Martial Arts (Apath) - Revision history

Starfox: /* Way of the Mind */ wk

2016-04-09T09:28:04Z

Way of the Mind: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:28, 9 April 2016
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	Also known as canny defense or fencing, this style uses trained reflexes and cunning guile for defense, concealing the practitioner in a web of feints and tricks. It is based on an intellectual understanding of the physics of fighting, and often uses a pattern for its attacks and defenses. This pattern can be geometric, working in circles or along an imaginary line, or it can be based on a rhythm such as that of a song. Practitioners of the way of the mind are also known for their witty repartee during combat. This style allows some armor and bucklers and small shields, but not large or tower shields. This is the style of the duelist prestige class and prestige archetype.		Also known as canny defense or fencing, this style uses trained reflexes and cunning guile for defense, concealing the practitioner in a web of feints and tricks. It is based on an intellectual understanding of the physics of fighting, and often uses a pattern for its attacks and defenses. This pattern can be geometric, working in circles or along an imaginary line, or it can be based on a rhythm such as that of a song. Practitioners of the way of the mind are also known for their witty repartee during combat. This style allows some armor and bucklers and small shields, but not large or tower shields. This is the style of the duelist prestige class and prestige archetype.

	When wearing light or no armor and not using a large or tower shield, the way of the mind adds ~~1 point of~~ Intelligence bonus ~~(if any) per class level~~ as a dodge bonus to Armor Class and Combat Maneuver Defense while wielding a melee weapon. If a ~~fencer~~ is caught without a melee weapon or is flat-footed or otherwise denied her Dexterity bonus, she also loses this bonus.		When wearing light or no armor and not using a large or tower shield, the way of the mind adds Intelligence bonus as a dodge bonus to Armor Class and Combat Maneuver Defense while wielding a melee weapon. If a practitioner is caught without a melee weapon or is flat-footed or otherwise denied her Dexterity bonus, she also loses this bonus.

	Way of the Mind can be used with any weapon, but most styles emphasize the use of light and agile weapons such as the rapier. Practitioners often favor Weapon Finesse, but this is not ~~definite - some~~ practitioners fight with pole arms or other heavy weapons. Some ~~fencers~~ have developed a one or two weapon style that grants additional defensive abilities when not using shields. Their need to always be armed with a melee weapon limits their use of two-handed missile weapons, but thrown weapons and one-handed missile weapons such as hand crossbows or ~~even~~ pistols are popular.		Way of the Mind can be used with any weapon, but most styles emphasize the use of light and agile weapons such as the rapier. Practitioners often favor Weapon Finesse, but this is not universal—some practitioners fight with pole arms or other heavy weapons. Some have developed a one or two weapon style that grants additional defensive abilities when not using shields. Their need to always be armed with a melee weapon limits their use of two-handed missile weapons, but thrown weapons and one-handed missile weapons such as throwing weapons, hand crossbows or pistols are popular.

	'''Design Notes:''' Way of the mind shares the flat-footed weakness of the way of life, only more so as they generally lack uncanny dodge. The risk of disarming is another liability, but can be overcome with Improved Unarmed Strike. Way of the Mind gives Armor Class slower than those of void or life, but allows the use armor and shields, potentially making this a very strong defense suitable for main fighting classes. Their option to use shields means they do not generally get additional armor bonuses at higher levels.		'''Design Notes:''' Way of the mind shares the flat-footed weakness of the way of life, only more so as they generally lack uncanny dodge. The risk of disarming is another liability. Their option to use shields means they do not generally get additional armor bonuses at higher levels.

