|
Ebon sits at the bar, quietly listening to all the chatter and talk around him. Pondering the tales of Heroes. Finally after the chatter has died down he will speak.
" The Shoanti have many tales of Heroes, and being Skoan Quah we have many of many tales. But the one that always drew my ear was a long tale, with many Heroes in it.
Mostly about a troop of Heroes that fought wars in lands far, far from home. They fought for an empire that betrayed them, and left them alone to face the enemy.
Many of them fell in combat, fighting in the end not for the empire, or some glorious leader. No in the end they fought for each other and the brotherhood that forms from the perilous times spent together.
They were touched by the Elder Gods, and felt the pain of that touch. All were changed, and became more than what they were. Whether they wanted to or not. Some even became Gods of a sort. This sounds a boon thing, but it is more sorrow than joy.
Many died rough deaths , with gritted teeth bared at their enemies throats. I would die in such a way, with brothers at my side, never surrendering.
My favorite story of these tales of the Malazon tho, were about their leaders. Especially the grizzled older general named for a bird. Whiskeyjack I think it was."
He pauses looking around for something then says.
" Bah, but I grow thirsty with these tales. Give me a drink!"
Then he sits brooding into his drink and speaks no more for the night.
|
Sipping her wine, Bella leans back in her chair smiling as she listens to the others tell tales of their favorite heroes. It's wonderful to be around so many Pathfinders here! It reminds me of when mom and dad would have their friends over back home. Aloud she says, "Who ever knew there were so many great heroes in the world? Come now, who else has a tale to tell?"
Class: Rogue (Burglar)
Gender: Female
Alignment: NG
Hair: light brown, shimmering golden blonde in well lit areas
Eyes: Green (sea blue towards the pupil)
Height: 5'7
HP: 8
AC: 18, Touch: 15. FF: 13
Str: 14
Dex: 20 (+2 race, additional +2 replacing spell like ability)
Con: 10
Int: 10
Wis: 12
Cha: 15 (+2 race)
Bab: 0
Cmb: 2
Cmd: 16
Fort: 0
Ref: 7
Will: 1
Traits:
Campaign: Blade of the Society - +1 dmg on Sneak Attacks
Choice: Armour Expert - negate -1acp from wearing armour
Skills:
Acrobatics: 9
Bluff: 6 (11 when lying in a believable or unlikely way)
Climb: 6
Disable Device: 9 (10 disable traps)
Knowledge (Dungeoneering): 7
Knowledge (Local): 4
Perception: 7 (8 locate traps)
Stealth: 9
Feats:
1. Skill Focus: Knowledge (Dungeoneering)
Gear: White Studded Leather Corset (Studded Leather armour), Sap, Rapier.
GP: Still need to work out, but can't afford paralysing poisons yet.
Azata-Blooded (Musetouched)
The musetouched epitomize freedom and joy, and travel the world to liberate less fortunate individuals.
Ancestry Azata (Musetouched)
Typical Alignment Cg
Ability Modifiers +2 Dex, +2 Perception
Skill Modifiers: +2 Diplomacy +2 Perception
Replaces Alternate Spell-Like Ability for Musetouched: You gain an additional +2 racial bonus to your Dexterity score.
Musetouched Race Traits: Bralani's Step, Innocent
The capricious aasimars known as musetouched are the most likely of their kind to be found adventuring throughout lands both civilized and remote. Imbued with an undeniable spirit of wanderlust, musetouched feel the constant urge to explore new places, meet new people, and ferret out evil and corruption wherever they lurk.
Of all the aasimars, musetouched tend to be among the most beautiful by most humans’ standards. They possess features with an unearthly charm, such as long, thick hair of a seemingly impossible hue and limpid, jeweltoned eyes.
Musetouched are commonly possessed of innate musical talent and a love for melodies, and many train as bards while they wander. their distaste for oppression and innate love of good draws many musetouched to Andoran and the River Kingdoms, and their beauty and free-roaming spirits endear them to the fortune-tellers and vagabonds of Varisia. Their drive to visit new lands leads azata-blooded aasimars to explore the farthest shores of Golarion; musetouched from the Inner Sea can be found in Vudra and Tian Xia, as well as the crystalline city of Dehrukani in southern Garund, where they are seen as holy beings truly worthy of worship.
