Magus:Blade Bound, Kensai
Arcane Pool: 2
At 1st level, the magus gains a reservoir of mystical arcane energy that he can draw upon to fuel his powers and enhance his weapon. This arcane pool has a number of points equal to 1/3 his magus level (minimum 1) + his Intelligence modifier. The pool refreshes once per day when the magus prepares his spells.
Spell Combat:
At 1st level, a magus learns to cast spells and wield his weapons at the same time. This functions much like two-weapon fighting, but the off-hand weapon is a spell that is being cast. To use this ability, the magus must have one hand free (even if the spell being cast does not have somatic components), while wielding a light or one-handed melee weapon in the other hand. As a full-round action, he can make all of his attacks with his melee weapon at a –2 penalty and can also cast any spell from the magus spell list with a casting time of 1 standard action (any attack roll made as part of this spell also takes this penalty). If he casts this spell defensively, he can decide to take an additional penalty on his attack rolls, up to his Intelligence bonus, and add the same amount as a circumstance bonus on his concentration check. If the check fails, the spell is wasted, but the attacks still take the penalty. A magus can choose to cast the spell first or make the weapon attacks first, but if he has more than one attack, he cannot cast the spell between weapon attacks.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency:
A kensai is proficient in simple weapons and in a single martial or exotic melee weapon of his choice. A kensai is not proficient with armor or shields and suffers normal arcane spell failure chance when casting magus spells while armored.
Diminished Spellcasting:
A kensai may cast one fewer spell of each level than normal. If this reduces the number to 0, he may cast spells of that level only if his Intelligence allows bonus spells of that level.
Canny Defense: +1 Dodge
At 1st level, when a kensai is wielding his chosen weapon, he gains the canny defense ability. This is identical to the duelist prestige class ability of the same name, save that his chosen weapon may be of any type.
Weapon Focus (Ex)
At 1st level, a kensai gains Weapon Focus with his chosen weapon as a bonus feat.
Spellstrike (Su)
At 2nd level, whenever a magus casts a spell with a range of “touch” from the magus spell list, he can deliver the spell through any weapon he is wielding as part of a melee attack. Instead of the free melee touch attack normally allowed to deliver the spell, a magus can make one free melee attack with his weapon (at his highest base attack bonus) as part of casting this spell. If successful, this melee attack deals its normal damage as well as the effects of the spell. If the magus makes this attack in concert with spell combat, this melee attack takes all the penalties accrued by spell combat melee attacks. This attack uses the weapon’s critical range (20, 19–20, or 18–20 and modified by the keen weapon property or similar effects), but the spell effect only deals ×2 damage on a successful critical hit, while the weapon damage uses its own critical modifier.
Swashbuckler
Panache (Ex) 5 (3 Cha + 1 Int +1 Plume)
More than just a lightly armored warrior, a swashbuckler is a daring combatant. She fights with panache: a fluctuating measure of a swashbuckler’s ability to perform amazing actions in combat. At the start of each day, a swashbuckler gains a number of panache points equal to her Charisma modifier (minimum 1). Her panache goes up or down throughout the day, but usually cannot go higher than her Charisma modifier (minimum 1), though feats and magic items can affect this maximum. A swashbuckler spends panache to accomplish deeds (see below), and regains panache in the following ways.
Critical Hit with a Light or One-Handed Piercing Melee Weapon: Each time the swashbuckler confirms a critical hit with a light or one-handed piercing melee weapon, she regains 1 panache point. Confirming a critical hit on a helpless or unaware creature or a creature that has fewer Hit Dice than half the swashbuckler’s character level doesn’t restore panache.
Killing Blow with a Light or One-Handed Piercing Melee Weapon: When the swashbuckler reduces a creature to 0 or fewer hit points with a light or one-handed piercing melee weapon attack while in combat, she regains 1 panache point. Destroying an unattended object, reducing a helpless or unaware creature to 0 or fewer hit points, or reducing a creature that has fewer Hit Dice than half the swashbuckler’s character level to 0 or fewer hit points doesn’t restore any panache.
