Open Tome

This discipline was developed over the course of several generations of librarians who maintained the martial sect’s library of esoteric tomes, martial arts manuals, monster codices, and other books, scrolls, and parchments—each head librarian adding their own tricks and techniques into a secret manual to aid their successor in better maintaining the growing collection knowledge. Over time, this reference guide meant as a simple aid to archivists grew so extensive and robust that it was organized into its own martial discipline, which is now taught to those who maintain sect archives across the world.

Open Tome teach that success is best found by drawing on the collected wisdom of sages past and present, applying the knowledge and education gained through study to overcome any opposition. By studying the techniques, physiology, psychology, esoterica, and other aspects of your enemies, the Open Tome disciple learns their enemies’ weaknesses and turns that knowledge to her advantage.

Key Skill: Academics
Discipline Weapons: Crossbow, Light Blade, and Spear.

Identifying Creatures

Many Open Tome techniques only function against creatures the martial disciple has successfully identified using the Identify Creatures function of the Academics skill or a specialized field of study skill (Arcane Lore, Engineering, Natural Lore, Psi Lore, or Theology). These techniques usually have a target line that specifies “Identified Creature” or has a line similar to “This technique only functions against identified creatures.”

Precision Damage

Some Open Tome techniques deal additional damage based on precisely targeting vulnerable points for maximum injury. This precision damage is somewhat similar to the rogue’s sneak attack ability and stacks with it.

An Open Tome disciple’s Precision Range is 30 feet, unless she has an ability that increases it. This means that her target must be within 30 feet to deal precision damage with an attack.

See the entry on Precision Damage for the full rules concerning this special ability.

Open Tome Techniques