TomFunks

Pharazôn sent flowers to the Emperor, for his triumphant victory over his illness. Oh, wow!

The Dauntless Charge modification seems like the most interesting in this amendment pack. A horse-themed spell which pushes Templars to be part of the vanguard/engagement force rather than sitting in the back to prepare a spell is solid. I think this also fits with the Fervent Flare change being [2] emotes now, allowing someone to actually utilize it in battle. Allowing Javelins to be applicable with Bound Armament and Furious Flames is also good though I think blurs that line of what a Templar's role in battle should be. I've always viewed them as a melee-combatant first and foremost. However, the increased range to Bound Armament would still be something I'd be happy to see given that the spell is otherwise pretty rare to even use and useless. I don't care for the banner change because the Valiant Banner will always be the most meta-option. I do not say this as someone min-maxing (I have the two other banners on my two Templar characters), but rather because changing it to be more useful against Deadbreath is still situational enough that I don't think it'll make anyone choose that banner over another in particular. You'll pick it for the flair/aesthetic or you'll pick the Valiant one to maximize value. Vigorous Blows change seems the most contentious on paper. I could take it or leave it. I don't think giving it parity with other magics which share that ability is necessarily a bad thing but I also know that people are prone to clutching their pearls at giving Templars a buff like that. However, for the magic that is all about getting up close and battling it would be cool to see their most powerful spell not be something that they have to sit in the back to prepare before casting and instead something that they could reasonably wind up mid-battle. In regards to the comments others have made about bad Templar players I'd just say that vague posting w/o direct examples seems fruitless. DM the person you disagree w/ if you don't want to make a public spectacle or make a report if you think their power-gaming is egregious. All magics spread about a very large group will have players who do not teach their spells thoroughly, power-game, act in bad-faith, and break their own redlines. Nothing is enforced if it is not reported. Templarism, as a magic, is spread very wide across varied player-bases/communities. You'll find that in the Empire alone there are like three or four disparate groups with the magic all wandering around and then there's the Idunians, the Norns, the Oyashi, and some Elves. Having interacted with many of these different Templar players I can say that they all seem to have different approaches. Disliking Templar players does not seem like a valid or worthwhile critique of a Templarism amendment pack.

THE ROYAL COURT OF IDUNIA Issued in the Year 285 of the Second Age In the name of His Royal Majesty Tar-Pharazôn Arthalion People of the High Kingdom, esteemed allies of the West, and all denizens of the realm: We are convened here under the sacred authority of LORD GOD for the fifth Royal Court of Idunia. We shall make evident the structure of our High Kingdom as we continue our march amidst this period of prosperity and peace-times. Even so shall we continue to make evident our vigilance for enlightenment, for learning, and to convene our efforts in scholarly prowess. ON THE MATTERS OF THE REALM, THE CROWN DECREES: The structure of the Harren Court and the High Council shall be elaborated upon, with requirements candidacy for open positions being announced and those eligible being evaluated. The Sanctum of Avaleir shall have its ethos further refined and announced, with those interested in pursuing the talents of the arcane having guidelines to endeavor such. Too, shall the practice of Clericism be further emphasized and elaborated on. Warriors who have been properly assessed and have shown that they are worthy of their keep shall be elevated to the status of Knighthood. In this regard, they are to be branded with the Ring of the White Tree to boast of their martial-earned titleage. The traditions and artifacts of our High Kingdom shall be expanded upon, with the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr reaching its two-hundredth swearing alongside other similar announcements of our venerated heritage. Beyond these principal points established, further subsequent announcements are to follow within the Royal Court. It shall be a demonstrably crucial gathering and the people of Idunia shall have their moment to petition to the Crown therein. “The twenty-first year after the fall of the holiest city, the Lord’s Aengul Artifai descended before Harren and spoke with him. The Aengul said ‘Harren, you are chosen for the vocation of your father. Come, and receive the Lord’s prophecy.’“ Book of Scattering, 31 - 32 Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Pharazôn Auranion Harren Arthalion, By the blessing of Aeradar, High King of Idunia, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Alduun, Prince of Númendil, Templar of Saint Michael the Archangel, Knight of the Realm, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians, Ascendant of Orodaeglir, Trailbearer of Tar-Númenatâr HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tari-Ashael Malôs Harren Arthalion, by the blessing of Aeradar, High Queen of Idunia, Chiefess of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Alduun, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians, Knight of the Realm, Ascendant of Orodaeglir, Trailbearer of Tar-Numenetar

