Warrior Icon:

The Deathnaught


“Go ahead. Hit me”

 

The Deathnaught is an unstoppable powerhouse on the battlefield. When waves of foes or deadly energies blanket the battlefield, the Deathnaught remains standing where all others have fallen. Their ability to inflict damage has much to be desired, but these bruisers are nigh unkillable with the support of their allies (especially a Binder or Infuser).

Even when downed, a Deathnaught is on their feet faster than their allies. On a battle line, they are the point where others may make their stand. And in the direst of times, they are the life line that can bring back an entire group from the brink of death.

Icon Overview: Deathnaughts are not content to increase the limits of their HP and Aegis points - they specialize in the gaining of Resolve to possess an endurance far beyond that of most combatants. When there are allies around, the Ironsoul Bravado aptitude and Tough as Nails skill allow a Deathnaught to enhance Resolve that comes their way. Similarly, the Shielding Binder skill and the Ironsoul Bravado aptitude allow these bruisers to protect the healers and strikers among their comrades.

Deathnaughts typically use Heavy or Stave weapons because they need a free hand to repair their armor. But no small number of Deathnaughts wield a medium weapon and a shield instead, relying on their allies to repair their armor.

Archfaction Connections: Deathnaughts can be found in almost every Archfaction and Subfaction. Naturally, the Macana, the Grailguard, and the Talon Conclave see frequent use for Deathnaughts. But these warriors can be seen elsewhere and in all sorts as well: Packhunters call them “Keepers of the Den” while some of the Scavvers’  Wagon Watchers act as shields for their brethren. Cabal Champlain’s boastful Valiants are all too willing to be the bulwarks for their allies just as the Iglesiar’s humbler Firehawks defend the Solarite faithful from harm.   

Class Aptitudes:  Ironsoul Bravado and/or Bloodsworn Sentinel

Core Skills (180~ XP): Defender Aspect (Dreadnought), Repair Smith, Faith in Steel, Battle Bracing, Deft Deflection, Iron Fortitude, Grim Recovery

Core Disciplines: 

  • Defender: Stalwart Defense, Deft Deflection, Battle Bracing, Furious Rebuke, Defender Aspect (Dreadnought), Uncanny Defense, Supreme Bulwark

  • Scrapper: Armor Expertise, Faith in Steel, Armored Dodge, Full Coverage, Iron Fortitude, Grim Recovery, Supreme Toughness

  • Weaver: Repair Armor, Armor Expertise, Full Coverage, Repair Smith

  • Defiant: Steady Concentration, Resist Fear, Iron Concentration, Iron Fortitude, Grim Recovery, Zealous Defiance, Supreme Defiance 

These are the Skills that lend the Deathnaught its incomparable endurance. Faith in Steel (Ultraheavy Aegis) awards them more Resolve while negating attacks. Dreadnought Aspect is the core of this Icon - it penalizes their damage but grants them immense amounts of Resolve. Repair Armor and Repair Smith allow them to continuously regain the Valorous status even after they run out of Aegis and Focus. Iron and Steady Concentration also allows the regaining of such abilities in the chaos of the front lines.

In the absence of allied support, Iron Fortitude and Grim Recovery assists a stricken Deathnaught’s recuperation.

The Guardian Ally skill and Bloodsworn Sentinel aptitude allow a Deathnaught to ensure that foes pay attention to them. Even if their allies are attacked instead of them, the Deathnaught’s endurance is still a factor. 

Stalwart Defense, Battle Bracing, Deft Deflection, and Furious Rebuke all assist in a Deathnaught’s self preservation. Furious Rebuke is particularly useful in this regard - an enemy that is Knocked back is an enemy that is walking instead of attacking.

Out of Combat abilities:  Depending on how they choose to progress, the Deathnaught can delve into the Binder Discipline and assist their allies with Inspiring Assistance. Deeper within the Discipline, they can get access to Ceremonial Binding and Oath of Command - useful for those who are the heart of the group or their leader.

Some Deathnaughts lean into the Doctor Discipline, learning Medical Redemption, Medicine Maker, and other ways to mend their allies’ wounds and illnesses. The Doctor Discipline also allows the Deathnaught better methods to restore allies to fighting form. 

Optional Stigmata:  Chimera (Herd Mentality), Metabionic (Bulky Frame)

Optional Disciplines: 

  • Binder (Counselor): Bond of Blood, Shielding Binder, Bond of Oaths 

  • Survivor (Ranger): Will to Survive (& upgrades), Resist Radiation (&  similar Skills) 

  • Doctor (Builder): Treat Injury, Medical Redemption, Greater Remedy


Core Items: 

*If you are one of the Risen (i.e. you have the Necrotic Stigmata)

** Xenotech Augment - these are very expensive


Optional Items:

  • Medium Melee Weapon & Shield (Verdant Bulwark or Rune-forged Bulwark Augment)

  • Knife Pack (any Augment)


Starting Picks: Warrior - Ironsoul Bravado

Background Perks: Talented (Repair Armor), Blooded (Deft Deflection), Blooded (Battle Bracing)

Starting Skills: Stalwart Defense, Armor Expertise, Armored Toughness

Starting Items: Basic UH Armor, Scrap Kit, Heavy/Stave Weapon

Alternatively: Basic UH Armor, Shield, Medium Weapon


Optional Variants:

After the Core Skills have been acquired, there are other ways to progress and customize one’s own version of the Deathnaught. 

Apextech Deathnaught: These warriors embrace technology and the magnetic mana field (and sickness). Many are Metabionic, but the main focus is on the use of Magna-tech and even Apex-tech items. Crabshell Array armor is prized among Deathnaughts as are Obtali Crushers. However, Magna-field Sickness ensured that the Defiant facets of the Deathnaught are limited in use. 

Fleshcraft Deathnaught: These warriors enhance their skills and versatility with Transmutation or Restoration magic. Transmute Flesh and Restore Vitality allows them to heal others while Transmute Material or Restore Structure can patch armor very quickly. Both Spheres have a host of useful Spells that expand an individual’s repertoire, at the cost of the vulnerability and corruption that comes from dabbling with the Arcane.

Horned Deathnaught: These warriors are guardians of flock and pack. Using the Herd Mentality trait, these Horned Chimera are able to turn Control effects upon their person into Resolve (via Zealous Defiance). These individuals lean heavily into Binder and other Counselor skills, becoming the crux of their Guild’s success.

Necrotic Deathnaught: Death has only sharpened these warriors. Their new condition allows them to use Necrotech: Ghoulish Weapons heal them using Death Blows and Deathnaught Carapace is as powerful as Crabshell Array with only a fraction of the cost. These Deathnaughts also have quicker access to certain Erudite Skills via Necrotic Traits.