Pithnos Warriors
The Pithnos warriors are the fierce warriors of the Plains of Pithnos (south of the Dragonspine, west of the Eismeer). Pithnos warriors are close cousins of the standard Beastrider kit, differing primarily on culture. Pithnos warriors dress in brightly colored clothes and carry an instruments like the drum, gong, chimes, or harp on horses that are seldom left unmounted. The horses themselves are dyed to resemble the variety of colors found on the plains (similar to Ashanti African theme, see below). The Pithnos are known, also, for their dark skin color (their legends claim their color comes from sharing the blood of their steeds in their body, a gift from Palanos ages ago).
Role
The Ashanti are the protectors and elite shock troops of the Xanthic Empire. They live free on the Plains of Pithnos. Often Pithnos Warriors will go on long journeys to display their prowess before the common people so that their deeds will be remembered outside the imperial court. The Pithnos have learned to use swift Sufic (Arabian) steeds in the art of war. These horses are rare in the plains and are seen as almost mythical beasts by many outside of Yusuf. This gives the Pithnos the advantage of surprise and mystery. It also gives them an advantage in that almost all of their enemies will be on foot while they tower above them with their striking colored horses.
Distinctive Appearance
None
Special Benefits
The Pithnos Warrior gains complete empathy with horses, being able to sense their basic drives, needs, and emotions with only a round of direct observation. This power is extended to make the horse almost a familiar to its master. The Pithnos Warrior and his horse both gain +1 hp/level of the Warrior, and both gain an armor class two places better than normal while the horse is being ridden (this bonus is given only to the horse if the Pithnos Warrior is not a ranger).
An Pithnos Warrior automatically gains the Riding (Land-Based) skill with horses only (horsemanship). This skill is at +1 and increases automatically by + 1/3 levels hereafter. The Pithnos Warrior may try several maneuvers on horseback and receives no penalties to his rolls for these maneuvers. These include:
vaulting into the saddle
horse jumping
guiding the mount with his knees
leaping from horseback to attack
hanging behind the steed
firing missile weapons from horseback
increase the steed’s speed by double the amount and for double the amount of time that a normal rider could (Dungeon Master’s Guide, pages 62-63)
Special Hindrances
If the Pithnos Warrior’s horse dies, the Warrior loses double the amount of hit points that were gained by riding it. These cannot be regained for one year, during which time a new mount can be trained. If the Pithnos Warrior is a ranger, any new mount may be used in this manner and the time limit is waived, due to the great empathy that rangers have with animals; however, an Pithnos ranger is not allowed empathy with any animal other than the horse. All powers are lost with the hit points, except for the riding bonuses, until a new mount is chosen or trained.
An Pithnos Warrior may never wear armor or carry a shield.
The Pithnos Warrior may alter the mood of onlookers while mounted by producing music, shouting, and performing intricate feats of equestrian prowess. This should be treated as an Emotion spell, with the saving throw taken by onlookers at -1 for each five Pithnos Warriors so performing. This is not considered magic for purposes of magic resistance, and takes at least two rounds of riding and music playing, during which no other actions may be attempted.
Comments