Writober! Valkyrie! Shadowdark Post-a-Day In October

This month is Drawtober: 31 drawing prompts related to the Shadowdark RPG, 1 a day, each day throughout the month. But I’m borrowing the daily drawing prompts for a series of (usually short) writing prompts. Today’s prompt is “Valkyrie”.

Today’s prompt reminds me of how easy it can be to craft custom classes in Shadowdark because they are so succinct, don’t have new complex powers every level, and don’t become godly at higher levels. And the fat that the core classes cover all the basics makes it easy to customize for your setting.

Valkyrie

An order of knights whose ancestors are said to have been trained by actual Valkyries, these knights are skilled in mounted combat, even flying mounts.

Weapons: All weapons
Armor: All armor and shields
Hit Points: 1d8 per level

Mounted Combat. Not only can you ride, but choose one type of non-magical animal (horse, camel, etc.) that you know how to allow it to attack while you are mounted and attacking as well.

Weapon Mastery. Choose one type of weapon, such as longswords. You gain +1 to attack and damage with that weapon type. In addition, add half your level to these rolls (round down).

Valkyrie Talents

2d6 : Effect
2 : Gain Weapon Mastery with one additional weapon
3-6 : +1 to melee and ranged attacks
7-9 : +2 to Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution stat
10-11 : Mounted combat for an additional animal, even magical (pegasus, dragon, etc).
12 : Choose a talent or +2 points to distribute to stats