[3.5] Silver Crane [ToB, Discipline]

[ErrantX]

Silver Crane

Bath Kol, Silver Crane disciple

In modern times, with a new renaissance of martial prowess on the move, a resurgence of less than wholesome disciplines, long forgotten, have resurfaced in the world. Styles from the Stygian depths such as those who seek to share their souls with demonic entities for power who utilize the dark arts of the Black Heron. However, in this age of renaissance, the goodly races have a new art to combat the horrors given to them by an enigmatic group of incorporeal celestials that refer to themselves as the Argent Oracles. As they have no forms of their own, they grant their martial prowess to those who are willing to channel their essence in combat, learning their martial discipline known as the Silver Crane.

The most populace group to use this disciple, the Oracle Knights of the Silver Crusade, are open to learn this discipline. Additionally, it's possible that other martial celestials may have picked up this trick (such as Solars and Ghaeles) and have made themselves available to mortals willing to fight in their name. The Silver Crane is a goodly discipline and may only be learned and used by those who have a good alignment who is channeling a good aligned outsider (such as an Argent Oracle). It focuses on strong strikes designed to combat evil, celestial insight to combat foes, and the ability to aid the initiator and his allies to endure the hardships of combat with the forces of evil. The Silver Crane discipline's associated skill is Perception, and its associated weapons are the longsword, longspear, scimitar, light pick, halberd, and two bladed sword.

(Silver Crane is available to Crusaders instead of Devoted Spirit)

[ErrantX]

Author's Note: Holy damage is a simplified term that refers to damage that is only inflicted on evilly aligned creatures, and is capable of bypassing any DR that is */Good. Holy damage does no damage to good creatures, and 1/2 damage to neutral creatures. All Silver Crane maneuvers are supernatural in nature.

Maneuver List

1st level
Flickering Strike: Strike- Roll two attack rolls; use the better of the two rolls to determine result.
Crane Step: Boost- Make a free 5-ft step.
Flashing Wings: Strike- Melee attack that grants you a +2 AC bonus for the turn.
Silver Crane Stance: Stance- Gain a +4 bonus to initiative checks and Reflex saves.
*Eyes of the Crane: Stance- When making Perception checks or rolls against concealment, roll twice and use the better of the two rolls.
*Enduring Crane Strike: Strike- Successful melee attack heals the initiator or ally within 30ft 1d6 points of damage.
2nd level
Defensive Step: Counter- Make Perception check opposing opponent's attack roll, if successful make a free 5-ft step to evade the attack.
Emerald Displacement Strike: Strike- Make a successful melee attack, target suffers 20% miss chance for its next attack.
Blessed Pinions: Strike- Melee attack deals an additional 2d6 holy damage, strikes incorporeal creatures or possessing creatures without harming the host.
*Blazing Crane’s Wing: Boost- Add 2d6 points of damage to attacks against undead or evil outsiders.
3rd level
Exorcism Strike: Strike- Melee attacks inflicts an additional 6d6 holy damage to undead and evil outsiders; chance to daze.
Silver Knight's Blade: Strike- Melee attack inflicts an additional 4d6 points of damage, heals that damage to initiator or nearby ally.
Waltz of the Silver Crane: Stance- Do not provoke attacks of opportunity by moving through threatened squares, ignore terrain difficulties.
*Silver Crane’s Blessing: Boost- Upon a successful attack, initiator or ally within 30ft is healed 2d6 points of damage.
4th level
Sapphire Displacement Strike: Strike- Make a successful melee attack, target suffers 50% miss chance for 1d4 rounds.
Sacred Pinions: Strike- Melee attack deals an addition 5d6 holy damage, strikes incorporeal or possessing creatures and stuns them for 1d4 rounds.
Silver Crane's Leap: Boost- Make a free 15ft step without provoking attacks of opportunity.
*Silver Crane Resurgence: Initiator or ally within 15ft may reroll a failed save to negate negative effect with a +4 divine bonus.
5th level
Stance of the Crane Knight: Stance- Gain spell resistance against the spells and powers of evil outsiders and undead.
Argent Knight's Lance: Strike- Make a successful charge attack, inflicts an additional 8d6 points of damage, heals initiator and all allies within 30ft for 25 hit points.
Emerald-Tipped Feathers: Counter- Gain DR 20/- against a single attack.
*Silver Crane’s Spiral: Strike- Make a single attack at full attack bonus +2 against each adjacent enemy.
6th level
Holy Pinions: Strike- Melee attack deals an additional 10d6 holy damage, strikes incorporeal or possessing creatures and makes them corporeal for one minute.
Argent King's Scepter: Strike- Make a successful melee attack, inflicts an additional 12d6 points of damage, heals initiator 80 points of damage.
*Silver Crane Endurance: Stance- Initiator gains fast healing 5.
*Silver Crane’s Mercy: Boost- Upon successful attack, initiator or ally within 30ft is healed 5d6 points of damage.
7th level
Holy Rush: Boost- Instantly move to a nearby ally's adjacent square without provoking attacks of opportunity.
Diamond Displacement Strike: Strike- Make a successful melee attack, target is rendered blind and deaf permanently.
Diamond-Tipped Feathers: Counter- Gain DR 30/- for one round or shed one current effect upon the initiator.
8th level
Diamond Wings of the Imperial Crane: Stance- Initiator gains an insight bonus to Initiative, to hit and damage rolls.
Celestial Pinions: Strike- Melee attack that strikes incorporeal creatures, inflicts an additional 15d6 points of holy damage or slays incorporeal creatures.
*Benediction of the Silver Crane: Boost- Upon a successful attack, initiator and all allies within 30ft are healed for 10d6 points of damage.
9th level
Strike of Silver Exorcism: Strike- Melee attack inflicts +80 damage, or +120 damage to/slays undead or evil outsiders.

