I think I like where Cutlass is going.
Ok, the crunch is all in now. Just need to massage the fluff.
The big question I guess that needs to be answered is why did this guy decide to become a warlock as opposed to a wizard? I guess the main reason was that he figured out how to become a warlock in a way that he didn't see as somehow compromising himself. And if he didn't do it darn few other people likely would, so if it were to be done at all then he were the one to do it. Besides, just about everybody, their brother their sister and their dog in Kyonin is a wizard. Why should he be just like everybody else when he could be just as effective in some ways while also being different? Besides, all the work that one had to put into constantly maintaining and upgrading their spellbook, to say nothing of having to also maintain several backup copies could be a drag.
Another reason is that Warlocks are somewhat more combat oriented than Wizards. It is likely that Adran was somewhat embarrassed about getting a reputation as being "the clumsiest elf in the forest" and/or "the worst archer in Kyonin". But given the abilities of a combat oriented spell casting class that didn't rely on dexterity then he could be as effective as he needed to be without having to worry that he wasn't any more dexterous than an average human.
Why is Adran in Ustalav and willing to hang out with this motley cast of characters at all? Well, the Royal Library of Kyonin uses him as one of their go to people for trying to obtain ancient tomes, interesting scrolls, and other assorted arcane oddments. While his link to the library is somewhat unofficial (he's technically an independent contractor) they had suggested that he check out the area that the campaign is taking place in as it was one that hadn't been looked into that thoroughly before.
As I suggested earlier, Adran probably linked up with Rex first and started helping him out just because Rex was a half elf and therefore worthy of at least minimal help in general. Beyond that they're both nonhuman charisma based arcane spellcasters in an area where that counts as at least two strikes against them right off the bat. Better to pool their resources and talents and thus reduce the odds they're facing somewhat.
As far as the other characters go, perhaps there was some sort of pre-campaign encounter where they all helped one another out on the trail somewhere? Somebody got jumped by bandits/orcs/whatever and the other characters ended up getting dragged into the combat and becoming friends as a result? Out in the middle of nowhere facing what looked like bad odds somebody probably wasn't going to be too judgmental of a couple of arcane spellcasters who showed up and laid out some relatively serious firepower to aid them.
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Maybe it would help if we could talk about what we, as a group, want to do.
Do we want to:
Protect the people of the area?
Find treasure?
Find lore?
Are we one some sort of mission/quest?
I'm not really interested in "getting loot" for it's own sake, so I kind of need something with a bit more of a higher purpose. However, as a Hermit background, I do have some sort of discovery we could also use. I was mostly going to leave that in the DM's hands for a story hook, but it's something we could use as well.
How much input do we have on this? Do you want us to make I all up, or do you have something planned you want us to work around.
So, I left my backstory a bit vague on purpose for now, as I was going to fill it in more once we all decide what to do. But, the basic idea was that I had a small temple not too far from Ustalav (west I think) over in the Worldwound/Mendev area. It's sort of tied in with current world events, in that with everything happening there, my home/temple was destroyed, but I received a new call to travel to Ustalav. So, two easy fits could be that the party could have been some of the refugees that where fleeing from the slaughter when the hordes of the abyss destroyed the Wardstones and began a new war, or we could also have simply been travelling the same road to Ustalav much more recently when something happened (or happens).
Alternatively, we could have had some connection as part of the Mendev Crusades of the past. I have a history of being an ex-crusader, but that also might have been anywhere from 10-20 years ago.
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1 vote towards Adran's Idea.
Also Rex was probably happy to help the people in danger. Adran helping him was something that Rex took to his heart and believes his elf friend is kind of a savoir. Rex has lived alone for a while, and the elf who offered to help him is hero for offering help, when even the other urchins were afraid and shuned Rex.
Rex does have a substansial need for acceptance, and the acceptance Adran offered, by the help, made a huge impression.
So while he will do much to aid the party, and help out the world, he will do his best to stay on the good side of Adran.
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My character will be motivated by a few things:
His need for acceptance.
His friend Adran.
What My character expects from the group:
Protect thoes who can.
Do the best we can and work together.
Rex is an Idealist. He also has a large need for acceptance, and while he won't go out of his way to show it he will do things he thinks the party would want. He will be afraid of his power in away, as it can go horribly wrong.
I was definitely thinking that Mala would be ok with the arcane types even of the general community isn't ok with them. It again goes back to the redemption angle with Sarenrae. No problem in helping them on their path to prove themselves (as long as it follows some general path of good).
Is Beckett also a follower of Sarenrae? I don't expressly see it, but based on Life Domain and fire magic...it could be an easy fit. If not, what deity are you thinking about? I'm sure we can find theological common ground as reason enough to help each other out.
Mala's main focus at this time seems to be spreading the Light, and Ustalav is a place in dire need of some Light.
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What I meant by that was maybe we had a history related to that rather than we where all crusaders, but that's fine. Just an idea.
