I'm interested in playing a kensai magus that seeks to emulate the style of Tian Xian swordsmen (a deciding factor in his choice to journey there), but I'm not sure if any of the campaign traits mesh into this too well. Any suggestions?A connection to Ameiko might provide a reason why your character has met/seen Tian swordsmen before. Also, might have been leant a textbook and/or novel on the subject (but that would mean being close enough to learn Tian).
Thanks for the suggestion, deadline is a few days, so I'll definitely have it out before then.
Working on a Tian-Min alchemist, formerly from the waterfront district in Kalsgard (where there is a sizable Tian population, according to the Inner Sea World Guide). He traveled south to Varisia in search of specific components he was told could be found there, but became separated from his caravan after a bandit attack and wound up being rescued and trained by Shalelu Andosa.
Details are vague at this point, and I am willing to be flexible, but he would not be a melee character.
The brief background above sounds innocuous enough, but I was hoping for my character to be an unwitting adversary of the Five Storms. He knows what oni are because they murdered his father, and he feels that he is honor bound to destroy any he comes across, but he isn't aware of their plans in Minkai, or their reason for pursuing the Amatsu family. His research into their transformative properties has informed his alchemical work. The components he was seeking are the remains of a dead oni, said to inhabit the wilds of Varisia.
This is all very vague at this point, but what do you think so far?
Hey Hu5tru. Alexei is still looking for a good home, and with a few tweaks could serve as blaster caster for the party. However, since you mentioned a Paladin might be useful...
Albert
Male human, or Aasimar, Paladin(Iomedae). Either main or assistant tank, with a focus on high AC i.e. sword and plate. Skills will ultimately depend on how many available, but diplomacy and sense motive initially, perhaps perform if I can work it, probably handle animal and ride when it comes time to choose a bond as I am leaning towards mounted. He is the knight in shining armor.
Trait: Best Friend(Ameiko)
It is time for adventure! Growing up, Albert was always drawn to heroic stories. Noble knights, fair maidens, and cunning thieves thwarting dastardly villains and performing great deeds. Though it wasn't as often as they would have liked, Ameiko would sometimes gather neighborhood kids together to act out the popular stories. Albert loved it, and paid attention to how she calmed disputes and helped everyone enjoy themselves. As they grew older, Ameiko's family troubles worsened until eventually she vanished. Albert was devastated. Ameiko was funny and cool, but most of all she was a friend. A friend who also yearned for adventure and understood what it was all about. When she returned, it was with tales of adventure and exciting companions from far off places. The Rusty Dragon became Albert's favorite hangout after work, and all seemed right with the world. That ended with the death of Ameiko's family and the troubles that threatened Sandpoint. Since then, she's seemed troubled and particularly eager for news from exotic places. Looks like Ameiko may be thinking of another adventure, but this time Albert is set on coming.
Personality:
Albert is a paladin: courageous, kind, and dedicated to seeking out evil wherever it threatens the good people of the Avistan! This does not mean he is foolish, stupid, or particularly naive. The truth is paladins are pretty odd, and Albert knows it. People generally don't dedicate themselves to anything, especially a code of conduct that means a life of danger and hardship. However, that is exactly what Albert wants to do. Is he inexperienced, sure. Naive, probably, but how else to fix that but by doing.
History: Albert received his martial training from the town guard, but Sir Jasper Korvaski(from the Sandpoint gazetteer) was the one who showed him how to be something more, a knight in the service of heaven.
An alternative for Albert would as more of an Erastil paladin with the friend of the family trait, perhaps altered so Koya is an Aunt or great-Aunt. Erastilites don't usually travel, but he made a promise and Erastil keeps his word. Personality would change to more dedicated and solemn. I see him as being a responsible grandson who is looking out for, in his mind, a foolish elder.
In this incarnation, Alexei is a young wizard looking to study the magic of north-western Avistan before heading back to Absalom and the Arcanamirium for more advanced studies. He would be using the caravan guard trait. He isn't from the area, and hooked up with it in the hopes of getting enough information to write his thesis, and because it seemed safer. He isn't planning on multi-classing, but might if there is a good campaign/story reason for it.
Concept is blaster caster with magic items as a secondary support focus. I will make the wagons magical!
Well, ended up changing my idea a bit, but I ended up liking this a little better. This is my character, Dessel Schrade.
Recognizing Dessel's talents, he offered him a job as a caravan guard; seeing this as an opportunity to travel greater distances, he agreed wholeheartedly. As fate would have it, he was met with disappointment - while the job was enjoyable enough, it not sate his desire for knowledge, nor did it live up to his ideal life of excitement. Dessel quit the job reluctantly, but was surprised to see that Sandru respected and even supported his decision, going so far as to offer him advice learned from his own travels.
Looking more carefully at the class, I think either a melee alchemist dependent on mutagens or a ranged alchemist dependent on bombs would fit the character and could be a lot of fun. I'm flexible there. What is certain is that either way, he will deal big damage, so he will most closely resemble a striker with some support built in.
Alchemist is a cool class. I'm sort of kicking myself for not investigating it more closely earlier. My preference for playing clerics has blinded me yet again.
Working on background now. I've been meaning to pick up the Land of the Linnorm Kings book anyway, and that might have some pertinent info about the Tian population in Kalsgard. I've decided to go with the Rescued trait in regards to my character's relationship with Shalelu. I was looking at Student Survivalist, but I think Rescued makes more sense and is a more dramatic choice.
Just wanted to let you guys know that I am keeping up with this thread. I look at characters then refer to the books, and am trying to sort out my interpretation of the AP in my head at the moment. Will have questions for folk come Monday, and likely a better idea of the crunch bit of the game as well.
I'm going to bow out, got accepted in another game. Good luck and have fun guys!
Ok as anticipated before here I go:
she spent her childhood in Sandpoint, and it was a very happy, if rather uneventful, period of her life.
When she was a bit older, Koya started to bring her along in some of her caravan travels around Varisia, and she liked that immensely. In those travels, she saw many wonders of Varisia, remains of old monuments of the Thassilonian age, and she visited grand cities (they seemed grand and magnificent to her young and easily excited self at least) like Riddleport, Magnimar and Korvosa.
It was indeed during her, to date, one and only visit of Korvosa that she met her destiny. A great parade was beign held in the city streets, to celebrate some kind of successful raiding expedition in a far away land. Between the precious items, the colourful silks and a few unfortunate slaves being marched in the street, there were a few odd small animals held in rusty iron cages to be shown for people amusement. Young Katarina gazed wide-eyed on the whole thing, and when the slow carriage with the small cages approached, she felt it. She would never be able to describe exactly what happaned in those few moments, but it changed her life forever. One of those strange little animals, laid down in it's cage with a sad expression in its eyes, suddenly bolted to his feet, turned towards the little girl and yelped loudly, with pure joy. Like a tidal wave, knowledge flowed in her mind, and her talent awoke. Koya, always the discerning woman, understood something happened in that moment and decided to buy the strange little animal for a few silvers as a pet for Katarina. But for the young girl it was much more that that, Caine (the name she chose for it) was now a part of her very being.
Now almost of age, she aches for true adventure beyond the Varisian borders.
Physical Description
Young and pretty, she keeps her shiny black hair free to cascade behind her in long waves. Pale skin, hazel eyes and delicate features all add to her appearance. She stands just under 5 feet tall, and is quite sensitive about her height. She expecially hates negative comments about her stature, insults towards her family and friends, manifest misogyny and sensless acts of cruelty versus people or animals. she loves old stories and lore about forgotten lands and mysteries and sharing them with friends.
Always eager to help others and explore new and exotic places, she would love nothing better than to live the adventurer's life, full of wonder and excitement... A vision perhaps a bit too naive about what a life on the road would be truly like, as her friends tend to point out from time to time.
I'll have a complete build asap.