	=== Way of the Body ===		=== Way of the Body ===

Starfox: /* Way of the Mind */ wk

2015-06-06T07:36:47Z

Way of the Mind: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:36, 6 June 2015
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	Way of the Mind can be used with any weapon, but most styles emphasize the use of light and agile weapons such as the rapier. Practitioners often favor Weapon Finesse, but this is not definite - some practitioners fight with pole arms or other heavy weapons. Some fencers have developed a one or two weapon style that grants additional defensive abilities when not using shields. Their need to always be armed with a melee weapon limits their use of two-handed missile weapons, but thrown weapons and one-handed missile weapons such as hand crossbows or even pistols are popular.		Way of the Mind can be used with any weapon, but most styles emphasize the use of light and agile weapons such as the rapier. Practitioners often favor Weapon Finesse, but this is not definite - some practitioners fight with pole arms or other heavy weapons. Some fencers have developed a one or two weapon style that grants additional defensive abilities when not using shields. Their need to always be armed with a melee weapon limits their use of two-handed missile weapons, but thrown weapons and one-handed missile weapons such as hand crossbows or even pistols are popular.

	'''Design Notes:''' Way of the mind shares the flat-footed weakness as the way of life, only more so as they generally lack uncanny dodge. The risk of disarming is another liability, but can be overcome with Improved Unarmed Strike. Way of the Mind gives Armor Class slower than those of void or life, but allows the use armor and shields, potentially making this a very strong defense suitable for main fighting classes. Their option to use shields means they do not generally get additional armor bonuses at higher levels.		'''Design Notes:''' Way of the mind shares the flat-footed weakness of the way of life, only more so as they generally lack uncanny dodge. The risk of disarming is another liability, but can be overcome with Improved Unarmed Strike. Way of the Mind gives Armor Class slower than those of void or life, but allows the use armor and shields, potentially making this a very strong defense suitable for main fighting classes. Their option to use shields means they do not generally get additional armor bonuses at higher levels.

	=== Way of the Body ===		=== Way of the Body ===

Starfox: /* Way of Life */ wk

2015-06-06T07:34:08Z

Way of Life: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:34, 6 June 2015
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	=== Way of Life ===		=== Way of Life ===
	Also known as the animal ~~form~~ or fighting panache, this energetic path is based on awe and movement. Some disciples channel the energy of life to fight like an animal does, with constant acrobatic moves and antics. Others develop a kind of aura of invincibility, moving slowly and deliberately trough danger that makes most people cringe. Not quite as demanding as the way of the void, the way of life still demands that you refrain from using armor or shields. [[Mystic_Dancer_(Apath)\|Mystic dancers]] practice this style.		Also known as the animal style martial arts or fighting panache, this energetic path is based on awe and movement. Some disciples channel the energy of life to fight like an animal does, with constant acrobatic moves and antics. Others develop a kind of aura of invincibility, moving slowly and deliberately trough danger that makes most people cringe. Not quite as demanding as the way of the void, the way of life still demands that you refrain from using armor or shields. [[Mystic_Dancer_(Apath)\|Mystic dancers]] practice this style.

	The disciple of life adds her Charisma modifier when calculating Armor Class and Combat Maneuver Defense. She loses this bonus when she wears armor, uses a shield, when she carries a medium or heavy load, or when she is denied her Dexterity bonus to Armor Class. Classes and archetypes using this style generally grant some kind of uncanny dodge as they advance in level, as well as an increase in Armor Class.		The disciple of life adds her Charisma modifier when calculating Armor Class and Combat Maneuver Defense. She loses this bonus when she wears armor, uses a shield, when she carries a medium or heavy load, or when she is denied her Dexterity bonus to Armor Class. Classes and archetypes using this style generally grant some kind of uncanny dodge as they advance in level, as well as an increase in Armor Class.

hastur>Hastur: OGL

2014-08-04T10:55:40Z

OGL

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:55, 4 August 2014
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	A creature that can make unarmed strikes using martial arts and use natural weapons can combine both. The martial arts strikes work normally, while any natural attacks become secondary attacks.		A creature that can make unarmed strikes using martial arts and use natural weapons can combine both. The martial arts strikes work normally, while any natural attacks become secondary attacks.
			<!-- OGL -->
			<noinclude>{{OGL}}</noinclude>