Weapon and Armor Proficiency
Swashbucklers are proficient with simple and martial weapons, as well as light armor and bucklers.
Deeds
Derring-Do (Ex):
At 1st level, a swashbuckler can spend 1 panache point when she makes an Acrobatics, Climb, Escape Artist, Fly, Ride, or Swim check to roll 1d6 and add the result to the check. She can do this after she makes the check but before the result is revealed. If the result of the d6 roll is a natural 6, she rolls another 1d6 and adds it to the check. She can continue to do this as long as she rolls natural 6s, up to a number of times equal to her Dexterity modifier (minimum 1).
Dodging Panache (Ex): +3 Dodge
At 1st level, when an opponent attempts a melee attack against the swashbuckler, the swashbuckler can as an immediate action spend 1 panache point to move 5 feet; doing so grants the swashbuckler a dodge bonus to AC equal to her Charisma modifier (minimum 0) against the triggering attack. This movement doesn’t negate the attack, which is still resolved as if the swashbuckler had not moved from the original square. This movement is not a 5-foot step; it provokes attacks of opportunity from creatures other than the one who triggered this deed. The swashbuckler can only perform this deed while wearing light or no armor, and while carrying no heavier than a light load.
Opportune Parry and Riposte (Ex):
At 1st level, when an opponent makes a melee attack against the swashbuckler, she can spend 1 panache point and expend a use of an attack of opportunity to attempt to parry that attack. The swashbuckler makes an attack roll as if she were making an attack of opportunity; for each size category the attacking creature is larger than the swashbuckler, the swashbuckler takes a –2 penalty on this roll. If her result is greater than the attacking creature’s result, the creature’s attack automatically misses. The swashbuckler must declare the use of this ability after the creature’s attack is announced, but before its attack roll is made. Upon performing a successful parry and if she has at least 1 panache point, the swashbuckler can as an immediate action make an attack against the creature whose attack she parried, provided that creature is within her reach. This deed’s cost cannot be reduced by any ability or effect that reduces the number of panache points a deed costs.
Charmed Life (Ex) 3/day +3Cha
At 2nd level, the swashbuckler gains a knack for getting out of trouble. Three times per day as an immediate action before attempting a saving throw, she can add her Charisma modifier to the result of the save. She must choose to do this before the roll is made. At 6th level and every 4 levels thereafter, the number of times she can do this per day increases by one (to a maximum of 7 times per day at 18th level).
Campaign:
Brigand: You hail from the River Kingdoms or the more lawless reaches of Brevoy. Life has been hard for you. Perhaps your parents and siblings were crooks and con artists, or maybe your rough, lonely life lead you to fall in with thieves and worse. You know how to ambush travelers, bully traders, avoid the law, and camp where no one might find you. Recently, you’ve run into some trouble, either with the law or with other bandits, and you’re looking to get away to somewhere no one would ever think to look for you. An expedition into the rugged wilderness seems like a perfect way to lie low until the trouble blows over. You begin the campaign with an extra 100 gp in ill-gotten gains. You also gain a +1 trait bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Sense Motive checks when dealing with brigands, thieves, bandits, and their ilk.
Faith:
Indomitable Faith:
You gain a +1 trait bonus on Will saves.
Skills:
Magus:
Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Fly (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (arcana) (Int), Knowledge (dungeoneering) (Int), Knowledge (planes) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Spellcraft (Int), Swim (Str), and Use Magic Device (Cha)
Per Level: 6 (2 Base + 1 Int +2 Back Ground +1 Human)18
Swashbuckler:
Acrobatics (Dex), Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Escape Artist (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (local) (Int), Knowledge (nobility) (Int), Perception (Wis), Perform (Cha), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Sense Motive (Wis), Sleight of Hand (Dex), and Swim (Str).