Oh, and in case someone's wondering, her familiar is a compsognathus from Bestiary 2 (I liked the idea of a pet dinosaur since I was a little kid!).
EDIT: Spelling
Hoping polls are still open here is my submission for Kowal, human ranger.
Here is my character. Please ignore the build up (it was for a adventure that never got off the ground). I will redo if I get chosen.
I am going straight Rogue by class...roguish by nature.
By roguish, I give you the dictionary.com definition:
1. pertaining to characteristic of or acting like a rogue, knavish or rascally.
2. playfully mischievous, a roguish smile.
That is Marcus "the Mouse" Dana to heart. I hope you enjoy. Please let me know what you think.
I have set my life upon a cast,
And I will stand the hazard of the die.
-Richard III
Marcus was a street urchin through and through. His parents and younger sister died of the pox before he was eight. Only the gods smiling on him, kept the young boy from meeting the same fate as his family. With no other relatives, the young boy was forced to beg or steal what he needed to survive. Even then, his charismatic nature brought others to him, and soon he had a small gang of forgotten youth.
Once he had saved enough of his ill-gotten gains, he left the group for what he called bigger and better things. He would hire himself out as a caravan guard, and soon he had traveled great and far. Of course he would, from time to time, supplement his wages with items he lifted from the very caravan he was guarding. As with most things, Marcus grew tired of the work. He was not one to suddenly take orders from someone. Instead he began to find others that shared his need for adventure.
Soon he began to make a new name for himself; that of a tomb raider, a very lucrative and dangerous profession. Strangely enough, his quick reflexes and lack of common sense fit his new lifestyle perfectly. He is able to take on jobs that wiser men would run screaming from.
Many consider him a fop and a flirt, quickly underestimating the man. That is their first mistake. Their second is when they decide to go against the Mouse.
I chose the Trait, Childhood Crush with Ameiko. It fits with the way I've always seen Marcus in my head. He is a big flirt and as I was looking at the AP Player's Guide (just downloaded it so I could see the traits)I was already seeing the connection he would have with Ameiko before I ever saw the Crush trait. The are kind of kindred spirits. They both lust for adventure and Marcus will chase off after any tale that might bring him that adventure.
I imagine Marcus has grown up, if not in Sandpoint, close enough that he would travel to the city just to see Ameiko. Even after heading off to make his way in the world, he would always find his way "home". . .to her. There have been others, don't you doubt, but they were all just stand-ins for the one he can never truly escape.
I'll submit Egrias. The build will be level 1, of course.
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Name: Merethras Half-Elven
Role: Blaster
Class: Wizard(Evoker)
Race: Half-elf
Trait: Childhood Crush (Ameiko)
Born from tryst between a Varisian gypsy and a wandering elven wizard, Meretras has grown up being the odd one out. While he was never picked on, or terrorized, he never quite felt accepted in the caravan his father, Korev, traveled in. The only real connection he ever felt was when he listened to his father speak of Merethras' mother, Maellia.
It didn't take long for his father to notice that his son shared the talent for magic that his mother had possessed. Korev had found the boy scratching sigils into the dirt one day. Asked what he was doing, and Merethras replied that he was protecting the wagon. "I found a book in the wagon. It had mommy's name in it. You said she could do all kinds of stuff, so I thought I'd try it out."
Lacking the ability to train the boy, Korev was forced to seek out other assistance. He knew of a wizard who often frequented the area, staying in a town called Sandpoint. It was here that Merethras was taken, and here that he was left. The wizard, Bargoff the Red by name, was a scholar studying the Thassilonian ruins nearby. He took Merethras under his wing as a lackey at first. Merethras proved his aptitude by deciphering a spellbook they found in ruins in eastern Varisia. It was then that Bargoff began to teach the boy magic.
It was the most exciting day of Merethras' life. At least, it was until he met Ameiko. The wizard and apprentice had come to Sandpoint once more, to resupply and research. Being left alone by his master in the halls of Irori, he wandered about, meeting the orphans in the care of the master. It was here that he happened upon a young woman, speaking with a half-elven boy resembling her.
Merethras was instantly struck with Shelyn's arrow. Admittedly it started with looks. He had been feeling rather odd lately, and had been meaning to approach Master Bargoff about the issue, but Merethras decided that he had found the source of his confusion. And was this one beautiful!
After that, Merethras did everything he could to see Ameiko again. Despite knowing that she hardly knew he existed, the growing young man went so far as to coax animals into stealing their supplies just so his master would return to Sandpoint. With every passing day, Merethras' infatuation grew. He had tried to prove himself during the goblin raid that had attacked during the Butterfly Festival, but only managed to rescue rescue himself from being drowned in a rain barrel.
Despite these setbacks, Merethras is determined to gain Ameiko's love. He would follow her to the ends of Golarion, and beyond.
I know I'm kinda late to the party here, but I like your style Hu5tru and wanted to submit a character for the campaign. I'll work up the crunch as soon we get more info on the campaign specifics.
The haze grew thicker, and Broderus’ eyes began to lose focus. Simultaneously, his ears started ringing hideously causing him to steady himself against the tree trunk. The little girl’s body lay mangled a few feet from his perch, and now a crowd was gathering. The warrior was still screaming at him, but now the girl’s parents were crying horribly as well. Why was he feeling so empty inside? Isn’t this what he wanted when he joined the monks a year ago? His emotions had been completely purged, and he had been taught to worship the all-important balance. Moments earlier, he had seen the little girl run out into the clearing, fully knowing the dire wolf was nearby. Could he have made it off the tree in time to stop the carnage? Maybe, maybe not, but he was damned for not trying. Had the holy men lied to him about everything? A cold sweat ran down his back, and his hands shook violently. He had to clear his mind and get away from this place. He pressed his hands over his ears in an attempt to block out the sounds of the world: the curses of the fighter, the sobbing of the dead girl’s parents, the mantras of the monks, and most loudly, Abigail’s screams. Leaping off the tree, he landed just beyond the crowd and took one final look at the monastery and the people gathered there. He remembered where his cache of weapons and gold was hidden and set out immediately through the jungle. Yes, distance would be good, and maybe redemption still had a place for him in its bosom…
Broderus has shoulder-length brown hair which he ties up behind his neck. He is moderately handsome but portrays a grizzled appearance from not shaving very often. He wears hooded shirts in muted tones along with trousers and boots. As a memento from his previous life, a woman’s ring dangles from a chain around his neck. He is not overtly religious, but his trusty longsword carries the elk antlers symbol of Erastil.
The second major point of contention between father and son involved a woman. During last year’s end of year celebrations, he met a young woman of Varisian descent named Abigail. She was from a minor noble family recently relocated from Magnimar to promote her father’s trade interests. The nineteen year olds became instantly smitten with each other, and Broderus’ father was horrified his son would court an outsider. The Varisians supported Broderus’ courtship and also furthered his aspirations to become a Mwangi jungle guide. It was in this context that Broderus’ fall occurred. Abigail’s family romanticized the Mwangi Expanse, and her father, in particular, was completely oblivious to the jungle’s dangers. He would constantly have Broderus take everyone out into the wilds regardless of his inexperience or young age.
On one such trip to the Bandu Hills, disaster stuck. Distracted from his protection duties, he sat with Abigail along the riverbank kissing and holding hands. The campsite was suddenly overwhelmed by charau-ka, ruthless chimapanzee-like intelligent apes. They ruthlessly slew most of the humans where they stood but saved their worst depravities for Abigail. Hit hard on the head, Broderus fell into the swiftly moving river and wasn’t strong enough to resist its raging currents. He could only watch in horror as the monsters pounced on his love and began their tortures. Her screams were the last thing he heard as the river poured him over a waterfall. Broderus barely survived the plunge and eventually crawled his way back to Eleder. Completely distraught, he locked himself away in his room refusing food or drink or anyone’s company. Eventually he agreed to see one of Abigail’s friends, and the tears flowed profusely as they comforted each other. It was she who suggested he go see Altori, a Varisian monk in Kalabuto, to ease his pain. Altori taught him the discipline of Pondera (the total surrender of emotion in favor of embracing balance). Such was his life until that faithful day in the monastery's gardens.
