The Twice Dead Professor's Carrion Crown

Game Master gmpathfinder

You should have the basic layout of stats, traits, and feats for your initial proposal (and any plot relevant equipment etc). The minor details and character profile can be completed after selection.
Classes: All available classes from core, advanced player’s guide, ultimate combat, and ultimate magic. My preference is for core and APG classes, alternative classes will require a good backstory to explain their skills.
Races: Core only.
Alignment: No evil or dangerously insane PCs, I get enough of them in real life.
Stats: 20 point buy, no more than 2 stats can be dropped below -2
Starting gold: Average or roll here in the recruitment thread, whichever is highest.
Traits: 2, one must be from Carrion Crown’s player guide.
Equipment: Any standard purchases. We will assume that your travel to Ravengro was via coach. Guns are very rare, and may not have been introduced to Ustalav, so only early weapons firearms are allowed If your character is a gunslinger. If your character is not, no firearms are available at the starting level.

Backstory: Should be fleshed out for your submission. Include any of the following that are relevant:
Where are they from?
Why are they an adventurer?
What is their history with Professor Lorrimor (how did they meet, were they adventuring together, etc).

What motivates them?
What are their strengths and weaknesses?
If they were a piece of furniture, what type of furniture would they be?

These are in her profile but I've repeated them here...

Fernu first came across Professor Lorrimor as a young girl, albeit one with a somewhat headstrong attitude towards life (and death). The Professor came to her village in the Mindspin Mountains in order to research and study Shoanti burial rites, and was luckily on hand when Fernu’s curiosity of the kind old man’s work got the better of her...

Whilst in the field studying Skoan-Quah protocols to combat undeath he observed a hungry ghast being repelled by funeral wards. Unbeknowst to him a inquisitive Fernu had shadowed Professor Lorrimor, and unshielded by his enchantments attracted its deadly attentions. Quickly overcome by the fell creature’s corrupt stench and touch, Fernu would have no doubt joined the legion of undeath, save for Lorrimor’s timely intervention in driving the hungry ghast off.

Her survival came at a price; the ghast’s corrupt touch left Fernu sensitive to the undead; able to see beyond the veil - something her tribe saw as a blessing from the guardians of the dead and Pharasma herself. Perhaps a weightier price came in the honour binding of Fernu’s fate and life to the Professor’s as a debt owed in protecting the young girl.

While he politely declined her guardianship, the Skoan-Quah saw Fernu as a girl whose fate was no longer her own. The weight of this honour debt, coupled with her increased alienation within the tribe saw Fernu eventually drift from her people and into the “civilised” world. There her anxiety and guilt of an obligation unpaid developed into a fierce antagonism given outlet through brawling and street fights.

When she heard of the Professor’s death and subsequent summons to Ravengro, Fernu saw an opportunity to finally repay the debt and honour the man who was the unbeknownst custodian of her fate.

What motivates her?
Honour and a debt unpaid. Winning the fight against live... Fernu is a driven young woman with more than a hint of bitterness regarding his lost place from kith and kin. In short she wants more than anything to belong once again...

What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Her strengths are also her weaknesses; She has seen beyond the veil and no longer fears it nor death. As a result she is resolute and fearless, but with a anger than can temper this to recklessness and a refusal to back down.
If they were a piece of furniture, what type of furniture would they be?
A locked chest; robust and fuctional; empty at first sight but with hidden compartments containing lost treasure...

Axel Kinslayer
Half-Orc Fighter (Unbreakable) 1
CG Medium Humanoid (human, orc)
Init +2

Senses
Darkvision
Perception +1
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Defense
--------------------
Defense 12, flat-footed 10. . (+2 Dex)
Armor DR: 0
Critical Defense: +2. . (+2 Dex)
hp 12 (1d10+2)
Fort +4 (+4 vs. hot or cold environments and to resist damage from suffocation), Ref +2, Will +1
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee
Heavy Shield Bash +4 (1d4+3/x2)
Greataxe +4 (1d12+4/x3)
Kukri +4 (1d4+3/18-20/x2)
Light flail +4 (1d8+3/x2)

Special Attacks
gatecrasher
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Statistics
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Str 17
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 12
Wis 12
Cha 9
Base Atk +1
CMB +4
CMD 16 (18 vs. Sunder)

Feats
Combat Reflexes (3 AoO/round)
Diehard
Endurance

Traits
Armor Expert
On the Payroll
Skills
Climb +7
Intimidate +5
Knowledge (dungeoneering) +5
Survival +5
Swim +3 (+7 to resist nonlethal damage from exhaustion)

Languages
Common
Literacy
Orc

Other Gear
Chainmail
Heavy steel shield
Greataxe
Kukri
Light flail
119 GP
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Special Abilities
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Armor Expert -1 Armor check penalty.
Combat Reflexes (3 AoO/round) Can make extra attacks of opportunity/rd, and even when flat-footed.
Darkvision (60 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Diehard You are stable and can choose how to act when at negative Hp.
Endurance +4 to a variety of skill checks. Sleep in L/M armor with no fatigue.
Gatecrasher You gain a +2 bonus on Strength checks to break objects.
On the Payroll Whether he needed a bodyguard in a rough neighborhood, a guide to an isolated archeological dig, or information on a specialized topic, Professor Lorrimor was never shy about hiring professionals to help him attain his goals. Add 150 gp

