Ah, neat a Taldor high nobility game!
I'd like to nominally throw my hat into the ring with a 12th level human LG (though a spiritually bruised lawful good) swashbuckler who had returned from a self imposed exile and life he had built for himself as a merchant, in order to shore up his ancient family after a scandal that saw his father exiled. Actually I've joined a few Taldor high nobility games across the internets that haven't made it out of week 1 sadly, adapting some things I put together for them.
I've been refining a backstory (it's a bit long, but I kinda go all out when above 10th level and all social prominent)
For whatever reason the family blood was thinner in Alexandros Branas, for though quick and keen and strong like his older brother, it was never to quite the same degree as his older brother. Aurelian believed that having to regardless labour under the same pressure and expectation that he was would crush the child. So he took all such duties and education onto himself, as much as he could, trying to let his younger brother live more of his own life. But all Alexandros could see was the golden child and heir, taking all the glory and expectation for himself, leaving scraps of attention and regard in his wake.
So Aurelian’s brother, free to live his own life, began to waste it in dissolution and decadence, seeing nothing else he could or should bother to grow towards and thereby embodying the worst qualities of Taldor, even as his brother took after the best. It was not a symmetry Aurelian could appreciate, devoting time as he was now to cleaning up after as many of his brother’s messes as he could, expending himself in duels against those his brother might anger. Forcing himself to learn the tradecraft of shadowed workings, to subtly unmake the worst of his brother’s escapades before they could become overt fiasco. And again, all Alexandros could see was the older brother who had taken everything else away, now smothering and stifling him in what little life he had instead. If there was a parallel for Aurelian to early Taldor itself, trying to be an example, trying to take care of those under its charge and being just a bit too imperious about it, he was far too busy to see it.
Alexandros ultimately tried to lose himself in the Narrows of Oppara, and finding him there after a search of months as one of its denizens (“I’m on vacation” was cover story enough, and it was hardly as though any of his class paid attention to what went on in the Narrows as is) was a harrowing and dispiriting experience for an all of 16 year old Aurelian. His continued belief in his capacity to handle this all himself made for having to face that world with only the resources of his own quality. His triumphs were bitter in that struggle. Oh, it did not shake his faith in Taldor, he is intelligent enough to know his nation has problems that must be cleaned away for its greatness to rise again, but it shook him to find his brother degrading himself so thoroughly. And ultimately enraged him, to find Alexandros in the company of a girlfriend cum drug dealer providing, addicting and exploiting him with wares and experiences even the most decadent of Taldor’s nobility would be aghast at.
In imperial fury, he struck down the woman using his brother for a junkie, whore and worse. He misjudged sadly, his brother’s willingness to the arrangement, as he had misjudged much about his brother. He could not find any way out of the ensuing challenge to duel, and the resolution of it was predictable. He was one of the young rising stars of the Rondelero school. His brother was simply good and frenzied enough to make a simple subdual impossible.
It disturbed him to face no particular wrath for it. His brother had become an unbelievable embarrassment after all, and everything about the situation’s resolution was more or less legal enough. It was merely awkward. The crueler of mind even found it praiseworthy. Aurelian then could only face himself for it, and a rising sense that in the end, whether true or not, he was to blame for every part of this fiasco.
Neither the rigor of training nor courtly life nor family expectation could touch him, but it was this tragedy instead that broke him. He simply walked away from his life one day, adrift and dissolute. He sought to lose any sense of himself that he just couldn’t handle at that moment. His family, to save face, spun matters as their son having gone on some tour of Avistan, assuming his lack of funds would bring him home soon. They had forgotten the Branas heir had now spent months in one of the worst slums of Golarion, never breaking there until he only broke himself. Survival was easy.
For much of the time Aurelian simply.. drifted. He lost himself to war for a time, as a scout, squad leader and frontline fighter on the fronts of Mendev and Lastwall, as a petty River Kingdoms mercenary when the renown he began to earn for himself made him sick to his stomach. He still had better moments, sometimes, when he could recall his Taldan pride, his sense of imperial duty and propriety, a regard of noblesse oblige. And sometimes just smaller moments than that, where he’d go on about a bit of culture or history. But more often he struggled for any kind of peace with himself, morose and ill at ease, pondering if he simply sought death in battle for a lack of accepting any other means to die as a proper Taldan. It is as if with his brother’s death he has taken in all of Alexandros’ flaws to perversely honour him, and they war self destructively with his better nature.
He found himself in Absalom by the time he was 20, to lose himself in its teeming hordes, to brood, to drink, to hire himself out as an itinerant blade and duelist and find himself off puttingly popular with House Morilla as a guest at their events or hired guard to their children. As a Taldan descended house strongly favouring its heritage, an actual son of a dynastic family from the motherland lent them a touch of authenticity by his very presence. It nauseated him, truth be told, but he was too out of sorts to much refuse.
But in his much battered soul, he was still Taldan, in his soul, it was not enough. He fought in the Irorium, though he could not quite say why, earning the pin of a silver sword and an almost spiteful acclaim as a warrior who near miraculously spared his enemies in an arena that cheered for blood the loudest. He risked his winnings on himself again and again with reckless abandon, at a loss for what to do with his profits when he failed as ever to die (he was Taldan, his soul would not accept a death where he had not given his all). He took up every hopeless cause that was foisted onto him by the needy and desperate in a city packed with them and still he did not die. He was getting quality again, and a name, and people looking to him as a figure to rally against monstrous rampage, lurking murderers, shadowed plots. It made him want to vomit, even as he found himself accepting these responsibilities again and again. He wanted to shake people and scream for them to look at him, to realize what he was (and when drunk enough, he truly did so), and yet it never took.
It was not really that he came to terms with himself, it was only that he realized he could not escape himself, who he had been, who he wanted to be, the things he still believed in the depths of his heart. Half in spite to a city that derided a nation it should venerate, he began to build. Knowing opportunity when he saw it, he met with outlying often abandoned farmers he had helped defend in desperate battles, using lessons at estate and regency, rallying them to common interest both military and mercantile, investing in and expanding their lands against the wilds and threats of the island around them, cajoling rich and effete parasites to back such efforts. He raised up militias and a consortium (calling it the Crown and Lion, which he could not decide was pride or pledge or irony), establishing a great profit in securing an immediate venue of foodstuffs to a city always in need of them, expanding to storefronts to cut out middlemen, trading surplus abroad, buying in even to one of Absalom’s failing banks to batten and restore it as his own company’s riches increased. He alternated such efforts with throwing himself in the arena yet, donating his wagers now to philanthropy, to buying the freedom of slaves. He accompanied the more dangerous of his company’s ventures to safeguard them with his own person, as far afield as the Mwangi Expanse.
He could not quite tell you why he was doing any of it. The part of him that was Aurelian Branas, scion of Taldor, needed perhaps to build glory and better men through deed and word, to make his ideal Taldor where he was, if he could not bring himself return home to do so. The part of him that was Aurelian Branas, self loathing drunk contented himself with the occasional moody bender.
In what he viewed as a black bloody joke, his company even brought him ties with his homeland he could not have in person, finding himself investing in overland canal repair, offering loans to rescue estates and proud names and lineages that would have failed with them. His family had a certain confused pride at it all, even using the image of their built himself up from nothing son for social points.
He was 24, awarded recognition as tradesman even as he was one of the youngest in the city’s history to earn a golden sword pin. He was, of all things, a walking testament that in a place like Absalom, you could somehow succeed by playing it straight (it helped that skills born of the Narrows and in growing up with his brother left him suited yet for countering those who would play him false). He was content. He was miserable. He aspired to greatness and to encourage others to be great with that aspiration. He was a hateful, cynical, sarcastic drunk. He quietly yearned to smash to bloody ruin the face of men who ever louder called him hero. He was ever at war within himself, and yet always pulled irresistibly onwards by a conviction that came from within him, yet beyond. Still, he had dragged himself out of the gutter. Who knows? In a few more years, he might have finally found his small share of peace.
It was not to be.