*= new maneuvers

[ErrantX]

Maneuver Descriptions:

1st level

Spoiler

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Flickering Strike:
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Duration: Instant

Using the insight of the Argent Oracles, the martial adept learns to read the tangles of fate to learn how to direct their efforts in battle. Make two attack rolls, use the better of the two rolls to determine result of the attack.

Crane Step
Silver Crane (Boost)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Instant

The grace of the Silver Crane blesses the initiator with the ability to step through battle unhindered and unharmed. The martial adept may make a free 5-ft step, even if he has already make one.

Flashing Wings
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Duration: Instant

The flashing wings of the Silver Crane defend the martial adept from harm, granting him a +2 divine bonus to AC for one turn.

Silver Crane Stance
Silver Crane (Stance)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Stance

The swift speed of the celestial realms infuses the mind of the adept, granting him momentary flickers of foresight. A faint, ghostly image of wings is visible around the adept but vanish when he is looked upon directly. The martial adept gain a +4 insight bonus to his initiative roll and to Reflex saves.

Eyes of the Crane
Silver Crane (Stance)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Stance

Using the perception of the adept’s heavenly ally to aid him, the Silver Crane practitioner may see many things which would remain hidden from the eyes of the pure. While in this stance, the character may roll twice on Perception checks or when attempting to pierce concealment, using the higher of the two rolls.

Enduring Crane Strike
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 1
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Personal or 30ft
Target: Target creature(s)
Duration: Instance

Filling his soul with a wellspring of holy power, the adept strikes out at a foe to unleashed this holy power to restore his health or the health of an ally. The character makes an attack against a target creature, and if successful this attack inflicts normal damage and heals the initiator or an ally within 30ft of 1d6 points of damage.

2nd level

Spoiler

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Defensive Step
Silver Crane (Counter)
Level: 2
Initiation Action: 1 immediate action
Range: Personal
Target: You

By trusting the latent awareness of the celestial within, one can use its flickering senses of the battle around him to see where the next attack is coming and move away from danger. Make a Perception check opposing the opponent's attack roll. If successful, the character may make a free 5-ft step in order to evade the attack. He may move to another square adjacent of the attacker, but will not be hit by the attack.

Emerald Displacement Strike
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 2
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates

Sight is imperative in arts of the hunting bird, and a warrior learns that this holds true for his enemy. An enemy that cannot see is an enemy who can be defeated with greater ease. Make a successful melee attack and if the attack inflicts damage, the target must make a Fortitude save (DC 12 + primary initiator attribute modifier) or suffer a -4 penalty to Perception checks and a 20% miss chance on attack rolls for 1d4 rounds due to the sensory organs of the foe being dazzled with holy light. Creatures without sensory organs (such as oozes and constructs) are immune to this effect.

