Erm, sorry. Solari was just my suggestion of trying to help Sunny to a working concept, based on his. He did suggest to connect to my character after all. Making something like this up doesn't take me very long. IT IS NOT MY SUBMISSION! (For the love of god, while I did play with the idea of submitting a prostitute, I certainly wouldn't make it like this.)
It's just a relatively quick draft. To answer your question: She remembers the name of the ship of the pirates and found out that they were located in Riddleport. Who was on the crew she learned from fellow Calistrians. She only kills those, however. Genocide, killing every pirate in resistance, might be overdoing it.
But since it isn't really my submission it doesn't really matter. Sorry for confusing you and making you read this. :/
I actually have a friend who ran a Bards-only battle of the bands PbP on these boards a couple of years ago. I believe it fell apart when they were locked in a cage with lions and forced to do a performance combat with a hostile audience. I think they were losing.
I have a friend (who is coincidentally going to play in this game, I think) who wanted to start up a bard/paladin game. Everyone would be bards, in a battle of the bands, but then would swear revenge and become paladins upon their defeat at the hands of succubi.
Okay, so I like the two new applications quite a bit, actually. First of all, get on looking through the other applicants to have a connection with one of the other PCs.
Second, Fulko, are there any lasting repercusssions of his relationship with his "uncle" that could show themselves in future personal relationships?
Third, Solari, how focused is she on her pirate-hating venture? Does she know what pirates she's looking for or is she just looking for "pirates"?
And my final thing that I'm saying is that with those two new applicants, I'm closing recruitment. I'm not looking for further applicants, as I'm sure that I can craft exactly the party I want from the current pool. Decisions will be coming in a couple more days, when everyone's gotten caught up.
Yes as it was stressed upon; Fulko has trust issues thanks to the big lie that encompassed both his childhood and his teen years which could make personal relationships difficult but not impossible, character development is important after all, and because of the controlling nature of his 'uncle' Fulko has a tough time dealing with authority and the law(Even though he technically works for law-keepers, since he's a bounty hunter) which explains his CN alignment.
I've looked through some of the other pc's earlier, and will move on to the rest then I'll propose a character connection with one of them and see how they feel about it.
Perhaps Rel came down from Sandpoint with Shayliss? He is wise enough to know he isn't a real bard, but he does love to make music. Come on, Shayliss, they pay better, and no goblins! Oh, and there's also this blot of darkness...
She might have come over Sandpoint... she came by ship, but maybe she didn't find one straight to Riddleport, so she traveled to Sandpoint instead and found you there while looking around in the harbor. (I would have preferred not being your reason for being there, but it works alright.)
Then we don't need the letter, we just meet and I tell you what I heard from travelling clerics of Desna.
Road trip buddies works for me, yeah. Shayliss finds these two (or, one of these two, depending who makes the cut and all) passing through town, grabs some extra supplies from her father's store for the trip, and in exchange has them do all the talking on the trip up so nobody tips off her overprotective pugilistic shopkeep of a father just where she's running off to.
I could also see bumping into Trig along the way up, having one of those comedic misunderstandings of running away from the goblin with the crazy makeshift weapon, tripping over a root, getting menaced by something more dangerous, whose face is then blown off. Tada, someone can vouch for the little green weirdo.
Similarly Borden would make an easy target for a fresh "big tough adventurer type" crush although bards are unfortunately prone to making eachother redundant without weird archetypes coming in. Of course, really, a fresh "big tough adventurer type" crush could apply just as easily to everyone considering her backstory and all.
Also hey, thinking ahead a bit- How do you handle bards ending up with redundant skill points due to versatile performance? Do I need to take the long view and avoid wasting points on things I'm eventually going to cover by performing, or could I, say, put ranks in diplomacy to start off, then slide them into something else when Perform: Oratory starts covering diplomacy and sense motive for me?
Character sheet updated by the way, couple skill and equipment tweaks.
Oh and does free weapon finesse translate to free agile maneuvers too?
Feuerrabe here.
I've created an alias for the character. The original background is complete in English now. I still have to write a little bridge to get her to Riddleport.
Unfortunately the name was already taken, so I had to squeeze in a "Last Name", even though "Lluvia" is supposed to be a synonym under which she goes, so she would actually not have a last name.
@Tia - I just notice our attribute selection is identical (apart from both being CG Female Elves). :) I think I'd very much enjoy teaming up with you. How did you manage Hero Labs to give you "Varisian" as language? It seems I can't even take it for the point I invested in linguistics...
I did that by hand n_n
Also, two Magi in one party? That would be interesting. And the other characters are really cool! I'd totally be down for partying with any of you all!
For Kezia, its less about money and more about..excitement. She grew up hearing her father's bardic stories of heroes. The ones about heroes who got revenge in an anti-heroic sort of manner always struck a cord with her. Her desire to become a pirate was simply a desire to find excitement and a taste of that sort of freedom—not hunting random ships but say, slave ships from Cheliax and the like.
