The Thirsting Blade

T
hieves of the Thristing Blade are trained killers Table 1: Sneak Attack Dexterity
that have mastered the grim art of death, using Adjustments
stealth and subtlety to eliminate their foes with
deadly efficiency. When it comes to combat, a Dexterity Sneak Attack
Thirsting Blade prioritizes cunning and 9 -15%
technique over brute strength. They prefer to
make a single precise strike, placing it exactly 10 -10%
where it will hurt the target most, than wear an opponent 11 -5%
down with a barrage of attacks. 12 _
Role: Thieves of the Thirsting Blade are more than just hired 13-15 _
killers. They are a brotherhood of like-minded individuals -- 16 _
an independent sect of the Thieves Guild of Quaizzon that
value freedom and liberty above all else. 17 +5%
In addition to enemies of the Thieves Guild, the Thirsting 18 +10%
Blade is rumored to be responsible for eliminating corrupt 19 +15%
bureaucrats and tyrannical vassals of the Archduke.
Secondary Skills: Any. Table 2: Sneak Attack Racial
Adjustments
Weapon Proficiencies: Because of their focus on combat Race Sneak Attack
and weapons training, a Thirsting Blade, unlike thieves of
other kits, is permitted the use of any weapon. Dwarf +5%
Elf _
Nonweapon Proficiencies: Required: Observation,
Tumbling. Recommended: Alertness, Disguise, Evasion, Gnome _
Information Gathering, Tracking, Trailing. Half-elf _
Halfling +5%
Skill Progression: Thirsting Blades favor the skills of Sneak
Attack, Move Silently, Hide in Shadows, and Climb Walls.
Table 3: Sneak Attack Armor
Special Benefits: Thirsting Blades are trained in a special Adjustments
combat technique known as Sneak Attack. Armor Type Sneak Attack
Beginning at 1st level, a Thirsting Blade knows how to
strike subtly and exploit a foe’s distraction. Once per round No Armor +5%
on a successful melee hit, you can backstab without needing Elven Chain -10%
surprise and without needing to be behind the target. Padded or Studded Leather -20%
At 1st level, a Thirsting Blade has a base chance of 45% to
Sneak Attack on their first successful melee hit of the round.
To this base score, add (or subtract) any appropriate
modifiers for dexterity, race, and armor worn (given on Tables
1, 2, and 3, respectively).
A Thirsting Blade's chance to Sneak Attack is reduced by
5% for each enemy (other than his target) within 5 feet. This
penalty is negated by an advanced form of the Tumbling
proficiency called Evasion, which costs the Thirsting Blade
two slots - one for Tumbling and one for Evasion.
Special Hindrances: Because of the time spent on weapons
training and advanced combat techniques, like Sneak Attack,
a Thirsting Blade advances more slowly than other thieves.
Instead of the Thief table, a Thirsting Blade uses the Fighter
experience table for level advancement.
Equipment: Besides the usual range of thiefly equipment,
Thirsting Blades take interest in items for killing their prey.
Special items, such as blade boots and death knives, are
sometimes taken as favorite weapons.