Axel owes everything to Professor Lorrimor. Axel’s father was the chieftain of a minor clan of the Black Sun orc tribe his mother was some poor farm girl unfortunate enough to fall into Orc hands. Axel’s father bred him in the hope of using the half-orcs intelligence and cunning to increase his clans standing in the tribe. Axel endured a viscious childhood and grew up filled with rage and bitterness. Axel eventually managed to excape the orcs and kill his father and several other members of his clan in the process. He fled Belkzan’s Hold into last wall where he was picked up by a crusader patrol. He was lucky that the crusaders didn’t kill him right then. They instead took him to vigil and threw him in a cell until someone could deal with him.
It was here that the professor found him. The professor was actually there in the prison visiting a necromancer that had been captured by the crusade. The necromancer refused to answer any of the professor’s questions and he was leaving the prison when he saw Axel. The professor asked why the the half-orc boy was in prison and when he learned that he had committed no crimes that anyone knew of the professor insisted that Axel be released to him immediately.
Professor Lorrimor introduced Axel to an old friend a human fighter named Baris Grimm, and suggested that Baris take Axel on as an apprentice of sorts. Baris had his doubt about the half wild boy but he trusted Professor Lorrimor’s judgement enough to follow his advice. The professor turned out to be right about Axel. The half-orc boy proved to be a worthy apprentice, and later a trusty companion. Baris and Axel were often hired by the professor to accompany him on expeditions. Baris and the Professor enabled Axel to gain some acceptance in the human world and helped him to overcome his past among the Orcs. Professor Lorrimor even taught Axel how to read and write. Baris Grimm died four years ago at the age of sixty-three. Professor Lorrimor came to the funeral and helped Axel settle his affairs. Axel has continued to work for the professor frequently but the professor has not needed his services in the last year or so.

Axel doesn’t look as much like a full blood orc as he might have. He was luck in a way but his heritage is still visible in his yellow eyes and course features. Axel’s hair is jet black and he is careful to keep it neatly braided. He has a heavy brow and thick jaw, and there is a slight greenish cast to his features. Axel does not have tusks like many orcs and half orcs do but his canines are longer than a full human’s. Axel is covered with scars most of which he got while living among the orcs. Axel’s size enables him to wield his bearded great axe with ease.

Axel feels he owes the professor. He didn’t even have a name until the professor suggested Axel. (The orcs never bothered to name him.) The Professor and Baris, were the closest thing he ever had to family and he wants to be worthy of the confidence they had in him. He is driven to prove that they were right about him and he is not the monster that others including himself sometimes see him as.

Kaldur Vex
Half-Elf Summoner (Master Summoner) 1
NG Medium Humanoid (human, Elf)
Init +8
Senses
Low-Light Vision
Perception +2
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Defense
--------------------
Defense AC 15 (3 armor+2 Dex), flat-footed 13. Touch 12.
hp 10 (1d8+1 Con+1 favored class)
Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +4 (2 Class+2 dual minded)
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee: Sickle -2 (1d6-2)

Ranged: Light Crossbow +2 (1d8)

Special Attacks
None
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 7
Dex 14
Con 12
Int 14
Wis 10
Cha 20
Base Atk +0
CMB +0
CMD 10

Feats
Improved Initiative
Skill Focus: Spellcraft

Traits
Teacher's Pet
Theoretical Magician

Skills
Appraise +2
Bluff +5
Climb -4
Craft +2
Diplomacy +5
Disguise +5
Intimidate +5
Kn: Arcana +6 (1 rank, Class skill, +2 INT)
Kn: Planes +8 (1 rank, Class skill, +2 INT, +2 from Teacher's Pet)
Perception +2 (Keen Senses)
Perform +5
Spellcraft +11 (1 rank, Class Skill, +2 INT, Skill Focus, +2 from)
Swim -4
Use Magic Device +9 (1 rank, class skill, +5 CHA)

Languages: Common, Elven, Celestial, Necril

Other Gear
Studded Leather Armor
Sickle
Light Crossbow
Crossbow Bolts

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Spells
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Cantrips: Daze, Detect Magic, Light, Acid splash
1st level (3/day): Grease, Shield
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Special Abilities
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Summoning Mastery: Starting at 1st level, a master summoner can cast summon monster I as a spell-like ability a number of times per day equal to 5 + his Charisma modifier. The summoner can use this ability when his eidolon is summoned. Only one summon monster spell may be in effect while the eidolon is summoned. If the summoner’s eidolon is not summoned, the number of creatures that can be summoned with this ability is only limited by its uses per day. This ability otherwise functions as the summoner’s normal summon monster I ability. Other than these restrictions, there is no limit to how many summon monster or gate spells the summoner can have active at one time.

Lesser Eidolon: A master summoner’s class level is halved (minimum 1) for the purposes of determining his eidolon’s abilities, Hit Dice, evolution pool, and so on. The eidolon otherwise functions as normal.

From: Magnimar, Varisia

Why an adventurer: Pursuit of knowledge and enjoyment of tampering with forces beyond his understanding

What is their history with Professor Lorrimor: The good professor was instrumental in Kaldur's growth. As a boy studying at university, Kaldur was fascinated by one of the professor's lectures on the nature of Outsiders and their connection to the material plane. Kaldur immediately found his explanations to be thought provoking, but also disagreed with a few major points. After the lecture, the young half-elf strode over to the professor and began admonishing him over points that he believed professor Lorrimor had misrepresented. The professor was more amused than anything, inviting Kaldur back to a private study. A fond friendship was then founded between the two, and over the course of several months Kaldur and the late professor spent hours debating the finer points of planar existence. It was information from these discussions that motivated Kaldur to first summon Nex'lekor, his Eidolon, but Kaldur found Nex to be rather boring. Instead, Kaldur now seeks to summon more powerful outsiders in an attempt to truly understand their existence in a scientific manner.