Blessed Pinions
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 2
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature

The pinion feathers of the Silver Crane's wings gain an ethereal glimmer as if they were blessed steel, and the Argent Oracle guiding their disciple's blade may strike true as if it too were blessed, even allowing them to strike at the unseen. The martial adept makes a melee attack against a foe, and if successful, inflicts and additional 2d6 points of damage. The initiator may also choose to strike incorporeal foes with this strike as if they were made manifest, including fiends who currently possess a creature. To strike a possessing fiend, the body they inhabit must be also struck, but all damage goes to the possessing fiend without harming the host.

Blazing Crane’s Wing
Silver Crane (Boost)
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: One round

By filling the Silver Crane disciple’s weapon with the strength of his celestial patron, the warrior funnels their righteous wrath against those that are abominations in the eyes of all that is good. The character’s attacks for one round inflict an additional 2d6 points of damage against undead or evil outsiders.

3rd level

Spoiler

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Exorcism Strike
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 3
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial

The foes of the celestial realms tremble in fear at the wrath of the Heavens themselves, and a disciple of the Silver Crane wields that righteous anger in battle. This strike inflicts an additional 6d6 points of holy damage to the foe if it is an undead creature or an outsider with the Evil subtype, with a chance to daze the target for 1 round if he fails a Fortitude save (DC 13 + primary initiator attribute modifier). Success negates the daze effect. If the target is neither undead nor an evil outsider, this attack inflicts an additional 2d6 points of damage, and does not daze the target.

Silver Knight’s Blade
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 3
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature

One graced with the blessings of the Silver Crane are to be both terrors to their foes and heroes to their fellows. This strike inflicts an additional 4d6 points of holy damage and heals a like amount of damage to either the initiator or to a single ally within 30ft of the martial adept.

Waltz of the Silver Crane
Silver Crane (Stance)
Level: 3
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Stance

The martial adept with knowledge of this stance learns to channel the awareness of their celestial guest to subconsciously know where to move through battle without harm. These adepts duck, dodge, and flow through the fight like a dancer with the after image of ghostly silvery wings flapping behind them. While in this stance, the martial adept may move through threatened squares (but not one with an enemy in it) without provoking attacks of opportunity and he may ignore terrain difficulties.

Silver Crane’s Blessing
Silver Crane (Boost)
Level: 3
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal or 30ft
Target: You or ally
Duration: Instant

By invoking the powers of his celestial patrons upon successfully smiting an enemy of the heavens, the holy power of the Silver Crane adept’s patron flows through him to restore the health of the vessel or the ally of the vessel. Upon a successful attack, the character may initiate this boost to heal himself or an ally within 30ft of 2d6 points of damage.

4th level

Spoiler

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Sapphire Displacement Strike
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 4
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates

The agents of the celestial realms guide your blade and hinder the senses of your foes. Make a successful melee attack and if the attack inflicts damage, the target must make a Fortitude save (DC 14 + primary initiator attribute modifier) or fail on all Perception checks, suffer a -4 penalty on Listen and Search checks, and a 50% miss chance on attack rolls for 1d4 rounds due to the sensory organs of the foe being dazzled with holy light. Creatures without sensory organs (such as oozes and constructs) are immune to this effect.

Sacred Pinions
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 4
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Saving Throw: Fortitude partial

The martial adept enhances his melee strikes with the blessed wings of the Silver Crane, sharpening its edge to strike beyond flesh and bite spirit. The martial adept makes a melee attack against a foe, and if successful, inflicts and additional 5d6 points of damage. The initiator may also choose to strike incorporeal foes with this strike as if they were made manifest, including fiends who currently possess a creature. To strike a possessing fiend, the body they inhabit must be also struck, but all damage goes to the possessing fiend without harming the host.

Silver Crane’s Leap
Silver Crane (Boost)
Level: 4
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You

The flow of battle runs sharply through the Silver Crane adept’s mind, allowing him to see where his opponents will move before he makes his own. By watching these flows, he may step before their movements, allowing him greater mobility without a cost to defense. The martial adept may move up to 15-ft without provoking attacks of opportunity.

Silver Crane Resurgence
Silver Crane
Level: 4
Prerequisites: One Silver Crane maneuver
Initiation Action: 1 standard action
Range: Personal or 15ft
Target: You or ally
Duration: Instant

By invoking the power of his celestial patron, the Silver Crane adept may overcome the fell powers and curses of his enemies and return to full fighting ability. As a standard action, the character may grant himself or an ally within 15ft the ability to reroll a failed saving throw with a +4 divine bonus, success negating the negative effect of the previously failed saving throw.