Broderus is a raging cauldron of emotions right now. One moment the sound of a monkey incites a furious rage in his soul, while later he is strangely stoic, even passive to events around him. His current alignment is True Neutral, but he is trying to regain the Neutral Good standing he had prior to the charau-ka ambush. After failing Abigail and her family horribly, he strongly believes in strength of mind and body. His morning routine is regimented, even to the point of being obsessive. He devotes an hour to physical training followed by an hour of quiet meditation. For breakfast, he gulps down an herbal tonic he makes the night before. Broderus refrains from drinking alcoholic beverages or doing anything else which would dull his senses. He always sleeps with a hand on his sword and is quick to awaken at the slightest out of place noise. His sleep is disjointed and restless, filled with horrific nightmares and phantom calls for help.
He has a strange affinity for trees, believing them to be perfect representatives of life on Golarion. Strong and steady, they weather the tribulations of the world never wavering from pointing upwards. They are also long-lived yet finite in their existence, bestowing great beauty on the forest while simultaneously providing practical benefits for all. Broderus points to many instances when the power of a tree intersected in his life: the branch which saved his life when he was swept away by the river, the strong wood of his bow, the smooth timbers of his first training sword… He indulges in woodworking as a form of respect, and he enjoys making carvings as well as quality furniture.
He came to Varisia seeking to put as much distance between himself and the continent of Garund as possible and joined Sandru's caravan. ( Caravan Guard campaign trait ) He knew he wanted to help the innocent and erase the taint on his soul. Twice now someone died under his watch, and he firmly believes Erastil is only keeping him alive to repay this debt of honor. Unfortunately, the relative safety of the caravan didn't give Broderus an opportunity for redemption, and he recently informed Sandru of his decision to leave. Suffering from a martyr complex, he believes salvation will only come from giving up his life for someone else. He seeks to align himself with likeminded companions who will steer him back towards good.
My husband's been poorly this weekend and I haven't had the attention to spare to keep up as I would like to. I will extend the deadline til December 2nd so I can have a good look at all the applications and come up with appropriate questions to see how this party will run.
Thanks.
It's cool. Wish him well for us.
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Hope your husband feels better soon!
Hu5tru: If Alinza Mardzini is not to your liking I've had another concept waiting in the wings... more of a 'conflicted' character.
Role: Support Caster/Support Melee
Class: Oracle of Life
Race: Half-elf
Trait: Rescued (Koya)
Raegion's parents heralded the birth of their second child as a blessing sent by the gods. As an elf with a human husband, Lýthil was lucky to have just one child and now they had been blessed by two. The child had been touched by lady Pharasma herself - her mark lay upon his arm - a further sign of favor to Lýthil, a fortune-teller by trade. Raegion's early childhood was similarly touched, by the love of his parents and his older sibling, if not by the gods directly. The family had settled in Sandpoint, where Lýthil plied her trade and Henric(Raegion's father) worked as a longshoreman.
The idyll did not last. Henric contracted a wasting sickness on the docks and had unknowingly spread it to his wife and both of his young sons. Of an already advanced age, Henric did not last long despite the ministrations of his wife. Lýthil passed soon after, as if weakened by grief over her beloved husband's death. Carangal lingered for over a year, his hale young body fighting the disease that no magic seemed to touch. Eventually, he succumbed and Raegon was left alone. Raegon too had been touched by the sickness, but it ate away at him slowly, very slowly.
As his family passed into the embrace of the Lady of Graves, it seemed as if the sickness began to eat away at Raegon's very soul. The least touched by the sickness, Raegon had tended his family as best he could manage, and watched as each one died, as if wilting under his touch. Alone in his parent's home, a home filled with memories, Raegion lost the will to live.
Raegion was half-starved when he was found by Koya(who had been looking in on the family from time to time). Nursing him back to relative health took several months, but helping him to recover from his grief is proving to be a more difficult challenge. The passage of years have blunted the edge of Raegion's grief, but the irrational sense of guilt has never diminished.
Development: Raegion is eager to get away from the memories of his family that fill Sandpoint. An oracle of Life(a cruel trick of the gods? ...or an opportunity to grow?) who has experienced Death in the most intimate way, Raegion will have to overcome his family's tragic demise and make his way in the world.
okay, first batch of questions, guys. If I did not get to you tonight, don't worry. I'm not playing favorites, I'm just going by pages.
I like Broderus's start. It is, of course, a bit violent, but I am a sucker for a redemption story. Also, given the length of time you'll be on the road, and that you'll have to be crossing the Crown of the World, I'm really looking for players who seem to understand that you're basically committing to going to the literal ends of the world.
I am keeping in mind RJ MacReady from John Carpenter's The Thing when I'm reading people's submissions, someone who is really aware of why they've chosen to move on. Not for a lady, or for some foolish notion of love, but if that doesn't work out, you have an underlying reason to go that distance.
That said, a question – is Broderus going to have trouble with female NPCs? Or with other party members pursuing female NPCs? I think inter party conflict is totally normal, I'm just curious how Broderus will behave if faced with “public displays of affection.”
I have a few questions about Merethras's history:
If his birth was the result of a tryst, why would the mother have left a spell book behind? Wizards are awfully protective of those things.
What does Merethras know of Ameiko other than how she looks? With that sort of backstory, will you be taking a penalty in charisma and be too socially awkward to approach her? What happens if another NPC or PC is close to her?
How does your wizard plan to obtain Ameiko's love? I kinda imagine high INT folks devoting a lot of time to plans.
Where to begin? Where has Egrias been? Where is he going, and why? Why is he in Sandpoint? What manner of campaign trait are you planning on taking? What are your plans?
Umm... you do realize that you will be joining a caravan and you'll not be the one running it, right? I'm all for foppish rogues in their place, but this trip is going to be extremely difficult, and you'll have to work together with the folk of the caravan to survive.
Where is your character from, exactly? Ustalav?
How do you see your character interacting with other party members? Or won't he? Do you intend for him to simply follow Shalelu around?
Why would your character want to help the people of Sandpoint with its goblin problem?
Looks good. If you've been in Sandpoint all your life, you would know about the goblin raids which will start the adventure. What are your thoughts on goblins?
Do you know any of the other NPCs? For instance, what is your relation to Sandru?
What manner of relation do you have to the people of Sandpoint. Why would your character have stayed, or why is he there at the beginning of the campaign? What reason would he have to help them with their goblin problem?
Your paladin submission seems somewhat scattered. Paladins of Iomede especially are bastions of order and upholding nobility and seeking glory. Paladins of Erastil are folk who serve the community. I can see a paladin of Erastil serving the caravan if he were a varisian or otherwise native of Sandpoint, as the NPCs and such would be an extension of his community. I can also see a paladin of Iomede serving well... not really Ameiko, but what she will come to represent – nobility, and a cause for good aligned with others against evil. Are you ready to assume the task of party leader in that event? Because there is no more righteous party leader than a paladin, IMHO.
I will have to bone up on Alexi and get back to you later. I'm trying to hit everyone on the second page right now, and then I'll be taking a break.
Alchemist sounds cool. They're exceedingly flexible, and I like that, plus I would really like to see one role played. Not many do here, sadly.
And secret ties to the Oni is a neat idea. I will have to read further than the first book to see how to tie that into your story
The campaign begins with the party facing off against a goblin threat. What motivation would Albus have for assisting in that venture? Would he be doing it to protect the orphans?
Dessel would presumably resign from his post as a guard while the caravan is in or near Sandpoint, giving him the chance to rest and gather supplies for his impending departure. This of course would make him a stranger to most but Sandru, asides from any townsfolk he might have met (depends on how long he was a guard for, I suppose). Having seen much of Varisia already, he struggles to determine where to go next, even debating on leaving the country.