Per Level: 8 (4 Base + 1 Int +2 Back Ground +1 Human):16
Total:34
Acrobatics: +11 (+5 Ranks +3 Class Skill +3 Dex)
Appraise: +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Bluff: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Cha )
Climb: 0 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +0 Str)
Craft: +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Craft: +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Diplomacy: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Cha )
Disable Device: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Dex)
Disguise: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Cha)
Escape Artist: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Dex)
Fly: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Dex)
Handle Animal: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Cha)
Heal: +1 (+0 Ranks + Class Skill +1 Wis)
Intimidate: +11 (+5 Ranks +3 Class Skill +3 Cha )
Knowledge (arcana): +6 (+2 Ranks +3 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (dungeoneering): +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (engineering): +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (geography): +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (history): +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (local): +7 (+3 Ranks +3 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (nature): +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (nobility): +5 (+1 Ranks +3 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (planes): +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Knowledge (religion): +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Linguistics: +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Int)
Perception: +11 (+5 Ranks +3 Class Skill +1 Wis +2 Bonus,Alertness)
Perform : +3 (+0 Rank +0 Class Skill +3 Cha)
Profession: Games of Chance: +9 (+5 Rank +3 Class Skill +1 Wis) BG:5
Ride: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Dex)
Sense Motive: +8 (+1 Ranks +3 Class Skill +1 Wis +2 Bonus, Alertness)
Sleight of Hand: +11 (+5 Ranks +3 Class Skill +3 Dex) BG:5
Spell Craft: +6 (+2 Ranks +3 Class Skill +1 Int)
Stealth: +3 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +3 Dex)
Survival: +1 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +1 Wis)
Swim: 0 (+0 Ranks +0 Class Skill +0 Str)
Use Magic Device: +3 (+0 Rank +0 Class Skill +3 Cha)
Languages:
Languages:
Common, Elven
Racial Abilities:
Racial Ability:
+2 Dex
Size: Medium
Base Speed: Humans have a base speed of 30 feet.
Languages: Humans begin play speaking Common.
Bonus Feat:
Skilled:
Equipment:
Black Blade Bastard Sword
Belt Pouch left side
Belt Pouch right side with 34GP, 7SP
Oil flask w/oil cloth
Whet Stone
Magical Items:
Amulet of Natural Armor +1
Ring of Protection +1
Plume of Panache
Handy Haversack
Ioun Torch
Mithral Chain Shirt +1
Spells:
Spells per a day
0:3
1:2+1
2:0+0
3:0
4:0
5:0
6:0
7:0
8:0
9:0
0-Level (ALL) DC:11
Acid Splash
Arcane Mark
Dancing Lights
Daze
Disrupt Undead
Detect Magic
Flare
Ghost Sound
Light
Mage Hand
Open/Close
Prestidigitation
Ray of Frost
Read Magic
Spark
1-Level (9) DC:12
Ray of Enfeeblement
Shocking Grasp
Grease
Shield
Duelist’s Parry
Magic Missile
Blade Lash
Secluded Grimoire
2-Level (5) DC:13
3-Level (0) DC:14
4-Level (0) DC:15
Back Ground/Appearance:
Appearance:
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 168
Eye color: Black
Hair color: Dark Brown
Skin: Tan
Haircut: Shoulder Length
Build: Athlete, Wiry
Personality:
He tends to be a bit over confident in his abilities. Always looking for a female companion and a good drink. Standing at 6'1", 168 pounds and wiry, Trakas has very little meat on his bones. He keeps his appearance crisp and clean with his goatee always trimmed and neat. He feels the same way about his equipment and clothing.
