DM Duke's Serpent's Skull Campaign

Game Master DukeRuckley

Born in the wilds of Varisia, Piousa had the spirit of adventure and zeal for travel from an early age. Her people’s caravan wandered the edge of civilization and the savage wilds; trading what they could and selling their swords when all else failed. They were a godless, untrustworthy lot who would steal the clothes off of the backs of fellow travelers before slitting their throats; or at least that what the Cheliax slavers told her for much of her life. A child born of the wild and bred by the lash, Piousa spent most of her life within the compound of one Sulla Pilate, a devoted follower of Asmodeus, scion of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and something of a minor lord. How Piousa came to the compound of Sulla is a mystery of half-forgotten memories and dark, infrequent nightmares. What she has been able to decipher is that her family had been smuggling religious artifacts within the borders of Cheliax and had dealings with a criminal consortium organized by Sulla Pilate. The entire organization was a fabrication, Sulla and his companions were working hand in hand with the Church of Asmodeus to root out heretics. Piousa’s parents were put to the sword and she, and her three siblings were sold into slavery. Piousa was claimed by Pilate himself and quickly found her way to the costal city of West Crown.

At first, Piousa had no clue as to why she was claimed by Sulla. She wasn’t abused in any way, instead she was educated and trained in arms and armor. Then when she turned sixteen strange things began to happen. Bizarre magical manifestations seemed to follow wherever Piousa traveled, candles would flicker and die, bright lights would appear suddenly in the darkness, and as she fought in the practice yard her blades would crackle with mystical energy. For reasons only the gods could decide, Piousa had a spark of magic in her blood and Sulla PIlate had seen this in her. He sought to channel it, enhancing her power through tutelage while teaching her to harness the energy through her weapons to use in martial combat.

Mages were brought in from every corner of Cheliax to train her. Her power was weak, although uncommon, Piousa was no natural magician. She required training. From then on her days were spent half in the library and half in field. Gradually, Sulla had her focus
on bizarre and nearly impractical weapons. His desire was not to see her on the battlefield, rather he wished to put her in the arena. Gladiators, while not common in Cheliax, were prized possessions further south. Knives and swords and hammers were common currenc, but a fighter who could utilize esoteric powers in their bouts was worth their weight in gold.

Once her training was complete, Piousa found herself in dark arenas across the inner sea from Rahadoam to Absalom. Each city she would be freed from her chains only to fight, to train, or to study her growing book of spells. Despite being forced to fight for the wealth of her master, Piousa gradually grew to relish combat. She loved the thrill of testing her body and mind against hulking opponents who easily had twice the strength she possessed. She was a dancer on the sands of the arena, easily weaving in and out of combat only to strike like a lion, powering through weak spots with a variety of blades and then blasting her target with any number of powerful spells. Her fame spread across the inner sea and the wealth of her master grew and grew.

Piousa’s freedom came as suddenly and violently as her servitude had. While returning home to West Crown her master’s convoy was ambushed by a host of smaller galleys. Unknown to Piousa, her master had purchased several holds of slaves during their travels and Andoran liberators had caught wind. The Andorans struck without mercy, annihilating the Chelish guards and taking over all but one of the ships. They put the masters and officers to the sword and freed the Piousa and her fellow enslaved. The newly freed slaves negotiated one of the ships from their liberators, seeking to travel beyond the reach of the Chelish and the slavers who had originally captured them in their homelands. Unsure what to do, but yearning for a freedom she had not had in decades Piousa joined the freed slaves and the band sailed beyond the Inner Sea and towards the untamed lands of the Shackles.

Once they reached something approaching civilization Piousa parted ways with the freed slaves and sent off on her own. By day she fought in tournaments, rebuilding her feared reputation and using the coin she earned to buy the freedom of those unfortunate enough to be enslaved. At night, she and a small band of likeminded individuals struck out at slavers. They would attack ships in port, freeing the cargo and slaying their masters, earning the love of the small folk and the murderous ire of many powerful people. Over the course of two years, word gradually traveled to Cheliax about a woman liberating slaves who fought with the weapons of a gladiator while wielding the magics of a wizard, these words reached the ears of Sulla Pilate; horridly injured and humiliated yet still alive. Sulla’s rage at Piousa’s ‘betrayal’ knew no bounds or borders. He spent what coin he had hiring assassins to slay the upstart freedom-fighter, eventually driving Piousa to flee the shackles and head further south.

Pursued by assassins, pirates, and slavers Piousa boarded the first ship she could, the Jeniverve, a merchant ship bound for the South where the wilds of the coast and the jungle will hopefully deter her many enemies.

Gan was born in the shackles to a human mother. He was the illegitimate son of an elven crime lord. Gan had grown up in the slums, struggling. His mother forced to take whatever job was given. This made things very hard for Gan and his mom. All this time Gan wanted better for him and his mother. He had to confront his father. He trained for a few years but was too green to face his father. A mere boy. He did anyways. His father defeated him heartily.
His father liked him and his bravery and audacity. So he took Gan and his mother in and decided to raise Gan as his son. Life was finally picking up for Gan. His father trained him in the art of using a Eleven curved blade. When Gan wasn’t training he spent much of his time exploring the wilderness looking for rare items that have long since been lost. After he finally left his father’s care. He became a explorer and would also work closely with animals living in the lands outside of the Shackles. Sometimes Gan would leave for months at a time.
Gan had developed a knack for adapting to the wilds and soon took up ranger as a profession. He also spent much time studying and taming wild animals. He was good with animals and soon became pretty good with a sword. His father was glad he had taken on such a talented boy. Things were okay for a good while.
One day, things changed. His father was finally arrested for the numerous crimes he had committed and was beheaded. Because Gan only did honest work, he and his mother were excused from any of the charges though all of his fathers fortunes were either confiscated by the guards, or taken by other greedy leaders within his father’s underworld. This left him and his mother with nothing. One day his mother grew very ill and she ended up dying from the disease. With nothing left to lose, Gan set out to try and make a new life. Not sure what to expect. Gan decided he wanted to explore the lands beyond. So he journeyed to the Mwangi Expanse to look for rare items that have been lost for many generations. He also wanted to get closer to the more prehistoric wildlife that also lived there. He hoped that someday he may be able to make one a pet.
After a couple of years in the Mwangi, Gan made his way north to explore the lands around Varisia. After wards, Gan returned to the Shackles. He spent a few years there but it quickly got on his nerves again so he decided to take to the sea. He found the ship the Jenivere heading for the land of Sargava. Gan was always wanted to explore the mysteries that surrounded that post so he bought passage and came aboard.

