Still working on my Dalish Elf Druid.
Nothing new in the Stats, but trying to keep everything together as I work on the background. I'm still not happy with it, but I'm continuing to work on it. >_>
DEX 10 (+0) +2 Racial = 12 (+1)
CON 17 (+3) -2 Racial = 15 (+2)
INT 15 (+2)
WIS 15 (+2) +2 Racial = 17 (+3)
CHA 10 (+0)
DEX 10 +2 Racial = 12
CON 16 -2 Racial = 14
INT 10
WIS 14 +2 Racial = 16
CHA 10
Tragic Beginning - His Elven tribe was slaughtered and many of them were enslaved by a band of desperate human farmers. While he was young and able to survive / still be free, he ended up alone, and with a growing hatred for humans.
Deprived Vengeance - Some years later, his desire for revenge still unsatisfied, the Elf comes across a small human settlement, and intends to attack them at nightfall. Before he can, he sees the most terrifying and remarkable thing - a shadow comes out of nowhere and kills them all (Darkspawn Shriek). He has no idea what it might mean.
Binding of Others - Having joined up with another Elven Tribe, he hears the elders speaking of rumours and a new word ("Darkspawn"), and tells them what he saw. Given a new purpose, he has started trying to seek out other Elven tribes to warn them of the approaching Blight.
GM, any chance you'd let me change what spells my traits apply to at a later level? Just a thought.
GM, any chance you'd let me change what spells my traits apply to at a later level? Just a thought.
Unless the original ruling for that allows it i would have to say probably not what spells exactly do you mean? I didnt think i said i was doing traits instead im doing custom talents based off of your backstory plot points
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Concept: Apostate peasant turned witch who hides his intelligence to pass as a simpleton craftsman or falconer.
Chaotic Neutral
Dradin was brilliant in every wrinkle on his craggy face, the man had a lesson for the boy. His house was out of repair, disused and almost overgrown, but it was safe from the Templars and Osric liked it. The swineherd's son was used to hard work, and he took all the repairs and lectures Dradin heaped upon him in stride.
Dradin had magic, too.
He knew everything and he more than satisfied the boy's desire to learn. Hetter never missed his family, for he still had Osric with him.
He was too busy studying about the world and the Templar Order, really. He learned all their old tricks, and a few of Dradin's own.
When he turned 16 Dradin made him hunt one. He killed it, like his master asked. Then, Dradin did something unexpected. With a simple "Well done." He disappeared, and the house with him.
If Hetter sees a Templar he usually avoids it without trying to kill it. It's not like he has much choice when he does kill them, he reasons. They aren't like normal people after all. Dradin conditioned the boy well, the bastard.
12pt MOD STATS Human mage -2str -2con +2int +2cha
Str 11 +0
Dex 15 +2
Con 15. +2
Int 20 +5
Wis12. +1
Cha 14 +2
1. Darkspawn? Never have I ever. No chantry education on the topic, anyway.
Grey Wardens? What do they ward against? Those things? Well, I've never seen one. At least they aren't Templars.
2. Maker / Andraste? That's just what the nobles use to keep everyone in line. If there ever was a maker, he probably didn't give a damn about you lot. I on the other hand, have magic. Now go away.
Chantry's control? I would rather die. The Templars take you and steal your soul unless you kill them first.
3. Aspiration? Where can a man go and be free of the chantry? He can go underground into the deep mysteries of the old dwarven lands. He can hide himself in dense forest or high on a mountain, or if he is particularly keen, he can silently lay beneath their noses the entire time. In that way, he is never alone.
Needless to say, his patron is Trickery-oriented
Concept: Apostate peasant turned witch who hides his intelligence to pass as a simpleton craftsman or falconer.
Chaotic Neutral** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
Thank you sildred i would prefer your fighter however
Okay so I was reading all the campaign information and then going over my first idea and kindof change my mind a bit.
One concept I have always wanted to try In DA: Origins was a Dalish Seeker. Another pathfinder archetype I have wanted to try was a Druid Treesinger. I have concocted a cool backstory to go with it but I wanted approval on the archetype before I started as most of my backstory involves explaining and integrating that backstory. A really cool idea but again I defer to your approval.