Aurelian would find out about it all through letters that had a tinge of desperation, pleading for him to come home. His father had been implicated in conspiracy against the crown, and though too proud and prominent to be sentenced to death, he was to be exiled. From what Aurelian understood of the details, the old man had uncovered a plot against the throne, but his resolution to it was so unsubtly violent it drew out old family enemies to instead call for his punishment. Accusation and exile was perhaps even the only way the Grand Prince could show any gratitude at all.
The lack of a prominent heir could mean the complete destruction of the house in these fragile times, the loss of everything the Branas line had meant and could yet mean again. His long absence from home during this tumult made him acceptable to crown and royal families alike as a man untouched by the incident.
Aurelian was not ready to come home. He had thought in truth he never would. But he was Taldan, even if the sort of Taldan he was may have never existed outside of stories. He caught a glimpse of his father on the deck of a ship that passed his own into the harbor, the old man’s bearing defiant. He never even had a chance to speak with him.
It has been difficult, since. He has transferred the wealth and holdings of his own organization to shore up the stability of his family’s still extensive wealth and influence, the act making him more noteworthy than he had desired as is. He does what he can with it, attempting to raise money to further repair his nation’s canal networks, bankrolling her underfunded river police, seeking to create employment for her poor, attempting to suss out the more dangerous plots of Qadiran enemies of the state, maintaining the influence of his consortium. Yet it is hard to ignore the clamour all around him. Of aggrieved noble houses looking for a champion of a return to glory. Of a Grand Prince who sees an opportunity to garner a new, powerful fresh faced supporter. Of enforcers of a status quo he finds unsustainable and in some ways repellent. Students of Rondelero wanting to learn from or worse yet, prove themselves superior to one of his skill. Of any who would need or beg for the aid a powerful adventurer for goals esoteric or simply risky. He is valuable as a resource, as a proving point, and those wanting to use him seem to be lining up.
Of his fellow nobles, he is not even certain they are worth championing. But ah a voice in his soul says, what if they could be made to be worthy? Could they not be leveraged into being better? Could not the Grand Prince instead perhaps? A resourceful man could aspire to do much with his nation, a man with a righteous will, and the glory of Taldor in his blood.
A far different voice laughs at the ridiculousness of it all, and advises instead to just get drunk and watch it all burn. Maybe pick some fights in the interim. He tries as best he might to ignore his darker urges. Here, surrounded by indulgence, he no longer has the luxury of spiritual conflict.
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"Preference will be shown to core races"
If you are non-core you must be able to adequately justify why the Emperor would recognize you as a noble, and gift you with any Lands/Titles/Money. This is easier to do with something like an Assimar or Half-giant then it is with a Goblin or Orc (Yes even a half-orc would be difficult to justify)
That being said; In a nation primarily ruled by Humans, its easier to justify a Human then any other race as a noble. Dwarves, Gnomes, Elves, Half-Elves or Halfling, (In that order) are next most likely. The Halfbreeds could likely have claims based on their Human lineage as well.
All of that in mind: If you are a Highborn, you still need to be legitimized by your father's noble family, at which point you are officially a gentleman/woman of the court. After that you need to be officially recognized by the Grand Prince (Or more likely one of his many servitors) to claim any title other than Lord/Lady or Gentleman/woman... its a lot of bureaucracy to be officially recognized as inheritor of your family estate, though its easier if you are born to it.
In the case of ascendancy: You have proven your worth to the empire as a common person, and the Grand Prince publicly recognizes you as worthy of nobility. This usually requires that some other noble sponsors you. This course of action typically takes a decade or so to work out, unless you have done something that puts you directly in the eye of at least a dozen other nobles who want to sponsor you... having 1 Sponsor is good, having 30 is better.
I'll be stepping away for a few hours.
I see your wall of text Mark! I'll be reading it when I come back. I appreciate the quick blurb, though. it makes things easier on me in the immediate.
If you have questions, I'll either get to them when I get back, or maybe one of my players can answer them for you.
Success! There IS an output!
Note on the Estate: I spent the money from Affluent, plus about 10k more gold that was left over. Right now, Lucas has 1550 GP.
Academy
Earnings: Gold +175, Goods +53, Influence +157, Labor +35, Magic +54
Take 10 values (choose 1): 18 gp and 5 sp, 6 Goods, 16 Influence, 4 Labor, 6 Magic
Create: Goods 201, Influence 37, Labor 180, Magic 15 (10230 gp)
Rooms: 1 Alchemy Lab, 1 Bell Tower, 10 Book Repository (Knowledge [arcana/dungeoneering/engineering/geography/history/local/nature/nobility/planes/religion]), 2 Classroom, 2 Greenhouse, 1 Magical Repository (Knowledge [dungeoneering]), 1 Observation Dome, 1 Scriptorium
Size: 165 squares
Notes: An institution of higher learning.
Bank
Earnings: Gold +9, Goods +9
Take 10 values (choose 1): 1 gp and 9 sp, 1 Goods
Create: Goods 39, Influence 3, Labor 35 (1570 gp)
Rooms: 1 Guard Post, 2 Vault
Size: 26 squares
Notes: A secure building for storing coins and valuables, and for making loans to those in need.
Castle
Earnings: Gold +59, Goods +25, Influence +23, Labor +29, Magic +10
Take 10 values (choose 1): 6 gp and 9 sp, 3 Goods, 3 Influence, 3 Labor, 2 Magic
Create: Goods 165, Influence 31, Labor 148, Magic 2 (7390 gp)
Rooms: 2 Armory, 11 Bunks, 1 Cell, 2 Courtyard, 1 Crypt, 4 Defensive Wall, 1 Drawbridge, 2 Escape Route, 1 Gatehouse, 1 Gauntlet, 3 Stall
Size: 218 squares
Notes: An elaborate fortified home, a noble's retreat, or the heart of a settlement's defenses.
Farm
Earnings: Gold +33, Goods +30, Influence +7, Labor +8
Take 10 values (choose 1): 4 gp and 3 sp, 4 Goods, 1 Influence, 1 Labor
Create: Goods 53, Influence 1, Labor 50 (2090 gp)
Rooms: 5 Animal Pen, 3 Farmland, 4 Garden
Size: 87 squares
Notes: A small family farm or ranch.
Farm
Earnings: Gold +33, Goods +30, Influence +7, Labor +8
Take 10 values (choose 1): 4 gp and 3 sp, 4 Goods, 1 Influence, 1 Labor
Create: Goods 53, Influence 1, Labor 50 (2090 gp)
Size: 87 squares
Notes: A small family farm or ranch.
Farm
Earnings: Gold +33, Goods +30, Influence +7, Labor +8
Take 10 values (choose 1): 4 gp and 3 sp, 4 Goods, 1 Influence, 1 Labor
Create: Goods 53, Influence 1, Labor 50 (2090 gp)
Size: 87 squares
Notes: A small family farm or ranch.
Granary
Earnings: Gold +20
Take 10 values (choose 1): 3 gp
Create: Goods 30, Labor 30 (1200 gp)
Size: 40 squares
Notes: A place to store grain and food.
Herbalist
Earnings: Gold +36, Goods +31, Influence +34
Take 10 values (choose 1): 4 gp and 6 sp, 4 Goods, 4 Influence
Create: Goods 52, Influence 1, Labor 48 (2030 gp)
Rooms: 1 Artisan's Workshop (-Choose-)
Size: 37 squares
Notes: The workshop and home of a gardener, healer, poisoner, or potion crafter.
Hospital
Earnings: Gold +42, Goods +13, Influence +40
Take 10 values (choose 1): 5 gp and 2 sp, 2 Goods, 5 Influence
Create: Goods 45, Influence 4, Labor 43, Magic 2 (2080 gp)
Rooms: 5 Bath, 4 Common Room, 2 Infirmary, 16 Lavatory, 12 Office, 2 Statue, 29 Storage, 6 Storefront, 4 Workstation (Craft [alchemy])
Size: 39 squares
Notes: A building designated as a place for healing the sick.