She has an addictive personality so got caught up in the gambling dens which have...delayed her attempts to go sailing so far. That and she has absolutely no experience as a sailor. She's an explorer and adrenaline-junkie at heart, looking for opportunity and new experiences.
Character Connections
I could see Shayliss & Kezia have a bit of backstory together. Both left their homes, although for drastically different reasons, for a taste of opportunity and glamour in a large city. Kezia is the type to drag others into crazy shenanigans or poke her nose into opportunities for adventure and excitement, even better if its something dangerous.
Slumming around in the underground with Kaars wouldn't be unusual. Sure, a creepy giant rat person is a bit odd, but one can't really complain when they try to hide large goat horns with a broad-brimmed black hat. While fairly independent, Kezia's more obnoxious and prone to mischief when with others, so she'd welcome company at the tournament. Especially if the furry-headed alchemist brought good luck!
I went over the first part of the background story again, "The Rain", simplified a few unnecessarily difficult formulations, removed superfluous sentences. I must admit it reads a little clumsy, because keep referring to the protagonist only as "she"... That is because the "she" hasn't found her name during the story. I used to overuse participle constructions in my story; now that I managed to avoid them I have kinda fallen into the opposite extreme.
However, it should easier to read now. I'll look at the second part tomorrow, too. It should be simpler, though, because it's formulated as a letter and Lluvia is telling the story from her own perspective in detail, I am not exclusively talking about her.
About all the connecting... I would write something specifically aimed at Shay. Apart from the common connection to Relverest we would have likely simply met on the street from Sandpoint to Riddleport. Lluvia would have been curious about you and taken delight in the music you play, even though she isn't exactly a cheerful type. If you already knew about the tournament that was to take place in Riddleport she would have tried to ask you out about it and dropped some veiled remarks that it might be dangerous. She discloses on her own accord that she's assisting the clergy of Desna, but everything else might require some prodding.
Tia, even though there are some things in your background Lluvia would not agree to - "Hearing Tia's lament, she told her that the best art cannot be learned, but simply made by those with the passion for it.", Lluvia would say true art requires a vision, devotion and commitment, it doesn't just fall into your lap - we might still create a possible connection between our character's story. But I need bit to work with. What is she doing in the city? Where does she go? What does she do?
I think that two elven women, a spelldancer and a rogue who's going to be shadow dancer would fit well together and Lluvia might indeed be interested in the art you make out of it, ask you to show her your dance and maybe some moves. Lluvia doesn't have any ranks in Perform (Dance) yet, but she's gonna need them eventually.
Wrote lots of explaining stuffs...
Thank'e muchly fer offerin' ta' be helpin' an' all! (^_^)
Um...I'm not sure how best to present the background build that I've worked through in Hero-Lab?
Any one have suggestions on the best way to gather up the file/folder and send it to DM leinathan ?
Sorry I am fer takin' liberties with me character generation.
I promise ta be all sorts of good in'a adventure. (^_^)
Very much cheers to all.
@Lluvia: Of course art doesn't simply land in your lap (unless it's fallen off the wall or off a pedestal maybe). Tia's faith and her drive to blend the beautiful forms of martial and arcane techniques melds well with her faith in Shelyn. That's commitment, especially when her own clan believes it may not be a too-wise idea or technique.
She's in the city under orders to investigate the odd cloud in the sky. How she does so is up to her, but she plans on meeting with the Cyphers and discussing it with them. As for where she goes, I left her background open with the idea that her 'friend' is a resident in or near the city. What is she doing? Visiting said friend, and looking forward to a fun night at a gambling hall with them before possibly settling in and studying the mystery literally looming overhead.
And a Shadow Dancer rogue with a Spell Dancer Magus would be a really fun combination. You could 'ground me' and keep me focused and thinking, I could tutor you in dance and skill to where you eventually merge those with the Rogue's focus on the shadows.
So far it looks like a lot of Elves have signed on to try. n_n
Wrote lots of explaining stuffs...Um...I'm not sure how best to present the background build that I've worked through in Hero-Lab?
It seems to that you already know how to export a hero stat block from Hero Labs. The story you wrote in the "Personal" section should be included in it.
You can hide it in a button if you wrap "spoiler" tags around it. Below the text input window on this website is a description how to format your text.
Ah! Thank'e Lluvia! So it's one of the other functions available? I'll open Hero lab and see if I can find it. (^_^)
(^_^) *Hugz* Tia'Malavel.
*Bounces and skips around* I like dancin' too!. (^_^)
Much cheers and best wishes to all.