I would either want to play a human noble cavalier or human "blood mage" apostate. Can roll either up quickly depending on GM/party preference.
The cavalier is a novice wanna-be glory hound, order of the cockatrice type. He thinks most of the scare of the Darkspawn is peasant superstition and they'll run at the first sight of a charge. He is, undoubtedly, in for a rude awakening.
The blood mage would be a tormented student of the circle of magi who's made a "friend" in the Fade. His friend whispers to him ways to get stronger and rise above his bullying fellow students.
Unless the original ruling for that allows it i would have to say probably not what spells exactly do you mean? I didnt think i said i was doing traits instead im doing custom talents based off of your backstory plot pointsGM, any chance you'd let me change what spells my traits apply to at a later level? Just a thought.
Fair point, I did assume, apologies. Could I ask that the custom talent be the same as Magical Lineage or Metamagic Mastery? They're both exceptionally useful and almost necessary for a blaster.
Just hanging out, GM. You need anything else from me, lemme know.
You're good for now Yosarrin ill let you know if i need anything else.
Erast i will decide talents when i fully choose the party no worries.
Tlo just draw up whichever you like best or whichever you think would be the most useful. Personally i hate cockatrice order myself but as i have said character creation is up to you guys.
Sildred i just really like your fighter more no offense :-P
Death of Entire Tribe
Due to the the death of his tribe Galadrian views the world with a bleak outlook, the daleish too broken to find enough strength to fight on a massive scale, the cousins inside the cities enslaved by the humans in more shackles than one, the humans too arrogant and blind to see the danger, the dwarves too caught up in their own squabbles to come to any one elses aid.
The Way of Lore and the Way of the Hunter
The tribe that took in Galadrian knew he was destined to be a lorekeeper one day. However, as a boy he often rebelled against this wanting to be what he wanted like the other boys in the village. He finally was able to convince the hunters to teach him the way of stealth and combat. Only was he older that Galadrian grew to know the wisdom of not only being trained in what he wanted but to also learn the wayus of the lorekeeper to keep his peoples way of life growing.
The Bond
As Galadrian grew he blended the two paths of his life together with the help of the elderly lorekeeper of his adoptive tribe, he found that his companion, Harad, the Halla buck who had saved him, was also growing. Their bond was strong enough that Galadrian knew more about the Halla then even the keepers he found that the world could be viewed not by just the dale but also the birds and beasts of the field. And that they were just as ready to combat the darkspawn as his people were.
Hope this works
Do you need anything else from me DM?
Do you need anything else from me DM?
Currently no thank you :-)
OK just checking
Anything else from me?
I have settled on a Human Noble Named Kaiden
The Basic synopsis of his story is that Kaiden has always wanted to be a slayer of mighty foes, Darkspawn ogres, dragons, and any other monster that crawls from the darkness.
He is young and wildly optimistic, always looking for the bright side of things. If he is ever brought down, he picks himself back up in time and is not often haunted by doubt or regrets.
He believes in the maker and believes strongly that all things have purpose. He also believes it is his place to make a difference and eagerly seeks out the opportunity wherever he can.
These may sound like strong character traits but in fact they are among his greatest weaknesses. He is reckless, arrogant, and sometimes foolhardy. There are many occasions where he may overlook details and rush forward without being fully aware of all the consequences.
He will listen to others though and respects the wisdom of someone who knows better but he will just need to be reminded of it.
His very easy going personality and lack of any form of prejudice makes him reasonably easy to get along with. However, because of his boldness and ego, he can easily be seen as a fool
The one major thing that Kaiden has on his side is his strength and impressive fighting power. He has shocked countless people with his skill and facing off against local bandits or bothersome wildlife.
So that is essentially my story. Is there anything I need polish up before I create my Alias.
My build is a Fighter at the moment with the Two-Handed archetype. A simple archetype that focuses solely on the use of large weapons. Later down the road of development I will throw a few levels into barbarian but it is mostly going to be fighter.
