If he gets to the point of becoming an Arch Druid getting the Haruspex on his side is one of the things he would want to do. Assuming I'm going with the Half Orc that is. Another idea would be an Oread, but he'd be more likely to try and shut it down.
Figuring out what I'd enjoy more, but I think a Half Orc would be more fun to play.
Inside was a man that many would consider to be an underworld figure, an Oathless man by the name Mirikas, a slaver of women within the city. The guards only found him half-splattered against the wall and learned that he had an appointment with a very attractive woman.
Escaping that scene early on, she told Mirikas that she would freshen up and gave him a piece of parchment of what she would provide him. That was the last she saw of him and she smiled to herself, another scumbag of the streets. She twirled the old wand in her hand, this is one sweet spell (AKA a wand of Explosive Runes with only a few charges).
That day Lanya became a real 'femme fatale', earning a very quiet reputation for scouring Vigil of underworld figures, especially the ones concerning women.
As a sidenote I changed her skills of Linguistics to Use Magic Device so as to warrant her story above.
I've settled on making a Half-Orc Nature Oracle named Makao of Burningtree
Makao was born a few days south of Wyvernsting as part of the Blood Trail clan. His mother was one of the witches in the inner circle of Kring the Beautiful, the only female chieftain of Belkzen, and his father was rumoured to be Hundrux Half-Man, the leader of the Murdered Child Clan and boss of Wyvernsting.
He was raised among the witches and assisted them during their rituals, a job that earned him the scorn and ridicule of the other boys. They soon learned better though as his mother felt a unusally strong love (for an Orc) for her son, and a very strong hope on a good future because of his suspected father.
All went well until Makoa started spouting prophecies in his sleep. Tales of futures where Kring would fall as would several of the other chieftain. When Kring heard of this she decided the youth needed to be punished and she called her witches to prepare a cursed bonfire that would leave him scarred for life. Makao, then only 6 years old, was forced to stick his arms in up to the elbow, making him useless with a weapon and forcing him to forever be a servant of the witches.
What she hadn't counted on was that his visions only became more lucid at that point, and as the smell of burnt flesh filled the air Makoa started giving very accurate descriptions of how exactly Kring would meet her end, and before she'd find a suitable partner.
Only the intervention from all the witches prevented her from killing him then and there. Instead he was abandoned on the steps of Manhome, assuming the humans would kill him but also giving him a final chance to flee.
But the humans did not kill him, in fact taking him in as what they saw was a lonely, mutilated Half-Orc boy of only 6, as such still able of change for the better. What they hadn't bargained for however were his visions, which also included Trunau, how they called Manhome, being overwhelmed by natural forces. Convinced his abilities could prove useful against the Orcs but unwilling to keep him around they sent him to Vigil only 2 years after finding him.
In Vigil Makao was further educated in the ways of those fighting the Orcs and in how to control his visions. In addition a scholar would sit next to his bed every night to record his dreams. Dreams that eventually centered around a tree in the middle of the Flood Road. A burning tree that wasn't consumed by the fire or extinguished by the rushing waters of summer. Through this tree a new era would begin for Belkzen, an era that would come after a cleansing of the land. The scholars, hearing what they wanted to hear, assumed this meant the Orcs would be wiped out.
After years of isolation from the world, being both a student and a study object, Makao recently escaped his confinement and is now looking for a chance to get to the lands he keeps seeing in his dreams and see for himself what those dreams actually mean.
I've been thinking about Delkaneth a lot since I submitted, and very glad I did - with the quantity and quality of these submissions I definitely need to up my game here!
Also allows a GM to build in a potential "Luke, I am your father!" moment.
The original concept was for him to grow up in someplace like Westcrown where the knowledge he was hungry for bordered on illegal - again, adding to the idea that his quest to learn comes close to an obsession that leads him to make dangerous decisions. In reading the intro notes and the comment around "remember they are level 1", I was having trouble imagining someone escaping from Westcrown and making it all the way to Vigil while still being lvl 1 so I relocated him to Vigil. Only thing I changed mechanically was his language (changed Infernal to Orc) but from a character perspective I'd probably play him a bit more obsessive about learning having come from a stricter structure like Westcrown. If its not too farfetched to travel that far and still be level 1 I would definitely change the backstory to reflect it.
Back in 2e I kept asking my GM to give my wizard a Robe of Archmagi even though I was rather low level. His comment was 'any idea what your life would be like when powerful wizards learned that a scrub like you had an item like that?' I always thought the idea would be kind of fun (he never gave me one though) and that could be a great direction for this character go also - he's got this thing, he can't use it, but he needs to keep it out of the wrong hands. Maybe he learns how it works a llittle at a time, maybe it's intelligent and he needs to fight against it trying to control him as well as protect it from others, maybe it wants to be found a-la the One Ring.
Does he end up as Frodo, or the guy from Kung Fu wandering the land alone to keep the thing safe, or does he embrace it and take over the world? Would be cool to see what happens (although I might need to boost my Will save..........)
- the final battle in The Mummy, where Rick is fighting his way across a room filled with enemies. He bashes, shoots, throws things, tumbles, keeps pulling weapons out of every pocket......not a heavy 'hack and slash' but a quick and mobile fighting style.
- Evie by the end of The Mummy 2, the book worm who seems to know everything turned into an adventurous 'tomb raider'....even though there are still quite a few "what the heck did you do?" moments as she pokes her nose into things she shouldnt.
- But against all that, the scene in The Two Towers where the kid from Rohan is given a huge helm and armor and put on the wall to fight the orcs.....such an innocent and touching image, stark against the reallity around him, what did that kid learn about war that day, and how might it mold him into the man he might become?
Youve obviously gotten people interested and excited about the campaign youre building - I don't envy you the decision you have to make!
Hey all. In the Discussion thread I've posted some information about the caravan the PCs will be joining. For the time being I'd prefer it if nobody posted in the Discussion thread (we'll save that dubious honour for the players selected for the campaign), but please jump over and take a look if you've got a minute.
