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Honor & Poise
🕑 Added 2022-11-10 16:00:11 +0000 UTCGreetings adventurers!
Elven warriors are known for their grace, determination, honor, and poise in combat. We were lucky enough to spend some time invited into an elven house where we remarked on the excellence of their bladecraft. We spent time with them and learned of their methods by which they crafted their precise instruments of war and learned of their unique, dual wielding style. Not one to shirk hospitality, we shared some of what we’ve learned in our travels and were kindly gifted with two blades of elven precision. This paired set should always be together.
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Design notes from Matthew:
What a road this one went on. Originally Duelist’s Grace was meant to be two items called Honor & Grace, but we just could not get the mechanics right. It’s difficult to figure out how to make two weapons work together in an interesting way that also offers choice and style to the user. We were able to do it previously with Growth & Rot, but I had a much harder time figuring out an acceptable mechanic for this one.
Finally, I came to the realization that what they need to do is compliment each other in an interesting way. A defense and offense option. A type of balance between the two things it could offer. I had this concept of a parrying dagger for a while. It’s a fun idea, but not super practical. That said, we’re talking about a fantasy world so we can do what we want. I wanted to figure out a way to offer a parry action and I first had this giving the ability to dodge as a bonus action. That said, it set it up to infringe on Rogues too much.
I had another idea for a contested check on a reaction and that felt much more thematic for a parry. It’s a reactionary thing and bringing that option into it to negate damage while also granting a charge of some type that could be used for offense was exactly what I was looking for. From there, it came together easily.
Illustration notes from Fernando:
Fun fact, I had the art mostly done for this one when it was “Honor & Grace” that was also the week I injured my back and had to have emergency surgery so this one and Duelist’s Grace will always be tied to that week for me lol (Duelist’s Grace was the first item I illustrated right after surgery)
I drew a lot of inspiration for this item from the elf weapons in the LOTR movies, particularly The Hobbit which I know is not beloved by most but the art direction in those movies, particularly when it comes to armor and weapons is spectacular.
I’m glad Matthew was able to work out awesome mechanics in the end for this item because I always loved the concept of it. Weapon pairings are a lot more difficult to create while keeping them interesting and no overpowered so my hat as always is off to him for having so much knowledge of the rules and mechanics to be able to figure tricky items like this one out.
As much as I’m sad to see spooky month go, we’re excited to bring you some items from other genres now. We’ve been wanting to get this one out the door for a while and we’re so excited that we’ve been able to make it work now. Hopefully you all have a graceful character in mind to give it to!
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Rewards for Patrons!
Kraken's Kollaborators ($10 Tier)
Poised and ready,
- Fernando & Matthew
![[チーム]アップルパイ](https://runfaps.com/kistorage/54636.jpg)