Shanosuke!
I have settled on a Human Noble Named Kaiden
The Basic synopsis of his story is that Kaiden has always wanted to be a slayer of mighty foes, Darkspawn ogres, dragons, and any other monster that crawls from the darkness.
He is young and wildly optimistic, always looking for the bright side of things. If he is ever brought down, he picks himself back up in time and is not often haunted by doubt or regrets.
He believes in the maker and believes strongly that all things have purpose. He also believes it is his place to make a difference and eagerly seeks out the opportunity wherever he can.
These may sound like strong character traits but in fact they are among his greatest weaknesses. He is reckless, arrogant, and sometimes foolhardy. There are many occasions where he may overlook details and rush forward without being fully aware of all the consequences.
He will listen to others though and respects the wisdom of someone who knows better but he will just need to be reminded of it.
His very easy going personality and lack of any form of prejudice makes him reasonably easy to get along with. However, because of his boldness and ego, he can easily be seen as a fool
The one major thing that Kaiden has on his side is his strength and impressive fighting power. He has shocked countless people with his skill and facing off against local bandits or bothersome wildlife.
So that is essentially my story. Is there anything I need polish up before I create my Alias.
My build is a Fighter at the moment with the Two-Handed archetype. A simple archetype that focuses solely on the use of large weapons. Later down the road of development I will throw a few levels into barbarian but it is mostly going to be fighter.
Thank you Shano the character sounds lovely, Kaidan Cousland has a nice ring to it I think. If you object at all, I was going to have you related to possibly one of the other humans in the group.
All I need from you now is the answers to the questions, unless you already did in which case, my bad I've been running my ass off today and my job requires me to wear all black in 90 degree weather.
Also I need your three defining plot points of backstory that will determine your number of talents to start off with.
I did have a few questions and concerns however:
1. Do you mean you want to focus on using large weapons (two-handed weapons) or actual Large weapons? This is a crucial question.
2. Barbarian is not offered to Humans without outside training, you would have to talk to a Dwarf of Orzammar or a Dalish Elf to gain the ability to take the Barbarian class. Sorry, but I took a small leaf out of your book on that note, also in Dragon Age you can't learn the Berserker (barbarian) class unless you talk to Ogrhen the dwarf, so there's that to influence my decision.
Other than that, I can't wait to see the alias for him!
Anything else from me?
Nope Shadow you're pretty much good I just have to decide what talents your backstory plot points might yield.
This is a customized thing for me, so please anybody who is a more experianced DM, I am making these up based on backstory points.
The way it works, everybody, is that based upon your backstory plot points, each character can have between 1-3 talents, which function like traits. I love conflicting plot points, stuff that provides a negative as well as a bonus, and I will take some suggestions on some talents but if I say that I can only get 1 from your plot points, please don't argue, just provide me an idea of what might come from your plot points that would contribute to a talent.
Disillusionment: +2 bonus versus Charm and Compulsion spells, -2 on Diplomacy and Bluff checks versus Circle magi?
Blaster not Master: Magical lineage-equivalent on Burning Hands? +1 spell slot required for spells of the Calling subschool?
Ages Past: +2 bonus on K. History and K. Nobility skill checks? Diplomacy checks amidst circle magi require an additional hour to complete?
I'd love some examples, DM.
Well for an example, the Bard's addiction to lyrium benefits and hinders him in equal measures. Due to the dangerous practice of stomaching lyrium, he would have +1 Fort saves against poisons and to resist becoming drunk, but a -1 Will saves versus any spell of the Enchantment, Charm, or Compulsion school.
You essentially have the right idea Erast, the bonuses and negatives however are not that extreme though. The highest you can gain on anything from the talents are either +1 or -1. I will get back to you on yours Erast.
I figured he would need barbarian training in game before he could take levels. I had planned on it.
In answer to your other question about the weapon, I am wielding a standard two handed Falchion.
I have what I need to finish my backstory. I will have it all done and good to go tonight.