She's in the city under orders to investigate the odd cloud in the sky. How she does so is up to her, but she plans on meeting with the Cyphers and discussing it with them. As for where she goes, I left her background open with the idea that her 'friend' is a resident in or near the city. What is she doing? Visiting said friend, and looking forward to a fun night at a gambling hall with them before possibly settling in and studying the mystery literally looming overhead.
The most likely place for us to meet then is in a gambling hall then. Even though she doesn't gamble herself Lluvia visits them to meet with the clergy of Desna, with whom she is discussing similar issues. Either that peeked her interest or they just came to chat simply because they are both elves and curious about each other. Given their relationships to allied deities and their common interest it's seems reasonable they'd work together to solve the mysteries of the city.
@Sunny No, the spoiler tags are a function of this forum. You have to edit them in manually. Hero Labs can't do it for you. The description "How to format your text" is below the text entry window of this forum.
Yes, much cheers and best wishes to all! Let's all keep our fingers crossed!
@Lluvia: Sounds about right. We could be friends with differing world views but ties via our faith and race. After all, the player's guide says that Elves are a minority in the city.
@Sunny No, the spoiler tags are a function of this forum. You have to edit them in manually. Hero Labs can't do it for you. The description "How to format your text" is below the text entry window of this forum.
It's getting the race build information out of the dang Hero Lab which is eluding me at the moment. *Sigh*
(^_~)
So...Sunny came into town(Riddleport) on a boat. Who else arrived this way?
She's also hanging out at the temple to the Goddess. That's where Lluvia is staying, right? So...Sunny might have crossed paths with Lluvia there?
Per the ARG entry for Tieflings, they do not have to be based on human stock.
Would you have a problem with a gnome tiefling? The Court of the Ether is a pretty nasty place, and I think a half-demon gnome would fit right in.
@Sunny: Came in by foot. Then again, the Mierani Forest is just a short ways away. Few days in good travel. Hmm... Now that I think about it, a lot of folks don't tend to start off owning property... Mayhaps the GM could remedy this by giving a player (randomly selected, I suppose) a small house in the city.
Or maybe we're all hobos? n_n
Who be hobobin'? I be stayin' in'a nice temple, jus' over there. Ye can't miss it. Is big, an' painted all red, like...or issat crimson? *frowns and peers into distance*
Anywho, they's right nice folks an' they be showin' me all sorts of in'erestin' an' naffy things! (^_^)
Though, should y'self be needin' it, I've some shine kept safe there...? :)
Much cheers to all.
@Sunny: So, where exactly are you from, save somewhere south? I see you chose Polyglot, which probably means you hail from Garund, probably near local Mwangi tribes. Sargava maybe?
@Nightdeath: Sorry to hear that. Best of luck in all future gaming endeavors, okay?
Leinathan, good luck in choosing the players! Great bunch of submissions.
I agree that two elven dancers are an interesting bit of synergy. Rel is a mere cleric with a love of the violin, but all followers of Shelyn are afficionados of the true masters of the arts.
It seems reasonable that Relverest would run into Tia in a way something like this:
Just days after arriving in Riddleport, enjoying the street art and dodging refuse, some in sessile heaps and some flung directly at him, Relverest spotted another cleric of Shelyn in the foggy distance. 'The art in me honors the art in y...' he began, then stopped, realizing this was not a fellow acolyte, but a somewhat disgruntled, looming elven woman, her glaive strapped to her back in a rather martial fashion. 'Begging your pardon, good Lady; I mistook you for one of my faith. May I ask, how did you come by that glaive?'
The aasimar's politesse and clear-eyed kindness were a welcome relief to Tia, who had disliked the city enough on her first visit, and was in a foul mood at having been ordered to return. They fell into conversation easily. 'I must speak with one of your kinswomen, one Lluvia. Perhaps you know of her? I'm headed there now.'
@Axolotl: Yep, worshipers of Shelyn for the win! As for the RP post... Well, I'm willing to respond, but some DM's don't like their recruitment threads filling up with them. I'll wait until I hear a yea or nay from Leinathan, kay?
About all the connecting... I would write something specifically aimed at Shay. Apart from the common connection to Relverest we would have likely simply met on the street from Sandpoint to Riddleport. Lluvia would have been curious about you and taken delight in the music you play, even though she isn't exactly a cheerful type. If you already knew about the tournament that was to take place in Riddleport she would have tried to ask you out about it and dropped some veiled remarks that it might be dangerous. She discloses on her own accord that she's assisting the clergy of Desna, but everything else might require some prodding.
Unless I tweak things again, it'll be more along the lines of telling upbeat stories. Just acting, dancing, and oration on the performance front so far. Otherwise though yeah, that sounds about right. Putting overly optimistic spins on finding fame and fortune in Riddleport, downplaying how it's a hive of scum and villainy way too much.
