The Curse of the Crimson Throne (Inactive)

Game Master leinathan

fey wife when?

I'm very excited about playing an arcane caster with a focus on melee combat. Tactically, I think that will be really fun, and the spin on her being exiled nobility is a really neat headspace to get into. The dichotomy of a refined, aristocratic princess cast against a bestial, bloodthirsty monster is delightfully appealing.

Well, as someone who enjoys playing characters with little or no morals, I want to see my character thrive in an environment where not only uis enemies fear him.
Honestly I want to see how others react to his lack of morals when it comes to the presuit of knowledge. I fully intend to play this Character as Cruel but not dramatically so. He doesn't thrive off of pain or suffering, he just doesn't care that it's happening. He sees Everything through the uncaring lense of logic, with only a rare few things he considers vile or reacts to emotionally. For example, he hesitates when dealing with others of his race, as well as the human-like Humanoids.
However put a goblin in front of him, he'll put it to sleep then experiment to see exactly how big their brain is, whether their dead or not.

Born into one of the extremely poor small groups living in a warren in the sewers of Korvosa Agiz has always aspired to a life greater than his birthright would suggest.

By ratfolk standards he was always large, quick and intelligent. He was intelligent enough to realize that he needed money to move up in the world, intelligent enough to realize that the only route to that success was to be part of a larger group, intelligent enough to conceal how intelligent he really was.

So, in his youth he joined a gang of ratfolk that was led by a wererat Izkintal. His natural talents enabled him to quickly prosper in the group, eventually obtaining the position of Izkintals accountant, the person responsible for keeping the books and fencing the stolen property. While he participated in various robberies he tried to stay as far away from violence as he could while keeping his position.

Unlike his fellow gang members he saved his money and even invested it, buying items that were harder to fence from the gang in order to improve his average profits.

After a few years he had amassed sufficient funds to realize his dream. He finally had enough tuition to attend Wizard School. Given the racial prejudice, higher fees and frankly alarming nature of the Acadamae he chose instead to attend Theumanexus College with its lower standards but much more pleasant surroundings.

Fortunately for him, Izkintal could see the value in having a wizard ally in the future and so he left the gang on quite good terms.

Agiz positively thrived at the College. For the first time he made friends outside of the warrens. He started to learn of the much wider world out there (wider than the warrens, at least. He has never actually left Korvosa). Along with the learning of wizardry he learned how satisfying it could be to make things with his own hands and became proficient in a wide variety of crafts.

He discovered a deep and abiding love for beautiful things and converted to the worship of Shelyn. He counts many artistic people, especially crafters, as his friends.

Upon graduation he decided that he wanted to work in a place where he could still pursue his magical studies while helping the gang that had made his current position possible.

With a loan from Izkintal he started up a small store that sells a wide variety of used and new goods. Some of these goods he makes himself, some he purchases from other local crafters, and others he fences.

His new business is under the protection of his old gang. He also pays a small fee to the Cerulian Society so that they do not interfere in his operations.

He has made it clear to the underworld that he will ONLY deal with stolen items that come from non violent crimes. On at least 3 occassions when somebody tried to fence items stolen by violence he informed the Korvosan Guard. He also acts as a very low level informant for one of the members of the Guard (a fellow devotee of Shelyn). As a result, the Guard never looks into his fencing operation too closely.

Agiz is a well groomed and well dressed ratfolk in his early 20's who is always immaculately clean. He is somewhat large for his people at 4'2" and 90 lbs. Within his store and neighbourhood he openly goes as a ratfolk and doesn't attempt to disguise his race in any way. When leaving the neighbourhood he will often wear a hooded cloak so as to attract less attention.

He is generally quite well dressed in colourful and flashy clothing. He does NOT try and appear to be any richer than the small merchant that he is.

If for some reason he is expecting trouble he will have his rapier and shortbow to hand and will dressed in more muted colours.

He wears a great variety of jewelry, all of it hand crafted and more valuable for artistic merit than for its monetary value. Somewhat hidden among his other adornments he ALWAYS has a tailblade tightly strapped on.
Typical ratfolk are average 4 feet tall and weigh 80 pounds. They often wear robes to stay cool in the desert or conceal their forms in cities, as they know other humanoids find their rodent features distasteful. Ratfolk have a strong attraction to shiny jewelry, especially copper, bronze, and gold, and many decorate their ears and tails with small rings made of such metals. They are known to train giant rats (dire rats with the giant creature simple template), which they often use as pack animals and mounts.

Agiz is generally a quiet person, content with quietly sitting and observing others in most social situations. He listens more than talks. But he is good at reading people, good at being unnoticed. He has a wide range of knowledge of the local scene gained by observation

One exception to that is when he encounters particularly beautiful crafted items. A beautiful statue, a magnificent sword, even a precisely made basket have been known to elicit high pitched squeals of joy from him.

He is a fairly pragmatic man who knows that the world can be a harsh place. When the situation requires he can be scarily adept at violence. The lessons of his youth are still remembered and he knows exactly where to place a knife to do the most harm. He deliberately chose an Owl as his familiar precisely BECAUSE he wanted to make sure that he would be very, very good at his old profession if circumstances drove him back into it.

He dislikes violence and will use it as a last resort and, even then, will use the minimal amount of violence possible. However, if violence is called for he will not let abstract notions like honour or mercy get in the way of what has to be done. If things can be stopped without violence, great. If matters escalate to violence but deaths can be avoided, great. If people have to die, then they have to die. As efficiently as painlessly as possible.

He DOES try to follow Shelyn's precepts where possible. Sometimes he even suceeeds. He DOES like to help his fellow man, at least when the cost to him isn't too high. He gives money and help to those who need it. Within reason.

He is deeply, deeply loyal to those he considers friends and family and will do anything for them. He is very well liked and respected by his neighbours, not due to his winning personality but because he is somebody that they can rely on. He helps build shelves for stores, he connects people together.

Korvosa is his home and, for all of its faults, he is very proud to call himself a citizen.

The son of one of his neighbours has recently gone missing and has asked Agiz for help. Agiz's efforts to track him down have led him to Gaedrun.

Although he does NOT consider himself an adventurer and does NOT actually want any more excitement in his life his loyalty to his companions and love for his city should draw him into action quite easily.

I'm not sure if this is acceptable or too much. Ideally, he has a small shop Marvellous Miscellany located near to the Gold Market. He lives in an apartment above the shop.

The shop sells a wide variety of items. From hand crafted items that are both functional and beautiful made by local artisans and by Agiz himself to second hand items of reasonable value that include a fair smattering of stolen items

From a story point of view I really like the idea of a character struggling to overcome his background and, despite his own goals, becoming an upstanding hero of the city. Of a member of a race typically looked down upon using the very racial abilities that others scorn to win himself a place in the stories.

Mechanically, I want to explore the idea of a melee focused rogue who uses magic to aid him in those endeavours. The whole character is largely built around the Scurrying Swarmer feat.

And I love this Adventure Path and want to experience it with a character very, very different from my old one both mechanically and from a role playing perspective