The Black Templar was a perversion of courage, a stone amalgam of hatred which sought to cleanse the rot he saw within Malchediael’s brood. He had slain six Templars of meek resolve, believing them unworthy. The strength of their blessing was compared to that of his own, which to him when he had captured the sanctified blade of golden gem-steel. Yet, those slain were in the groves of druids, elven pretenders who knew not the dogma of the Aengul against any other. He had heard many times now where the courageous truly burgeoned. In marching within the lands of the Templars, the Eidolon thought there would be no different outcome to the wars waged prior. Yet it was Elerríon who proved defiant to the stone-lord’s charge. He had raised the banner of radiance to dispel darkness, brought divine-flame upon his stony exterior, and invoked the Aengul’s name to radiate a courage otherwise unseen by the accursed Templar until then. Against his holy light did the Black Templar realize that there were, indeed, worthy agents of Malchediael within the realm. Reduced to dust and fragments, the menhir-craft was forced inert in the cinders of silver. The weavers might one day reform him, yet his own courage had been shaken. If ever he would rise again, he knew not his purpose. A scourge of the blessed had met his match against a true Templar.

This looks really interesting and as someone who recently played a Pale Knight with someone else and was successful enough to raise both of them to Pale Lords within a short few months, I think it definitely needed a change. The wave of buffs/nerfs that came recently did not really solve the issues that Pale Knight had, though it was definitely an improvement. This overall rework of Eidola into Dreadknights, and the inclusion of Blood Magic, is something I'd commend though. However, I do have a few concerns and because of them I'd have to -1 since I think they're enough that they should be tweaked prior to the acceptance of this CA. Firstly, though there are a lot of aesthetic differences between the Blood Magic versus Mysticism variants but I would have liked to see more actual mechanical differences because otherwise it comes off as simply cosmetic and takes away, I think, from the Dreadknights. One example of this might be to have variant-locked Augmentations with the current six Augmentations being the ones allowed for all of them (and maybe require that one of the variant versions is picked?). An augmentation that allows Dreadknights to use spells (with restrictions) from their variant-choices would be interesting. I do also think that there should be more augmentations to pick from and (unless I missed it?) I think there should be a way to change your Augmentation choices, even if it is costly (like making you vulnerable for a bit, or requiring Mystics/Blood Mages to assist). Lastly, on that specific subject, I think that the Mystic/Blood Mage variants should have their own minor passives. Eidolas had an interesting interaction with waters due to their phantasmal waters and seeing something small like that would be cool. My main concern, though, is that there is an eventual lack of progression after you have your 2-3 Augmentations, taking 9 weeks total. Though this is fine for a CA, I feel like that grind from Pale Knight to Pale Lord was really interesting and something which motivated activity. Having to take a Lesser Augmentation to help my Mystic friends collect Souls feels a bit unfortunate, as well. I'd also think there should be some way to connect Menhirs to the Mystic-variant (and definitely something similar to mirror that of the Blood Mage Variant) so that that structure is still given some more use than simply a soul-storing device (as Pale Knights are birthed from it, for example and can create their weapons/tools from it). And, on the topic of weapons/tools, restricting the Oathblades into either a Greatsword or Titansword is an interesting choice but overall one that I disagree with. Even if not fully a free-choice, I do think there should be more choices for which weapon one chooses to fight with unless there's a strong justification for that, otherwise. Also, not being allowed to kill things and Rusting if you do feels a bit limiting to the roleplay. Unless these CAs are intended to exist alongside Pale Knights (which feels strange) I don't understand why there would be a mechanic to limit their roleplay of killing. The Vigorbank augmentation, at that point, feels a bit strange. Why would a CA that doesn't want to kill people be fine with harvesting their souls (which are addictive according to the Augmentation?) and using them for evil occult rituals? Overall, I just feel as though Pale Knights and Pale Lords are rather strong right now and a change is needed, but I think this solution in particular needs a few more modifications to make it something more complete. However, it's definitely moving in the right direction.

I accept

TheOnlyTub: "I can't play anything except Zenyatta I can't really aim"

victor's justice 5v5 me versus kylo give me my real ass idunians and never put tub on my team again

Pharazôn looks forward to attending!

