Editing 3.5 Mantis (section)

==New Mantis Courtier Abilities==
;Kuenai: The Mantis gains a +10 bonus to his Gossip ability, but the knowledge gained is specifically related to ronin, bandits and mercenaries (and the people who associate with such).  This information usually includes the subject’s reputation, favored troops, and price for their services.  This information may not be relevant to the character’s current activities, but the chance of it being true increases by 10 percent.  The courtier may choose to forgo these bonuses and instead gain information not related to society’s underbelly.  This ability also grants a +1 bonus to all Diplomacy checks.  This bonus increases to +2 when the courtier is negotiating to hire someone.

;Inspiring Presence: A courtier with this ability may encourage his fellow Mantis, using the aid another action on any Mantis within 30 feet, even if the courtier is not within the usual aid another range.  The courtier may also spend Void Points to benefit another Mantis’ attack rolls, saving throws or skill checks if they are within the same range.  This usage stacks with any Void Point expenditure by the subject, but otherwise follows all the usual rules of spending Void Points.  This is a language-based ability.

;Storm Heart: As a standard action, the courtier may make an Intimidation check against an opponent within 30 feet (DC 15 + target’s Hit Dice).  The opponent must make a Will save (DC equal to the courtier’s check result) or become shaken for a number of minutes equal to the courtier’s class level.  This ability may be used a number of times per day equal to the courtier’s Charisma modifier + 3.  This is a mind-affecting fear effect.  This ability may be taken multiple times, granting additional uses per day equal to the courtier’s Charisma modifier + 3.