About VaruzhanTracked Resources:
*=Cast
2nd: Blindness, *False Life, Glitterdust 1st: *Cheetah's Sprint, Command, Command, Enlarge Person 0th: Detect Magic, Guidance, Message, Spark Herb Lore 6/6 Professor Mangvhune - reroll K.(local/planes) 1/1 Cure Light Wounds wand - 40 charges Character Sheet:
Male Strix Witchguard (Ranger)|Herb Witch 3
N Medium Humanoid (strix) Init +3; Perception +9 (+14 dim) Darkvision (60 ft); low light vision -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 19, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (+3 Dex, +6 Armor, -4ACP) hp 33 (3d10+6) Fort +5, Ref +7, Will +4 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed: 30 ft (20 ft armored), fly 20ft (wing-clipped) Quarterstaff (two-handed, nonlethal, arcane strike): +6, 1d6+6/x2 Quarterstaff (two-weapon fighting, nonlethal, arcane strike): +4, 1d6+5/x2 and +4, 1d6+3/x2 Sickle (power attack, nonlethal): +5, 1d6+6/x2 (trip) Chakram +6, 1d8+3/x2 +2 atk / +2 dmg vs humanoid (human) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 16, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 11, Cha 8 BAB +4; CMB +7; CMD 20 Feats: Arcane Strike, Alertness (when familiar near); Two-Weapon Fighting; Brew Potion; Bodyguard; Skill Focus (fly) Traits: Bruising Intellect, Desperate Focus, Urban Sleuth (Professor Mangvhune - knowledge local) Drawbacks: Condescending Reason to Protest: Tagging Along Skills: Bluff +1(0), Climb +9(1), Craft (alchemy) +7(0), Diplomacy +1(0) (-4 to improve attitude), Fly +13(4), Heal +4(1) (+6 with kit), Intimidate +10(4) (+5 to improve attitude), Knowledge (arcana) +7(1), Knowledge (history) +9(3), Knowledge (local) +7(1), Knowledge (nature) +7(1), Knowledge (nobility) +7(1), Knowledge (planes) +7(1), Perception +9(4) (+14 dim), Profession (herbalist) +8(4), Sense Motive +7(2), Spellcraft +10(4), Stealth +10(4) (+12 dim), Survival +7(4) (+8 to track), Swim +7(1) Languages: Common, Infernal, Strix Race Abilities: +2 Dex / -2 Cha Nocturnal (+2 Perception/Stealth in dim light or darkness) Cautious Brawler (deal nonlethal damage, +1 nonlethal damage) Wing-clipped (flight 20ft (poor), DC30 to fly upward; +2 Bluff/Climb/Diplomacy) Darkvision Low Light vision Class Abilities: Herb Lore (5/day) - Profession (herbalist) check against disease, poison, blinded, deafened, fatigued, nauseated, or sickened (DC=saving throw or DC 25) Cauldron - Brew Potion as bonus feat and +4 insight bonus to Craft (alchemy) Witch Patron: Agility Familiar - Owl (+3 Perception in dim light or darkness) Favored Enemy: Humanoid (human) Favored Terrain: Mountain Track Wild Empathy Spells Known: 2nd (DC 15): Blindness/Deafness; Cat's Grace; False Life; Glitterdust; Raven's Flight 1st (DC 14): Cheetah's Sprint; Command; Comprehend Languages; Disguise Weapon, Enlarge Person; Infernal Healing; Jump, Unseen Servant Equipment: Breastplate (200gp) Chakram x4 (4gp) Quarterstaff Sickle (1gp) Backpack (2gp) Healing Kit (50gp) Spell component pouch (5gp) Pickpocket's Outfit 38 gp Purple Vial of Enlarge Person (CL3) Yellow Potion of Cure Light Wounds (CL2) Potion of Cure Light Wounds Scroll of Pass Without Trace Hat of Disguise Lore the Owl:
Owl
N Tiny animal Init +3; Perception +10; low-light vision -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 17, touch 15, flat-footed 14 (+3 Dex, +2 size, +2 natural) hp 19 Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +7 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed: 10 ft., fly 60 ft. (average) Talons x2 +7 (1d4–2) Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft. -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 6, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 7, Wis 15, Cha 6 BAB +2; CMB -2; CMD 8 Skills: Fly +7, Perception +10, Stealth +15 Special Abilities: Alertness; Improved Evasion; Share Spells; Empathic Link, Deliver Touch Spells 10-Minute Background:
Varuzhan's white, pupilless eyes stared coldly at the injured man sitting in his herb shop. It was late at night, the usual time at which he operated his store. Business was slow these days. Before the curfew, there were people who came to purchase teas, sleep aids, skin balms, bitters, tinctures, and herbs of a more recreational nature. Varuzhan was not much of a salesman, but he knew his craft, and business was good enough to get by. But ever since the curfew, people were no longer coming. The usual customer was someone who was truly desperate for healing and unable to get it from more "legitimate" sources. This particular example had clearly gotten himself injured in a scuffle with the city