@Sunny: Came in by foot. Then again, the Mierani Forest is just a short ways away. Few days in good travel. Hmm... Now that I think about it, a lot of folks don't tend to start off owning property... Mayhaps the GM could remedy this by giving a player (randomly selected, I suppose) a small house in the city.
Or maybe we're all hobos? n_n
As a general rule of thumb, APs do a good job of keeping everyone off the streets. Either you have campaign traits specifically based on being a lifelong citizen of wherever it is things kick off from, or they set the whole party up with a decent place to crash for free early on. Sometimes they'll do both, just to cover all the bases.
In this case, the campaign traits are largely focused on out of towners, so it's pretty safe to assume offers of a place to stay should be coming in before anyone needs any sleep.
@Googleshng: Ah! Now that I think about it, that does seem to be the case... Just wanted to make sure that Tia here doesn't wind up on the streets. And a hive of scum of villainy? Aren't most adventure starts in similar places (well, those with an urban touch to them, like Council of Thieves, Legacy of Fire, and such?
Per the ARG entry for Tieflings, they do not have to be based on human stock.
** spoiler omitted **
Would you have a problem with a gnome tiefling? The Court of the Ether is a pretty nasty place, and I think a half-demon gnome would fit right in.
No problem with a gnome tiefling, if you're feeling the itch.
@Axolotl: Yep, worshipers of Shelyn for the win! As for the RP post... Well, I'm willing to respond, but some DM's don't like their recruitment threads filling up with them. I'll wait until I hear a yea or nay from Leinathan, kay?
Also, I fully encourage the RP discourse that comes from interactions :) It'll help solidify relationships and give me a better idea of your characters.
Alright, I want to narrow it down, based off of activity in the thread and the characters that I like the best. I can't quite make a full decision at the moment, but hopefully this helps.
Kezia - Female CG tiefling witch (optimistic gambler)
Calondrel Aural - Male CG elf magus (researching the blot)
Lluvia - Female CG elf rogue (scouting for fiends)
Piouza - Female CG Varisian human rogue (scouting for fiends)
Kaars Arden - Male CN ratfolk beastmorph/vivisectionist alchemist (scouting for fiends)
Tia'malavel - Female CG elf spell dancer magus (into enemy territory)
Shayliss Vinder - Female CG human bard (looking for work)
Relverest Danarin - Male NG aasimar cleric of Shelyn (looking for work)
Fulko - Male CN human barbarian (looking for work)
Hilde Alfborne's impending rewrite - I'm interested, but it requires closer review.
Alright, if your character is above, please stick around for further discussion. I'll give things careful thought. I also need to wait on my real-life friends, just a little bit, for them to work on their characters a little more. My decision will be soon, soon enough.
I do have ONE more question for the above players. It's kind of silly.
Does your character like adventuring? If so, why? If not, why? That is so say, is it something they feel that have to do, or something they want? If it's something they have to do, why do they do it? If it's something they want, why do they want it more than other things?
@Sunny: So, where exactly are you from, save somewhere south? I see you chose Polyglot, which probably means you hail from Garund, probably near local Mwangi tribes. Sargava maybe?
Actually...from islands out at sea, West-South-West of the 'Great eye'. Pretty much all are so small a speck of land they don't generally show up on maps.
Hence, me illustration => Island Elf
Though, from me cousin's (Twice removed on me sisters, Uncle's side) island ye can almost see the great, swirling cloud over there on the horizon....If ye maybe climb a really tall tree, like...
(^_^)
Sunny has bin sailin'! XD
Hence why I were askin' who else come by boat ta' Riddleport. (^_~)
Still trying to figure out how to make Herolab show the page of the character build that I want it to show. I can't even highlight the page info and cut and paste. Is passing strange.
EDIT: Awe.... :(
Well...wishin' every one all tha' very best! May tha' sun shine brightly an' tha' wind always be at yer back! *waves* (^_^)
@Googleshng: Ah! Now that I think about it, that does seem to be the case... Just wanted to make sure that Tia here doesn't wind up on the streets. And a hive of scum of villainy? Aren't most adventure starts in similar places (well, those with an urban touch to them, like Council of Thieves, Legacy of Fire, and such?
I wouldn't say that. Legacy of Fire is really more of a "sheriffs strutting in to clean up the streets" sort of setup (although there IS a location in the first book with a strong Mos Eisley vibe). Curse of the Crimson Throne is very urban, and it's really set in more of a hellhole than a hive full of scum, and more exploratory APs tend to be set, at least initially, in perfectly pleasant places.
Riddleport though? Even going just by the slang primer in the Player's Guide, really does come off like the sort of place whose demgraphics break down as something like 60% Thieves, 15% Scoundrels, 10% Pirates.
And oh hey, naturally while I'm typing that...
I do have ONE more question for the above players. It's kind of silly.
Does your character like adventuring? If so, why? If not, why? That is so say, is it something they feel that have to do, or something they want? If it's something they have to do, why do they do it? If it's something they want, why do they want it more than other things?
