Battlefield Savant

Research can be completed by books as well as experience and a wise soldier can use this research to influence the outcome of interactions. The Battlefield Savant utilizes both in an effort to understand an opponent and direct an outcome and it manifests on two different levels; the species and the individual. While understanding the species is much more broad, it does warrant a benefit with future interactions while a greater benefit can result from studying an individual, their mannerisms, personal tastes, and tells.

The Power of Knowledge

Starting at 3rd level, the Battlefield Savant gains the ability to apply their research to their interactions. The following are not passive bonuses, but rely on the character’s ability to see, understand, or otherwise identify the species or individual.

• Spending 5 hours of research about a species, 1 hour of direct observation, or 1 combat encounter with a member of that species will grant the following bonuses:
• A +1 synergy bonus to all skill checks against a member of that species
• A +1 synergy bonus to initiative checks when engaging at least one of the species
• A +1 to attack and damage rolls and saving throws against the known species
• Spending 5 hours of research on an individual, 1 hour of direct observation, or 1 combat encounter with that individual will grant the following bonuses:
• A +5 synergy bonus to all skill checks against that individual
• A +5 synergy bonus to initiative checks when engaging the individual
• A +3 to attack and damage rolls and saving throws against the individual

With great understanding, a Battlefield Savant is capable of greatness, but that also comes with notable drawbacks:

• When interacting with a creature that the Battlefield Savant has not researched or interacted with:
• The Battlefield Savant receives a -1 to all skill checks, initiative checks, attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws against another creature that they have not researched or shared an experience with. This effect is passive and applies when the character cannot determine the species or individual target.
• This effect ends after the Battlefield Savant fulfills the requirements of research or kills an enemy that is that species

Insightful Manipulation

Starting at 7th level, if you spend at least 1 minute observing or interacting with another creature outside combat, you can learn certain information about its capabilities compared to your own. The DM tells you if the creature is your equal, superior, or inferior in regard to two of the following characteristics of your choice:

• Intelligence score

• Wisdom score

• Charisma score

• Class levels (if any)

At the DM's option, you might also realize you know a piece of the creature's history or one of its personality traits, if it has any.

Battlefield Analysis

Beginning at 10th level, a Battlefield Savant can retrieve crucial information about their foe while in combat, granting them insight about their foe’s combat ability. Whenever you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you mark them as analyzed. Whenever a researched individual or species or an analyzed creature misses you with an attack, you can immediately use your reaction to make a melee attack against that creature (If they are within your weapon range). This benefit lasts until you finish a short or long rest. In addition, you learn the following attributes about the target: Damage Vulnerabilities, Damage Resistances, Damage Immunities, and Condition Immunities

Patient Reactions

Starting at 18th level, the Battlefield Savant understands the secret to surprise opponents while in combat. If a Battlefield Savant does not take the attack action on their turn, they may instead take an amount of reactions on their turn equal to their wisdom modifier (Minimum 1).