DMRaven's The Long Vigil (Inactive)

Game Master DMRaven

Level: 1
Ability Scores 20 point buy but no stat may start higher than 18 after racial modifiers or below 8 after racial modifiers.
Races: Any Paizo, no custom races, no templates, no third-party.
Alignment: No evil.
Age Each character should be equivalent to age 15-16 in human years
Classes: All paizo published with the exception of master summoners, synthesists and 9th-level casters. Yes, this means no arcanist, cleric, druid, oracle, sorcerer, witch or wizard. Additionally Path of War is allowed.
Fame Characters do not start with any fame unless indicated in one of their traits.
Hero Points: We will be using them, everyone starts with one.
Traits: One of your choice plus a “campaign trait.” Please see below spoiler for campaign traits.
Third-party I am willing to consider various third-party feats, archetypes and classes. However, I must have access to the full text of the requested mechanic. We will be making use of Dreamscarred Press's Path of War.

As scrubs(first year recruits) starting in the middle of training, and not joining with the rest of the group from the start, you will have a hard time catching up. This means extra time spent studying. Finally, it also means you have some reason why you could not join the trainees at the start of the game.

Ambushed
As the child of a Knight of Ozem, you were expected to become a trainee at the Bonewatch when you came of age. The newest lot of scrubs was being accepted and your father himself, along with three fellow Knights, would be escorting you there! Somewhat. The caravan you were part of, leaving from Kassen in Nirmathas was taking a precious cargo north to Vigil.

What that cargo was, you had no idea. However, it seemed important enough when the caravan was ambushed by a swarm of lycanthropes out of the Fangwoods. The Knights all perished in the attack but drove the monsters off after they rampaged through the wagons. Your father lay dying, only able to tell you to bring word of the attack to Vigil. Oddly, he seemed pleased. It turned out the caravan was a feint, and it had succeeded. His death, and those of the others, would mean the real cargo would make it to Vigil. Unfortunately, the ambush delayed your arrival and you arrived too late to join the trainees—until a position opened up in Cohort One.
Benefit: Your experiences with ambushes leaves you on your toes. You gain a +2 trait bonus on initiative rolls.

Second Chances
Growing up in Vigil isn't easy. It stands on a constant verge of warfare, with skirmishes against lycanthropes, undead, demons and orcs. It is a fortress and a bastion for humanity in the world. However, Vigil also has its dark side. The soldiers require an oath to be sworn to own property, carry a weapon or make anything of yourself. A magical oath. Your parent/parents held pride in a unique freedom joining the small ranks of Oathless in the city. As Oathless they could not own land, trade or legally hold weapons but they did not have to live by the ideals, however good, the Lords of Vigil expected of their subjects. You held that freedom to a high degree as well, even if it meant going hungry more than once. You fell in with the wrong crowd, becoming a robber and a thief eventually being imprisoned. A robbery gone wrong after several Bonewatch trainees interrupted and beat you and your friends. One trainee, Eilidh Tilernos, a noble, saw pity on you and offered you an out. Her mother offered you an opportunity—become a Bonewatch scrub or join your friends in the salt mines. It wasn't much of a choice.
Benefit: You know the wrong kind of people. You start play with a contact as per Chapter 3 of the Ultimate Campaign. The details to this contact are up to you but they have a trust of 3 (reliable) and a risk of 2. Additionally, you treat Stealth and Sleight of Hand as class skills.

NOTE: This is based off of an event that occurred in the game already. While this character technically had a name/personality and appearance, that is easily “ret-conned” to allow for a fun interaction between a current character and a new player.

If your class has 2 + Int modifier skills increase your skill points to 4 + Int modifier.

Everyone starts with one bonus feat. This feat must be used to expand your character away from their primary focus. For example, if you pick Power Attack as your first level feat, do not choose Weapon Focus (Melee weapon) as your bonus feat but rather Point Blank Shot or Amateur Investigator. I want to see characters who are capable in multiple areas of the game both within and outside of combat.