Issued in the 281st Year of the Second Age by the HIGH KING OF IDUNIA On the matter of constructs, the laws below shall take effect within the Royal Capital of Alduun. A construct is defined as a man-made creation styled in any variation of homonculus, golem, atronach, automaton, or other such artifice. 🟆 No construct is to pass independently into the Royal Capital of Alduun unless accompanied by its creator, maker, or guardian, who has control over it. 🟆 Constructs may be granted a Writ of Leave and Sanction should they wish for independent travel within the High Kingdom. This may be granted at the discretion of the Master of Alchemy or, otherwise, the High Council. 🟆 Constructs granted a Writ of Leave and Sanction must have such readily available within the Royal Capital and must display it when requested by an agent of the realm. 🟆 Constructs in violation of this law may be denied entry, forcibly removed from the realm, detained, or otherwise submitted under lawful measures deemed necessary to expel or banish them. 🟆 Constructs, especially those considered homonculae, shall be required to don and maintain suitable attire sufficient to conceal such artificed or inhuman deformities that may give rise to alarm or disturbance. Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Pharazôn Auranion Harren Arthalion, By the blessing of Aeradar, High King of Idunia, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Alduun, Prince of Númendil, Templar of Saint Michael the Archangel, Knight of the Realm, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians, Ascendant of Orodaeglir, Trailbearer of Tar-Númenatâr HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tari-Ashael Malôs Harren Arthalion, by the blessing of Aeradar, High Queen of Idunia, Chiefess of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Alduun, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians, Knight of the Realm, Ascendant of Orodaeglir, Trailbearer of Tar-Numenetar MASTER OF ALCHEMY, Jeffrey de Wees

Pharazôn looked upon the chronicle fondly, knowing well that the newest generation of Knights was perhaps the greatest that Idunia, and Númendil, had ever seen. Such a volume would not have seen the light of day without the High Chancellor’s tireless work, who had endeavored and led the project bravely. “Of remarkable valor and chivalry, are the new breed. I will suffer not the meek to hold such a title evermore,” mused the King, thinking aloud. “But those of old shall be remembered, too. Their contributions are numerous, and immeasurable.”

Pharazôn accepted, with an immense gratitude, the bounty of the baronial House. “They must send their children to the mines in endless cycles,” posited the Arthalion, considering then whether his children might wish to ward under them for those very reasons.

The Prince remembered the both of them being illuminated by the pyre-light, the Magister speaking fervent yet bereft of redundancy. Countless times they had argued and bickered within the Temple. Doubtless was Pharazôn now, that there was anyone as tethered to the faith as he. Eyes had drawn to the flames, then to the bristled mustache, and finally to the Bishop entirely. “So, it will be done soon...?” That was nearly a decade ago, perhaps, but he was still no less overcome with joy to see the completed work! Of the many candles within the temple of the faithful, none burned as brightly as the Wick.

THE ROYAL COURT OF IDUNIA [276 S.A] Issued in the Year 276 of the Second Age In the name of His Royal Majesty Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion People of the High Kingdom, esteemed allies of the West, and all denizens of the realm: We are convened here under the sacred authority of LORD GOD for the fourth Royal Court of Idunia. This unprecedented path for our people is one which we shall shepherd towards prosperity through the conviction of our aims. In the settled foundation, this Royal Court shall be one which sets clear expectations for the future of our realm and honors the heroes who have triumphed. ON THE MATTERS OF THE REALM, THE CROWN DECREES: The Harren Court, and the upper High Council, shall be expanded with new appointments and the positions and roles therein refined to best serve the realm in our new and coming age. The elaboration upon the station of our many esteemed noble families and vassals, in regard to hierarchy and privileges. This, in particular, shall lead to the ennoblement of new Houses within the High Kingdom who have proven their tact and alignment. There shall be an advisement on the matters of the abyssal darkness which encroached upon our lands, informing upon the recent circumstances and response by our Templars, Verdants, and Mages. The announcement of new traditions in veneration of our founders as well as the honoring of the iconic figures in the history of Idunia, and its predecessor Kingdom, Númendil. It is through the commemoration of those who had given much of themselves to this Kingdom, from any vassal or organization, that we are inspired. Beyond these principal points established, further subsequent announcements are to follow within the Royal Court. It shall be a demonstrably crucial gathering and the people of Idunia shall have their moment to petition to the Crown therein. “The twenty-first year after the fall of the holiest city, the Lord’s Aengul Artifai descended before Harren and spoke with him. The Aengul said ‘Harren, you are chosen for the vocation of your father. Come, and receive the Lord’s prophecy.’“ Book of Scattering, 31 - 32 Signed, HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion Anorion Harren Arthalion, High King of Idunia, Prince of Númendil, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Númenost and Alduun, Knight of the Realm, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Pharazôn Auranion Harren Arthalion, Crown Prince of Idunia, Templar of Saint Michael the Archangel