guard, presumably because he was in violation of the curfew. He had managed to get a wicked slice along his side before escaping their grasp. The wound was still bleeding. "Do you have any gold on you?" asked Varuzhan. The man returned an incredulous stare as blood dripped onto the floor. "Come on, I'm dying here - just help patch me up! I promise I'll pay you later!" The strix shook his head calmly. "You don't seem to be dying yet. You managed to make it to my shop, after all. Now about payment, that ring on your finger seems valuable - once it's no longer covered in blood, of course." "Wait, my wedding ring? It has sentimental value! My wife would kill me if I sold it." "And that wound you have will kill you if you won't sell it," retorted Varuzhan. "Listen, it's risky doing business during curfew, especially for someone who's gotten the attention of the city guard. I can't survive offering my services for free. If you pay my fees later, I'll give you the ring back." The wounded man considered for just a brief moment before tossing the ring to the Varuzhan in desperation. Varuzhan reached out to catch the jewelry, revealing a ruffled wing from beneath his cloak. "Thank you. You may find my methods unusual, but I assure you they are far superior to those snake oil salesmen you humans call apothecaries." Varuzhan got to work, stopping the bleeding, sewing up the wound, and applying tinctures to prevent infection. The profit in such work was not that great - especially after the labor he'd need to do later to clean up the blood on the floor. But he didn't have much business coming through his doors these days. I sure hope this curfew ends soon, or I'll have to start opening my shop in the daytime. Varuzhan felt tired just thinking about that possibility. As rumors circulated about a protest, he wondered if he should go, just to see what might come of it. Five Character Traits/Concepts
2. Exile - The Chelaxians had long coveted the mineral wealth that lay in the Devil's Perch, but by treaty, those operations were limited to Crackspike. The strix had fought hard to limit human encroachment. But a few years ago, House Thrune sought to renegotiate Chelaxian rights in the region. And despite the traditional bitterness the strix felt against the humans that sought to infiltrate their lands, their leaders agreed. These leaders claimed that a profit-sharing agreement would serve to benefit the strix. But Varuzhan was sure that the strix leaders had been blackmailed, charmed, or paid off to cooperate with House Thrune. Varuzhan tried to get his well-respected father to speak out, but his father spoke of being "patient" and waiting for the right time. These words only intensified Varuzhan's frustration. He took matters into his own hands, organizing like-minded strix to sabotage the mining expeditions that dared enter. But Varuzhan was rash and left himself exposed and discovered. In short order, he was brought to justice by the strix authorities, and his followers quickly dispersed. For his crimes, Varuzhan was sent into exile, his right wing-bone shattered so that he could never fly home again. Natural-born leader; Wing-clipped. 3. Superiority complex - Despite the painful fate he endured among his people, Varuzhan still believes in the superiority of the strix to all other humanoids. He particularly despises what he sees as the vulgar and debased lifestyle of humans, the creatures he had learned to hunt and to hate. In his view, humans are scheming, lecherous, and prone to excess. Still, in his many years in Kintargo, he has finally learned to tolerate their existence. Favored enemy: Human. 4. Loyalty - Varuzhan does not make allies easily, but to those who earn his respect and friendship, he becomes truly devoted. Varuzhan's "us against them" mentality motivates him to be willing to sacrifice for those he includes within his circle. Though he would never admit it, he has even learned to have such feelings for some humans. Varuzhan had grown a certain fondness for young Nissim Siverto, an apothecary eager to form a guild by which apothecaries might share knowledge and push out charlatans. Varuzhan knew that Nissim was being far too idealistic. Yet Varuzhan himself had once fought fiercely for his principles. When Nissim spoke of going to the protest, Varuzhan decided to follow. He was curious about whether the abominable curfew and ban on mint and garlic would last. And someone had to keep an eye on the young idealist. Witchguard archetype; Tagging Along 5. Action vs patience - Varuzhan prefers to act rather than