House
Earnings: Gold +9, Goods +4, Influence +7
Take 10 values (choose 1): 1 gp and 9 sp, 1 Goods, 1 Influence
Create: Goods 32, Influence 1, Labor 31 (1290 gp)
Rooms: 14 Bedroom, 12 Kitchen, 2 Sewer Access, 9 Sitting Room
Size: 21 squares
Notes: A small cottage that can house up to two adults or a new family.
House
Earnings: Gold +9, Goods +4, Influence +7
Take 10 values (choose 1): 1 gp and 9 sp, 1 Goods, 1 Influence
Create: Goods 32, Influence 1, Labor 31 (1290 gp)
Size: 21 squares
Notes: A small cottage that can house up to two adults or a new family.
Inn
Earnings: Gold +52, Goods +17, Influence +28, Labor +13
Take 10 values (choose 1): 6 gp and 2 sp, 2 Goods, 3 Influence, 2 Labor
Create: Goods 52, Influence 5, Labor 47 (2130 gp)
Size: 58 squares
Notes: A place for visitors to stay and rest.
Mansion
Earnings: Gold +61, Goods +15, Influence +43, Labor +8
Take 10 values (choose 1): 7 gp and 1 sp, 2 Goods, 5 Influence, 1 Labor
Create: Goods 132, Influence 4, Labor 120 (5160 gp)
Rooms: 3 Bar, 1 Bedroom (furnishing), 1 Laundry, 2 Lodging, 2 Secret Room, 1 Sitting Room (furnishing)
Size: 94 squares
Notes: A huge manor housing a rich family and its servants.
Mill
Earnings: Gold +12, Goods +8
Take 10 values (choose 1): 2 gp and 2 sp, 1 Goods
Create: Goods 17, Labor 16 (660 gp)
Rooms: 1 Mill Room
Size: 30 squares
Notes: A building used to cut lumber or grind grain.
Tavern
Earnings: Gold +19, Influence +17
Take 10 values (choose 1): 2 gp and 9 sp, 2 Influence
Create: Goods 22, Influence 1, Labor 22 (910 gp)
Size: 27 squares
Notes: An eating or drinking establishment.
Tenement
Earnings: Gold +38, Goods +4, Labor +32
Take 10 values (choose 1): 4 gp and 8 sp, 1 Goods, 4 Labor
Create: Goods 41, Influence 16, Labor 41 (2120 gp)
Size: 69 squares
Notes: A flophouse for housing a large number of people who pay low rent.
Tenement
Earnings: Gold +38, Goods +4, Labor +32
Take 10 values (choose 1): 4 gp and 8 sp, 1 Goods, 4 Labor
Create: Goods 41, Influence 16, Labor 41 (2120 gp)
Size: 69 squares
Notes: A flophouse for housing a large number of people who pay low rent.
Trade Shop
Earnings: Gold +15, Goods +13, Influence +13
Take 10 values (choose 1): 2 gp and 5 sp, 2 Goods, 2 Influence
Create: Goods 19, Influence 1, Labor 16 (730 gp)
Size: 15 squares
Notes: A shop front for a tradesperson such as a baker or butcher.
Trade Shop
Earnings: Gold +15, Goods +13, Influence +13
Take 10 values (choose 1): 2 gp and 5 sp, 2 Goods, 2 Influence
Create: Goods 19, Influence 1, Labor 16 (730 gp)
Size: 15 squares
Notes: A shop front for a tradesperson such as a baker or butcher.
Waterfront
Earnings: Gold +80, Goods +72, Influence +56, Labor +64
Take 10 values (choose 1): 9 gp, 8 Goods, 6 Influence, 7 Labor
Create: Goods 63, Influence 10, Labor 56 (2680 gp)
Rooms: 4 Dock
Size: 74 squares
Notes: A port for waterborne arrival and departure, with facilities for shipping and shipbuilding.
--------------------
Organizations
Mercenary Company
Earnings: Gold +26, Influence +26, Labor +19, Magic +7
Take 10 values (choose 1): 3 gp and 6 sp, 3 Influence, 2 Labor, 1 Magic
Create: Goods 18, Influence 13, Labor 25, Magic 6 (1850 gp)
Teams: 1 Elite Archers, 2 Elite Soldiers, 1 Priest
Size: 16 people
Notes: A well-armed group of warriors who are loyal to you, and who are paid to guard or fight.
---
And for this part, I added a few more details about his past and how he currently acts in court - Lucas has deliberately cultivated an image of being safe to be around unless provoked by someone else.
In terms of notability, Lucas' main sponsor would've been the family of the prince he saved, as well as any other prominent figures who may have been in the army. I also have him as currently being 28 years old, and having finished in the army at 18 (because he was dragged in as a child). Hopefully, that would be enough time to complete the process and get the various parts of his estate built. XD
Naturally, this made them more of a target than anything else. When Lucas was twelve years old, he was kidnapped by a gang of thugs operating in Oppara and intending to acquire enough money to make themselves fabulously wealthy. Given the general corruption of the bureaucracy, it was unlikely anyone would even notice the appearance of a few new rich people buying up houses, and Lucas was tossed in with a number of other captives in the hopes of getting his parents to pay a ransom. The thugs didn't mind forcing his entire family deep into debt if it meant getting closer to their profits.
That was when Lucas started tossing them through the doors. What the thugs had missed during their kidnapping attempt - because they'd knocked Lucas unconscious from behind - was that the boy was from a family of Kineticists, people who specialized in manipulating the world with the power of their mind. His particular talents had manifested in the form of telekinesis. In the past, he'd mostly used this to help transport boxes and retrieve hard-to-reach items, but it was just as suitable for tossing humans around like ragdolls.
Brute force was enough to save the day, and during the process, Lucas managed to rescue the son of one of the many royals of Taldor. The thugs had managed to acquire quite a few captives over the course of the day, and the prince had been the highlight - his ransom would have been worth over a hundred times what they could have gotten out of Lucas' family. Of course, no good deed goes unpunished - the rescued prince was a few years older than Lucas, just getting ready to serve in the military (per family tradition), and Lucas was dragged along to serve as a bodyguard. Yes, he was dragged into the military when he was twelve years old. No, he really didn't have a choice in the matter. It was either go voluntarily or become a slave.
The prince was not a particularly talented fighter - and neither was Lucas, at that, on the few times he'd ever bothered to pick up a sword. The kineticist strongly preferred using his kinetic powers, and this was made evident over the next few years. After one particularly harrowing battle, he awoke to lightning as a second element, and soon crackling bolts were a regular sight on the battlefield.
Most people in the camp had laughed at him at first - he was an underage kid in a camp full of brawny men - but that quickly stopped when his kinetic powers started tossing around people twice his height like it was nothing. Fortunately, he managed to avoid permanently injuring any of them, and they learned a lively respect for his talents. By the time he was fully grown, Lucas had thoroughly distinguished himself in the armed forces, saved the Prince several more times - mostly as a result of some rather impressive healing powers he'd developed - and generally managed to get noticed.
The Prince and his father were quite loyal to Stavian III, who saw an opportunity to promote an ally and took it. Lucas was awarded the title of Count - not a member of the upper nobility, but high enough to be relatively prominent and not easily messed with at court. He was also given a decent portion of land to go with the title. The lands were, of course, right next to those the Prince would be inheriting - this was a political ploy by Stavian III intended to create a more loyal geographic bloc. Over the next few years, Lucas heavily invested in his lands - in addition to the mansion that was his own residence, it wasn't long before he had a castle, a high-quality academy, several farms, and numerous other money-making locations. He even had waterfront access - always helpful, that.
Nowadays, unlike most royal men in Taldor, Lucas steadfastly refuses to grow a beard. This is widely - and correctly - recognized as him making a point that the underclasses of society still have value and can rise to be great - and those who have mocked him tend to get thrown out the nearest window by the same power he used to toss thugs as a child. The difference, of course, is that now Lucas is significantly more powerful, tends to throw people further, and has enough social prominence to get away with doing it to anyone short of a great noble - and even they aren't sure he would hold back if they pushed him too far.
