The Long Arm of Phaulkon
Download Cert version 1.2 (Year 4 Update)
The Long Arm of Phaulkon is a Yeoman organization created as a result of a joint effort between the Yeoman military and the Church of Seven Faiths. Members are expected to use the divine power of Phaulkon, primarily through the use of archery, to defend the Yeoman homeland from internal and external threats. As such, they are considered to be the most capable and feared archers in the land. Members are well-respected by government and free folk alike, and many young Yeoman children aspire to become members of the Long Arm in later years.
Initiates in the Long Arm of Phaulkon use their skills and talents in a number of ways. Some serve in the militia or army as advanced scouts or commanders of a Yeoman Brace. Others are given the task of protecting the temples devoted to Phaulkon and the Church of Seven Faiths within the Yeomanry. Still others use their skills to join the Border Guard and serve as watchers to provide early warnings of incoming threats to the Yeomanry. More devout followers might use their healing capabilities on the battlefield, while offering archery support when necessary.
However, not every aspect of The Long Arm of Phaulkon is military. Members perform many different tasks that are important to the Church of Phaulkon. They are sent to investigate any rumors of and retrieve ancient artifacts of destruction. They train the local populace in archery, for self-defense and hunting. They also teach farmers how to tell the difference between helpful and harmful birds, how to encourage helpful birds to live nearby, and humane ways to drive away the harmful ones.
They also practice their archery skills by hunting local wildlife and game as a way to provide food for the poor. In fact, during each of the four festivals of the year, The Long Arm of Phaulkon sponsors a contest that is open to all, members and non-members alike, to see who can hunt and bring in the most food. This food is then preserved and distributed to the needy throughout the next three months. The winner of this contest is given a trophy to keep, and is bestowed with the title of "Phaulkon's Provider" until the next contest.
Prerequisites
The PC must have been created with the Yeomanry as its home region and must still be as such. Switching regions from the Yeomanry results in expulsion from the group and all the benefits that come with it.
The PC must be an active worshipper of Phaulkon, and there must be proof of this somewhere in the character's record.
The PC must be a member of the Yeomanry military (militia or army) OR the Church of the Seven Faiths.
At the time of initiation, a prospective member must have a minimum of 2 Regional Influence Points from either or both of these organizations.
The PC must have at least THREE of the following feats:
- Far Shot
- Point Blank Shot
- Precise Shot
- Rapid Shot
- Shot on the Run
- Weapon Focus
- Weapon Specialization (any crossbow or bow)
Requirements
An initiate must spend two time units (TUs) per year carrying out the various duties of membership.
The PC is expected to donate a masterwork bow or crossbow (of any type) to the organization when joining. Whether this item is created or purchased does not matter. Each calendar year thereafter, the PC must donate a further 250gp worth of bows or crossbows (any type) to restock the Long Arm's armory.
Benefits
Members have access to the following prestige classes, assuming they meet all other requirements:
- Deepwood Sniper
- Holy Liberator (sponsored by Phaulkon)
- Templar (of Phaulkon)
- War Priest (of Phaulkon)
Members gain access to the following Builder Book feats, assuming they meet all other requirements:
- Power Critical (crossbows and bows only)
- Sharpshooting
Members gain access to the following spells, assuming they meet all other requirements:
- Blessed Aim
- Hawkeye
- Weapon of the Deity
All +1 bows, arrows, crossbows, and bolts, as well as mighty bows, may be purchased at a 20% discount from standard PH or DMG prices. Any items purchased from the list below are also at a 20% discount, provided the PC pay the required TUs.
Initiates gain access to the following magic items:
- Eyes of the Eagle
- Tumbling Bolts
- Bracers of Archery (Lesser)
- Sleep Arrow
- Screaming Bolt
- Quiver of Phaulkon (Elhonna)
Initiates may upgrade existing magical bows with the distance special ability as per the DMG. The initiate must pay the cost difference between the old weapon and the improved weapon. If capable of crafting the new item, the member may pay only half of this difference along with 1xp for each 25gp spent.