Innocent (Aasimar)
No one can believe someone as pure as you could be deceptive in any way. You have an air of innocence about you, and people have a hard time believing you could ever do anyone harm.
Benefit: When you make a Bluff check to tell a lie, your target always wants to believe you, granting you the standard +5 bonus on your Bluff check. This bonus only applies if the lie you tell is either believable or unlikely.
Bralani's Step (Aasimar)
Your ancestor was a bralani, an azata known for its untamed speed in battle.
When in combat, you feel a fierce surge of energy through your limbs.
Benefit: Once per day, you may move an additional 5 feet as part of a move action.
With no father figure around, her mother was one of the stronger Half-Elves out there, and as such, acted as both mother and father. When Ethyria had trouble at school with the local kids, her mother, not matter what abuse she received, would always fix things. When Ethyria started to mature into adulthood, her mother would show her the tricks of the trade for emphasising her natural beauty, often buying her clothes when she could afford to, make-up, accessories etc.
Her mothers name was Lorithiun Bellamyr. Not just a mother, Ethyria’s single parent was also her role model. Growing up she admired her mother so much, she wanted to be just like her. With pale skin, perfectly defined cheekbones, alluring eyes and a slender but well formed body, Lorithiun was the beautiful woman Ethyria knew, and any passing man or woman would often pause in their tracks to admire her beauty, but the woman was modest, never holding her own importance over others, and often took the time out to tell other more insecure women that they were just as beautiful as her, if not more so.
As Ethyria reached he twenties, her looks really stood out from the crowd. It was obvious that she’d taken after her mother’s good looks, but there was something a little different about her.
With a slightly darker complexion to her mother, Ethyria had what almost appeared to be a golden, radiant glow, emanating from her hair as the strong rays of sunlight made contact with her head. Not knowing her father was an Angel, she thought it was normal for her light brown hair to shimmer with golden tints. It wasn’t just her hair that was slightly out of the ordinary, but her eyes too, for they looked human with the exception of the colouring. With strong contrasting mixtures of bright and dark green shades, her iris’ were quite noticeable for anyone with range, with aqua blue being the strongest colour as a ring circling around her pupils.
As time went on, she became a well educated woman, gaining knowledge in multiple areas, though primarily with relation to dungeoneering. For you see, reading books when she was younger of famed treasure hunters often left her envious of such fortune and adventure. She hated the violence most stories portrayed, but felt a strong link between herself and the daring characters of most tales she came across. Deep within her heart she knew what she wanted, and that was an adventure!
Not really ever acquiring a single best friend, Ethyria made many acquaintances in her time, often playing on her innocent looks to form friendships with those around her, but nothing really tied her down to her home City of Almas, the capital of Andoran.
At the age of 30 (nearly 22 in human years), Ethyria explained to her youthful mother that she wished for adventure, holding a deep desire within her heart to explore the world, as she wants thrills and excitement to be part of her every day life, and the books she read as a kid only helped to cement her decision growing up.
Her mother, upset but also happy for her told her that she had to do what she felt was right, and if her heart told her to go out and adventure, holding her back would only delay what she now had her heart set on doing.
Hugging her daughter, Lorithiun smiled with tears. I’ll miss you hun. You’ll always be my baby girl and I’d be devastated if anything happened to you, so promise me you’ll look after yourself and visit me when you’re done exploring!
Her daughter smiled, hugging her tightly for one final embrace before her departure. Of course, mum. Of course I’ll come back to see you. You’re the only person I truly care about in this world, and you’re the woman who brought me into it. I’ll quickly learn to take care of myself, remain wary of those around me, and you never know, maybe even fame awaits me?
Ethyria laughs as she gives her mum one last hug, grabbing her bags she’d been packing that day and then setting out on her adventure.
Well, this is it then! said the girl excitedly, as she stepped outside.