Despite his willingness to use telekinesis on people, Lucas actually prefers the diplomatic approach, and will try to talk things out when possible. He's not above lying or intimidating people in order to get what he wants, but honestly believes that stable, mutually-beneficial relationships are the right choice for the long-term. On the other hand, if he can't get people to love him, he's willing to settle for making them afraid of him.
Naturally, all of this doesn't go over well with some other nobles. Lucas is often seen as a bit of an upstart and less of a 'real' noble - encouraged by his refusal to grow a beard - and the first one he tossed out a window for mocking him does have something of a grudge for that. However, they're also smart enough to realize that any overt insult would probably result in a repeat performance - Lucas has repeatedly demonstrated that he has exactly no problem with smacking down people who are too confrontational, using them as object lessons to keep others in line. However, he also tries to avoid holding grudges - and he's deliberately spread rumors to that effect, encouraging other nobles to see him as an extraordinarily dangerous when provoked, but not a threat to them as long as they don't start trouble. He also tries to avoid stepping into matters unless his friends are involved, making him less of a wild card in polite society.
In the meantime, Lucas is hoping to help restore Taldor to at least some semblance of working order. He understands all too well what it's like to suffer because you're poor, and he has a low opinion of those who are willing to let the rest of the world burn as long as they can still be spoiled. All of that starts at home, where he's rather pointedly insisted that government officials serving on his estate be honest and open. He's entirely willing to throw them off a high roof for being too corrupt and harming his lands, and they know it.
I'll be stepping away for a few hours.
I see your wall of text Mark! I'll be reading it when I come back. I appreciate the quick blurb, though. it makes things easier on me in the immediate.
If you have questions, I'll either get to them when I get back, or maybe one of my players can answer them for you.
Not a problem, I figured that would help. Been trying to space out the paragraphs in the writeup, but it seems to not be taking in the edits.
This challenge sends to be, you've already got...
Skill/Social Divine
Skill/Social Skilled
Skill/Social Arcane
Skill/Social Martial
So to be unique, yet complementary... You'd almost need to know each of the current cast's motivation and goal.
Find a gap, offer a complementary motivation and a synergistic goal. What current characters "concern themselves with" (the military, the oppressed, foreign affairs, slavery, corruption, etc...) and find a somewhat different angle.
Class becomes a function of personality in the sense of "when confronted with a challenge, how do you respond?"
Interesting dilemma.
I see. Hm...well an aasimar would be well liked in Taldor and in fact the celestial could have been in the family prior to the fall from grace of Taldor. Of course an aasimar would have to work twice as much as a human half elf or elf to be recognized by her peers although inborn charisma helps!
Letitia Daumier's family fell from power as a result of both a series of bad business decisions and the deaths of several important family members. Thus believing that heroic deeds would restore her family's name and honor was the right path the aasimar adventured far and wide to accomplish her quest. Of course tales and stories of her adventures soon reached the ears of numerous nobles (both for ill and good) and one of those who took notice was the princess herself. After Letitia returned to Taldor she was able to earn a knighthood as well as earning the rank of baroness after saving the favored son of a lord, which earned a lot of praise from several nobles who sponsored her along with the father of the son she had saved in addition to the princess. The grand prince realized that having an aasimar who was deeply committed in restoring her family's fortunes and name to glory might be convinced to aid in restoring Taldor as well. In addition being able to keep an eye on someone who might be too charismatic for their own good was a plus.
This is just a sample of what I'm working on for her bio. Have to decide which aasimar heritage to pick. Either muse touched or the descended from agathions should fit theme wise. I have a number of evil characters that would work for those she has a sour (and worse!) relations with.
Now I'm using the ultimate campaign rules for creating her estate. It'll be small since her family were originally wealthy merchants on their way to become nobles but the series of unfortunate events stopped that and the estate once belonged to her family and so she spends a good bit fixing it up and expanding it. Hope that's okay. I'm still unsure about the estate rules I'm afraid.
For those without hero lab, this handy excel tool has been helping me with making an estate.
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So to be unique, yet complementary... You'd almost need to know each of the current cast's motivation and goal.
Find a gap, offer a complementary motivation and a synergistic goal. What current characters "concern themselves with" (the military, the oppressed, foreign affairs, slavery, corruption, etc...) and find a somewhat different angle.
I can field this, somewhat. I've got an Inquisitor of Irori primarily concerned with spycraft, information-gathering, and fixing the lies in Taldor's historical texts and records. Our Ninja seems a sort of Batman/Robin Hood type, concerned with punishing the wealthy corrupt through theft and disguise. Our Bard is primarily a talented courtier with knowledge and diplomatic ties to many of Oppara's noblest families. Our Cavalier is a highborn knight with bravery distinctions and battlefield experience. We've got some cohorts undecided, while others focus on ties to Taldor's military and merchantry.
Possible roles we don't have that I imagine adding new dimensions/connections to what the group can do might include a famous artist/author of some sort with a bent towards political activism, a skilled smuggler, or someone with ties to a nonhuman community or the general world of magical research—though I haven't seen any major role conflicts in the characters presented so far.
So to be unique, yet complementary... You'd almost need to know each of the current cast's motivation and goal.
Find a gap, offer a complementary motivation and a synergistic goal. What current characters "concern themselves with" (the military, the oppressed, foreign affairs, slavery, corruption, etc...) and find a somewhat different angle.
I can field this, somewhat. I've got an Inquisitor of Irori primarily concerned with spycraft, information-gathering, and fixing the lies in Taldor's historical texts and records. Our Ninja seems a sort of Batman/Robin Hood type, concerned with punishing the wealthy corrupt through theft and disguise. Our Bard is primarily a talented courtier with knowledge and diplomatic ties to many of Oppara's noblest families. Our Cavalier is a highborn knight with bravery distinctions and battlefield experience. We've got some cohorts undecided, while others focus on ties to Taldor's military and merchantry.
Possible roles we don't have that I imagine adding new dimensions/connections to what the group can do might include a famous artist/author of some sort with a bent towards political activism, a skilled smuggler, or someone with ties to a nonhuman community or the general world of magical research—though I haven't seen any major role conflicts in the characters presented so far.
Wow! I'm actually making my aasimar character to be an accomplished artist and poet (I'm actually a published amateur poet in real life) who has skills in both magic and warfare. She also has ties to the world of the arts as well. It disgusts her at how so many people have lost touch with the artistic history of taldors great past. And she is just plain sick of how much Taldor has fallen. She is a devout follower of Shelyn and hopes to rid of the enemies both within and without while improving all around her. She also treats all as equals be they bearded or unbearded.
See... I was thinking a merchant house of sorts. Trade routes by sea and over land. Money and trade transcends prejudice, so comfortable on the fringe. Geographical, racial, economic.
Caravans routes and a merchant fleet, law abiding privateers on friendly/neutral terms with the Taldan Navy.
Opens hooks to antiquities/smuggling (historical, religious and arcane items), connections in the secondary and tertiary cities/settlements. The power/leverage isn't in the individual, it's in the network.
As the player of the skill/social skill-based character, I'll say that she is largely concerned with getting her older brother out of the way and acquiring her family title for herself. She's doing the best she can at weaving her way through court politics while avoiding marriage. Every once in awhile, a masked hero shows up to shake up the game, though, by removing one of its more corrupt players though exposure and humiliation.
-Matt
Just suggestions on my end. We really do have all the necessary roles filled and cohorts can cover the rest—that was mostly for the benefit of people trying to think of ideas.
Of course, at this level, you could own a LOT of merchant ships.
Possible roles we don't have that I imagine adding new dimensions/connections to what the group can do might include a famous artist/author of some sort with a bent towards political activism, a skilled smuggler, or someone with ties to a nonhuman community or the general world of magical research—though I haven't seen any major role conflicts in the characters presented so far.
That's really helpful,
And has given me a whole new idea for my PC.Lady Calista Da Romano The nonhuman community representative:
Idea sounds great, as my offered PC is an elf. I like that idea she has deep links with the nonhuman community, also she is a telepath allowing her to fully understand there views and communicate them. I may even give her a husband from another none human race.
