Martial Archetype: The Steelbond Fighter

Though, all adventurers seek the glory and treasure of magic weapons, only a few chosen warriors are sought out by the weapons themselves.

Ollathir's eyes glow like a cat's in the darkness. With each twang of his bow, a goblin screeches and falls to the ground, an arrow in their neck or chest. A voice whispers in the back of his head, "To your left!" He pivots and lets his next arrow fly without looking. He hears the dull thud of a bolt sinking into bone, and the goblin's dagger clatters to the ground.

The demon cackled as the human approached him, a simple, iron spear aimed at the fiend's chest as it rumbled with laughter, "Fool, take your farmer's tools back to the field—they have no place in hell." The beast made no attempt to evade as the spear bit deep into its chest, followed by a searing pain and the slow fade of life as the magic in the spear pulsed with rage.

As the music faded, Grumble Rockheart held up his mug for a refill on ale. The barmaid sauntered over to him, and his hammer hummed against his hip, "Tell her you like her hair cut." He ran his fingers through his beard and said as much; the buxom dwarven lass was so surprised his mug overflowed, spilling froth on the table, "You noticed? Thank you!" In the back of his head, Grumble heard a sly chuckle.

Weapons From Beyond

It is unknown whether the Steelbond Weapons are the blades themselves or a spirit that attaches themselves to chosen warriors. Some Steelbond Fighters find themselves wielding blades of mundane bronze, iron, or steel, while others could tell at a glance there was more to their weapon.

Regardless of the origin, once a Steelbound Weapon forges its bond, it cares not for the metal it was made from. That day forward, it is not the Weapon but the Fighter who is a Steelbond. The spirit will shift from one weapon to the next, as their master needs, always at the ready.

Growing Bond

When a Steelbond Fighter's connection to their weapon begins, it is a silent bond. This subtle magic may make such fighters mistake their burgeoning abilities for that of an Eldritch Knight, but they struggle to learn spells and cantrips, often prompting frustration and shame. As their bond grows and the Weapon's abilities awaken, they will discover so much more than simple spellcraft.

The minds of the Steelbond Weapons grow with their bonded Fighter, and as the Steelbond Fighter grows in strength and prowess, more of the Weapon's powers will awaken.

Two As One

The relationship between a Steelbond Fighter and his weapon is as unique as Fighters themselves. Some see the strange spirits as an anathema—a demon possessing their weapon who the fighter treats with caution and respect. Others think themselves insane, made, or sick.

Whether the Steelbond Fighter treats his weapon as a tool, a friend, or an enemy, having a sentient weapon connected to their mind means a Steelbond Fighter must accept their bond as an ever-present part of their lives.

Breaking the Bond

Severing the ties between a Steelbound and his weapon is like breaking the Pact between a Warlock and Patron. Fate and the Weave are intrinsically tangled between them in dizzying knots of arcane and divine magic. Destroying it without care can not only destroy the Steelbond Weapon but kill the Fighter as well.

To properly break the bond, a Steelbound must seek out ancient magics or powerful Outsiders who possess the knowledge and magic to free them.