What motivates them: The pursuit of knowledge and satisfaction.

What are their strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths: Kaldur is extremely charming and well read, delving almost obsessively into subjects that catch his interest. He sports a great understanding of the underlying principles of magic as well as memorizing tomes of knowledge about magic items and the planes. He studies languages on the side, once learning Necril in order to confirm that he really didn't want to learn necromancy and then Celestial in order to better commune with his future summons.

Weaknesses: While Kaldur is an intellectual heavyweight, the same cannot be said for him physically. Kaldur is extremely thin, and cannot muster very much strength at all. His combined elven and human heritage seem to have gifted him with some endurance and dexterity, though, as he is able to perform most daily tasks without problem and is somewhat nimble.

If they were a piece of furniture, what type of furniture would they be: A laundry line. Durable and skinny. Useful for many things and ultimately helpful, but if you put too much weight on him, he'll begin to bend and then collapse.

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Eidolon
--------------------
Nex'lekor
Biped Eidolon 1
NG Outsider
Init +1
Senses
Darkvision 60 ft.
Perception +4
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
Defense AC 13 (2 natural+1 Dex), flat-footed 12. Touch 11.
hp 11 (1d10+1 Con)
Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +2
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee: 2 claws +5 (1d4+4) or 2 claws Power Attack (1d4+6)

Space: 5 ft, Reach: 10 ft
Special Attacks
Reach (Claws), Power Attack
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 18
Dex 12
Con 13
Int 7
Wis 10
Cha 11

Base Atk +1
CMB +5
CMD 16

Feats
Power Attack

Skills
Acrobatics +5
Climb +8
Perception +4
Swim +8

Languages: Common, Telepathy with Kaldur.

Jakira was the child of a nomadic Kelesh sorcerer in the Meraz desert. From a young age, it was clear that the girl had inherited her mother’s gifts. Magic made the tribe stronger, and Jakira’s mother wanted to keep her daughter’s power a secret from the other tribes that they traded with. Then none would have reason to entice her to leave, so Jakira stayed hidden in the tents when they met other tribes or stopped to trade in the cities along the coast.

The girl’s natural curiosity would have been the end of this plan one way or another. She always thought these other things were being hidden from her, rather than she from them. As soon as she was able, she slipped out of the tent while the rest of the tribe was trading in the spice market. She climbed a hill and saw something that seemed a miracle to her. A vast plain of blue and green spread out below her, moving endlessly and smelling of salt. The idea of the ocean was too foreign for her to imagine, but she climbed down the hill to investigate it.

The pirates didn’t know she was the daughter of the renowned Samara al’Shiraz. They just saw a pretty Keleshite child wandering alone by the beach near one of Golarion’s biggest slave markets. She stared at the ocean, so amazed and mystified that she didn’t notice them at all, until the bag was pulled over her and she was thrown, kicking helplessly, into the ship’s launch.

When the ship was out of sight of land, she was able to persuade the captain to allow her freedom of the deck, so she could see the ocean as they sailed. By the time they reached the slave markets in Corentyn, the crew was so friendly they were near to adopting her as a cabin-girl. The captain insisted, however, and gold was gold. The girl passed into the hands of a broker, and then to a trader heading overland, for Kerse. This man had little interest in the girl, except as a commodity, and she spent most of that journey in a cage. From Kerse she was traded to Caliphas, and here she was sold for the last time.

The woman who bought her kept one of the most notorious houses in the city, and intended to put the girl to work as soon as a client could be found who would pay the exorbitant price of taking the first bite of the exotic fruit. Jakira proved too slippery, though, and escaped before such a client could be found.

Ustalav was quite alien to her, its people strange and the accents nearly incomprehensible. She did recognize one aspect of life there, when she saw an old man being threatened by a gang of ruffians. With a little magic and the threat of more, she was able to make them flee, and the old man was grateful. He learned of her circumstance and introduced her to a noblewoman who was pleased to count the foreign sorceress among her retinue.

A little more than a year has gone by, and now it seems that the old scholar is dead, and she has come to bury him.

