Earthdawn 4E: Example Character 02 - Windling Swordmaster

This is the second Example Character in an ongoing series about Earthdawn. Introduction and Index.

The windling Swordmaster is a popular combination. What isn't to like about playing a feisty swashbuckler with gossamer wings? There may be things not to like about dealing with one, however. There can commonly be a problem with this character struggling to be contribute in combat. Below is what an example of an Eighth Circle windling Swordmaster, along with equipment and play suggestions.

Each Circle saw this character improve one attribute and take a new talent option. There are no Thread Items on this character, however unlikely it may be. 

Note: The entries in this series may be updated periodically as I master the coding to fit all eight of the Circles in a fashion which doesn't result in eye melting. Consider these living entries. Please leave comments if there is anyway this could be made more useful.

Discipline: Swordmaster
Race: Windling

Attributes:
DEX: 19 (8) [+2]   STR: 7 (4) [+0]   TOU: 13 (6) [+2]
PER: 15 (6) [+1]   WIL: 10 (5) [+0]   CHA: 19 (8) [+2]

Characteristics:
Initiative: 4 (Recommended: Crystal Plate [-5])
Physical Defense: 14
Mystic Defense: 9
Social Defense: 14

Physical Armor: 14 (Recommended: Crystal Plate, Forged +7 [14])
Mystic Armor: 10 (Recommended: Crystal Plate, Forged +1 [8])

Damage: 15 (Recommended: 2x Windling Sword, Forged +8 [11])

Unconsciousness: 82
Death: 96
Wound Threshold: 10

Recovery Tests: 3
Knockdown: 12
Karma: 48
Karma: Interaction tests and melee Damage tests.

Talents: 
Avoid Blow: 9 (17)
Maneuver: 9 (17)
Melee Weapons: 9 (17)
Weapon Weaving: 8 (14)
Taunt: 9 (17)
Winning Smile: 8 (16)
Astral Sight: 5 (11) [No Karma]
First Impression: 9 (17)
Impressive Display: 6
Riposte: 9 (17)
Distract: 8 (16)
Heartening Laugh: 8 (16)
Wound Balance: 8 (12)
Second Weapon: 8 (16)
Spot Armor Flaw: 8 (14)
Disarm: 8 (16)
Etiquette: 8 (16)
Resist Taunt: 8 (13)
Lion Heart: 8 (13)
Second Attack: 8 (16)
Lasting Impression: 8 (16)

This is a truly hybrid social/combat character, taking advantage of the windling's natural Charisma increase and acknowledging they will likely struggle in pure combat compared to other characters. The social talents given them a clear advantage in such arenas over most other adepts, with selections for a variety of needs.

In combat they take what may seem non-standard approach. Eschewing the speed of the t'skrang Swordmaster, the windling has focused more on defense and support. Heavy armor allows them to shore up their impressive Physical Defense, particularly with judicious use of Karma on active defenses. This allows them to make great use of the Distract talent, "encouraging" the target to focus on the Swordmaster, while allowing the heavy hitters to abuse them.

The battlefield mobility and number of attacks does allow them to engage and harass enemy support characters, such as Archers and spellcasters. Since they tend to have unimpressive armor, the lower damage and high number of attacks will allow them to be a successful skirmisher. Regardless of the target, Spot Armor Flaw will be key to improving the damage of all the adept's attacks for the duration. If pursing the tactic of harassing mystic attackers, improving Perception (Mystic Defense) is going to be a must, with the added benefit of improving Spot Armor Flaw as well.