Agiz
Ratfolk unchained rogue 1/transmuter (shapechange[APG]) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 147, Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 3 231, Pathfinder Unchained 20)
N Small humanoid (ratfolk)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +10 (+13 to sight-based checks in shadows)
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Defense
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AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 11 (+3 Dex, +1 size)
hp 17 (2 HD; 1d6+1d8+3)
Fort +1 (+2 vs disease) Ref +7, Will +3
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Offense
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Speed 20 ft. (15 ft. in armor)
Melee rapier +7 (1d4/18-20) or
. . tailblade +7 (1d2)
Ranged shortbow +7 (1d4/×3)
Special Attacks battleshaping, sneak attack (unchained) +1d6, swarming
Transmuter Spells Prepared (CL 2nd; concentration +5)
. . 1st—color spray (DC 14), grease, reduce person (DC 14)
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, prestidigitation, ray of frost
. . Opposition Schools Enchantment, Necromancy
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 7
Base Atk +1.25; CMB +0; CMD 15
Feats Scurrying Swarmer , Alertness, Scribe Scroll, Weapon Finesse
Traits Business Venturer, magical knack
Skills Acrobatics +6 (-2 to jump), Appraise +8, Climb +1, Craft (alchemy) +11, Craft (armor) +5, Craft (bows) +5, Craft (musical instruments) +5, Disable Device +10, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +7, Knowledge (engineering) +7, Knowledge (geography) +7, Knowledge (local) +8, Knowledge (religion) +7, Perception +10 (+13 to sight-based checks in shadows), Profession (merchant) +8, Sense Motive +7, Spellcraft +7, Stealth +11, Swim +1; Racial Modifiers +2 Craft (alchemy), +2 Perception, Cleaniness
Languages Common, Draconic, Halfling, Undercommon
SQ arcane bond (Fhar, owl), physical enhancement (+1), trapfinding +1
Combat Gear scroll of mage armor, mage armor, acid (3), alchemist's fire (3), tanglefoot bag; Other Gear rapier, shortbow, tailblade[ARG], traveler's any-tool[UE], bedroll, belt pouch, masterwork thieves' tools, scholar's outfit, silk rope (50 ft.), spell component pouch, wizard starting spellbook, 26 gp, 3 sp
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Special Abilities
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Battleshaping (6/day) (Su) As a swift action, gain bite, claw, or gore attack for 1 rd with enhancement bonus based on level.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Empathic Link with Familiar (Su) You have an empathic link with your Arcane Familiar.
Enchantment You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Enchantment school.
Familiar Bonus: +3 to sight-based Perception checks in shadows You gain the Alertness feat while your familiar is within arm's reach.
Necromancy You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Necromancy school.
Physical Enhancement +1 (Dexterity) (Su) When preparing spells, chosen physical attribute gains enhancement bonus.
Cleaninessgains a +2 bonus on saving throws against disease,
Shapechange Associated School: Transmutation
Share Spells with Familiar Can cast spells with a target of "You" on the familiar with a range of touch.
Sneak Attack (Unchained) +1d6 Attacks deal extra dam if flank foe or if foe is flat-footed.
Swarming (Ex) Can share a square with another with swarming, if both att the same foe, he is flanked.
Trapfinding +1 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.

The tavern was far too high-class for him, Darius thought as he sat alone in the corner. The richly appointed chairs, fine hardwood furniture and brightly lit interior were far removed from what he was used to. Leaning forward, he looks into his half-empty mug of ale, sloshing it around briefly. He pondered the time, wondering if his friend would show. He’d only sent her a letter a few weeks ago, and from what he’d heard she’d become a big shot in the guard. Might not have time for a random drop in like this.

“Darius?” a voice calls out, causing him to look up from his drink. The raven-haired woman standing before him in full armor was unfamiliar enough that it took him a few moments to react. “Cr… Cressida?” he says somewhat incredulously. It was obviously her once he pulled himself together. She had grown quite a bit in the years since he’d seen her last. “I wasn’t sure if you’d make it. Getting kind of late.”

“Sorry about that,” she responded sincerely, “urgent business. Job keeps me busy you know.”

“I imagine! Head of the guard and all that. Field Marshal no less. You’ve really made something of yourself,” he says with a laugh. ”And here I am dragging my sorry hide back to Korvosa broke and looking for work. Surprised you had time to meet with me.” He looks down into his drink again for a moment before picking it up and taking a swig.

“What happened?” Cressida asks, broaching the subject gingerly. ”The last I heard from you was when you set out with Jerold to join the crusades in Mendev. You were pretty excited back then, no?”

”I was, yeah. Was also a kid back then, filled with my Uncle’s ideas of redemption and beating back the darkness. The training was great, got to be a real paladin of Sarenrae and all that hullabaloo. Got my shield, my armor, the divine blessing of the Dawnflower. Real blast for a kid, let me tell you. We ended up stationed in Kenabres, helping out with refugees and the like. Not always the most savory characters coming through, but the church and my Uncle were all about redemption. ‘There’s no one who can’t rise above their past,’ Jerold used to say…”

Darius’s voice trails off as he gets lost in his memories. The early days in Kenabres had been something truly spectacular. Jerold had arranged for their travel to get them to Kenabres in time for Armasse, which only added to his excitement. They’d been joined by three of his Uncle’s friends who’d come up from Nimirthas; All three, like his uncle, were followers of the Dawnflower who intended to join up to help in the battle against the demons pouring out of the worldwound. It was easy to get caught up in the excitement, and he took to their teachings eagerly on the long trip up. The reality of the Third Crusade was something else entirely, however: In the years he spent there, he saw nothing but opportunists and zealots; burners punishing anyone and everyone they didn’t like the look of; low templars and others coming in and abusing their positions in the crusades for power. There was nothing glamorous or exciting about the truth of it. The days of the crusaders valiantly pressing back the hordes of the demons were truly gone, it seemed.

Still, despite all that, Darius had believed in his Uncle’s words, in his convictions. As a paladin of the Dawnflower, he—like the others there with him—worked to aid the refugees and help those in need. They often extended their help to people that were mistreated by the overzealous followers of High Prelate Hulrun Shappok, working hard to offer them opportunities at redemption.

”What did that get him?” he says absent-mindedly as he raises his head to look at Cressida again. ”Several of the young men we had taken in turned out to be cultists of Baphomet. They had been operating out of the small building we had set up as a barracks to help those who would have fallen between the cracks otherwise. The men murdered one of Hulrun’s assistants, and when caught the Burners forced a confession out of them that Jerold had been their ringleader.” Darius winces for a moment and leans back in the too-comfortable chair, looking up at the ceiling. ”They didn’t listen to anything we said…”

”I am truly sorry Darius, Jerold was a good…” the Korvosan woman starts, only to be interrupted. ”Being a good man didn’t get him anything,” he spits out, before catching himself. ”Sorry, Cress, it’s just… what was the point? In the end the Iomedeans cracked down on that particular group of burners, and Jerold was proven innocent. Fat lot of good it did him. Being proven innocent posthumuously… seriously. The rest of us were let go afterwards. The church of the Dawnflower was compensated for the loss, but that was it for me.” He looks at Cressida, the sympathy clearly written on her face and stops himself for a moment with a laugh. ”Gods I’m pathetic,” he says, taking another swig of his drink.

”So when did this happen?” she asks, sloshing her own mug around in her two hands. This certainly wasn’t exactly the light-hearted, warm reunion he’d imagined when he left all those years ago. Life was life though, and he wasn’t exactly ready to roll over and die, even if it did seem to suck most days. He’d just have to make do with what he had, and Cress was one of the few friends he had left, so this is how it had to be.

”Donno, that was just over a decade ago maybe? Hung around for a few years there before I left. Had no connection to the Dawnflower anymore, so I travelled for a while with some Varisians who were headed back in this general direction. Thought I might be able to come back here and work for the guard or something. Had my uncle’s alchemy book and what little he’d taught me, used that to earn my keep on the trip. Sent you a letter when I got a good idea of when I’d be arriving here. Glad you showed up,” he says awkwardly before jokingly adding, ”I mean, I’m pretty sure they’d have thrown my scruffy ass out the door shortly if you hadn’t.” That comment earns him a brief glare from the old man tending the bar, but Darius does his best to ignore it, turning back to the conversation at hand.

Cressida manages a laugh and followed by a bittersweet smile. ”I don’t know if I can give you a position in the guard, or if you even really want one, Darius. But we do have need of freelancers from time to time. I also know a couple people who might be able to help you out with a place to stay until you can earn enough to pay for your own,” she says as she shifts her seat back slightly and pushes her finished drink off to the side.

”Thanks, Cress. It’s good to know you have my back,” Darius responds sullenly.

”I do,” she starts in response, ”but the next time you show up out of the blue with a shit story like this, you are NOT cheaping out on me with ale. I have standards, you know. You owe me a bottle of good Korvosan Whiskey or the like,” she chides him. Standing up, she steps over and slaps a hand on his shoulder. ”Now finish that and go sleep off your stupor, Darius. I’ll arrange for a room for you here tonight, and send an aide to help you get things sorted out tomorrow.” Darius laughs for a moment before finishing off his drink. He watches as Cress turns and heads out, stopping only briefly to speak with the proprietor, then gathers his things as the old man approaches him to lead him to his room.

”This way, ser.”

Raised in a small town in Nirthimas, Darius Filipes spent his early years tending his family’s small farm, and later working in the town militia to help support his parents. His father and mother both passed when he was seventeen, and with little left to tie him to Nirthimas he headed to Korvosa to live with his uncle, Jerold Filipes. His uncle kept a small house in the poor part of town, and between his powers as an acolyte of the dawnflower and his expertise in alchemy, managed to tend to their needs quite effectively.

