Execution (sage ability)

Execution is an amateur-status ability that provides the mindset and perseverance of a professional executioner, one who is able to bring about the death of criminals without remorse or self-reproach — in fact, the work is seen as a duty and a virtue. The character is skilled at carrying out capital crimes by axe, hanging, quartering, burying alive or other legal means. Knowledge is also had of wresting pain and unpleasantness through non-lethal punishments, such as the stocks, gibbet or the rack, so that the character is competent at these activities.

The character has excellent knowledge of the tools and practice involved; if the axe is the preferred means of execution in the character's homeland, a battle axe may be added to the character's list of proficiencies.

Resistance to Influence

Because the character has learned to close off feelings of sympathy or compassion for intended victims, this grants protection against the influence of suggestion or forms of seduction, such as might be felt by a love potion. The character gains a +2 saving throw vs. charm spells on account of this. The use of such magic is commonly attempted to dissuade an executioner in the work to be done, so that those doing the work possess this natural immunity.

Additionally, the character's experience with the dead, as well as being a witness to suffering, gives a +1 save vs. nausea or other effects related to disgust or ugliness (including the appearance of a medusa).

See Murder