Class Skills:
Independent Action - D+
The ability to remain independent even when rejecting the Magical Energy supply from one's Master. At higher ranks, it is also possible to remain for extended periods of time in this world without an established contract.
At this rank, Archer can only remain in this world for half a day without a Master. Although he was a loyal follower to Liu Bang, Archer was still self-conscious enough to act for himself or to speak against his friend’s mistakes. Thanks to Zhang Fude’s essence as an Tu Di Gong, Archer can draw mana from the earth for as an means of emergency sustenance. As it is “emergency sustenance,” it can be used in limited amount of times.
…Perhaps the boost can also be seen as Archer’s desire to not be noticed, really.
Magic Resistance - B
Grants protection against magical effects. Differing from the developed Resistance that merely rejects magical energy, this Skill cancels the spells altogether.
Possess the ability to cancel three-versed spells. Even High
-Thaumaturgy has difficulties in damaging Archer. Under normal circumstances, this Skill would possess a lower rank due to Archer's surprising lack of mystery. But with the help of Zhang Fude and the Seven Sages' supernatural affiliations, Archer's resistance towards magecraft is much higher than he deserves.
Personal Skills:
Affections of Humanity - B
A Skill for those who loved and were loved by all of humankind in some time or place. It can be called the greatest blessing and curse in the world. All humans interacting with Archer will receive a great boost in their Luck parameter. Under special circumstances, they may even be able to break out of situations that would otherwise be impossible to escape from. However, this good fortune comes at the merciless expense of Archer's own happiness.
Unlike those who also shared the same Skill, Archer's circumstance is a bit different; instead of suffering from a one-sided exchange between him and other people, their reciprocation is what caused problems for the statesman. Because of his rising popularity among the common folk, it earned the jealousy of Emperor Gaozu. As such, Archer attempted to destroy his own reputation by taking the people’s lands; however, this was backfired when said citizens happily gave their land to him anyway. Of course, this agitated Gaozu further and resulted in Archer’s imprisonment for over a year.
“…I would prefer not to be in the center of attention Master; it is only natural that I help.”
Mystic Enforcer of the State - B+
A Skill denoting one’s reputation as the benevolent guardian of a piece of land and its inhabitants. Similar to
Demonic Defender of the State, this allows the user to mark regions by securing leylines prior to any engagements.
From Zhang Fude's influence, Archer's established territory grants him dominion over the earth within. Stone becomes armor, the very ground moves for him, and the creation of earthen clones are all possible. And assuming the opponents are of the Evil alignment, their mobility will be halved from the earth's pull upon their beings. However, the effects of the Skill will be removed if Archer leaves the ground in any way.
Even without the Phantoms, Archer was already considered a protector of the land's people ever since becoming Chancellor. The populace, along with rest of the imperial court, considered his laws and decisions fair. Corruption was controlled in the courts, despite Gaozu's decent into necessary evil. Even after death, some revered Archer as a guardian spirit not unlike Tu Di Gongs...
"A scholar I may have been, but the will of the land are now at my beck and call. Now close in on me - if you dare."
Powerless Shell - C
A Skill that makes the user difficult to perceive as a Servant by declining one’s Parameters and suppresses one’s Skills.
Borrowed from Fu Bo, this allows Archer to assume the likeness of a harmless civilian. In turn, it will lower his Parameters to the point of non-existence. However, because of the general's blood knight tendencies, it is possible for a extremely keen eye to sense Archer's Servant-like powers. Because the existence of this Skill is not entirely Archer's, the ranking of the Skill has been lowered.
"...Who am I, you say? Why, someone of no consequence at all. ...No, that would garner even more suspicion. Back to square one."
Scholar’s Insight - EX
A composite Skill made possible with the influence of the Seven Sages. The ability to perceive the patterns or workings of concepts, behavior or other phenomena. This is not a Skill inherent to the body, but received through decades of studying, learning and accidental discoveries. From music to even geography, this Skill is reserved for those who achieved deeper understanding of multiple subjects. Most of the knowledge are not particularly useful during combat, but if one is clever enough...
Originally called
Six Arts, which consisted of knowledge on the six respected fields all intellectuals hold… But because of Archer’s fusion with the Seven Sages, his already vast arsenal of knowledge is increased sevenfold, mutating said Skill into something else entirely.
"How should I break this to you? Your plan is lackluster in terms of emergency escape and efficiency. However, here are some of my suggestions..."