His plans to leave Sandpoint post-haste would be foiled by news of the goblin threat. Not being native to the area, it would likely come as a surprise. He surmises that traveling alone under such conditions would be a fool's errand. As an inherently good person that has not yet had the opportunity to exercise what he has practiced during his travels (or on the caravan, given Sandru's choice to take safe routes), the decision to help deal with the goblin problem would come naturally.
okay, first batch of questions, guys. If I did not get to you tonight, don't worry. I'm not playing favorites, I'm just going by pages.
The woods where he was found would be the woods to the East of Sandpoint and he has heard of the stories of the goblins and the 'Heroes of Sandpoint', but rarely visited the town. Tending to be slightly circumspect around others.
The 'alpha' point is not that Nate would boss others around but that he would try to take care of them.
Thus after being estranged from his missing mentor he comes out of the forest and travels to Sandpoint. He feels as sense of loss, of pack, of home, of Kurin(mentor/lover) and thus he wholeheartedly wants to throw himself into a new venture. A journey with a new pack across the top of the world would be ideal.
As outlined in the initial character concept - druid suits ideally, but any nature class could work. I am flexible to fit in with the group dynamic.
Your right. For a traditional paladin, Ameiko will, once we learn overarching quest, be prefect. A lost princess, an epic journey, and saving a kingdom! This is what paladins are made for. If the rest of the party if up for, I would definitely take a shot at leading.
Tell me what you'd like to unscatter and flesh-out my paladin, and I swear it will be done/
okay, first batch of questions, guys
Where is your character from, exactly? Ustalav?
I must admit that my Golarion knowledge is limited to Cheliax. I was thinking a city big enough to have the kind of intrigue described in the concept, and not too far away so that my character's wandering seems feasible. For a change I would keep Cheliax as last option, so I'm open to sugestions. Reading manuals is no problem.How do you see your character interacting with other party members? Or won't he? Do you intend for him to simply follow Shalelu around?
He certainly owes her. Especially for the help in controlling the shape-shifting thing. So he would follow Shalelu if she ask and be very protective.
Regarding other people interaction, this is a mystery to me too. I mean the guy is at his lowest point in life. He lost friends whose only fault was following him. He was betrayed by his lover. Will he be able to gain trust in people and himself again, or will he implode in his own grief?
Shalelu is the anchoring point, dragging himself out of that is going to be a tough match. I'm not betting my money on anything yet.
Why would your character want to help the people of Sandpoint with its goblin problem?
Kowal is not a bad person, quite the opposite. I see him like a Good (alignment-wise) guy. Seeing people in distress would make him act to help. He won't even ask for thanks. People already died for his fault he would do everything he can to prevent that from happening again.
Basically the character is build upon two problems: his guilt and his fear of being hurt again. Plus a secret: his curse that he sees like a danger for others and a shame for himself. The rest is a long journey to come.
I don't really believe Broderus will have a problem with public displays of affection or other party members pursuing the NPCs. The caveat is as long as these displays don't affect anyone's performance. He strongly believes in love and Erastil's teachings about traditional marriage and family life. However, his spirit was broken by his loss, and he fears that type of love/lust that grips your heart and soul and blinds you to anything else. That type of love is dangerous for an adventurer in the field and probably fatal for the person you're serving.
Now, I don't discount that time heals wounds, and I could see him eventually falling in love again. This time it would have to be with someone equal to him, someone who understands there's a time to play and a time to work, someone who could watch his back as much as he watches their back...
Egrias has been chosen by some entity, even though he doesn't actually believe in the gods, as he feels slighted by them. When he looses his temper, his wilder side comes out, as his untrained powers manifest.
I have another build of a character I would LOVE to play, which is a monk going to Magus build. He is a Kensai focus, and master of many styles, who moves through combat with no care, striking everyone, wearing no armor. I had played around with it as a warforged, but I don't know if you would allow that.
I am unfamiliar with the campaign traits, but just downloaded the PG, so I'll take a look. Which concept are you more interested in?
Okay, read the traits. For the Magus/monk character, I like hero worship of Shalelu. It fits her personality, and her concept very well.
For Egrias, it would be best friend of Sandru.
Egrias wishes he could discover riches, because he [falsely] believes money buys happiness. He really seeks acceptance, and wants peace within his heart in regards to his relationship with the gods, and in having responsibility over people.
The Magus (Jaelinn for now) wants perfection. She has grown up with stars in her eyes, and has emulated Ameiko and the other heroes.
Any questions? I would love to be involved in this. I tend to be a concise poster (I don't like speeches, so much as dialogue, being as I am a writer), and I am toying with putting the adventure in screenplay format, just for posterity.
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Hmmm. First question does put a big kink into the whole story. Perhaps altering it to a clan member's spellbook? That would solve the problem somewhat better, though also leave it weird as to why he left the clan. Um...Maybe the relationship was more developed than I thought at first. Otherwise, why would the father have the child? They would have had to meet numerous times. Or perhaps she stayed with the caravan while she was with child.
Second question, I would find it quite suitable for him to be socially akward, at least around Ameiko. I imagine that he spent any free time he had in Sandpoint trying to hang out around her, but failing miserably many a time in funny fashion. I think his specialization in Evocation likely came from the catharsis he experienced blowing things up when his latest "Get Ameiko's Attention" plan failed. As far as dealing with another person close to his idol, I suppose that at first he'd be rather jealous. There might be some strife, but I think that after a while he'd find that perhaps it's better if Ameiko gets what she wants.
Third question, I've thought that his plan was to try and pull a classic dashing hero moment. Ride in, save the damsel in distress, she pledges her undying love, etc. Merethras is a bit naive at this point, though he's been noticing lately that the object of his crush is rather less in distress than he previously thought. Though I don't have one now, I think Merethras will be spending an awful lot of time trying to think up convoluted plans to acquire her love, while missing out on the important part.
Honestly, I'm not sure that he actually would succeed in acquiring her love. I would certainly like to see him succeed, but it might be more in character for his predilections to mislead him into failure.
So, requirements as of now:
History including some explanation of the campaign trait you will be choosing;
and
Concept (Tank, Striker, Blaster, Support Caster or if you really want to you can give me class and archetype. It's all Greek to me, just let me know what you plan on doing for 17 levels.)
Valcrim, formerly of Clan Flinthammer
Lawful Good Dwarven Cleric of ToragConcept: Support Caster/Melee Cleric
Campaign Trait: Friend of the family
History: Valcrim is the Sandpoint armorer. Been the armorer for the last 30 years. If you live in Sandpoint and wear armor, chances are that Valcrim made it. He came from the Land of the Linnorm Kings with a caravan as an apprentice shield-brother and smith, after he was evicted from the clan hold in dishonor as a result of his father's betrayal. He was allowed to come back once he had done a "short penance" of 50 years, serving another community and earning enough prestige for Torag himself to consider the stain on the family honor erased. And earning the stern god's approval is no easy task.
Sandpoint became his new home as a result of the heart of the people, more than anything. His friend of 30 years, the human fortuneteller named Koya, was the pivotal turning point, as her counsel allowed the dwarf to overcome his foul mood, and find the spark of his life again. She continued to train him in clerical magic, he earned his keep by making armors and shields on demand, and pretty soon, he felt as much at home in Sandpoint as he did in the Flinthammer halls.
As for motivations for travelling across the planet; he has no clue it is in the cards, nor does anyone else. But if his oldest friend and sometime mentor goes on a death-defying quest, he will as well, as Torag commands his followers to protect those around you. Also, earning the prestige mentioned earlier is not easily done smithing in a town in the middle of nowhere.
Connections to the other NPCs:
- Ameiko: Runs a tavern that serves alcohol, and she is a bard. Two things both Torag and Skald people like. So he likes the kid.
