Ghilead

Ghilead
You have been trained in the martial art of the White Tower called Ghilead. This talent is unique in that it is not one talent but many, and each must be acquired individually. Each Ghilead Talent gives you access to a single Combat Stance that works as a specific Advanced Action. However, due to the strain of performing them, you may never choose to perform any of these new Advanced Actions twice in a row. Additionally, these Advanced Actions may never be performed while wearing any Armour that applies a penalty to Movement.

Assassins of the Phoenix Court often train under a Bladelord in order to learn these skills, though more advanced assassins are often taught under an Assassin Master, their masters however know more ancient and secret stances, the Grand Master is said to have knowledge of many stances.

Ghilead Combat Stances

-Advanced combat actions-

Below are the four most common Combat Stances of Ghilead, although other ancient and secret stances are said to exist.

Way of the Willow Branch (Half Action)

The Sword Master’s body twists and contorts like a reed in the wind, and his sword deflects incoming blows with astounding speed, making him virtually impossible to hit. All characters making close combat attacks against the Sword Master suffer a -20% penalty to Weapon Skill for the purposes of making attacks. This modifier lasts until the Sword Masters next round.

Way of the Winter Breeze (Half Action)

Weaving his blade in a bewildering, swirling arc, the Sword Master is able to guide his blade through even the most Steadfast defence. The Sword Master’s next attack cannot be Dodged or Parried. If the character’s next action is anything other than a standard attack this bonus is lost.

Way of the Swooping Eagle (Full Action)

The Sword Master summons all of his speed and might into a single deadly blow. The character’s melee attack gains a +20% Weapon Skill bonus and a +2 bonus to its damage.

Way of the Breaking Storm (Full Action)

Unleashing his speed and strength in a flurry of blistering attacks, the sword master rains blow after blow on the enemy. The Sword Master can make a number of attacks up to his attack characteristic. Additionally he may reroll one of his attacks that miss this turn, as if he had spent a fortune point.