Jakira
Human (Keleshite) Sorcerer 1
NG Medium Humanoid (human)
Init +8; Senses Perception +2
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 12, touch 12, flat-footed 10 (+2 Dex)
hp 7 (1d6)
Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +2
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee Dagger -2 (1d4-2/19-20/x2)
Ranged Light crossbow +2 (1d8/19-20/x2)
Sorcerer Spells Known (CL 1):
1 (5/day) Magic Missile, Grease (DC 17), Magic Missile, Toppling
0 (at will) Open/Close (DC 15), Message, Detect Magic, Dancing Lights
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 7, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 20
Base Atk +0; CMB -2; CMD 10
Feats Eschew Materials, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Toppling Spell
Traits Chance Savior, Magical Lineage (Magic Missile)
Skills Diplomacy +6, Knowledge (religion) +5, Perception +2, Sense Motive +2, Spellcraft +5, Use Magic Device +9
Languages Abyssal, Common, Kelish
SQ +4 to initiative checks, arcane bonds (Hush, dinosaur, compsognathus), bloodlines (arcane), empathic link with familiar, share spells with familiar
Other Gear Dagger, Light crossbow, Ring, 150 GP
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Special Abilities
--------------------
+4 to Initiative checks You gain the Alertness feat while your familiar is within arm's reach.
Arcane When a spell level is increased by a metamagic feat, it gains +1 DC.
Chance Savior Fate smiled on you and Professor Lorrimor one day in the not so distant past. Through a matter of pure chance, you were in a position to save the late scholar's life and did so. His gratitude was effusive, and he promised that he would never forget y
Empathic Link with Familiar (Su) You have an empathic link with your Arcane Familiar.
Eschew Materials Cast spells without materials, if component cost is 1 gp or less.
Magical Lineage (Magic Missile) A chosen spell counts as 1 level lower when metamagic feats are applied to it.
Share Spells with Familiar Can cast spells with a target of "You" on the familiar with a range of touch.
Spell Focus (Conjuration) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC.
Toppling Spell Spell with the force descriptor knocks targets prone.

Black eyes peer from behind a darkly featured, unshaven and unkempt face. The tall, heavy-set man stands in attendance for the reading of Professor Lorrimor's last testament and will, but his mind is somewhere else. How in the nine hells did he end up here?

Stefan Christinel Luca was a gifted student, doing well in school while being raised by his mother. At his mother's wish, he left his home and started at an academy at the expense of a wealthy couple, but by that time he was sick of schooling and quickly dropped out. Despite putting in little effort in his studies at the academy, Stefan continued to learn on his own the ways of underground exploration, both by gathering reading material on the subject, and by selling himself as a mercenary for underground expeditions.

It seems so recently that the large man accompanied Professor Lorrimor on one of these underground expeditions. He had heard the call for capable, competent bodyguards for a scholar's exploration of a cavernous dungeon, and he was quick to make known his availability. During this venture, the large warrior became fascinated with the professor - the man's intelligence, and the man's neverending quest to increase his understanding of the world, despite the professor's already vast knowledge. At some point, Stefan gathered the courage to approach Petros Lorrimor and try to impress the professor with his own knowledge of spelunking, underground denizens, and the like. He was outclassed by the scholar, but Stefan didn't care, as he was eager to hear as much as he could. By the end of the expedition, he had befriended the professor, and thanks to Petros Lorrimor, Stefan was inspired to expand his own repetoire of knowledge. Perhaps that's why it was such a shock to himself when he had been told by an associate of the professor that Lorrimor was dead, and adding to that surprise, that Stefan himself was named in Professor Lorrimor's will.

What are her stats when reset to level 1?

I'll do some reading up on it, I'm not familiar with the race beyond that it's an anime/asian inspired-type trope. Ustalav is a pretty xenophobic nation, and the locals harbor a lot of prejudice against non-humans, so there would likely be role playing considerations for if your character's race was discovered.

I am currently involved in three games on these boards: A Ravenloft game, A ROTRL game and a gladiator type arena game. I first became a gothic horror fan when the Ravenloft module first came out in 1983 and have GM'd almost exclusively Ravenloft for the last 20+ years. I really want to see what Paizo does with it, and so have resisted reading the AP.

I play characters with a lot of personality and tie them into the campaign. For this reason, I never make them in advance and while I have characters I've made for PbP games that didn't get off the ground, I will make a brand new one for this application.

If my character duplicates another player's character that you like, let me know. If you like my writing style and the type of characters I make, I can make anything else with equal ease.

I have been looking at the Knight of Ozem PrC as they seem intimately involved in Gallowspire and the Whispering Tyrant storyline. I am trying to work in Arazni, the old goddess of the Knights, but Rule of Fear specifically states that no one, even elves, is still alive that was alive then. That's making it kind of tough, but I think her story is particularly cool.

I've been looking at characters with gothic horror type backgrounds, so I've been considering the following:

1) An alchemist from Leipstadt with a few skeletons in his closet (perhaps he's been stealing bodies for experiments or even creating them by preying on the city's criminals)

2) A druid from the swamps to the southeast or perhaps a blight druid from the Furrows. I've got two completely different visions - one is a creepy druid of decay who commands oozes and molds and the other is from the countryside, angry at the townsfolk and so has been sending in wolves and bat swarms, scaring them all into thinking there is a vampire in the area.

3) An undead hunter archer or archer/alchemist/arcane archer or Divine Hunter who uses holy arrows, arrows dipped in holy water or flaming arrows to hunt them.

4) A cultist of the Great Old Ones from Carrion Hill who gets dragged into the conflict when the rest of her group is killed by ghouls. Unfortunately, this character is a summoner, and I see that someone has already submitted one, so I will probably pass on this character.

5) An Inquisitor or Cleric/Holy Vindicator of Pharasma Penitence. I'm a bit concerned about this concept however as they are basically puritans and can be a real killjoy at parties.

6) A new member of the Anaphexia, sent to infiltrate adventuring groups and keep what secrets hidden that they can and make sure they are used responsibly if they can't.

I will have a minimum of one of these, and perhaps 2-3 of them ready by Sunday-ish and will post them to this topic. I generally spin off character concepts at a quick rate and so I am never married to one until we start playing. If you don't like one, or would rather see another, just let me know. After over 20 years of running Ravenloft and creating NPCs there, I have a lot more ideas I can pull out.