- Sandru: A craftsman need trade connections, and as such, the two know each other pretty well through business if nothing else. And business is a cornerstone of any community. His stalward and honorable mindset makes Valcrim think well of him.
- Shalelu: While elves and dwarves are traditionally rivals and of opposing mindsets, both of them have two things in common: They are long-lived races, and they both REEEAAALLY hate goblinoids. And someone who is defending a community is a sibling in arms to all who follow Torag, no matter their take on life otherwise. If Valcrim was to pursue a "relationship" as per the "dating sim" mechanic, the closest I could imagine Valcrim going for would be a platonic one with the elf.
Personality: Valcrim is like the ideal conservative father figure; stern but fair, reliable to the end, no-nonsense and attentive. He will do the right thing, without hesitation, every time. The world is black and white, and "shades of grey" is the mantle of the cowardly, indecisive and petty. Protect the good, guide the lost, destroy the evil. Such is the way of Torag, and his words are set in stone.
Next batch! Yay me!
Sorry it took me so long, I wanted to get a look at both characters before I responded to you.
Concerning Alinza
Most of the people applying for characters are martial. I like Alinza's look. She's none too angsty, and travel is pretty usual for her.
Concerning Raegion
Erm... Elves are pretty chaotic creatures. Not really understanding the mom's devout bond to that one, and human, partner. With the racial bonus to INT I would assume that the mother was not simple. While it's very dramatic, I don't see much basis in reality for that happening. I tend to like my games being more realistic... Or as real as a game where people can shoot laser beams and cure people with magic can be.
You haven't given me much to evaluate in terms of character. I suppose I could ask why she doesn't work for evil people. Is she good? Or does she just not want to die?
If are selected and go with paladin class, I would like to see more of his story. I like that he's just a normal kid doing very foolish stuff, and the hero worship isn't so obvious that you're trying to insert a reason why he would care about the NPC. I am really looking for characters with their own motivations first, but the campaign traits are to make sure that you all have something of a common starting point.
I'm not allowing anthro characters.
How do you see your relationship with Shalelu progressing? As a mentor? Or something more?
So primary motivation for adventure is seeking perfection and a better sense of self, then?
Man, I have a lot of martial characters. Which would be cool if I was using the NPCs to supplement, but I'm looking for a five member party. So... Skill Monkey or combat orientated?
Considering other party members as pups as a first level character yourself? Doesn't bode well. What would be your character's motivation to travel? Simply to protect?
I am loath to touch a Calistrian in this campaign. Yes, I am aware that “romance” is a mechanic in the game, but I'm not interested in the more overt sexual ramifications. And I am very familiar with Calistria as I've run priestesses of Her in the past. I tend to focus on using NPC relationships to push at player's weaknesses (how I or the NPC perceives them, if they have the prerequisite skill). I know Calistria is pretty whimsical, but I'm pretty sure a former assassin is not the direction I want this game to go in.
There is still time if you wish to submit another concept, however.
I don't believe that Shalelu fights bullies. She slays goblins, which are a threat to the community. Bullies are threats to weak individuals. Are you planning on taking a penalty to charisma?
Bard, magus and rogue. Planning on getting BAB when? I'm sorry, I'm looking for people who will work well in a party, and those three being multiclassed is just silly to me.
Nate won’t treat the other caravan/ PC’s as pups but pack members. He isn’t going to think he should lead; he isn’t going to be so presumptuous. The ‘alpha’ idea is just making sure that everyone is fed and healthy, not trying to dominate and dictate. Nate is generally confident and composed.
Motivations
He has lost his wolf pack and his mentor, thus his confidence is at a low point. So he has travelled to Sandpoint to see Koya, finding her as a rock in the tumultuous sea of change. Nate does not just wish to protect an individual or caravan, but to also try to create something; a ‘pack’, a relationship, a purpose to his existence.
A good natured youth, Nathaniel cares not for money or wealth. The ring/ lost child aspect can easily be de-emphasised, as it will probably not be too relevant in a journey game.
Crunch
Druid – Wolf Totem, he won’t have an animal companion. Instead the clerical domain option is more suitable? Acting as a scout, and looking after the animals on the journey, will be one of his main roles during the journey.
I'll offer up Draniliss for this game. He's an elven inquisitor of Desna. It's his mandate to keep the roads and waves safe for travelers.
This is a flexible build, but I see him as a ranged striker with skill monkey tendencies. He'll most probably remain an inquisitor all 17 levels.
His background can easily be modified to have befriended any of the main NPC's, but I was thinking Koya and taking Friend of the Family. They had a 'youthful tryst' and have remained friends through the years.
More extensively on Valcrim's concept:
He is focused on defense and increasing the party's survivability, more than healing. As a dwarf, he is NOT focused on channeling, as he does not have the Charisma to pick up selective channeling, so he will be using that power for post-battle healing exclusively. He will pick up Craft Arms & Armor to make sure his and other PCs gear is up to par. Won't get any other crafting feats, as I know from GMing experience that it is a headache when the PCs have everything they ever wanted and more. Also, there is only so much downtime. His combat contribution will be a mesh of offensive and defensive buffs in the first rounds, then smashing stuff with his hammer until it stops moving.
In summation:
Class: Single class cleric, all the way.
Expected Contribution: Buffs, combat ability, tanking/staying power and combat-oriented crafting
Do NOT expect: Debuffs, mid-combat healing, skills (seriously, got 2 points/lv, so I am not even getting Knowledge (Relgion) with him. He has craft, perception and sense motive, that's it.)
Daegal see's Shalelu as an overwhelming link to his past. She could have easilly left the boy to be killed by the shoanti like the rest of his family but instead risked her life to save him. At the time he felt as though the act was out of devotion to him but eventually came to realize it was a matter of her seeing a job to the end. In any case he felt safe with her so it established a dependent relationship to her. As he grew into adulthood he's continuously pursued her approval and recognition not only in her hunting and tracking abilities but an overall judgement of worth and value, much like a child does with his parents.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can elaborate on to help you with your decision. Congrats on taking the time to address everyone individually! Not many DM's go through the trouble to do so, so yeah...
This is Keddah presenting Debian Keplus, he is an Oracle, probably of Life.
The concept would be Support Caster, buffer and healer mostly.
The background I'm still working on it, he was a spoiled brat and sometimes still behaves like he is, I'm trying to link the event that triggered his powers and his presence in Sandpoint.
Any suggestions or question that help me shape him would be most welcome!
Next batch! Yay me!
Going Paladin I would probably choose Sarenrae over Iomedae (or Torag or Shelyn for that matter) as my Deity. Reading through Faiths of Purity, Sarenrae's faith seems a better fit. Her devotees would be more likely to travel, and with Iomedae or Torag, it feels to me that I'd be more likely to either be more stationary. Plus the hope aspects I could see in RPing Treygan. Any setbacks would be met that tomorrow simply brings new opportunities (a good attitude imo for what looks to be alot of traveling).
Taking Treygan's story abit further along the Paladin path, I could see something along the lines of a traveling Paladin of Sarenrae stopping through town and observing Treygan at some point in training. I'd take the story with the Paladin either taking Treygan for training away to a Temple to Sarenrae (thus giving him his first taste of adventure), or staying in town and training Treygan (and possibly helping with the town militia's training to further explain it improving in Shalelu's description). Either which you'd prefer.
Hu5tru
Yep, he's moved beyond a selfish phase in his life but is still unburdened by responsibility to anything beyond virtue.
He has taken up the ideals of a Cavalier of the Dragon (essentially, that he can achieve more good as part of a group and that once he is established in a group his loyalty will be absolute and selfless) as part of his search for the brightness and has sought out his sister to make a peace with her: he would be thrilled if she was part of his journey to the brightness and it looks like things will fall perfectly into place for him (chance to explore, group identity, time with his sister) if he goes on this adventure.
I didn't see a response up there in regards to mine for this last batch. Just wanted to verify.