Gan’s personality is very righteous and a bit carefree. He hates it when injustice and wrong is enacted on others and will go above and beyond the call of duty to smite evil wherever he finds it. He loves telling stories and listening to them. Gan has seen much in his life and has many tales to tell.

That covers the bulk of your first two questions. As for the animal question, I would have to say a Stegosaurus. Both Gan, and myself, are huge, pardon the pun, dino fans. Stegosaurus is a silent and content warrior who spends most of his time lounging about and eating and for the most part, living peacefully. When threatened though, he will rear up and defend himself and those he cares for. Massive sweeps of a mighty weapon and an awe inspiring array of armor plating, he will cleave his way through any foe that dare to harm him or his loved ones.

GAN LACCARAN CR 1/2
Male Half-Elf Ranger (Beast Master) 1
CG Medium Humanoid (Elf, Human)
Init +1; Senses Low-Light Vision; Perception +8
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DEFENSE
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AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +1 Dex)
hp 10 (1d10)
Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2
Immune sleep; Resist Elven Immunities
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OFFENSE
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Spd 30 ft.
Melee Curve blade, elven +3 (1d10+3/18-20/x2) and
Unarmed Strike +3 (1d3+2/20/x2)
Ranger (Beast Master) Spells Known (CL 0, 3 melee touch, 2 ranged touch):
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STATISTICS
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Str 14, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 14
Feats Power Attack -1/+2
Traits Boarded in the Shackles: Reflex Save, Ease of Faith
Skills Acrobatics +0, Climb +5, Diplomacy +7, Escape Artist +0, Fly +0, Heal +6, Knowledge (Geography) +6, Linguistics +3, Perception +8, Ride +0, Stealth +4, Survival +6, Swim +5
Languages Aklo, Common, Daemonic, Elven, Polyglot
SQ Elf Blood, Enemies: Animals (+2 bonus) (Ex), Track +1, Wild Empathy +3 (Ex)
Combat Gear Curve blade, elven, Studded Leather; Other Gear Backpack (empty), Flint and steel, Grappling hook, Rations, trail (per day) (3), Rope, silk (50 ft.), Waterskin, Wine (Fine, bottle) (2)
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SPECIAL ABILITIES
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Elf Blood You are counted as both elves and humans for any effect relating to race.
Elven Immunities +2 save bonus vs Enchantments.
Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to Sleep effects.
Enemies: Animals (+2 bonus) (Ex) +2 to rolls vs Animals.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Track +1 +1 to survival checks to track.
Wild Empathy +3 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy.

dharma, brahma, and siva were at a graduation post-ceremony festivity. it was siva's -- the youngest of the three sisters -- graduating class. dharma (the oldest) was, as usual, acting out her maternal inclinations, being annoying and a wet blanket. brahma and siva, however, were boy-hunting. one particularly mesmerizingly handsome boy who seemed to have caught all the girls' attention. (in fact, regardless of the boys' preferences, he captured their interest too, especially those who were in close proximity to him). this charismatic resident minstrel was entertainment for the evening's festivities, and who happened to be brahma's crush.

as the night progressed, brahma was encouraged by siva to "get her man, once and for all!" so she did. mustering up the courage after a few drinks, brahma finally found herself alone with the bard (a feat in itself, as he was continually surrounded by fans and admirers alike). the bard had other plans for brahma: to add her to his harem -- a bloodthirsty one. using his charms and charisma as his main weapon, the bard played to the will of susceptible victims, isolating and converting them to vampiric thralls.

although victimized and "infected," brahma's body's own arcane constitution wrestled with the vampiric blood that surged through her, maintaining a level of non-vampiric state. the two forces continually exerted each others' supremacy, but neither could maintain dominance. brahma had no knowledge of this "infection," and it didn't manifest itself until she suffered a traumatic psychologically event. brahma witnessed a street skirmish between stern officials and religious zealots: the zealots marched in the street and, without precedent, declared a holy purging, setting off an arcane explosion, mass murdering civilians; they were then, in turn immediately paid in kind, slaughtered by "peace keeping" local militia forces. brahma was caught in the fray and was forced to use her arcane powers to protect herself -- an act which inadvertently killed many by-standers.

the smell of blood and sight of carcasses surged her vampiric inclinations, temporarily overriding the arcane energy that kept it in check. in a trance-like, blood-frenzied state, brahma went on a blood binge that same evening. using her arcane powers, brahma reenacted the scene of the earlier street massacre, creating battles with the seedy and less fortunate creatures of the night. the transformation became a regular event, where brahma often awoke the next day with only dreamlike visions of what had happened the night before. she actually came to believe she was cursed with having regular nightmares in which she killed and lusted for blood, even using her own blood to cause more pain to others.

unbeknownst to her own transformation, the switch had often occurred in times of stress or brahma having witnessed something gruesome. (she was once transformed when having made a wrong turn to the lavatory in a tavern, and instead ended up in the cold storage of recent and butchered kills).

the surreal dreamstates have become disabilitating so brahma sought counsel. "the answer you seek..." the oracle spoke for the first time since brahma arrived in the seer's tent, "it is not in your blood, nor in your mind. it is with neither death nor life... it is with the undead child-god. your path ends there: mzali, in the land of the mwangi." with that, the oracle's eyes reverted back to their normal state, no longer white and devoid of irises.

1) Where are you from? This will likely tie into where you board the Jenivere (see the Player's Guide).
He is from Korvosa. He's being forced to Sargava by an unknown group (DM's discretion!) to find an ancient armor. His father is an ex-Hellknight, and he was working to follow in his foot steps, even through all the turmoil he's been through. Now, he's given up, and just wants to get his sister back.

2) Why are you heading to Eleder?
He's heading to Eleder to find some people to help him find what he's looking for. An ancient armor which looks similar to a Hellknights - yet he's unsure how something like that would have gotten all the way there. He needs help, bad, as he doesn't have all the skills necessary to obtain his goal!