Human Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager)

Alignment: Neutral Good
Stats: 18/15/16/7/11/7 (St/Dx/Cn/In/Ws/Ch)
Starting gold: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 2) = 10 vs 105 avg -> 105.
Traits: Chance Savior, Reactionary, Heart of the Wilderness (Racial)
Feats: Power Attack, Raging Vitality
Equipment: Greatsword (50gp), Studded leather (25gp), etc.

Merric is a native of Ustalav, farm-raised with the strength to show it. He spent much of his youth helping his neighbors build farmhouses and other minor constructions, and so has picked up a knack for architecture. However, his fiery temper and less-than-stellar mental faculties led him to a life of adventuring, not that he really minds. Sustained concentration bores Merric, and he prefers to throw himself into the task at hand, instead of wasting time planning ahead.

A childhood full of rough encounters and physical labor left him with two principles: hit first and hit second. The scars covering his body make him a ugly sight, but acquiring them has given him the ability to shrug off pain that would make any other man cry.

Merric is driven by a desire to grind bones to dust -- those of the undead, at least. The mere mention of those unliving horrors is enough to set him off, and woe be to skeleton that crosses his path... Merric hates the undead, and will gladly aid anyone who needs protection from them. Money doesn't hurt either.

During a brief stint as Professor Lorrimor's hired muscle, his quick-thinking placed him directly between a battleaxe and the professor, earning him the man's undying gratitude. A long scar on his right shoulder pays testament to that fact.

Merrics greatest strength is, well, his physical strength. Well above average in height and weight, he cuts an imposing figure, though he rarely uses that to his advantage. He prefers to get things done with his sword.

His greatest weakness is his lack of education. Merric secretly wishes he had the brains to be an architect, so that he could one day build something great. He knows, however, that that is not his lot in life, and so contents himself to following his heart, smashing things along the way.

If Merric were a piece of furniture, he would be a sturdy wooden chair. Straight-forward and reliable, without any unneeded padding or useless frills.

PbP experience: None
Estimated posting frequency: 2-3 times a week, possibly more if requested

Zhaal Ruul
Human (Taldan) Paladin (Oath Against Undeath) 1
LG Medium Humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +1
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Defense
--------------------
AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15 (+5 armor, +1 Dex)
hp 11 (1d10+1)
Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +3
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Offense
--------------------
Speed 20 ft.
Melee Dagger +3 (1d4+2/19-20/x2) and
. . Greatsword +3 (2d6+3/19-20/x2) and
. . Scimitar +3 (1d6+2/18-20/x2)
Special Attacks Smite Evil (1/day)
Paladin (Oath Against Undeath) Spells Prepared (CL 0, 3 melee touch, 2 ranged touch):
--------------------
Statistics
--------------------
Str 15, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 17
Base Atk +1; CMB +3; CMD 14
Feats Power Attack -1/+2, Skill Focus (Diplomacy)
Traits Sacred Conduit, Subject of Study (Undead)
Skills Acrobatics -3 (-7 jump), Climb -2, Diplomacy +10, Escape Artist -3, Fly -3, Handle Animal +7, Knowledge (religion) +4, Ride -3, Sense Motive +5, Stealth -3, Swim -2
Languages Common
SQ Aura of Good, Detect Undead
Combat Gear Dagger, Greatsword, Scale mail, Scimitar;
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Special Abilities
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Aura of Good (Ex) The paladin has an Aura of Good with power equal to her class level.
Detect Undead (Su) This ability works like the standard paladin ability to detect evil, except as detect undead instead of detect evil. This ability replaces detect evil.
Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage.
Smite Evil (1/day) (Su) +3 to hit, +1 to damage, +3 deflection bonus to AC when used.
Subject of Study (Undead) Professor Lorrimor approached you as part of his studies, as he had heard that you had survived a recent encounter with a strange monster or had another fateful encounter.

Zhaal Ruul remembers little of where he is from. He can recall many clusters of large buildings next to the ocean. Zhaal remembers watching the large sailing ships come into port from his father's general merchandise store. He remembers playing in the alley behind the shop with his younger brother and sister. His fondest memories are of his mother and her gentle nature. That is sort of where the world stops for him.

Zhaal recalls riding east in a wagon with his father to pick up some wares at a distant location. At 8 years old, the little details really didn't matter much to him. He was just enjoying the time alone with his father, camping and hunting during the down times of the long travel.

One night, as Zhaal rested next to a riverside campfire drifting in and out of sleep, he heard one of his father's guardsmen cry out an alarm. The boy sat up quick, but only in time to see a guardsman's chest torn open by some abomination of a humanoid with glowing blue eyes.

Zhaal's father rushed to the guardsman's aid, but his effort was futile. The son watched his father's head get torn gruesomely from his torso, and cast aside like unwanted trash.

Zhaal turn to flee, however his errant frantic steps landed him into the rushing river. He fought with the current for what seemed like many minutes, until he was able to grab ahold of the riverbank and pull himself to shore. He coughed and spat out many mouthfulls of water prior to passing out.

When he awoke, Zhaal found himself lying in bed in a church of Sarenrae. He learnt that traveller the next morning had come across the grizzly scene and had transported him to the aid of the priests. This good citizen, was Professor Lorrimor.