Not a silly question at all really.
Shayliss is incredibly fond of the idea of adventuring, but her understanding of what's involved is a very much romanticized version. One where tall handsome heros are constantly swinging in on chandeliers to skewer menacing goblins on the tips of their rapiers, and where she'd spend most of the time looking out over the majestic skylines of strange fanciful cities or old ruins, before finding glittering heaps of treasure by hitting the right key on a piano.
The actual practical version of adventuring though? Where she might have to deal with ghouls clawing at her throat, eating cold trail rations while sleeping in a muddy cave, and not even having anywhere to take a decent bath afterwards, these are things that she is less inclined to include in any starry-eyed daydreaming.
And wow, that is still a rather long list. Don't envy you paring that down to... what? Three or four people, plus a friend or two not pitching their characters publicly?
Tia'Malavel looks over at the man, an eyebrow raised. "Well, I am a member of the faith of the Eternal Rose." He was different looking, an aura about him that just screamed goodness. "I found it in Magnimar one odd day. A beautiful weapon, one I treasure deeply. I feel almost that it was a sign from the Artist herself."
They chatted for a time until mention of Lluvia arises. [b]"Why yes, I was just trying to spot my friend. She may be near the temple of Calistria. Would you care to join me in the walk?" She smiles at the Aasimar, perhaps her brightest smile since originally leaving Riddleport.
@Leinathan: Tia loves wandering, and anything to improve her skill is appreciated. She sees that the possible blending of steel and spell, combined with innate elven grace, may be one of the most beautiful art forms achievable. That said, she does feel her elders sort of pushed her out, but even so, she is going to make as best of it as possible.
Kaars wouldn't say he likes 'adventuring'. Though he has already had a taste of adventure in the scramble across Varisia to stay alive. He couldn't have done anything to stop the invasion and destruction of his home so all he could do was run. He would not like the thought of his home (riddleport has become a sort of home for him again) to be destroyed again and if the Fiends in riddleport want to rule or control everything there that would be about the same. He has learnt of the evil of the fiends and would oppose them here. Though he is CN right now I think he will be becoming CG after not too long (likely always chaotic though). He will give up the not so good things he is doing (dealer/black market). If things turn bad for the world he will have to find a reason to fight instead of run and find somewhere at the edge of the world to hide. He will most likely not be so cowardly and if Diina is found or evidence that she is alive he would never give up.
Tldr: So adventuring because he must do what he can because he doesn't want to run if he can do something and adventuring because there might be something he wants/needs to save/protect more than himself.
For Piouza - Have her encounters with men in the past influenced how she sees men in general? That is to say, does she hate men? I got the impression that she does. If so, what would she do in the presence of a male party member?
Does your character like adventuring? If so, why? If not, why? That is so say, is it something they feel that have to do, or something they want? If it's something they have to do, why do they do it? If it's something they want, why do they want it more than other things?
That's tricky. Lluvia considers what she does a calling. Not only metaphorically, but literally, by Desna. She realizes that she's good at it and she takes pride in it. So yes, you might say that she likes it because it gives her certain kind of fulfillment and purpose. But she doesn't like killing people, not even monstrous types, she doesn't like loosing people close to her and not knowing whether she will survive to see another day. Still she does what she can to help those lost in darkness - physical or otherwise.
There are things she does enjoy. Breaking and entering into an empty place without leaving a trace, let alone being caught. Playing court games for information, especially if the opponent isn't strictly an enemy...
I updated the traits and the back-story. Plus I worked in your previous question. With the traits, she’d gain one next level (planned to be Dervish Dance) so I’ve added Scimitar at L1, although she’ll use the rapier to begin with. Again, it’s worked into the story.
I still haven’t sorted out any spending, so the weapons in the crunch are there for illustrative purposes only at this point.
As before, if selected, I would appreciate advice on what languages would be useful.
I’ll add the linking elements in the next couple of hours.
As young women go, Piouza is a typical Varisian physically. She has dusky skin and large, expressive golden eyes. Her hair is a very deep shade of brown that has a hint of redness in the right light.
By day, she’s every inch a Varisian, wearing flowing, beautifully embroidered garments of red, green, blue, and purple, often adorned with strings of coins and tiny bells. She’ll also wear scarves in a myriad of colours with all outfits, following the superstitious beliefs that the colour and material of the scarves influence fate.
Following the fashion, she loves her brightly coloured, intricate, and personally significant tattoos. She was also blessed to enter the world with a tattoo in the form of a birthmark. These “birth tattoos” bear little resemblance to conventional birthmarks. Hers is an elaborate and multicoloured representation of the Dawnflower on her right shoulder.