I purposely chose a Racial Subtype : Arena-Bred: Many half-orcs are born and raised to fight in the arena, and in many cases have two half-orc parents or even a half-orc and a human parent. These arena-bred half-orcs lose the brutal physical appearance of their orc ancestors and look more human. They have the city-raised and skilled alternate racial traits. I was hoping this would make Cahir look Human, but if taking the Pass for Human feat would help, I can change Ride-by attack for it. He wouldn't be disguising, as he has no idea that he isn't Human, just that he is very big for a Human.
As I said the back-story was just the general back-story, but you have a point that I should have gone into it more. Cahir grew up in Castle Everstand (in Lastwall). He never knew his parents and cannot even remember what having a family was like, until Gorvick came and took him in. Gorvick became his new family and he devoted his life to helping him and making him proud, how can you ever repay the man who saves your life and gives you a better lot in life? However if you have some idea's that could compliment this, I would be more than happy to hear them :)
Even though he grew up in the city, it was mainly in the back alleys, but he watched a lot of things, mainly the knights and military going off to fight the hordes of Orcs and he always wished to be among them. He often came across the dead bodies of such valiant hero's, but they were never armed, until 1 day he found a man with a sword. Knowing this was his chance he plucked up the sword and started swinging it around, it was at this point that he was set upon by a group of other children who wanted his sword. But it was his find so he fought for it and this is when Gorvick found him. He watched the scuffle and interrupted before anyone got too hurt and took Cahir under his arm. This scruffy, but large child ... bigger than he was. He thought it would take him a few years to train the boy, but it seemed that he was a quick study and even though he was trained in the way of the sword, it occured to Gorvick that it wasn't right for him. So he went through many weapons, until 1 day he placed him upon a horse and put a lance in his hand, never before had someone taken the skill so easily. So it was, that this day on he trained in the art of mounted combat, the days were long and he only got a few hours to sleep, eat and wash, but Cahir enjoyed it. He would make his father proud ... when did he start referring to Gorvick as his father ... he could not remember, but it felt right. When his father thought him old enough to fight alongside him and his friends (who Cahir had grown to think of as his uncles and aunt) they gacve each other a tattoo, all of them to show that they were now family, then rode out together, but came across a bigger horde than expected. Everything happened so fast, one second he was beside his family, the next he was alone ... apart from the Orcs, he slew them with the training he had been given by his father and all those long days training proved useful as he contiued to fight until his body was sore and aching, but all the Orcs were dead (as was his mount). He then went to find his family and came across all his Unlces and his Aunt, dead surrounded by Orcs, one Orc saw him and charged ... too scared to move Cahir stood paralyzed with his lance braced before him. He came to when he heard the crunch, then Orc had impaled itself onto his lance, the others fled. He looked around for his father, while he buried his family, but he was not to be found anywhere. Once everyone had been buried, he headed back home where he started trying to get ready for an expedition into Blekzen, the heart of the horde ... the place where he was positive that his father was waiting for him.
I figured the City-Raised would be covered by the fact he grew up in the city and had some training from his father in the use of the sword and that he watched a lot of what was going on around him. Shaman's Apprentice, just gives you Endurance as a bonus feat, so was hoping that the long days of training would have been able to builds him up in the same sort of way. If you don't think these could work as such, I will try to work something else out.
@ Krogar - sorry to have missed you, a simple oversight from an inept DM (the first of many I'm sure).
It's late on my side of the planet, so I'll have to save commenting on Krogar, plus the other recent submissions and amendments until the morning. Luckily the Internet seems to have decided my home is worthy of its presence once again. I'll sign off with an amended list of submissions.
Thanks everyone.
Tibal Vyron aka Tibal the Halfling – halfling bard heading towards Dervish of the Dawn
Alagor Faelan – human fighter (weapon master with greatsword)
Kronak – human (kellid) cavalier (beast master-gendarme) heading towards Mammoth Rider
Quen Gladegazer – half-elf ranger
Korham Asiha – human fighter (guisarme master)
Cale Stoneweaver – dwarf oracle (ancestors)
Bonegrit – half-orc fighter
Rogar the Beardless – dwarf fighter (armour master)
Half-elf inquisitor of Desna (name pending)
Delkaneth – human bard (archaeologist) dual classing with lore warden and heading towards Dark Delver
Kerri Corynian – halfling sorceress heading towards Dragon Disciple
Lyra Kaldean – human cleric of Erastil
Lanya ‘Split-Tongued’ Beladon – half-elf sorceress
Krogar Skullsplitter – dwarf ranger
Cahir Hamqi – half-orc fighter (dragoon)
Dunagan Haarglick – dwarf cleric of Torag
Makao of Burningtree – half-orc nature oracle
Just to clarify, Bonegrit is a Ranger. He can also double as a third level stripper.
Also, I can come up with a more traditional half-orc name for the character if you'd like. Bonegrit is a nickname the old man gave him that he preferred to his Orc-given one.
@ Krogar - sorry to have missed you, a simple oversight from an inept DM (the first of many I'm sure).
No worries; as stated previously just let me know if you need further information to properly evaluate him.
Thanks!
A strong character; and nice to see a female cleric given the testosterone heavy nature of most of the submissions!
Thank you and though she may not have as much testosterone as all the guys, she isn't exactly the type to just sit back in a fight. She likes to think that she is more than capable of taking care of herself both in battle and out in the wilderness.
Also, I had a question about the 'Lost Kin' trait that I took. Is there a chance of finding the lost kin during the course of the campaign or at least finding some sign of their demise?
DM Tadpole,
I added all the little details into my character's profile and looked through more of the information you posted about your campaign. It has got me really excited! Sounds like you have an amazing campaign planned! I was hoping to think over your comments today at work, but it looks like I just missed your recap. I'll look forward to them later tonight (or this morning for you =))
Krogar,
Our submissions are very close in age and if Krogar was from Vigil there is a chance we may have known one another - or at least each others families. If we are both selected (or even before the selection) it would be fun to develop a common story between the two. Sounds like both our families were armor/weaponsmiths, so it would be safe to assume that, just maybe, our families were in competition at one point?