Lorrimor Deloyt

Lorrimor is young for even a trainee inquisitor at only sixteen years old. Some say, both behind his back and to his face, that it's only on the strength of his father's name and family connections that he has risen to be an esteemed agent of Iomedae at such an early age. This is only partly true. Certainly the prestige of his family gave Lorrimor opportunities that others wouldn't have had but he still had the talent, faith, and dedication to make the most of them. Along with the advantages his name has given him Lorrimor feels that these have come with the weight of an obligation to live up to the name as well as heightened expectations and scrutiny.

Now in his own words. In an interview with a counselor when he finally made it to the Bonewatch.

"I don't think father was ever proud of me. Certainly as a high ranking Knight of Lastwall he was rarely at home and when he was he never made the effort to spend time with me. My mother says that he was always busy even when he was at home. I suppose that's true.

I have tried so hard all my life to impress him as well. All the instructors and trainers that were a part of his retinue praised me as I pushed myself to excel and both my studies and on the training yard. I know my fellows at the Church of the Light of the Sword - Blessed be her name, snarked that it was only because of my father's word that I was accepted as an initiate but I know that it had nothing to do with him and it was my teachers who advocated the strength of my faith and arms to be a worthy agent of Iomedae. He didn't even attend my acceptance ceremony.

When he came home a few short weeks ago, it was the proudest moment of my life when he announced that I was ready to carry on the family tradition be accepted as a Knight of Ozern trainee at the Bonewatch. My tenure at the local church fortress was ended and he would be bringing me here along with an important caravan.

I now know that he was using me as the juiciest portion of his bait. After all what Knight wouldn't ensure that his son would be traveling under the heaviest of protection along with an important caravan of goods. The caravan was attacked as was his plan and I.... I was helpless as the foul beasts ripped through the defenders. After the attack was pushed off at the cost of his life and those of the other knights he made me vow to bring the message that the decoy had been successful. He didn't even trust me with his plan at the start otherwise I would have made sure to have at least some silver... something that I could have helped to.... Oh By the Inheritor I watched him die in my arms"

*Lorrimor breaks down here*

Distantly related to the famous Count Caromarc, Viggo and his siblings grew up the children of well-to-do but far from wealthy professors at the University of Lepidstadt. Viggo's father is a professor of philosophy and an inveterate political in-fighter on campus and his mother is a professor of mathematics with a particular interest in the harmony of the spheres- perhaps related and perhaps not, all of their mother's children learned to play at least one instrument.

As did all his siblings, Viggo grew up with strong underpinnings in both philosophy and theoretical mathematics, along with history, the classics, natural history, and social philosophy. Viggo grew up loving history and the classics. He was enamored of the martial fervor of some of Iblydos's city states and dreamed of being a modern day knight errant like Sir Savien.

But other than the superficial honors of the Lepidstadt dueling scars, his home city had no proud martial tradition to follow. His parents certainly didn't understand, and they urged their gentle, thoughtful oldest son to prepare for the University. In a fit of teenage rebellion, Viggo enrolled himself in a dueling salle with the money he was supposed to be paying his violin teacher.

His swordmaster was a former soldier from Lastwall. The man was no Knight, but he had been an officer and he knew his way around a sword. He waxed rhapsodic about fighting the monstrous hordes of Belkzen, about the bond of brotherhood that could only be forged in combat and the thrill of hearing one's blood sing after a near miss. It took months, but Viggo's parents eventually found out and were understandably livid that their 15 year old son had decided to learn how to use a sword.

After the resulting explosive fight, Viggo ran away from home, going to the salle for sanctuary. After a tense night, Viggo's teacher convinced the boy to go home. He went with Viggo and calmly, intelligently explained that a sword was nothing to fear, the salle was a safe space, and that being a soldier was not something to be looked down upon. He himself was an educated man, just one who had decided to take up a sword to defend his fellow man.

