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"Enlightenment is achieved by mastering not only the body, but the soul.
Only then can a warrior truly understand the value of life, and why it should be
protected at all costs."
- Belannaer of Hoeth, Bladelord of the White
Tower
The White Tower of Hoeth, the greatest seat of learning in the
world is home to a cadre of warrior-scholars, known as the Swordmasters of
Hoeth. These warriors train arduously, honing their exceptional agility, and
mastering every nuance and facet of sword fighting. Swordmasters wield the
greatswords of Hoeth, elegant blades often six to seven feet long from pommel to
tip. Such is a Swordmaster’s skill with the blade that he can raise his sword,
sever an enemy’s neck and return his sword to rest before a lesser warrior can
even raise a shield to block him.
Sword Master
Specialty
 The warrior scholars of Hoeth are first and foremost
masters of the blade, and are capable of weaving a wall of impenetrable steel
with either a greatsword or longsword. This is achieved through rigorous
training to master both body and mind. Each flowing form requires agility and
balance. As the Swordmaster moves through forms, balancing each maneuver with
the next, he creates a graceful yet deadly dance. However, the blade is not the
only tool at the Swordmasters disposal. Trained by the loremasters of Hoeth, the
Swordmaster is also capable of calling upon the winds of magic to enhance his
blade, bringing powerful magics to bear where simple steel will not suffice.
Playing as a Swordmaster
 A single Swordmaster can hold the line against
numerous lesser foes. Graceful and agile, the Swordmaster is capable of
responding to a variety of threats quickly and efficiency. The key is to
maintain a balanced approach to combat. Every movement a Swordmaster makes is
designed to balance the body in preparation for the next. It is through this
preparation that the Swordmaster is capable of chaining numerous attacks into
powerful offensive or defensive combinations.
Fighting the
Swordmaster
At first glance a Swordmaster is a daunting opponent,
and many foes quickly fall to their shining blade if they do not approach the
fight with caution. The key to defeating these master swordsmen is to interrupt
their dance. A Swordmaster relies on footwork and balance to launch his attacks,
and while the reach of his Greatsword is long it cannot reach a well hidden
marksman. As with all melee opponents, the best approach is to keep a
Swordmaster at range, blasting through his powerful defenses with well timed
missile and magic attacks. If you find yourself in close combat with these
masters of the blade, interrupt their graceful dance with a powerful blow that
will take them off their feet.
The
Look of the Swordmaster
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Heavily armored with intricately tooled heavy armor layered over supple
scale mail.
Wears tall elegant helms simply adorned with long flowing manes.
Wields the Great Sword of Hoeth, a long and elegant blade containing
powerful enchantments. |
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