Militarist
The Militarist is a battlefield virtuoso. War is a sacred act, he believes, and a chance for spiritual redemption. By defeating enemies in combat, he pays tribute to his gods and secures his place in the afterlife.
Role
The Militarist is the Homeguard of the Xanthic Realm. Charged with the total control of the Xanthic military, the Knights Militant coordinate training of all units, special or otherwise, arrange for training and implementation of local armies and militias for cities within Xanthios, defend the pass which serves as the only natural land entry to Xanthios, and coordinate naval operations. Knights Militant may be called at any time by their superiors in the Order. In wartime, they will be asked to command forces in the field, or engage in specialized operations, involving reconnaissance, rescue, or sabotage. In peacetime, he protects his liege's stronghold, supervises training of recruits, and sharpens his fighting skills. He stands ready to travel to any part of the world to defend the interests of his government or church.
A Militarist commands the respect of nobles and peasants alike. Often, his reputation approaches legendary status; citizens line the streets and cheer when a renowned Militarist passes through their village. Militarists tend to bask in such adulation, pausing to exchange a few words with starstruck adolescents or kiss the hands of swooning maidens. They also enjoy the trappings of their station, eager to accept awards for military excellence and rarely refusing invitations to royal affairs.
Distinctive Appearance
Symbol: Any symbol with military connotations, such as a weapon or a clenched fist.
Special Benefits
A superb rider, a mounted Militarist makes attacks as if he were one level higher; a 3rd-level Militarist, for instance, attacks as if he were 4th level. He attacks as if two levels higher when riding his bonded mount. At 19th level, he attacks at one level higher regardless of his mount. A 20th-level Militarist isn't eligible for these bonuses.
When making an attack with his preferred weapon, the Militarist has a +1 damage bonus. Damage bonuses don't apply in jousts or other tournament competitions where the intent is to dismount or disarm, not inflict damage. They do apply to nonlethal attempts to subdue an opponent.
2: Ceremonial banquet in Militarist's honor
3: Receives a special crest for his helmet (see Chapter 6)
5: Receives a ceremonial coif (see Chapter 6)
7: Eligible to receive interest-free loans of up to or church (the DM may 500 gp from his government adjust the loan amount)
9: Land grant from his church of government (size and location determined by the DM)
10: Church or government officials screen Militarist's potential hirelings; all such employees are guaranteed lawful good (the Militarist retains the option to hire; he must also negotiate salaries and other conditions of employment)
Special Hindrances
The Militarist must spend at least one hour per day practicing his combat and riding skills. If he neglects to practice, he loses his mounted combat bonuses (see Special Benefits) for the following day. The DM may exempt the Militarist from this training requirement if he's spent an hour that day (60 rounds) in actual combat.
A Militarist must return to his home base at least once every six months to report to his superior or church officials. The report includes the status of current military operations, observations of enemy activity, and any information requested by his superiors. The Militarist may be excused from making a report if he makes prior arrangements. Otherwise, failure to report constitutes an ethos violation.
Ministration: Government or Church.
Bonded Mount: Any war horse.
In combat, the Militarist naturally assumes a leadership role. His companions will find him to be a shrewd and fearless commander who relishes every opportunity to engage the enemy. Off the battlefield, the Militarist tends to withdraw, maintaining a professional but distant relationship with his comrades. He has little interest in non-military activities, spending most of his free time discussing strategy and tactics with like-minded warriors, or brushing up on his combat techniques.
The Militarist receives a +2 reaction roll from all good and neutral characters from Xanthios. Evil characters respond normally.
Honors: As he advances in level, the Militarist receives the honors listed in Table 20. The honors presume loyal service and no significant ethos violations. The DM may withhold any honor he feels the Militarist doesn't deserve.
Comments