3) Odd question: If your character were an animal, what would he or she be? Think of this as a personality question and feel free to explain.
He's most like an Otter... Otters are typically kind, easy going, and care for their friends around them more than themselves. Mitch is very much the 'look before you leap' kind of individual when it comes to his friends and those he cares about. He's not completely good natured, but he's darn close.

The fourth son of a Korvosan merchant, Caius Gabrieli's family expected little of him. Little of the Gabrieli's declining fortune would fall to the youngest. Raised primarily by servants, they sent him to Magnimar for study at the temple of Iomedae after his 14th birthday.

Caius found himself ill-suited to the ecclesiastic life. He preferred to follow the footsteps of Cayden Cailean. He spent the next three years (and tuition funds) dedicated to pursuing women and the good life. With his funds exhausted, (and a few outstanding debts) he boarded the next ship out of the harbor. He plans to seek his fortune as a mercenary, vowing not to return home without a merchant fleet of his own.

Caius is a lion. Strong, proud, and courageous.

Of course he would be a snake!

Lendias's parents both worked on pirate ships but met and lived in Mediogalti, retiring from the pirate's life to spend time together. When Lendias was born, they considered moving to a safer place to live, but decided against it in the end as they were familiar with the city. This was an unfortunate decision for them as they were both killed in a stupid bit of violence at a tavern one evening while Lendias was still quite young. He barely ever knew them.

Lendias was taken in by an acquaintance of his parents by the name of Vladimir Tengin. Vlad (as Lendias was instructed to call him) was a member of the Red Mantis Assassins and did little to hide that fact. He was very kind to Lendias, treating him as an honored servant, rather than the slave most observers would have assumed.

Lendias admired Vladimir a great deal and attempted to learn as much from his mentor as possible. He learned much of the weapons of the East, which his mentor preferred. He also learned a great deal about many different types of poison and, at the insistence of Vladimir, he developed an immunity to spider vine poison. With this immunity developed, he was able to aid his mentor in the preparation for his various missions with little risk to himself.

Over the years, Lendias was able to learn much of the ways of the Red Mantis assassins. Vladimir kept no secrets from him (as far as Lendias knew, anyway). Lendias was almost certain that he was being trained specifically to be an assassin, although he felt no great love for the group. He was a bit disgusted by the city of his birth and never quite forgave its citizens for the deaths of his parents. However, he respected Vladimir too much to explain this to him, and would likely have followed in his footsteps if given the opportunity.

Fate, however, had other ideas for the young halfling. The mentor and servant had set up many signals to indicate danger was approaching for one or the other. By the time Lendias had reached his twenty-eighth year he trusted Vladimir as if he were a father. When the messenger arrived at their door stating that a delivery of Varisian wine was to be delivered the following morning, Lendias wasted no time.

He thanked the messenger, went to a secret compartment that had his pack prepared for immediate departure, grabbed what gold he had laying about and exited his home of 20 years within 2 minutes of receiving his warning. He secured passage on a ship leaving that very day, and sailed away from the only city he had ever lived in that very night.

The assassins arrived at Vlad and Lendias's home early the following morning. They had been instructed to dispatch of the loose ends related to Vladimir Tengin's execution, which involved his records and a slave that probably knew too much. The assassins found no slave and no evidence of a hurried departure, although they were able to secure plenty of documentation that would have proved embarrassing for the assassins. They were simply forced to assume that their information about Tengin's slave was inaccurate.

Lendias never knew exactly what happened to his beloved mentor, but the signal had been clear. Vlad was not coming home, and Lendias needed to get out of the city before the next morning or he would likely be dead. The ship he was forced to sail on was the Jenivere, on its way to Sargava. He had heard that Halflings could live a pretty good life in Sargava, so he decided it might as well be the place he chose to start a new life. He was glad he would not have to be an assassin, but he was certain the skills Vlad had given him would be essential.

Background:

Jen was born to a merchantile family, strict adherents of Abadar, the lawgiver, and heavily entrenched in the arcane arts. Their merchantile exploits were mainly limited to trade along the coastline and on the occasion of improved relations with Cheliax, the inner sea as well. While their magical tradition was less far-stretching than their fleet of ships, it was by no means secondary to their success. It was often alleged by rivals (and acknowledged privately by the family) that their success was driven by their magical dabblings; the occasional magical insight bonus and mind control couldn't do much harm.

Jen was raised with a reverence of Abadar, but her apprenticeship as a trader did not exactly warm her to the prospect of becoming a future merchant. She was forced to travel back and forth between cities twenty times to prove her worth, and by the end, she was completely at odds with moving to the next stage. It was the magical part of her training that truly inspired her the most and that was where she focused her efforts.

After her family saw her talent with the arcane arts, she was immediately enrolled as a full apprentice of powerful Nethysian spellcasters, eager to spread magic through the city, using the powerful family as a conduit. As Nethysian spellcasters, they frequently warred each other over morality and as a result, many of her tutors were periodically killed. This experience left her with the conclusion that morality and the war between good and evil was a false concept. Only the word and law of magic could decide the right path.

It was at the start of the final year of her apprenticeship when her last and final tutor was killed in a magical accident involving a faulty clamp and a vorpal blade that was being repaired. As a firm believer in magic as a sentient entity, Jen concluded that magic had decided that her training was complete.

While she firmly believed that she was ready, her family was not, and tried to stop her from leaving in pursuit of greater magical power. They had trading networks all over the continent and their contacts in many places, enabling them to track her movements and bring her back if necessary...except for in the Southern Jungles. And when she heard of the adventuring oppertunities there, she used her magical skill to fool detection and clamber upon the ship set for new and strange lands...Another place to be conquered by the power of magic.

These replies might be a bit shorter if I already elaborated up above

1) Where are you from? This will likely tie into where you board the Jenivere (see the Player's Guide).

The bustling city of Absalom.

2) Why are you heading to Eleder?

To show to her family that she is most assuredly ready to face the outside world, and to prove the supremacy of magic over the natural world and the chaos of the jungles.

3) Odd question: If your character were an animal, what would he or she be? Think of this as a personality question and feel free to explain

If we're talking about DnD "Animals", probably a young dragon. While from a feared race (magical users), she is still untested. She has the confidence from her status as a magic user, but as someone that just graduated from being an apprentice (well, she promoted herself), she still needs to prove herself.

If we're talking about real world animals, it gets a bit harder. I would say that a certain species of cuddlefish (related to octupus and squid).

