Serpent’s Nightmare –[/b] This weapon is the sacred blade of the Mugenaga ninja clan, and has a long history stretching back some eleven centuries. The weapon appears to be a battered, but still useable, ninja-to. It is utterly unassuming in appearance. The more its abilities are called upon, however, the more sinister its aspect; it soon becomes obvious that the weapon is a decidedly deadly one, and it has indeed slain hundreds of people over the centuries. The basic enchantments of [i]Akumunaga[/i] make it a [i]+5 vicious, wounding ninja-to[/i] (base statistics as a rapier). When the [i]vicious[/i] special ability is activated [i]Akumunaga[/i] emits an almost invisible dull red glow; this glow can only be spotted in pitch darkness, and doing so requires a DC 30 Spot check. There is no penalty to the wielder’s Hide checks while this ability is active. In addition to dealing 1 point of Constitution damage with every blow, the sword can drain blood 3 times per day, dealing an additional 1d6 points of Constitution damage. When it does so, a Rokugani rune appears inscribed in red on the blade, near the hilt. Touching this symbol and uttering the phrase “a serpent’s life is venom” in Rokugani allows the wielder of [i]Akumunaga[/i] to gain temporary hit points, as though the [i]false life[/i] spell were cast on him by a 10th-level caster. This requires a standard action. The symbol fades if the wielder draws on it in this way, and it will fade on its own after 24 hours in any case. [i]Akumunaga[/i] is also amazingly light and easy to use. It may be wielded even in a grapple or when the wielder has been swallowed, as the whisper-light blade passes cleanly through flesh and other obstructions when they would block its swing. The weapon is forged of the incredibly rare metal thinaun, a dark and glittering steel alloy, although the weapon’s enchantments make it less conspicuous than most thinaun weapons. If [i]Akumunaga[/i] is touching a creature when it dies, that creature’s soul is sucked into the weapon rather than passing on to its final reward. The soul remains trapped in the blade until [i]Akumunaga[/i] is destroyed or another creature dies while touching the weapon. [i]Raise dead[/i], [i]resurrection[/i], and similar spells won’t bring back a creature whose soul is trapped in [i]Akumunaga[/i] unless the caster has the blade in his possession. Because the soul is nearby in this case, only one-half of the usual allotment of expensive material components is necessary to bring back the deceased creature. If the wielder dies holding [i]Akumunaga[/i], the sword absorbs his soul, displacing the one previously locked in the weapon’s blade. The wielder has no control over this process, although [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] recently-awakened sentience (see below) may retain or release souls as it sees fit. If it so desires, [i]Akumunaga[/i] may reconstitute the soul it stores, either its wielder or its latest victim, bringing that creature back from death as though a [i]true resurrection[/i] spell were cast on them by a 21st level caster. This ability may only be used once per month, as it is extremely draining. Although decidedly effective in out-and-out melee, [i]Akumunaga[/i] is really an assassin’s weapon, designed with cold-blooded murder in mind. It adds +2 to the save DC of any death attack made using the weapon, and grants a +4 bonus to attack and damage rolls when used for any kind of sneak attack, including death attacks and the sudden strike ninja class ability. Twice per day, after a successful melee attack with [i]Akumunaga[/i], the wielder may slip between the threads of local space, moving up to 800 feet as the [i]dimension door[/i] spell cast by a 10th-level caster, except that the wielder may act immediately upon arrival. Calling on this ability is a free action. In the days when [i]Akumunaga[/i] served the will of its original clan this was a popular assassination technique. The ninja stole into the enemy camp, killed a sentry, and thereby slipped through the enemy’s picket lines. A single blow was then dealt to the real target, slaying them instantly and moving the ninja beyond the reach of any would-be avengers. Inability to kill the target in this way was considered deeply dishonorable for one granted the sacred clan weapon, and such a crime generally led to a demand that the offender take his or her own life. To facilitate this desire for the clean kill, [i]Akumunaga[/i] was also granted the ability to draw on the life-force of the wielder to deal more damage. As a free action useable once per round, the wielder may sacrifice 50 