"The pecking order of the combat hierarchy is real simple. It goes: Tiny weapon, Small Weapon, Medium Weapon, Big Weapon, Biggest Weapon. The biggest weapon is the king…….and I got the biggest weapon. So that makes me the king. Now bow."
——Rufus Bustertooth, Half-Orc Great Weapon Master
The Great Weapon Masters train for a simple purpose, to be as dangerous as they can with a dangerous weapon. Whether it is a Hammer, Axe, Sword, or even a big long hunk of metal, a large weapon in the hands of a skilled specialist can cause ungodly amounts of destruction. Great Weapon Masters can be found in a variety of cultures. Some are knights, others great warriors pressed into military service. More than a few choose the adventuring path, as most parties find the brute strength and power of a warrior trained in this method of fighting is an excellent match for the many hulking denizens found in dungeons and caves. As any combatant experienced in this profession will tell you: The best offense, is a good offense.
The Great Weapon Master is a two-stage Talent.
Great Weapon Master I
The Great Weapon Masters expand their knowledge of large weaponry, and trains extensively in the use of all two-handed weapons, coming to understand the variety of different weights and balance adjustments that must be made depending on the shape of the instrument being wielded. Furthermore, they learn to use these weapons with a bit more grace, something that is almost impossible for a combatant with lesser strength, and their defenses and precision increase as a result of this training.
Prerequisites
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Martial Rank 5
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Physical Rank 3
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Feat Weapon Specialization in at least one Two-Handed melee weapon that is not a Double Weapon.
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Feat Weapon Focus in at least one Two-Handed melee Weapon that is not a Double Weapon.
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Cost: 3 Destiny Points
Features
♦ Two-Handed Melee Weapon Generalist
You gain proficiency in all Two-Handed Melee weapons (that are not Double Weapons).
♦ Two-Handed Melee Weapon Versatility
Your feats that only apply to a single two-handed melee weapon (such as Weapon Specialization) now apply to all two-handed melee weapons that you wield (instead of just the single weapon). You must be proficient in the two-handed melee weapon in order to apply feats to it and the weapon must still meet any requirements of the feat. This feature does not apply to feats that grant proficiency in weapons, nor does it apply to Double Weapons.
Special : If you have the Advanced Weapon Expertise Specialty, you gain two bonus feats. The chosen feats must of the type that apply to a specific weapon (and thus work with Weapon Versatility). Additionally, you may ignore Martial and Physical Rank requirements for these feats.
♦ Heavy Weapon Training
Ignore the negative effects of the
Heavy Weapon Property.
♦ Defensive Weapon
All Two-Handed Melee weapons that your wield (that are not Double Weapons), gain the
Defensive (1) weapon property.
♦ Great Weapon Critical
When wielding a Two-Handed melee weapon (that is not a Double Weapon), gain a +1
talent bonus to the Critical Damage Multiplier.
Great Weapon Master II
The Great Weapon Master’s precision and power work in perfect harmony. The raw damage they deal with a mighty swing increases dramatically, as does their ability to target openings in their opponent’s defenses, increasing the chance that they can deal a devastating blow.
Prerequisites
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Great Weapon Master I
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Martial Rank 6
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Cost: 2 Destiny Points
Features
♦ Improved Great Weapon Critical
When wielding a Two-handed Melee Weapon (that is not a Double Weapon), gain a +5%
talent bonus to your Critical Strike chance.
♦ Two-Handed Mobile Offense
When wielding a Two-handed Melee Weapon (that is not a Double Weapon), Lunging with an attack does not increase your recovery time.
Special : If you have the Mobile Offense Specialty and are Wielding a Two-handed Melee Weapon (that is not a Double Weapon), you may increase the distance you Lunge by 5ft.