Over the next few days, Professor Lorrimor asked him several questions about the creature Zhaal had seen. Zhaal did his best to describe the encounter, but every time he mentioned the glowing blue eyes, Lorrimor appeared to be quite mystified.

Since Zhaal could remember little of where he was from, the priests raised him in the temple. Zhaal was an obedient lad, and was trained to serve and protect the church. Several times each year Lorrimor would visit, and occasionally he would have sketches of creatures he would ask Zhaal to look at to see if he could identify them as the creature that had attacked his father.

Where are they from?
Zhaal is Taldon, but remembers very little of his life prior to the "incident".

Why are they an adventurer?
Zhaal has learnt most everything he can learn from the priests at the Temple of Sarenrae. At the age of 18, he has decided it is time to explore the world a little.

What is their history with Professor Lorrimor (how did they meet, were they adventuring together, etc).
All is detailed above.

What motivates them?
Zhaal is obedient in nature and has been devoutly loyal to the teachings of Sarenrae. He believes undead are a great corruption in world, like a disease. Although he is a man of great composure, his mental control greatly wanes when in the presence of undead. Zhaal has shown a proficiency in dispatching them and earned the title of "Slayer of the Walking Dead" from the temple priests. Zhaal simply wishes to wander the lands for awhile, seeing how he can best serve Sarenrae. Zhaal is a quiet, determined, composed man. He does not trust others easily and when travelling he prefers to converse with his dog as opposed to other people.

What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Zhaal is very loyal and trustworthy. When in the presence of undead, his zest to kill the abominations often takes over where tactics or composure would be a better choice.

If they were a piece of furniture, what type of furniture would they be?
A hat rack - happy to help where he can, but only really serves one purpose.

Whoops! Forgot she leveled up. I'll level her back down tonight.

Backstory: Unlike his older brothers and cousins, Adalwin Baldomar does not remember a time when his extended family were not merchants in the sternly-ruled county of Barstoi. But he spent his early childhood hearing tales of the Baldomars ouster from Lozeri, when that county overthrew noble rule in favor of the people's Palatine Council. For decades now, the family, former minor members of Lozeri nobility, have tended storefronts instead of manor houses, managed warehouses instead of estates.

But the Baldomars keep some of the old traditions alive, such as sending third sons to serve the church. Adalwin's uncle, the would-be Viscount Baldomar, brooked no argument from his parents when the boy turned ten, bundling him up in a coach bound for the Pharasmin monastery known as the Vault of Tears. In that fortress-like cloister, Adalwin spent the second decade of his life learning the ways of the Penitence, the grim interpretation of Pharasma's tenants prevalent in Ustalav.

Against all odds, Adalwin thrived. He took to theology the way other boys do to games, growing stern in his faith. Of the various paths open to the acolytes of the Vault of Tears, he rejected the monastic way as too cerebral and the clergy as too soft. Adalwin Baldomar would be an inquisitor, rooting out corruption and combatting the enemies of his faith, particularly the abhorrent undead and those who create them.

For ten years, Adalwin studied in the Vault of Tears, and then took to the roads of Ustalav as part of an inquisitorial team dedicated to finding and judging necromancers. It was in the dark lair of one such wizard that Adalwin and his brethren came across the bodies of a band of adventurers who had preceded them in assaulting the underground fastness by mere hours. His superiors rushed past the bodies, leaving Adalwin with directions to behead and bless the corpses so that they might not rise as servants of their enemy.

As he went about this grim work, the young man discovered that one of the adventurers was not yet dead, though he hovered at the very edge of Pharasma's doorway to the beyond. Another inquisitor might have judged it the goddess's will that the poor soul be allowed to move on, but some instinct told Adalwin to render aid and bind the old man's wounds. When the man regained consciousness, he introduced himself as Professor Petros Lorrimor.

Since that day two years ago, Adalwin has received several letters from the Professor, who always remembered to thank him for saving his life, but who also gently chided the younger man for the inflexibility of his views, offering encouragement and advice designed to relax the attitudes instilled in him at the monastery. So far, Adalwin has not been moved to change his outlook.

Physical description: Unusually tall and broad of shoulder for a one of Varisian stock, Adalwin towers over most other people. With shoulder-length brown hair and gray eyes, he might be considered handsome except that his face is almost always expressing a grim visage of judgment. He wears a leather greatcoat over scale mail, a broad brimmed hat, and high boots A well-used morningstar hangs from his broad belt. He habitually carries his holy symbol in one hand, a wooden disc engraved with the swirling glyph sacred to the Lady of Graves.

Motivation: Adalwin borders on zealotry in his religious faith, and pays particular attention to the Pharasmic teachings against the undead. In a sense, he has replaced his family's obsession with their lost past with an obsession with rendering judgment on necromancers and the walking dead.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Adalwin's greatest strength and greatest weakness are one and the same, his overriding faith in the Pharasmic Penitence. He always feels that he knows the right thing to do, even when others may disagree.

Furniture: Adalwin would be a weapons rack, supporting the tools used in judgment and war.