When he arrived, he spent time training to get into the city guard, perhaps with the thought of eventually joining the Sable Marines. In his spare time, he helped with Jerold’s tending to the poor and sick, picking up bits of knowledge in alchemy here and there as he did. It was during that time he met Cressida Kroft. The Abadarans in the city often made use of Jerold’s services, and during one visit they brought along the young black-haired girl. The daughter of nobles, she would normally not have interacted with someone like Darius, but having set out upon the path to become a paladin of Abadar, Cressida spent time learning the duties that might become hers in Korvosa. Darius is close-lipped about those days in his life, but it is clear that he and Cressida became close friends. The two sparred regularly, pushing each other in their training and discussing their futures within the city.

When his uncle began receiving letters from old friends of his, however, things changed quickly. Jerold began regaling Darius with tales sent by his friends of Sarenrites who had gone to Mendev to aid in the battle against the demons there. Adventure, excitement, the triumph of good over evil… These all appealed strongly to Darius; Far more, in fact, than the mere thought of simply becoming a guard again. So when Jerold informed him that he and his friends were planning to go to Kenabres to join up, Darius didn’t hesitate for a moment. He packed up and left, stopping briefly on that same morning to say goodbye to Cress before heading out.

Years later, after being worn down by the reality of the third crusade in Kenabres, Darius eventually began his journey home. Having found a spot on a small Varisian caravan returning back towards Korvosa, he payed his way by further honing his alchemical skills as well as working as a caravan guard.

In the years since returning to Korvosa, Darius has worked as a freelance investigator and bounty hunter for the guard. He has honed his skills in alchemy, as well as in deduction in general, using his intellect to help him keep up with criminals that have otherwise outwitted the guard. He and Cressida meet once or twice a year to catch up, spending an evening drinking in an establishment suitable for someone of her station. Darius’s remaining free time and money goes to far less reputable establishments, where he often spends his day drinking the cheap swill he can afford while waiting for another job.

Clean shaven, well-groomed, brightly polished, well-kept armor… these are not traits that apply to Darius. Perhaps they may have once, but not these days. Generally sporting stubble suggesting he hasn’t shaved in days; his short, slightly curly salt-and-pepper hair unkempt; and his cloak wrinkled and stained from years of use, one might think him to be a mockery of a guardsman. His shield, once painted with a vibrant rendition of the holy symbol of the Dawnflower has lost most of its paint, and what little remains is faded and cracked, though the shield is still functional and well maintained otherwise.

At his hip is his scimitar in a simple scabbard, the weapon he'd trained with all those years ago. Across his chest is a bandolier containing several vials and flasks he has mixed up that day, depending upon what it is he might be required to do, along with a small pack full of alchemy supplies on the hip opposite his sword.

Gruff and self-deprecating, Darius doesn’t exactly seek out friends or companionship these days, though he’ll often share stories with others drinking in the bar. A story for a story’s a fair trade, after all, even if most of his stories don’t have happy endings. Despite his hardened nature, however, he still manages to make use of the skills he’d picked up in Kenabres to talk his way out of—and honestly just as often into—sticky situations.

He still believes in the system overall. Law had gotten things right in the end with his uncle after all. It was just that sometimes the system needed aid getting things done quickly enough so that people didn’t die. To that end he’s often willing to bend the rules somewhat, and has become adept at gaining entry into people’s houses and belongings when doing so is likely to aid him in catching a criminal. He draws a bright line at profiting off of those skills directly, however, and looks harshly upon those who use such dubious skills for personal gain.

This unique combination of flexibility, morality and skill has netted him a positive reputation with the city guard and those in contact with them, and a fair bit of infamy with those whom he is often tasked with hunting. Of course it doesn’t hurt to be friends with the head of the guard either, and he has received requests through her aides on more than one occasion for his help with more sensitive matters.

Darius, as an ex-paladin of Sarenrae is built as a Paladin(Vindicative Bastard) 1/Inquisitior(Empiricist) 1. Future progression will focus on his investigative skills, taking extra levels of Inquisitor unless something major happens. He will be able to use intellect for quite a few skills as empiricist, giving him rogue-like trap-finding, disable device, and strong perception/sense motive, while being built as a front-line guardian in heavy armor. In combat he’ll be able to demoralize foes by dealing non-lethal damage, as well as aid others in their attacks. Eventually he’ll be able to provide buffs to his allies via infusions as well, or use them to bolster himself in combat.

Depending on how his story progresses, could eventually move in one of two other directions: Redemption, which leads towards his becoming a paladin again, or further frustration and dissatisfaction, leading him to gravitate towards service as a Hell knight.

Firstly, I love the contrast between him, a fallen paladin, and Cressida. They exemplify two different ends of the spectrum of success and fulfillment of their life’s goals.

Secondly, while as a character he’s somewhat tropey, what with being a washed up guard and something of a hard-boiled detective/noir type. I believe that the setting and nature of his fall give him the possibility to become something far beyond the tropes he seems to embody.

I can truly see his character moving either towards redemption or falling further depending on how his adventures in the city progress, or possibly even remaining balanced firmly between them. Overcoming his jaded nature and becoming devout again would be an interesting twist, and one that could involve returning to Sarenrae or perhaps even converting over to Abadar given his ties to Cressida. On the other hand, his desire to help stamp out lawlessness could easily be driven to obsession by the loss of friends he makes along the way, leading him to sympathize with and perhaps even attempt to join the Order of the Nail.

As an ex-paladin of Sarenrae, his moral code still strongly derives from his training. He has, however, made revisions and simplifications that better reflect the reality of the world he has to deal with, rather than the idealistic, naive view of his once peers.

• I will protect my allies with my life, as will I protect those who cannot protect themselves.
• I will seek out and destroy the spawn of the Rough Beast. If I cannot defeat them, I will give my life trying. If my life would be wasted in the attempt, I will find allies. If any fall because of my inaction, their deaths lie upon my soul, and I will atone for each.
• I will be fair it to those who have earned it, the law will provide the fairness others deserve. I expect nothing for myself but that which I need to survive.
• The best battle is a battle I win. If I die, I can no longer fight. I will fight fairly when the fight is fair, and I will strike quickly and without mercy when it is not.
• I will redeem the ignorant by my sword, though I will not take their lives unless they draw blood first.
• I will not abide evil, and will combat it with steel at every turn. I do not flinch from my faith, and do not fear embarrassment. No promise nor reward shall ever cause me to turn from justice’s path.
• I will show the less fortunate the light of the Dawnflower. I will live my life as her mortal blade, shining with the light of truth.
• Each day is another step toward perfection. I will not turn back into the dark.

He is looking for the missing son of one of his neighbours and has learned that he was seen in the company of Gaedrun. So, essentially the Missing Child trait from the Players Guide EXCEPT that I'm not taking it as a trait, just using it for the background flavour.

And from that point on (Assuming you're vaguely following the normal story line) it will be a combination of him helping his new friends and trying to keep Korvosa safe. When there is Anarchy in the Streets Something Must Be Done. While a reluctant hero he very much WILL become the hero, rising to meet the cities needs.

Burning Hands
Color Spray
Crafter's Fortune
Grease
Long Arm
Mage Armor
Monkey Fish
Reduce Person

1) Darius shows his age, despite trying to take care of himself. He looks the nearly 50 that he his, with weathered skin and his dark hair streaked with grey. He keeps it tied back in a short ponytail to keep it well out of his way, as it usually falls a bit wildly around his neck without a little control. However, his expression is always sharp and its impossible to believe that his age has slowed his mind. His eyes are hard stone grey and there's a wariness in them from living in the poorer parts of Korvosa for many years. However, he does his best to maintain an image of respectability and at least some class. His clothes are always neat and pressed and he favors dark colors such as black, grey, and deep blue. His favorite is an ebony suit with silver buttons that he's owned for some years and has been patched at the elbows once or twice. His only accessories are a simple silver band around one finger (inherited from his mother) and a silver key around his neck, the holy symbol of Abadar.