Trakas was the second of four children born to a tavern owner in Tamran. He grew up never wanting for anything in this war ravage city but he knew that this was not for him. His older sister wanted to continue on in this life but not Trakas. He wanted more for himself. So he saved all his money and with the aid of his parents, was able to get himself accepted to as an apprentice to a local fencer. This was his moment to better himself to make a better life. He took to his classes well and flourished but soon was disenchanted with the boredom that crept into his bones when he was in one place for too long. As his lessons continued he started to see more to fencing than just attacking and retreating. He started to see the whole field of combat as a way to win the contest of a duel. It made little sense to stand face to face and try to out duel another fencer. Why not use the terrain to your advantage, why not take advantage of your opponents weaknesses. He even wondered why magic was not used in such contest of abilities. He had seen mages around the city but never thought that he would be able to attain such power as it took too long and too much energy to learn spells and such. Besides he did not feel he would look good in a flimsy robes that those arcane people constantly wore. Time past and he has exhausted the teachings of his master. He was on his own and with no income, he would be homeless soon. His parents would take him in but that was not a life he wish to follow. Living with your parents at his age was not an adventure for him. He talked to his father about what he should do with his life. His father directed him to the one person he never expected..his grandfather. Papal as he called him was a retired adventure that spent his money on the tavern his family runs. When he retired from the tavern business he turned it over to his sons and they in turn ran it for him. His grandfather was quick to inform him that the life of an adventure is not one for a soft dandy like Trakas. That it was hard dangerous work and filled with disappointments. After some time of arguing back and forth on the merits of adventuring and Trakas' own ability to handle himself, a duel was set up between the two. Young Trakas in his nice clean studded leather armor, wielding a rapier against an old man with no armor and no weapon. The contest went on for several minutes with Trakas unable to strike the helpless old man. He notice that several times his grandfather has said several words that made no sense to him at all. Then the duel was cut short when a black blade appeared in the hand of his grandfather. The next thing Trakas knew was he was staring at the black blade and his rapier was in the other hand of his grandfather. He had been disarmed easily enough and by a old man no less. Time passed as the two talked about the future and what it holds. Trakas was trying his best to understand what just happened and how it happened. The afternoon passed by and Trakas came to understand that his grandfather was a special man, one possessed of a vast array of abilities and knowledge. Much more so that he ever thought imaginable. He also came to understand that his uncle has taken up the family lineage and was a magus as well. He died in some far off place that Trakas had never heard about. His father never took up adventuring and neither did anyone else in his family. The day was getting old and night was setting in when his grandfather produced a weapon just like the black one the appeared during the duel. This blade was dull and lacked any luster at all. It was a fine weapon but not as exquisite as the one his grandfather wielded. The weapon belong to his uncle and went dormant when he was killed. He was given the blade to take on his adventure and would reawaken if Trakas was worthy. Trakas stayed with his grandfather a few more days to make sure he understood what was expected of him now that he knew about the Magus lineage of his family.
He soon wondered the area and found himself on a supple train heading to Korvosa. His parents were not happy that he was going to leave his war torn home to make his way in life in a place so far away. They knew that if they fought him on this it would push him away. As time past by Trakas needed to earn a living and so he started to gamble. After some time he earned a reputation as one that could play any game and win most of the time. He was getting tired of the town and was looking for something more out of life. He felt his world was just dragging on. He knew he needed to move on but was not sure where. One afternoon he sat down for a game of cards that would change his life forever.
