Grayfigure
2015-08-30, 11:37 PM
Alright, this is my rough draft for a 5e Bladesinger. I've been wanting to post this for a bit, but between rl and making sure I wanted to actually put this up, ive postponed this for a while. Credit goes to Undrhill from the EN World forums for the names of the individual MageStrikes and their abilities, though I changed the range and what they actually effected. I was hoping they would finish but its been years since they posted in that thread last, and their ideas inspired me forward. Let me know what you guys think.
WIZARD ARCANE TRADITION: THE BLADESINGER
To some wizards, their paths to power lie not only in knowledge, but in the blood. While it was the elves that created and taught sword magery to the other races, the creation of it was merely an attempt to recreate a proud heritage, thought lost to time. Some elven wizards, however, find a secret, hidden away in familial bloodlines; the Bladesong teachings of the fabled Elder race. All knowledge lies in the wizard; it becomes a matter of training the wizard in the physical demands of the Bladesinger. This power does not come without cost however: since you are now training your body for the rigors of Bladesinging, you no longer have as much time to dedicate to the study and mastery of spells. Wizards who follow this school will learn only 1 new spell per wizard level, and gain higher level spell slots 1 level later than they normally would. Though not an easy task for a wizard to give up the heights of Eldritch Acumen, the reward of a graceful legacy and a powerful art cannot be ignored.
Graceful Warrior (Level 2)
Elven wizards who unlock the Bladesong gain Immediate benefit from the newly discovered mastery within them.
At 2nd level, you gain proficiency in Longswords and rapiers, the ancestral weaponry of Bladesingers. You are also
gifted with their ceremonial Armor: an Astral projection of flowing robes as durable as most medium armors. You
gain Mage armor, which no longercosts you a spell slot to cast. Accessing the Grace of your ancestors also grants
you a small boon of grace: you gain a +1 Bonus to Charisma.
The final gift bestowed is the Swordbond. At 2nd level, you learn a ritual that creates a magical bond between
yourself and one sword, which are longswords or rapiers. You perform the ritual over the course of 1 hour, which can
be done during a short rest. The weapon must be within your reach throughout the ritual, at the conclusion of which you
touch the weapon and forge the bond. Once you have bonded a weapon to yourself, you can’t be disarmed of that weapon
unless you are incapacitated. If it is on the same plane of existence, you can summon that weapon as a bonus action on
your turn, causing it to teleport instantly to your hand. You may only have 1 Bondsword at a time. If you try to bond a
second, you will break your bond with the first Bondsword. Once bonded to you, your Bondsword becomes a spellcasting
focus.
MageStrike (Level 2)
With Magestrike, you take your first step in acquainting your body with the physical aspect of Bladesinging. Starting
at level 2, whenever you prepare new spells, you may also choose two of the following MageStrikes. You retain the ability to
use these until you prepare spells again. While similar in nature to cantrips, there are enough differences between the two
philosophies to confuse even the most studious mage when learning either MageStrikes or cantrips; once you gain the Mage-
Strike feature, you no longer learn any cantrips. You do, however, keep the cantrips you have learned up to this point. At
level 6, you may choose three MageStrikes when preparing your spells, and at level 10, you may choose four. You can cast
one of your MageStrikes as a bonus action when making a Bondsword weapon attack, as long as you have your Bondsword in
one hand and your other hand is empty, carrying no weapons or shields. All MageStrikes can be directed to the target of the
Bondsword attack, or at a different target within 10 ft of you, with the exception of Double Blade, as it is a second melee attack.
MageStrike effects are tied to the initial attack: if you miss with your Bondsword attack, Magestrikes will still be applicable, but
the secondary effect of the 'Strike will be lost. This does not include Incendiary Blade and Double Blade, which do not have a
secondary effect. The MageStrike list can be found at the end of the Archetype description.