Thats a lot of submissions to go through, I doubt I could keep them all straight.
Its been interesting seeing all the characters that could be in the group, makes me look over mine and wonder where I could improve.
okay, first batch of questions, guys. If I did not get to you tonight, don't worry. I'm not playing favorites, I'm just going by pages.
Looks good. If you've been in Sandpoint all your life, you would know about the goblin raids which will start the adventure. What are your thoughts on goblins?
Well, been living in Sandpoint all her life Katarina knows quite a bit about goblins, and what they did to Sandpoint over the years. All the deaths they caused, the destruction they brought, and more often then not just for their own twisted amusement is a sickening notion to her. They seem to be the very antithesis of everything she belives to be right and good. The threat they pose needs to be dealt with, once and for all.
Do you know any of the other NPCs? For instance, what is your relation to Sandru?
NPC Relationships (aside from Koya of course):
Born and Raised in Sandpoint, and the town being as small as it is, means Katarina is well acquainted with every major npc in town (and most, if not all, the "minor" ones). Usually cheerful, friendly and helpful, she is very well-liked by basically everyone in Sandpoint, a sentiment she reciprocates wholeheartedly. Sandpoint is her home after all, and while she aches for adventure, she loves it and its people.
Sandru:
As another orphan Koya took under her loving wing before Katarina was even born, she thinks of him as a member of the family. Just like Koya is simply her mother to her, she thinks of Sandru as her older brother, and she loves him greatly. When she was younger, she loved to hear the tales of his travels (as a caravan guard and later as an adventurer) and used to pester him with all kinds of questions about everything he experienced. Over the years, those tales contributed to fuel her lust for adventure, and she has come to see her older brother as a bit of a hero, and would like nothing better than follow in his footsteps. When, a few years back, Sandru bought a caravan and invited Koya and Katarina to join him in some of his journeys, the young girl was simply overjoyed. Lately, Katarina has added her voice to Koya's to try and persuade Sandru to embark in a long journey outside the Varisian borders... And, of course, take her with them!
Ameiko:
Katarina shares with Ameiko a deep love for stories of wild adventures and daring deeds, as well as the urge to explore new and exotic places. Those common interests, and both women's easy going personality helped to bring them closer and form a lasting friendship. Over the years Ameiko narrated to young Katrina quite a few old tales of great heros and forgotten lands, and even taught her Tien and how to play the samisen (the latter with, uh, questionable results).
Katarina has always had a great deal of admiration for Ameiko, and would surely jump at the opportunity of undertaking an adventure with her.
shalelu:
Shalelu has always been a bit of a mystery to the residents of Sandpoints, and Katarina loves mysteries! The idea of a lonely avenger killing foul beasts and wild goblins to protect the village from afar, like a guardian angel of sorts appeals immensely to her romantic mind. While Katarina has met Shalelu in person quite a few times, her brief visitis and long absences from Sandpoint always prevented her from actually getting to know the elven ranger as well as she would have liked. Nonetheless she knows Shalelu helped Sandpoint greatly over the years with no compensation whatsoever, and she respects and admires her truly.
P.S. Hope your husband is feeling better now
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Joyabrund Northropple
Halfling Bard
Caravan Guard Trait (A note on this later)
Concept: Bard. Support, support, support! Shock and awe, entertain and amaze friend and foe alike. Cast some spells, throw a rock or two, its important to keep your companions well fed, well provisioned and at their fighting best! Knowledge and skills will be his trade and if he can land a blow or throw a spell occasionally, all the better.
Joyabrund specializes in oratory. Stories! Halflings hear a lot of them.
He hails from outside of Korvosa (Baslweif) and has been on a journey of adventure but hasn't gotten too far due to a lack of funds and solid survival ability.
Young Joyabrund travels the southern Varisian coast, seeing the Lady's Light and Magnimar before making port in Sandpoint and hooking up with a rascally human caravan owner who needs capable hands to see to the caravan and loves a story or two himself. (Or so Joyabrund believes)Sandru was even nice enough to teach him how to survive in the wild since Joyabrund is hell bent on "seeing the world" (Baslweif is a mining town and while the halflings love their stories our young bard wants to *live* one if he can)
I won't lie, he won't wander too far from semi-standard Halfling fare but he will be balanced and mentally well. No kender need apply. He likes his home and hearth tasks (cooking, mothering, mending and so on) and likes to see people smile but he knows the score on the road to adventure and will pull his weapon and do his part as best he can.
Probably will focus on performing feats to maximize bardic performance effects and buff, buff, buff. Might throw in some halfling/ranged feats for combat support but the performance is the big thing and then amp up the skills as best I can, a mix of physical and mental skills to cover all the bases.
It would be my preference (if it makes sense) that Joyabrund has been a round long enough in Sandpoint to be a "known" quantity. Halflings love to create homes and the people are swell so he hasn't moved on as fast as he should to get to the "adventurin". Hopefully he would be on cheerful terms with Ameiko, respectful of Koya and probably as mysteriously awed of Shalelu as everyone else is but a stranger after a fact because he is fairly young and inexperienced. (Other than the journey to SP and the caravan work)
I think you have a decent sense of how I construct characters at this point, I try to be mindful of issues of personality and flavor...hopefully that has come across previously. Let me know what you think.
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Name: undecided
Race: Human
Age: 20
Sex: Female
Class: Oracle
Trait: Hero Worship
Role: depending on party makeup, could be primary healer or support caster.
Background:
I was there the day the goblins attacked. Barely 16, I was celebrating the Swallowtail Festival in Sandpoint with my parents, as we did every year, but little did I know how different this year would be. I spent the entire morning loitering near Ameiko’s booth, trying not to get caught staring at the mysterious and beautiful woman while enjoying the fragrant aromas of her cooking. All my life I had watched her in her tavern and wished to be her – courageous, outgoing, fearless - everything I was not. The furthest outside the town I had ever been was the occasional delivery errand for my father to a farm in the hinterlands, but I dreamed of glamorous adventure like Ameiko told in her tales.
All that came crashing down when screams erupted through the crowd and green death cut down my parents before my very eyes. The hideous creatures laughed as blood filled the streets – and all I could do was stand frozen and watch. I was carried away from the town square by the stampeding crowd, and by the time I clawed my way back they were just two lifeless cold dolls as if discarded in the street. I stood there for what seemed like hours lost in despair, having lost everything. Finally I started walking, not knowing where to go, and soon found myself on the road south from Sandpoint.
My head was spinning, and images of death and butterflies seared into my mind as I trudged onward into the night. By the time I stumbled into Magnimar, I was ragged, exhausted, hungry, and cursing Desna for my loss. Four years passed like a blur, working odd jobs to keep myself fed, but never staying in one place long, as my hatred of Desna got me thrown out of taverns and inns all across Varisia.
It was on the lonely road from Korvosa, on a clear starry night that I was suddenly blinded by a light brighter than the sun. My vision began to clear only slightly, and I saw what looked like a giant butterfly floating in the air above me. A voice spoke to me, “Why must you hold such anger? Desna holds no malice towards you, and never has wronged you. We have clouded your vision that you may one day see clearly. Now go back to your birthplace, where The Great Dreamer has an important role for you.”
The darkness of the night returned, and I collapsed in the grass next to the road. When I came to, I felt changed – though my sight was nearly gone, a heavy weight seemed lifted from my heart and I began the long journey back to the home of my childhood.
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Concerning Alinza
Thank you! I was thinking that a Varisian fortune-teller type would be perfect for this AP(not just because there is a specific slot for one in the Caravan Rules).
Let me know if you have any questions for her.
Concerning Raegion
lol! Raegion is my attempt at a brooding conflicted character. Not this type of person myself... you get the picture.