So it's this little tiny thing only slightly larger than a human fist, but it struts around on the seafloor with bright colors. While its physical size is not imposing, it is self-assured because it has a secret "magic" weapon (extremely deadly poison). Still, it is underestimated due to its size and until recently, human scientists believed that it was just faking.

average height
book-smart
street-wise
sassy-mouth
wicked aim

alchemist (druggist)
entrepreneur (dealer)
linguist (fast-talker)
equal opportunist ('go-to lady' for that 'special sauce')
ethnic specialist (goblin clientele)
straight shooter ("what i've got will blow you away.")

word in the street is a certain to-die-for mwangi molded mushroom. hard to get, harder to produce. a dried flake of this fungus provides several hours of "alternate being." no two users report the same experience; all say the same: it's beyond life or death -- being godlike.

ahfemra want to dispel this urban myth. or get some if it actually exists.

Kendel Frab
NG male halfling Alchemist 1
Str 12, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 17, Wis 12, Cha 10
Alt Racials: Warslinger
Traits: Boarded in the Shackles, Magical Talent (Mending)
Feats: Well-Prepared
Skills: Craft (alchemy), Disable Device, Knowledge (arcana), Perception, Profession (cook), Slight of Hand, Spellcraft, UMD

This is not the story Morovius Kline, the infamous black alchemist of Kintargo, though his life and death feature heavily in it. Rather this is the story of Kendel Frab, a halfling born into slavery and raised in servitude, now facing the uncertainty of freedom for the first time.

Kendel was born in Cheliax and as with most halflings in that harsh nation he was born a slave. He was still a child when he was sold off to a new owner, that he might learn his duties while his mind was mailable. That new owner was a human alchemist by the name of Morovius, though Kendel quickly learned never to address him as other than Master.

To people in the right circles Morovius was well known for his willingness to supply whatever vile poison or potent elixir was requested. His obsession was his research, and ethics were of no concern compared to keeping his laboratory stocked. But too often he was forced to waste precious time minding trivial matters; distilling a simple essence, or cleaning a used beaker, or simply cooking dinner for the night. He resolved to take on a servant to free his great intellect for loftier pursuits. This is this role that Kendel was thrust into.

Morovius was an uncaring overseer. He wanted his orders fulfilled promptly with no debate. But so long his demands were met he cared nothing for how, or what Kendel did beyond that. So Kendel learned to be quick and clever, because a capable servant had more leisure and fewer beating than an incapable one. He studied the Master's tomes so he could assist with any task in the laboratory. He skimmed from the Master's coinbox to set aside money for household expenses. He even learned a little magic to fix the things Master broke in his occasional fits of frustrated rage.

As the years passed and Morovius' research failures outnumbered his successes those fits of rage grew more frequent. He slowly turned to alcohol and stranger drugs for solace. Morovius said their freed his mind to greater insights, but Kendel could only see them making him stupid and sloppy. Minor mishaps became small disasters which finally culminated in the great mistake. One of their regular customers, a lecherous noble of high standing, sought an aphrodisiac to slip a young beauty that resisted his advances. In his addled state Morovius had misdone the labels on his stock and instead supplied a fatal toxin. The woman's death was a scandal and Morovius was barely able to flee town ahead of the wrathful noble's assassins. Knowing no other life, Kendel joined his Master in flight.

The next year was a spiraling decline for the pair. Stripped of his laboratory and on the run, Morovius took ever shadier jobs in ever dingier settings. With his great work in ruins he relied ever more on chemical distractions from his sorrow. As circumstances worsened and his Master's disposition soured, Kendel at last began to wonder if he shouldn't consider his own future prospects. It was a frightening thought, the idea of rebelling and directing his own fate. So the planning continued to delay the execution.

In the end, Kendel hesitated long enough that the matter was decided for him. The pair had washed up in the Shackles, where Morovius was supplying drugs that numbed the mind and spirit to slavers. One night Morovius finally snapped. He went on one of his angry drunken rants in a public tavern, where he shouted his disgust for all the pirate filth that he was forced to debase his great talents for. Then he set the place on fire. The resulting brawl claimed his life as half the crowd took the opportunity to knife him in the confusion.

With freedom thrust violently upon him Kendel was forced react quickly. After some consideration he found to his surprise that he had too many morals to join the halfling pirates of Slipcove. Going north risked a return to slavery, which was entirely out of the question. South, however, offered stories of free halfling communities in Sargava. With no better idea of what to do he sold everything he couldn't carry and booked passage on the next ship for Eleder, the Jenivere.

Kendel has spent the majority of his life as the lackey of an unstable and unethical alchemist. He's used to following orders and fulfilling unreasonable demands with minimal resources. Freedom is a new and unusual state for him. He still wavers between reflexively obeying a firmly stated command and refusing suggestions just because he can. Still, he is a halfling, and he's already feeling the need to belong to part of a group. Just so long as it's not one where he's at the bottom. The future is still too new and unfamiliar for him to have grand dreams yet, but he knows that he's now free to have dreams of his own and that's something worth fighting for.

If here were an animal Kendel would be a skunk. Friendly, fearless, and harmless looking until danger makes him unleash a chemical assault.

The crypt breaker is an archetype introduced in Inner Sea Magic. The major trade-outs are as follows:
Bombs are modified to deal acid damage, and deal d8s vs undead and constructs; and d4s against all other targets
Mutagen is altered to provide a Perception boost plus Darkvision or Scent (and penalty of light blindness) instead of a stat boost.
Gains Trapfinding and the ability to disarm magical traps

Quantium, City of Wonders, greater than Absalom as any here in Nex will tell you, bustles with the wealthy, the learned, the wise, the content, even the weird. Towers of magi crackle with arcane might that gets attention only from gawking visitors. Shadows draw close as night nears but the streets remain busy with exotic trade from lands mundane and legend. For the rich and connected doors open to wealth and power few can fathom...

… none of this matters to the Garundi boy Rani, nervously standing next to his father as he applies the lever to the wood shutters protecting a modest appearing place. A sharp report draws a slap from his dad. “Shh boy, you'll have the watch upon us!”, Dad hisses as he pulls the boards quickly free. “Now go inside and take what you can.” Rani squeezes inside and takes what looks valuable, spotting a simple alarm he swiftly disables it. He runs out when a whistle blasts the night. His father grabs the bag and scrabbles to the roof to sneak away. “Run foolish boy, run.” Rani runs into the nights quick as he can, dodging the watch. He runs till he lungs ache, and his heart pounds till it must burst. Just another day in the life of a boy of six of a poor clan of thieves and beggars. I can make it. I'll show Dad.