Submissions will be closing shortly please get your characters fully submitted asap those of you haven't already. Does anyone have any further questions before recruitment ends and the game begins?
DONE! Phew that was a lot of work. I REALLY got into the backstory on this one. All three points should be there. To outline them, the first was Kaiden meeting his mentor, second was Kaiden surviving the encounter with the bear, and the third was Kaiden's first battle.
I built his stats to the 12 mod style. I may have gotten it wrong, it won't be hard to fix if I did though.
I love DA Origins so I am really crossing my fingers I got in. This could be great fun.
Kaiden
Human Fighter (Two-Handed Fighter) 1
NG Medium Humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +0
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Defense
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AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +2 Dex)
hp 13 (1d10+3)
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will -1
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee Greatsword +6 (2d6+10/19-20/x2)
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Statistics
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Str 20, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 18
Feats Cleave, Power Attack -1/+2, Weapon Focus (Greatsword)
Skills Acrobatics +1, Climb +8, Escape Artist +1, Fly +1, Intimidate +6, Perception +0, Ride +1, Stealth +1, Survival +3, Swim +8
Languages Common, Elven
Other Gear Studded leather armor, Greatsword, 75 GP
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Special Abilities
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Cleave If you hit a foe, attack an adjacent target at the same attack bonus but take -2 AC.
Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Kaiden Cousland is the youngest son of house Cousland. At a young age he always enjoyed watching his brother spar with the guards in the castle barracks hoping that one day he two could become a great warrior. He would often run throughout the halls of the castles swinging around a large stick challenging anyone he saw to a duel.
This did of course cause more than a few problems. Lord Cousland knew he needed someone to look after his son at all times for fear the boy may drive off the castle staff. So Aaron Burn was fired to be Kaiden’s tutor and arms instructor. The boy bonded well with the man.
Aaron was a soldier and hunter, he fancied the hand axe and bow. Kaiden on the other hand showed no talent in either. It wasn’t until the day Kaiden was training with a dummy that he decided to get a larger adult training sword instead of the usual one handed kids sword and knock the dummy over.
It was clear at this point Kaiden had better control and skill with a weapon so long as he wielded it in both hands. Thus Kaiden’s training in the martial specialization of greatswords had begun.
While during his training, Aaron had often told Kaiden of his adventures while hunting. He told the boy that many beasts of the forest would often prove a greater challenge than any man on the battlefield. Aaron proceeded to tell Kaiden of the time he fought off a hungry pack of wolves or how he survived encounters with other monsters of the wilderness.
By far Kaiden’s favorite story was about the time Aaron felled a great bear with just a sword. The story was filled with action and suspense as it was one of Aaron’s greatest challenges. Kaiden often dreamed he would one day take down such a beast himself.
As time went on and Kaiden grew up, Aaron started to take the boy out hunting, teach him a thing about surviving in the wilderness. Kaiden was always a brash and imposing character. Often times around the castle he would brag about his skills and show off to people. He simply became an all-around nuisance. Aaron thought hunting would be a good way to show the boy the lessons of battle and survival.
Kaiden was thrilled at the prospect of hunting, finally he would have his chance to pit his skills against a great beast and destroy it like his mentor Aaron did. However, hunts proved to be more boring than in the stories as all they every hunted were rabbits and deer. Also, Aaron always insisted that Kaiden use his bow instead of his sword. What was the point of all that training if he couldn’t use the weapon he focused on?
Needless to say, Kaiden’s patience and incompetence on the hunts yielded little success in the long run. While Aaron kept complimenting and encouraging Kaiden’s growth, Kaiden grew more frustrated. He couldn’t help but feel Aaron was holding him back more than he was helping him grow. Kaiden would often ask to go after creatures more feroscious but Aaron always said “You’re not yet ready for such a foe. You must continue to grow in skill and you will one day reach the strength” Kaiden heard this so much he was reciting it in his sleep.
Out on hunts there were often encounters with wolves or bears but Aaron always knew the way to get around them. “Fighting something like that should only be to protect the life of yourself or others. Never for the sheer pleasure of it.” More and more these philosophies grated on Kaiden’s nerves before finally he took matters into his own hands.