2) Darius has worked with the guard many times over the years. His shop is frequented by many in Old Korvosa and the North Point. Despite keeping his dealings above board, for the most part, he hears the sob stories and troubles of hundreds of the poor and overlooked in Korvosa's poorer districts. He tries to keep the people's confidence, and his stern reputation and outwardly harsh demeanor make them hesitant to cross him. As such, his words and his coin can get word around quickly and he's very good at convincing people to see things his way. But he's never hesitated to work with the guard when he sees criminal acts harming the people of the city. His information has proven valuable plenty of times over the years and he has a few friends in the guard who know that he has the ear of many people in the city and his aid can be invaluable when investigating in the area around his home.

3) Darius was born in Old Korvosa and grew up in abject poverty. His mother worked her fingers to the bone as a maid to keep her son fed after her husband ran off looking for adventure and never came back. Darius grew up in the tightly packed community of the slums, making both friends and enemies among the wild population. He grew to respect hard work, determination, and community while having a disdain for those who tried to exploit and abuse others. He sees Korvosa as his home and wishes more than anything that there was less suffering in the streets.

4) Darius learned early on that to get things done, you had to be able to impose your will on the world around you. Those who shrank and folded under pressure never escaped the slums, but those who learned to make their mental strength into personal strength went far. He learned to put his prodigious mind to work from a mixture of business men, performers, and con arts, learning to pressure others with sheer force of will and to use a hawk-like stare to shatter the confidence of those who were in his way.

5) Darius owns a pawn shop near the edge of Old Korvosa. In his teen years, he managed to earn an apprenticeship with a fairly well-to-do merchant in North Point. He learned how to buy and sell and make a tidy profit, but he had little drive for the sweeping economics of large scale trade. Instead, he turned what he learned back to his home and purchased an empty shop. Knowing how many people in the old town were in need of money, he set a very competitive rate and quickly became known as fair dealer who would take even the oddest of items in exchange for coin. He tries his best to insure that his business is fair to the poor and he has a tendency to offer more than reasonable to those truly desperate for coin. He's spent nearly thirty years now running his shop, and has earned a reputation as an influential and reasonable businessman, but one who should never be crossed if you can help it.

6) Darius picked up the faith of Abadar during his apprenticeship. The tenants of fairness, law, and peace appealed to him after growing up in Old Korvosa and he took them as aphorisms to follow in his business dealings. As a pawnbroker, and therefore a giver of loans and broker of coin, he sees maintaining his personal integrity and dealing fairly and honestly with others to be central to doing business. He makes regular visits to the Bank of Abadar for prayer and offerings, praying that the Master of the First Vault helps the downtrodden and the poor be safe and protected under the law.

7) Darius has long wished to do what he can to help the people of Korvosa, though his poor beginnings and lack of physical ability limited his options. He's spent most of his life trying to provide some chance for those in Old Korvosa. However, he's become increasingly jaded over the years and has grown to have a sour expression and a cynical mind. Korvosa has been a city rife with prejudices and cruelties for many years and many do little to help those less fortunate. The death of a king and more riots only enforce the fact that Korvosa is tinder waiting for a match. But part of him, the optimistic part of him that wanted to help all the people of the slums who he befriended over the years, keeps him going to try to do what he can for the good of the people.

8) Darius hated exploitation, both legal and illegal. The wealthy man who underpays his servants and the crime lord who rob the already poor are equally foul in his mind. He refuses to standby while someone is robbed, abused, or swindled by someone else, especially those with power. However, he can be ruthless in his business dealings and when he sees a fair chance to turn a profit, he's very quick to act on it.

9) Darius hasn't sworn any official oaths.

10) Darius would be richer if he'd killed his generosity years ago. His shop does very well, primarily because he has a reputation for paying a good, fair value for pawned goods and occasionally more than fair when someone is in desperate need of coin. He also donates money to the guard to try to help with their funding issues and to trying to help the poor in the slums, meaning that while he's very comfortable, he's given up the chance to be truly rich to help others instead.

1. A description of what your character looks like. What clothes do they wear? What do they do with their hair? Are they clean or dirty? Do they accessorize?

Kat’s hair is cropped short, leaving little for an enemy to take advantage of in the unlikely event she gets caught up in a tussle, which has the secondary benefit of needing little in the way of maintenance. Their day to day cleanliness is spotty, varying by mood and level of motivation. There have been reprimands of late for her slobbishness, but nothing that has stuck, given the circumstances.

She dresses in the uniform of the guard, crimson and black, when on duty and rarely makes an effort to change to anything else. She wears a black leather gauntlet with metal plates to protect her knuckles, as well as one to guard her wrist from her bowstring. On the opposite hand, she wears a buckler, and on her back is a surprisingly well-maintained bow with small, simple etchings to decorate it. A quiver adorns her back, shifted to the side for easy access with black and white arrows that offer high amounts of contrast to be easily picked out after a battle. A canteen and a flask dangle from opposite hips.

2. An explanation for why the Korvosan Guard would call on them for help. Are they a local mercenary with a good reputation? Are they a community leader with public goodwill on their side? Are they a guardsman themselves? Are they an informant in the criminal underworld of the city? It's your call!

Kat is the guard. Or… was. She was actually looking to be a promising recruit for the Sable Company until some bad information (or perhaps a traitor in their midst) lead her company into an ambush by the powers that be in the city’s underworld. The only reason Kat was able to survive was because she was left as overwatch. She took one of the bastard’s eyes - no, it is not literally at her bedside - but she knows she’ll know him when she sees him. It was only seeing her team fall that gave her the speed necessary to get out. Now, a mixture of shame and sorrow fills her days. Some days are easier than others. And Kroft is hopeful that she can bring the young recruit back into the sun.

3. Tell me where your character from. Are they a Korvosan native? Are they from Kaer Maga? Are they a Shoanti, or a Chelaxian?

Northpoint. The Doliu are old blood, probably amongst the oldest in the city. They aren’t exactly rich, but they’ve been a part of the throbbing heart of the city for as long as most folks can remember. They’ve been a lot of things, but mostly the family churns out its share of artisans and fighters - the head of the family, Kat’s great aunt, is a devout worshiper of Shelyn, though most of the rest of the family worships as they choose.

4. How did your character become whatever character class they are, or learn whatever abilities they have?

Warder was trained into her. Protecting the city was what she wanted to do, save people, fix things. She was good with a bow, too. Probably a little bit too enthusiastic with it, though, given her tendency for going for the hard shots. She was quick, reliable, and downright ecclectic in her skillsets. Then everything went horribly wrong, and all the senior members of her squad were killed. When that happened, something snapped inside her. She didn’t lose her touch with the bow, but she’s since found that sometimes bad things just happen around her, and that focusing on protecting her allies sometimes moves unhealthily into the realm of destroying her enemies. She’s also developed an unhealthy penchant for getting too close to the melee - from her superior’s perspective, maybe a deathwish… but whatever it is she’s doing, it tends to work.

5. What does your character do for a living? When and why did they start doing that?

Haven’t you been listening? She’s a guard. She wanted to help people, and she didn’t have much of a talent for medicine. Making things was only useful if you actually invented something or made armor - though she did fall into the artisanal skills of a bowyer in an effort to clear her head in a way that didn’t include hours of headaches later. But perhaps, more importantly, she joined to follow her brother, whom she’d always looked up to. One of the happiest days she can remember was the day he became her captain.

6. Is your character religious? Why? What does faith mean for your character?

Only in that she curses the gods and occasionally prays to them in equal measure. She believed strongly in Abadar, still evokes Shelyn, and still pays due diligence to Pharasma, but has developed an unhealthy attraction to Naderi. She’s never had much time for the other gods, though. Especially Zon-Kuthon. Not after the way they found the body.

7. Your character must in some way care about Korvosa. For some, this is because it's their home and the place where their family is from. For others, it's because it's a place of opportunity where you can make a good buck if you're lucky and ready for it. Why does your character care about being a city hero?

To set right what once went wrong. While she has bouts of despair and hopelessness (sharing a drink with her dead brother every morning), she’s still motivated and driven to see the city for what it could be, rather than what it is. And… someone has to make things better, and make the people who took her best friends from her pay. Likewise, as long as she’s going to be a jinx, she might as well do so around the enemy rather than her friends. Who that enemy is just changes from day to day.

8. What are your character's moral lines? What would they never do? What can they not stand by and watch? What will they always take advantage of?

That’s a tough question. At one point, she followed the law as she felt it was intended to be followed. Fair, just, but never petty. She can’t abide a bully, whether friend or foe, and will stand up for the downtrodden more often than not. She’s exceedingly unlikely to ever leave a man behind again - at least, alive. She’ll always take more than what she would have asked for. She has a hard time turning down a drink, or company - unless it’s one of the bad days, then she only has a hard time turning down drink. She also has a hard time turning down the opportunity to show off.

