"This weapon is my symbol of office, and it shines over the field of battle as I wield it against our enemies.”"[PH:155] The path of a sword marshal is one taken by warlords trained extensively in the use of a heavy blade, such as a longsword or scimitar. Through their skill and commanding power, the blade of a sword marshal becomes as much a symbol of leadership and courage as it does a weapon, aiding the wielder in their command over others and helping them bring hope to weakened allies.[PH:155]
Abilities[]
A sword marshal’s training focuses almost exclusively on the use of their blade, overriding even in some cases their tactical training. Even the most inexperienced sword marshals are experts in swordplay, often missing only to catch their enemy with a deadly blow on the second swing. More experienced sword marshals can direct their weapon as if it were a baton, directing their allies towards an enemy they have just stricken with a deadly blow and giving them the resolve to strike with deadly effectiveness. In addition to these abilities gained from the use of a blade, sword marshals also learn to find within themselves extra bits of reserved strength so that they may regain exploits they have already used. [PH:155]
The exploits of a sword marshal nearly all require the use of a heavy blade. One clear example is the blade flurry technique, with which a sword marshal strikes a foe, shifts around, and then strikes another enemy. Unusually, sword marshal exploits also draw on the presence of allies to help the warlord, as in the diamond blade of victory exploit, which uses the confidence gained by a warlord for each ally nearby into added lethality to their strike.[PH:155]