A moot point, but I'm afraid I must disagree with you about the mother. True most elves are chaotic... but what does it really cost her to stay with a human for a mere 20-30 years if it suits her whims? True, she felt grief at his passing, and who wouldn't? Perhaps this devout bond would not have lasted for her entire existence if the sickness, a racial penalty CON, and a short sharp period of grief had not killed her before her time.
Well I'll throw my hat into the ring, as well as try my shot at earning the title for longest back story and or most wall of text post in the thread. :p
I apologize in advance Hu5tru, I'm taking this character concept from one I've been dying to utilize in a game and I get stupid manically detailed in character creation and development. So I must apologize for imposing the reading upon you. Believe it or not the back story is basically the condensed annotated version of a short story I was writing for a pathfinderized version of a character that developed from over various non-PF fantasy RP sessions.
I hope you enjoy taking a look at the character as much as I had creating him.
So anyways here's my male half-orc tiefling with a girls name:
Name: Larin Fahstburg
Race: Tiefling (Half-Orc)
Alignment: Lawful Good
Class: Blade-Bound Magus
Larin Fahstburg is an attempt to break the mold of the common pompous hyper-intelligent or witty charismatic arcane caster. With a much loved bladebound Magus. A Lawful Good Teifling half-orc who has a hasrsh past and has a resulted is a shy introvert who's deeply kind and hides his intelligence behind a mask of culturally ingrained mannerisms such as speaking in a gruff stupid uncivilized manner coupled with his ugly appearance that lures others into believing he's another "stupid half-orc". All the while he holds a litany of knowledge due to a near photographic memory and an ability as Larin would say to "Steals Magics from books". His best stats will be Dexterity and Intelligence making use of dervish dance/weapon finesse to replace str with dex to damage and worst stat will be an abysmal Charisma. He's basically proof that you don't have to behave like English professor to be quite sharp and intelligent.
Example Stats: (20-points)
STR: 11 Dex: 18 Con: 12 Int: 18 Wis: 10 Cha: 6
I realize charisma dumping isn't the way to go due to the relationship mechanics, but I'm actually looking forward to failing those checks as I find playing him as a character who's well meaning and sweet, but aloof and not very attractive will be enjoyable.
I'm also a sucker for Half-Orcs males with girl names. I find it absurd and cute. The black-blade concept is also well worked through his back story allowing for his intelligent item to be radically apposed to his own alignment which takes on the personality of his brother abusing the evil-twin trope.
Larin was born in Belken to the father of an insane orc sorcerer Morgax the Mad-Eye of the bloodmaw clan. The tale of his and his fraternal twins conception is truly a dark one. Belken is a brutal environment inhabited by numerous orc tribes, but one settlement stands out amongst the rest, Trunua the only human settlement. When the borders of Lastwall receded 200 years ago one settlement stayed off orcish advances and met the war mongering tribes head on that settlement was comprised of the proud people of Trunua. Beset on all sides by enemies Trunua occasionally trades with orcs, but frequently goes sends out heavily armed caravans to the south east to trade with lastwall; it's on one of these caravans that the brave fierce young woman who Larin would eventually style his own name after guarded bravely even in the face of orcish slavers that would end up outnumbering them 10 to one, this woman was Larins mother.
After a bloody battle in which Laureen Frostbaurg fought orcish slavers fiercely slaying 3 for every one that laid a scratch on her. She eventually was overtaken by their sheer numbers and finding her to be a strong adversary the orcs where inclined to keep her as strong slaves hold greater value. The tale of her exploits attracted the attention of one of the clans leaders Morgax the Mad-Eye who harbored insane dreams fathering a great leader to rival Wyvernsting's Hundrux the half-man. So insane that he preformed a diabolical ritual involving the siring a child with Laureen and feeding her primarily the blood of imps and sacrificed virgins while praying to many of hells arch-devils. His insane plan would bear fruit upon Laureen death in giving birth to twin tieflings Larin and Galvior both marked with infernal taint.
Both twins appeared more human than orc, but their infernal parentage was obvious to those that examined them. Galvior's infernal heritage was far more pronounced with single long devils horn on the right side of his forehead and an infernal birthmark along his back in the symbol of Geyron the serpentine arch-devil of blaspheme his back compared to Larins small vestigial horn along the left side of his forehead. Galvior was exceptionally strong, but his true gift rested with his cunning charisma, silver tongue, and innate aptitude for sorcery. Larin by comparison was weak though very dexterous he was overlooked as the weaker of the twins the one that displayed the weak pink-skinned tendencies of his heritage and a failure in the eyes of his abet insane father.
Larin's early life was troubled he wasn't suited for much among his tribe and they rarely ever let him forget it. While Galvior was strong and taken in by the tutelage of their sorcerous father Larin was left to fend for himself and soon found his duties relegated to tending to feeding the tribes slaves little more than a slave himself. Although Galvior was by no means kind he held a soft spot for his brother and often looked after him. Larin soon developed a fondness for the humans the bloodmaw clan took in as slaves and spent most of his time trying to make their lives comfortable, wherein he discovered his first passion one that would be overlooked by his full-blooded orc brethren, cooking.
One day Galvior convinced the tribe to do business with human slavers outside of the normal trade city of Urgir. The orcs motivated by greed accepted the idea and met the slave traders on a plateau to do business bringing Galvior along as they where his contacts and Larin as he was the subjected to caring for their stock along the journey. The deal was an ambush the slavers knowing full well that paying for the slaves was much more trouble then simply killing the orcs and taking the stock themselves, a notion that wasn't lost on Galviors cunning as the event was unfolded according to his plans. The slavers seeing no reason to split the take with a stupid half-orc abomination quickly slapped the chains on Galvior which among almost all things was no surprise to him.
Along the journey to Riddleport across the treacherous Storval plateau many of the slavers fell victim to Galviors silver tongue and the share of the bounty for each increased as one by one the slavers turned on each other murdering one another for profit. Upon reaching Riddleport Galvior convinced a wealthy chelaxian noble Jerref Borgan shopping for servants on the black market to purchase both him and his brother with a wild display of sorcery killing the final remaining two slavers before offering his services to the nobleman as a body guard and enforcer. Golvior forged the papers and then sold the remaining "cargo" himself making a tiny profit proceeded to follow his new master a slave in name only.
Larin found his new home among the reclusive chelexian noble unnerving. Unfamiliar with civilized lands he found himself out of place in the chelaxian manor. Having no particular skill set he was put to work as a cook and servant. During his time of servitude he found his second passion while cleaning his masters study, he stumbled upon an old spell book along many books on magical theory and lore. He took to cleaning the study 3 times a week after teaching himself to read after only a few short days where he would spend much of his time neglecting his duties absorbing knowledge at a ferocious pace. His cooking was sublime and he soon ingratiated himself with the masters son Relgaius who took a liking to the strange tiefling. During dinner one evening he took part in foiling an assassination plot on his master and his young son while Galvior successful in stopping two of assassin one made a move on Relgaius surprising to all in attendance Larin struck out setting scorching the assasin with arcane electricity. This dumbfounded all in attendance including the assassin who didn't expect an attack from the mere servant and most notably Galvior who had tipped the assassins off from the beginning. Jerref quickly gave Larin the charge of protecting his son and unfettered access to his study.
Soon thereafter the manner was attacked by a group of belflower network agents led by a eagle knight in an attempt to free the servants of the manner from their bondage. The incident of course was orchestrated by Galvior and proved to be bloody, but during the fighting Larin turned to protect his quarry the young Relgaius seeing it as his duty. He found Relgaius dead beside his father in the study that he had spent so many hour in with his brother towering over the bodies a coy smile on his face. In a fit of rage he smashed open a display case protecting an ancient Thassilonian blade and fought his brother in a bitter and bloody struggle. Little did he know of the ancient magics that bound the blade and attuned to him once his blood rand down it's hilt and bonded it to him. Nor did he realize that slaying his brother with the blade would rip a part of Galviors soul and bind it to the intelligent item taking on his personality.
