DMJ's Carrion Crown

Game Master Jonasty1031

A game of horror and survival. Can you brave the hidden threats and evils of Ustalav?

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I'd like to submit Calavas Orlosky for your consideration. At basic, he is a int-based sorcerer with an affinity for locks and puzzles. Back-story, state at the beginning of said adventure and crunch details are in his profile, with a couple of questions/comments below.

DM Jonasty:
For long-term character plans, I was looking at the Pathfinder Savant prestige class, but if you're against it, straight sorcerer is the most likely course. As far as the second trait, I had picked Vagabond Child to have disable device as a class skill; I thought it fit with Calavas' childhood preoccupations and puzzle obsession. But if you find something you think is more suitable, I'm all for it.


Mathus fits a few different roles.

His disable device skills make him a fit for a rogue slot, his wide range of people skills can have him act as an aid another for the party face in gathering information, he can act as an arcanist and at level 2 with infusion for healing spells, a party healer as well.


I will have to bow out of the running for this. I unfortunatly do not have enough time to write a backstory at this time.

Thanks for answering my questions


Alright, here's the current submission list as I have it. There are a lot of Arcanists submitted and I have an Alchemist already locked (imimrtl). Convsersely, I only have 1 skill based applicant who at this point has an amazing chance simply by virtue of being the only applicant of that type.

For those that have already applied, if you want to change your submission or add a second one to increase your chances, by all means do so. Hell if you want to submit a character for each category, go ahead. As stated, what I'm looking for is backstory so if you are going to change or add a submission, just make sure it isn't cobbled together and weak.

For those of you still on the fence about what to submit, I would suggest you look at the list and see where you might be able to make yourself stick out.

Arcane
Metral ‘Warped-Eye’: Halfling, Sorcerer (Aberrant bloodline)
Nob: Human/Dhampyr, Witch (Gravewalker)
Mathus Kohlheim: Human, Alchemist (Chirurgeon/Cryptbreaker)
Mithias Mead: Human, Alchemist (Beastmorph)
Alexei Dirven: Daemon-spawn Tiefling, Alchemist (Grenadier)locked spot
Calavas Orlosky: Half-Elf, Sorcerer (Wildblooded)

Divine
Elandor Nark: Human, Cleric
Cassandra Blackmoore: Changeling, Oracle (Life)
Ferrell Greylocke: Human, Druid (Wolf Shaman)

Combat
‘Horrible’ Harold Grimsley: Half-Orc, Monk (Martial Artist)
Mortimer Valdebridge: Human, Ranger (Skirmisher)
Hadrian Al’Tesh: Human, Fighter
Theodor Rostmanov: Human, Inquisitor
Cagliostro Ondakar Rieselev: Elf, Fighter (Lore Warden)
Leon Ravencourt: Human, Fighter (Freehand)

Skills
Talon Eldercourt: Half-Elf, Rogue

Undecided/In Process
GSV “Yet more Gravitas”
Oleg Volchenko
Aroach1188
Edwin Salisch (looks like you have Leonid Vârcolup as a concept but no class, not sure where to place up above)
pH unbalanced
redclover
Devastation Bob


So I guess Dhamypr is ok for Nob?


I'd like to throw my hat in the ring.

I'm probably going to build a bard since it fills both the Skills and Arcane slots and won't directly interfere with the Rogue that's already trying out for this.

I'm thinking Dwarven Bard with either the Detective or Archivist archetypes.

I'll see what I can pull out of my brain later.


@corvusred: Yeah dhampyr is fine.


Guess I am already out didn't even make the list


@Edward Sobel: Sorry, I'll add you to it. Lot of names to look throuhg. Have you submitted a concept yet or are you Undecided?


DM Jonasty wrote:
@Edward Sobel: Sorry, I'll add you to it. Lot of names to look throuhg. Have you submitted a concept yet or are you Undecided?

Looks like his character concept was posted third from the bottom post of the first page. A human (w/ young template) Oracle of Life.


Mortimer's background and crunchy bits included in his profile now.

Lots of applicants! Good luck to all! (but especially to me ;) )


I wasn't watching hard enough :)

Ok - Mathus out as you already have an alchemist.


@Mathus: You could always submit a different character if you were still interested in the game.


Regarding submission deadlines, PC selection, etc. As of right now I'm planning on keeping this open till Sunday afternoon or so. At that point I will review submissions and make my selections by Sunday evening. So we've got a few more days for people still on the fence or who haven't seen the thread yet.


Well that's disappointing. Good luck to the rest of you.


I'm going to go ahead and submit another candidate in addition to Cassandra.