His Uncle Zahur digs out the opening in the remote desert. Rani looks on fascinated as the seal is revealed. Zahur peers at it and brings out a vial pouring the fluid upon it. The seal dissolves and the door vanishes with it. They hurry in beholding the sights of lost ages. Rani is enthralled by the mystery and power. Who made this place, why, and what did they do here? Uncle Zahur grabs him, saying
“Watch where you are going, Rani. One more step and that block above would have crushed us both.”Wandering for a time, picking up minor stuff, a voice calls out “Help me, please.” They come forward and dimly see a man wrapped in strands of webbing. “Cut me free before it comes back.”, the man cries with a wild look. Zahur steps forward. “If we free you, you owe us a favor.” The man, dressed in the robe of a scholar, says, “Yes, yes, just free me.” Zahur nods to Rani who cuts the trapped man free, cutting himself in the process, blood dripping on a fine robe. “May I ask the name of my rescuer?”, the well dressed man wheezes. “Rani - “ says the boy as Zahur stops him, saying, “Names or reasons are not necessary here.” The man straightens, looks intently at Rani, and says, “My name is Ik-Shup, if you can find me, I will reward you.” He pulls out something and it cracks. “Find me!” says the wizard, for that is what he must be, as he vanishes. Ominous rustling from ahead strikes fear into Zahur's face. “Run Rani, run!” He hurls himself down the tunnel as Rani runs behind. I spend my life running, I can do better.

Dad is nearby outside, face furious. “You take my son into ancient sites? Are you mad? We are thieves and beggars, not defilers of the past!” Zahur face just as red says, “Come off it, brother; you just think I was not going to cut you in.” Face getting even redder, Dad screams, “Get out, Get out, don't come to me or mine anytime soon!” Dragging and beating his son, his Dad goes to the hovels the clan calls home for now. There is better, Zahur knows this, the wizard knows, Dad knows nothing, soon, Dad, soon.

Scrabbling for the few plants available and squeezing water out of them, Rani leans back looking at a desperate urban clan, forced into an arid wilderness, fleeing justice for their thievery. Some seemed to have a great intuition about where water and food could be found, Rani didn't but he saw what the good ones did and learned the signs. The struggle went on but some of the clan survives. I learn where others don't. I'll get through this and those mocking ruins will be the way.

Zahur's back after two years. Dad doesn't even look at him. Uncle takes Rani aside and says, “I found him where you said he was, from that dream you had. He gave me nothing but said he could arrange something for you.” Rani says, “I'll go.” Dad yells from the kitchen, “If you leave, don't come back.” Rolling eyes, Zahur and Rani depart. Now my life will truly begin.

Ik-Shup looks at the headmaster with amusement. “Do you see your school as the greatest in Quantum, Master? I see a college with a small enrollment of semi-promising students, all the sons and daughters of scribes and lesser merchants. The great do not even take notice of your minor school of divination when they have so many to choose from. He has talent and ambition and I have paid the fee. Take him! Or take my wrath! Your choice.” Headmaster looks balefully at Rani. “Years of study and beatings await you boy. You want that?” Rani looks at the Headmaster with total calm. “Yes, Headmaster, more than anything.” Yes, teach me, I'll show you, I'll show everyone, I can master the power!

Beatings from staff and students, snide mockery at his birth and lack of preparation, the first year moved slowly then the learning came with a grace and ease the surprised the teachers and enraged the lesser learners. Book after book, languages old and new, scribbling and scrubbing, and then spell after spell, the years flowed swifter than quicksilver. Rani stands on the dais invoking the power, feeling the warmth flowing from his hands. The ring descends, the magic fuses, Rani feels the connection forming between his center and the ring. “With this, the final test, you Rani, born near a bent tree, of the clan Mudrunner, prove your right to power, to magic, to journey beyond this hall with the title Wizard. Leave the College of the Unseen Eye with yours open upon greatness!” And with that the Headmaster leaves. With the Third Eye on his forehead, Rani sees the arcane flow surrounding his glowing ring. I did it. Now to find a master heading a project finding and studying the great magic lost in the past.

Red and breathless from laughing the Expedition Master wheezes, ”Take you? A clanless knave from a school that no one has heard of? Be off with you before I have the guards beat you senseless.” Rani leaves dark of mood. This happens everywhere! The great and powerful have everything rigged for them. Still I'll find a way to the ancient knowledge and power; if not in Nex then somewhere less fixed.

Uncle Zahur gasps for air. The dark splotches cover most of his skin. No one wishes to aid him. “The curse got me, ok brother. Happy now?” Zahur croaks the words out to a brother that did not bother to come. The eyes open and clear for a moment. “Rani, that's you there? Please lean closer.” Rani does and Zahur whispers “Go to that place I told you of. Dig up a lead box. Inside is coin and a letter. Take the letter to the ships' Captain named within. He'll take you to where you can buy passage to Sargava. There you will find greatness.” Zahur shudders for the last time. Thank you Uncle. You were always my true father. I will go and find greatness and show all what I am.

Disembarking Rani pauses saying “Captain, what ship can I take to Sargava?” The Captain laughs and points, “That one, laddie. That one that's making to leave port, right now.” Rani looks, curses, jumps off, and runs like the wind. He leaps on the gangplank as it's lifted into the air. “Hold on there, we need no stowaways” cries the mate. Out of breath Rani mutely pulls out coin and points to it. The deal done Rani walks on deck. It's done. I'm ready. Hmm, what does that nameplate say? The Jenivere? OK Jenivere, take me to my destiny.

1) Where are you from? This will likely tie into where you board the Jenivere (see the Player's Guide).
Nex, likely boards in Corentyn, Cheliax.

2) Why are you heading to Eleder? To seek the ancient knowledge and power, to fulfill my destiny, and to
show everyone my greatness.

3) Odd question: If your character were an animal, what would he or she be? Think of this as a personality question and feel free to explain.
The Meerkat ,brave and curious, close to clan yet free to roam. Quick to run and hide, yet returns again and again until success is won.