Bladesong (Level 6)
The Bladesong: a trance like state that synchronizes the Bladesinger with the flow of battle around them. Elves in this state
flow from stance to stance, from attack to defence, with such fluidity and grace that they seem to be dancing. The world seems
to sing with the dance; no doubt the name of this style was adopted due to this skill. At 6th level, you enter a trance like battle
state that adds +3 to both AC and any Bondsword attack damage. The benefits of this state come with some drawbacks: you may
only assume this form for 30 seconds, due to the stress this places on body and soul. Also, Concentration is required, forcing you to
focus on the 'Song. You gain two uses of this ability. Once used, you must take a short or long rest before the uses recharge.
Improved Bladesong (Level 10)
At 10th level, your stamina and focus have improved to the point of being able to perform the perfected Bladesong form. You
need no longer Concentrate when performing the Bladesong, and it's duration is extended to 1 minute. Your skill while in the 'Song
also improves: you grant Disadvantage to all enemy attacks that target you with an attack roll; you also gain Advantage on all Dexterity
saving throws. You now add 3 + your CHA modifier to the damage done by your Bondsword while within the Improved
Bladesong. You have gained the physical prowess to attack twice where before, only one attack was possible. You may now make a
second melee attack when you use your action to make an attack with your Bondsword. This does not allow for a second MageStrike.
However, This also does not prohibit a third attack using the Double Blade MageStrike. You may use this form 3 times before needing a
short or long rest.
Ancestral Technique (Level 10)
Your prowess has become refined enough to utilize the advanced Bondsword techniques of the Elder Race. At Level 10 when
wielding a versatile weapon and nothing in the other hand, your weapon damage becomes 1d10 instead of 1d8. You may also use your
INT modifier for attacks and damage done with your Bondsword. Utilizing the Ancestral Technique with your Bondsword instills an
innate magical essence into the blade while wielded in such a manner. While under the Ancestral Technique, you Bondsword is now
considered a magical weapon in regards to bypassing resistance or immunities against mundane weapons. The magical weapon benefit
is only effective when wielding your Bondsword; you do not get this benefit when wielding weapons you are not bonded to.
Stormsong (Level 14)
You have learned to listen to the fury within the World as it resonates to the elements within your your spell; to dance along
the invisible divide, vanishing and appearing as you will along the edge created by spell meeting nature; and to take some of that fury
into yourself and channel it along your Bondsword as you strike at an enemy. This incredible ability has been named Stormsong.
At 14th level when you cast an attack spell that has fire, ice, lightning, poison, or thunder as its damage, you may use your bonus
action to teleport to any target within your move range, and make a Bondsword attack. Should the attack succeed, you may spend 1
spell slot to add 1d8 damage of the spell's element to the attack. This attack strikes 3 Contiguous squares within your melee attack range.
Using higher level spell slots will increase the Damage by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1. You may only use spell slots 5th level or
below in this manner. You may use this ability twice before needing a long rest to use it again.
MageStrike
Starting at level 2, whenever you prepare new spells, you may also choose two of the following MageStrikes. You retain
the ability to use these until you prepare spells again. At level 6, you may choose three MageStrikes when preparing your spells.
You can cast one of your MageStrikes as a bonus action when making a Bondsword weapon attack. All MageStrikes can be directed
to the target of the Bondsword attack, or at a different target within 10 ft of you.
Acidic Blade
This MageStrike deals acid damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, the next attack made against the target before the
start of your next turn gains advantage.
Incendiary Blade
This MageStrike deals fire damage equal to 2 + your INT modifier.
The fire damage increases to 4 + your INT modifier at 10th level and
6 + your INT modifier at 14th level.
Forceful Blade
This MageStrike deals extra force damage equal to your INT
modifier to the target of your Bondsword attack or another
target within 10 ft of you. Additionally, you deal 5 force damage
to the target or another creature within 10 feet of the target.
Icy Blade
This MageStrike deals cold damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, the target's speed is reduced by 10 feet until the end
of its next turn.
Impacting Blade
This MageStrike deals weapon damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, you push the target 10 feet away from you, or you may
choose to make the target all prone instead.
Lightning Blade
This MageStrike deals extra lightning damage equal to your INT
modifier. Additionally, the target cannot take reactions until the end
of your next turn.
