Narrow Bridge

First studied by the Necrothil under the guidance of the legendary figure Moros, the Narrow Bridge discipline spans the border between life and death. The practitioners of The Narrow Bridge understand that death and life are more closely intertwined than most ever realize.

Those who train in the proper martial arts can cross the narrow bridge that separates life from unlife and return. While most practitioners of The Narrow Bridge are living, it is not uncommon for undead disciples to seek out knowledge of these techniques.

The martial techniques of the Narrow Bridge discipline use both negative and positive energy. As such, all techniques of this discipline are supernatural abilities.

Key Skill: Theology.
Discipline Weapon Groups: Axe, Heavy Blade, and Polearm.

The Lands of the Living and the Dead and the Bridge Between

A disciple of the Narrow Bridge uses techniques which cross from life to death and back again. Some techniques draw upon the power of the Land of the Living and others from the Land of the Dead. These techniques have a descriptor of “The Living” or “The Dead.”

When a disciple initiates a technique with one of these descriptors, he is said to have metaphorically entered into that Land and immediately loses the benefits of any techniques which draw power from the opposite Land. This does not prevent a disciple from using techniques from the opposite Land, but it may end ongoing effects he has already activated.

For example, the tenacity of life boost has a [The Living] descriptor and grants temporary hit points while the power of death boost has a [The Dead] descriptor and grants a +2 bonus to Strength. Should the disciple use tenacity of life to gain temporary hit points, he would immediately lose them in the next round if he initiated the power of death technique. The reverse is also true.

A stance that possesses either of these descriptors is also ended should the disciple initiate a technique with the opposite Land’s descriptor.

Positive and Negative Energy Techniques

Positive energy is not always beneficial to living creature, nor does negative energy always heal the undead. Techniques which deal damage as positive or negative energy are always harmful unless the technique’s description states otherwise.

For example, the peaceful end strike deals positive energy damage to any creature struck by it. Normally, this would always deal lethal damage. However, this technique has a specific clause which causes it to deal nonlethal damage to living creatures healed by positive energy. Conversely, withering strike deals negative energy damage and fatigue but has no effect at all on undead or other creatures healed by negative energy.

As another example, the spark of life boost heals living creatures but deals damage to creatures harmed by positive energy, such as undead. This technique is interesting, in that there are creatures which fall into neither category, such as constructs. If the target is neither a living creature nor harmed by positive energy, then this technique would simply have no effect on them.

Narrow Bridge Techniques