5th level

Spoiler

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Stance of the Crane Knight
Silver Crane (Stance)
Level: 5
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Stance

As a disciple of the Silver Crane, the martial adept who learns its mysteries must be prepared to take the fight to the enemies of the Upper Planes. By initiating this stance, a halo of ghostly wings erupts around the adept, and his attacks manifest a ghostly beak along the striking arm of the initiator. While in this stance, the ghostly image of wings protects the martial adept against the spells and powers of evil outsiders and the undead, granting him spell resistance equal to 15 + his initiator level.

Argent Knight’s Banner
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 5
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: Special
Duration: Instant

Infusing his arms and weapon with the glory of the Silver Crane’s majesty, the martial adept smites his foe and radiates a banner of heavenly wings, which explode with celestial light and power. Upon making a successful attack, the strike inflicts an additional 8d6 points of damage and heals the initiator and all of his allies within 30-ft of the initiator for 25 points of damage.

Emerald-Tipped Feathers
Silver Crane (Counter)
Level: 5
Prerequisites: 2 Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 immediate action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: One attack

A defensive technique of the Silver Crane calls for the hardening of the channeled celestial’s essence around the adept to protect him from harm. This essence often manifests in the form of a wing-like shield of faintly green light, which grants the martial adept damage reduction of 20/- against a single attack.

Silver Crane’s Spiral
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 5
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: Special
Duration: Instant

Filling himself with the wrath of the heavens, the Silver Crane adept takes on a nimbus of glowing wings and lashes out at all of his nearby enemies with smiting strikes. The character makes a single attack at his full attack bonus with a +2 insight bonus at each adjacent enemy or enemy that is within the area he threatens.

6th level

Spoiler

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Holy Pinions
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 6
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Duration: Instant
Saving Throw: Will partial

A master level technique of the Silver Crane, the martial adept infuses his strike with the pure celestial essence of their heavenly companion and smites the forces of the Lower Planes. The martial adept makes a melee attack against a foe, and if successful, inflicts and additional 10d6 points of damage. The initiator may also choose to strike incorporeal foes with this strike as if they were made manifest, including fiends who currently possess a creature. To strike a possessing fiend, the body they inhabit must be also struck, but all damage goes to the possessing fiend without harming the host. If used against a possessing fiend or an incorporeal creature, the martial adept may attempt to make this creature corporeal (if used against a possessing fiend, the creature will appear adjacent of the host) temporarily. The creature must make a Will save (DC 16 + primary initiator attribute modifier) or be made corporeal and stunned for 1d4 rounds.

Argent King’s Scepter
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 6
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Duration: Instant

The initiator of this strike holds his weapon aloft briefly, allowing it to fill with holy wrath before striking the blazing weapon down with righteous finality. This strike inflicts an additional 8d6 points of damage and heals the initiator for 60 points of damage.

Silver Crane Endurance
Silver Crane (Stance)
Level: 6
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Stance

By reciting a litany of praises and prayers to the glory of the Argent Oracles and to the heavens above, the Silver Crane adept is filled with restorative power from his patrons. While in this stance, the character gains fast healing 5.

Silver Crane’s Mercy
Silver Crane (Boost)
Level: 6
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation Action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal or 30ft
Target: You or ally
Duration: Instant

With a recitation of power and a prayer for mercy upon those who are servants of heaven, the Silver Crane adept strikes out at the evil he battles. Upon a successful attack, the initiator or an ally within 30ft of the initiator may is healed of 5d6 points of damage.

7th level

Spoiler

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Holy Rush
Silver Crane (Boost)
Level: 7
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 swift action
Range: 50-ft
Target: You

With a rush of speed and flare of arching wings of light, the martial adept speeds towards an ally within the blink of an eye. The character moves to an adjacent square of an ally within 50-ft. If there is no ally within this range, this maneuver cannot be used.

Diamond Displacement Strike
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 7
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Saving Throw: Fortitude negates

A blinded warrior cannot strike with his eyes, and most cannot strike with their mind. The disciple of the Silver Crane strikes hard at his opponent’s senses and rips them from him decisively. Make a successful melee attack, the victim of which must make a Fortitude save (DC 17 + primary initiator attribute modifier) or be permanently blinded and deafened by a celestial hand.