hit points (no more and no less) and add this total to his next attack roll. This damage automatically forces a save versus massive damage; if this slays the wielder, he falls dead only after the attack has been completed. In addition, the weapon’s wielder can swear to bring death to a given target by holding forth the blade and whispering “even the dragon can fall before the serpent’s fangs” as a standard action, focusing [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] abilities on slaying a single person selected by the character who swears the oath. The weapon always gives the mental impression of a striking serpent when it is wielded, although there is no specific mental imagery associated with this effect, but against the sworn target this effect takes on terrifying proportions. [i]Akumunaga[/i] is treated as though it had an enhancement bonus 2 greater than normal against a sworn enemy, it gains the [i]keen[/i] special ability, it deals 2d6 points of bonus damage against that enemy, and it has a x3 critical damage multiplier against that enemy. These benefits come at a price, however: [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] enhancement bonus is 3 points lower against all other opponents, and using any other weapon against the sworn foe requires a Will save against [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] ego score. If the sworn enemy is not dead within 7 days, the weapon loses its enhancement bonus entirely for a week. Regardless of the length of time before [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] bloodlust is sated, the wielder may only swear one such oath per day. Even if all these abilities are insufficient to defeat the assassin’s target (which has only happened a dozen or so times in the weapon’s entire history), the target generally wishes that he had died under [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] fang, rather than feeling its poisoned gaze. The blade seeps a minute amount of an awesomely powerful poison into the blood of any who are struck by it (though the sentient weapon may choose not to do so). At the same time, the blood (or other vital fluids) that the blow spills adheres to the blade, a macabre decoration with a sinister purpose. This poison cannot be detected by magical or mundane means and can only be neutralized only if [i]Akumunaga[/i] or its wielder wills it or if the blood on the blade wears itself away, which takes one day per HD of the target. Unless this is done, the sufferer experiences horrible nightmares every hour of every night that he or she fails a Will save with a DC of 44. This nightmare prevents restful sleep and inflicts 1d10 points of damage. In addition, the effect encourages "oversleeping" by subtly hypnotizing the sleeper; a DC 44 Will save is required to wake up; this save may be attempted once per hour. This also makes the victim fatigued for the next day and prevents the sleeper from regaining arcane spells for 24 hours. A [i]dispel evil[/i] spell cast on the victim will prevent him from having to make this save, but only for a single night. This effect has a caster level of 30. The dreams take the form of a horrible whispering snake’s voice, which coldly points out the victim’s flaws and dishonoring mistakes and relentlessly prophesies doom. Most victims commit suicide or are killed by this damage within a week, and the experience deeply scars virtually everyone subjected to it. The voice is recognizable as [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] if someone who has had these dreams hears it elsewhere. These powers make [i]Akumunaga[/i] a formidable death-dealing tool, but is has become something more since the fall of the Mugenaga. In Arion’s hands [i]Akumunaga[/i] has become fully sentient. as Arion grew in power and forced that part of his past he was unwilling to face into his only remaining memento of his past. It has a 16 Intelligence and Wisdom, as well as an alarming 30 Charisma, as befits one awakened through sheer force of another’s will. This consciousness is not exactly evil, though it retains the wordless bloodlust of its origins. It seeks the deaths of others, and actively enjoys the slick feeling of blood on its surface, but would much rather kill those who do harm to others than the innocent. The truly evil cannot suffer enough for their crimes as far as [i]Akumunaga[/i] is concerned, and it will unhesitatingly use its poisonous bite against those who flee its wrath. It pursues this goal with an abundance of energy, mitigated only by a fanatical loyalty to Arion Kietsudoku, the last remaining member of the clan