She can also plane shift and that lets her represent other planes.
One the side she represents them as well in other matters.
Lady Calista Da Romano New paper proprietor and publishing house owner:
I really like your idea of an artist/author, gives me an idea that my PC runs a small Rag, / News paper. Her cohort are her Editing and reporting staff in her publishing house. Printing off Dwarf presses, Nice big red ink headers and black letters, its full of official comment , gossip and news for the common man about this and that Lord and lady's weddings, etc the Odd cartoon, and public notice. Biweekly published and shipped, books and pamphlets etc.
THE TALDOR HERALD. to name but one.
Lady Calista being the owner.
That would give her inroads to a lot of places and a means to affect comment and public option.
The hooks for her are great, she has links with the nonhuman community, and would be a patron of the arts.
Idea 3
Lady Calista Da Romano The nonhuman community representative AND Printing house proprietor
The idea being she uses her news paper and publication and influence
Public option. Also help the nonhuman community have a voice.
I like three the best.
With a number of printing sites around a number of city's.
each city having its own paper the "[City name] HERALD"
As far as it goes, I picture Aurelian and his family as tied into as much of a military/industrial complex as there could be said to be, though he himself is trying to diversify into avenues less stabby and more trade-y. Probably at least owns a bank.
Hmmmm, I'm having the idea for a second son of one of the noble houses of Cassomir who was recruited into the Druids of the Verduran Forest's Wildwood Lodge. Now that both his parents and older siblings are gone he has to take up the family reigns, but isn't overly happy about it. Since he does have the rank now, however, he might as well use it. If Taldan grows strong enough it can take the whole Verduran Forest from Andoran and Gast, and that will put the whole place under the protection of the Treaty of the Wildwood. Until then, he can fight for the Forest in the courts.
Would using the Variant Multiclassing rules be acceptable? I imagine that this one has a bit of a temper, and I'd like to use the Barbarian VMC and Rage Subdomain to represent that.
The more I think about this the more I like the idea, she runs a publishing house. Her Servitor A Dwarf master printer and his team of dwarfs, her editor in chefs a Gnome as her Cohort. Her Staff is all none humans, lots of, Gnomes [Working for a paper is going to keep the beaching at bay for a long while] Dwarfs, the half-elves, odd half-orc etc.
A have altered her crunch and am still working on placing this as her core thing.
I think she will add greatly to the roles in play, she's the press also she can be in a place to affect change. Adding where she can, the story of her retrieving the stolen trade treaty is still 100% valid.
The only change would be her estate would be a large printing site in the capital.
Her family is a Noble elf family that moved to the Capital some time ago, founding a publishing empire that has overseen many works, as she has taken family holdings she taken it to the next level with modem dwarf printing, She also commissions works, her news papers work local and in short simple print runs with 2 or three local reporters per city, going to work out which and where.
Also going to make her older, she has been around, she is connected all over the place and I need to reflect that. She is an Urbanite now.
She has a husband but they do not live together, its was a power marriage for the family's and so he keeps to himself.
Constantine's main connections are with the military groups in Taldor and the mercenary company he's re-building. His aims will be focused around finding out where the rumors of war come from and how accurate they are--he's been away from the nation for awhile and needs to become re-acquainted with all the details. After that, if its serious enough, he hopes to drum up more funding for the army as well as use his past military connections to mobilize better defenses. Of course, if he happens to make money by creating a renewed and powerful mercenary company in the meantime, he wouldn't mind that.
Mechanics-wise, hopefully he brings a good bit of variety to the table. He's focused on divination and utility magic so can provide plenty of magical assistance there. Combat-wise, he's a proficient martial and has experience leading soldiers.
I'm still not sold on his surname. Are any of the current characters from a large family that Constantine could feasible fit into? Might be fun to have some family relations in game..
Hum, actually in playing around with holdings and pondering the family relations thing, I think I'll have his personal holdings still be largely mercantile that he's transferred over from Absalom along with a sprawling, ancient family estate he's restored, with his kin mainlining into the military influence still. So basically for his part a big old trading/banking compound at the docks and a sizable villa.
Raven: Talk to Lord Inkwell. He's a super old and has a TON of children.
JonGarret: I would prefer you not use Variant Multiclassing
Gerard: A Lord-Merchant sounds like an amazing concept.
Mark: Wow! That was a long read, and at some points confusing in the language, but ultimately, I really liked it!
Noted, it should be simple enough not to use it.
I'm still not sold on his surname. Are any of the current characters from a large family that Constantine could feasible fit into? Might be fun to have some family relations in game..
Lord Rook has a BIG family. His oldest son is his current heir and keeper of his estates, but his mysterious number of other children, probably somewhere in the age range of 20-40, have left to join the army or holy orders or the clergy to make their own names for themselves. He may or may not have several grandchildren of adult age, though they'd be on the younger end. Lord Rook's late wife also has a large noble family, and her niece, Lady Green (who is married to his alchemist cohort) also has one or two children of adult age, though they might not stand to inherit a proper lordship simply by birth.
I could be just being paranoid but am I barking up the wrong tree with my idea of a Lady elf Publisher? I just don't want to spent a massive amount of time running down a dead end.
I have tried to alter my PS to have more of a nation building role.
I'm I wrong in thinking this?
Also I am going to make her middle aged, at 230 years.
GM I would like her family to have the holding of a Elf_gate as part of why they have power and Title. my idea is they have run a publishing house and message [package] service back and forth be the gate. Very high cost shipping in other words, with them having the soul monopoly over its use.
But I don't really know where that would located in TALDOR.
Jonny: I'm not entirely sure what you're looking for in the way of feed back. I thought Lady Calista was good, I appreciate that she is non-human, and you have a very good plan for estate in her printing shops throughout the kingdom. I didn't have any concerns or corrections to make to your build that i noticed in the immediate, and I thought I had answered all of your questions. Please forgive me if I'm mistaken on that, I've been splitting my time between this and my family holiday.
You are correct, in that there are only 2 slots at maximum to fill. This was the first 24hour day of applications out of 7, and I've only seen 1 concept that simply won't work for this setting, and I was honest with the applicant about the validity of that submission. I have not yet begun the process of elimination to arrive at my choice for characters yet, so as it stands, no one is out of the running (With the exception of The Waskally's original concept).
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GM thanks for the proment feed back, I went over the posts and again and spotted I missed some stuff, Sorry it I came over all worried, I think the speed of posts and feed back.
Cool GM now I know my idea has legs, I will work her up fully with every things and see how she looks and feels.
Thanks once again. :)
Hey yall, this campaign has my head buzzing--tons of ideas. Here are two of my top contenders:
- A recently ascended gnomish merchant & smuggler with connections to Wispil. Gained sponsorship officially in thanks for his important role in supplying the shipyards of Cassomir with a steady stream of lumber from Wispil...and unofficially gained additional support through smuggling illicit antiquities and other valuables to and for various nobles. Mechanically would be built as an Investigator, likely with Dreamscarred's new Polymath archetype (which is still in beta but has been pretty stable). In court, would enjoy "the game" thoroughly as a game (with a bit of a gnomish twist to it) and is delighted to have maneuvered himself to be valuable enough to have gotten here.
- A hunan son of an old noble family who is making waves through open activism for acceptance of Sarenrae and her followers. His family is torn--there's some history of hidden worship of the Dawnflower in it, and some are proud...but more are embarrassed that he's jeopardizing their standing. Mechanically...not sure yet. Definitely charismatic. Maybe a Cleric (Evangelist). Maybe a Dreamscarred Zealot class (still in beta and expected to be majorly revised this or next week). Maybe a Dreamscarred Warlord archer + the (also beta) Phoenix Champion archetype which--with its fire/light/glory themes seems custom-made for the Dawnflower. Open to suggestions of other classes as well.
Thoughts?
Yea! Sorry about the mix up, Jonny.
I have been firing off responses pretty much as soon as I see an update all day today. Tomorrow will be different, as it's my son's last day with me for a couple of weeks, and I want it to be special.
