Eight Gates Fist & Golden Plover
Eight Gates Fist
A Balaamite general threw his body against stones and trees to better protect his master. In the end he was killed by javelins and arrows and his lord’s head was paraded in front of the Invincible King. Still, men wearing dark hats practice the Art of Bodyguards in claustrophobic courtyards, each wishing to own the same will to die.
Layer I:
Make thrusting attacks with the shoulders, hips, or butt of a spear. So long as you are rooted to the ground you may generate enough force with only an inch of distance to use this technique. Deals 1d6 damage and knocks foes back 5’ per point of damage in excess of their HD. For example, a shoulder strike that dealt 4 damage against a 2HD foe would knock them back 10’.
Layer II:
If a blow would have brought an adjacent ally to 0HP you may take the damage in their stead and reduce it by 1.
Layer III:
With crossed arms and feet rooted AC improves by 1 and you become immovable. This stance can be assumed in place of movement or an action.
Golden Plover:
1000 birds near to the sky flew level with the open sea; dove, snatched coins from its glimmering surface, then rose anew with golden down, silver beaks. It was a miracle.
Layer I:
Throw a handful of golden coins in a wide spread. Deals 1d6+1 damage to a group, a Breath Save avoids. Throw away 20gp per damage rolled; the coins are left smouldering, smashed to bits, and cannot be recovered.
Layer II:
Crush a ruby, emerald, or sapphire into fire, lightning, or ice dust respectively. Dust can be used for the following:
- Blow to deal 2d6+1 damage to a group; a breath save reduces damage by half.
- Mix with oil then coat a bladed weapon to imbue it with elemental power for 10 minutes. Add 1 damage to all attacks.
- Mix with water or milk then drink to become resistant to the element for 1 hour.
Layer III:
Eat gold ingots to heal 1d6+1HP.