it was created to serve. [i]Akumunaga[/i] can communicate telepathically out to 120 feet with Arion, and can speak, read, and understand Common, Yuan-ti, Infernal, and Draconic. It may see normally as though it were a sighted creature, as though it were a normal creature (though it lacks any special sight abilities). So strong is Arion’s connection to [i]Akumunaga[/i], and so vital is the energy of its sentience that Arion may restore the weapon once per month, recreating it entirely and restoring its full magical power, even if it has been completely destroyed. The synergistic relationship between [i]Akumunaga[/i] and Arion also grants it greater abilities. Its base enhancement bonus in his hands is +7, and it gains the [i]merciful[/i] special ability. This sheathes the weapon in a crackling white light, and makes the aura generated by Akumunaga’s [i]vicious[/i] ability stand out in stark relief. The extra damage granted by the [i]vicious[/i] ability represents that weapon’s thirst for blood, and is never converted to nonlethal damage by the [i]merciful[/i] quality. The intelligence of [i]Akumunaga[/i] is basically a localized pool of pure life-force, and this accumulation of positive and negative energy has given rise to some new and powerful abilities that were not part of the original weapon’s design. The spiritual energy of both creatures and objects is attracted, slowly but surely, to [i]Akumunaga[/i]. This creates a gigantic pool of energy that can be used in ways both subtle and overt, as the blade warps the very nature of reality around itself. More commonly, this power manifests as a sort of proactive prophecy most of the time. At the start of each day, roll a d20. Once during that day, the wielder may use that roll for and d20 roll instead of rolling normally. This ability must be used before the actual roll, and it replaces it entirely. [i]Akumunaga’s[/i] wielder may also draw on the weapon’s energy reserve to duplicate a [i]wish[/i] spell, as cast by a 21st level character. When “fully charged” [i]Akumunaga[/i] may do this three times, and it regains one such “charge” per month as it draws in more energy. It is not clear yet whether or not these abilities will remain if the weapon is no longer wielded by Arion, as would many of the abilities above (those that derive from Arion’s Item Familiar feat). [B]Sacred Scrolls of the Mugenaga Clan –[/B] The scrolls, made of thin, beaten sheets of thinaun, are said to hold the spirits of the greatest senseis of the Mugenaga clan. The are filled with the secret techniques of the clan, ways of channeling ki energy toward a variety of effects beyond those well-known by those who have the talent. In addition to a great deal of factual information on the Mugenaga and their history, the sacred chants and katas inscribed herein allow for a dizzying variety of techniques, only a select few of which Arion has mastered. In addition, Arion has been hard at work adding marginalia to the [i]scrolls[/i] since they have come into his possession, in accordance with his divergent tastes in performance styles. The [i]sacred scrolls[/i] contain dozens of different techniques, but the seven that Arion has mastered or added are those below: The Mugenaga placed a premium on the techniques of disguise, and young initiates have always been taught the basic techniques of the theater. This mixture of theory and practice has led to the development of the [i]voice of the ancestors[/i] technique. By entering a trance and accessing the spirits of his ancestors, one who has mastered the technique may use the [i]inspire competence[/i] bardic music ability to speak with authority on any topic. This grants a +14 competence bonus on skill checks, rather than the usual +2 bonus, and the performer may grant this bonus to himself as well as his allies. When using this ability, the ninja’s voice takes on a whispery quality reminiscent of the old and wise teachers that the ability draws upon. Mastering the [i]voice of the ancestors[/i] requires 23 ranks in Perform (act). Arion’s own tastes tend toward the comedic more than the overly-serious, and he has worked long and hard to channel his ki in a way that avoids the ponderous solemnity of most of the techniques found in the [i]sacred scrolls[/i]. One result of this is the [i]cathartic joke[/i] technique, developed after Arion attended the lectures of a famous philosopher who taught that performances could purify the emotions if used correctly. This section of scrolls is a detailed analysis of the psychology of comedy, and is one of Arion’s most inspired pieces. By mastering the [i]cathartic joke[/i], a