I will try to respond all at once later tomorrow night in a big wall-o-text if it's as active as it was today, but it might end up being that you guys don't hear from me until Tuesday.
If you guys have questions, please post them and I will try to respond when as soon as I am able. Alternatively, as has been the case today, I have faith that my very astute players will respond to the best of their ability in my place and I'll be able to confirm or deny their answer for you when I come back.
I apologize in advanced for my absence tomorrow, its just that family is a bit more important to me.
With that. It's 2am here in Colorado, and I'm extremely ready for bed. Good Night!
Oh, cohort wise, likely going to go for a cleric of Abadar, and one of Aurelian's cousins. A very earnest and cheerful fellow that his family sort of dumped on him a few years back once Aurelian started doing well for himself because, well, there's only so much staid people can handle someone being /that/ sunny, honestly. On the plus side, he does have a great mind for finance and his potency as a cleric has only grown with Aurelian on their travels. On the down side.. relentless, cheery optimism, even in the worst of situations. Sometimes that's inspiring. Sometimes that makes for wanting to punch a man in the face.
Mattastrophic and I have been talking a lot about this campaign. It's immensely interesting to me but I don't have full time to devote to it, so we came up with the idea of me playing as Lady Gabi's cohort. That'd make it easier to pop in and out without needing to take up a player slot.
Since Gabi's sort of a lone figure, I'd be more of an ally than a proper goes-everywhere-with-her cohort, which means I'd be there to call upon when necessary.
[Name Undetermined] is a Warpriest of Abadar who is determined to bring law and order back to the lands. True law and order, not the farce that has been going on for so long. He holds a high rank in the church, but he's also a member of law enforcement and prefers to do some of the dirty work personally, rather than simply give orders to people.
I sort of picture him as having this Commissioner Gordon type of relationship with the Dark Lady. They're both intent on ridding the lands of corruption, but this guy is always cleaning up after the Dark Lady's messes. He believes in what she's doing but isn't always thrilled with her methods.
The question is: how does the GM feel about having someone's cohort played by a second person, and if it's cool then how do you feel this concept fits?
Munkwunk
I have addressed this with Matt. It is fine with me to pilot his cohort, so long as you have a deep seeded reason why you are betraying him. This is a one off situation, and will likely not be an option for other players.
I approve of the commissioner Gordon type relationship.
As has been said by myself earlier, since this is a cross-over game with another Lords of Taldor game, I will tell you that there are other Players "In Play" and will be making cameos in this game.
Those players are:
Detective Chief Inspector of Crownsgate Robert Blackhart (LN Investigator)
his loyal nephew Ser Opilio Damasus of Osirion (Musketeer Cavalier)
Royal-Guard Captain, and Bodyguard to the Princess Lexarius Rubicon (Warlord)
Paladin of Cayden Calian, and Master of Revelry Sir Darren Carter (Not a paladin)
Street urchen turned Taldoran Phalaxn Archer Velius Kross (Zen Archer)
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Just FYI: I'm a whore for PbP forums apparently. It's now way past bed time!
Dot in case something occurs to me. Do we have any Inner Sea Trading and Holding companies yet, or coffeehouses? Hrm, it's late but interesting idea for a game at least.
@GM Leviathan I AGREE! I was almost whole night awake just making the estates for my crime lord and I am feeling proud of what I have done. Just would need help with checking whats left
spent so far 41250 + 13400 from personal gold
Buildings
Castle
#1 Altar
#1 Belltower
#1 Cell
#1 Courtyard
#1 Crypt
#1 Reliquary
#1 Bedroom
#1 Book repository
#1 Ceremonial Room
#1 Confessional
#1 Garden
#1 Office
#1 Sanctum
#1 Sitting room
#1 Statue
#1 Stall
#2 Storage
+Bedrooms 8
+Smithy 1
+Shrine 1
+Lodgings 22
+Bureau 1
+Armories 4
+Defensive Wall 4
+Gatehouse 1
+Infirmary 1
+Lavatory 5
+Magical Repository 1
+Office 2
+Sewer Access 1
+Throne Room 1
+War Room 1
+Common Room1
People & Underlings
Steward Marie (x)
Lieutenant Ulf
Master Smith Verdin
Accountant Ariel
Partner Sebastian (x)
Bureaucrats 4 (20)
Craftspeople 2 (6)
Lackeys 10 (50)
Elite Soldier 10 (50)
Elite Archers 10 (50)
Elite Guards 10 (50)
Priest Anders
Mage Sheli
Oppara
Underboss Michael
Smuggler Vicky
Priest Hrotgar
Mage Ernold
Scofflaws 10 (50)
Cutpurse 20 (100)
False Front 3
Storage 2
Store Front 2
Black Market 1
Fight Club 2
Maheto
Underboss Nedd
Scofflaws 5 (25)
Cutpurse 8 (40)
False Front 3
Storage 2
Store Front 2
Cassimir
Underboss Vicky
Scofflaws 5 (25)
Cutpurse 8 (40)
False Front 3
Storage 2
Store Front 2
Steven's Hold Cole
Underboss Nedd
Scofflaws 5 (25)
Cutpurse 8 (40)
False Front 3
Storage 2
Store Front 2
Just need to get all the goods / influence etc up. Also I would like the feedback on it if possible. Not sure how effective that is and how it really reflect for crimelord
Looking over Inkwell's background, that could actually be pretty fitting..plus its entertaining he's roughly based off of Dorn while Constantine is based off of Oberyn. A father with a history of exploration and joining mercenary companies would definitely inspire some of that in his children. That sense of adventure to see some of the places mentioned in Father's stories. Likewise, for Constantine's brother, Theodoro, the strong sense of duty to "fix" the corrupt, dying country could have come from Lord Rook.
So...if you are fine with defining two of your many children as an adventuresome 28 year old and a deceased 26 year old then I would like to re-do Constantine's story to make him one of your many progeny.
So...if you are fine with defining two of your many children as an adventuresome 28 year old and a deceased 26 year old then I would like to re-do Constantine's story to make him one of your many progeny.
Yeah... that's the value of having an indeterminately large family of indeterminate relatives.
I must say, though, I just read through the Bladecaster on the SRD—is that part of the expanded playtest? At first glance, it looks terrifyingly overpowered/unbalanced. In addition to more base goodies than an Eldritch Knight, Arcane Steel effectively gives Fast Healing <character level>. Arcane Recovery means a constant +2 to caster level, Battlecaster's Strike is a better version of the Magus's Spell Combat, and Martial Counterspell is far and away the most powerful spell countering ability I've ever seen (Immediate action? AND no foreknowledge needed? AND multiple uses?). Any one of these abilities sounds like something that would be the capstone of a normal PrC.
I'm intrigued. I read the recruitment post out of interest, and something immediately sparked.
Despite "The royalty of Taldor are eternally obsessed with the arcane arts and the acquisition of newer and greater magical knowledge—an obsession they share with the current Grand Prince."...
Despite Grand Prince Stavian III being a (multiclassed) Wizard...
Despite all the old magical buildings, and the predominance of magical items among the Bearded...
There's not actually a magical college or academy in Taldor. I've looked through the World Guide, the Taldor Companion, Inner Sea Magic... there doesn't seem to be any reference to the study of magic in Taldor besides dabblers and magical items.
Stereotypically, high powered Wizards seem in general to be little interested in anything besides studies, and occasionally power (to assist in the pursuit of studies). They seem to prefer the company of their fellows. Money is of little interest to them, merely something to be used up in the pursuit of more power.
Given Stavian is a wizard, and given he seems bent on reclaiming the lost glory of the past, is it reasonable that he might try to poach a powerful wizard by appealing to vanity - that is to say by granting a wizard ascension to Royalty and a grant to found a Taldor School of Wizardry, on the understanding that said wizard will then use this power to defend Taldor, support the Prince, and supply magically crafted items at near cost?
I recently read the Cohorts & Companions Companion, specifically the Instructor Wizard template. It seemed that this could be a good fit for the setting and game you've described.