The young man sat up straight when the old merchant raised the stakes. He was in over his head and everyone knew it. With a little naive smile he called. He looked around at the table filled with professional gamblers, they were eyeing up his stack of coins. It was about to get a lot smaller. He had started the day off with such luck. Hand after hand he won and accumulated a very impressive winning streak. Then his luck had changed of the last couple of hands. He had maybe enough money left for one more hand and it needed to be a winning game or he would be broke. The cards were dealt and he was not happy with the cards he had. His hand was not strong but was not weal either. So he went with what he had and tried his best to bluff a win out of this game. The stakes were high as raise after raise came and went by. The time came where his pile of coins was gone and he needed to make the pot right. Why not put that blade of yours in the pot and we will call it even. The merchant went on about the craftsmanship that went into such a weapon. Knowing the value of the weapon and its nature tugged at Trakas. He could walk away with enough coin to keep even him happy for a very long time. If that blade leaves my hip...someone will get hurt...and we do not want that to happen do we. Besides we are here to enjoy a simple game of cards. Trakas had two gems left that was his emergency money in case things got bad. He reach into his boot and pull forth a small diamond. He looked at it for some time before he placed it on the pile. I see your bet and raise you two hundred...gold The room grew quiet very quickly and the gamblers look towards him with interest. A few of them folded and sat back to watch the outcome. Some called my bet and waited for the last person to make the pot right. You haven't got the the cards and I knows it. I do not have the coin to cover all of the pot but I have this note of passage. The Korvosian pleasure barge the Peregrine, all inclusive. four days travel down the coast and back. I just paid it off and was going to take the wife out for a trip so she would shut up about not going anywhere. It took me three years to save up enough to buy it. It will cover the pot sure enough and then some. It cost me three hundred gold coin and so that would be another one hundred coin to you. The merchant let his eyes wonder down to his blade again. It was obvious that he coveted the blade for his own. Trakas was nervous and wished for this game to be over. He had never gambled so much money at once. He nods his approval and reached once more to get a gem from his boot but this time he also pulled forth the cards he has secreted there. He was going to make sure he won this pot. The ruby was smaller but would cover the bet. Cards are tossed in to the pot as more players fold. It was down to the two last players the old merchant and Trakas. I call.... The merchant lays his cards down on the table and starts to laugh at the crestfallen Trakas. He can not believe that this game had turned out this way. Trakas keeps looking at the pile of coins and then down at his cards.
What am I going to do...I mean I thought...two pairs would be enough to beat you.... The old merchants reaches across the table to pull his coins towards his side of the table.
I guess if the two pairs were Gold Dragons and...Gold Dragons, then I would win...right. He tosses his cards on the table to show not one pair but two pairs of Gold Dragons. He quickly collected his winning and left right away. He was the talk of the area for the next couple of days and when it came time to head out on that boat ride, he made sure he was good and ready to leave. He knew that trouble would come looking for him soon enough. He made his way to the docks and looked all over for his boat. It was not what he expected but then again he had never been on one of these boats and it just might be different below decks. He made his way up the plank and was wondering what he was getting into when he looked on his fellow passengers. The did not fit the bill of pleasure seekers. The ship started to cast off and he took one more look at the docks and smiled. He had some good times here and was now ready to seek fun down the coast. His smile fell away as he notice standing on the docks was the old merchant holding up a pouch and a huge smile. Trakas let his hand fall to his side and there he felt the cut strings of his money pouch. All that money was gone. He was not happy but he did enjoy the time he had with such a fortune. He was also happy that he had made his purchase the day after the game and had not waited. He turned to find his cabin and prepare himself for the pleasure that awaited him down the coast.
Once the ship was on its way did Trakas figure out just what he had gotten himself into. Not only did he lose most of his money but he also got onto the wrong ship. The "passengers" where nothing more than smugglers. He was able to stay alive on the ship by some good old fashion physical negotiations. He agreed to help them sail the ship until he got to the next port of call in exchange they would not slit his throat at night. It seemed to be a win win for everyone...until it he was no longer needed.
His fortune changed as a storm came up on them and he was set a drift on a part of the ship. He saw a few other survivors but they had no real control over which way the current took them and soon enough he fell asleep on his personal ship. Several days went by and he is found by Besmara's Flower, a merchant ship that was passing by. He woke up in a bed with none of his equipment around him. The merchants claimed that he did not have anything on him when they found him and that he was lucky to be alive. Trakas was none too happy to know that they had robbed him but the loss of his family blade was what anger him the most. For some reason he felt that it was not lost at all, that it was very close by. The merchants were making for Cassomir to sell their wares. They told Trakas that he can go about his own way there. It was here that he felt a calling of sorts in the back of his head and just as he saw the city coming into view did he felt a pull towards the hold of the ship. He knew that the blade was special but he had never been as sure of it till now. Making his way towards the hold brought him to the door of the captains quarters. Without knocking he opened the door and walked in. Sitting behind a desk was the captain of the ship who was holding a certain black blade. In the corner of his quarters was a large open chest that Trakas could see contained his gear. Taking a couple of slow steps forward brought him to the edge of the captain's desk. Well, looks like we have quite the predicament. Your guards are all up top getting ready to make dock in Cassomir and you are too lazy to fight me. So how would you like to play this hand...