Viggo's parents relented and allowed him to continue learning to use a sword. Over the span of months, Viggo's swordmaster even became a trusted friend of the family. He told Viggo's parents about the scholastic elements of training and won them over to the idea that it could be a worthwhile alternative to the University. Of course, admittance started much earlier and if Viggo wanted to be the same age as the other trainees he didn't have much time to make a decision.

Viggo grabbed on to the idea and with his parents blessing, headed for Lastwall with his swordmaster's recommendation letter in his pocket.

Gabriel Talbert, nephew of Sir Augustus Talbert and son of Sir Henric Talber, never wanted to follow in his family's footsteps of serving as one of the Knights of Ozem. While he respected all the soldiers did and what they represented, he also saw the strain it put on his mother and older sisters when her father would go on a campaign and how it almost killed her when he returned wrapped in the white clothes of a burial shroud.

Vowing to throw himself fully into academics, Gabriel's future changed when his Uncle Augustus came to visit and to his shock and surprise requested that Gabriel serve as his squire. He did not care that a mortar and pestle were Gabriel's preferred weapons, nor did he entertain the protest that his father's armor was far too large and heavy for him to wear. In the end, Gabriel's protests were silenced when his mother handed him his father's blade and told him to "Serve as he served and always protect those in need."

They rode out at dawn the next morning.

Gabriel's uncle surprised him by encouraging him to study and expand his knowledge of the sciences, while teaching him the basics of the blade saying that there was never a thing as too much knowledge.

The year of his sixteenth birthday, his third year of traveling with his Uncle Augustus, Gabriel was told that he would be entered into the ranks of those seeking to become a Knight. It was an honor and a privilege to get this chance and his Uncle knew he would do great.

"Be true lad and nothing else matters."

The newest lot of scrubs, the affectionate name used by those who had completed the grueling training, was being accepted and Sir Augustus and three other knights, would escort him there after leaving Kassen in Nirmathas with a secretive cargo entrusted to the knights, a secret Gabriel was dieing to learn, as they went north to Vigil.

On the night of the full moon, the caravan was ambushed by a swarm of lycanthropes and Gabriel was certain that he would be joining his father soon in the afterlife and his mother would lose another loved one due to her love of country and honor. Gabriel could feel the heat of the lycan's breath as it loomed over him, biting the air as it worked itself up for the killing strike and then he felt a burst of hot sticky fluid as his Uncle drove his sword through its skull with the last of his strength.

"Take word to Vigil. Tell them they took the bait. Tell them the plan worked."

Gathering the remnants of supplies from the shattered wagons and fashioning a burial cart for his Uncle Augustus and the other fallen Knights, Gabriel arrived long after the selection process had taken place. It was decided that he would be allowed to join Cohort One when a position became available, but they refused to speak of the secret mission which had taken the life of his Uncle.

Battered and bruised, Gabriel thought about how easy it would be to walk away now, knowing that none would blame him, but surprisingly a burst of anger scattered those thoughts to the winds. He would find a way to earn his spot and earn the respect of his peers using both his crafts and his blade. The road would not be easy, but Gabriel did not care. It was time to join the ranks of the scrubs and earn the title of a Knight of Ozem.

Lorrimor Deloyt
Male Human Inquisitor
LG medium humanoid
Init +3 (1 dex + 2 trait)
Perception + 3 (3 wis )

AC 16 (10 + 4 armor + 1 Shield + 1 Dex)
T 11 (1 Dex)
FF 15 (4 armor, 1 shield)
HP 12 (8 base + 1 fcb +3 toughness)
Fort 4 (2 base + 2 con)
Ref 1 ( 1 dex)
Will 5 (2 base + 3 wis)
CMD 13 (10 + 2 str + 1 dex)

Speed 20 ft (medium armor)
Longsword 1d20+2;1d8+2
BAB 0
CMB 2 (+2 Str)

Fate's Favoured
Ambushed

Bonus: Combat Advice
Human: Defiant Luck
First: Toughness

Acrobatics +1
Appraise +1
Bluff +3
Climb +2
Diplomacy +7
Disguise -1
Escape Artist 1,
Fly +1,
Heal +3,
Intimdate +4,
Knowledge (nature) +5, Knowledge (religion) +5
Perception +3
Ride+5
Sense Motive +8
Stealth+1,
Survival +7
Swim +6

Common

Armored Coat AC 4. AC Penalty 1 (2 - 1 for Armor Expert trait)
Light steel shield AC 1. AC Penalty 1

Longsword 1d20+2;1d8+2 crit 19-20 X2

Inquisitors Kit, Compass, Bullseye Lantern, Acid Flask, 4 GP.

