Slayers

Slayers are a class of fighter that are the consummate hunter of monsters. They are fierce and driven. Slayers are celibate and do not partake of alcohol. The Slayers Guild trains warriors from the age of twelve. They specialize in blending magic with swordcraft. Slayers cannot cast spells from memory, but rather have spells tattooed on their skin like scrolls. Once the spell is cast, it must be re-done. Slayers have an extra ability to focus their life force (hitpoints) into extra damage on critical hits of 19 or 20. When this happens, the weapon glows a pale blue color. For every HP expended the Slayer does an additional 2 points of damage. This damage has no save. These HP are temporarily lost for 24 hours. Additional damage done to the character that gets them to 0 HP will not automatically kill the character. For example: Rogin the Slayer has 65 HP. He spends 30 additional HP to do another 60 HP of damage on a critical hit. That brings him down to and effective 35 HP. To actually die in a combat round, he still has to take 65 HP of damage. If in the course of a battle he takes 35 points of damage, he does not die, but loses consciousness. If a PC chooses to spend the time, he can be dealt another 30 points of damage (which the Slayer cannot defend against, so it is an automatic hit, unless it is a fumble). Healing spells cannot give the HP temporarily lost back. A full 24 hours must be taken.

Magic on Cheos

There are different types of magic users on Cheos: Mages, Wizards, Sorcerers and Warlocks. They differ in how they manipulate the magical energy in the world. Magic is present in everything in the universe. It is the energy of life. Every living thing is linked to the magical energies to a greater or lesser extent. Non-living objects have magical energies too, but the magic inherent to non-living matter is different than living matter.

Mages are the most common of magic users. Mages access magic through rigid discipline and mental training. Mages have spell books and must have spell components to access magical forces. Mages are celibate and must meditate frequently to tune into the magical energies of the cosmos. It takes a long time to become a Master of Magic, or Mage. There are many schools of magic around the world. Mages tend to be dour and humorless. Most mages are self absorbed and power hungry.

Wizards have the ability to unlock the magical energies within thier own bodies. They must be careful when using this power as using too much can kill them. Wizards also must meditate to be in tune with the magical energies, not of the cosmos, but of themselves. Wizards often use inanimate objects to store magical energies. Only the purest of elements can be used. Crytals and precious metals are most often used, but even plain metals can be used. Magical items are made by wizards.

Sorcery is a vile practice of stealing the magical energies from other living things. It is the easiest way to power, but the most unacceptable. Sorcerers are commonly hunted down and destroyed. Sorcerers can use any living thing, but the magical energies stolen from sentient beings is most potent. The younger the being the more power they can steal. The more afraid, the easier it is to get that power. Most sorcerers are either evil or sociopathic.

Warlocks are the rarest of magic users. Warlocks can access the raw living magic of the universe. They can do almost anything, but accessing too much power can burn the ability out of them. The older a warlock gets the more powerful they become. Warlocks tend to become shephards of cities or races. They feel the most afinity to the world and tend to become guardians.

It is rare for a person to be able to use more than one school of magic, but it is possible.