to wait. Indeed, his penchant for action was what brought him into exile in the first place. Ever since his forced injury, however, Varuzhan has been forced to learn patience in the hunt. No longer could he soar the skies and swoop down on his targets. Instead, he had to learn to hide, and let his prey come to him. Still, Varuzhan is prone to acting rashly if unchecked by his own limitations or the wisdom of others. Two Goals Flight - Above all else, Varuzhan simply wants to fly again. He stubbornly practices his flying when he is out picking herbs, despite the fact that it would be faster and less straining to walk. Restoration of his homeland - Varuzhan believes that the corruption of Cheliax and House Thrune runs deep through his homeland, and that if he can only shed light on the truth, the strix people could root out this evil and establish their people's greatness again. But for now, this seems more like a pipe dream than an achievable reality . . . Two Secrets Secret ingredients - Despite purporting to be an herbalist, not all of Varuzhan's remedies are purely plant-based. Some of his remedies also involve the use of parts of animals... including intelligent species. He does not personally harvest these materials--at least not recently. Treachery runs deep - Though Varuzhan doesn't know it, his father was also corrupted by the influence of House Thrune. Indeed, his father's acquiescence was perhaps the most important of all in securing additional mining rights, since he was one of the most respected traditionalists in their realm. Three People Thynenon Sharptail - A tiefling known for his ability to acquire unusual items at an exorbitant cost. Varuzhan often buys rare materials from Thynenon, and occasionally sells rare herbs to him. Varuzhan knows better than to ask who he works for or how he delivers on his orders. Elisa Silvermoon - Varuzhan never expected to take on an apprentice, but Elisa was sufficiently deferential, non-threatening, helpful, and--perhaps most importantly--was willing to work at night, which was Varuzhan's preferred time to open shop. Varuzhan finds her irrepressible cheerfulness grating, and used to wonder if it was worth it to keep her. But since the curfew was put in place, Varuzhan had not heard from Elisa. Cabbagehead - For reasons unclear, Lieutennant Corporal Morvius of the Dottari is not fond of Varuzhan. The feeling is quite mutual. Fortunately, Morvius has proved to have a dull mind underneath his iron helm, and has yet to find a successful excuse to arrest Varuzhan or close down his shop. Still, Cabbagehead manages to cause quite a bit of damage each time he decides to harass Varuzhan's customers or conduct an impromptu search of his premises. And the fact that Varuzhan continues to run his business after curfew is precisely the kind of violation that could put him out of business. Three Memories Exile - When it came time to execute his sentence of exile, Varuzhan looked to his father, seeking forgiveness and support. His father simply turned away. He remembers the emotional pain more vividly than the physical pain of having his wing broken. Varuzhan had lost his home and his family. Wilderness - Alone in the wilderness and hobbled in his abilities, Varuzhan prayed a desperate prayer to the spirits of his ancestors. His prayers were answered in the form of an owl of uncommon wisdom, a winged creature of the night much like Varuzhan once was. Varuzhan felt his ancestors speak through the owl and encourage him to overcome his circumstances. Lore, as Varuzhan chose to name the owl, remains a true companion. Owl familiar. Kintargo - Varuzhan did not expect to live in the city. Indeed, he thought he might embrace a life in the wilderness. But no man is an island. So it was that Varuzhan entered a human village, hoping to trade some animal skins and herbs for supplies. Varuzhan remembered the looks of fear, horror, and anger from those who saw him. Soon, there was a commotion throughout the village, and the men came out with their pitchforks and scythes. Since then, Varuzhan has learned that his place is either in the wilderness where nobody would see him, or in the city where nobody cared. In-between those worlds, there was no place for him. Varuzhan has settled down by the edge of the Devil's Nursery, finding himself more at home among the tieflings in this slum than among humans. Bruising intellect -- because Varuzhan should be pretty intimidating, regardless of low charisma. Character Development ideas:
5 - Stretched Wings 6 - Cackle 7 - Enforcer 8 - Fortune |
