Some who follow the path of song and sword eschew the knowledge and compulsion that is intrinsic in their calling and follow a more martial path. These rare few emulate the fearsome banshee and woe to those that stand in their way. (Original Concept by Trogdar) Primary Class: Bard. Secondary Class: Fighter. Alignment: Any. Hit Dice: d8. Bonus Skills and Ranks: The wailing blade may select three fighter skills to add to his class skills in addition to the normal bard class skills. The wailing blade gains a number of ranks at each level equal to 4 + Int modifier. Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The wailing blade is proficient with all simple weapons, plus the longsword, rapier, sap, short sword, shortbow, whip, and one martial weapon of choice. The wailing blade is also proficient with light armor and shields (except tower shields). A wailing blade can cast bard spells while wearing light armor and using a shield without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. Like any other arcane spellcaster, a wailing blade wearing medium or heavy armor incurs a chance of arcane spell failure if the spell in question has a somatic component. A multiclass wailing blade still incurs the normal arcane spell failure chance for arcane spells received from other classes. Diminished Spellcasting: The wailing blade casts arcane spells drawn from the bard spell list, and casts one fewer spell of each level than normal. If this reduces the number to 0 (minimum 1 for spells known), he may cast spells of that level only if his Charisma allows bonus spells of that level. He otherwise learns and casts spells as a bard of equal level. Arcane Bond (Ex): At 1st level, a wailing blade gains the wizard’s arcane bond ability, but may only select the bonded object, using his weapon as his bonded item. He can continue to wield his weapon and cast spells with somatic components without restriction. This ability replaces lore master. Bardic Performance: A wailing blade replaces four performances with the following new performances. Rallying Cry (Su): At 1st level, a wailing blade can use his performance to rally dispirited allies. Each round he makes an Intimidate check. Any ally (including the bard) within 30 feet may use this check in place of his own saving throw against fear and despair effects. Those already under a fear or despair effect can attempt a new save each round using the wailing blade's Intimidate check. Rallying cry does not work on effects that don’t allow saves. This is a mind-affecting ability that uses audible components. This performance replaces countersong. Bonus Feats: At 2nd level and every four levels thereafter, a wailing blade learns to weave might and magic into his combat style. He gains the following as bonus feats at the indicated levels: Combat Casting (2nd), Disruptive (6th), Spellbreaker (10th), Penetrating Strike (14th), Greater Penetrating Strike (18th). This ability replaces versatile performance and well-versed. Bonded Weapon Training (Ex): Starting at 5th level, a wailing blade can take weapon training with his bonded weapon. Whenever he attacks with his bonded weapon, he gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls. Every four levels thereafter (9th, 13th, and 17th), he gains an additional +1 bonus to his attack and damage rolls with his bonded weapon. For example, when a wailing blade reaches 9th level, he receives a +2 bonus on attack and damage rolls with his bonded weapon. A wailing blade also adds this bonus to any combat maneuver checks made with his bonded weapon. This bonus also applies to the wailing blade’s Combat Maneuver Defense when defending against disarm and sunder attempts made against his bonded weapon. This ability replaces the inspire courage, soothing performance, and frightening tune bardic performances. Medium Armor (Ex): At 8th level, a wailing blade gains proficiency with medium armor. A wailing blade can cast bard spells while wearing medium armor without incurring the normal arcane spell failure chance. Like any other arcane spellcaster, a wailing blade wearing heavy armor incurs a chance of arcane spell failure if the spell in question has a somatic component. This ability replaces jack of all trades. Table: Wailing Blade
Table: Wailing Blade Spells Known
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