One day before he was to meet with Aaron for a hunt, Kaiden snuck out of the castle with his greatsword and without his mentor. He crept into the wilds of the forest alone in search of such challenges. By chance he stumbled upon a mighty bear. This was it, the challenge he had wanted all this time.
Not even bothering to hide himself, Kaiden stepped out and challenged the bear. He charged the beast and as one would expect, the bear dropped Kaiden in a single swipe. Kaiden was badly wounded and now the bear had the upper hand. Suddenly for the first time in his life, Kaiden saw his life was really in danger.
Kaiden injuries were too great from just one swipe that he couldn’t flee. The bear was coming in for the finishing blow when suddenly an arrow caught the beast right in the neck. This bear was huge though and it seemed more enraged by the attack than hurt. It turned to face off against its new attacker. Kaiden manage to pull himself up to see who his rescuer was, it was in fact, his mentor Aaron.
Kaiden watched as the battle ensued. The bear only got hit with another arrow as it charged at Aaron. Aaron was forced to drop his bow and draw his axe to face the beast. It was a vicious battle and Aaron was wounded badly. Yet in spite of his injuries, he was able to bring down the bear.
Though the battle was won, both Kaiden and Aaron were fatally wounded. During the battle, the bear had snagged Aaron’s pouch of poultices and had thrown it hard against a tree. Only one health poultice remained and it was cracked and leaking. There was only enough useable fluid for one dose. Aaron of course gave it to Kaiden.
Once the poultice worked it’s magic and Kaiden got to his feet, Aaron collapsed unconscious at Kaiden’s side. Kaiden was filled with fear and desperately tried to wake up his mentor. Aaron was not responding. Kaiden had worked hard on his strength and was able to hoist Aaron onto his shoulder. He then dragged his mentor back to the castle where he could hopefully be healed.
Kaiden made it back to Highever with Aaron without further incident. Kaiden collapsed in the courtyard from exhaustion as servants rushed to his aid. Aaron was taken to the castle chantry to be healed and Kaiden was scolded by his mother for being so reckless. It was a miracle that Aaron had survived the attack. He was in such bad shape. Kaiden was relieved to hear his mentor had survived and swore to Aaron that he would never be so reckless again.
Years past and in spite of what he had promised, Kaiden was still really reckless. Though this time was different, he was more prone to foolish or rather risky tactics in training rooms or when dealing with local thugs or miscreants. Usually he did these things to protect others and often look out for those less fortunate. Or to simply overcome some challenge folks said he couldn’t do. This time though, his recklessness had its limits. Nothing he ever did was life threatening or dangerous…..well not TOO dangerous.
Kaiden was a very free spirited boy who trained daily. He had grown much stronger and had gained a degree of patience as well…a small degree really. He still longed for excitement, adventure, and great feats of battle. Though as his father promised, the time would one day come.
Aaron had left only a few years back saying that there was nothing more he could teach Kaiden. Kaiden was sad to see his mentor go but he promised they would meet again someday.
Kaiden kept up the hunting with his brother Fergus and his good friend Sir Gilmore. Both of whom were also gifted warriors in their own right. Kaiden had learned that it was never a good idea to venture the wilds alone and that good skilled company was always better than going alone.
As this tradition went on, it just so happen that one point while Kaiden and his fellows were out in the wilds they stumbled upon a caravan. It was ransacked and there were armed robbers. These were no normal ruffians like the ones Kaiden was used to dealing with back home, but cold blooded killers.
The bandits had a small family all huddled up. The brutes circled them like sharks. It was clear they were eyeing the daughter and mother. They would likely kill the father. Kaiden had promised not to be reckless but this was a moment of desperation. Without warning he leapt from their cover and rushed the nearest bandit drawing his greatsword. With a mighty swing powered by fury and resolve, he cleaved the man in two.
