Sister of Steel
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The subject of this article has been removed from Conquest of the Horde
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Who Are They?
In this time of conflict, members of both genders take up sword and axe and shield and march to the frontlines. However, due to long tradition, more men than women become soldiers. As conflicts continue, men become noticeably scarcer in Stormwind, Ironforge, and other Alliance cities. More and more, women perform the tasks traditionally reserved for men, such as working at the forge. The Sister of Steel are just such a group of female blacksmiths.
Long experience at the forge toughens the sisters' skin and strengthens their muscles to the point where they can plunge their hands into fire without wincing, and blades rebound from their flesh. Some whisper that these abilities are due to more than just a mundane connection to the forge  that strange and ancient magic is at work. Some Sisters claim that they benefit from the blessings of Khaz'goroth, the titan shaper and forger of the world. When the need arises, the Sister of Steel lift the weapons they forged and move out to combat their enemies.
The first Sisters of Steel were Ironforge dwarves, and most members are dwarves. Their allies are glad for their aid, though a bit bemused at their powers. The fact that a few human and gnome women belong to their ranks proves false the idea that their abilities stem from dwarf-only phenomenon. Whatever the case, the Sisters' allies are glad to stand by their sides. Their enemies view them with a healthy mixture of respect and fear.
Who Likes Them?
Most members of the Alliance look upon the Sister's of Steel with respect for their craftmanship and dedication. Among Dwarves, they are held in high regard by most, for either their work or their close connection to their ancestry.
Some Orcs may respect the abilities of the Sisters of Steel, as women in Orc culture are capable of advancement based on their contributions. However, the animosity between the Horde and Alliance overwhelms any attempts at cooperation between the two factions.
Training
Requirements
Warriors, Paladins, Hunters, Rogues and Death Knights may become Sisters of Steel.
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Strengths
- Toughened Flesh
The Sister of Steel's skin looks to be made of harder stuff than that of her peers. It is rough to the touch, akin to the rock, and is almost as hard to harm as the stone as well. A Sister is much tougher than your average woman. Significantly so.
- Strength
As she trains, the time spent training and at forges adds muscle mass, and she becomes stronger.
- Fire Resistance
The time spent at the forge makes the Sister of Steel more resistant to heat and flame.
Weaknesses
- Heavyweight
Sisters of Steel weigh one and a half times their normal body weight, and are slower to react as a result. This multiplier is increased to three times when in 'skin of steel' form. While able to take more punishment, they are less likely to dodge an attack completely.t work on her. It takes a different magical effect, such as limited wishes, wishes, miracles, or true resurrection to restore her to life.
- Powerless
Because a Sister of Steel's "Skin of Steel" is a supernatural ability, it is negated in an "anti-magic field" or similar effect. If the sister of steel loses her skin of steel ability (temporarily or permanently, for whatever reason), she also loses much of the protection she had gained through transformation reverting back to original self. Of course, her natural toughness will return over time.
Skills and Abilities
- Skin of Steel
For a limited length of time, the Sister of Steel becomes a being of living stone and metal. Her type changes from humanoid to elemental. She gains immunity to poison, sleep effects, paralysis and stunning. She is not subject to critical hits at all. She no longer needs to eat, sleep, or breathe. Her weight doubles (in total, she weighs three times her original weight). A note to make is that this form rapidly drains her endurance when she is in it. A Sister would be able to maintain this form for up to a minute before it begins to wear on her.
- Titan's Grip
The Sister of Steel's increased strength allows her to wield two normally two-handed weapons at once.
- Blacksmithing
All the time at the forge increased the rate at which the Sister of Steel is able to produce new items. They also benefit slightly more from items they have crafted themselves.
Training Outline
Sisters of Steel start as blacksmiths, learning the craft that many before them have. Where they differ from most smithies is their motivations and aspirations. Many smiths craft to make a living, and may take much pleasure in what they do and strive to make quality wares. The Sisters of Steel take their dedication further, borderline obsessed with the craftmanship of their armor and weapons. Historically, the Sisters were born from the need to fill the rolls normally occupied by men when they went off to war, so within their culture is also a need to learn at a detailed, yet accelerated pace. This fast growth is also why they make such a fast physiological jump, adapting quickly by necessity to the heat and stress of the forge and anvil.
As the Sister's anatomy changes, the next step is an increase in production. She tires less quickly at this stage, and the heat from the forge becomes less and less of an issue. As a result, she can spend more time with the metal in a heated state, manipulating the form with greater ease. It is during this period that the Sister may also seek out knowledge of her ancestors and the Titans to know more about the changes she is undergoing, and come to terms with them.
In her final stages, the Sister ascends, becoming an elemental-like being of stone and metal, no longer needing to eat, sleep, or breathe. This is far from the end of the Sister's journey, as she will continue to work with obsessive diligence long after.