I just noticed that I had used the average starting Gold, instead of maximum. If I still have the money I would like to buy a Heavy Horse as a mount, unless we will be given one at the beginning of the game.
Faelar, I think this answers your question:
Maximum starting wealth, but don’t blow it all at once. They’ll be additional opportunities for shopping before the caravan sets out. Lastwall is known for the quality of its horseflesh, and PCs will get the opportunity to purchase some local horses with some interesting traits of their own.
Looks like it'd be a good idea to save the money for a horse once the game begins so you can get a mount with some character.
Ah well spotted Dunagan, thanks for pointing that out :)
oops, I missed that too. I thought I was traveling light and I barely have any coins left after buying the gear I need! Heading back to check the list again.....
Krogar,
Our submissions are very close in age and if Krogar was from Vigil there is a chance we may have known one another - or at least each others families. If we are both selected (or even before the selection) it would be fun to develop a common story between the two. Sounds like both our families were armor/weaponsmiths, so it would be safe to assume that, just maybe, our families were in competition at one point?
Hey Dunagan,
You're right and reading your background, it sounds like the PCs probably knew each other. However, I'm going to have to politely decline your offer at this time basically because I haven't received any feedback from the DM. I have also been on the other side of the table and making one character's admission contingent on another PC doesn't really help anyone.
IF, big if here, we are both selected then I would be more than happy to come up with a shared history/background.
Good luck and happy gaming!
a simple oversight from an inept DM (the first of many I'm sure).
Just to clarify, Bonegrit is a Ranger.
Doh!
It's great to prove myself right so quickly. My apologies Kagehiro, I'll correct that when I post an amended character list later today.
Working up further comments on characters at the moment, watch this space.
Further feedback.
Krogar. Unfortunately I couldn’t access the portrait, although the physical description is easily good enough to envisage him. Dipping into barbarian to explain Krogar’s wild battle rage is fine. The backstory is strong. Regarding his ‘the only good orc is a dead orc’ attitude, if think we could make this work but remember this: although Krogar will get ample opportunities to slay orcs during this campaign, there’ll be just as many instances where the caravan is trading with them. They’ll likely be times when the PCs find themselves in an orc chieftain’s court or even in a city of orcs, where drawing steel in anger would be nothing short of suicidal.
Dunagan Haarglick. Another strong dwarf character; nothing to gripe about here. Your backstory shows you’ve done your research on the area in which the campaign will be taking place. As Krogar rightly suggests, you might as well wait to see if you’re both selected before tying your stories together.
Lanya Beladon. Thanks for the expansion. Vigil’s criminal underworld is fairly small, but I think there’s room for Mirikas. Interestingly his remains smelled slightly of fish.
Makao of Burningtree. I’m impressed with the way you wove the excellent lore concerning orc tribes from Orcs of Golarion into his backstory, although his name keeps making me think of this guy (the Japanese/American actor Mako). With the visions, there’s some big ideas campaign wise, and I’d need to consider how best to incorporate them into the campaign arc.
Delkaneth. I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to make Westcrown his home. Let’s just say he didn’t fight too many monsters on his journey to Vigil. I hear and share your appreciation of the films you mention, obvious Indiana Jones is one of the greatest film characters ever, and I loved how the Mummy franchise channelled that energy. I also loved Rachel Weisz as Evie and couldn’t bring myself to watch the Mummy 3 after she was recast. I studied to be an archaeologist and must sadly report the reality isn’t quite so swashbuckling.
Cahir. I think considering what you’re going for; Cahir would need the Pass for Human trait in order to look human enough for him to believe he’s human. I think to have the Shaman’s Apprentice trait he would have needed to be a shaman’s apprentice at one stage, which wouldn’t really fit with his backstory at present.
Castle Everstand’s quite far back from the front line with Belkzen, so I don’t think Cahir would be regularly coming across dead bodies within its walls, unless they were fallen soldiers returned to the castle for last rites and burial.
It’s nice to see people picking up my homebrew traits. Scion of Koldukar is an interesting one, as it might eventually put PCs at odds with the caravan. Koldukar is now Urgir, now the largest and most important orc city within the Hold of Belkzen, and its slap bang in the centre of the Flood Road. When the caravan arrives there, Scions of Koldukar may be disinclined to continue travelling north to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords in favour of exploring Urgir. If that’s the way the PCs want to go then I’m fine with that.
With regards to the Lost Kin trait, it would be remiss of me as a DM not to allow you an opportunity to find your missing friend or relative somewhere along the course of the campaign.
Second Master Santrian himself has few ties to Lastwall (unlike his master Dierik Ironcoffer); this might be the first time he’s visited the realm. The adventurers he’s selected to join the caravan (i.e. the PCs) are more likely ones he found ‘lying around’ in Vigil rather than individuals he’s personally selected for inclusion in the caravan. That being said, your DM appreciates those who’ve made efforts to tie in the NPCs with their own PCs backstories.
It’s also worth noting that your average citizen or soldier of Vigil would not consider joining Dierik’s caravan a worthy act. The general populace’s focus is firmly on defending their borders from the orc threat. Joining a caravan seems like shirking your responsibilities. Joining a caravan that is heading into the Hold of Belkzen, and will likely trade with the orcs, verges on the treasonous.
Krogar. Unfortunately I couldn’t access the portrait, although the physical description is easily good enough to envisage him. Dipping into barbarian to explain Krogar’s wild battle rage is fine. The backstory is strong. Regarding his ‘the only good orc is a dead orc’ attitude, if think we could make this work but remember this: although Krogar will get ample opportunities to slay orcs during this campaign, there’ll be just as many instances where the caravan is trading with them. They’ll likely be times when the PCs find themselves in an orc chieftain’s court or even in a city of orcs, where drawing steel in anger would be nothing short of suicidal.
Thanks for taking the time to review and provide comments; it seems that we are of a similar mind in how to make the 'mechanics' reflect my story/personality.