performer may bend the power of the [i]inspire greatness[/i] ability to tell a single, perfect joke. This joke is a bit like a zen koan – devoid of meaning until it is filled by the hearer. The effect is spiritually purifying, and the audience gains a +10 competence bonus on Fortitude and Will saves upon hearing it. This supercedes the normal bonuses of [i]inspire greatness[/i], and the effect may not be maintained. It always lasts for exactly 5 rounds. This technique requires 22 ranks in Perform (comedy). In contrast to the spiritual nature of the [i]cathartic joke[/i], Arion’s other notes tend instead to be of the gut-wrenchingly funny variety. There is no particular name for this technique; it is simply a collection of really funny jokes, gestures, and facial expressions. When called on, this allows the bard to use [i]fascinate[/i] to inflict a -14 penalty on Listen and Spot checks to his audience. The concentration required to maintain this effect is absolute, and the bard may only move 5 feet per round while he maintains it. Both his voice and his hands are likewise occupied, making any other actions difficult. The technique requires 10 ranks in Perform (comedy) to master. Since the destruction of the Endless Falls, Arion has acquired something of a distaste for the clerics and devoted followers of the gods, although he doesn’t dislike the gods too much, seeing them as little more than mechanistic ideals with little in the way of free will. In keeping with his tendency toward mischief-making, he has worked for years on a speech entitled [i]twilight of the idols[/i], a powerfully moving imprecation against the gods. When used to get across a message contrary to a deity known to the audience, [i]twilight of the idols[/i] tends to be uncannily persuasive, granting a +15 bonus on all Perform (oratory) checks made in these circumstances. Mastering this technique requires 5 ranks in Perform (oratory). Performing [i]twilight of the idols[/i] tends to cause a lot of trouble, which is why Arion has penned its counterpart, [i]death of false ideals[/i]. The speech invokes the resentment latent in mortal hearts against those impossible circumstances that oppress them, granting great courage. Remarkably, this spirited response lasts for an unprecedented length of time after hearing the performance; struggling against impossible odds is one of the most inspiring of all situations, as long as hope remains. When [i]death of false ideals[/i] is performed to [i]inspire courage[/i], it grants the usual morale bonuses, as determined by the level of the bard. The effect of this oration is to make these effects last for a full 90 rounds after the bard concludes the performance, enough to see even a large audience through a large battle. Mastering [i]death of false ideals[/i] requires 18 ranks in Perform (oratory). The most holy and difficult of the techniques in the [i]sacred scrolls[/i] are the battle dances, complex and rhythmic movements that allow a full range of movement in battle while still using the flow of ki in a harmonious way. The trickiest of these dances, both of which Arion has mastered, are the [i]yin[/i] and [i]yang dances[/i]. They each require 16 ranks in Perform (dance). The [i]yin dance[/i] awakens the positive, nurturing element of the user’s spirit, creating a flow of positive energy that greatly increases the dancer’s pool of life energy. This is held in abeyance until the energy is called on by the performer, at which time the effect grants an extra 2d10 HD (with bonus points for a high Constitution) per round for 5 rounds. These bonuses remain until they are cut through by damage or until 5 rounds after the performer ceases to dance. The [i]yin dance[/i] also grants a +2 competence bonus on all Fortitude saves, but does not grant the usual bonus to attacks associated with [i]inspire greatness[/i]. This dance requires 16 ranks in Perform (dance) to master. The [i]yang dance[/i], as one would expect, is decidedly less defensive. Similar in form to the [i]yin dance[/i], it grants a +2 competence bonus on attacks, increasing by +2 per round for 5 rounds, to a maximum of a +10 competence bonus on attacks. The [i]yang dance[/i] also grants a +2 competence bonus on all Fortitude saves, but does not grant the usual bonus Hit Dice associated with [i]inspire greatness[/i]. This dance requires 16 ranks in Perform (dance) to master. [SIZE=3][b]Appearance:[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][b]Personality:[/b][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][b]Background:[/b][/SIZE] [/QUOTE]
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