Caladrel
NG Elf Male Alchemist 1 (Chirugeon)
Init +4; Senses Perception +6
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DEFENSE
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AC 17, touch 14, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +4 dex)
hp 9 (1d8+1 FC)
Fort +2, Ref +6, Will +0 (+2 vs enchantments)
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OFFENSE
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Spd 30'
Melee rapier +0 (1d6)
Ranged bomb +4 (1d6+3 fire, 4 splash) or longbow +4 (1d8)
Space 5'; Reach 5'
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STATISTICS
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Str 10, Dex 18, Con 10, Int 17, Wis 11, Cha 10
BAB +0; CMB +0; CMD 14
Feats (1) brew potion*, throw anything*, point blank shot
Skills (7 skill) Craft (alchemy) +8, Disable Device +8, Heal +4, Knowledge (nature) +7, Perception +6, Sleight of Hand +8, Spellcraft +7
Extracts (2/day, DC 13+level)
1st level (5): comprehend languages, cure light wounds, targeted bomb
admixture, detect undead, expeditious retreat
Special Abilities: bomb (4/day, 1d6+3 fire), mutagen
Traits: On the Payroll (+150 gp), Superstitious Ward (disrupt undead 1/day)
Languages: Elven, Common, Sylvan, Celestial, Draconic
Possessions (255 gp) studded leather (25 gp), longbow (75 gp), 40 arrows (2 gp), rapier (20 gp), alchemist's kit (25 gp),pathfinder's kit (12 gp), 1 CLW potion (50 gp), 2 bottles of alchemist's fire (40 gp), 6 gp
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Stat Math:
Str 10 (0 points)
Dex 18 (10 points +2 racial)
Con 10 (2 points -2 racial)
Int 17 (7 points +2 racial)
Wis 11 (1 points)
Cha 10 (0 points)

Lilien Elendyll, only daughter of Seldlon Elendyll and Varaera Selendenal, was born and rasied in Iadara, capital city of Kyonin, the aptly called "Reign of the Elves".
Strict but loving, her parents were determined to raise her to become a proper lady, and even more importantly, a proper elf.
They taught her their people history, their traditions and their ideals, even though their lessons were sketchy, and oftentimes downright dismissive, about other races and cultures.
When during her early childhood Lilien manifested great promise as a pratictioner of the Art, her family was overjoyed, and encouraged her to fully embrace her gift and develop her skills.
After years of tutoring and well on her way to become an accomplished mage, Lilien started to become more and more restless. The more she studied immersed in the ever undisturbed peace of Iadara, the more she craved to finally get to see what was really out there.
So many wonders, and misteries and magical knowledge were out there, just waiting to be discovered. She wanted to experience the world. She wanted adventure. But she was still far too young.
In an effort to both quench her thirst for adventure (and danger, in her parents' eyes) and further her magical studies, her father arranged for Lilien to spend a few years attending a magical college of renown, far away from Iadara and Kyonin, but still relatively safe.
He entrusted her to an old friend and fellow Arcanist of renown, a professor of magical theory at the Grand Acadamae of Korvosa, in Varisia. Thrilled at the opportunity, Lilien accepted her father's proposal without a second tought.

It was there at the Acadamae that she met Professor Lorrimor, during one of his famous lectures, adn remained fascinated by his knowledge about the most diverse of topics imaginable. In turn, the good professor took notice of this bright young girl so eager to learn, to discover, to debate and to ponder.
He took her under his wing, so to speak, and during his visits in Korvosa never missed the opportunity to look her up for another one of their stimulating study sessions.
When the professor was not in Korvosa, they used to mantain a semi-regular epistolary correspondence; Lilien writing about her new discoveries, theories and questions, and the old Professor giving insightful answers, wise advice and proposing new topics for her studies.
When she recived word of the Professor's passing, it was a hard blow. Shocked and saddened, she quickly began preparations to attend the Professor's funeral, as the missive she received requested.

The focus of this character is support, as in my goal is to make the group's tasks as easy as possible, be it by buffing/debuffing/"softening" enemies in combat, or out of combat by passing knowledge checks, perception checks, etc... And of course using my array of utility spells for whatever is needed. Basically helping others have fun ^_^.

Also, as asked, the salient points of her background...

Where are they from? Born in Iadara, Kyonin. Right now in Korvosa, Varisia.
Why are they an adventurer? Mainly lust for knowledge and excitement.
What is their history with Professor Lorrimor? He was one of Lilien's most admired teachers. She really looked up to him.
What motivates them? She wants to explore the world, to uncover great mysteries and to become a great wizard, famous and respected. But above all else, she just wants to make her parents proud.
What are their strengths and weaknesses? She is knowledgeable about a plethora of topics and things, and she strives to be always prepared for any and all occurrences. On the other end she is still very young (for an elf), a bit naive and quite inexperienced.
If they were a piece of furniture, what type of furniture would they be? A chair, without a doubt! She may act unimportant and unassuming, but when you need her the most she's always there to support you and keep you from falling down. ^_^

From a DM, I just want them to stay involved. If we have a posting schedule, keep to it. When a DM's interest wanes, it is clearly obvious and a death knell for the game, unfortunately. If this simple rule is followed, the PbP games I have been involved in are great. I had a Star Wars game last for over three years, and a LoF game on this site lasted over two years.

From the other players, it is pretty simple. Post. Keep others advised when you are away and can't post. If the players keep this up, good role playing normally flows thereafter.