I'm glad you liked the backstory and, to be honest with you, I was counting on not being able to apply Krogar's motto with regards to orcs 'all the time'. This will give me plenty of opportunities for roleplaying. I can just see negotiations going on in front of Krogar and the dwarf be ready to fly into a killing rage at a moment's notice. :)
I eventually see the dwarf figuring out that not all orcs as as bad as he thinks they are; key word here being 'eventually'.
Thanks again for your consideration and I eagerly await your character selection.
Are you going to select characters on an individual basis or will you looking to 'balance out the party'?
Further feedback.
Delkaneth. I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to make Westcrown his home. Let’s just say he didn’t fight too many monsters on his journey to Vigil.
Sounds great to me - I like the additional nuances that adds to his story, hope you do as well. Ive also made some corrections to the skills I missed the first time through, and streamlined some of the gear. Although I still spent more of my starting cash than I'd like, the only thing I'm willing to part with that would really make a difference is the shortbow and that just seems like asking for trouble.
Updated alias is here for your viewing pleasure: Delkaneth
Hey Dunagan,
You're right and reading your background, it sounds like the PCs probably knew each other. However, I'm going to have to politely decline your offer at this time basically because I haven't received any feedback from the DM. I have also been on the other side of the table and making one character's admission contingent on another PC doesn't really help anyone.
IF, big if here, we are both selected then I would be more than happy to come up with a shared history/background.
Good luck and happy gaming!
Completely understandable, Krogar. I'll hold off on any shared back story. I suppose there is quite a bit of underpinning back story that may need to be hashed out once the selections are made - such as citizens of Vigil coming to terms with their borderline traitorous decision to join the caravan. There will undoubtedly be some friction amongst family, friends, and acquaintances.
I'd like to add an alibi to Dunagan's personality as I feel it may come into question with the potential for friction amongst the dwarf and half-orc applicants. Dunagan is not racist - his worldview with regards to other races, to include Orcs, is that they are a blank slate, similar to a sheet of metal before it is forged. Every humanoid has the chance to be molded into many different things and one can not simply categorize all Orcs as evil. For that would be like categorizing all steel as sharp after feeling the edge of a blade. But of course steel makes good blades as Orcs make good brutes, capable of many foul things. He has stood in defense of Vigil on occasion and his father has taught him how to defend himself against the brutes as any good Dwarven father would. He disdains the Orcs that cling to their brutish nature and his Dwarven blood burns with fire when they challenge goodness and the rule of law. Dunagan would refer to himself as a shield (Dwarf), crafted to turn a blade (brutish Orc) from the flesh (Civilization).
Dunagan's idea of reclaiming Koldukar, and his version of the Scion of Koldukar, is not the expulsion of the Orcs and the return of the Dwarves, but rather the reclamation of the many lost artifacts, arts, and traditions within its walls. He feels as if the city has long lost its appeal as being a home for the Dwarves, but instead can be used as a template for a new home. He seeks to understand and unlock the secrets found in its ancient Dwarven construction.
It’s also worth noting that your average citizen or soldier of Vigil would not consider joining Dierik’s caravan a worthy act. The general populace’s focus is firmly on defending their borders from the orc threat. Joining a caravan seems like shirking your responsibilities. Joining a caravan that is heading into the Hold of Belkzen, and will likely trade with the orcs, verges on the treasonous.
Ah, an interesting twist!
For Tibal, who's particularly concerned with trying to build a good reputation for himself, it would be painful to look traitorous to his family or neighbors. But, there must be a great story behind a hero like Dierik turning from his knightly occupation to a life of trade, one that Tibal will certainly try to discover. Also, while Tibal is not the great warrior he wishes to be, knowing that his talents lie along a more social course, perhaps he can contribute more by spying on the enemy than by fighting openly.
(None of this would change how people perceive Tibal's actions, just internal motivations. Reasons why Tibal would be willing to sully his family's name by making such a journey.)
It’s also worth noting that your average citizen or soldier of Vigil would not consider joining Dierik’s caravan a worthy act. The general populace’s focus is firmly on defending their borders from the orc threat. Joining a caravan seems like shirking your responsibilities. Joining a caravan that is heading into the Hold of Belkzen, and will likely trade with the orcs, verges on the treasonous.
Lyra is more concerned with learning the truth of her sister's disappearance more than she is with how her actions appear to others.
A thing I forgot to add in Makao's story:
The teachers/jailers at Vigil first stuffed him away in an enclosed area where he had not contact with the outside world and there his visions became very vague. Eventually they moved him to a tower where he could see Belkzen in the distance and his visions returned full force. Somehow his visions are tied to that land, which is another reason he escaped.
EDIT: As far as that actor goes, the picture you linked would actually be rather fitting for Makao. Except for him being a half, or actually three-quarters, Orc.
It’s also worth noting that your average citizen or soldier of Vigil would not consider joining Dierik’s caravan a worthy act. The general populace’s focus is firmly on defending their borders from the orc threat. Joining a caravan seems like shirking your responsibilities. Joining a caravan that is heading into the Hold of Belkzen, and will likely trade with the orcs, verges on the treasonous.
Lanya isn't as much concerned with her reputation in Vigil as she is on making a new start and finding out what her heritage is all about. She understands that many would frown upon a woman like her joining a caravan, people from the city and the caravan itself, though this gives her a possibility to change those presumptions.
The Orphans
Pointed out by Deylinnar, and not lost on your humble DM, there are an awful lot of orphans amongst the submissions. Nothing wrong with that of course; it’s a fine seam to work for storylines and roleplaying. Let’s look further . . .
Orphans or near orphans (lost family members etc.): Tibal, Cale Stoneweaver, Bonegrit, Delkaneth, Kronak, Cahir Hamqi, Makao (abandoned rather than orphaned); a little less than half the submissions.
I can’t help thinking that ‘the Orphans’ or ‘the Orphans of the Hold, or ‘the Orphans of Lastwall’ would be a rather compelling name for an adventuring party.
But the above is not more than idle pondering. In response to Krogar’s more serious question
Are you going to select characters on an individual basis or will you looking to 'balance out the party'?