Poison Blade
This MageStrike deals poison damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, the target must make a Constitution saving throw or become
poisoned for 1 minute.
Double Blade
You can make another melee attack with a Bondsword.
WIZARD ARCANE TRADITION: THE BLADESINGER
To some wizards, their paths to power lie not only in knowledge, but in the blood. While it was the elves that created and taught sword magery to the other races, the creation of it was merely an attempt to recreate a proud heritage, thought lost to time. Some elven wizards, however, find a secret, hidden away in familial bloodlines; the Bladesong teachings of the fabled Elder race. All knowledge lies in the wizard; it becomes a matter of training the wizard in the physical demands of the Bladesinger. This power does not come without cost however: since you are now training your body for the rigors of Bladesinging, you no longer have as much time to dedicate to the study and mastery of spells. Wizards who follow this school will learn only 1 new spell per wizard level, and gain higher level spell slots 1 level later than they normally would. Though not an easy task for a wizard to give up the heights of Eldritch Acumen, the reward of a graceful legacy and a powerful art cannot be ignored.
Graceful Warrior (Level 2)
Elven wizards who unlock the Bladesong gain Immediate benefit from the newly discovered mastery within them.
At 2nd level, you gain proficiency in Longswords and rapiers, the ancestral weaponry of Bladesingers. You are also
gifted with their ceremonial Armor: an Astral projection of flowing robes as durable as most medium armors. You
gain Mage armor, which no longercosts you a spell slot to cast. Accessing the Grace of your ancestors also grants
you a small boon of grace: you gain a +1 Bonus to Charisma.
The final gift bestowed is the Swordbond. At 2nd level, you learn a ritual that creates a magical bond between
yourself and one sword, which are longswords or rapiers. You perform the ritual over the course of 1 hour, which can
be done during a short rest. The weapon must be within your reach throughout the ritual, at the conclusion of which you
touch the weapon and forge the bond. Once you have bonded a weapon to yourself, you can’t be disarmed of that weapon
unless you are incapacitated. If it is on the same plane of existence, you can summon that weapon as a bonus action on
your turn, causing it to teleport instantly to your hand. You may only have 1 Bondsword at a time. If you try to bond a
second, you will break your bond with the first Bondsword. Once bonded to you, your Bondsword becomes a spellcasting
focus.
MageStrike (Level 2)
With Magestrike, you take your first step in acquainting your body with the physical aspect of Bladesinging. Starting
at level 2, whenever you prepare new spells, you may also choose two of the following MageStrikes. You retain the ability to
use these until you prepare spells again. While similar in nature to cantrips, there are enough differences between the two
philosophies to confuse even the most studious mage when learning either MageStrikes or cantrips; once you gain the Mage-
Strike feature, you no longer learn any cantrips. You do, however, keep the cantrips you have learned up to this point. At
level 6, you may choose three MageStrikes when preparing your spells, and at level 10, you may choose four. You can cast
one of your MageStrikes as a bonus action when making a Bondsword weapon attack, as long as you have your Bondsword in
one hand and your other hand is empty, carrying no weapons or shields. All MageStrikes can be directed to the target of the
Bondsword attack, or at a different target within 10 ft of you, with the exception of Double Blade, as it is a second melee attack.
MageStrike effects are tied to the initial attack: if you miss with your Bondsword attack, Magestrikes will still be applicable, but
the secondary effect of the 'Strike will be lost. This does not include Incendiary Blade and Double Blade, which do not have a
secondary effect. The MageStrike list can be found at the end of the Archetype description.
Bladesong (Level 6)
The Bladesong: a trance like state that synchronizes the Bladesinger with the flow of battle around them. Elves in this state
flow from stance to stance, from attack to defence, with such fluidity and grace that they seem to be dancing. The world seems
to sing with the dance; no doubt the name of this style was adopted due to this skill. At 6th level, you enter a trance like battle
state that adds +3 to both AC and any Bondsword attack damage. The benefits of this state come with some drawbacks: you may
only assume this form for 30 seconds, due to the stress this places on body and soul. Also, Concentration is required, forcing you to
focus on the 'Song. You gain two uses of this ability. Once used, you must take a short or long rest before the uses recharge.