Starfox: /* Way of the Body */ wk

2014-06-16T15:08:11Z

Way of the Body: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:08, 16 June 2014
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	This is the most earthly of the martial arts defense styles. Gladiators, boxers, and sumotori follow this path. It is based on long and punishing training where the student builds ligaments, muscle, and fat into an armored screen that protects from blows. This often makes them big and heavy, with large calloused hands and lots of scars. Practitioners of this style deflect some blows, and due to their high constitution they can take immense punishment even from the blows they fail to deflect.		This is the most earthly of the martial arts defense styles. Gladiators, boxers, and sumotori follow this path. It is based on long and punishing training where the student builds ligaments, muscle, and fat into an armored screen that protects from blows. This often makes them big and heavy, with large calloused hands and lots of scars. Practitioners of this style deflect some blows, and due to their high constitution they can take immense punishment even from the blows they fail to deflect.

	As long as he is not wearing any armor, a disciple of the body gains a circumstance bonus to natural armor equal to her Constitution bonus. He can use shields normally and the bonus stacks with both natural armor and with enchantment bonuses to natural armor. At higher levels, classes and archetypes using this method often grant damage reduction, additional armor bonus, or allows the practitioner to apply the defense against incorporeal attacks.		As long as he is not wearing any armor, a disciple of the body gains a circumstance bonus to natural armor equal to her Constitution bonus. He can use shields normally and the bonus stacks with both natural armor and with enchantment bonuses to natural armor. Note that temporary Constitution modifiers, such as those from ''bears endurance'', do not increase the natural armor bonus. At higher levels, classes and archetypes using this method often grant damage reduction, additional armor bonus, or allows the practitioner to apply the defense against incorporeal attacks.

	Those of the way of the body tend to be big and strong and favor either martial arts strikes or big two-handed weapons. A few sacrifice agility and use large shields for a very defensive combat style.		Those of the way of the body tend to be big and strong and favor either martial arts strikes or big two-handed weapons. A few sacrifice agility and use large shields for a very defensive combat style.

Starfox: /* Way of Force */ wk

2014-06-16T11:10:36Z

Way of Force: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:10, 16 June 2014
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	This is the magician's way of defending himself, with protective force fields or other spell effects. ''Mage armor'' is the most common spell of this path. Many practitioners of other paths combine their style with ''bracers of armor'' that are based on the way of force.		This is the magician's way of defending himself, with protective force fields or other spell effects. ''Mage armor'' is the most common spell of this path. Many practitioners of other paths combine their style with ''bracers of armor'' that are based on the way of force.

	Classes and archetypes using the Way of Force ~~tend to~~ have the ability to erect force armor, either as a spell, spell-like, or supernatural ability. Not constantly up and possible to dispel, such armor still offers good protection without sacrificing mobility. Force armor works as worn armor in most ways and does not benefit Combat Maneuver Defense, but it does offer protection from incorporeal touch attacks. Specialists at this path are able to combine such defenses with that provided by ''bracers of armor'', and often gain additional mystic shields or defenses as they advance in level. This force armor generally counts as heavy armor for thew purpose of other martial arts techniques.		Classes and archetypes using the Way of Force have the ability to erect force armor, either as a spell, spell-like, or supernatural ability. Not constantly up and possible to dispel, such armor still offers good protection without sacrificing mobility. Force armor works as worn armor in most ways and does not benefit Combat Maneuver Defense, but it does offer protection from incorporeal touch attacks. Specialists at this path are able to combine such defenses with that provided by ''bracers of armor'', and often gain additional mystic shields or defenses as they advance in level. This force armor generally counts as heavy armor for thew purpose of other martial arts techniques.

	Force warriors use the same weapons as normal warrior—that is any weapon at all. Many combine this with spells for a very volatile style. Some practitioners can create weapons out of force.		Force warriors use the same weapons as normal warrior—that is any weapon at all. Many combine this with spells for a very volatile style. Some practitioners can create weapons out of force.