Some time later Trakas had run off the ship with a few extra items for his troubles. The captain of course would call out thief to his guards but Trakas was already gone and moving along the crowds before the guards even figured out what was happening. Trakas wasted little time in finding a small River boat heading north that evening.
As he explored the city he had time to examine his blade and the extra items he acquired from the captain. A few gems and some coins in a small pouch. The back pack that he grabbed was very nice with some traveling supplies inside. Hanging on the side of the pack was a silver tankard that held his gaze for some time. It was as though the tankard saw into his soul and spoke to him in ways that he never knew. Etched along the bottom of the tankard was a phrase Here's to Cayden! May he show us wisdom in the bottom of a glass.
The river boat The Dolphin's Prize was on its way in no time at all. Captain Shultzovic of Brevoy was a gentle man that was not to be crossed. His men were loyal to him and he in turn treated them properly. If you tried to take advantage of him, he made sure to repay that mistake ten fold. Trakas was informed that it would be several weeks before that ended their trade journey in New Stetven. The Isle of Arenway is located at the confluence of the Verduran Fork and Sellen River in central Taldor. It was a beautiful site but the captain past it by without stopping. He mumbled something about their blessings mean nothing. The town of Bellis was the first stop along the way. It was nice to get of the boat for a short while. Trakas was fascinated with the large selections of mead. His short visit was eventful as he become a well liked customer of House de Londres. Trakas purchased several casks of mead for the journey north. So much mead was purchased that the proprietor made him a honorary member of the house. The next city of note was called Woodsedge. Trakas was told that they would not be stopping at this town. Most of the crew agreed that this was not a town to stop at if you were not of Galt. Even if you were of Galt it was not recommended that you stay long. The captain simple saidI have blues eyes and today may be the day that the Galt deems those with blues eyes are the root of all troubles.
Trakas was confused and tried to say something but was interrupted by a phrase that he had heard before but never quite understood it. It is not called the Final Blade for nothing. It was explained to him that Galt has a nasty habit of decapitating people they find to be different in one way or another. The city of Riverton was a pleasant visit and it was from here that the boat went towards the East Sellen River. As the days wore on, Trakas kept himself busy with drinking his mead and play card games with the crew. One day came when he was informed that come tomorrow the would be at the Town of Mivon in Mivon. Watch what you say as it could be seen as a challenge. Just so you understand...
It only took one evening for Trakas to find trouble. He was at the Drunken Tankard for some drinks and some dinner when things got interesting. Sitting at a table with some of the crew in a spot that gave him a good view of the whole room, Trakas was people watching. Seeing who was whom in this little tavern. Several locals came in that bore a sash and an Aldori dueling sword, marking them clearly as members of the Aldori Sword Lords. They were rash and obnoxious to say the least. As the night wore on, the Aldori Sword Lords became drunker and ruder. one such man was named Jacobis Aldori and he felt he was the ladies man. Would not take no for an answer when the bartender told him he had enough for the night and to go home. He told her that she should take him home and put him to bed herself. She refuse of course and went about her business. He stepped behind the bar, which is a huge offense to any tavern across the lands. Kind of like a Captain is a God on his vessel type of thing. The area behind a bar is the bartender's domain and no one that does not belong there goes there...ever!. She politely escorted him back out from behind her bar and told his friends to take him home or she will have the watch come get him. They of course laughed at her and told her he was fine. He told her to get her another drink and she refused him. He grabbed her hair and pulled her towards him. I said to get me another drink...Trakas had seen enough and he felt it was time to step in and defuse the situation before it got out of hand. The tavern was loud with talk and music. No one paid much attention to the plights of a simple bartender or no one dared to speak up. Standing up and walking through the crowd right up to the disrespectful Sword Lord. Excuse me My lord, I am sorry to interrupt but I was hoping I might borrow the bartender for a moment. I would really like to get a drink. Please, it has been a long day and I would just like to relax and grab an ale or four. Do you think that is possible? Jacobis let go of the bartender and quickly forgot about her as he stared at Trakas. Who the f+~+ are you to tell me what to do. Trakas remembering what he was told just the other day...tried in vain to walk himself back out of the situation. I meant no offense and I apologize for any that I may inadvertently cause. Her let me buy you a drink.