Marius Allesverloren, Human (Taldan) Bard (Archeologist)

Spoiler:

MARIUS ALLESVERLOREN CR 1/2
Male Human (Taldan) Bard (Archaeologist) 1
CG Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +3
--------------------
DEFENSE
--------------------
AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10. . (+2 Dex)
hp 9 (1d8+1)
Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +1
--------------------
OFFENSE
--------------------
Spd 30 ft.
Melee Unarmed Strike +1 (1d3+1/20/x2)
Bard (Archaeologist) Spells Known (CL 1, +1 melee touch, +2 ranged touch):
1 (2/day) Comprehend Languages (DC 13), Grease (DC 13)
0 (at will) Open/Close (DC 12), Read Magic (DC 12), Detect Magic, Light
--------------------
STATISTICS
--------------------
Str 12, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 9, Cha 14
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 13
Feats Additional Traits, Bard Weapon Proficiencies, Extra Performance
Traits On the Payroll, Prehensile Whip, Vagabond Child (urban): Disable Device
Skills Appraise +7, Disable Device +7, Escape Artist +6, Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +8, Knowledge (History) +8, Knowledge (Local) +8, Perception +3, Spellcraft +7, Stealth +6, Use Magic Device +6
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven, Hallit
SQ Archaeologist's Luck +1 (12 rounds/day) (Ex), Bardic Knowledge +1 (Ex)

--------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
--------------------
Archaeologist's Luck +1 (12 rounds/day) (Ex) Gain Luck bonus to attack, damage, saves, and all skills.
Bardic Knowledge +1 (Ex) Add + 1 to all knowledge skill checks.
On the Payroll Whether he needed a bodyguard in a rough neighborhood, a guide to an isolated archaeological dig, or information on a specialized topic, Professor Lorrimor was never shy about hiring professionals to help him attain his goals. Over the course of his long career, thousands of people throughout the world served his needs and benefited from his generous wages (usually covered by his academic benefactor at the time). He had contacts in most areas of expertise in every corner of the known world, a knack for recognizing talent, and a desire to be surrounded by the best and brightest at all times. Whatever job the professor originally hired you for, your performance captured his attention, and he hired you many times throughout your career, sometimes even for jobs away from your home, always paying your expenses and compensating you well for your time. In your area of expertise, you are among the best.
Your years of hard work have paid off, granting you an additional 150 gp in starting wealth.

Hero Lab® and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at http://www.wolflair.com
Pathfinder® and associated marks and logos are trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC®, and are used under license.

I'll get a proper profile and background up when I get home from work.


A question, what classes do you consider to be in the 'Skills' category? Is it 'Face' types like Bards and Rogues? What skills are considered important in this category? Many other classes potentially cross into this category as hybrids (especially where knowledges are concerned).


Here's the profile for what used to be Nob.

Background has been expanded on, etc. Still need to add complete spell information.


'Horrible' Harold Grimsley wrote:
DM Jonasty wrote:
@Edward Sobel: Sorry, I'll add you to it. Lot of names to look throuhg. Have you submitted a concept yet or are you Undecided?
Looks like his character concept was posted third from the bottom post of the first page. A human (w/ young template) Oracle of Life.

that would be correct thanks for the help.


Here is Alexei Dirven's profile completed. I am still going to add a picture or two to round it out. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Good luck to everyone! I don't envy DMJ his decision as there are some amazing submissions.


Just as a heads up, I'm willing to submit Cagliostro as a Rogue/Magus (Spire Defender)/Arcane Trickster if that helps in the decision making department. 'tis a build I have been wanting to try for a while now, but in terms of character flavour, Cag as an Eldritch Knight just seemed to fit better with this campaign, imo. Background would change somewhat, as would the stats (obviously), and his personality would change as well to something more...chaotic in nature. Probably some kind of spy or just general trickster archetype or something like that. I can write all that up later today, but if you were just looking for samples of our writing what I've submitted for Cag already should suffice.

Liberty's Edge

I'm still working on the mechanics but here is the important stuff for my submission, Bjorn Stonehand.


… You see most Ustalavs see half-orcs as monsters but he saw me at the opera house. Who would have thought a half-orc singing opera in the Karcau’s world- famous opera! The novelty quickly wore off of the ustalavians and their prejudice quickly returned, but still what a rush… the crowds, the orchestra, the decors, and the duets with my beloved Eleanora… oh well back to tavern brawls and guard duty it is….
It was just chance encounter with Professor Lorrimor that started the whole experience, withouth him the whole thing could never have been… how he knew that I had it in me from my singing a tavern drinking song I’ll never know….

What surprised me the most is that the professor ever bothered to even correspond with the likes of me, and he was delighted to hear that he had directly motivated me to strive for your full potential. I am heartbroken to hear the news of his death,
Goodbye Lorrimor
Though I barely knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
They crawled out of the woodwork
….
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind...


Need a skill/face guy I can build a Half-Orc Bard to replace Elandor


Submitting Vharg Half-Man, character is all written up and ready to go. I have played ravenloft in the past, and I love gothic horror. I see Vharg as a Invulnerable Rager Barbarian from APG, who can be very rough around the edges but once he has a blood debt to his companions, he is a staunch ally.

Of Orcs and Men:
Pitir sighed, it had been days since he reached Urgir, but only took a few moments since setting foot in the ruined Sky Citadel to regret coming. Why, dam the gods did he think he would be able to find a single Half-Orc in a sea of Orc kin! “This is foolish” he mumbled. “Tonight I pack my things and go.” Surely the Professor would have understood that I have done everything I could to deliver the letter.”

Then, out of darkness, din and smoke of an alleyway a coarse, thick, paw of a hand reached from the shadows, grabbing him and slamming him into a wall.

“Human” the voice growled “You have been whispering Vharg’s name human!”

Looking up for the first time Pitir saw the bestial face of a Half-Orc, though in truth there seemed to be little man about him. The Half-Orc’s face was rough hewn like granite, no softness or curves, just hard edges. His eyes, tiny red dots, were almost blotted out by heavy eyebrows, like slumping earth over the entrance to a cave. But the worst was his teeth, fangs upon fangs, like some creature out of the depths of a nightmare.