Wizard with arcane power, divination spells well known, all shall be revealed for the groups benefit. Good collection of skills. Stronger and better able to take care of himself than most wizards.

Hathin has no memory of his early childhood. His master told him that he was bought from the slave markets in Cheliax, though he has no memory of that. Most of his life has been confined to a three level tower built just beyond the outskirts of Port Peril in the Shackles. Tecuhtli (his Osiriani master) was not overly cruel, though was similarly not kind. His daily duties were mainly confined to cooking and cleaning, given that his master rarely entertained.

His master often went on extended journeys to faraway places, leaving Hathin locked in his combined workshop / basement with a supply of food and water. Very little light came through during the day, and although it was confronting at first – Hathin grew to be comfortable in the solitude and darkness. He spent long days and nights tinkering with the alchemical supplies and reading the many books stored there.

During the most recent journey of his master, Tecuhtli was gone for a very long time. All of the food and water left for Hathin was gone and starvation and hunger were starting to take over. Mixing up an acid Hathin was able to weaken the trapdoor lock enough that it could be forced and he took the opportunity to make a break for freedom. Gathering up what he could carry from the workshop, he struck out into the world.

Knowing that if he remained in Port Peril his master could find him, he snuck onto the largest vessel that was in port at the time – hoping that it would take him far away where he could hide…

Hathin will start off as a fairly insular character as he is not exactly blessed with social graces. Softly spoken he reserves his words for those that he believes important to be said.

Having tended to his own health and injuries, he will be sympathetic to those who have lived in slavery or are injured – and will be roused to anger by those who place themselves as oppressors.

He has a lot of room for character growth, which would be spurred on by being accepted into a surrogate ‘family’ as an adventuring group.

Str: 10, Dex: 15, Con: 12, Int: 16, Wis: 14, Cha: 10
Class: Alchemist – with Crypt Breaker and Chirurgeon archetypes
Alignment: NG
Feats: Point Blank Shot
Traits: Stowaway, Lettered (from Halflings of Golarion p30)
Skills: Craft (Alchemy), Disable Device, Heal, Knowledge (history), Linguistics, Perception, Stealth, Survival
Alternate Racial Trait: Swift as Shadows
Party Role: Scout, Trap-spotter, Ranged Combat Support and Support Healer

Born to a prosperous family in a village somewhere along the coast south of Sargava, Japheeth was marked at an early age for his poor health. Unlike his many brothers and sisters who were tall and robust, he was small, thin, weak and sickly. He was a baby prone to crying and fussing. As he got older his disposition improved, but his health was poor. Despite all the food he was able to eat, he remained skinny with a slightly distended belly. He complained of pains in his stomach and constant hunger. His mother took him to see a local healer who pronounced Japheeth possessed by a spirit of famine. The Witch attempted to banish the spirit with a drugged drink and her magic, which caused the boy's eyes to burn with a green light. A symbol appeared on Japheeth's forehead and emerging from his belly came a tiny serpentine creature bearing the same symbol. It was foetal in appearance, but small green feathers were visible along its sides along with snake-like scales. The Witch then grasped the creature and cut its belly open with her knife. It faded into motes of green light and Japheeth screamed and fainted. The green light in his eyes faded and the Witch declared him exorcised of the spirit. Shaked by the experience, Japheeth's mother took her unconscious son back to the village and never spoke of it. Japheeth himself had no memory of the experience, and though he never attained the size and strength of his brothers, he seemed better for it. His health improved and he found himself able to continue with his childhood unaffected.
Japheeth's father was a slaver who was often away from home. He had a large family and three wives who he left mostly to their own devices. When he was home, he spent time with each of them, resulting in the many siblings Japheeth had. He was a cruel man, fitted well to his profession. As his brothers grew older he took them on as members of his crew but Japheeth was left our of this consideration, as his father considered the small boy unworthy. He took to joining other villagers on hunting expeditions, learning about the jungles of the Expanse and its inhabitants. On one of these trips Japheeth contracted a disease that weakened him terribly. He was carried back to the village where he lay delerious. His recovery was slow, and though his mother tended to him as best she could, he came near to death more than once. He did eventually grow well enough to rise from his sickbed, but he never regained full strength. He seemed to slip back into his childhood ailment, his limbs becoming emaciated while his belly grew distended. His mother, horrified at the thought that her son's possession had returned, called upon that same Witch that had saved him before. Now a frail old woman, the Witch came, and attempted to banish the creature in the same way as before. Only this time when the creature emerged, it was mature and conscious. It attacked the Witch, killing her with its bite. Japheeth's mother fled, calling on the other villagers to come kill the beast. When they returned they found Japheeth conscious, and the creature was coiled around his neck. His eyes glowed with a green light that matched the creature's green feathers and the glowing symbols over both their brows marked Japheeth as a Summoner. Horrified, the villagers overpowered Japheeth and his Eidolon and set them adrift on a boat to be claimed by the sea, banishing him forever from his home.
Some time later, he was discovered by a passing fishing boat from Port Freedom. He was taken aboard and nursed back to health. When Japheeth awoke, his memory was hazy, a side-effect of the drugs he was given, but he remembered vividly the words of his village elder banishing him. His Eidolon was nowhere to be found. But when he was alone he learned he could tap into its memories and feelings. He could feel it inside of his belly, coiling around and around. It was no spirit of famine, he decided. Its mind was alien to him, but he was able to understand it. It wanted to protect him and help him find freedom, and in return Japheeth would nurture it and help it grow in power. He came to call her Ameen'Ashava, a word that meant Emerald Serpent, Meena for short. He lived in Port Freedom for a while, serving on the riverboats until he was able to gain a measure of control over the spellcasting power he had awakened when he accepted his Eidolon. He practiced in secret, never summoning Meena when there were others around due to the superstitions associated with Summoners in the Expanse. When he had saved some money, he decided to purchase passage on a ship so that he might explore beyond his homeland and gain in experience and power.

Japheeth is humble and soft-spoken. He prefers to let others take the lead, and is willing to take orders. He is helpful and polite, but chafes under unjust leadership. He has a number of useful domestic skills that he picked up living in a house full of sisters and mothers, and steps in to mend canvas, nets, and cook when required. He is comfortable in the wilderness and understands how to avoid many of common dangers of travel in the jungle, learned when he hunted with his village's men.

