Mechanik’s Union

We’ve all seen the “Sharpshooter” feat in the Iron Kingdoms book, and I’m sure we’ve all wondered why a Rifleman or trained sharpshooter can’t take a potshot of someone who moves into their line of fire. It works in the real world. In fact, it works so well, they even have a name for it. Cygnaran Long-gunners and Khadoran Widowmakers alike call it “Overwatch.”

So, in the name of “quasi-realism,” I developed a fairly high-level Feat to allow characters a functional overwatch-style shooting technique. It even works outside the Iron Kingdoms, but that’s not important right now.

Overwatch:

Req: Dex 17+, Combat Reflexes, Point Blank Shot, Far Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Sharpshooter, Weapon Focus (with ranged weapon), BAB +10

A character with a ranged weapon who has not moved this round may make a number of additional Attacks of Opportunity equal to their Dex bonus.  The attacks can be used against any target that enters an area within their front facing line-of-sight with that weapon within its first range increment. The character may only take a the full number of Attacks of Opportunity in one round if they are using a weapon that can make multiple attacks in a single round. The character may only make one attack against a single target and must have clear line of sight to the target when they make the attack. Range and cover modifiers are applied normally against this attack.

Opinions are welcome, your milage may vary, offer not valid in all areas, local laws and regulations still apply.

A simple, light, bludgeoning weapon intended for use in the off-hand in the Tordoran fencing style (other off-hand weapons include light chains, fencing cloaks, and a variety of daggers). It is typically a strong steel rod with heavy notches and ring guard that are well-suited to fouling, trapping, or even breaking an opponent’s weapon.

The Tordoran style of swordbreaker confers a +2 circumstance bonus on opposed attack rolls when attempting to disarm an opponent wielding a weapon in one hand (a light or medium weapon). This bonus explicitly stacks with the bonus provided by the Improved Disarm feat.

Armorsmiths throughout history have always strived to create a perfect protection from harm on the fields of war. Towards this end, the warriors of the Iron Kingdoms have progressed from the loincloths and skins of barbarity through to the refined processes of producing fine linked-chain coats and hauberks, and even the renown Warcaster Armor that carries Immoren’s greatest heroes through the thick of pitched battle. At every turn, new weapons and techniques have foiled these protective coats; but the armorsmith’s ingenuity continues even into the modern period.

Custom-tailored to each suit of armor and its wearer, the Reinforced Undercoat is worn underneath a suit of heavier armor to bolster its defensive properties. Thick layers of wool batting, specially-treated by a little-known alchemical process, sit beneath exterior metal plates, mitigating the trauma of blunt force. Flexible but tear-resistant patches of silk from the elusive and monsterous Crypt Spider are used to protect joints and other exposed areas from cuts and scrapes. These undercoats often include a wool undercap for helmets, also custom-fit.

Continued »

Ever wondered about that oh so popular cygnaran hairdo? how do they do it?
Heres how!

Bolsens Stiffening Wax, the premier hair wax, for the discerning cygnaran gent. Developed from a compound containing Beeswax, goldleaf sap and our own secret setting agents, Bolsens is guarenteed to keep your style solid in the most hair-raising circumstances! As used and approved by Lord Commander Stryker himself!

Available in three strengths:

• Bronze – For excellent hold while retaining flexibility
• Iron – For unyielding style in the face of adversity
• Steel – For ultimate hold and control!

Kits contain:

• One (1) jar Bolsens Wax Base
• One (1) phial Bolsens Stiffening Agent
• One (1) phial Bolsens Release Agent

Approved Usage:
Mix your desired amount of Base Wax with a few drops of Stiffening Agent. Run through hair with a Bone (Not Metal) comb, then Style as desired. Setting time 5-10 minutes dependant on temperature. To Remove, mix 3 drops of Release Agent into 1/2 pint of vegetable oil, and apply to hair. After 10 minutes, wash mixture out of hair, and
allow to dry.

Cost:
1 1/2 Crowns per kit, containing between 3-20 Applications dependant on hair length.

Coming soon! Bolsens Vibrant Dyes, add a few drops to your Hairwax to create astonishing styles in wild colours: Lightning Blue, Bloodstone red, Scorched copper, and many more!

This was written up way back in 2003 or so by Clint Staples. Clint is a respected sculpter and writer. You can see his work on his website.

Swordcanes and brandestocks are the names for various sizes of weapon concealed in a walking stick or staff.

• Swordcanes can hold shorter, lighter weapons with smaller blades, flanges or spikes.
• Brandestocks do the same for larger weapons.

Axes cannot be so concealed, but picks, maces, swords, even chain weapons can be (remember this is a culture that produces clockwerks).

Ingeniously hidden, the lethal surfaces are deployed though the pressing of a stud or switch. Then a complex array of hinges, springs, and locking pins transform the stick into its martial counterpart.

Because this is a more dangerous world than our own, I have decided that both sizes of weapon are equally fashionable within the culture. It is a question of preference. They can be used as light or heavy maces respectively when the weapon is concealed. A swordcane or brandestock weights the same as a normal weapon of its type.

All Swordcanes and Brandestocks are masterwork weapons and confer +1 to hit in either weapon form or cane form.

Costs are:

Swordcane
500 gp + cost of the weapon; 30-42″ long.
Possible weapons: rapier, longsword, shortsword, sickle, half spear, light hammer, light pick, light springbow (as crossbow)

Brandestock
550 gp + cost of weapon; 40-50″ in length.
Possible weapons: heavy mace, morningstar, short spear, light flail, heavy pick, trident, warhammer, heavy flail, greatsword, scythe, bastard sword, two-bladed sword.