“Uh, I, that is…” Pitir stammered. “I have a letter for a man, er, orc named Vharg Half-Man”

“Vharg has little need of letters from pinkskins.” Rumbled the Half-Orc “Who sent Vharg this letter?”

“An, um, professor that my father knew. His name was Lorrimor”

“Was?” Vharg’s eyes narrow and he snatches the proffered letter away. “Go now human, do not bother Vharg’s again. Do not let me hear you chittering Vhargs like rat.

As Pitir fled down the alley, Vharg laughed to himself. Humans were so weak and cowardly, the fact that he was not a pure blood still irked him occasionally. Still, his human half gave him a sharp cunning, like the instinct of a wolf, and intelligence could be a weapon too, when used properly. “Lorrimor” Vharg mused “That is a name Vharg has not heard in a long time.”

It was twelve years ago, in the Southern Tusk Mountains and Vharg was tired. It had been five days without food, and three without water. Still Vharg knew he was close. Once he reached The Cenotaph and returned to his tribe Vharg would be an adult. As Vharg crested the final rise and looked down on the great windowless pillar of black stone and metal gates, he could hear the sounds battle below him. At the base of t he tower a robed figure was surrounded by three ancient orc skeletons. Without thinking, Vharg lifted a nearby stone, yelled a war cry and hurled the stone down the cliff. The boulder flew down the cliff and struck one of the ancient risen just moments before it was able to strike the stranger down with its rusted war axe. It was only after Vharg got down to the base of the foreboding tower that he realized that he had saved a human!

If Vharg had known then where that stone and that human, the professor would eventually lead to, Vharg would have thought twice before throwing it.

“Lorrimor” Vharg rumbled “Vharg told you that your quest for knowledge would kill you one day. Vharg has blood debt to you; Vharg will answer your final call.”

Vharg Half-Man Stats:

Vharg Half-Man[b] CR1/2
Male Half-Orc Barbarian 1
CN Medium Humanoid (Half-Orc)
Init+ 4; Senses Dark Vision 60'; Perception +5

----------------
[b]DEFENSE[b/]
----------------
AC 17, Touch 12, Flat-Footed 15
hp 13 (1d12)
Fort +4, Reflex +4, Will +2

----------------
[b]OFFENSE[b/]
----------------
Spd 30 ft.
Melee Greatax +5 (1d12+6/20/x3) and
Bite +0 (1d4+2)
Ranged Javelin +3 (1d6+4)

----------------
[b]STATISTICS

----------------
Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 17
Feats: Armor Proficency (Light, Medium), Martial Weapon Proficiency, Power Attack
Traits: Indiomitable Faith, Chance Savior.

----------------
SKILLS
----------------
Climb +4 Intimidate +4, Knowledge (nature) +5, Perception +5, Survival +5

Languages: Orc, Common, Giant

----------------
SPECIAL ABILITES
----------------
Orc Blood: Deemed as orcs and humans for any effect related to race.
Orcish Weapon Familiarity: Gain Proficiency in greataxes amd falchions. "Orc" named

weapons are treated as martial weapons.
Toothy: Gain a primary natural bite attack which causes 1d4 piercing damage.
Rage: +4 to Str and Con, +2 to Will for 6 rounds.
Fast Movement: +10 base land speed
Darkvision: You can see in the dark upto 60'.
Power Attack: Prior to attack roll take -1 to hit for +3 damage when using a two

handed weapon.

----------------
COMBAT GEAR
----------------
Scale Mail - 50 Gold
Greataxe - 20 Gold
Javelin x5 - 5 Gold

----------------
OTHER GEAR
----------------
Pathfinder Kit - 12 Gold
[b][spoiler=Contents]Backpack, Bedroll, Belt pouch, Clay mug, Dagger, 2 Fish hooks,

Flint+Steel, Sewing Needle, Signal Whistle, 50ft String, 50ft Thread, Waterskin, 1

Week of rations, Whetstone

[b]

Grey Hooded Cloak - 2 Gold

Coin on Hand - 15 Gold [/spoiler]


Redclover here, I'll be moving forward with this concept, hope to have some things completed soon(today). Franco here is a thug(rogue), former scarzni muscle, and a bit of a loudmouth, albeit a generally intimidating one. He'll be sure to excel in disable device, stealth, and intimidate, hopefully with a bit of knowledge too. Probably go with the making good on promises campaign trait, the late professor having got him out of some trouble formerly or something like that.


A note on the "categories", especially Skills as there was some questions above. These are very loose descriptions and I don't want people to obsess over them too much. While Bards and Rogues fit Skills for sure, there obviously could be more than a little overlap depending on the individual builds. You could conceivably call a Barbarian a Skills class with the right stats and build. These are more to give you guys a rough idea of where your competition lies. Prime example is that Theodor Rostmanov, as an Inquisitor, could be thought of as a Skills class, as could any wizard for that matter. These are just broad stroke categories to give you guys a better idea of who is applying.

Secondly, for those Arcane submissions who are bowing out because I have an auto-lock on an Alchemist I would just say hold off on bailing so quick. I haven't made my decisions yet. Alchemists are a "borderline caster" in my opinion and there's nothing to say I won't pick a more "standard" caster character type as well. Also, as happened in my S&S game, the 5 player cap may become 6 if I like enough submissions. So I would ask that you at least check the board once my choices are posted. I hope I'm not getting anyone's hopes up too much but I just don't want everyone to suddenly start jumping ship cause they already assumed they're out.