The concept I have is of a man attempting to spark a resurgence of magical talent like Azlant and Thassilon. Training up a college of loyal Taldanes, something he sees this as a way to use magic to help the common man, but Stavian sees it as a way to create a weapon against Qadira and Chelliax. Newly ascended to his title, he found that a political marriage, a child, unaccustomed luxury and new respect started to change his view.
He's fiercely loyal to the Old Taldor that only existed in the histories, and the New Taldor that he firmly believes will come, if he can just get enough support. That support is the reason he plays the Grand Game, though he is only now learning how complex the rules and harsh the cost of losing. An early move resulted in a political marriage to a much younger woman, and an alliance with a family he detests on principle. He has also had to distance himself from his siblings - two of whom also studied at the Academe.
I am not sure if this concept is incompatible with the game - especially if there is a cross over. I wanted to run the idea past you (no hurry) before I sat down to make two 12th level PCs.
I can be your business partner tomb raider, merchant lord. Family provisioning and protecting the expeditions, archeological digs, etc...
Workers would include various races and classes. Dwarves, half-orcs, gnomes, etc...
Anyone wanna play a Hellknight cohort? xD
You'd be about 11th level, and would be a bodyguard.
I'd let you build it how you wanted to!
(This is mainly a joke.)
Well, if there's no magic school, we could just build one with our characters...
Speaking of characters, I've been thinking about how Lucas might interact with the others.
Lord Rook: Having both served in military forces, I think Rook and Lucas would have at least a few things in common - though the difference in ages means they clearly wouldn't have fought together. On the other hand, one of Rook's desires is not getting bored - and what's more fun than watching one young member of the court toss the idiots around? Lucas and Rook probably haven't interacted much, but looking over his own profile and interests, Rook might see Lucas as one of the younger generation worth connecting with - and Lucas, in turn, wouldn't mind having access to the wisdom of age.
Lady Gabrielle: If Lucas has one thing going for him here, it's that he is clearly not a suitable match for Lady Gabrielle - or, at least, the match that the rest of her family is looking to arrange. He's not quite rich enough, and he's too new as a noble, both of which make the very idea a non-starter. I suspect she'd see this for the advantage it is - she could freely converse without worrying about sending the wrong signals to others (since everyone else would know there was no matchmaking involved), and given her appreciation of etiquette, she might enjoy the way he punishes people who become too rude.
On the other hand, as a member of an older noble family that's focused on getting rich again, I suspect she would also be one of the nobles who see Lucas as just another energetic newcomer. She also has a habit of holding grudges for a long time, and might have a bit of difficulty recognizing that Lucas really does let things go once he feels the problem was resolved. Still, they could definitely be allies if they put their minds to it.
The Lady Knight: I haven't been able to find a full profile for her, so I'm working with what I have seen. Lucas and the Dame would likely get along quite well - he served with distinction and she sounds like the type who would agree with a fair bit of what he does, making them natural allies at court.
The Lady From The House That Sired The Royal Guard's Captain: I know the least about this character, so I could easily be completely off-base here. XD Off the top of my head, though, I think they would minimally appreciate martial skill and primarily see Lucas as someone to be manipulated - essentially a lesser pawn as they play the game. Lucas, on the other hand, would probably be concerned that their focus on position ("Look at us! We contributed to this prestigious posting!") might outweigh a desire to improve Taldor, and would be quite wary until convinced otherwise.
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General Campaign Contributions: Lucas' primary motivations and contributions are effectively lower/middle-class. Unlike families who have been noble for generations and see themselves as superior, he barely thinks of himself as a true noble (and the rest of the court would know this). He'd likely be seen as a moderately dangerous outsider, but useful if properly manipulated - even as he's busy supporting the advancement of education for all at his estate.
Of course, this motivation may conflict slightly with what others want. He's not terribly fond of the existing system, despite the benefits he's received - its hard to forget being kidnapped by people who wanted to exploit the system, taxed almost into starvation despite a busy trade bringing in lots of foreign money, and generally oppressed by the upper class (and some party members may never even think about how the 'little people' feel about their actions). Lucas would probably advocate for greater change in the system than some of them would prefer... and how that ultimately plays out would be left to the campaign. ^^ Of course, he IS willing to compromise on some things - but he wouldn't settle for a solution that only helped the royals.
After talking with a friend and going over things I decided on an arcane duelist bard, someone who has connections with both the artistic community and has business connections, but also has dealings with political activists and believes change is needed. Someone who knows that the arts have a way of getting people to take notice.
For her estate, maybe having a bardic college and art school and a museum would work as she is deeply interested in the arts and history and she would have a few of the lion blades working as teachers at the college giving her knowledge of what's going on in the political world. I saw the idea of having a famous artist having an interest in politics and things starting falling into place.
Yeah... that's the value of having an indeterminately large family of indeterminate relatives.I must say, though, I just read through the Bladecaster on the SRD—is that part of the expanded playtest? At first glance, it looks terrifyingly overpowered/unbalanced. In addition to more base goodies than an Eldritch Knight, Arcane Steel effectively gives Fast Healing <character level>. Arcane Recovery means a constant +2 to caster level, Battlecaster's Strike is a better version of the Magus's Spell Combat, and Martial Counterspell is far and away the most powerful spell countering ability I've ever seen (Immediate action? AND no foreknowledge needed? AND multiple uses?). Any one of these abilities sounds like something that would be the capstone of a normal PrC.
Battlecaster's strike is actually much worse than spell-combat (and it should be)..its closer to spellstrike in usage though. You have to use a touch spell only (later levels can use a ranged touch spell) and its limited by times per day scaling only with Int mod increases on a martial character..so you're already MAD. So no using it for swift-action buffs, ranged spells or control spells (walls, pits, summons, etc). You also have to use a swift action for it. This doesn't -seem- that much of an action-economy hit until you realize how many swift actions the character will be using. Constantine, as an example, uses swift actions for: boosts, counters, stance-switching, recovering maneuvers and entering a style. It's a great option to have, but there are other really good options as well (such as avoiding a melee attack or boosting a strike to hit two targets). It also requires spending a spell, which is a limited resource.
Counterspelling requires a readied counter. Constantine, as an example since I'm not sure of an optimized bladecaster build or if this is it, has only 2 counters readied. So he could only do it, at most, twice in an encounter before needing to recover the counters..which takes a swift action. Which prevents him from switching stances, using his boosts or using battlecaster's strike. Keep in mind, as well, that its a caster level check. He uses his Initiator level, but that's still lower than his actual level and doesn't have any boosts so he'll have a less than 50% chance of succeeding at the counterspell. I actually see this ability as the weakest in the repetoire since there are level 4-5 counters that could avoid spells or provide much higher %'s of avoiding a spell than this ability does.
It is definitely better than eldritch knight, but that's not very hard to accomplish. Hell Knight Signifier is also much better than eldritch knight. Most of the path of war stuff is aiming to be more balanced around clerics, maguses and well-designed paladins to fighters, base rogues and eldritch knights though (or so I believe). As an additional point, the requirement that he have level 2 maneuvers before entering the PrC means less levels are spent on a melee class than an eldritch knight usually has (which only needs BAB and martial weapon proficiency). A lot of EK builds only have a single level in fighter--so they're more focused on casting with higher CL's and more spells than bladecasters are.
Hopefully that helps assuage a little of your fears and explains how the abilities work in conjunction with everything else! I think Martial Counterspell is a lot scarier without seeing how few/frequent counters you have to use. Additionally, the sheer quantity of swift-actions calling for use makes Battlecaster's strike a little more understandable. The feet pre-reqs of this build also mean that an Intensified Spell for shocking grasp tricks and lower caster level (magus's favorite tactic) isn't going to work very well. I was torn between this build and a magus with Martial Training feats to grab manuevers.
Is there anywhere particularly that the existing characters are otherwise summed up/detailed?
The focus of the campaign isn't going to be combat, so it's probably okay either way. I also have a personal grudge against Path of War, because a lot of people claim it as the only way to "balance" martial characters despite basically proposing a new group of spellcasting classes that I wouldn't consider to be martial at all.
