The Sword & Shield is an organization dedicated to protecting the material plane from outside influences. They are an order of warriors and mages who safeguard magic and knowledge, both arcane and mundane. They are known to certain circles as one of the Triumvirate, their counterparts being The High Wardens and Grey Council. They are always looking for members and will accept anyone willing to fight, primarily those skilled as either warriors or protectors.
- Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Athletics, History, Insight, Intimidation, Survival
- Tool Proficiencies: Thieves' Tools, Vehicles (water, land)
- Equipment: A dagger that belonged to a fallen comrade, a folded flag emblazoned with the symbol of your organization, a set of traveler’s clothes, and a belt pouch containing 25 gp
Membership Role
While all of the Sword & Shield members are trained in both martial and magical means, not everyone is an adventurer. Many choose other roles that keep them near their respective Libraries, Temples, or the Grand Library itself. Members dive deep into their chosen role and revel in the opportunity to contribute to the larger organization.
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Membership Role |
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1
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Warrior Mage. You are one of the few who prefer being an active warrior mage and spend your time adventuring, trying to make a difference, safeguarding magic and life itself.
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2
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Hunter. You spend weeks or months hunting things from beyond the Veil, making sure their magic didn't infect the Material Plane or affect the Weave.
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3
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Archivist. You work in a Library, or possibly even The Grand Library itself. Keeping track of the history and writings of the many Planes, you never know what events and patterns may decide to repeat themselves.
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4
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Researcher. Diving into the records and vaults within the Grand Library, you find out how the magic works and look into who might be using magic for more widespread nefarious means.
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5
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Weaverider. While skilled with martial weapons and abilities, Weaveriders are prodigious magic users and can, as their name suggests, almost ride the Weave itself. They tend to be Sorcerers, Bards and Warlocks, more than any other kind of magic-user, relying on instinct over schooling.
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Feature: Phalanx
You are a member of a well-known and respected organization. When you are in need, those aware of the Sword & Shield will help you to the extent that they can. You are expected to handle small to medium-scale threats from malevolent on your own, or with whatever team or group you can leverage. However, when your need is truly dire, you can summon other Sword & Shield members, and they will answer.
Spell List
Suggested Characteristics
Members of the Sword & Shield are looked up to by mages and respected by warriors. They are taught to be equal parts magic user and warrior, as even a member living full-time in the Grand Library is expected and duty-bound to protect it at all costs. Members who leave the service tend to become something akin to ronins, but their combat experience also makes them excellent adventurers. Though they are self-reliant, Sword & Shield members tend to operate best in groups, valuing camaraderie and the companionship of like-minded individuals.
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Personality Trait |
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1
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I’m confident in my own abilities and do what I can to instill confidence in others.
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2
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I don’t like to go into situations unprepared.
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3
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I prefer to solve problems without violence, but I finish fights decisively.
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4
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I enjoy being out in nature; poor weather never sours my mood.
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5
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I am dependable.
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6
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I clutch my pendant for strength when threatened with fear or temptation.
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7
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I misuse long words in an attempt to sound smarter.
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8
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When the sea is within my sight, my mood is jovial and optimistic.
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Ideal |
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1
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Teamwork. Success depends on cooperation and communication. (Good)
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2
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Destiny. Nothing and no one can steer me away from my higher calling. (Any)
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3
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Embracing. Life is messy. Throwing yourself into the worst of it is necessary to get the job done. (Chaotic)
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4
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Determination. I cannot fail. Not ever. (Neutral)
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5
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Charity. I always try to help those in need, no matter what the personal cost. (Good)
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6
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Independence. I must prove that I can handle myself without the coddling of the Sword & Shield. (Chaotic)
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Bond |
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1
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I would still lay down my life for the people I served with.
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2
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I. Will. Finish. The. Job.
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3
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I must set an example of hope for those who have given up.
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4
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I have few close friends but those that I do I protect with a fiery passion.
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5
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Fear leads to tyranny, and both must be eradicated.
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6
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My honor is my life.
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Flaw |
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1
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I grow combative and unpredictable when I drink.
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2
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I find civilian life difficult and struggle to say the right thing in social situations.
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3
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I have certain rituals that I must follow every day. I can never break them.
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4
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When the sky darkens, and storm clouds threaten, you become skittish and unsettled, watching the sky for dangers you are certain will descend.
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5
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I become irrational when innocent people are hurt.
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6
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I sometimes stay up all night listening to the ghosts of my fallen enemies.
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