Updated list:

Arcane
Metral ‘Warped-Eye’: Halfling, Sorcerer (Aberrant bloodline)
Ost: Dhampyr, Witch (Gravewalker)
Mathus Kohlheim: Human, Alchemist (Chirurgeon/Cryptbreaker)
Mithias Mead: Human, Alchemist (Beastmorph)
Alexei Dirven: Daemon-spawn Tiefling, Alchemist (Grenadier)locked spot
Calavas Orlosky: Half-Elf, Sorcerer (Wildblooded)

Divine
Elandor Nark: Human, Cleric
Cassandra Blackmoore: Changeling, Oracle (Life)
Ferrell Greylocke: Human, Druid (Wolf Shaman)
Kimberly Snow: Human, Oracle (Life)

Combat
‘Horrible’ Harold Grimsley: Half-Orc, Monk (Martial Artist)
Mortimer Valdebridge: Human, Ranger (Skirmisher)
Hadrian Al’Tesh: Human, Fighter
Theodor Rostmanov: Human, Inquisitor
Cagliostro Ondakar Rieselev: Elf, Fighter (Lore Warden)
Leon Ravencourt: Human, Fighter (Freehand)
Bjorn Stonehand: Human, Fighter (Brawler)
Vharg Half-Man: Half-Orc, Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager)

Skills
Talon Eldercourt: Half-Elf, Rogue
Marius Allesverloren: Human, Bard (Archeologist)
Franco Nymmis: Human, Rogue (Thug)

Undecided/In Process
GSV “Yet more Gravitas”
Oleg Volchenko
Aroach1188
Edwin Salisch (looks like you have Leonid Vârcolup as a concept but no class, not sure where to place up above)
pH unbalanced
Devastation Bob


Just thought I'd mention that Metral would not be a standard blaster type sorcerer and would mostly have status-based necromancy and transmutation spells with a touch of abjuration, if that helps with role musing.


I do have to say I am surprised at a Carrion Crown recruitment without any Paladin submissions lol. I know they aren't a requirement at all but it just seems like this would be a pretty good fit for them. That said, I can't wait to game with whomever gets selected. I already see that no matter who Jonasty chooses it will be a good group.

Liberty's Edge

Horror is a big theme in Carrion Crown.

Being an infallible beacon of goodness and law that literally fears no evil doesn't mesh well with that concept.


Feral wrote:

Horror is a big theme in Carrion Crown.

Being an infallible beacon of goodness and law that literally fears no evil doesn't mesh well with that concept.

Lol fair enough. I guess I hadn't thought about it that way. :-)


I thought about it imimrtl, but for a long time I have been itching to play a Barbarian. I have played the LG Paladin before, and I have found the code can be a little difficult in terms of role play, even though the class could be fantastic mechanically for Carrion Crown. Besides a who dosen't love a Barbarian that speaks with a heavy Russian like syntax? *grins*


Oleg Volchenko - Cleric of Iomedae

Background:
Oleg was raised in Grayce (a small town bordering Lastwall).
His father Pavel was a farmer who drowned in a boating accident on the river Path.
Oleg and his many brothers and sisters were split up and sent to various orphanages and relatives.
As fortune would have it, Oleg was sent to the orphanage run by the local Church of Iomedae.
He was amazed at the stories of Iomedae growing up and later he took up the mantle as a servant in her honour.
While on an errand as a new initiate, his group was set upon by a force sent from the Garden of Lead.
It was his first encounter with unliving foes and the experience was frightening, a fiery spectre leading flaming skeletons.
Oleg fought and defeated three of the skeletons and turned just as the spectre struck down his mentor.
The spectre sneered at Oleg before moving to engage him. Raising its ghastly sword it swung at him.
Oleg managed to call upon the aid of Iomedae to strike it down, thrusting his sword into it even as it struck him in return.
Everything went black.
Other servants of Iomedae brought Oleg back to the Church in Grayce, where Oleg almost turned into a spectre himself, if not for their prayers and magic.
This is where Oleg first met Professor Lorrimor. The professor wanted to know details about the spectre that Oleg had fought and slain.
Oleg kept in touch with the professor, corresponding with him over the ensuing months until his death.
Freshly recovered, Oleg traveled to Ravengro to attend the professor's service.
The professor had mentioned that he was investigating a mysterious cabal and en route Oleg wondered if the professor had met his end by them.
There are sinister forces at work in Ustalav and Oleg would find the truth one way or another.
Crunch:
Oleg Volchenko
Male Human (Varisian) Cleric 1
LG Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +0; Senses Perception +4
--------------------
DEFENSE
--------------------
AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15. . (+4 armor, +1 shield)
hp 10 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +6
--------------------
OFFENSE
--------------------
Spd 30 ft.
Melee Light Shield Bash -2 (1d3+2/20/x2) and
. . Longsword +4 (1d8+2/19-20/x2) and
. . Unarmed Strike +2 (1d3+2/20/x2)
Special Attacks Sun's Blessing
Spell-Like Abilities Touch of Glory (7/day)
Cleric Spells Known (CL 1, 2 melee touch, 0 ranged touch):
1 (2/day) Shield of Faith (DC 15), Protection from Evil (DC 15), Bless
0 (at will) Light, Create Water, Stabilize
--------------------
STATISTICS
--------------------
Str 14, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 13
Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 12
Feats Channel Smite, Guided Hand
Traits Subject of Study: Undead
Skills Acrobatics -3, Climb -1, Escape Artist -3, Fly -3, Knowledge (Religion) +4, Ride -3, Sense Motive +8, Spellcraft +4, Stealth -3, Swim -1
Languages Common, Varisian
SQ Aura (Ex), Cleric Channel Positive Energy 1d6 (4/day) (DC 13) (Su), Cleric Domain: Glory, Cleric Domain: Sun, Spontaneous Casting
Combat Gear Chain Shirt, Longsword, Light Steel Shield;
--------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
--------------------
Aura (Ex) The Cleric has an aura corresponding to his deity's alignment.
Channel Smite Channel energy can be delivered through a Smite attack.
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 1d6 (4/day) (DC 13) (Su) A good cleric can channel positive energy to heal the living and injure the undead; an evil cleric can channel negative energy to injure the living and heal the undead.
Cleric Domain: Glory Granted Powers: You are infused with the glory of the divine, and are a true foe of the undead. In addition, when you channel positive energy to harm undead creatures, the save DC to halve the damage is increased by 2.
Cleric Domain: Sun Granted Powers: You see truth in the pure and burning light of the sun, and can call upon its blessing or wrath to work great deeds.
Spontaneous Casting The Cleric can convert stored spells into Cure or Inflict spells.
Subject of Study: Undead Professor Lorrimor approached you as part of his studies, as he had heard that you had survived a recent encounter with a strange monster or had another fateful encounter. Interested in the conditions of the run-in and the means by which you avoided
Sun's Blessing (Su) +1 to channel positive energy's damage to undead.
Touch of Glory (7/day) (Sp) Grant +1 to a CHA-based skill or ability check.