10. What's your characters economic situation, and the economic situation of their family? A desperately poor character with a rich family tells a very different story than a desperately poor character with a poor family.

Stable. She could likely quit her job and drink herself into the gutter - and still have a room to sleep in at the end of the day. As a point of fact, she did there for a bit. She’s still expected to carry herself and the family isn’t likely to support her if she falls into another dark spell, so much as they’re willing to ignore her. Either way, she can afford her own booze, unless you’re buying.

11. What excites you most about your character?

Being unlucky was the biggest thing that drew me to the character. Having a world-shattering moment was another. At first, I toyed with them being a pure harbinger, but I found that I didn’t like the idea of them having always been dark and gloomy. Or depressed. Or angry. So I settled on a character that had dark spells that they had difficulty getting out of - a feeling I’m familiar with. Someone who is deeply passionate, and as a result, not entirely in control of themselves.

I want to see her grow out of it, and become what she could be, and what she was meant to be. I want to see her grow as both a warder and a harbinger, switching between the two as seems natural. I want to see her personal arc of finding the people who turned her world upside down and where that takes her. I want to see if she ever becomes a Sable Marine. I want to see if she embraces her art, or the law.

Finally, I want to see how she interacts with the world and people around her, because at the end of the day, I’m here for the stories.

Not to speak for the DM at all but I don't think the idea is that you that you have to be a perfect puzzle piece that fits into a certain slot within the party. Heavens know my character doesn't. There just needs to be a compelling reason that people who are generally good would want to hire you and keep you around. While it may be true that your character has skills and abilities that bring a lot to the table as far as usefulness to an adventuring party, having a character that is both uninterested in becoming a hero and has no stock in morality makes it difficult to trust that the person even wants to be there let alone get things done. The issue isn't ethical differences, it's motivation.

It would be like applying to a job and being perfectly qualified but, during the interview, telling the company that you don't give a rat's a*s [pun intended] about the company as long as you get paid and learn something along the way. Sure, you're qualified and would theoretically be an asset to the company but an actual vested interest in the company or their goals would be your selling point.

Born into one of the extremely poor small groups living in a warren in the sewers of Korvosa Agiz has always aspired to a life greater than his birthright would suggest.

By ratfolk standards he was always large, quick and intelligent. He was intelligent enough to realize that he needed money to move up in the world, intelligent enough to realize that the only route to that success was to be part of a larger group, intelligent enough to conceal how intelligent he really was.

So, in his youth he joined a gang of ratfolk that was led by a wererat Izkintal. His natural talents enabled him to quickly prosper in the group, eventually obtaining the position of Izkintals accountant, the person responsible for keeping the books and fencing the stolen property. While he participated in various robberies he tried to stay as far away from violence as he could while keeping his position.

Unlike his fellow gang members he saved his money and even invested it, buying items that were harder to fence from the gang in order to improve his average profits.

After a few years he had amassed sufficient funds to realize his dream. He finally had enough tuition to attend Wizard School. Given the racial prejudice, higher fees and frankly alarming nature of the Acadamae he chose instead to attend Theumanexus College with its lower standards but much more pleasant surroundings.

Fortunately for him, Izkintal could see the value in having a wizard ally in the future and so he left the gang on quite good terms.

Agiz positively thrived at the College. For the first time he made friends outside of the warrens. He started to learn of the much wider world out there (wider than the warrens, at least. He has never actually left Korvosa). Along with the learning of wizardry he learned how satisfying it could be to make things with his own hands and became proficient in a wide variety of crafts.

He discovered a deep and abiding love for beautiful things and converted to the worship of Shelyn. He counts many artistic people, especially crafters, as his friends.

Upon graduation he decided that he wanted to work in a place where he could still pursue his magical studies while helping the gang that had made his current position possible.

With a loan from Izkintal he started up a small store that sells a wide variety of used and new goods. Some of these goods he makes himself, some he purchases from other local crafters, and others he fences.

His new business is under the protection of his old gang. He also pays a small fee to the Cerulian Society so that they do not interfere in his operations.

He has made it clear to the underworld that he will ONLY deal with stolen items that come from non violent crimes. On at least 3 occassions when somebody tried to fence items stolen by violence he informed the Korvosan Guard. He also acts as a very low level informant for one of the members of the Guard (a fellow devotee of Shelyn). As a result, the Guard never looks into his fencing operation too closely.

Through a couple of art lovers who are also in the guard he has made known that he provides a hefty (20%) discount on all purchases to members of the Guard and their families and has sold several weapons and some armor to those who value appearance at least as much as functionality. He also acts as a bit of a liason between the Guard and his neighbourhood and between the Guard and Ratfolk in the sewers.

On two occassions he has more actively helped the Guard. There was an incident outside of his shop one day. Two members of the Guard were arresting a thief when the thief's ally suddenly attacked them from behind. One Guard was felled and the other fighting for his life when Agiz intervened, killing one of the thieves with his tail blade and helping to capture the other.

Another time there was a family argument in the neighbourhood that went massively wrong, resulting in a man killing his wife and holding his step daughter hostage. While the Guard were talking to the man Agiz snuck in and rescued the child, managing to sneak her past the distracted man (vanish helped :-)).

Agiz is a well groomed and well dressed ratfolk in his early 20's who is always immaculately clean. He is somewhat large for his people at 4'2" and 90 lbs. Within his store and neighbourhood he openly goes as a ratfolk and doesn't attempt to disguise his race in any way. When leaving the neighbourhood he will often wear a hooded cloak so as to attract less attention.

He is generally quite well dressed in colourful and flashy clothing. He does NOT try and appear to be any richer than the small merchant that he is.

If for some reason he is expecting trouble he will have his rapier and shortbow to hand and will dressed in more muted colours.

He wears a great variety of jewelry, all of it hand crafted and more valuable for artistic merit than for its monetary value. Somewhat hidden among his other adornments he ALWAYS has a tailblade tightly strapped on.

Agiz is generally a quiet person, content with quietly sitting and observing others in most social situations. He listens more than talks. But he is good at reading people, good at being unnoticed. He has a wide range of knowledge of the local scene gained by observation

One exception to that is when he encounters particularly beautiful crafted items. A beautiful statue, a magnificent sword, even a precisely made basket have been known to elicit high pitched squeals of joy from him.

He is a fairly pragmatic man who knows that the world can be a harsh place. When the situation requires he can be scarily adept at violence. The lessons of his youth are still remembered and he knows exactly where to place a knife to do the most harm. He deliberately chose an Owl as his familiar precisely BECAUSE he wanted to make sure that he would be very, very good at his old profession if circumstances drove him back into it.

He dislikes violence and will use it as a last resort and, even then, will use the minimal amount of violence possible. However, if violence is called for he will not let abstract notions like honour or mercy get in the way of what has to be done. If things can be stopped without violence, great. If matters escalate to violence but deaths can be avoided, great. If people have to die, then they have to die. As efficiently as painlessly as possible.

He DOES try to follow Shelyn's precepts where possible. Sometimes he even suceeeds. He DOES like to help his fellow man, at least when the cost to him isn't too high. He gives money and help to those who need it. Within reason.

He is deeply, deeply loyal to those he considers friends and family and will do anything for them. He is very well liked and respected by his neighbours, not due to his winning personality but because he is somebody that they can rely on. He helps build shelves for stores, he connects people together.

Korvosa is his home and, for all of its faults, he is very proud to call himself a citizen.

Agiz has made conscious efforts to befriend the guard. Partly this is due to a pragmatic desire to be friendly with those who are in power. Partly this is due to his genuine respect for and appreciation of the Guard as the guardians of peace.

The Guard is aware that he is both a friend and ally and that he is competent and capable of actually accomplishing things. This, together with his role as something of a neighbourhood leader, should make it easy to justify the Guard asking for his help.

Although he does NOT consider himself an adventurer and does NOT actually want any more excitement in his life his loyalty to his companions and love for his city should draw him into action quite easily.

The son of one of his neighbours has recently gone missing and has asked Agiz for help. Agiz's efforts to track him down have led him to Gaedrun.

I'm not sure if this is acceptable or too much. Ideally, he has a small shop Marvellous Miscellany located near to the Gold Market. He lives in an apartment above the shop.