The young Sword Lord got a bit more loud with his comments. What do you think I can not afford my own drinks? Trakas tries to squeeze himself out of this but fails miserably. No not at all My lord I just was offering to buy you a drink. That is all. Of course things went from bad to worse in a split second. Oh so now you think it is proper for you to talk down to your betters? Trakas feels like he is trying to hold back a water fall with his bar hands. What the hell is wrong with this guy... Looking around for any form of help from anyone in the tavern. He sees a few people watching the exchange but most everyone is ignoring the action. The Sword Lord moves to the offense as he starts to poke at Trakas' chest with every word. Why...don't...you...pull...out...that...blade...and...show...us...
what...your...made...of. Trakas took each poke with a slight step back. No...I do not think I want to do that. This is just a misunderstanding. You do not want to fight me...I am no one, a nobody. Jacobis steps up close to Trakas. If you will not fight me then give me your blade and we will call it even. The young man stares at the Lord for a few moments. What is it with people wanting to take my blade...no, I can not do that. Please do not do this. I do not want to... Jacobis' hand reaches for the blade and Trakas grabs his wrist a mere inch away from the hilt of his black blade. ...hurt you... It is now that Trakas understands what the Sword Lord meant when he said "us". The room grew quiet and still as almost every chair was pushed back and the owner standing up to look directly at Trakas. A good three fourths of the room was wearing the same sash and sword as Jacobis. Oh..well..um this is just not my day
The still and quiet of the tavern was broken by a authoritative voice.
That is enough fun for one night. Go home and get some sleep, it will be an...interesting tomorrow. A middle aged man was standing in the doorway and he too had a sash with the Aldori sword hanging form it. This man must have been someone of important because ever Aldori Sword Lord in the tavern left immediately. Not another word was spoken until they had all cleared the room. The bartender was the first to speak. You did not have to do that...you know that. You just opened a door of problems now. I am sorry that you got dragged into this. Jacobis is an ass and every time a women turns him down he feels the need to take it out on anyone, blames everyone else but himself. Trakas let out a sigh. Well it is over now and we are leaving tomorrow anyways so this will be the last time I see him. The bartender looks him in the eyes. It is not over yet. It will be an interesting tomorrow. Trakas shakes his head slightly. Suddenly I am not liking tomorrows.