Posting interest. Been meaning to get back into PbP for a little bit. I'll have a submission in before Sunday.


DM Jonasty,

Sorry about the slightly sloppy editing. By the time I checked the post, it was already locked up. I would be happy to clean it up and resubmit if you are big on punctuation / editing.


DM Jonasty,

Essentially complete back story here for your review. I'll give it a final polish over once you've had a look- I apologize for any typos-, and get on the actual stat block portion. I was hoping to make sure you were fine with a few of the details, particularly the ones towards the end.

Pretty excited about the character, thanks for the consideration.

Prologue
"Third Time's the Charm."

Spoiler:

Franco's earliest memories are of an orphanage in the decaying city of Ardis. The orphanage was overcrowded and underfunded as it were, and the children there, Franco included, etched out a life for themselves largely by learning to take what they needed. While he understood the importance of not being seen, stealth, and quick fingers like many of his peers, Franco also possessed a fiery spirit and demanding personality. He soon learned that he could often make others simply do things for him, and reap the benefits. His words carried weight, and with it fear. It was an easy lesson to learn that when he spoke with intent, others listened. He was a smart boy, and had a way of keeping his ear to the ground despite occasional absent mindedness.

This served him well with children of his own age but by the time Franco was eleven years old, he had grown tired of not being able to boss around the caretakers at the orphanage. Ardis was practically a cesspool of abandoned estates and lax authority. Such cesspools are breeding grounds for criminal activity and Franco became fascinated with the Sczarni, having heard of sects of the group residing in the City. One night after an argument with the headmistress of the orphanage, Franco packed his sparse belongings into a stolen backpack and fled in search of his criminal idols.

Franco soon found the Sczarni, or rather they found him. A rather unscrupulous pack of men who dealt largely in kidnapping from the decaying streets of Ardis and selling them into slavery found the runaway easy prey. Ardis has a thriving slave market. The few remaining farmers there have a high demand for cheap slaves to tend their fallow fields. Children are cheaper and as such the unsettling practice grew unfortunately profitable and common. Franco had but a moment of optimism in encountering his 'heroes', before the confusion at the source of sudden pain in the back of neck,from a crude sap, perhaps a scarf with chain links within, he figured at a later date. Next came a sudden glittering blackness over his young eyes. And finally, some time later waking up with in chains surrounded by fellow children carrying the same burden.

Franco proved a terrible servant. He was fiercely defiant in the face of beatings, and worse. Until his sixteenth year, he was sold countless times after fed up owners cut their losses after the defiant slave's multiple escape attempts and surprisingly forceful presence proved to be to big of a problem. Knowing that dissension at his current age and track record could lead to death served as no inhibitor to his fiery spirit.

Franco's last time as a slave found him in the slave market of Calliphas, a seedy but accepted part of the Cosmopolitan city.Fate smiled upon the fair haired man for a moment and a passing Petros Lorrimor happened to witness the fearless Franco practically reducing a slave marketeer to tears with a stringent of threats,sharp tongued insults, and a bit of spit too. Although Franco suffered quite a beating in reprimand, it lasted only so long the the Professor could close the distance between himself and Franco.

Lorrimor bought the enslaved man's contract and freed him from his chains, generously granting Franco his freedom. " With a spirit so defiant and a determination so dogged, there is little you could not do. I ask only that you make the best of your liberty and do not squander it, I'll be in touch. " The grateful Franco vowed to do so and assured the Professor that he would be ready to return the favor.