She’s lithe and long-limbed and has the athletic grace of a natural dancer – something she learned from her mother. Music and dance are a significant part of Varisian culture and her mother had a song for every occasion, grand and mundane, even for tasks such as washing the dishes or building a fire. And Piouza added the moves that formed the dance to accompany her.
Wearing her dancing clothes during the day, she is every inch a young lady. When she’s not in her ‘day job’, she will be found in well-worn leather armour. But don’t let that fool you into thinking she’s in some way a tomboy. Her fighting style is all about grace and movement rather than brute force – some go as far to say her fighting is like just like one of her dances.
Piouza is outwardly confident but this hides a deep-seated insecurity about her life decisions. She’s looking for either some strong guidance or a sign that tells her the way to go. Her skills and learning have led to the life on the wrong side of the law – but it’s in itself a vocation that’s in two minds. It is both moral and illegal at the same time. Piouza’s personality mirrors this turmoil. She’s frequently looking for reassurance that she’s making (and has made) the right decision.
Riddleport is a busy town and it has had its fair share of dark times. This is ideal for a young woman with a hankering for adventurer. And that’s Piouza’s second key characteristic. She’s a risk-taker, a daredevil. And there’s plenty to meet that need in this town.
Linked to that adrenaline thrill is a desire to be in the spotlight. Insecurities or not, she could have just been a barmaid. But she chose to dance too. Regardless of life-decisions, Piouza knows what she’s good at and likes to demonstrate her proficiency. Confident or arrogant? It’s a fine line that she walks at times.
Another facet to Piouza’s personality is her unwillingness to back down from a dare. Perhaps it’s that inner voice of doubt that pushes her to prove herself – to demonstrate to others what she’s capable of – but one thing is for sure…Piouza will volunteer for anything and refuse no challenge.
Her faith is an embodiment of these things. She can be kind and loving and can show great patience with those who choose to be blind but may one day see. Yet for all her compassion, she sees herself as a powerful force against evil, and strikes down the irredeemable without mercy.
She has had two bad experiences of men - both sexually related. This has not led to her hating men but she is distrustful of men in power who show her too much attention. Her experience to date says she can handle herself if the situation ever arose again, but she’d rather not put that to the test. And this is another layer of the contradiction that is Piouza. She is quite happy to use her looks to effect in both her day and night jobs. As a dancer, she thinks nothing of making moves sexual if it has the effect she’s looking from in a dance and when carrying out a contract, she’ll also use her feminine wiles if it makes the kill easier.
From an early age, Piouza was destined for life as a member of the Sczarni. Her family owed a debt to someone who in turn owed a favour to the thieves’ guild.
As so often happens, fate intervened. She was noticed by an abbot that was on his way to take charge of a monastery. The abbot convinced Piouza's parents to release her to his keeping – as she was no doubt destined to serve Sarenrae – her tattoo was proof enough. Alas, the abbot was not virtuous and groomed the young Piouza - as he did with many pretty young girls he had convinced families to hand over to the church.
Piouza knew the teachings of the church were not congruous with how she was being treated – and when a new young girl was brought to the monastery and was abused by the abbot, Piouza saw this as a test of her faith.
She considered her beliefs and decided that the acts occurring at the monastery were not appropriate and she confronted the abbot. He laughed at her; then beat her and promised to rape her. She picked up a nearby candlestick and calmly bludgeoned him to death.
Piouza knew her version of events would not be believed but she also refused to return home and become a petty thief. Once more, she faced a moral dilemma. Deciding to act in a selfless way and believing it was her duty to protect others, she took up the role of a virtuous avenger. Running from the monastery, she looked for wrongs to right when others would turn a blind eye. When those who transgressed were above the law, she saw that justice was done. Now outwardly agnostic, an eagle eye will spy a glimpse of a holy symbol still attached to a leather cord around her neck - but only a fool would enquire as to her faith.
This life brought her to Riddleport and the attention of a Varisian wet-boy (like a hushman only his assignments were already pig meat – they just didn’t know it yet) and he took her under his wing and taught her in the ways of his profession, adding poisons and subterfuge to her repertoire. Alas, he too had more carnal interests and knowing she couldn’t kill him herself, she let slip to a rival wet-boy of his latest ‘deader’ – one of his patrons. The patron had more than enough men to kill her employer as he looked to accomplish his task.
She moved districts since then and currently resides in Rotgut – as it's the nosiest, busiest (and not to mention cheapest) district and therefore the easiest to come and go in without drawing attention. Plus it's cheap enough for her currently meagre income.
But she has not forgotten Sarenrae and has definite views on the menace posed by the lower planes. The wilfulness with which the city of Korvosa (they even allow a temple of Asmodeus to operate in broad daylight!) tolerates infernal influences is, to her, the greatest symbol of what’s wrong with civilization today. And now, in Riddleport, there’s news that a gambling tournament is using devils and Hell as an idle decoration. And Piouza means to get to the bottom of this. Perhaps she’ll get a job as a hostess, whilst she finds out what’s going on?
