Branded Souls

Each scion is born with a soul branded by arcane energy that lies mostly dormant; its only initial evidence being the innate physical strength and prowess of the child. Because of this the true potential of a scion typically goes undetected by their community and even themselves for years. Until their latent arcane abilities manifest, they are rightfully assumed to be like any other martially adept individual. Many are well on their way to knighthood, or any other number of physically demanding vocations, before their brand manifests more obviously.

This event can be subtle or spectacular. Each scion’s manifestation is unique: from an introspective moment yielding a revelation of their latent power, to seemingly mundane swordsmen erupting with lightning as they were struck with a potentially fatal blow. Some are left with a permanent mark on their body, but that is merely a physical representation of the brand that's been on their soul all along. While not even a scion is aware of the exact source of their gift, once it manifests there is no questioning its power.

The Mystery Within

The source of their physical endurance and dexterity suddenly becomes clear after their brand manifests, but this revelation leaves most scions desperately trying to make sense of this alien potential. Many seek others like themselves, or those who they think can help them master their newfound abilities. Early in this process a scion may be found spending mornings sparring with the town guard, and then subjecting themselves to a sorcerer’s tutelage by candlelight at night.

While such efforts may help to an extent a scion inevitably finds their best teacher is experience. Many quickly become disillusioned with the classical study of magic as wizards they deal with are often more interested in studying them than teaching them. This realization ultimately leads many to a life of adventuring as they strive to uncover their origin and purpose.

Might and Magic

Regardless of how their journey starts, every scion will soon find they are strongest when carefully balancing the dualism they have come to wield. Drawing upon their brand to cast spells allows them to tap even further into the source of their martial aptitude. While concentrating their magic a scion's attacks land even more deftly and are duplicated by spectral weapons that dance in and out of existence. What's more, those same physical attacks then further empower the magics they employ. Unsurprisingly, a scion who truly masters this dichotomy is destined to become a thing of legend, capable of feats conventional wisdom would say are impossible.

Archery

You gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged weapons.

Defense

While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC.

Dueling

When you are wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons, you gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls with that weapon.

Great Weapon Fighting

When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die for an attack you make with a melee weapon that you are wielding with two hands, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll, even if the new roll is a 1 or a 2. The weapon must have the two-handed or versatile property for you to gain this benefit.

Protection

When a creature you can see attacks a target other than you that is within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. You must be wielding a shield.

Two-Weapon Fighting

When you engage in two-weapon fighting, you can add your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack.

Preparing and Casting Spells

The Scion table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your scion spells. To cast one of your scion spells of 1st level or higher, you must expend a slot of the spell’s level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a long rest.

You prepare the list of scion spells that are available for you to cast, choosing from the scion spell list. When you do so, choose a number of scion spells equal to your Charisma modifier + half your scion level, rounded down (minimum of one spell). The spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots.

For example, if you are a 5th-level scion, you have four 1st-level and two 2nd-level spell slots. With a Charisma of 14, your list of prepared spells can include four spells of 1st or 2nd level, in any combination. If you prepare the 1st-level spell shield, you can cast it using a 1st-level or a 2nd- level slot. Casting the spell doesn’t remove it from your list of prepared spells.

You can change your list of prepared spells when you finish a long rest. Preparing a new list of scion spells requires time spent in study and practice: at least 1 minute per spell level for each spell on your list.

Spellcasting Ability

Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your scion spells, since the power of your magic relies on your ability to project your souls energy into the world. You use your Charisma whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Charisma modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a scion spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.

Spellcasting Focus

You can use a weapon with which you are proficient or an arcane focus as a spellcasting focus for your scion spells.

Arcane Manifestation

While concentrating on a spell a soulblade's hands and weapon shed dim light out to 5 feet. The color varies based on their emotional state.

Arcane Seal

A creature protected by your seal can cast the hellish rebuke spell once as a reaction, and the magic of the seal fades.

Brand Spells

You gain brand spells at the scion levels listed.

Aggressive Flourish

Beginning at 6th level, your realize that you can add flourish to a spell just as you would a blade to gain the upper hand.

When the target of one of your spells succeeds on their saving throw you can use your reaction to redirect it to target another eligible creature within range. The redirected spell behaves in all ways as if its new target were the original target for the spell. Spells that affect a target in any way on a successful saving throw may not be redirected in this manner.

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.

Guiding Brand

Starting at 11th level, while maintaining concentration on a spell, you have advantage on attack rolls made against any creature under the spell's effects.

Arcane Crest

When you reach 15th level, the effect of your arcane seal is strengthened even further. As a reaction a creature can expend your arcane seal to gain advantage on attack rolls until the end of their next turn.