The years since proved quite disappointing for the young man. His standoffish nature was most pronounced in his late teens, and proved to be a problem in society as well. After losing multiple menial jobs over arguments with owners and customers, and one particularly bad experience that ended in Franco assaulting a bartender for not serving the baby faced seventeen year old. Angered and on the run from authority, he soon fell in with the seedier side of Calliphas.

Here he was in his element, and advanced fairly quickly in power with a Sczarni group. He worked as an efficient enforcer, was subtle enough not to get caught, and proved able to lie his way out when he had to. He made money profiteering but consumed most of his money in alcohol or pesh in an attempt to numb himself. He was a man consumed with self guilt, having his life saved by Llorimor only to be squandered. He lived in fear of the day the professor would collect his debt. Worse he feared that the old man had died off long ago after not being able to catch the on the lamb Franco.

His habits made him sloppy and he was subsequently caught in the act of extorting a silk merchant, but in drunken stupor roared out threats loud enough to attract guards. Franco has spent the time since then in and out of prison, never finding a cell he can't escape, one lesson he's thankful for learning as a slave. But still most recently he found himself in a chain gang working outside of Ardis, -- I could use some DM input here on what exactly one might be doing there, if there's nothing specific i suppose he could just be working in the fields.-- . Years in and out of chains has turned his defiance more subtle, more of the cerebral bent. He's a bit less defiant now, at least outwardly, but still just as intimidating. He felt fearless once more, untouchable, having largely forgotten the fear of debt to the professor which gripped his criminal days. He faced his current sentence with a quiet defiance of stoicism and plotted his next escape. A plot, that as it turned out would not be needed...

A messenger upon a horse arrived one morning as Franco plowed the field[/ooc]--Or appropriate activity we decide.--[/ooc] bearing two letters, a letter for Franco , and a letter for his release. It seemed the ever generous Llorimor had one last kindness for the misguided Franco, paying for his release of the prisoner and his passage to Ravengro. Franco hardly had time to rejoice before finding out that the professor had passed and had named him specifically in his will. Franco secured a cache of possessions stashed near the old orphanage of his home and set off for Ravengro, fear of what the late Professor might ask of the man growing along the way. But also growing curiously, is a dogged determination, and a fearless defiance to make the best of this chance Llorimor had given him. "Third time's the Charm."


Just checking in to say that I'm still here. Looking forward to the final decisions.


Franco, I really like your concept and story. Very well written.


Vharg Half-Man wrote:
Franco, I really like your concept and story. Very well written.

thanks a lot man(or half-man as it may be), I truly appreciate it. It was actually your post [/i]"Of Orc and Man"[/i] that inspired me to title the backstory haha, so thanks for that too.

Crunch is essentially done in the profile besides gold spending and armor class calculating too.


So Alexei wrote this great background survey for his character, and I liked it so much, I decided to do the same. It really helped me focus down Vharg.

History of Vharg:

Backstory Survey:
Background
Where was your character born?

On the slopes of Firewatch Peak, in the hold of Belkzen.
Who raised him?
Vharg was raised as all children are of an Orc tribe are, among the warriors and educated with abuse, violence and the threat of death looming overhead.
What was happening in the region when your character was growing up?
Eruptions from the Firewatch Peaks would commonly fill the sky with Ash. Warfare and death among the males of his tribe were constant as they vied for dominance. If the tribe was not at war with itself, it would be at war with other local tribes.
Does your character have any relatives?
Vharg does not know who his mother was, and his father was killed challenging the clan chief for leadership.
Motivation
What are your character’s immediate goals? What would he like to do in the coming
year?

Twelve years ago Vharg swore a blood debt with Professor Lorrimor, at the base of The Cenotaph. He will guard the Professor as he makes his final journey to the Boneyard.
What are his long-term goals?
Vharg rarely thinks that far ahead. However in a moment of introspection, he would likely desire anything that would gain him greater standing among the tribes of Belkzen.
What type of person would be his ideal mate?
A Woman who was strong, resilient and a warrior like himself. She would have to be someone worth fighting for, able to bear his young, and not bring shame upon his name. Preferable an Orc, so as not to further “taint” his blood.
Who is his patron deity? Is he a devout worshiper?
Vharg is deeply superstitious of magic, not trusting anything he can be seen, divine or arcane. That said Vharg does believe in what he can hold in his hands, and so he believes in Gorum, the father of iron. In particular Vharg believes that Gorum exists in every weapon made. Vharg also knows of the patron god of his tribe, Rovagug, and though not a follower, has been known to call on the Rough Beast during his bloody violent rages.
Is there any race, creed, alignment, religion or the like against which he is strongly prejudiced?
Mostly due to his abusive upbringing Vharg believes his human side makes him weaker and less “pure”. He believes that most humans are craven weaklings, though his time spent with Professor Lorrimor taught him that not all humans are cowards. This may cause Vharg to underestimate further humans he encounters.
What is his greatest fear?
Vharg fears that no songs will be sung of his great and terrible deeds when he dies.
What is the one task he absolutely refuses to do?
Perhaps foolishly Vharg believes that if a person’s eyes are left open, the dead man will find someone to take along into death. Vharg makes it a singular point the close the eyes of any dead that he sees, else their spirit attempts to drag them into the Boneyard with them.
Idiosyncrasies
What is your character’s motto or favorite saying?