To follow…this will be an incident that typifies the character. I’ll link the scimitar in here later today (Monday).
Currently rudderless, Piouza is at one of her many crossroads in life. Does she seek the means to fund her own guild – a guild of wet-boys? Does she follow the path of light to devote her life to Sarenrae?
Are the two compatible? Does one allow her the credibility and funds to do the other?
As ever, she’s waiting for a sign – someone or something to show her the way. Perhaps this gambling tournament is that turning point for her?
Meanwhile she plies her trade as a dancer and picks up the occasional contract when she can, although she’ll avoid church work if she can.
Piouza (Varisian)
(Varisian) Female Rogue 1
CG Medium Human / Humanoid (Human)
Init +7; Senses Perception +4
==DEFENSE==
AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+2 armor, +3 dex)
hp 9 (1d8)
Fort +0, Ref +5, Will +0
Armor Leather, Light
==OFFENSE==
Spd 30 ft/x4
Melee Scimitar +0 (1d6) 18-20/x2
Melee Rapier +3 (1d6) 18-20/x2
Melee Cold Iron Melee Dagger +3 (1d4) 19-20/x2
Ranged Thrown Dagger +3 (1d4) 19-20/x2
Ranged Shortbow +3 (1d6) 20/x3
Special Attacks Sneak Attack [1d6] (PFCR 68)
==STATISTICS==
Str 10, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 14
BAB +0, CMB +0, CMD +13
Feats Armor Proficiency (LIGHT) (PFCR 118), Improved Initiative (PFCR 127), Martial Weapon Proficiency (Scimitar) (PFCR 130), Weapon Finesse (PFCR 136)
Skills Bluff +6, Climb +4, Craft (alchemy) +7, Diplomacy +6, Disable Device +8, Disguise +6, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (religion) +8, Linguistics +7, Perception +4 [Find Traps +5], Perform (dance) +6, Stealth +7
SQ Trapfinding (PFCR 68)
Traits Child of the Temple (Faith) (PFAPG 328), Scouting for Fiends (Campaign: Second Darkness) (PFAP: SD PG 15)
Languages Abyssal, Common, Elven, Infernal, Thassilonian, Varisian
Hm... I really like your character, Piouza and am curious to hear the story. And while we're direct competition, both being rogues, it might be worth a try to write a connection; we don't know what characters leinathan's friends have after all.
It sounds like you were not so very much different than Lluvia was earlier on her life.
We're both 'scouting for fiends', that you're dancer would appeal to Lluvia. I can imagine the two meeting and kind of fencing with words trying to find out which side the respective other is on and what exactly they know... the one was veiled innuendos, the other with straightforward verbal charges.
Being 150 years old and thus probably at least five times your age Lluvia might be a bit aloof, and she strongly prefers subtlety over the straightforward daredevil approach, but she would probably like you and have the greatest respect for the compassion for a greater goal and your natural grace.
Anything you find you could connect to in here. It depends a little on where you spend your time:
http://paizo.com/campaigns/LeinathansSecondDarkness/recruiting&page=2#7 6
While I forgot to mention the tournament there, she is interested in that. Lluvia has no intention of participating but would very much like to get into it in some way, to have some freedom to look around.
On a side note: I better add a description block and a personality overview to my own application. You still are direct competition. :P
Hm... I really like your character, Piouza and am curious to hear the story. And while we're direct competition, both being rogues, it might be worth a try to write a connection; we don't know what characters leinathan's friends have after all.
Thanks for that. I've added my first story. I tend to grow the character over a week or so, adding and changing as I better understand what the character would do in 'that' situation.
The story I've added explains why she has a scimitar even though she won't use it. It also helps weave her into the AP as her next feat will be seen as a sign from Sarenrae that will pull her further in to the story.
I'll work up a connection later today.
Does your character like adventuring? If so, why? If not, why? That is so say, is it something they feel that have to do, or something they want? If it's something they have to do, why do they do it? If it's something they want, why do they want it more than other things?
Relverest considers his primary duties to spreading art and love for the greater good--he tries to keep these motivations to himself at times, realizing they may sound flippant to the casual observer, but his idealism bubbles up frequently. As such, he hasn't adventured per se, primarily acting as a musician and healer in the towns he has been in, and has rarely raised his glaive, usually to break up a fight. When he has done so, though, he brings the same devotion to Good that he does to everything else. When he arrived in Riddleport, the blot of darkness caught his eye, and while looking to serve the arts is a primary motivator, he has made a mental note to investigate the source of the darkness, and if that means getting his glaive bloody, so be it.
Updated Unbeugsam and also added Background.