After the calamity at the manor Larin quickly went into hiding and fled Riddleport suspected of murder by friends and family of his former master. He carved off his small horn and scarred his face in the process in an attempt to get rid of any strong identifying marks distinguishing marks. He eventually made it to Sandpoint where he took a job immediately as a caravan guard/cook on Sandru's caravan looking for an easy way to keep on the move without drawing much attention. He enjoyed the trip and is very much looking for a means to get as far away from Varisia to put distance between the crimes he's accused of as possible and a extended caravan trip across the crown of the world seems a fantastic opportunity for that.
P.S. - I know that slavery in Varisia is pretty much not lawful, but Riddleport is pretty much a lawless place where power means you can do anything you want environment including having servants who you don't pay and bar from leaving the premises.
Larin is by no means attractive. He's shorter and slenderer than the standard half-orc and his face is mangled from being picked on by full-blooded orcs as a child. His forehead is scarred horribly from when he cut of his vestigial horn (hell-boy style). His skin is a dark complexion with olive green tint betraying marking his orcish heritage. His hair is ashen black dirty and unkempt and poorly groomed as he tends to be his own barber and is frequently worried about cutting himself. He wears worn out studded leather armor and rags for clothes and still retains a shackle around his left arm that formerly bound him with lesser geas spell as a servant a token he's hesitant to remove as he still holds loyalty to his dead masters. Besides his horn his fingernails grow in sharp and his knees are double jointed which is surprisingly more useful than you'd think when dodging blows from more burly attackers. His body is riddled with scars from fights where he wasn't able to dodge fast enough. His most beautiful trait however is his hazel eyes, which is usually overlooked due to his undesirable appearance.
A shy introvert Larin is weary of those who are strong, assertive, or powerful. Spending most of his life as either a servant/slave or the lowest of respected members of his orc clan he naturally gravitates to subservient positions while taking care to hide his intellect. He often makes the mistake of calling his employer master or chief out of sheer habit. He is ravenous about both reading books and cooking for others. The greatest joy he finds is escaping the mundane through dusty tomes (yes I'm advocating for a nerd to play a nerdy character) or watching others as they enjoy his cooking. He likes to avoid confrontation whenever possible, but doesn't hesitate to stand up for others. He has an extremely negative view on slavery, but is hesitant towards challenging large institutions unless they're overtly cruel. His favorite foods include cheese, olives, and various types of jams.
The build for Larin makes him a flexible character. A blade-bound Magus taking Dervish-Dance/Weapon finesse he'll be able to be a good melee striker. He can also pick up the role as a knowledge monkey or mid-grade skill monkey due to his high intelligence and decent skill points. He's also able to cover the role of arcane caster when needed as he'll have access to a good amount of arcane spells for utility/battlefield control.
He won't be very good at being a party talker or healer, but he can fill most other roles fluidly when needed.
Basically a jack-of-most-trades with an ability to do fair amounts of damage in most situations.
Last set?
Sorry for being quiet lately. Took a night off to hang out with my husband.
I'll no longer be taking applications as of my noon tomorrow (I'm at GMT +1), and will have my decision up later that evening. Which would be afternoon time for those of you on the North American continent.
I love clerics. And clerics with a reason to be reasonable in a situation of crisis are even better.
Desna does not really have a dogma. She's a chaotic goddess of “find your own way.” According to the Faiths of Purity book, that's exactly what her devout do.
So, Inquisitor of Desna... fighting monsters that attack travelers? That I can see. And protecting travelers as well. What do you plan on doing with him for the other seventeen levels? How do you seem him progressing as a character?
What is Debian's curse? Would his love of life necessarily lend to wanting to cross the Crown of the World to fight monsters on the other side of it?
Finally someone posts a bard concept! I mean, this campaign is perfect for one! I like very much. I think that having a halfling bard for comic relief when stuff is in the poo would be great.
Desna is not big on direct intervention in the life of her adherents, in fact it's pretty much frowned upon. She is of the spheres, and she influences dreams and sleep.
Since you're of Sandpoint, what do you know of the primary NPCs? You indicated hero worship for your trait, but I don't see any reference to it in your background.
You lost me at half-orc tiefling. Either you are a core race, or you're not.
And dumping charisma in my games means that you don't get recognized. For all intents and purposes, charisma less than seven means that no NPCs see you, and they certainly would not listen to you, and I would instruct players to bear that in mind as well. A lot of animals have better than 6 charisma.
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Honestly I don't think any of the gods in Golarion are big on intervention, but I figure every once in awhile there has to be an exception, especially in the case of Oracles, who are more chosen by the gods, as opposed to Clerics choosing a life of service themselves. Honestly it was a matter of figuring out how an Oracle might come to be one, and how she might have received her curse (which is an integral part of the class) and I picked Desna because of the strong tie-in to previous events in her past in Sandpoint, and because she has a herald that fit what I was trying to do fairly well (that wasn't Desna herself who appeared to her).
I mentioned several things about Ameiko in the first paragraph - she is the object of her worship. While she may be acquaintances of the other NPCs, she spent every possible opportunity passing an evening listing to her tales in The Rusty Dragon and dreaming of a life bigger than what she had in Sandpoint. I imagine when she returns to Sandpoint and sees Ameiko again all those feelings she had buried for the last few years would come rushing back.
Also, I settled on a name: Lina Balgund
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Yeah I was tapping my chin for a while when you said you were starting this up. I am in another JR game (With Daniel Stewart if I recall correctly) that is moving like molasses and slowly shedding players and I was thinking about the types of characters and what I felt like was missing.
I've been thinking that something "fun" to play would be something er...fun. We are not far into the AP but I could see a bard, especially an agreeable one who is willing to get dirty, would be useful but can lighten the mood.
I always thought most haflings by nature would be endearing and sometimes I think the trend amongst players is push against some of the old tropes but frankly they get pushed on so hard the only halflings you see are these pseudo-goth depressed creatures that don't seem to have any spark to them. Halflings scream "joie de vivre" to me.
I'm glad you like. Let me know if there are any other details you want hammered out.
You lost me at half-orc tiefling. Either you are a core race, or you're not.
The character is a tiefling, with no racial traits of a half orc. Half-orc is merely a by product of being born between human/orc much in the same manner a tiefling can be of chelaxian/varisian/shoanti/magwai decent.
Unless infernal heritage is somehow limited to blond haired blue eyed pure blood human beings.
Same situation with a human who bears a child with an elf vampire and create a dhampir. The dhampir is clearly not a straight human. It looks much like a dhampir one of whose parents is an elf. There's no benefit from it aside from people remarking "look at that strange looking half-elf and my he's got pointy teeth".
If you where thinking I was suggesting 2-races or some shennanigans I'm not. The character is blatantly simply just a tiefling. He's just not a one born of two humans. Just working under the assumption that infernal hellspawns don't consistently form 1 vanilla humans. If that disqualifies the character than that's unfortunate I guess.
And dumping charisma in my games means that you don't get recognized. For all intents and purposes, charisma less than seven means that no NPCs see you, and they certainly would not listen to you, and I would instruct players to bear that in mind as well. A lot of animals have better than 6 charisma.
Don't need to dump it to 6 merely just what I grabbed off-shelf due to tieflings -2 to CHA. The build has 3 variable dump-stats, (STR,WIS,CHA). Can easily get away with a 10 in CHA for an 8 in both others up simply dump to 8/9 instead. All its damage comes from Dex anyways and spell casting comes from INT.
I intend for the character to be shy, aloof, and bad at social interactions. An ugly OCD Magus who despite not being able to function well socially is kinder than a puppy. He merely forgets not to lie when a lady asks if the dress makes her look fat, when the lady is fat. Hoping for a beauty and the beast interaction if romance flies or at the very least "awwww shucks that ugly fellow sure is nice even if he's rough around the edges".
Either way thanks for the consideration! I know you've got a ton of candidates good luck choosing between them all.