If the rumours are true, a star was said to have recently exploded, causing devastation in the region of Magnimar. It might be a load of rubbish, but for me it’s as good a place as any to start, so it’s time to hitch a ride to Magnimar!
That’s far enough away from here to begin my adventure, and I hear it has a lot going for it. Who knows, maybe some of the surrounding towns and Cities will hold secrets, adventure or even valuable treasures!
Speaking out loud, the girl mumbles to herself for an instant. Now, where do I hitch a ride?
Eth places her finger on the side of her lip, looking up as she thinks to herself.
Books, books, books, what information did you give me as a child? I know... to the docks!
Strutting her stuff towards the docks of Almas, she heads to the shipyard, asking around to see which of the ships are headed for Magnimar, and fortunate enough for her, a large trade ship was headed that way to deliver a rather large shipment of timber.
With little money to offer, the captain allowed her to travel for free, on the grounds that she’d help him offload some of the smaller goods upon arrival. To which, she agreed to his terms.
A few months later and running low on food, the stunning brunette had been jumping between jobs, in hope that she’d eventually stumble into something exciting. She didn’t however and was beginning to struggle financially.
Although not the most grandeur Inn within the City of Magnimar, The Old Fang had a sense of charm about it and was one of the more popular places to visit around Magnimar’s dockyard. When the going got tough, Ethyria would help Ol’ Mam Grottle with the maintenance of the place, often cleaning up the ale soaked floors for cheaper accommodation each week, which surprisingly, regardless of her no-nonsense attitude, the old woman seemed to have a soft spot for this girl.
Six months later, Ethyria decided that it was time to visit local art galleries as she’s always had an eye for objects of beauty, and curious of Goren Andosalu’s work, wished to view the work he had produced. When she arrived, she was amazed with such pieces as “Midnight Sunrise” and “Throwdown in Swynetown”, admiring what was the work of an infamous and eccentric madman.
On her walk back home, she thought to herself I wonder, I’d like to be able to paint as well as Andosalu one day, but if I could gain some wealth, I’d be able to do more with my life and follow the dreams I left my home with.
That night, as she got in and went to sleep, she had a vivid dream. Was it a warning or just her imagination? Nobody will ever know, but when she awoke the next morning, she headed straight for the nearest Pirate Ship she could find, joining their crew in search of all kinds of treasure.
As the months went on, Ethyria boarded many ships ranging from fishing boats to cargo ships and even other treasure hunters, offering whichever services she felt like making up at the time, so that she could see the world and discover many secrets along the way.
Using her looks like she once did to form friendships, she grew to play on her innocence and beauty, deceiving those she travelled with to gather information on all kinds of riches, before slipping away unnoticed to steal what those she had travelled with were after, where she could raid and loot the fortunes that awaited her, only to find her way to more unsuspecting thieves, where she’d occasionally travel back to Magnimar to drop her goods off, back into a safe she had purchased at The Old Fang Inn.
Her love for loot and exploration often took her to places where people hadn’t stepped foot in years. This was now her main source of income, now that she was a Tomb Raiding, Treasure Hunting thief!
Occasionally she’d get into tight spots where she’d come close to being caught by other treasure hunters, once even being struck by a stuck up noble, due to turning down his offer to court him. Shaken up and afraid for a little while, she left the treasure hunting scene for a while, before trying her luck at things a little more local.
Now that she’d been a local resident for a year and half, Ethyria had a good knowledge of local happenings and events, and decided to target the houses of wealthy local folk, selectively choosing to target only the most vile of people within each district she visited, where she quickly proved herself to be one of the most devious and successful lone thieves on the streets of Magnimar.
Old relics, paintings, armour and weapons, or anything that looked vintage and valuable enough to fetch a pretty penny was a good enough incentive for her to pursue each robbery.
Ideally she'd familiarise herself with the area and routines of each local individual, so she could gauge when was best to break in, knowing for certain that the owners of each property would either be out, or be in another part of their house while she would quietly clamber in through balconies and windows in the dead of night, to take what she wanted unnoticed, before leaving and safely returning to her home (the Inn) once more.