Calondrel has enjoyed the journey, but not the destination His experiences growing up have left him with more questions than answers. Travelling has given him time to reflect and think and he's decided that he needs to know more about the world. While he prefers his own kind, he senses some answers are only found outside his kin. The blot is an intriguing magical event, though the stories of the cyphergate draw his attention more. He hasn't encountered ancient (the elven magic he's used to is old, but having been continuously in use, doesn't classify as ancient to him) magic before. Making a grand discovery, as opposed to incremental research, appeals greatly to him.
Proposed Character Connection: Tia'Malavel
A week has passed since he noticed this particular elf's presence in Riddleport, because she wasn't really hard to notice and because he enjoyed knowing if any particularly interesting, influential or dangerous people came to this pit of crime and villainy. At first Fulko settled to watching her behavior whenever he noticed her, being not too concerned at first because she only belonged to the first category but after said week had passed he noticed something She's got a chip on her shoulder, almost like she's trying to prove something Then of course there was the other thing he noticed but didn't really want to admit Can anyone really be that honest??? He genuinely wondered, as he made his way to the elf warrior, in hopes of striking up a conversation.
"You seem to be new in town!" He announced "The name's Fulko, bounty hunter by trade, consider me the late welcome of this sorry town" He added with a toothy grin.
"Which reminds me have you heard the one about the Shoanti, the dwarf and the elf in a Magnimarian taver..." With an audible click his mouth closed and smacked his forehead with his left hand "Sorry, sorry" He raised both hands as if in surrender "I am not really known for my humor, so let me make it up to ya, anything you want to eat to night is on me, don't worry order all you want, Uncle Leonard is paying for it" The green eyed man let out a laugh, that sounded both jovial and somewhat forced.
Proposed Character Connection: Shayliss
The sheer amount of people looking for work was nothing to scoff at, and Fulko knew that even if there were abundant bounties to be had, getting one was not as simple as walking in and slamming an axe into his target's head if he doesn't surrender Why don't they ever surrender? He wondered for the umpteenth time, as a feral smile came over his face, it was then that he noticed a familiar face among the people who were here for the same reason he was.
"Hey weren't you from Sandpoint? I could have sworn I saw you at the Rusty Dragon, you were flirting with some guy too" He added the last part quite abruptly and he searched his memory even further.
"What was were your name again?" He added with a more friendly but still very tooth baring smile.
Does Fulko like to adventure? I'd say so, especially considering his wanderlust and curiosity, these two traits can usually be found in more adventurous types of people, as for why he does its really a mix of both business and pleasure; Fulko likes to meet new people, see new sights, learn new things and his occupation does lend it self to a more nomadic lifestyle.
You know, I think I'm going to embrace the Buffer role 100% and switch Rel's domains to Good and Luck. (Air electrical resistance + aasimar electrical resistance doesn't stack, either, and the domain spells of Agathion, upon second glance, are meh.)
Plus, Bit Of Luck...is that illegal to use at a gambling table? ;) If it's in the name of Good? :D Could create a new spin on why he's in town!
Hey, wasn't me that posted that willy-nilly on the internet...
I suppose it's only fair to inform that my real-life friends that are jumping on this bandwagon are, amusingly enough, both playing barbarians. One is playing a sort of reverse-hulk (approved) serene barbarian that's much more effective when he is calm. The other is playing a much more traditional barbarian. A feral and stupid woman who's spent the majority of her life merely surviving.
Still weighing possibilities...I think I have all of the information that I need, I'm just trying to balance party composition with the characters that I like now.
Tia turns to the man with a raised eyebrow. "I'm afraid I have not heard that joke. Mayhaps you can tell it to me sometime, unless there is something... Uncouth about it?" She looks into his eyes, her own bright greens locking in on his. He could be of some use... Maybe. We'll see, I guess. "I'll decline the drink, but maybe you can help me out, yes? I am seeking a friend, a fellow elf by the name of Lluvia. Perhaps you've seen them about?"
Kezia grew up around stories of adventure and heroes. Much like Google said above about Shayliss, Kezia has a romanticized vision of what it intails. Heroics should be by the skin of one's teeth, at the last minute and with an appropriate amount of magical flair. While witches aren't usually associated with flashy effects or over the top presentation, Kezia edges toward making her spells as mysterious and creepy as possible. She aims for that dark, anti-hero sort of look.
Mind, after living in Riddleport for a period of time her romanticized ideals crashed with reality--and the optimism prevailed. Sure, not everything is exciting--but there must be some right around the corner.
Of course, there's the whole 'good' and 'helping people' part to it as well. She's not lacking in morality..but those aspects come secondary to the excitement, glitter of gold and cheering of crowds as you've accomplished some legendary deed. Preferably with the help of a handsome swordsman.
Well can't say that's good for my chances but I'll stick around, If I am lucky You'll deciedde to go with three barbarians, actually that' pretty frightening to fight againset, amusingly enough al three of us have a different variation of the rage power.