That said, some of the abilities as you seem to think they work aren't so bad, but I'm not sure that's how they work as written.
Arcane Steel can get you 10 hp at this level... and because it stacks with itself, that's easily 40 hp over the course of a normal battle. With quicken spells or battlecaster's strike, you're probably using it every round.
Arcane Recovery doesn't appear to require an expended maneuver... which means you can burn a 1st-level slot every round as a free action to get the caster level bonus.
Battlecaster's Strike is a swift action, but this is a class that uses swift actions for nothing else. Since it's meant to be paired with an int-based caster, it's not any more MAD than what the magus does, and 1+Int is almost as many combat rounds/day as most casters see. Since most strikes are standard actions, this means you can move, strike, and still cast a spell, which is what I'd think is more powerful than spell combat, but that's debatable.
"Counterspelling requires a readied counter." Yes, and NOTHING else. Normally, counterspelling requires the target spell (or Dispel Magic) to be prepared, AND a standard action used to prepare the counterspell. The only thing that can counterspell as an immediate action is an Abjurer wizard, they can do it far fewer times per day, and it's their signature ability. Being able to shut down an enemy caster's spells for two levels per encounter while still taking normal actions is huge, and makes possibly the best magical counter I've seen in any class.
Sure, Bladecaster isn't bad for a martial-focused character, but it piles on an absurd number of bonus abilities for a full spellcaster to benefit from, while also giving full initiator level. It looks to me like Bladecaster only takes a single martial level to qualify for. And I wouldn't say Hellknight Signifier is more useful than Eldritch Knight (the latter being one of the few PrCs I've actually seen used) because the full BAB and bonus feats are a big deal.
I'm really enjoying making this character. Having her an antiquities collector and dealer along with being an artist and writer helps brings her to life!
Thanks to the gm for offering this great opportunity!
** spoiler omitted **...
I don't know anything about Path of War, as I have never read it, and in fact tend to stay away from 3rd party stuff.
However, the "only abjurer can counter spell as immediate" is no longer true.
The Arcanist, with an exploit available to every arcanist at first level, can counter spell any spell as an immediate action by spending an arcane point, and a spell slot at least one level higher than the spell being cast.
So, counter spelling has gotten easier.
Just my thoughts.
Q: What are the Human players fighting for?
1: A grander State? [More power and land for the rich]
2: More power for them? [More power and land for the rich]
3: To better the lives of the Unbearded? [The 99%er Vs the 1%er]
For me this is impotent to know. because your being set up as 1% working INSIDE the site to change it.
The Unbearded: Taldor’s massive underclass, called
the unbearded, make up 99% of Taldor’s population.
They are merchants, craftmen, day laborers, dock
workers, vagabonds, soldiers, sailors, and so on. Taldor’s
crushing tax rate and import tariff ensure that the poor
of Taldor remain poor—as do the policies of the ruling
class regarding the rights of citizens (the unbearded
have none). Amazingly, the heart of the empire has
never rebelled against this stratifid and oppressive
establishment. The Grand Princes have been careful to
raise key citizens from the ranks of the unbearded in
order to keep their compatriots ever hopeful that aftr
hard work and long loyalty to the empire they might one
day join the ranks of the bearded. Taldor’s military offrs
such an avenue to advancement, and because of that the
Taldan Horse, Taldan Phalanx, and Imperial Navy are
loyal and strong, and fight hard for the empire—if only
to gain the notice of their commanders and receive a
promotion to the ranks of the bearded.
My PC being the representative of the NONE human kind would be looking for better representation and rites for none human races still left in Taldor many of whom are seen by the under class of the under class.
So I have this mad idea to offer something really crazy and fitting such a struggle, My PC represents a none human race Socialist calculative or aliened races. Simply known as
"The Culture"
Its holdings will be a number of officers linked to Hotels and Inns [suited for none humans] in all major the cites and water/roads ways. They will offer help to all none human races seeking it. Keep tabs on what is happening with in the non human races and publish a Gazette for the None human community's. was well as books for sale.
** spoiler omitted **...
Here's a look at the crunchiness to see how I planned to use it.
I wasn't really considering how bladecaster could be maxed out. Considering the route Constantine went, his other alternative would have been to be more swashbuckler with a magus (if keeping the arcane theme) or straight Harbinger (to keep his spear + supernatural melee stuffs). For sake of interest..going to see how that would have ended up in comparison to the magus.
If Magus: His BAB would be the same (+9) and he'd still have level 4 spells, although he'd have 4 instead of 3. He'd also have a much more limited spell list in terms of divination, although I think almost everything else is on the Magus list that Constantine has prepared except maybe Suggestion and Calcific touch. He'd also have an extra feat, would be casting in medium armor, be able to enchant his sword to with a +3 bonus as a swift action, use arcane points (a pool of 12 assuming I wouldn't change the stats around) to buy back spells, more level 1 and 2 spells, 4 magus arcana or hexes (I would have gone Hexcrafter) the ability to always combine a spell and attack in the same turn (albeit at a -2 penalty to attacks, bleh :() and knowledge pool which..seems barely useful. Oh and fighter training to use for weapon specialization or...I have no idea of any other fighter specific feats.
So he loses all of the above in exchange for: level 1-5 maneuvers, a small bonus to saves and attacks with one discipline, +1/2 intelligence to attack rolls, casting in light armor, a stance that seems..weak compared to being able to (using what Constantine picked) see invisibility or hold a guisarme 1-handed (Sparta!), temporary hit points when casting a spell, the ability to sacrifice a level 1 spell to gain a caster level boost, limited spell-combat with strikes and the ability to use his counters to counterspell (which a lot of counters can already do..so that seems a bit of a wash except most counters also do something more interesting. Like Altered Penumbra lets you avoid an attack AND teleport!).
Personal Verdict: I suppose I'm just not very good at min/maxing but..it seems about equal. 4 arcana or hexes means the ability to use Slumber, Flight (Hex), +int to attacks, quicken 1/day (<3 quickened arcana) and +level to damage (because what swashbuckling magus doesn't take flamboyant + precise deed?). Strikes are meant to be roughly equal to full-attacks, but with more entertaining tricks. At twelve, a magus could be full-attacking with three attacks (spell-combat to add an attack) for at least for 1d8+28 (assuming +7 dex, +3 weapon, power attack and flamboyant arcana) plus whatever the spell is. Instead, Constantine can teleport his speed, attack once for 1d10+19+4d6 (average 12) and use a touch attack to deal spell damage. He benefits by having the mobility over the sheer quantity of damage an equal level barbarian, optimized blaster, archer or magus can deal and instead has a huge array of "tricks." I prefer the options over simply high numbers, but his options aren't as good as those of an equal level caster who would be able to (more) reliably use DC requiring spells, have more spells and have spent feats boosting spells instead of splitting feats between pre-requisites and making melee stuff work.
Course..I'm hardly a guide-writer or even a very good math-cruncher. I just try to find ways to make complicated concepts work (spear-user who has high mobility and can dash around/teleport/do somersaults around his foes while being able to see a little bit into the future {divination}) without them being completely overshadowed.
I'm just happy this isn't a combat-focused PbP! Much more excited to play out the elaborate political maneuvering and back-deal negotiations. If you are worried about anything in the build being specifically too strong in comparison to the rest of the players, feel free to let me know. Pathfinder seems to have a HUGE discrepancy of power ranges and I'd much rather play to the level the group is at. Being over-shadowed is about as much fun as over-shadowing everyone else. It is a team game after all.
Ah, no worries. (I'm not the GM anyway, and it looks like you've got an idea for how to make it work okay). I guess my character is pretty melee-cheesed anyway, just using the Unchained stuff.
When you say point for point...does that mean it's not like normal where we spend 2 points to raise from 13 to 14?
Realized that i might have goofed on the stats.
Yeah, its spend a point to get a +1 to a stat.
14 costs 4.
8 costs -2.
Etc.