Men cannot be trusted, only iron.
What is his favorite color?
Black, like newly fallen ash.
Describe what he would wear if money were no object?
Vharg has little concern for what he wears. A good stout axe, a warm fur cloak and solid leather boots and he would be happy.
What is his favorite food? Drink?
Due to his heritage and upbringing Vharg prefers Raw or extremely rare meat. Porous amounts of strong ale as well.
What is his favorite animal?
The wolf was the totem animal of his tribe and Vharg has drawn inspiration from this honored beast.
What habits of his friends annoy him most?
Talk when you should act! Diplomacy and understanding are human words, words of weakness. If you are strong you take what you want. If you are weak you are to be ruled.
What well-known media figure from sports, movies or politics most closely
resembles your character?

Oleg Taktarov from the Preadators, or possible Baraka from Mortal Kombat
What would be his theme song?
Du Hast - Rammstein
If his friends were to write his epitaph, what would it be?
I see Vharg as wanting to be burned over a cairn of stones, while his companions sing songs of his great and terrible deads as his body is immolated.
What would be his job in modern society?
I see Vharg as ex-soldier for hire, or possibly mob enforcer.
Introduction Questions
Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or aliases?
Half-Man
What is your full birth name?
Vharg
Where do you live?
Urgir – The Hold of Belkzen
Why do you live there?
Vharg is largely unemployed and without a tribe to call his own, he hires out his axe as a guide and protector to pinkskin explorers who want to plumb the depths of the fallen sky citadel.
What is your citizenship status?
Vharg cares not for these things.
What is your most obvious blessing or strength?
Vhargs great strength!
What is your most obvious flaw or weakness?
Vhargs most obvious flaw is a foolish disregard for his own safety. Scars are a source of pride among the warriors of Belkzen.
Was there any event or cause to cause these weaknesses?
Vhargs was raised among Orcs and therefore tends to share many of their warlike believes, things such as rulership demands strength, and to retreat is for cowards.
Physical Traits
What is your general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise?
Vharg is built like an oak tree, extremely strong, with hard lines, no softness or body fat.
What is your skin colour?
Pale green
What is your hair colour?
Ash Black
What is your hair style?
Wild and unkempt, Vharg cares not for such things.
Do you have any facial hair?
No
What is your eye colour?
Red, like the first drops of blood.
Does it change?
No
How attractive are you?
Between the smells of a half cured leather and his wild appearance and scars, there’s not much else to look forward to.
What is your most distinguishing feature?
A great gaping maw of jagged, sharp teeth fit into a jaw with a massive under bite.
Do you have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks?
Vharg has several hundred scars, though most are relatively small like something from a bite or a small dagger, however Vharg does have one truly glorious scar his chest measuring two and half feet long. Vharg also has several orcish ritual tattoos, proclaiming his rise to adulthood, and his first kill. Both are proudly etched into his right forearm.
What is your handedness (left/right)?
Right
Do you resemble some currently known person?
No
Do you wear a uniform?
No
What kind of clothing do you wear?
Half cured leather pants and jerkin, incased in a layer of good orcish scale steel and a massive war axe. In “Civilized” lands Vharg will also wear a grey rough spun cloak with a deep hood.
History
Where is your homeland?

The Hold of Belkzen
Did you have any childhood friends?
Orc children don’t have friends, they have competitors.
What conflicts might arise from your past?
Vharg was driven out of his tribe shortly after meeting Professor Lorrimor. When the elders learned that Vharg had rescued a human that had invaded holy grounds rather than slay him, Vharg knew it was only a matter of time before he was sacrifice to Rovagug, so Vharg left.
Family
Who were your parents?
Uhgrosh One-Tusk, of Vhargs mother, Vharg knows not.
What did your parents and/or foster parents do for a living?
My father was a warrior!
Are they still alive?
No
Personality/Beliefs
Do you, or did you, have any role models?
The warriors of my tribe, they taught me how to be strong and how to take what is mine. When they turned on me, they taught me how to survive on my own.
Do you have any great rational or irrational fears or phobias?
Magic was used in Vhargs tribe, in great sacrificial ceremonies, Vharg is very wary, bordering on paranoid of any priests or shamans.
What, if anything, would it take for you to be able to overcome this?
Perhaps if the priest or shaman owed a blood debt Vharg, then, maybe he could be trusted. Maybe.
How do you react when this fear manifests itself?
In the fits of a rage Vharg would probably not care about, however, outside of a rage he would do his best to either attack the source of the magic or distance himself as far away as possible.
Are you willing to discuss, or even admit to, the situation?
Vharg will not talk about the Shaman with the dark eyes and gleaming dagger.
What are your attitudes regarding material wealth?
A warrior cares not for these things! Soft things are for soft beings.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Axe, it was my father’s.
Do you have a good luck charm?
A necklace of glittering black stone that Vharg found at the base of The Cenotaph the day that Vharg rescued the professor. It is always strangely warm, and looks like it might have been a chip from the tower
Describe your worst nightmares.
I dream of the day that I escaped from my tribe. Rather than escaping, I was capture. Some nights I can see myself over a fire, with the shaman’s knife at my throat, and just as he is about to spill my blood I wake.

Dark Archive

Dotting. I would like to submit a rogue. Will get working on a concept.


One more submission:

Ajerviskanis::

Vudrani Monk (sensei archetype). He is 47 and i have applied the rules for middle age to his stats.

trait: teacher's pet knowledge history

Ajerviskanis is an aging, bald man with a wispy of a beard. He wears simple robes and carries little.