Starfox: /* Way of the Body */ wqk

2014-06-11T16:09:44Z

Way of the Body: wqk

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:09, 11 June 2014
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	As long as he is not wearing any armor, a disciple of the body gains a circumstance bonus to natural armor equal to her Constitution bonus. He can use shields normally and the bonus stacks with both natural armor and with enchantment bonuses to natural armor. At higher levels, classes and archetypes using this method often grant damage reduction, additional armor bonus, or allows the practitioner to apply the defense against incorporeal attacks.		As long as he is not wearing any armor, a disciple of the body gains a circumstance bonus to natural armor equal to her Constitution bonus. He can use shields normally and the bonus stacks with both natural armor and with enchantment bonuses to natural armor. At higher levels, classes and archetypes using this method often grant damage reduction, additional armor bonus, or allows the practitioner to apply the defense against incorporeal attacks.

	Those of the ~~Way~~ of the ~~Body~~ tend to be big and strong and favor either martial arts strikes or big two-handed weapons. A few sacrifice agility and use large shields for a very defensive combat style.		Those of the way of the body tend to be big and strong and favor either martial arts strikes or big two-handed weapons. A few sacrifice agility and use large shields for a very defensive combat style.

	'''Design Notes:''' Way of the Body has a very attractive defensive attribute—Constitution—making this a very solid choice. Unlike more advanced paths, they do not improve their touch Armor Class or Combat Maneuver Defense. Like ~~Way~~ of the ~~Void~~ and ~~Way~~ of ~~Life~~, practitioners of the ~~Way~~ of ~~Body~~ generally get bracers of armor as they advance in levels.		'''Design Notes:''' Way of the Body has a very attractive defensive attribute—Constitution—making this a very solid choice. Unlike more advanced paths, they do not improve their touch Armor Class or Combat Maneuver Defense. Like way of the void and way of life, practitioners of the way of body generally get bracers of armor as they advance in levels.

	=== Way of Force ===		=== Way of Force ===

Starfox: /* Way of the Mind */ wk

2014-06-11T16:07:24Z

Way of the Mind: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:07, 11 June 2014
Line 51:		Line 51:
	Way of the Mind can be used with any weapon, but most styles emphasize the use of light and agile weapons such as the rapier. Practitioners often favor Weapon Finesse, but this is not definite - some practitioners fight with pole arms or other heavy weapons. Some fencers have developed a one or two weapon style that grants additional defensive abilities when not using shields. Their need to always be armed with a melee weapon limits their use of two-handed missile weapons, but thrown weapons and one-handed missile weapons such as hand crossbows or even pistols are popular.		Way of the Mind can be used with any weapon, but most styles emphasize the use of light and agile weapons such as the rapier. Practitioners often favor Weapon Finesse, but this is not definite - some practitioners fight with pole arms or other heavy weapons. Some fencers have developed a one or two weapon style that grants additional defensive abilities when not using shields. Their need to always be armed with a melee weapon limits their use of two-handed missile weapons, but thrown weapons and one-handed missile weapons such as hand crossbows or even pistols are popular.

	'''Design Notes:''' Way of the ~~Mind~~ shares the flat-footed weakness as the ~~Way~~ of ~~Life~~, only more so as they generally lack uncanny dodge. The risk of disarming is another liability, but can be overcome with Improved Unarmed Strike. Way of the Mind gives Armor Class slower than those of void or life, but allows the use armor and shields, potentially making this a very strong defense suitable for main fighting classes. Their option to use shields means they do not generally get additional armor bonuses at higher levels.		'''Design Notes:''' Way of the mind shares the flat-footed weakness as the way of life, only more so as they generally lack uncanny dodge. The risk of disarming is another liability, but can be overcome with Improved Unarmed Strike. Way of the Mind gives Armor Class slower than those of void or life, but allows the use armor and shields, potentially making this a very strong defense suitable for main fighting classes. Their option to use shields means they do not generally get additional armor bonuses at higher levels.