, the only answer I can give is a little bit of both. One of the benefits of not following a pre-written adventure is that as DM I can tinker with encounters match the make-up of the party. As a result, the need for a traditional ‘balanced party’ recedes. That being said, having characters covering a wide range of abilities and powers does broaden our options, and thus our potential for having fun.
To get to the point, I’ll start with the most interesting, well put together characters which I think will gel best with where I want the campaign to go. If that still leaves me with more characters than slots then I’ll start to take into account party balance, as well as how well different PCs will interact with each other as characters.
Got a question about the "horse meat" mentioned before: Would I be allowed to pick one as my bonded mount (revelation)?
To the others, thanks for the updates, expansions and added wrinkles to your characters.
But, there must be a great story behind a hero like Dierik turning from his knightly occupation to a life of trade
Oh there most certainly is!
@ Cuan. Thanks to some connections of First Master Deramil, the PCs will get the opportunity to purchase some horses at reduced rates before leaving Vigil. Few of these horses are in prime shape any more, but there may be a few worthy mounts among the old nags.
However, this is more viewed as an opportunity for the 'standard' PCs to buy horses. If you have the bonded mount revelation I'd consider creating your own mount during character creation that suits Makao's personality better.
I've made a post in the Discussion thread outlining the wages PCs will receive whilst serving in the caravan.
In that case I shall switch out Ride-By Attack for Pass for Human, I think that a Half-Orc that is completely oblivious to his Orcish blood can give a lot when it comes to Role-Playing. Especially if we were to come across an Orc Bane weapon that glows in the presence of Orcs (not meaning to make it sound like Sting from The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings) and it glows in the presense of Cahir too. That would really confuse him.
Gorvick is a character I used in another game (real life game) and he was a Cleric, so I could say that Gorvick in this was also a Cleric, but he focused more on Combat than spells, but he did try to teach Cahir a few spells over the years and after his long years of trying he finally gives up, when he realises Cahir isn't being lazy and not trying, but he does not possess the innate ability for magic. However being a group of Dwarves they started to put Cahir through the harsh training regime that other Dwarf adults would go through, due to his size. This was very hard on Cahir but not once did he complain. He stuck at it and even though his body felt like it was on fire at the end of every day and he could not lift a muscle, he was happy because he had a new family and he had been saved by this family. Eventually after a couple of years the harsh training became a little easier and he started to go to bed not in as much pain. It was when he told Gorvick that the training wasn't hurting as much now that Gorvick realised what he had been doing, but when Cahir asked him to toughen the training up, that is when Gorvick truly felt pride for the boy. Every day since then the training has been hard and dangerous, sometimes even life threatening ... but still Cahir did not complain once.
I could also twist the back-story slightly, saying that he found a large stick and the other children found him threatening because of his size and all tried to attack him together. Cahir was never violent towards anyone, but in that case he was too scared to drop his stick and ended up fighting back. It was then that Gorvick arrived and his family were the ones who taught Cahir how to use a sword, but realised that the Lance was a better prospect. So he can use both the sword and the lance in combat, for whichever was the better style at the time.
That being said, with the Pass for Human feat, I probably wouldn't need the City-Raised and Skill Alternate Racial Traits to appear Human. Unless you ruled that they would help in his appearance to look more Human than Orcish. Please let me know what you think of these little twists and if that would be acceptable. I am trying to get the Shaman's Apprentice for 2 reeasons, 1 : it shows that he has spent a lot of time training and has become accustomed to long days of walking and fighting, 2: it replaces the Intimidating trait, which gives you a +2 to Intimidate and Intimidate is something that I am not planning on using (think along the lines of the Big Friendly Giant)
Zenergy, your conclusion of 'not so good' is fairly accurate. Considering the orcish threat at their door, the citizens of Lastwall and especially Vigil are leery of anything orcish. This extends to half-orcs, as the orc tribes of Belkzen tend to breed half-orcs for their intelligence and for spying. Half-orcs are not unheard of in Vigil, but only a few individuals have managed to break through the fear and suspicion of their neighbours and win respect based on their character rather than their creed.
Half-orcs in Lastwall can expect to be treated with cold civility, and watched closely. That being said, although the campaign begins in Lastwall, the caravan will probably set off quickly for the Hold of Belkzen. Once on the road, a half-orc will be judged on his actions rather than his heritage.
Mechanically speaking, neither the City-Raised or Skilled traits affect your appearance, so I suggest you ditch them if their benefits are not important to your character build. Furthermore, Castle Everstand is closer to a military encampment than an actual city, so the City-Raised doesn't particularly jive well with Cahir's backstory.
Although I understand the appeal of getting Endurance as a feat, especially considering Cahir's history, I stand by my opinion that he should only get the Shaman's Apprentice trait if he actually was one. Perhaps there are other ways of reflecting his training (for example, you could jiggle his ability scores to raise his Constitution even higher).
Thanks for the additional information about Gorvick, I agree that a character unaware of his orcish heritage has interesting roleplaying potential.
With a fanfare of orcish war horns and the pounding of crude drums, comes an important announcement:
We've already got plenty of great submissions in the bag, but I know a few people such as Zenergy as still working on a character. And who knows, perhaps we'll get some intriguing late entries ...
Makao of Burningtree is done where mechanics are concerned as is his background. Working on writing out appearance and personality.
As for the 3 things I'd like him to see or find out:
1: Is Hundrux Half-Man really his father? (He's been curious about that)
2: He wants to see the truth of his visions, if there is any
3: Get into the Grain Faith Acolyte PrC
There actually also is a fourth:
4: Find his old clan
Any other in game goals fill come from those above and how they are resolved.
Ride-By Attack = Pass for Human
Intimidating (Racial Trait) = Scavenger (Racial Trait)
I will drop Skilled and City-Raised, which means I will also drop Perception as a skill.
I will also keep the newest background for him. As for him being from Castle Everstand ... I was just trying to find somewhere on a map that he could be from. If you have a better place in mind for his back-story I would be more than willing to change places. All that really matters in the backstory is him meeting Gorvick.