1) Motivation: What motivates your character?2) Group Ideas: What would your character want from the group we have?
1.) Currently, I've received a divine call telling me to go to Ustalav. Why, I don't know yet. One of my personal motivations is to become a knight. Another is to probably establish another temple and continue my previous work, both making the road safe for pilgrims, travelers, and innocents, but also aid a community. This is probably a long term goal.
2.) That's the thing. I'm not entirely sure what sort of group we have. I think we should focus on this first, so that we can sort of build our individual motivations around it a bit more. Are we a group of friends? An official adventuring "guild"? Members of a larger organization?
In general, Adran would usually be telling people that he is a sage specializing in astronomy. This has the advantage of actually being true. Adran would then take Rex under his wing as an apprentice astronomer. No need to tell the general run of the mill people at large that Adran and Rex are also arcane casters as well. Adran would recommend that Rex use a relatively small crystal arcane focus instead of a spell component pouch to handle any minor material components his spells might require. The crystal could be carried in such a manner that it wasn't blindingly obvious to anybody observing the character. A specialized spell component pouch on the other hand could be a give away.
Adran is from Kyonin but did not become a warlock there. Adran could have become a warlock on a previous expedition to Ustalav. Just for the sake of argument we'll say that Adran has only been a warlock for about 20 years or so. An eye blink to an elf, a full career to a human.
As for the nature of our group, let's just start off as friends. If we decide to become an official adventuring company that can happen later.
Given current group composition I'm slightly concerned about having no rogue/scout support. We can probably get along without it if we have to, but having a good sneak can make things easier some times.
Sorry I have been away, but I think Grimm is done...just need to have his background sorted out, is all. Is there anything else you need from him (me)?
I have added a brief background that can be added to if anyone wants to know Grimm from before this adventure. His clan is well connected, but fallen on hard times.
It was soldier...sorry I thought it was in there somewhere
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we do have 6 Nohwear hasnt put himself up yet.
So how did we meet? Adran and I met previously and mascarade as Astronomer and Astronomers aprentice, as said by Adran.
How did the rest of us meet?
Did we meet at an inn, a tavern, a church?
Who hired us to do what?
If Adran and I act as mearly very charismatic astronomers then we could technically be the faces of the party, or we leave that to one of the cleics.
While we have alot of Arcane and Divine firepower, we have a tank, and Nohwears idea. So we have an ok party balance. We are magic heavy though, but that can help in some ways, as my surges would affect us less, because I could cast when we have no other choice.
I think it's best if we let a cleric be the party face. While I see no need to advertise that we're a couple of arcane casters, the only safe bet is that the information will get out eventually. As we might not know exactly when/where/how that's going to happen it could end up putting both us and the entire party at a disadvantage.
Right now the party has a human cleric who would likely be the best candidate for the party face. If she's the one the locals are mainly interacting with then Rex and I getting outed as arcane casters wouldn't be as much of a problem.
I do understand. Ravenloft was amazing. ALright welll.... I won't be on in excatly 10 hrs... but i get the idea.
Alright, so what do we need at this point? I would also like to say that generally Mondays are not good days for me, and I have no access to a comp at work.
I have an idea forming of what is more or less a ninja. Do we need some one who is proficient with thieves tools?
Here is Gusteelus. He is not yet finished.
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Nice.
Well we got this.
Also a few questions:
1) Who got the group together?
2)How did we meet?
3) Where did we meet?
4)What are we adventuring for?
5)what are the motivations of the people?
6) Who are we hired to?
I know Rex adventures for acceptance, and met Adran prior. Adran was the first to accept Rex, and Rex is very aprishiative. He adventures to be with his friend Adran, and to save the world.
Understand that he is not literally a ninja, it is just a good way to sum up the idea.
I believe that I am done.
Making my char that is, whoops.
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I say we keep it simple, and we are a group of "hunters", similar to Supernatural/Constantine. We fight against monsters because no one else really knows or can. Some of us do it because we can't live with ourselves knowing we could have but didn't. Some of us are in it for the money. Others maybe revenge.
We know that we should be afraid of the dark. There is scary S*&$ out there. There most certainly are monsters hiding under the bed, or in the church, or on the council. It's brutal, and we all knew when we signed up that this isn't a job you grow old and retire from.
We are not heroes. There is little glory. And half the time, all those people we are trying to save. To protect, hate us or doing it. But it's still got to be done.
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Someone seems to have played on the 'Prisoners of the Mists' NWN persistent world server.
Actually, I have no idea what you are referring to. I'm pretty familiar with both Ravenloft and Ustalav (kind of meh, but closest thing Golarion can do I guess) I just thought it might help to say something a little more definitive. It really seems like a lot of the various hooks we built in just really don't fit with the other's too much. I figured this sort of basic concept would appeal to everyone in some fashion, so wanted to throw it out.