Community

Okay I just had to say something here because I have a friend that is blind (he can kind of see movement and some things depending on the light and such, or if there is really good light and it's right up in his face, but he is most definitely blind).

Both of us participate in a medieval reenactment group called the Society for Creative Anachronism. For those not familiar with the SCA, one of the activities that some do is a full speed, full contact, nonstaged fighting with rattan weapons (solid bamboo stuff, wood that doesn't splinter) and actual armor. Both of us fight, and I can personally attest that a blind person can be a melee fighter. There's been many times I've fought next to him in the shield wall and things go well as long as he knows the plan. Sometimes he'll ask me to tell him when we'll be like 5 paces from the opposing line so he can time the charge correctly. In midbattle I'll shout out warnings like "two guys coming up to your right" or "watch it we've got a spear in front of us" or "Quick slide left!" I feel safer receiving a charge from the other line with him next to me than I do a lot of other people.

I've also heard about a knight (a high rank that is received by, among other things, being really good at the heavy combat) that is completely blind, and as soon as he knows where you are in relation to him, either by a distance gauging shot or just by hearing you move or say something, he pretty much goes to town on you.

So with that in mind, I think that someone should be able to create a blind melee character of some sort. Probably lessen/remove select penalties from Blinded, and being immune to being blinded or other effects requiring sight. Having to waste actions to sometimes locate enemies (or allies) properly and not being able to see enemy actions and what they are doing is a safe enough trade off IMO. Then have some feat options related to being able to better while blind.

The avenger oath idea is really cool too btw.