Diamond-Tipped Feathers
Silver Crane (Counter)
Level: 7
Prerequisites: Two Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 immediate action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: 1 round

The ultimate defensive technique of the Silver Crane, the glittering wings of celestial might wrap around the martial adept initiating this maneuver to protect him from harm. The initiator gains DR 30/- for one round or may shed one effect that has been placed upon him (such as bestow curse or the effect of a power word: blind spell, but not damage effects from spells such as fireball).

8th level

Spoiler

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Diamond Wings of the Imperial Crane
Silver Crane (Stance)
Level: 8
Prerequisites: Three Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 swift action
Range: Personal
Target: You
Duration: Stance

The true master of the Silver Crane discipline may manifest the essence of his celestial patron along his body, its light radiating from his soul to form silver-feathered ethereal wings from his back and a blazing halo of argent radiance around his head. The tactical foresight of the disciple’s celestial patron floods his mind and aids his motions in combat. The character gains an insight bonus on Initiative checks and to his to hit and damage rolls with Silver Crane weapons equal to half of his initiator level.

Celestial Pinions
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 8
Prerequisites: Three Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 standard action
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Duration: Instant

Martial adepts with this technique have learned to strike through their ethers and destroy the very essence of their infernal foes in a blazing torrent of holy light. The martial adept makes a melee attack against a foe, and if successful, inflicts and additional 15d6 points of damage. The initiator may also choose to strike incorporeal foes with this strike as if they were made manifest, including fiends who currently possess a creature. To strike a possessing fiend, the body they inhabit must be also struck, but all damage goes to the possessing fiend without harming the host. If used against a possessing fiend or an incorporeal creature, the creature must make a Will save (DC 18 + primary initiator attribute modifier) or be instantly slain.

Benediction of the Silver Crane
Silver Crane (Boost)
Level: 8
Prerequisites: Three Silver Crane maneuvers
Initiation action: 1 swift action
Range: 30ft
Target: You and allies
Duration: Instant

With a powerful cry of need, the true glory of the heaven’s mercy pours down upon the Silver Crane adept in a flood of healing benediction. Upon a successful attack, the character and all allies within 30ft of his position are healed of 10d6 points of damage.

9th level

Spoiler

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Strike of Silver Exorcism
Silver Crane (Strike)
Level: 9
Prerequisites: Four Silver Crane maneuvers
Range: Melee attack
Target: One creature
Duration: Instant, 1d4 rounds
Saving Throw: Will partial

The ultimate technique of the Silver Crane is a strike that rends the essence of the foes of the heavens asunder and brings them to ruin in one blazing stroke. This strike adds an additional 80 points of damage to the attack. Undead or evil outsiders who are struck by this attack suffer an additional 120 points of damage and must make a Will save (DC 19 + primary initiator attribute modifier) or be instantly slain. Creatures that succeed on the saving throw are instead stunned for 1d4 rounds as their very essence quakes with the agonies inflicted by pure celestial energies.

[DracoDei]

Explaining WHY the associated skill is spot in the opening paragraphs (rather than, hopefully) it being implied by the natures of the maneuvers might be nice...

[ErrantX]

Explaining WHY the associated skill is spot in the opening paragraphs (rather than, hopefully) it being implied by the natures of the maneuvers might be nice...

Read the fluff and the actual descriptions of the maneuvers. The discipline is based on celestial insight and oracular abilities in addition to holy prowess gifted by a celestial patron. The abilities grant insight, the removal of senses from foes, and the ability to read the future to help you in the present. Come on.

Oracular ability is foresight. Foresight is seeing into the future. So... yeah. Spot. Think on it. I will add why, but I think it's an unnecessary question.

-X

[pyrefiend]

Ugh.

Read the fluff and the actual descriptions of the maneuvers. The discipline is based on celestial insight and oracular abilities in addition to holy prowess gifted by a celestial patron. The abilities grant insight, the removal of senses from foes, and the ability to read the future to help you in the present. Come on.

Oracular ability is foresight. Foresight is seeing into the future. So... yeah. Spot. Think on it.

-X

You're not really addressing DracoDei's comment. He stated that you should include a clear explanation in the opening fluff in addition to the individual explanations within the descriptions of the maneuvers. You responded by saying that there are already explanations within the maneuver descriptions.

It's a weirdly rude response to such an innocent comment.