Seeing as they now had no choice, both Fergus and Gilmore also rushed to Kaidens aid. The battle that followed was vicious and bloody. But somehow Kaiden and his fellows prevailed. Though the family thank them profusely, Kaiden was seen staring at his blood stained sword and the blood that was all over him. This was not only his first battle, but the first time he had ever killed anyone.
The feelings inside him were a startling mix of excitement, and horror. It took his brother Fergus shaking him to bring Kaiden back to himself. The family thanked Kaiden and the group escorted the family back to Highever.
Cleaning up, Kaiden and Fergus had a long talk about battle and what it was Kaiden had felt after the conflict ended. Kaiden and Gilmore were both trained soldiers and had experience in battle but Kaiden himself was still in training.
It took Kaiden a bit before he was able to cope with the feelings and soon he was ready to see action again. Back to his old self.
The day did come when it was said that the darkspawn began to return and that the king was calling together all the Lords of Thedas to join in a campaign to face them. Kaiden had never even seen a darkspawn before but the stories he heard never deterred him from the idea of facing them. Horrible monsters that threatened the lives of countless innocence, what more could Kaiden want?
It was much to Kaidens disappointment when he was told he wouldn’t be joining the battle but instead, he was put in charge of Highever as a house sitter. Kaiden longed for the chance to experience the thrill of battle once more, but it just seemed he would have to wait a little longer.
DONE! Phew that was a lot of work. I REALLY got into the backstory on this one. All three points should be there. To outline them, the first was Kaiden meeting his mentor, second was Kaiden surviving the encounter with the bear, and the third was Kaiden's first battle.
I built his stats to the 12 mod style. I may have gotten it wrong, it won't be hard to fix if I did though.
I love DA Origins so I am really crossing my fingers I got in. This could be great fun.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
Sorry shano but your stats are really off. The max stat mod is +4 and there are no negatives allowed. The mod buy is also with racials added in just to be clear
I will be picking the team in a few hours
No prob, Updating crunch is easy. I looked at your examples on an earlier page and this is what my stats look like now
Str = 18 +4
Dex = 14 +2
Con = 16 +3
Int = 12 +1
Wis = 10 +0
Cha = 14 +2
If I got your examples right, this should be correct now.
No prob, Updating crunch is easy. I looked at your examples on an earlier page and this is what my stats look like now
Str = 18 +4
Dex = 14 +2
Con = 16 +3
Int = 12 +1
Wis = 10 +0
Cha = 14 +2If I got your examples right, this should be correct now.
After looking at your backstory i picked out three points since you didnt bold them. First, Titan grip preteen, Near death experience, and Stalwart against villains
After looking at your backstory i picked out three points since you didnt bold them. First, Titan grip preteen, Near death experience, and Stalwart against villainsNo prob, Updating crunch is easy. I looked at your examples on an earlier page and this is what my stats look like now
Str = 18 +4
Dex = 14 +2
Con = 16 +3
Int = 12 +1
Wis = 10 +0
Cha = 14 +2If I got your examples right, this should be correct now.
Yeah I tend to enjoy epic story telling. I tried to make the points obvious. I hope I didn't make it too hard. Those are the three points just with a lot fancier wording. Titan grip preteen sounds funny and cool at the same time.
Submissions will close in one hour. Just a heads up. I've picked several people already but i still am contemplating one or two until the hour is up.
Official Party Decision:
Shadowyfox: Unnamed Tabris (pregenerated city elf last name (?), City Elf Rogue
Arkwright: Erast Amell (pregenerated mage last name), Human Mage Wizard
Yossarin: Unnamed (?) Cousland (if you don't object) Human Noble Bard
Tdunn: Galinndan Mahariel (pregenerated dalish elf last name), Dalish Elf Druid
Shanosuke: Kaidan Cousland, Human Noble Fighter
anyone is free to change their last name, I simply am using the pregenerated last names from Dragon Age Origins.
Everyone please confirm your names when you dot for confirmation in the discussion board. I have either forgotten your initial character's name, for which I apologize, or cannot find it in the board, again, sorry :/. If you have not dotted by at least tomorrow, I will be taking someone else, sorry.