	=== Way of the Body ===		=== Way of the Body ===

Starfox: /* Way of Life */ wk

2014-06-11T16:06:17Z

Way of Life: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:06, 11 June 2014
Line 35:		Line 35:

	=== Way of Life ===		=== Way of Life ===
	Also known as the animal form or fighting panache, this energetic path is based on awe and movement. Some disciples channel the energy of life to fight like an animal does, with constant acrobatic moves and antics. Others develop a kind of aura of invincibility, moving slowly and deliberately trough danger that makes most people cringe. Not quite as demanding as the ~~Way~~ of the ~~Void~~, the ~~Way~~ of ~~Life commonly~~ demands that you refrain from using armor or shields. [[Mystic_Dancer_(Apath)\|Mystic dancers]] practice this style.		Also known as the animal form or fighting panache, this energetic path is based on awe and movement. Some disciples channel the energy of life to fight like an animal does, with constant acrobatic moves and antics. Others develop a kind of aura of invincibility, moving slowly and deliberately trough danger that makes most people cringe. Not quite as demanding as the way of the void, the way of life still demands that you refrain from using armor or shields. [[Mystic_Dancer_(Apath)\|Mystic dancers]] practice this style.

	The disciple of life adds her Charisma modifier when calculating Armor Class and Combat Maneuver Defense. She loses this bonus when she wears armor, uses a shield, when she carries a medium or heavy load, or when she is denied her Dexterity bonus to Armor Class. Classes and archetypes using this style generally grant some kind of uncanny dodge as they advance in level, as well as an increase in Armor Class.		The disciple of life adds her Charisma modifier when calculating Armor Class and Combat Maneuver Defense. She loses this bonus when she wears armor, uses a shield, when she carries a medium or heavy load, or when she is denied her Dexterity bonus to Armor Class. Classes and archetypes using this style generally grant some kind of uncanny dodge as they advance in level, as well as an increase in Armor Class.

Starfox: /* Way of the Void */ wk

2014-06-11T16:05:12Z

Way of the Void: wk

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:05, 11 June 2014
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	Also know as the weirding way or the path of spirit, the way of the void is a mystic form of defense. Monks practice this style. The practitioner merges his consciousness with the universe and moves in just the right way to deflect or avoid an attack, seemingly without effort. This is an art based on wisdom and insight. It requires the utmost balance and ease of movement, and is thus incompatible with wearing armor or a shield of any kind.		Also know as the weirding way or the path of spirit, the way of the void is a mystic form of defense. Monks practice this style. The practitioner merges his consciousness with the universe and moves in just the right way to deflect or avoid an attack, seemingly without effort. This is an art based on wisdom and insight. It requires the utmost balance and ease of movement, and is thus incompatible with wearing armor or a shield of any kind.

	When unarmored and unencumbered, the disciple of the void adds his Wisdom bonus (if any) to his Armor Class and his Combat Maneuver Defense. These bonuses to Armor Class apply even against touch attacks or when the disciple of the void is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, when he carries a shield, or when he carries a medium or heavy load. Classes and archetypes that adhere to the ~~Way~~ of the ~~Void~~ generally grant greater Armor Class bonuses as you advance in levels.		When unarmored and unencumbered, the disciple of the void adds his Wisdom bonus (if any) to his Armor Class and his Combat Maneuver Defense. These bonuses to Armor Class apply even against touch attacks or when the disciple of the void is flat-footed. He loses these bonuses when he is immobilized or helpless, when he wears any armor, when he carries a shield, or when he carries a medium or heavy load. Classes and archetypes that adhere to the way of the void generally grant greater Armor Class bonuses as you advance in levels.

	Practitioners of void generally fight using martial arts strikes or monk weapons. They can use other weapons at a penalty.		Practitioners of void generally fight using martial arts strikes or monk weapons. They can use other weapons at a penalty.