Sandoval -- CG Elf Fighter Trickster Trickster Kit New Homebrewed Kit based on the warrior kit 'Swashbuckler' Description: Unlike your typical fighter, the trickster prefers to avoid a direct confrontation with his opponent. He generally shines in light armor and prefers parrying with his sword to wielding a shield. While very capable in a fight, the trickster can also apply his natural talent for deception to achieve his goals without having to resort to combat. Some tricksters are masters of the sword, while others prefer ranged combat. But in general, the Trickster is most comfortable with small, light weapons. To be a Trickster, a character must have a Charisma and Dexterity of 13 or better. Role: In a campaign, the Trickster is a defensive fighter that is excellent at diverting and deceiving the opponent. In absence of a rogue, he can function as a scout or acrobat. The Trickster is charismatic enough to blend in with most types of people and likes to get involved in politics. Often the Trickster ends up being an advisor for someone in an important position, possibly even a king. He prefers to apply his influence behind the scenes instead of being in the spotlight. The trickster is often a fond gambler and known to get into trouble. Secondary Skills: The Trickster is flexible in choosing his own Secondary Skill. Good choices include: Bowyer/Fletcher (if he's into ranged combat), Gambler and Trader/Barterer. Nonweapon Proficiencies: Bonus Proficiencies: (General) Etiquette, (Rogue) Tumbling. Recommended: (General) Artistic Ability, Dancing, Heraldry, Riding (Land-Based), Rope Use, Seamanship, (Warrior) Blind-Fighting, Gaming, (Priest, double slots unless Paladin) (Rogue) Appraising, Disguise, Forgery, Juggling, Tightrope Walking. Equipment: The Trickster generally wears light armor. He can wear heavy armor, but when wearing it or generally being highly encumbered, the trickster loses his natural bonus to AC and his tumbling proficiency only gives half the normal AC bonus (-2 instead of -4). Special Benefits: The Trickster has two special benefits. First, when using up his Nonweapon Proficiency slots, he doesn't have to devote double the normal number of slots when choosing Rogue proficiencies. Second, when he's wearing light or no armor (i.e., no armor, leather armor, or padded armor), he receives a –2 bonus to his AC (that is, an AC of 7 would become a 5); he's so nimble that he's very hard to hit. Special Hindrances: Trouble seeks out the Trickster (or is it the Trickster who seeds the troubles for others?). This is something that the DM will have to play very carefully if the Trickster is to be as hindered as all the other Warrior Kits. When there's another Trickster around, the two will vie for power and influence. When the members of a royal court are attempting to advise their liege, the Trickster will attempt to exert some influence and change the course of the decision, often with hidden motives, secrecy, and even blackmail. The Trickster may even appear in disguise taking on the role of a trusted figure. Such tricks eventually conspire to make things difficult for the Trickster, and the DM should always throw just a little more good-natured twist of bad luck, misinformed secrets, or dirty politics, at the Trickster. Races: Any. Any demihuman who looks half decent will work fine as a Trickster, especially elves, half-elves and gnomes. Dwarves and halflings are not entirely inappropriate. Humans and alternate species may have Tricksters too. Influences from legend/lore: Loki from Norse mythology (and the Avengers version), also Black Widow (Avengers) Ansuz the Messenger Rune <a href="http://www.runemaker.net/runesinfo/runepiece14.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.runemaker.net/runesinfo/runepiece14.htm</a> In the reverse position, Ansuz is a tricky customer because this is where Loki comes into the picture. Ansuz reversed represents Loki and that means misunderstanding, bad advice, delusion, deception, manipulation, spite, rumours and lies. One should beware of conmen, gabby salesmen, gossips and charlatans because it will be difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction. <a href="http://www.runemaker.com/futhark/ansuz.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://www.runemaker.com/futhark/ansuz.shtml</a> Personal Interpretation The answers to questions are available but not yet recognized. Look for signs and confirmations which are all around. Everything has significance and appreciation of this will lead to understanding. Ensure you don't ignore the message because you don't like the content. All experience is a lesson that teaches by acknowledging the truth knowledge and wisdom will increase. Reverse (affects the Trickster's Hinderances) Take care not to misinterpret information. Something you read is more important than it appears. Beware pranks. Converse (affects the Trickster's Hinderances) Failed communication. Lack of clarity or awareness. Hidden messages. Secrets. Information disguised. What appears to be a trick is genuine. Coyote and sometimes Spider -- Trickster Figures from Native American Indian cultures Varys the Spider in Game of Thrones Others... perhaps a bit of Grima Wormtongue from Lord Of The Rings