Inquisitor

Conversion Inquisition - Charm of Wisdom

Judgement 1/day

Monster Lore (Ex) The inquisitor adds her Wisdom modifier on Knowledge skill checks in addition to her Intelligence modifier, when making skill checks to identify the abilities and weaknesses of creatures.
Orisons

Stern Gaze (Ex) Inquisitors are skilled at sensing deception and intimidating their foes. An inquisitor receives a morale bonus on all Intimidate and Sense Motive checks equal to 1/2 her inquisitor level (minimum +1).

SPELLS:

Level 0 DC 13
Guidance
Daze
Read Magic
Detect Magic

Level 1 DC 14
Wrath
Expeditious Retreat

Thalia is a young human girl born into a family of Oathless in Vigil. It had apparently been rumored that their ancestry could be traced to an old bronze, until Thalia was born and confirmed it. Her eyes were a clear sign of what she and her family saw as a 'noble' line. This was not the only surprise for them, as she also showed signs of catfolk heritage, given, those were much more subtle.

In time, Thalia would lose both her Father and her Mother to sickness. She then took to the streets and alleyways, stealing to survive. She had no siblings, and secretly envied those who did. Even among the downtrodden, she was an outcast. Her draconic eyes a strong deterrent to any would-be friends in Vigil's underworld. So it was, she became a lone wolf working for herself. She'd done well, until one day when she stumbled upon a house-breaking with an unexpected level of security and was taken in to prison. She'd become arrogant with her successes, and she contemplated her error in her cell while she awaited her fate in the salt mines.

Thalia's brow furrowed at the offer. Her amber-colored, slitted eyes shone brightly beneath a dark curtain of raven black hair. Having been raised as she had, she took pride in what she did. Nevertheless, receiving official training was a much better alternative than a life in the mines. Perhaps she could even learn something more of her craft.

"It seems there is no choice."

She waited as Eilidh's mother motioned to the guard to unlock the door to her cell, then her manacles. She had always had patience, and it was tested as the guard took his time with the key clearly thinking that her release was not in their best interest. She gave no comment, choosing instead to stay silent as she was escorted from the prison to the dormitories. She quelled her shame and let determination set. She would see her potential realized, and then would come her chance to show it.

Rolando is a young Varisian boy, about 15 years old. He's thin and lanky, with brown eyes, greasy black hair pulled back into a short ponytail, and a few thin hairs starting to sprout on his chin. His parents came to Vigil shortly before Rolando was born. His father left the nomadic life behind for unknown reasons; neither of his parents ever talked much about their life before Vigil. Seeking to make his way in the world, Papa had intentions to start a small farm, but he found Vigil unwelcoming to people who wouldn't take their Oaths. The young family made do as they had before, performing for appreciative audiences and taking whatever work came their way. Things were not easy, but they always had enough to eat and a roof to sleep under. Papa would labor on local farms during the harvest season and find whatever work he could in the winter, and Mama found work as a seamstress for some of the women at the Castle. Rolando inherited his papa's musical talent and learned to play his violin. He also inherited his mama's temper and the impetuous child often got into fights with other local boys. And soon enough, the young family of three was joined by one more, and Rolando had a sister. But while his family had always been devout worshippers of the Song of the Spheres, Desna was not always kind to them. One winter, Papa became very sick. Though the disease passed, he never fully recovered and his health began to decline.