[Edit; well, it was made much less defensive while I was posting this.]

[ErrantX]

It's nitpicking something that I felt was unnecessary. It annoyed me, and my hands type faster than my irritation's ability to fade. I added in a blurb as to why before the associated skill and weapons.

Honestly, and I'm biased as I'm the author, I didn't see how it was necessary, and if additional clarification is necessary as to the why's I can't help you; it's your problem at that point.

-X

[ex cathedra]

Does Stance of the Crane Knight grant blanket SR or SR against Undead and Evil Outsiders? It's a bit unclear.

I like this, for the most part. Nice work.

[ErrantX]

Does Stance of the Crane Knight grant blanket SR or SR against Undead and Evil Outsiders? It's a bit unclear.

I like this, for the most part. Nice work.

Against undead and evil outsiders, I clarified it a little bit.

Anything that strikes you wrong?

-X

[ex cathedra]

Nothing strikes me as terribly out of place. All of the maneuvers seem to be scaled relatively well, and at first glance everything seems to be level appropriate. Very nice work, indeed.

[ErrantX]

Small tweak was made to Argent King's Scepter, reducing the healing amount on the maneuver from 80 to 50, more in line with the maneuver's level.

-X

[The Tygre]

Ooh... Angelic martial arts. Me likey.

[ErrantX]

Why thank you

It's one of the first disciplines written (along with my Black Heron discipline) for my Libram of Battle project. It's the celestial version of the aforementioned Black Heron discipline as well, the good half.

-X

[ErrantX]

*bump*

I'm looking to see if anyone has any thoughts on the balance of the discipline, it's designed to replace Devoted Spirit for good-aligned crusaders. Is it too strong, too weak, is something just wonky? Stuff like that.

Thanks in advance!
-X

[Rouge Iz Tarp!]

I feel in love with Tome of Battle at first sight and I keep coming back to it. But I agree with you, Devoted Spirit was one of the disciplines that really didn't meet my expectations. One of my greatest concerns was how bland it was. On top of that, many of the disciplines don't progress steadily and don't always have something appealing at each level. Most of the time, I would take maneuvers because I had to.
Silver Crane has my blessing. It addresses my grimes and then a little bit more. Just want the doctor ordered.
My only question:
When you use the word "Displacement" in some maneuvers, it makes me think you are trying to describe a condition/flavor where these Disciples are gaining a progressively more powerful ability to "phase-out," taking actions faster than normal, being everywhere and nowhere, and whatever else goes along with that.
Is that the case, or am misinterpreting and applying my own flavor to the discipline?

[Eagle]

There's no such thing as holy damage.

{Scrubbed}

[elliott20]

I'm sure he meant the weapon is considered good-aligned.

[Doc Roc]

There's no such thing as holy damage.

{Scrubbed}

Man, you're not combative or disgruntled at all.
Also, there actually is holy damage in 3.x.

Holy Fire, Celestial Electricity, Sacred Energy, Divine-based damage.....

[ErrantX]

There's no such thing as holy damage.

Also, why are you asking for feedback if you're not willing to listen when someone tells you it doesn't make sense?

Actually, there is.

And because I'd like actual feedback, not nitpicking. If you're not providing feedback, why are you responding to post asking for feedback?

-X

[ErrantX]

Silver Crane has my blessing. It addresses my grimes and then a little bit more. Just want the doctor ordered.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

My only question:
When you use the word "Displacement" in some maneuvers, it makes me think you are trying to describe a condition/flavor where these Disciples are gaining a progressively more powerful ability to "phase-out," taking actions faster than normal, being everywhere and nowhere, and whatever else goes along with that.
Is that the case, or am misinterpreting and applying my own flavor to the discipline?

I used Displacement thinking of displacer beasts, and how they have a miss chance to hit them and such. Perhaps Displacement isn't the best word, the strike is essentially a celestial hand messing with your senses. Suggestions?

-X

[Eagle]

{Scrubbed}

[Debihuman]

ErrantX is correct that there is such a thing as Holy damage, but the underlying assumptions about it are wrong. A Holy weapon does not specifically do holy damage, but deals "an additional 2d6 points of damage against all of evil alignment." The Smite evil spell doesn't do holy damage either. It simply deals additional damage. In both cases, the type of damage isn't mentioned, thus falling into the "untyped" category.