I also understand your reasoning behind saying no to Shaman's Apprentice. The fluff is probably the most important bit of a game, as it is the root of the tree. Without that, you will not grow and change from a seed into a beautiful thing. Sorry for using a tree as an examply, but it seemed to convey what I meant.
Continuing to add some useful tidbits to the discussion thread; this time a little breakdown of likely journey times to different milestones along the Flood Road.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
For fun, I created a countdown timer found here: CLICK ME
By the way, for those interested, the time equals out to 9 A.M. Pacific, 10 Mountain, 11 Central, 12 P.M. Eastern.
Good luck to everyone!
Had some extra free time, so I decided to write a little story detailing some of Dunagan's past.
"Dunagan, bring your sisters and come listen to the tale of the Skilag Smiddi Stones..." The old, wizened grandfather commanded as he careful lowered his arthritic body into a stone chair. As the family gathered around and sat at his feet, the patriarch began to speak...
"Torag, the Great Father of the Dwarves, came to his children of the ancient past. Torag said to them, "When the great Earthquakes come, make your way to the surface." So, those faithful to the Father of Dwarves set toward the surface when the quakes came. They called this great pilgramage the Quest for Sky. Pushing to the surface, and displacing the enemies of old, our ancestors finally arrived. This is where the story of the Skilag Smmiddi Stones truly began.
Once our ancestors reached the surface they built great citadels made of stone. These amazing metropolis-sized cities were called the Sky Citadels. The one important to our story is Koldukar. The first and greatest of the fortress cities. It was here that Amrin Haarglick, your great, great, great, great... grandfather, became the greatest and most well known Dwarven smith in all of Golarion. He was favored by Torag and twice blessed. He first developed our technique of smithing by combining a zealous focus and deep religious belief into our works. While we pass on many of his traditions by instructing our sons and daughters, much as been lost to us.
In the last years of his life, Amrin created the Skilag Smiddi Stones. While the name suggests that these be large, immovable stones, that is not the case. These stones are slender and bound like a tome. They are stone books, crafted to last through the ages. The set of 3 books detail everything that Amrin had learned throughout his long life and been blessed by Torag to know. While time has eroded at the knowledge contained within them, it is said that the books are like a good friend. They can not just be picked up, read, and understood. They have to become part of your life. As a good friend slowly rewards you throughout life, so do the stones. Some others say they are written in cypher, and a few say they have nothing to do with smithing but are merely religious texts, and yet the rest claim they contain diagrams, recipes, and details on how to craft the most amazing arms and armors. All of these may be true, but all I know is that they have been lost to us since the Orcs overran Koldukar and renamed it Urgir.
Perhaps one day a great Dwarf king will rally us behind his banner and retake Koldukar, but I have remained hopeful my entire life of just that and yet no king has appeared... My dear grandchildren, Koldukar may be lost to us forever, but I tell you this, knowledge and Dwarven construction can last the test of time. We may yet one day rebuild what we have lost and reclaim our heritage. Torag teaches us that the greatest virtue is in creation and the protection of such creation. I believe that the reason he has not allowed us to reclaim Koldukar is that we have failed to protect what we have built and must now seek to forge anew once again."
The good thing about being a Fighter, is that I have a plethora of Feats to choose from, so Endurance can be a feat I can choose later on. But first I will be trying to find a piece of armour with an equal or greater armour bonus to my current armour, with a much lower ACP for riding.
So coming from Hallein Town, would I still be able to play along with the idea of him not knowing what he was, just assuming he is Human? Or would he think that he may have more in common with the enemy? I know he is bigger than most Half-Orcs as I have chosen the 1 trait from the Orcs of Golorian book, which makes him an especially large and hulking individual.
Working alongside Dwarves is going to be interesting, as Cahir has a healthy respect for Dwarves, so much so that he admires them and wishes to be one. However he also knows that his height is one of his greatest weapons.
http://www.dndsheets.net/view.php?id=48656
Vigil: the last place anyone of orc descent wants to be caught in. Such was the case of young Makoa who unsurprisingly was born from the heinous union of an orc and human woman after Belkzen orcs raided a caravan leaving Lastwall. The goods were sacked, the bodies were burned, and the women were left to the disgusting exploits of stout orc men who squabbled like hyenas over meat. It was only after a brave rescue party of paladins and fighters that Makoa and his mother Kyrie were able to escape back to Vigil. It was reported that none of the orcs were left alive.
Kyrie found little respite after her return, the reality of a half orc child enough to tarnish any woman's reputation. She married a local brewer named Darbin Nesteruk, a half orc who sympathized with Kyrie's plight and eventually fell in love with her. He owned an inn and tavern called the Falcon's Flagon, appropriately named for a strange tale involving Darbin's old drinking pals, a bet, and a whole night trying to get a falcon to drink their choice brew.
Young Makoa kept mostly to the inn and himself as he learned quickly of the city's hatred for orc kin. Darbin had a tolerable reputation though the women of Vigil always whispered gossip about Kyrie and her 'ill choice to keep the child.' Both Makoa's parents were highly protective of him, and anyone who gave him trouble or picked on him for his heritage had to answer to the broad shouldered brewer...and his great ax if need be. Luckily, Makoa's racial torment was highly limited by the safe atmosphere of the Falcon's Flagon. After all, drinking their meant drinking with other half-orcs.
The worst day of his life was when he was a small boy trying to fit in with the other children. Despite his civility and genuine desire to fit in, they let it slip that his father wasn't Darbin. Their mothers had been particularly vicious in their opinion of Kyrie, claiming her an orc's whore and undeserving of Vigil's protection. The distraught Makoa returned to the Falcon's Flagon where his parents had no choice but to tell him the truth of his birth. It took several years for Darbin to heal the wounds of their relationship.
Makoa learned the new family business of brewing from Darbin, a strong father figure in his life. Kyrie didn't approve of Makoa drinking at a young age, but Darbin would let the young lad sip a few drinks here and there as many a father might. Eventually Makoa became a true brewer's apprentice, understanding the fundamental basics of brewing, fermenting, and knowledge pertaining to what grains, fruits, and animal product went into the drinks they served.