Japheeth is a Bekyar Mwangi, but he is smaller than his countrymen due to Meena's influence when he was a child. He has dark brown skin and brown eyes which glow green when he casts spells or calls his Eidolon. He wears his hair long and tied up in a ponytail held together with leather straps and pins made of bone, wood and shell. He dresses in colourful, flowing tunics and pants, under which he wears leather armor when in the wilderness or situations of danger. He often goes barefoot, or when forced to, wears sandals. He has a number of necklaces, bracelets and anklets that he carves himself and gives to those he considers friends. He underwent ritual scarring on his cheeks as a child that marks him as a Bekyar and identifies his home village. He tries to hide these when dealing with other Mwangi due to the associations of the Bekyar with slaving.

Meena is a snake-like Eidolon with rust-coloured scales on her back, bands of emerald feathers along her sides, and sandy-coloured scales on her belly. Her head is arrow-shaped, and despite her snake-like appearance she has a mouth full of needle-sharp teeth. Her eyes are a shocking green and glitter like a many-faceted cut gem. Atop her head are two crests of longer feathers that alternate between green and purple. Her tail is long and whip-like, with fins that run down their length. She is fond of swimming. She hunts in the water when able, catching small fish and crustaceans, though Crabs and Crayfish are her favourites. She also enjoys eating birds but is not above hunting rodents, small lizards and snakes. She hates the sound of flutes, but is almost entranced by the sound of harp music.

(When I figure out how to put this in my profile, it will be fully updated)
L1 Bekyar Mwangi Human Summoner
Alignment: Chaotic/Good
Stats: S 10, D 14, Co 12, I 12, W 11, Ch 18
HP 9, AC 14 (+2 Dex, +2 Armor), Init +2
Traits: Boarded in the Mwangi Expanse, Poverty-Stricken
Feats: Extra Evolution, (Second choice not made yet)
Skills: Craft: Jewelry +5, Knowledge: Nature +6, Spellcraft +5, Survival +5, Use Magic Device +8
Gear: In Progress
Spells Known: L0 Guidance, Resistance, Detect Magic, Mending
L1 Enlarge Person, Mage Armor

Eidolon, Aquatic Base Form
Ameen'Ashava (Meena)
Stats: S 18, D 12, Co 13, I 7, W 10, Ch 11
HP 11, AC 15 (+1 Dex, +4 Nat)
Feats: (Not chosen yet)
Skills: Stealth, Perception, Climb, Swim
Evolutions: Ability Score Increase (Str), Grab (Bite), Bite (1d6), Gills, Swim (2), Improved Natural Armor

Quantium, City of Wonders, greater than Absalom as any here in Nex will tell you, bustles with the wealthy, the learned, the wise, the content, even the weird. Towers of magi crackle with arcane might that gets attention only from gawking visitors. Shadows draw close as night nears but the streets remain busy with exotic trade from lands mundane and legend. For the rich and connected doors open to wealth and power few can fathom...

… none of this matters to the Garundi boy Rani, nervously standing next to his father as he applies the lever to the wood shutters protecting a modest appearing place. A sharp report draws a slap from his dad. “Shh boy, you'll have the watch upon us!”, Dad hisses as he pulls the boards quickly free. “Now go inside and take what you can.” Rani squeezes inside and takes what looks valuable, spotting a simple alarm he swiftly disables it. He runs out when a whistle blasts the night. His father grabs the bag and scrabbles to the roof to sneak away. “Run foolish boy, run.” Rani runs into the nights quick as he can, dodging the watch. He runs till he lungs ache, and his heart pounds till it must burst. Just another day in the life of a boy of six of a poor clan of thieves and beggars. I can make it. I'll show Dad.

His Uncle Zahur digs out the opening in the remote desert. Rani looks on fascinated as the seal is revealed. Zahur peers at it and brings out a vial pouring the fluid upon it. The seal dissolves and the door vanishes with it. They hurry in beholding the sights of lost ages. Rani is enthralled by the mystery and power. Who made this place, why, and what did they do here? Uncle Zahur grabs him, saying
“Watch where you are going, Rani. One more step and that block above would have crushed us both.”Wandering for a time, picking up minor stuff, a voice calls out “Help me, please.” They come forward and dimly see a man wrapped in strands of webbing. “Cut me free before it comes back.”, the man cries with a wild look. Zahur steps forward. “If we free you, you owe us a favor.” The man, dressed in the robe of a scholar, says, “Yes, yes, just free me.” Zahur nods to Rani who cuts the trapped man free, cutting himself in the process, blood dripping on a fine robe. “May I ask the name of my rescuer?”, the well dressed man wheezes. “Rani - “ says the boy as Zahur stops him, saying, “Names or reasons are not necessary here.” The man straightens, looks intently at Rani, and says, “My name is Ik-Shup, if you can find me, I will reward you.” He pulls out something and it cracks. “Find me!” says the wizard, for that is what he must be, as he vanishes. Ominous rustling from ahead strikes fear into Zahur's face. “Run Rani, run!” He hurls himself down the tunnel as Rani runs behind. I spend my life running, I can do better.

Dad is nearby outside, face furious. “You take my son into ancient sites? Are you mad? We are thieves and beggars, not defilers of the past!” Zahur face just as red says, “Come off it, brother; you just think I was not going to cut you in.” Face getting even redder, Dad screams, “Get out, Get out, don't come to me or mine anytime soon!” Dragging and beating his son, his Dad goes to the hovels the clan calls home for now. There is better, Zahur knows this, the wizard knows, Dad knows nothing, soon, Dad, soon.

Scrabbling for the few plants available and squeezing water out of them, Rani leans back looking at a desperate urban clan, forced into an arid wilderness, fleeing justice for their thievery. Some seemed to have a great intuition about where water and food could be found, Rani didn't but he saw what the good ones did and learned the signs. The struggle went on but some of the clan survives. I learn where others don't. I'll get through this and those mocking ruins will be the way.

Rani peers uncertainly at the old man in the forest. The clan chief pleads with the elder for guest rights so the clan doesn't starve. The ancient seems unimpressed by the Chief's obsequious begging till his eyes fall on Rani. Looking thoughtful he says, “If you stay, learn the talk of this land and our ways.” Rani brightens with hope but dims when the Chief fawns his acceptance of the terms. The Chief is lying and the elder knows it, we'll be exiled in months and wander again but I can learn about the Mwangi in that time.

