Achillean

Those who wield momentum to become impossibly quick moving warriors.

Synchronous Training

To become an achillean, a warrior must train with others, usually in groups of seven. They train for years, constantly trying to match each others' movements in perfect unison. This includes movements done outside of training exercises - the more synchronous they are, the more momentum they generate. After some years, even their hearts beat in unison. To properly generate momentum that infuses them, they practice a specific set of training exercises focused on speed, endurance, and agility. These exercises have been developed over the Ages to tap into the waves of momentum generated from paradoxical sources around the universe, coinciding with the movement of all things to a molecular level. This training is called the Seven Dances.

Most die trying to complete this training. Those who survive become nearly invincible. Eventually, they reach a moment where they find they cannot stop moving.

Unstoppable Movement

Once the group of seven warriors reaches the moment where they can no longer stop moving, they lose the need for rest. Their metabolism skyrockets, requiring that they devour greater quantities of food. They never stop moving in some way, even if in small ways, from this moment on. They twitch. They shudder. They blink. They move. This movement is constantly burning off energy and creating it in a loop.

Powers

Achilleans gain incredible powers of movement.

Speed

Achilleans move so fast that they can cover great distances in minutes (about one mile every two minutes). This translates into small movements as well - they can attack multiple times per round. If they repeat the same action over again in a round, they gain bonuses each time, +1 per action, capping at +6 (seven actions per round). If they change up actions, this requires more thought and slows them down, thus giving them penalties (-1 per action, capping at -2, or three actions).

Reaction

Achilleans have better reflexes and improved perceptions to allow them to operate at higher speeds.

Endurance

Achilleans never stop moving - if they do, they break physically and emotionally - and therefore have incredible endurance.

Agility

To avoid breaking bones and organs as they move at greater speeds, they have improved agility as well. This means they are better at dodging and better at contorting their bodies than most.

Rapidstrike

An achillean can choose to hit multiple times in one move (up to three hits per attack) or focus all of their energy into one attack, bringing greater momentum into the single strike. If they hit once, they take +2 to damage. If they hit twice, it's +1, but they get an extra chance to hit. And if they hit thrice, there is no bonus except the extra attempts. They must decide beforehand which of these they will attempt.

Weakness

Every achillean has a weakpoint on their body, usually their ankle or lower leg, that if hit paralyzes them entirely. They also age slightly faster than most, rarely living past the age of 49.

Inventory

Achilleans train with specific equipment.

Spear

The spears of achilleans cannot be wielded by anyone not trained in their arts. Their spears are made of quicksilver and flow with them as they move at such incredible speed.

Shield

Their shields are made of cold fire. These shields are designed to wrap around their arms and bodies when they move. The cold fire can deflect energies as well as physical weapons.

Armor

Their armor is made of mufambite, which teleports to catch up with them when they outrun it.

Sandals

Their sandals are designed for maximum movement and speed. They are made of arion leather. They do not cover the heels.

Societal Role

Achilleans are a Stayflian elite force who serve powerful kings and defend their country.

Skills

Some common skills include

• Running
• Dancing
• Sailing
• Riding
• Gymnastics
• Archery

Stats

Modifiers from base of nation/species

PRO +4
ATH +7
STR +2
AWA +2
WIL -1
STH -2
PRS /