Born in the Impossible Kingdoms to a poor farmer father and an ailing mother, Ajerviskanis lived an unremarkable existence until he matured. He received schooling from an elder in his village, a follower of Irori, a man who purported that the only escape from suffering was self-perfection. An idea that festered in Ajerviskanis as he grew up. Upon reaching the age to marry, he found little interest in the idea. He instead traveled to a monastery, seeking... something.

he asked the master there:

"I seek not the happiness of matrimony, not the prospect of children. The suffering that is life is not something I wish to share, or spread, but overcome. How do I escape the bonds of dukkha?"

spake the master:

"The bonds of dukkha cannot be shed, but by the one who understands the origins of dukkha. When you understand the origins of suffering, follow the Vigrahin Patitraka, and open your mind to the moment and walk the Path, you will be free."

So Ajerviskanis studied the Vigrahin Patitraka, meditated, practiced physical perfection. Years passed, but still he felt unease. The Path, he realized, need not be mental or spiritual, but physical. And so he walked, and learned, and saw the world as it was. Unease faded behind the wonderment of the wide world and its many peoples.

Ajerviskanis traveled far, to Osiriani, Qadira, Katapesh and finally Absalom, where he met Professor Lorrimor, deep in a library in the church of Irori. They spoke for hours of their different worlds, and learned much from each other. A friendship formed, born from mutual respect and an exchange of knowledge. Ajerviskanis traveled with Lorrimor for a time, until their path's diverged; not through tragedy or difference of opinion, violence or strife, but they merely diverged as paths do, and they went their separate ways, each better for having known the other.

The march of time, unyielding as it is, continued, and when word reached Ajerviskanis of the death of his old friend, his path turned toward Ustalav and Ravengro, to bid a final farewell to Petros Lorrimor.

crunch:

AJERVISKANIS CR 1/2
Male Human (Vudrani) Monk (Sensei) 1
LN Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +7
--------------------
DEFENSE
--------------------
AC 15, touch 15, flat-footed 13 (+1 Dex, +1 dodge)
hp 9 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +3, Will +5
--------------------
OFFENSE
--------------------
Spd 30 ft.
Melee Unarmed Strike -1 (1d6-1/20/x2)
Special Attacks Advice: Inspire Courage +1
--------------------
STATISTICS
--------------------
Str 9, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 17, Cha 11
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 14
Feats Agile Maneuvers, Crane Style, Dodge, Improved Unarmed Strike, Monk Weapon Proficiencies, Stunning Fist (1/day) (DC 13)
Traits Teacher's Pet: Knowledge (History)
Skills Acrobatics +5, Diplomacy +4, Knowledge (Arcana) +7, Knowledge (Geography) +7, Knowledge (History) +9, Knowledge (Religion) +7, Linguistics +7, Perception +7, Sense Motive +7
Languages Common, Kelish, Osiriani, Tien, Varisian, Vudrani
SQ AC Bonus +3, Advice (4 rounds/day) (Ex), Stunning Fist (Stun) (Ex), Unarmed Strike (1d6)

--------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
--------------------
AC Bonus +3 The Monk adds his Wisdom bonus to AC and CMD, more at higher levels.
Advice (4 rounds/day) (Ex) A sensei's advice is identical to bardic performance (using oratory), allowing him to inspire courage at 1st level, inspire competence at 3rd level, and inspire greatness at 9th level, as a bard of the sensei's level, usable a total number of rounds
Advice: Inspire Courage +1 (Su) Morale bonus on some saving throws, attack and damage rolls.
Agile Maneuvers Use DEX instead of STR for CMB
Crane Style Take -2 penalty when fighting defensively
Improved Unarmed Strike Unarmed strikes don't cause attacks of opportunity, and can be lethal.
Stunning Fist (1/day) (DC 13) You can stun an opponent with an unarmed attack.
Stunning Fist (Stun) (Ex) At 1st level, the monk gains Stunning Fist as a bonus feat, even if he does not meet the prerequisites. At 4th level, and every 4 levels thereafter, the monk gains the ability to apply a new condition to the target of his Stunning Fist. This conditio
Teacher's Pet: Knowledge (History) Professor Lorrimor traveled the Inner Sea region lecturing and teaching at universities in locations as far-flung as Manaket and Magnimar, and as different in scope as the bardic colleges of Taldor and the battle colleges of the River Kingdoms. Speak
Unarmed Strike (1d6) The Monk does lethal damage with his unarmed strikes.


anticipationnnnnnnnn, Haha.


Yeah we're getting close! Another day or so for submissions.


Is it too late to submit something if I did it later tonight. Oh and do you allow stuff from the arg? Cause I would love to play the kin slayer archetype.

Liberty's Edge

Seriously, I must have refreshed this page a dozen times over the weekend.

Is it not Sunday where you're at Jonasty?


Blergh. I'm going to have to withdraw. Inspiration just isn't hitting as I thought it would, and I'm not really happy with my revenge-seeking Ancestor Oracle concept. Best of luck, all!


Not sure if it's too late or not, but I'll throw this guy out there: Morbury


Im going to bow out.


Forgot what day it was, but today is Sunday!

I will be allowing another 1 hour for submissions. If you haven't submitted yet, you've got a little while longer. After that time, I will close submissions, review all of the characters and make my choices.


SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED.

I'm reviewing the submissions now, lot of really good ones, these are going to be difficult decisions. I'll have the selections posted in an hour or two.

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