Striking Crane (The Elven Warrior Houses, part 1)

A number of years ago, a friend of mine started running a "dimensional dumping ground" Middle Earth Role Playing game. It was my first experience with RoleMaster. I loved the game. To be honest, it wasn't until we moved to Utah and started playing with someone that not only knew the rules but had written more than a few of them that we realized how horribly, horribly, twink filled the game was. Still, the game master, as uber-super-mega-power-gamed as he was, had some interesting ideas. 

One of the things he presented was the idea of Bladesinger Houses. Yes, I know bladesingers are a D&D/Forgotten Realms creation, but this game had a certain Drow ranger sociopath running through the streets of Gondor so bladesingers were the least of the genre issues. The idea basically seemed to be rather reminiscent of duelist academies or kung-fu schools, complete with rivalries, "school pride", and secret techniques. I have to admit, I really liked the idea. I mean, elves are rather haughty and arrogant, in most worlds, and the idea that their martial schools would share that sense of superiority seems only natural. 

So, I have decided to take some of the information that my friend first mentioned, and then take a few creative liberties with them. I am updating them for use in a Pathfinder campaign, but the general information should be able to be used for most Fantasy RPGs. The information here can lead you to make appropriate use of existing Pathfinder rules, which is what I'm trying to do. There's not going to be a lot of crunch here, it's mostly going to be fluff. Just wanted to warn you a head of time. 

The Elven Warrior Houses

Ever since the elves first walked across the land, there have always been those that have dedicated themselves to the defense of the elven race. Combining both martial and arcane study into a combat style that is as much artistic as it is militaristic, the Ohtar'Noore ("Warrior Clan" in High Elvish) are the pinnacle of the martial arts in most major elven communities. While not every house is represented in every elven settlement, you will normally find maybe one or two and their apprentices residing in a standard community, with entire estates and training facilities for almost all the Houses can be found in the major elvish cities.

Each school, while dedicated the protection of the elven people, are very possessive of their techniques. Some schools will only teach their style to a full-blooded elf, while others require a lengthy application process regardless of status or standing among the elves. Some even will only accept an apprentice with sponsorship from an existing member. These stringent requirements give the houses an elitist appearance, but with the skill that they demonstrate they have reason to behave as such.

Striking Crane (Majahl Talee)

Favored Weapons: Striking Cranes prefer elven curve blades, spears, glaives, guisarme, ranseur, and similar pole arms.

The House of the Striking Crane are masters of the pole arm. Using a elegant dance to mimic the stances of a hunting crane, the pole arm being used acts as beak, wing, or even leg. The movements are rapid, but also precise. A Striking Crane will hold it's action until it's foe comes into range and the perfect opportunity presents itself, and then he will let loose with a flurry of thrusts and swipes aimed for vital points, like joints and eyes.

Members of the Striking Cranes are popular as bodyguards, militia officers, and watch officers. Their focus on perception, observation and reach weapons make them vigilant defenders. Adding to this is the schools ancient reputation. They are one of the oldest Warrior Clans, able to trace their origins back to the first recorded wars with many tales of slain giants, dragons and legendary acts of valor and honor in their libraries. With such a long and storied history, it is understandable that their membership comes from a very select pool. Normally, members are chosen from the families of existing members or the occasional recruit from a city's highest nobility. While rare, there have been known cases where particularly gifted apprentices have been brought under a mentor's wing, regardless of social standing. Race, on the other hand, is not as flexible, as they will only teach elves and the very rare and fortunate half-elf with an exemplar pedigree.

Traditional Colors: Striking Cranes prefer to wear primarily blues and whites, with red accents. Silvers and grays are also very common in place of the blue or white. While a minor addition, red is actually universally constant in almost all uniforms for members of the Majahl Talee.

Associated Classes:  While bards, magus and combined fighter/wizards(and sorcerers) are the most commonly trained, the occasional rogue/wizard or even paladin/wizard can be found among the ranks.

Trait: Dance of the Striking Crane (Elf, Combat) - When wielding a weapon from the polearm or spear weapon category, with which you are proficient, you gain a +1 bonus to your CMB. Also, you gain a +1 on all Acrobatics and Perform (Dance) checks. One of these skills is considered a class skill for you.