Six months later and now more or less a professional small time thief, Ethyria went to steal from one of the houses in the more sought after districts (the Alabaster District), having learned to move location constantly, to increase her chances of getting away free. Though on this one occasion, it would seem that things weren’t to go as well as she had planned.
It was all well and good to take precautions, but not knowing she was being watched herself, as she broke into one of the wealthier Aristocrat’s homes, she was just about to steal a large sum of money, when all of a sudden she fell asleep.
Someone had been lying in wait for her. A Wizard as it were and one who secretly despised her beauty and skills within the trade. Upon awaking, she found herself in some kind of old fashioned but well maintained room, very much unfamiliar to her.
Wishing to speak with her, a man of about 40 years old with slicked back hair and a handlebar moustache merged into sideburns appeared. He looked at the girl rather agitated and told the Wizard to leave.
Well, it seems you’ve been causing quite a stir out there. Did you know many of the places you robbed were actually locations we had penned down to target ourselves? It’s caused quite a problem within our walls.
Confused, Ethyria asks what the man meant.
Don’t play dumb with me. You’ve been stealing items of worth from residencies within the City of Magnimar, and as such, many of our members have arrived on site, only to be arrested because of the extra security people have been investing in, due to the City reports of a sudden increase of thievery.
Worried, the girl asks who she’s speaking to.
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, Chamberlain and Steward of the Grand Lodge Faction within the Pathfinder Society.
P….Path…Pathfinder? You’re a Pathfinder? I’ve heard stories, read some in fact, but have never believed such a thing to be true. she says to the man.
Well says Ambrus, I can assure you, we exist and we are probably the most honourable thieves you’ll ever meet. If it’s extra coin you’re after, we can provide you with that, but in return, you must retrieve valuable items for us where we can then restore them, put them in museum’s or lock them away for safe keeping, to keep them out of the wrong hands.
I’m guessing you have a sense of morality too, as it appears as though only the worst of the wealthy have been your targets. You’re not like the ones within the Society we despise – The Sczarni. They steal, kill, rape and torture their victims when it suits them, caring for bloodlust as much as loot. They shouldn’t be allowed to work within this industry, but they do, and the pose a problem.
Looking at the beautiful woman, he continues his speech.
You are here now in front of me as I wish to give you a choice. As you can see, we haven’t tied you up or restrained you in any way because we don’t take hostages. I simply wanted you here after catching wind of your success rate with regard to burglaries.
You are free to leave at any time, but for our sake we’d need to put you to sleep once again, as our location is to remain top secret.
Ethyria seems to be listening with a great deal of interest, to which Ambrus acknowledges, nodding before moving on with his question.
Would you be willing to help us by joining our cause? I see potential in you and wish to take advantage of your skills. I’m an honest man. We will offer food and water every time you have business with us at HQ, you will learn of our location, our secrets and on top of this, the more successful you are in your relic hunting, the more fame you’re likely to get within our ranks. We also have ways of compensating you for your efforts.
Ethyria responded excitedly, quick to give an answer. It was from this very moment that the beautiful girl would go on to becoming a Pathfinder for the Grand Lodge Faction, and now, back in Magnimar, she’s ready to begin her first quest, and more importantly…..her adventure!
Sorry for the wait. It's now 6.50am here in England and I'm ready for bed!
I apologise for the length of my back story, but I think it covers all of her personality traits, her links and hopefully a good few hooks for you to work with!
Great responses all around and I like that some people didn't keep it to just fantasy and explored beyond that. So then the answer to Gregory's question was anything as long as you can make it believable.
Denlin, your still being considered as a single candidate.