Improved Bladesong (Level 10)
At 10th level, your stamina and focus have improved to the point of being able to perform the perfected Bladesong form. You
need no longer Concentrate when performing the Bladesong, and it's duration is extended to 1 minute. Your skill while in the 'Song
also improves: you grant Disadvantage to all enemy attacks that target you with an attack roll; you also gain Advantage on all Dexterity
saving throws. You now add 3 + your CHA modifier to the damage done by your Bondsword while within the Improved
Bladesong. You have gained the physical prowess to attack twice where before, only one attack was possible. You may now make a
second melee attack when you use your action to make an attack with your Bondsword. This does not allow for a second MageStrike.
However, This also does not prohibit a third attack using the Double Blade MageStrike. You may use this form 3 times before needing a
short or long rest.
Ancestral Technique (Level 10)
Your prowess has become refined enough to utilize the advanced Bondsword techniques of the Elder Race. At Level 10 when
wielding a versatile weapon and nothing in the other hand, your weapon damage becomes 1d10 instead of 1d8. You may also use your
INT modifier for attacks and damage done with your Bondsword. Utilizing the Ancestral Technique with your Bondsword instills an
innate magical essence into the blade while wielded in such a manner. While under the Ancestral Technique, you Bondsword is now
considered a magical weapon in regards to bypassing resistance or immunities against mundane weapons. The magical weapon benefit
is only effective when wielding your Bondsword; you do not get this benefit when wielding weapons you are not bonded to.
Stormsong (Level 14)
You have learned to listen to the fury within the World as it resonates to the elements within your your spell; to dance along
the invisible divide, vanishing and appearing as you will along the edge created by spell meeting nature; and to take some of that fury
into yourself and channel it along your Bondsword as you strike at an enemy. This incredible ability has been named Stormsong.
At 14th level when you cast an attack spell that has fire, ice, lightning, poison, or thunder as its damage, you may use your bonus
action to teleport to any target within your move range, and make a Bondsword attack. Should the attack succeed, you may spend 1
spell slot to add 1d8 damage of the spell's element to the attack. This attack strikes 3 Contiguous squares within your melee attack range.
Using higher level spell slots will increase the Damage by 1d8 for each spell slot level above 1. You may only use spell slots 5th level or
below in this manner. You may use this ability twice before needing a long rest to use it again.
MageStrike
Starting at level 2, whenever you prepare new spells, you may also choose two of the following MageStrikes. You retain
the ability to use these until you prepare spells again. At level 6, you may choose three MageStrikes when preparing your spells.
You can cast one of your MageStrikes as a bonus action when making a Bondsword weapon attack. All MageStrikes can be directed
to the target of the Bondsword attack, or at a different target within 10 ft of you.
Acidic Blade
This MageStrike deals acid damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, the next attack made against the target before the
start of your next turn gains advantage.
Incendiary Blade
This MageStrike deals fire damage equal to 2 + your INT modifier.
The fire damage increases to 4 + your INT modifier at 10th level and
6 + your INT modifier at 14th level.
Forceful Blade
This MageStrike deals extra force damage equal to your INT
modifier to the target of your Bondsword attack or another
target within 10 ft of you. Additionally, you deal 5 force damage
to the target or another creature within 10 feet of the target.
Icy Blade
This MageStrike deals cold damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, the target's speed is reduced by 10 feet until the end
of its next turn.
Impacting Blade
This MageStrike deals weapon damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, you push the target 10 feet away from you, or you may
choose to make the target all prone instead.
Lightning Blade
This MageStrike deals extra lightning damage equal to your INT
modifier. Additionally, the target cannot take reactions until the end
of your next turn.
Poison Blade
This MageStrike deals poison damage equal to your INT modifier.
Additionally, the target must make a Constitution saving throw or become
poisoned for 1 minute.
Double Blade
You can make another melee attack with a Bondsword.