After years of slowly failing health, Papa died. Just before he passed, he made Rolando swear to take care of his Mama and sister, no matter what. Doing what he could, Rolando, about 11 or 12 years old, followed in his father's footsteps. He inherited Papa's violin, and he found a group of some older Varisian boys to play with, Felipe and Jorge. He and his friends were making good money, better than his parents ever had as performers, and things were starting to look up for the first time, until Rolando discovered that his friends were Sczarni con artists. The extra money came from picking pockets. Rolando was angry, but he couldn't ignore the benefits. Reluctantly, he went along with the scheme, and slowly started getting further entwined with the gang.

He was making good on his promise to Papa, he was taking care of Mama and Mirela, but he was ashamed of himself. He was becoming more irritable, and he started drinking heavily, getting into brawls and even ending up in jail for a week. In jail, he found something he hated even more than going hungry, even more than his own crimes - imprisonment. He couldn't stand being cooped up, and he found himself longing for the open road his parents had left behind before he had ever been born. He swore off his drinking upon his release, determined not to wind up in prison again. He promised Mama and Milena he would stay sober; he couldn't keep his promise to Papa if he was in jail.

But he couldn't keep his promise if he gave up his criminal ways, either. They needed the money, and it was getting harder and harder to find work as he grew older. People were even less trusting than they had been before, and deep down, he knew they had reason to be. He was as trapped in his life of crime as he had been trapped behind the bars of his jail cell. His prayers to Desna went unanswered, and that open road that he saw stretching out before him remained nothing more than an empty dream. He could always take his Oath, but that would amount to nothing more than another bar in the cage trapping him in Vigil, and an afront to his father's memory beside. At least this way he had his freedom, as long as he stayed out of jail. He could keep on telling himself that one day he might actually take his first steps onto that open road.

And so he did. Fantasies about escaping Vigil replaced the alcohol. They helped him fall asleep at night like all of Mama's stories and Papa's songs. He would dream about it day and night, and he told himself that all of this would be worth it in the end. He started volunteering for more dangerous jobs, hoping to score a prize big enough to free him from his promise. One day, soon, he would make enough to keep his family fed for months, maybe a year, and he could leave in search of a better life, and come back for them when he had finally made it. And soon enough, Desna smiled; the long-awaited opportunity presented itself. It would be a simple job, but very lucrative. Jorge hadn't wanted to bring him in on it, said he wasn't ready, but Felipe convinced him otherwise, a true friend. In the end, Jorge relented, especially since it was Felipe who had the tip.

But as easily as she smiles, Desna laughs. A trick of Fate's fickle hand: a botched job. The mark was being tailed by knights! The bluff hadn't worked, things were heading south... It was over almost before it had begun. Felipe lying dead in the alley. Jorge on his way to join him. It wasn't supposed to end like this. Rolando hadn't wanted to resort to swords, he tried to tell them they didn't need to use lethal force, but they wouldn't listen, and he was in no position to argue and...and...

Desna had one more trick up her sleeve, one more laugh. A choice: prison, or the Castle. Caught between the bull and the horns, as they say. But it was no choice. He had made promises, to Papa and to Mama. Perhaps the Song of the Spheres thought she was showing him mercy, but at that moment, Rolando thought maybe he'd be better off dead. Surely, death was the only way he would ever be free of Vigil now. He confessed, he sold out the others. They weren't even his friends. His only friend was dead in the alley. And so too was Rolando's life of crime. His life of freedom.

Rolando is torn between his love and duty to his family and his blooming wanderlust. He never wanted to be a criminal, always hated what he'd become, but it was his only ticket to freedom. He wants to make a better life for himself and his family, but he wants to do it on his own terms. Though he worships Desna, he blames her for his problems, never accepting responsibility for his own mistakes and always playing the victim of circumstance. He loves his Varisian heritage, having grown up on the songs and stories of his ancestral people, and he wants to reclaim what he thinks of as his birthright. He doesn't understand why his parents came to Vigil, but he understands why his family will never take the Oath. His father's violin is his most prized possession; it's all he has left of Papa besides the chains of his promise. He loves his Mama and Milena, but he wants to be free to live his own life, under his own stars.