The shop sells a wide variety of items. From hand crafted items that are both functional and beautiful made by local artisans and by Agiz himself to second hand items of reasonable value that include a fair smattering of stolen items

From a story point of view I really like the idea of a character struggling to overcome his background and, despite his own goals, becoming an upstanding hero of the city. Of a member of a race typically looked down upon using the very racial abilities that others scorn to win himself a place in the stories.

Mechanically, I want to explore the idea of a melee focused rogue who uses magic to aid him in those endeavours. The whole character is largely built around the Scurrying Swarmer feat.

And I love this Adventure Path and want to experience it with a character very, very different from my old one both mechanically and from a role playing perspective

Agiz
Ratfolk unchained rogue 1/transmuter (shapechange[APG]) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 147, Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 3 231, Pathfinder Unchained 20)
N Small humanoid (ratfolk)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +10 (+13 to sight-based checks in shadows)
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Defense
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AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 11 (+3 Dex, +1 size)
hp 17 (2 HD; 1d6+1d8+3)
Fort +1 (+2 vs disease) Ref +7, Will +3
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Offense
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Speed 20 ft. (15 ft. in armor)
Melee rapier +7 (1d4/18-20) or
. . tailblade +7 (1d2)
Ranged shortbow +7 (1d4/×3)
Special Attacks battleshaping, sneak attack (unchained) +1d6, swarming
Transmuter Spells Prepared (CL 2nd; concentration +5)
. . 1st—color spray (DC 14), grease, reduce person (DC 14)
. . 0 (at will)—detect magic, prestidigitation, ray of frost
. . Opposition Schools Enchantment, Necromancy
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 7
Base Atk +1.25; CMB +0; CMD 15
Feats Scurrying Swarmer , Alertness, Scribe Scroll, Weapon Finesse
Traits Student of Philosophy, magical knack
Skills Acrobatics +9 (-2 to jump), Appraise +7, Climb +4, Craft (alchemy) +11, Craft (armor) +5, Craft (bows) +5, Craft (Tools) +5, Disable Device +13, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +7, Knowledge (geography) +7, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (religion) +7, Perception +10 (+13 to sight-based checks in shadows), Profession (merchant) +7, Sense Motive +7, Spellcraft +7, Stealth +14, Swim +4; Racial Modifiers +2 Craft (alchemy), +2 Perception, Cleaniness
Languages Common, Draconic, Halfling, Undercommon
SQ arcane bond (Fhar, owl), physical enhancement (+1), trapfinding +1
Combat Gear scroll of mage armor, mage armor, scroll of vanish (CL2), vanish (CL2), scroll of monkey fish, acid (3), alchemist's fire (3), tanglefoot bag; Other Gear rapier, shortbow, tailblade[ARG], traveler's any-tool[UE], bedroll, belt pouch, masterwork thieves' tools, scholar's outfit, silk rope (50 ft.), spell component pouch, wizard starting spellbook, 24 gp, 7 sp, 3 cp
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Special Abilities
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Battleshaping (6/day) (Su) As a swift action, gain bite, claw, or gore attack for 1 rd with enhancement bonus based on level.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white only).
Empathic Link with Familiar (Su) You have an empathic link with your Arcane Familiar.
Enchantment You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Enchantment school.
Familiar Bonus: +3 to sight-based Perception checks in shadows You gain the Alertness feat while your familiar is within arm's reach.
Necromancy You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Necromancy school.
Physical Enhancement +1 (Dexterity) (Su) When preparing spells, chosen physical attribute gains enhancement bonus.
Cleaniness +2 saves vs disease
Shapechange Associated School: Transmutation
Share Spells with Familiar Can cast spells with a target of "You" on the familiar with a range of touch.
Sneak Attack (Unchained) +1d6 Attacks deal extra dam if flank foe or if foe is flat-footed.
Swarming (Ex) Can share a square with another with swarming, if both att the same foe, he is flanked.
Trapfinding +1 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.

Spellbook
Burning Hands
Color Spray
Crafter's Fortune
Grease
Long Arm
Mage Armor
Monkey Fish
Reduce Person
Vanish

I'm not going to lie, I might have been ever so slightly influenced by the new GoW4 release, and that might have played some tiny part in my character's creation. That being said, it's rare that I have a character's mechanics and background line up almost so fantastically.

I also wanted to make a character with a not sad backstory. I find so many of my characters seem to have some kind of tragedy in their history that prompts them to become adventurers and whatnot. Colt is different because he actually has a family to go back to if things go south, but it also provides a helluva good motivation to save the city. Not only is it his home, it's his family's home! I know I haven't covered his personality much, but he loves his craft, has a good relationship with his mentor and his sisters (even letting the littlest help him with his work!), and honestly... it's kinda refreshing!

He's got a lot of good things going for him, so he has plenty to lose if he doesn't step up and help!

Arden Coralesian
Male human (Chelaxian) psion 2 (Ultimate Psionics 49)
LG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +6; Senses Perception +5
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Defense
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AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 (+2 Dex)
hp 18 (2d6+4)
Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +4
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee club +1 (1d6) or
. . dagger +1 (1d4/19-20)
Ranged mwk light crossbow +4 (1d8/19-20)
Psion Powers Known (power points 10, ML 2nd; concentration +8)
. . 1st—crystal shard, energy ray, entangling ectoplasm, inertial armor, mind thrust (DC 15)
. . 0 (at will)—conceal thoughts, detect psionics, far hand, my light
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Statistics
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Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 13, Cha 10
Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 13
Feats Amateur Investigator[ACG], Improved Initiative, Merciful Power, Psionic Body
Traits mathematical prodigy, psychoportive talent
Skills Autohypnosis +6, Knowledge (arcana) +9, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +8, Knowledge (engineering) +9, Knowledge (geography) +8, Knowledge (history) +8, Knowledge (local) +8, Knowledge (nature) +8, Knowledge (nobility) +8, Knowledge (planes) +8, Knowledge (psionics) +8, Knowledge (religion) +8, Perception +5, Profession (architect) +5, Spellcraft +8, Use Magic Device +5
Languages Azlanti, Common, Dwarven, Draconic, Varisian
SQ active energy type, bonus feat, discipline (generalist [none]), talents
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds, caltrops, oil (2); Other Gear blunted bolts (10), club, crossbow bolts (10), dagger, mwk light crossbow, bandolier[UE], belt pouch, ink, inkpen, masterwork backpack[APG], mess kit[UE], paper (5), tindertwig (2), trail rations (2), waterproof bag[UE], waterskin, whetstone, 43 gp, 4 sp, 8 cp
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Special Abilities
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Active Energy Type (Electricity) Lets you set your psionic active energy type.
Amateur Investigator (4/day) Your knowledge is more than plain smarts - it's inspired.

Prerequisites: Int 13, 1 rank in at least one Knowledge skill, no levels in a class that has the inspiration class feature.

Benefit: Like an investigator, you have the ability to augment your Knowledge, Linguistics and Spellcraft skill checks.
Bonus Feat At 2nd level and every five psion levels thereafter, you gain a bonus feat. You must choose a metapsionic feat, an item creation feat, Expanded Knowledge, or Extra Power Known.
Generalist (None, Perception) A psion who chooses to remain more general in his studies of psionics is known as a generalist. While he does not gain the unique abilities each discipline grants to the specialized psions, he is able to broaden his powers and blend them in unique w
Psionic Body Bonus HP +2
Talents You may learn 3 "talents" (level 0 powers) as well as detect psionics.

Arden Coralesian should have died in the Nirmathi wilderness with his parents and the caravan that they were traveling with. A dwarven patrol from Skelt heard the baby's cries and found him hidden under a damaged wagon. Unwilling to abandon Arden to the wilds, the leader of the patrol, Dargram Coralesian, took the child back to Skelt, presuming that he could be returned to his own kind when the next human caravan came to trade. What he didn't count on however was his wife, Fyora, forming an immediate bond and refusing any suggestion that he be handed over to some human strangers.

Despite the love of his foster parents and the stability that the dwarven town provided, Arden was reclusive, finding escapism in books and stories, rather than the rough-and-tumble games of the other youngsters. Dargram found that his son had a natural aptitude for engineering and design, if not for the more physical requirements of mining and stonecutting, and encouraged him to learn, pointedly remarking that Arden's mind was the sole thing that his real parents left him, but it was as fine a gift as anyone could wish for.