Trakas was up the next morning bright and early. He ate a small and quick breakfast before grabbing his gear. He tried to make his way to the docks as fast as he could. He had just enter the main square when he notice that the area was filled with people wearing sashes with the Aldori Sword hanging from them. He also notice several other people wielding a wide array of weapons. He put his head down and kept moving through the square. He had just about gotten to the other side of the square when he heard his name. Trakas!!! Trakas stopped and turned around to see the square had cleared a bit. There standing in the center was Jacobis. You think you are above your station, that you can touch your betters. You are nothing more than the river rats your work for. I challenge you as is my right from your insults to my honor. Show yourself a man and and at least face me.[/b]
Knowing that he can not get out of this situation, Trakas walks out to see his fate. As he walks out to meet Jacobis, two men step out to greet him. You have been challenge to a duel and as such you are entitled to set the conditions of this challenge. What are your conditions? Trakas is confused but then he thinks for a moment that he might have a way out of this. First blood? Whomever draws first blood. A smile comes across Jacobis' face as the conditions are agreed on. The challengers face each other. Trakas does not draw his weapon but just stands there waiting. The signal to begin is given and the two stare at each other for what seems like an eternity. Then Trakas draws forth a simple dagger and holds it up for all to see. He then draws it across his forearm. This simple action draws blood and he holds up the blooded weapon. First blood is drawn. Cries of foul echo across the square but are silenced quickly as the judges raise their hands for silence. Although that is the meaning of your conditions and they have been met... Jacobis yells out My honor has not been satisfied. This was not a duel..it was a freak show put on by a river rat with no honor. The judges try to continue after the interruption. We feel that the conditions were met but that honor has not been dealt with. The challenge is still in play. Trakas sighs loudly. He had hoped this would work but it did not and now he has to fight this man for no real reason. Fine then... all your skills agaisnt all of mine. First person to draw blood from their opponent wins. A smile crosses Jacobis' face as he nods. The challenge is on yet again as the two judges step away from the combatants. Once again Trakas does not draw his weapon. He waits as the two circle around each other, judging each other. Then Jacobis lunges forward with his weapon coming a few inches away from striking Trakas who seems to have simple stepped away from the attack at the last moment. Come now I am right here. What is the matter Jacobis...I do so hope you can do better than that? A growl of frustration erupts from Jacobis as he turns to engage again. His weapon still across his back, Trakas dodges to the side his opponents weapon slashes across from left to right. Jacobis does not wait but tries to press the attack and as his blade comes across on a cut from down low and up. Of course Trakas simple dodges to the side again but this time, he draws his blade. The sword had a shine to its gem like blade that was not there before and this confused him for a moment. The next thing he remembers was a voice in his head, one that vaguely sounded familiar. It is a bout time you used me. Now stop dancing around and put this petulant child down so that we can get the hell out of this gods forsaken place. Not sure what to do other than go ahead with the idea, Trakas turns to take the offensive and sees that the crowd has grown quiet. This was the first time any of them have seen his blade drawn. It must have been a shock to them as it was most certainly not made of steel. Even his opponent was taken aback. Seizing on the mistake, Trakas cast his spell using his off hand. The lighting that erupted around his has had a slight black tinge to it. As the Sword Lord advance to attack, Trakas blocked the attack and let his weapon slide down his opponents blade to strike his arm. The cut slide along his vambrace and did not draw blood. As his opponent turn to disengage from him, Trakas slapped him on the butt. The electric energy was released and causes Jacobis to jump.I know it is shocking but your rump is a little flabby. You should exercise more often. This made the Aldorian even angrier, so angry that he charged Trakas. I am heavier and longer than his blade. Parry and riposte. Trakas waited for Jacobis to charge again, letting his anger get the better of him and that is exactly what happened. As the Sword Lord charge and swung madly, Trakas use the weight of his sword and the speed of his attacker to push aside his blade. The man turn quickly to try and keep Trakas in front of him but failed to notice the large black blade come across at head level. At the last moment he turn his wrist and the flat side of the blade connected with Jacobis' face, knocking him onto his back. Stunned by what had happened gave Trakas the time he need to place his blade across the throat of Jacobis. It is over and you have lost. Trakas turns to see the crowd quiet and as he walks to the other side of the square, he could hear a name being past along. Trakas of the black blade. He was able to leave the square without anymore challenges but the captain had already left. Trakas is forced to sign on as a caravan guard through the River Kingdoms and finally stops off at Restov. The blade never spoke to him again. Could it have just been his imagination or maybe he was thinking of his many painful lessons from his grandfather? A mystery for another day for adventure awaited him in the stolen lands.