Here is a final list of submissions organized by role, I will have choices up shortly once I review everything. Plan is for 5, but I may take 6
Melee
Denlin Longarm - Male Human (Shoanti) Barbarian
Athyris Credo - Male Human (Varisian) - Fighter
Ebon Kai of the Skoan Quah - Male Human (Shaoanti) - Barbarian Lucius Baradain - Male Human Paladin (Divine Defender)
Divine
Bella Singh - Female Human (Varisian, Vudrani) Cleric (Cloistered Cleric, Merciful Healer)
Ester Pennycoat - Female Human Cleric
Arcane
Quigly Dandellosen - Gnome Sorcerer (Arcane)
Kate Diane Everspell - Female Human (Varisian, Chelaxian) Witch
Tynan Kaddren - Female Fetchling Wizard (Shadowcaster)(Thassilonian Specialist)
Nicolae Lovari - Male Human (Varisian) Wizard (Diviner)
Oz - Male Human Sorcerer
Skill
Brennan Darkblade - Male Human Rogue (knife master, Scout)
Ethyria - Female Aasimar Rogue (Burglar)
Ranged
Gregory Paltaris - Half-Elf Ranger (Infiltrator/Trapper)
Gholg - Male Goblin Alchemist
Support
Oberst - Male Half-elf Bard (Street Performer)
Good luck everyone! Will be very interesting to follow this adventure, no matter if I get selected or not.
And good luck selecting the partymembers Tierce, tons of great concepts submitted!
Sitting by himself at a corner table, a man suddenly joined the conversations, prompted by the goblins incessant talk of fire.
"You talk of fire like one who has yet to feel its hot betrayal on your flesh. You would do well to curb your enthusiasm and learn some respect for the elements you weild goblin."
Leaning out of the shadows, his words were given more weight to anyone who cared to look at him. Fully half his face, the entirety of its right side, was a tangled mass. Burn scars of an angry redish brown color covered and distorted his features, his mouth and brow sagging into a permanent expression of sadness. From within its gaunt, deep socket, a milky white eye leered out into the room, its pupil-less stare seeming to follow your every move, like the eyes of a painting. It all stood in stark contrast to the untouched left side, pale skinned and smirking with a better knowing half smile.
"Look at me and behold the glory of the fire you hold so dear, and pray you do not find yourself in its loving embrace as I have."
Reaching up his left arm, he scratched an itch on his right wrist, the act briefly revealing the arm underneath his heavy coat, the skin that same malformed redish brown. Throughout the inn, minds silently pondered the extend of the ruin covered by that coat.
Grabbing his pint from the table, he stood and walked up to sit near the others, dragging his chair with him. Sitting backwards on his chair, he leaned on it, a glint in his eye as he prepared to add yet another heros tale.
"Were it only that I had been blessed with the gifts that this hero were, I would have been rather more handsome today." he snorted a laugh before spitting into the fire of the hearth. "Ofcourse he never did see it as a gift. It made him different, and deep down he would probably have prefered to be just a normal man. But he wasnt, no he was something special alright."
The man looked around at the others gauging their interest. Satisfied he had their attention, he continued.
"Some would call him a beast, a feral creature of the deep woods, and to an extent, they would be right. He looked as much a man as anyone here, but beneath the surface he was a predator, every fiber of his being breed for survival. He had the keen nose of a hound, and no injury could ever take permanent hold of his body, bones and flesh knitting together at a pace which would shame the most ancient of trolls."
He paused to slake his thirst, greedily drinking from his pint of ale. A thin stream of the brew escaped his mouth where he had been burned, the weak lips unable to contain the flow. Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, he continued.
"And then there were the claws, yes the claws. Not claws like you would think, no. His claws sprang from his very knuckles, three on either hand. Long as rapiers they were, covered in precious star metal. The tales even say his entire skeleton was covered in the stuff!"
The man spoke almost reverently now, eye wide with awe as he became more animated in his story telling. To the experienced tavern patron, it was clear that he was drunk. How much of his story was true? Was he making it all up?
"The man could not remember where he came from or who he was. The stories do not tell if he ever found his past. Supposedly a great sorcerer found him, took him in and tried to tame the beast within. But he couldnt be tamed, not truly. He was a beast at heart. So instead the sorcerer directed his ferocity towards good, an unstoppable fury to slay the wicked!"