As a teen, Dargram continued to study, learning much from a the loremaster of the town and from a number of tutors that his father was able to afford. His designs for a new water powered ore grinder and a lightweight drawbridge were leading him toward a career as an engineer until his powers began to manifest. The first time he instinctively teleported out of the way of some falling masonry that surely would have crushed him. The next time, his frustration at a beam that gave way unexpectedly, ruining a building, overcame him and he blasted the remnants of the beam in all directions with just the power of his mind.

While he was stunned at these events, the other townsfolk did little to conceal their distrust, particularly when rumors of lights shining from the boy's eyes started to spread. Some whispered of sorcery, others of darker things. Dargram soon realised that the boy's future lay elsewhere. Using the savings that he and Fyora had accumulated, he was able to sponsor Arden to attend the Acadamae in Korvosa, hoping that he would be able to achieve some measure of control over his abilities.

Arden's time at the Acadamae was one of delight mixed with frustration. He was awestruck by some of the experiments at the university and the opportunity for learning that the library offered, but his arcane studies did not go as planned. Despite showing initial promise, he was unable to master even simple cantrips and before long it was identified that he was not a wizard, but rather a psionicist, and would be unable to continue. Humbled and guilt-ridden, he turned to the only thing he knew and found work as an engineer, and then architect in order to support himself, while he sought to understand his abilities himself.

In the ten years since, he has found success as an architect, though the majority of the wealth he has made has been divided between sending monies back to his foster parents and setting up a modest orphanage to help those who found themselves in the same situation as he but were not so lucky.

Arden has a strong sense of what is right, supported by a keen desire to help the vulnerable, orphans in particular. He is reserved and modest, despite his breadth of knowledge, as he still fights to reconcile his foster parents' expectations and - what he perceives to be - his failure at the Acadamae. On more than one occasion he has had to intervene as slavers or other ne'er-do-wells have sought to exploit those that he feels protective toward. He still retains an almost child-like inquisitiveness in many subjects and enjoys learning as much as he always has.

That said, Arden has learned to deal with the difficulties of life through a sardonic internal monologue, and while he may display calm and caution outwardly, inwardly he's rather more colorful. Sometimes this manifests as a wry smile to himself or a sparkle in his gray-blue eyes.

1. A description of what your character looks like. What clothes do they wear? What do they do with their hair? Are they clean or dirty? Do they accessorize?
Arden has a talent for always appearing slightly-out-of-place, no matter the company in which he is in. While he may usually dress in expensive clothing, as his position as an artisan - and his clients - demand, he can't hide the social awkwardness that plagues him. His appearance is often for the benefit of others, so while he may have his long red hair fashionably cut, he takes no particular pleasure in it, and while he remembers to wash daily, accoutrements such as jewelry and cologne are beyond him. He hasn't forgotten his roots in the wilderness and would probably surprise himself with how quickly he adjusts back into a more practical way of life.

2. An explanation for why the Korvosan Guard would call on them for help. Are they a local mercenary with a good reputation? Are they a community leader with public goodwill on their side? Are they a guardsman themselves? Are they an informant in the criminal underworld of the city? It's your call!
Arden is known to the guard as someone who has helped with homing orphans and other vulnerable people - as a consequence he learns of many things happening in Old Korvosa and remains fiercely independent from any criminal enterprises. Additionally, some guardsmen are aware, through hearsay, that he possesses some 'mystic' powers which have been used to dissuade certain parties from exploiting those under his protection.

3. Tell me where your character from. Are they a Korvosan native? Are they from Kaer Maga? Are they a Shoanti, or a Chelaxian?
Arden has pale skin and is of clear Chelish stock, despite being raised in Nirmathas. He has been unable to determine who his real parents were, and often identifies as a firstly as a dwarf before he catches himself.

His first language is dwarven and in times of stress he occasionally reverts back to it as an exclamation of surprise or else to make use of the bounty of profanity it offers, while protecting the more genteel ears of other folk.

4. How did your character become whatever character class they are, or learn whatever abilities they have?
Arden's psionic powers manifested during his teenage years when he was under stress. Formal identification came at the Acadamae - just as they were inviting him to leave. Since then he has slowly learned to master the abilities he has through trial and error and research of the few books about psionics he has been able to access.

5. What does your character do for a living? When and why did they start doing that?
He has worked in Korvosa as an architect for almost ten years, having labored upon a range of projects from new dwellings for the rich to fortifications for the city walls and improvements to some of the Old Korvosan bridges. He performs pro bono work at a number of social projects and is slowly extending and developing the orphanage which he founded into a refuge for other vulnerable persons.

6. Is your character religious? Why? What does faith mean for your character?
Arden still follows Torag, whom his parents followed. While not particularly devout, he still acknowledges the god when he has a spark of creativity or is able to protect the vulnerable. He appreciates the aesthetic values of Saranrae and Shelyn, and the importance of knowledge that Irori advocates.

7. Your character must in some way care about Korvosa. For some, this is because it's their home and the place where their family is from. For others, it's because it's a place of opportunity where you can make a good buck if you're lucky and ready for it. Why does your character care about being a city hero?
Simply, after being raised in Skelt - despite its many engineering marvels - he fell in love with Korvosa the day he set foot in it and saw the light of the setting sun upon the host of magnificent buildings. While he once planned to return to Skelt, Korvosa is now home and he can't envision himself living anywhere else.
He has also, despite his reserved nature, made several friends in the city, be it his dwarven landlady (and her friendly house drake), the half-orc matron of the orphanage or his professional colleagues.

8. What are your character's moral lines? What would they never do? What can they not stand by and watch? What will they always take advantage of?
Arden has a strong moral compass, no doubt in part to him firm, dwarven upbringing. He sees that the capable have a duty to care for the innocent. He supports rules and laws as necessary for civilisation but is also cognizant that they must work for everyone, not the advantage of those that make them. He can't stand by while the innocent or vulnerable are threatened and has surprised himself with the courage that such situations instill within him. He believes that many people deserve a second chance, as misfortune or bad choices can happen to anyone, and consequently would rather subdue than kill people (and other good or neutral, sentient humanoids) if it would be safe to do so.

9. If you have a character who has sworn a code (such as a Paladin or Cavalier, for example) be explicit in what that code entails.
N/A

10. What's your characters economic situation, and the economic situation of their family? A desperately poor character with a rich family tells a very different story than a desperately poor character with a poor family.
Arden should be wealthy, but his various concerns have eaten into that wealth. His foster parents are not poor, but he still feels guilt for failing to graduate from the Acadamae and his payments (which have outstripped their gift to him) have been his way of dealing with it. He rents a couple of modest rooms from a dwarven landlady not far from the orphanage/refuge that he owns (and pours most of his earnings into).

There are several reasons why I'm looking forward to playing this character:
1) I've wanted to play someone who has a real duty or obligation, and to explore how they would maintain that focus (psion pun intended) while so much around them descends into chaos. Beyond that he's relatively unattached in terms of family/specific relationships (within the city) which keeps a number of avenues for his overall character arc to follow. I'd also like to find out just who he is as he's brought to life.
2) My copy of Ultimate Psionics hasn't had any use since I bought it a few years ago - I'd really like to rectify that.
3) The submissions so far are generally of a high standard - it would simply be great as a roleplayer to be able to interact with some of these other characters.

Male Ratfolk Tactician 2
LG Small Humanoid (Ratfolk)
Init +7; Senses Perception +8, Darkvision 60 ft
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DEFENSE
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AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 15 (+4 armor, +3 dex, +1 size)
hp 20 (FCB)
Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4
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OFFENSE
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Speed 20 ft.

Melee Kukri +2 (1d3-1/18-20) or Sap +1 (1d4 nonlethal)

Ranged mwk Light Crossbow +6 (1d6/19-20)
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STATISTICS
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Str 9, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 14
Base Atk +1; CMB -1; CMD 12
Traits Civilized, Honey-Tongued
Feats Improved Initiative
Skills (9 points; 4 class, 3 INT, 2 Background) Bluff +7, Diplomacy +7, Knowledge(local) +9, Linguistics +8, Perception +8, Profession(Barrister) +6, Sense Motive +6, Spellcraft +8, Use Magic Device +9
ACP -1

Languages Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Halfling, Infernal

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SPECIAL ABILITIES
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Tinker
Rodent Empathy
Swarming
Collective
Coordinated Strike +1, 6/day
Spirit of Many

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Powers
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Power Points/Day: 9
0th Conceal Thoughts, Distract, Unearthly Terror

1st Entangling Debris, Skills as One

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GEAR/POSSESSIONS
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Mwk Chain Shirt, mwk Kukri, Sap, mwk Light Crossbow, Bolts(20), Silver Holy Symbol of Abadar, Alchemist’s Fire(2)

Carrying Capacity
Light 0-33 lb. Medium 34-67 lb. Heavy 68-100 lb.
Current Load Carried 0 lb.