I tried to find a definition of "holy damage" and was unsuccessful. It is mentioned in various places (page 33 BoED for example) but the definition is sadly lacking.

Specifically, it seems to be good-aligned (with whatever corresponding distinguishing factors left to the author's imagination). Conversely unholy damage is mentioned far more frequently.

Debby

[Glimbur]

So put a definition for Holy damage in the discipline. New damage types get made up all the time.

[Callos_DeTerran]

A very nice looking discipline, though I have a small problem with Spot as the associated skill for it. Not that it's wrong, it just feels...off some how. No other skill really fits either though so better to have appropriate and feel a little off then something completely out there.

I do have some minor worries that the strikes are doing too much damage for their levels, but I'm paranoid about stuff like that and will have to check my ToB against the regular nine before I can offer any constructive criticism on it. Good job though. Aren't many 'Celestial' disciplines. Do you have any more fluff on these celestial time-sharers though?

[Agrippa]

I like this enough that I just might use it if I get a suitable campaign up and running I'm going to modify it slightly of course, but only a little bit. Oh and where did you get that picture anyway?

[Jane_Smith]

Eagle - stop your belly-aching. Sesh.

Its a bit obvious - their is no other better associated skill. He picked the best skill that went with the theme - according to him, this class gains its benefits from channeling a celestial -oracle- threw you, and heightening your insight and sharpening your awareness. Kinda like a minor divination theme.

He was pissed because someone questioned -that- minor tidbit over everything else when he was asking for balance issues, reveiws on the abilities, progression, etc. Thats like the first opening post of someone asking for a reveiw of their class - and all they say is "Why not use x?" (I swear to god that gets my blood boiling...)

Anyway, back on track.

I have never liked the tome of battle - I feel people who enjoy martial classes rely on it to heavily. However, your class is well balanced and very thought out, and despite my personal bais towards ToB in particular, I do like your class. Good work. On a scale 1 to 10, I give it a good 7.8 to 8.0. And, it would be a 10 if I didnt despise tob. heh.

[ErrantX]

Jane_Smith, I <3 you, thank you. Your defense and your thoughts on the discipline are appreciated!

@Eagle-

So you don't like my discipline, that's fine, it's your right not to. I will address your claims when I revise the discipline again. You don't have to use it, nor do I need you to continue to critique on it. Your specific opinion is no longer necessary, please continue on your way.

@Agrippa-

I'm curious as to what sorts of edits you're planning on making to the discipline. Depending on what you're doing with it, I may edit the discipline in line with your thinking, assuming it's not fluff/campaign specific. But if it's about rules and mechanics, I'd love to know what you're planning. You may have better ideas!

@Callos_DeTerran-

I will check again the damage on my maneuvers and such. I may be a little high, I'm trying to find balance against Devoted Spirit with this discipline. As far as Spot being off, I agonized over Spot or Sense Motive; Spot for the obvious of being able to see things, and Sense Motive for intuition's sake. Search was a distant third in that list, because I didn't think that it fit. It might if you look at it as 'searching' through the threads of fate. I dunno. I'm open to suggestions.

@Glimbur-

I think that is what I'm going to do. It made sense to me, but apparently it doesn't make sense to all.

@Debihuman-

You're right on the the books defining holy damage specifically, however it's mentioned in vaguely throughout several sourcebooks in varying forms as what Doc Roc stated (divine damage, damage to evil, holy fire, etc).

I will address the above and hope that I will tie up loose ends.

-X

[ErrantX]

Okay, so I made sure to state at the beginning of the Maneuver list what exactly holy damage was. Again, I felt it to be clear, but apparently it wasn't.

Also, it was mentioned that Spot was only used as a skill once in the discipline (once more than in many of the cannon ToB disciplines, I might add), I should probably find another maneuver or three that can utilize the Spot skill for a mechanic. Does anyone have any suggestions? I will either make new maneuvers, or I will modify existing ones depending on what you all think.

-X

[Glimbur]

What about a stance that lets you use Spot to detect demonic possession or influence? Dominate is easily seen with Sense Motive, but more subtle influences might be harder to detect. Maybe make this ability a rider on a more combat-oriented stance?

[ErrantX]

What about a stance that lets you use Spot to detect demonic possession or influence? Dominate is easily seen with Sense Motive, but more subtle influences might be harder to detect. Maybe make this ability a rider on a more combat-oriented stance?

This I like. Yoink.

-X