Zahur's back after two years. Dad doesn't even look at him. Uncle takes Rani aside and says, “I found him where you said he was, from that dream you had. He gave me nothing but said he could arrange something for you.” Rani says, “I'll go.” Dad yells from the kitchen, “If you leave, don't come back.” Rolling eyes, Zahur and Rani depart. Now my life will truly begin.

Ik-Shup looks at the headmaster with amusement. “Do you see your school as the greatest in Quantum, Master? I see a college with a small enrollment of semi-promising students, all the sons and daughters of scribes and lesser merchants. The great do not even take notice of your minor school of divination when they have so many to choose from. He has talent and ambition and I have paid the fee. Take him! Or take my wrath! Your choice.” Headmaster looks balefully at Rani. “Years of study and beatings await you boy. You want that?” Rani looks at the Headmaster with total calm. “Yes, Headmaster, more than anything.” Yes, teach me, I'll show you, I'll show everyone, I can master the power!

Beatings from staff and students, snide mockery at his birth and lack of preparation, the first year moved slowly then the learning came with a grace and ease the surprised the teachers and enraged the lesser learners. Book after book, languages old and new, scribbling and scrubbing, and then spell after spell, the years flowed swifter than quicksilver. Rani stands on the dais invoking the power, feeling the warmth flowing from his hands. The ring descends, the magic fuses, Rani feels the connection forming between his center and the ring. “With this, the final test, you Rani, born near a bent tree, of the clan Mudrunner, prove your right to power, to magic, to journey beyond this hall with the title Wizard. Leave the College of the Unseen Eye with yours open upon greatness!” And with that the Headmaster leaves. With the Third Eye on his forehead, Rani sees the arcane flow surrounding his glowing ring. I did it. Now to find a master heading a project finding and studying the great magic lost in the past.

Red and breathless from laughing the Expedition Master wheezes, ”Take you? A clanless knave from a school that no one has heard of? Be off with you before I have the guards beat you senseless.” Rani leaves dark of mood. This happens everywhere! The great and powerful have everything rigged for them. Still I'll find a way to the ancient knowledge and power; if not in Nex then somewhere less fixed.

Uncle Zahur gasps for air. The dark splotches cover most of his skin. No one wishes to aid him. “The curse got me, ok brother. Happy now?” Zahur croaks the words out to a brother that did not bother to come. The eyes open and clear for a moment. “Rani, that's you there? Please lean closer.” Rani does and Zahur whispers “Go to that place I told you of. Dig up a lead box. Inside is coin and a letter. Take the letter to the ships' Captain named within. He'll take you to where you can buy passage to Sargava. There you will find greatness.” Zahur shudders for the last time. Thank you Uncle. You were always my true father. I will go and find greatness and show all what I am.

Disembarking Rani pauses saying “Captain, what ship can I take to Sargava?” The Captain laughs and points, “That one, laddie. That one that's making to leave port, right now.” Rani looks, curses, jumps off, and runs like the wind. He leaps on the gangplank as it's lifted into the air. “Hold on there, we need no stowaways.” cries the mate. Out of breath Rani mutely pulls out coin and points to it. The deal done Rani walks on deck. It's done. I'm ready. Hmm, what does that nameplate say? The Jenivere? OK Jenivere, take me to my destiny.

1) Where are you from? This will likely tie into where you board the Jenivere (see the Player's Guide).
Nex, likely boards in Corentyn, Cheliax.

2) Why are you heading to Eleder? To seek the ancient knowledge and power, to fulfill my destiny, and to
show everyone my greatness.

3) Odd question: If your character were an animal, what would he or she be? Think of this as a personality question and feel free to explain.
The Meerkat ,brave and curious, close to clan yet free to roam. Quick to run and hide, yet returns again and again until success is won.

Wizard with arcane power, divination spells well known, all shall be revealed for the groups benefit. He has a good collection of skills. Stronger and better able to take care of himself than most wizards.

Asashandra (Asasha) was born in the Shingles of Old Korvosa, overlooking the Narrows of St. Alika. Asasha's mother Elliantara was a Varisian who had left the wandering life since falling pregnant to Asaha's father, a member of the Sable Company who abandoned her before Asashandra's birth soon after their brief liaison.

Elliantara managed to survive as an acrobatic street performer, bringing the young Asasha into her performances when she was old enough, who soon came outshine her mother. During this time Asasha was adopted, as a mascot and honourary younger "sister" of a gang of youths under the influence of Zariah, an older girl who Elliantara was being paid to train in the Varisian arts of dance, charlatanry and fortune telling and who lived nearby. It was in this gang that Asasha met the brothers Katalin and Kazital.

When Asashandra was eleven, Elliantara was raped, beaten and left for dead by a group of men. Over the next few years Elliantara retreated into drink and Asasha became the sole provider for them both, continuing to perform on the streets with Zariah. It was during one of these performances, whilst Asasha was being held in the air by the older girl, that Zariah manifested her oracular gift for the first time. Zariah was swathed in flames which, whilst leaving Zariah unharmed, burnt Asasha badly across the neck and down the left side of her body. Consumed with guit, Zariah managed to get the wounded girl to a healer who dressed the wound and tried to heal her.

Despite the healer's care the magical wound festered and left a large ugly scar which no one was able to heal. Following this event Asashandra ceased performing for the crowds, embarrassed by her scarring, instead tuning to burglery and pickpocketing, working the crowd whilst Zariah performed her dances.

Asashandra continued to opperate as a petty thief until, at the age of sixteen, she was inevitably caught during an attempted burglery by a young man who, rather than turn her in to the Korvosan Guard, instead tried to rape her. Managing to wriggle free from the man's grasp, Asasha grabbed his dagger and sliced it across his face before escaping, and leaving him with a scar and blinding his left eye.

Unfortunately the man was the son of a minor crimelord and one night, two weeks after these events, Asasha returned home to find her mother lying dead in a pool of blood and a group of toughs waiting to kill her. Managing to escape across the Shingles, Asasha was forced to flee the city, hopping a ship for Magnimar.

Asasha survived for a while on the streets of Magnimar but, when the Jenivere came in to port, she managed to find a position as a cabingirl on the crew.

Since that time Asashandra has been sailing on the Jenivere, acting as a lookout and putting her acrobatic skills to great use high in the rigging.