Still, he remained fixated on learning more about his past and who his blood father was, and when he had become an adult, a curious patron changed his life forever. Makoa was sitting at the bar alone that night when a handsome young man with a rapier and a tankard adorning his hips stumbled in. He sat at the bar with the half orc and drank alongside him, slowly hooking him into a conversation about the selection of alcohol they had. Makoa's pride took over, and the two of them shared drinks and talked up a storm about each other's lives. This led to Makoa revealing his concerns about his father and where he originated from.
The patron listened to his tale carefully and gave him his tankard, saying it was passed down onto him when he was once alone and drinking his troubles away. He claimed the tankard was blessed to give the drinker good luck and to 'help see things from a much merrier perspective.' Before Makoa could protest, the dashing young man stood up, tossed a fat tip onto the counter, thanked Makoa for his time, and walked out with a spring in his step and a whistle upon his lips.
The next day, the locals at the tavern confronted Makoa, asking if he was alright and why he was talking to himself. Apparently there was no handsome young man there to begin with, but when Makoa described them, they all went silent. Makoa had been personally blessed by Cayden Cailean himself, and the tankard he had left behind was a holy symbol doubling as a flask. Makoa remembered what Cayden had told him, realizing that Cayden was telling him what Darbin had been telling him his whole life: it wasn't blood that made the parent but rather the man or woman who took the time to raise the child. The insight, while seemingly obvious, freed the half orc from his obsession with his past and inspired him to be one of Cayden's faithful.
After a few years of worship and brewing, the half orc grew cagey, desiring to explore the world outside of the safe wooden walls of the Falcon's Flagon. His chance to leave came when Santrian convened the inn and mentioned that he was hiring adventurers for the trip to the Realm of the Mammoth Lords. Dangerously close to the very orcs of his origins, Makoa volunteered himself to take up arms and join Dierek's caravan. With only determination in his eyes and the divine power of Cayden Cailean, he looks towards the horizon...and the Flood Road.
Makoa wears much of his orc heritage in his face, the green skinned giant standing at 6'1" and 185 lbs. His shoulders are broad and muscular, and his head is square and strong as a dwarf's jaw. He has goatee and sometimes thick black haired mutton chops. His hair is shoulder length and wild though he wears it in a ponytail sometimes. His attire consists of a chain shirt, thick hemp pants with suspenders, rubber soled boots, a skin tight white shirt, and a long sleeved tunic over it depending on the weather.
Makoa is a gentleman when he's sober and a bag of laughs when he's drunk. He's become more optimistic after his faithful encounter, ever ready to encourage when the going gets tough. Unlike most of his kin, he is slower to anger than most, believing he has nothing to prove to anyone (except when he wants something...like convincing Santrian to let him join the caravan). He's very generous and never denies a man of a hearty drink and a good time. Confident, determined, and virtuous, he values freedom without harm, good friends, and a well-made brew.
Find his blood father...if he's alive.
While it's distinctly possible that Lastwall paladins killed him, it doesn't stop the half orc from trying to find him if only to make him apologize to his mother. He suspects this may involve cracking some skulls.
Master the art of brewing.
Despite his training, Makoa has much to learn in the ways of the drink. There are several other liquors he has yet to master and in regions he's never seen before...which leads me to..
Explore the world.
Kind of generic and unoriginal, but combined with the above goal, it's got a little more 'flavor' to it.
Establish a traveling bar dedicated to Cayden Cailean.
On the back burner currently, but that doesn't stop Makoa from scribbling seemingly nonsensical additions to his strange theoretical contraption.
Also in the last post where it says I take great pride in my bear ... it is meant to say beard. I don't want you to think I am saying you won't be able to understand it, but I had to correct myself and it was over the 1 hour edit time.
the last two parts, appearance and personality, both also found in Makao's profile
His clothing consists of the white typical to denizens of Lastwall and to the clergy of Iomedae specifically. But whereas those clothes feature the holy symbol of Iomedae his features a stylised picture of a burning tree, clearly drawn on it by hand with charcoal and red and green pigments. Under these clothes he wears a simply armor made of dyed hides.
Makao is a calm, friendly man which most consider contradictory to his orcish features. A behaviour further contradicted by the fire that burns in his eyes, though it's a fire of passion and eagerness as opposed to aggression.
Makao is a patient man who knows that one often has to wait for the appropriate moment to act. His visions helped him achieve this patience as they help him decide whether or not it will be rewarded. Despite that he is a stubborn man used to getting what he wants, whether through demand, by taking it (like his own freedom) or through subtle manipulation. In any case, he is loath to hurt anyone unless it can't be avoided, having found that friend and allies are more useful than enemies.
EDIT: So there is a Makao and a Makoa? It's a recipe for confusion (and disaster)
Hail once again! What does Sunday bring?
A countdown clock – well that’s certainly cool. To be honest, I’m not quite sure what my logic was when I specified 5pm GMT, as I’m pretty sure that’s Monday at midnight in my time zone. So if anyone’s submits late, it’s probably not going to be the end of the world, as your DM will be asleep anyway.
On Tuesday I’ll set myself to the difficult choice of selecting the lucky four or five, and aim to have it done as quickly as possible (at least by the end of the day).
Dunagan – thanks for the extra info. I like how it builds strongly on the existing lore.
Faelar – Dwarven instead of Orcish is fine. I do like the idea of Cahir being unaware of his orcish heritage, though it does raise some interesting questions. Cahir would have run across half-orcs occasionally on the battlefield and heard plenty about them, and after having spent a lot of time in Cahir’s company, you’d think that Gorvick and his fellow dwarves might suspect something. However, these are questions to be answered rather than problems that would kill the concept dead.
Makoa (not Makao) – Funny to get two priestly orientated half-orcs with such similar names. If you both ended up in the campaign I might have to ask one of you to change in order to preserve our collective sanity.
A divine encounter no less. Not something you see in every backstory, but delivered with aplomb. Cool.
The supplies of trail booze also made me chuckle.
Makao (not Makoa) – Thanks for the further details, elegantly done.