Money 39 GP 0 SP 0 CP

The ratfolk of Korvosa were never known to be upper class, but Knon’s family was about as close as it got. His father managed to start his own trade company, finding enough investors to fund caravans traveling across Cheliax. Eventually he chose to sell the name of the company, living the majority of his life in “retirement.”

His father’s success caused him, and his family, to become worshipers of Abadar, where Knon was raised to respect the rule of law and the society that protected it. Knon could see simply by the corruption in the city that without the influence of the guards and leadership, everything would fall into chaos.

Knon was given a simple education, but it was more than what most had. He began to take an interest in legal matters, resolving to become a barrister in the Korvosa courts. It was around this time Knon began to notice oddities in himself. He began to experience moments of being outside himself, free from independent thought. As he experimented with these abilities, he began to invoke a minor ability to control the world around him with his mind alone.

But Knon never focused on it. While it was an oddity, Knon was interrupted by the introduction of Nubbles Shex, another ratfolk that came into Korvosa looking for her fortune. Knon was smitten in an instant, in love with her wit and inability to give up on anything. After a year for Knon to finish his education to become a lawyer, the two decided to marry.

The times grew more difficult as Knon found little work, and not wanting to rely on his father’s wealth. When his daughter was born, Knon realized he had to find an alternative method of making money, turning instead to the guard. While not officially a member, his knowledge of the laws of Korvosa made him more appealing than mercenary thugs. Of course, his lack of combat experience made most of his jobs tracking down tax evaders or petty thieves, involving little violence. To make up for this, Knon began to exercise his psychic potential, using the strength of his mind to supplement his efforts.

The news of the king’s death had incited many of the Korvosa’s populace to anger with the rise of Queen Ileosa, including Knon’s wife. Managing to convince her to stay at home for her own safety, Knon was disappointed to find himself asked by the guard to assist in managing the riots - an extra hand was always needed. But the pay was well enough, and so Knon went along, hoping to make sure no trouble was to be had.

Knon is a gray-furred ratfolk, carrying a small hole on his ear and a scar on his left brow. His fur is smooth and has a bit of a gleam to it when he stands in the sun, to which he finds dashing. He prefers the color red, usually highlighting on his armor. He has an earring from his wife, plated in gold with a ruby embedded in it. His actions seem exaggerated, perhaps from some kind of boundless excitement, or too often used to people not quite understanding exactly what he is saying.

Knon prides himself on being empathetic and sociable, not understanding how other races focus so much on themselves. He prefers guile and flattery in conversation, not much for being heavy-handed, which is too often taken for non-assertiveness by his peers. Logical and realistic, Knon prefers the safest option, even if the returns are slim. In what spare time he has, he stays with his family, assisting his wife in raising their child Fef.

1. See Appearance and Personality
2. Knon has been working for the guard between what few legal cases he can find, and has signed up to help in the handling the riots for a bit of pay.
3. Knon has lived in Korvosa all his life, for lack of better option to be had.
4. Knon’s abilities have always been latent, a natural gift he had for psionic power. However, his lack of use of his talents have left them underdeveloped. His inability to maintain a stable Collective has left him without using the full potential of his abilities. While he is a natural strategist and leader, he has never filled such a role before.
5. While Knon is a trained lawyer, not many people wish to have a ratfolk representing them. Thus, Knon resorts to doing work for the Korvosa guard to make ends meet.
6. Knon is a worshipper of Abadar, finding the god’s tenets to be constructive to society and to the benefit of people. Knon frequents the church regularly, but does not engross himself in the devotion many of the clergy have.
7. Knon finds Korvosa to be his home, and while it is certainly rough around the edges, he believes it can be a shining example of what cities should be. Korvosa is more simply where he lives and finds work as well. Avoiding interruption to the daily norm makes life easy.
8. Knon has always followed the rule of the law, but equally knows its difficulties.Knon never supports injustice, and wishes to expose whatever corruption he finds. Knon refuses to kill others in cold blood. While it is impossible to protect all of the innocent, it is an ideal Knon aspires for.
9. Knon has no formal code.
10. While Knon’s father is very wealthy, Knon refuses to take any money from his father, believing it would be a circumvention of his improvements to reach personal success. Knon is able to afford a decent living standard for his family but worries of the stability of his income, which is too reliant on what is available.

I enjoy that Knon has more to protect than himself - not exactly the stereotypical orphaned hero. Having to struggle with the relations of the factions of Korvosa as well as his personal ones is going to be fun, especially if one ends up fracturing the other. And just from a small knowledge of the campaign, I know the plot turns against Illeosa… which will be fun for a worshipper of Abadar.

Also, it’s not every day you get to use psionics, so getting to build one was a lot of fun. Playing, even better!

Ariana Sibylla (CG half-elf alchemist (mindchemist)) ; [Scaffold-Kane]

Anguela Noctis (LN human oracle/sorcerer (cross-blooded)) ; [eriktd]

Atticus deGrey (LN human zealot) ; [Johnnycat93]

Portia Cillanthis (CN/CG human stalker vigilante) ; [Kiora Atua]

Agiz (N ratfolk rogue/transmuter wizard) ; [pauljathome]

Kragmaw Gutsticker (CG half-orc staff magus) ; [Wandering Wastrel]

Kipply Nettles (N ratfolk alchemist) [william Nightmoon]

Xantrian Carver (CG human inquisitor of Calistria) [Kyle Smith 700]

Nicolai Fortescu (CG human diviner wizard) [Vanulf Wulfson]

Darius Filipes (LN human paladin (vindictive bastard)/investigator (empiricist)) [A. Drallidur]

Decimus Observet - Iocundius Paulum (LE human antipaladin) (confirm what you want to do mechanically!)

Aipaca - Luca Tismaneanu (CG human troubadour) (answer my questions!)

Jovich - Alistair Wellington (CG human swashbuckler (inspired blade)) (answer my questions, confirm that you're finished!)

*dinketry - Mackeson Slatethorne (CG dwarf warpriest of Cayden)

Tharasiph - Furnok Stoneshoulder (LG dwarf inquisitor of Torag)

*Kamenhero - Darius Goldwin (LN human mesmerist)

*Hotaru of the Society - Katarina Doliu (N tiefling warder (hawkguard)/harbinger)

*Pathfinder Zoey - Evelyn Lion (LN human warder (zweihander))

*CaptainFord - Colt R. Warwick (N human magus (soul forger))

*King of the Goblins - Arden Coralesian (LG human psion)

*The UnThinker - Finnick Deacon (LN human hedgewitch (triple goddess))

*PixelsAreGod - Knon Shex (LG ratfolk tactician)

SCKnightHero

Ouachitonian (soulknife?)

Ariana Sibylla (CG half-elf alchemist (mindchemist)) ; [Scaffold-Kane]

Anguela Noctis (LN human oracle/sorcerer (cross-blooded)) ; [eriktd]

Atticus deGrey (LN human zealot) ; [Johnnycat93]

Portia Cillanthis (CN/CG human stalker vigilante) ; [Kiora Atua]

Agiz (N ratfolk rogue/transmuter wizard) ; [pauljathome]

Kragmaw Gutsticker (CG half-orc staff magus) ; [Wandering Wastrel]

Kipply Nettles (N ratfolk alchemist) [william Nightmoon]

Xantrian Carver (CG human inquisitor of Calistria) [Kyle Smith 700]

Nicolai Fortescu (CG human diviner wizard) [Vanulf Wulfson]

Darius Filipes (LN human paladin (vindictive bastard)/investigator (empiricist)) [A. Drallidur]

Alistair Wellington (CG human swashbuckler (inspired blade)) [Jovich]

Darius Goldwin (LN human mesmerist) [Kamenhero]

Evelyn Lyon (LG human warder (zweihander)) [Pathfinder Zoey]