Stats
Str 18 (16 + Human Bonus)
Dex 14
Con 13
Int 10
Wis 10
Cha 12

Race: Varisian Imperious Human
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Age: 21
Deity: Cayden Cailean

Class: Beast Rider (Cavalier)
Mount: Horse (with plans for a more exotic one in the future)
Order: Order of the Cockatrice
Special: Lastwall affinity (for local feats)

Race Traits: Eye for Talent (+2 Stat Mount), Silver Tongued (+2 Diplomacy, +2 Bluff, using diplomacy can move up to 3 steps)
Traits: Chance Savior (+2 Init), Crusader Tactician (+1 Knowledge (engineering), +1 Knowledge (nobility), Knowledge (nobility) class skill)
Feats: Mounted Combat
Teamwork Feat (Tactician): Lookout
Skills: Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Ride, Sense Motive
Languages: Common
Favored Class Bonus: +1/4 cavalier's banner bonus (Human Alternate)

Equipment
Weapons: Lance, Dagger, Halberd, Sling
Armor: Scale Mail
Other Gear: Miscellaneous, Rations, etc.

Horse Gear: Military Saddle, Saddlebags, Animal Feed x4

PLUS, if you'll allow me having another pet:

Falcon (Bird), Falconry Gauntlet, Training Harness (Falcon)

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Horse
+2 Str from Eye for Talent
Bonus Feat Endurance
Feat: Power Attack
Skills: Climb, Perception
Bonus Trick: Track
Special: Combat-trained (knows tricks: attack, come, defend, down, guard, and heel; horse's hooves are primary attacks)

Garin Veacali of the noble family of Veacali in Velummis of Lastwall is the third son of four. From an early age, he was expected to follow his family's proud military tradition and had no other ideas to deviate from that path.

He learned to milk his family's name for what it was worth, but was ultimately more interested in charming women than his military schooling. Nonetheless, he has proven to do well and has participated in more than one cavalier patrol though has not received any special recognition.

He has citizenship in Velummis but not in Vigil. Unlike his siblings, he had elected to remain Oathless and not received a mark of justice, feeling them too limiting, which is a source of conflict in his family. Garin feels that he has to prove himself more due to his not taking the oaths.

Lately though, the need to prove himself is more pressing than ever, his two older brothers already accomplished in the military and his younger sister already rising in the ranks and received several honors with him left behind.

He recognizes his nation's efforts to watch over Tar-Baphon, the Whispering Tyrant, and believes in their cause. He also believes that doing something remarkable concerning this would net him glory and commendations.

Where are they from?
The more affluent parts of the city of Vellumis in Lastwall.

Why are they an adventurer?
Fame and glory! And also to get away from certain women's husbands.

What is their history with Professor Lorrimor (how did they meet, were they adventuring together, etc).
Garin is one of Professor Lorrimor's more recent acquaintances.

The Professor met Garin in Lastwall. The cavalier, who has heard of the professor's reputation, immediately offered to show him around, recognizing Lorrmior's worth as a contact. He acted as a guide in Lastwall and introduced him to many places. He also accompanied the professor on adventures in the dangerous regions of Lastwall during his stay, on one occasion saving the professor's life.

After the professor left, Garin kept in touch with him, because he recognize the worth of keeping in contact of him, felt that one of his few true accomplishments is his saving the professor's life and expected to collect on that, and because he genuinely enjoyed his company.

What motivates them?
Stature, prestige, and power. And the ladies. Mmm, the ladies.

What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths? Why, he's strong! And charming! An expert with a lance and a hit with the womenfolk. He knows his way about beasts and bolsters a proud military background in tactics.

At least, that's what he thinks of himself. In reality, he's barely out of his boyhood and a bit more impressed with his own capabilities than anything. It's undeniable that he has strength and is intelligent in battle, but other areas are somewhat lacking. His experience with animals is limited to the domestic creatures of Lastwall but he does know his way around a warhorse at the very least.

He's certainly charming and polite though he's too full of himself most of the time to be truly diplomatic. He makes a point of avoiding trouble as much as possible but he responds to challenges quickly, especially when they concern his honor or his capabilities . . . in bed.

If they were a piece of furniture, what type of furniture would they be?

Garin would be a couch. But not just any type of couch, no, he would be a fainting couch and more specifically a blend of that with a chaise longue. Please see this representation of Garin as a piece of furniture: <url>

Observe the antique beauty mixed with a more modern style: the ornate carved silver leaf and the high grade of the materials . See the stunning craftsmanship of the cushions, how soft they look. Think of how the fabric must feel!

Truly high-class. Just imagine it in your living room, attracting all the attention, dominating its surroundings but also working together with them to create a more refined atmosphere. It is the centerpiece. Now imagine yourself reclining in it. How elegant!

Previous experience in pbp
It was only recently that I got into PBP on Paizo, but my previous experience in the style of roleplaying has aided me well. To date, I've only ever finished one whole campaign (which wasn't even PBP!) but I consider myself to have some experience and a quick learner.

Estimated posting frequency
I can post at least one detailed post a day, even more if our times match up and are agreeable. My internet connection may be a bit spotty at times but I'll warn ahead in that case.

What are your expectations from the GM/game?
Well, fun of course! Fair to be sure and available and receptive to player's questions. Aside from that, I don't have much in the way of expectations since I understand that every GM has their own particular style.

I do like setting fluff and detail and organized battles. I would like even more if the game doesn't die!

What are your expectations from other players?
That they be fun and roleplay well! I find games much more enjoyable when my character has others to bounce off with, and this time even more important since the cavalier class is heavily team-oriented.

Also to post somewhat frequently as to not to let the game die.