But as previously mentioned, Cahir tries to make his family proud and hopes to be a Dwarf, even though his knows his height will not let him be so.
A friend of mine has just read my posts and made an amusing comment, Cahir is like Captain Carrot from Terry Pratchett's "Discworld", which I have to say is very true.
...I’m not quite sure what my logic was when I specified 5pm GMT, as I’m pretty sure that’s Monday at midnight in my time zone.
Hah, you are hurting my noggin'. You are like 12 hours ahead of me. So while I am sitting around in yesterday eating dinner you are about to wake up in the next day. Right? Ugh timezone craziness! I wonder if I dig a hole if I will end up near you... Anyways, if I am selected, this game will definitely turn me into a morning person! If I'm not, well, I am going to start digging =P
A few notes regarding the state of hostilities as they currently stand between Lastwall and the Hold of Belkzen have been added to the Discussion tab.
May I offer: Pyotr the Unwelcome.
Male half-orc redeemer 1
Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +1 (+2 to find hidden objects)
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DEFENSE
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AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15 (+5 armor)
hp 12 (1d10 + 2)
Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +1
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OFFENSE
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee greatsword +5 (2d6 + 6) or power attack +4 (2d6 + 9)
Ranged shortbow +1 (1d6)
Special Attacks merciful smite (1/day)
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STATISTICS
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Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 8, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 15
Feats Power Attack
Skills Appraise +3, Diplomacy +6, Knowledge (Religion) +5, Perception +1, Survival +5
Languages Common, Orc, Varisian
SQ aura of good, monstrous rapport
Traits outcast (half-orc), sword of Vigil
Gear greatsword, scale mail, shortbow w/20 arrows
Additional Gear backpack, bed roll, belt pouch, hemp rope (50 ft.) w/grappling hook, holy symbol, trail rations (10), waterskin, 31 gp 9 sp weight 89.5 lbs. (light load)
BestialThe orc blood of some half-orcs manifests in the form of particularly prominent orc features, exacerbating their bestial appearances but improving their already keen senses. They gain a +2 racial bonus on Perception checks. This racial trait replaces orc ferocity.
Scavenger Some half-orcs eke out a living picking over the garbage heaps of society, and must learn to separate rare finds from the inevitable dross. Half-orcs with this racial trait receive a +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks and on Perception checks to find hidden objects (including traps and secret doors), determine whether food is spoiled, or identify a potion by taste. This racial trait replaces the intimidating trait.
The linen around his hand was soaked through with blood as he meandered down the hill of refuse carrying a few brown apple cores, a rind of stale bread, and some unidentifiable chunk of meat, not yet fully rotten. It was an uncommon feast.
There was shouting coming from the town. That was familiar. They were coming to drive him off again. They were always coming to drive him off. This time he could see torches and hear dogs. He reeked of midden and offal. He would never escape them.
Pyotr ran. He ran until his hands shook and his breath was coming in ragged gulps. He ran until his vision blurred and his legs burned in agony. He ran until he could run no further. Then he crawled. Then he wept.
When his vision cleared, he was staring into the leveled spears of a half-dozen Knights of Lastwall. Their splendid mounts pawed and chafed at the rank smell of the filthy half-orc. The knight-captain gave him a bitter smile. “And, just who might you be…?”
“Stop!” the chaplain shouted. “He’s just a child!”
The knight-captain spat, “Just an orc.”
…..
Pyotr strained to hear the whispered argument that the chaplain and the knight-captain were having. He could only catch bits and pieces. But, it was clear, the knight-captain was angry.
….five years ago….finest acolyte I have ever trained….more deserving than half….
….hasn’t earned….his heritage alone….no company wants….
….stronger than any two….proven…..
….cannot walk the streets….carry a weapon?....had no right….the Precentors Martial…
….made their decision.
The chaplain, his mentor for the last five years he had spent as a ward of the temple, was beaming down at him, while the knight-captain stared daggers. He did not trouble to lower his voice any longer. “The Precentors Martial, in their wisdom, may give him the ‘marks’, as they choose. Know this, orc, branding your paws will not make you any less an animal. And you will never, never be a Knight of Lastwall.”
As a Redeemer, Pyotr looks past a creatures reputation, or heritage, or monstrous exteritor. I would love to have (either as a cohort or as my divine bond) a monstrous companion, like a winter wolf pup or an orc shaman, that is typically evil, but capable of being redeemed.
Pyotr wants the opportunity to defend Lastwall. He wants to earn a knighthood.
Thanks for your consideration!
Well guys, Dunagan's clock just struck zero, so officially recruitment is over. That being said, my clock just struck midnight, so I'm going to bed. If anyone posts a new character before I wake up, they'll also be considered, but I'm pretty sure we've got all the submissions we're going to get.
I'll start selecting the successful candidates first thing in the morning and try and get them posted up as early as possible. Thanks for waiting and good luck.
Tibal Vyron aka Tibal the Halfling – halfling bard heading towards Dervish of the Dawn
Alagor Faelan – human fighter (weapon master with greatsword)
Kronak – human (kellid) cavalier (beast master-gendarme) heading towards Mammoth Rider
Quen Gladegazer – half-elf ranger
Korham Asiha – human fighter (guisarme master)
Cale Stoneweaver – dwarf oracle (ancestors)
Bonegrit – half-orc ranger
Rogar the Beardless – dwarf fighter (armour master)
Delkaneth – human bard (archaeologist) dual classing with lore warden and heading towards Dark Delver
Kerri Corynian – halfling sorceress heading towards Dragon Disciple
Lyra Kaldean – human cleric of Erastil
Lanya ‘Split-Tongued’ Beladon – half-elf sorceress
Krogar Skullsplitter – dwarf ranger
Cahir Hamqi – half-orc fighter (dragoon)
Dunagan Haarglick – dwarf cleric of Torag
Makao of Burningtree – half-orc nature oracle
Makoa Nesteruk – half-orc cleric of Cayden Cailean
Pyotr the Unwelcome – half-orc paladin (redeemer)
Good luck all and I hope that you all get given a lot of consideration. If only we could all get accepted.