Getting shakily to his feet, the man made for the bar, gesturing at the barkeep with his empty mug. Pausing to look back at the others he finished his story with a smile.
"Logan, the beast was called. A fine name that is, Logan. You best believe that...bub"
Let's try this again, changed roles and added Orik, can't believe I forgot the token dwarf!
Melee
Denlin Longarm - Male Human (Shoanti) Barbarian
Athyris Credo - Male Human (Varisian) - Fighter
Ebon Kai of the Skoan Quah - Male Human (Shaoanti) - Barbarian Lucius Baradain - Male Human Paladin (Divine Defender)
Gregory Paltaris - Half-Elf Ranger (Infiltrator/Trapper)
Orik Stonefist - Male Dwarven Shield Fighter
Divine
Bella Singh - Female Human (Varisian, Vudrani) Cleric (Cloistered Cleric, Merciful Healer)
Ester Pennycoat - Female Human Cleric
Arcane
Quigly Dandellosen - Gnome Sorcerer (Arcane)
Kate Diane Everspell - Female Human (Varisian, Chelaxian) Witch
Tynan Kaddren - Female Fetchling Wizard (Shadowcaster)(Thassilonian Specialist)
Nicolae Lovari - Male Human (Varisian) Wizard (Diviner)
Oz - Male Human Sorcerer
Skill
Brennan Darkblade - Male Human Rogue (knife master, Scout)
Ethyria - Female Aasimar Rogue (Burglar)
Ranged
Gholg - Male Goblin Alchemist
Support
Oberst - Male Half-elf Bard (Street Performer)
"Yeh, I though't tha' list looked a lil short, but I ain't un fer makin' short jokes nae am I?. Reckon after I give yae a gud conk on yer wee noggin wit mae axe, yae won' be fergettin' mae name from nae oon, eh?"
"Nae, I'm not shoor jes' wha' yae mean by "tok'n dwarf". Is this sum 'ffimative Axtion step yae be takin'?. Cuz, boyo, if so, yae cain take this whole 'venture and stuff up yer wee tiny backside. All o' us know yae'd be much better off wit a whole comp'ny o' dwarves inna first place, eh?"
"Well mebbe, th' troop o' dwarves and a bonny lass er too also jes' ta keep us oon 'r toes. HAR! An' best not forgit the ale, an' loss o' it!"
"There's these rumors about a man named Caine. He's supposed to be the greatest infighter in the world. We heard about him years ago, but never really put too much credence to the idea. I mean, Slasher's all about his knives, and Brute likes to throw a punch or two, but Caine's supposed to be able to take out an army with anything at hand; blade, club, handful of sand, his feet for crying out loud. We...I never really believed, but I was inspired. "
"Then, not too long ago, there was a riot in the Grainger. We saw this guy in black leathers just roll over a guard patrol like they were small boys. Twenty seconds, thirty tops, and he was done. I caught Brute throwing mock punches and arm locks and made him stop before the guy saw us. Then, he looked up and I knew. It was Caine. The joy of battle was on his face, along with the blood of his enemies. I got up the nerve to mouth his name. That's all, just mouth it, but he saw...and nodded. Then, he was gone. And I knew, then, that I had seen the guy I wanted to pattern myself after, if for no other reason than I couldn't imagine anyone trying to own that man. No one who took their life seriously , in any case."
Might have had the choices posted by now, but the arcane spot is hard to narrow down as there are a lot of great choices... Should have it posted in a few hours.
I had to go with six as arcane had too many good choices.
Orik Stonefist - Male Dwarven Shield Fighter
Bella Singh - Female Human (Varisian, Vudrani) Cleric (Cloistered Cleric, Merciful Healer)
Ethyria Bellamyr - Female Aasimar Rogue (Burglar)
Gholg - Male Goblin Alchemist
Nicolae Lovari - Male Human (Varisian) Wizard (Diviner)
Quigly Dandellosen - Gnome Sorcerer (Arcane)
Discussion thread is up, please post to check in. Gameplay thread will be up tomorrow
Congrats to those of you who made it!
See you in game! :)