This is the story of a time long ago, a time of myth and legend. The gods used to be petty and cruel plaguing mankind with suffering. However, that time has long passed. The gods themselves have grown out of their petty squabbles and feuds and have realized that they were wasting their gifts. The gods are far closer to politicians than the lords they were in the time of old but no less powerful. In fact the gods themselves now live on Earth in the Hall of Olympieion. The building is less of a temple and more like a government building. The campaign takes place on ancient earth and will mostly center around the country of Greece and its neighboring countries. I will keep recruitment up until 8-28(Wednesday).
I am looking for a party of 4-5 people for a fairly long term adventure. I plan to be in it for the long haul so I expect the same out of my players. It is going to be a little sandboxy with an overarching metaplot.
Classes: Any Paizo Class and archetype though I have changed a number of feats and classes(See Houserules)
Level: 3
Alignment: Any good or neutral
Point Buy: 20
Traits: Any 2 of your choice
Races: Any Core Rulebook race.
Wealth: 3000
Posting Rate Expectations: 1-2/day(more during combat or when the encounter is about you)
If you expect to be out and cannot post for a time, a post informing me and the group is expected.
Deities: Greek Pantheon(See Gods and Monsters Document for domains and such)
PC Background: You are encouraged to develop a background and motives for your character. However, the story will start off in Athens during a Demeter Harvest Festival, so you need to have a reason why you are there.
Player Submissions: I will be looking for more than just a character sheet. I will be looking at posting history and the backstory to see for compatibility. I also encourage people to team up and have some pre-existing connection though it is not required.
Interesting... is it required to be greek or can we be from anywhere in the world? (Specifically India.)
Are the gods still having kids with humans? If so, what is the status of these demi-gods? Are they playable?
Are we talking full on Homeric Greece or more historically accurate ancient greece? If historical then prior to Persian Wars? Pelopponesian Wars? Macedonian Invasion?
Is there likely to be Mythic at any point in this campaign?
Can we take drawbacks for an extra trait?
I'm thinking either a mindblade magus or a kineticist, depending partly on the question about demi-gods.
Sorry for all the questions!
Any core race? How do things like dwarves, halflings, half-orcs, etc fit in?
@Nikolaus: You can be from anywhere, but I would like at least half the group to be greek so that may influence my selections. Demigods still exist. The more notable ones like Hercules and Perseus are still adventuring. You may even meet them at some point, including those from other countries. They are not playable. The world is definitely more Homeric Greece than historical with some homebrew cities added in. No to Mythic. I considered it as it would fit thematically, but it would require an overhaul to make it balanced. No to drawbacks. I'm totally okay with questions, this is the first homebrew setting that I am attempting so it all helps. If it helps my inspirations are the Hercules: The Legendary Journeys TV show and Disney's Hercules.
@Ouachitonian: Any Core Race is available. The non-human races fit in similar to most fantasy settings and are generally accepted. Full Orcs are mostly raiders from the Arabic nations, so Half-Orcs may draw some distrust from those that can't tell the difference. Halflings are nomads who came from New Zealand centuries ago and are accepted. Dwarves are rather new to most of the world as up until recently they stuck to their lands in Norway and Finland. Thus, most commonfolk don't know much about them and they are the subject of wild tales and misinformation. Elves/Half Elves are probably the most common/integrated non-human race as they started exploring the world long ago.
How about a dwarf who was from a mercenary company? I’d imagine that they’d be amazing at Phalanx warfare. In fact, I can’t think of a fantasy race better suited to it.
@Grumbaki That works. Spartans and dwarves are alot alike in that aspect.
Amazing Red, I'd like to bring to your attention the godling classes from Rogue genius Games. They might fit very well with your Gods and Monsters campaign.
Grumbaki here. I love your house rules, so I’ll probably put forward a fighter. Some background
From the north they came, the Silver Company. And over the course of several decades they made quite a name for themselves. The dwarven refugees had taken to the local culture, forming one of the most elite mercenary companies ever known. Veteran tunnel fighters, they found a land dominated by the shield wall to be one perfectly suited to them. They became famed. For never retreating. For stubbornly refusing to break ranks. For never breaking their word. And for their vengeance when not paid. As a rule, they cared nothing for politics or city loyalty, staying put for just so long as they were paid.
And with their fame came fortune. The Silver Company more than earned their keep. But, to the surprise of everyone, the Clan Lords, upon counting their gold, decided to return to the north. Almost as one they left, marching back to where they belong. Almost.
While the majority of the Silver Company remembered their homeland, more than a few were born in the south. To them, the lands of men, and their culture, where all they knew. The teeming city states were their home. Those from the outside were Barbarians! Uncivilized. Uncultured. Blind to the Gods who lived among them. And in true Dwarven fashion, they remained stubborn.
Bharaz is one of those dwarves. Born in Athens, he spent as much time with mankind as he did with his kin. And when they left to return “home” he was elected to stay with his, preferring the philosophy and culture to the ephemeral promise of the cold north.
Bharaz is an expert when it comes to wielding the traditional weapon of his people. The Totem Spear. Designed to be used both in a phalanx and in one on one combat, the weapon is justly feared. This is because of the spear’s relatively wide head allows it to be used as a slashing weapon, swung side to side, or as a piercing weapon in a more traditional spear-fighting technique.
Unfortunately, given that his entire life was supposed to be spent in the Silver Company, he is not a bit lost. He is a spearman without a regiment. A dwarf without a purpose. Simultaneously both a local and a foreigner. So now he must find a place for himself, and prove to the people of Athens that he is worthy of being one of them.
———
Putting together crunch in alias. So far...
Spear and Shield Fighter who worships Athena (has Emissary Familiar via VMC)
Decent damage (+8 Hit, 1d10+8 damage)
Good Defense (HP34, AC25)
Decent Face Skills (Diplomacy +7 Sense Motive +8)
Thanks for the answers boss! I'll look at the magus then - since I'm taking psychic magic etc as my thing I might go for an elven explorer who has travelled west along the silk roads/trade routes and ended up in Greece. Would have been there long enough to count as 'greek' in most mortals minds. :)
Or perhaps even better a half-elf and said elven explorer would be one of the parents...
And because I just missed the edit window...
How are we doing HP after level 1?
and what langauges are there/are most common in Athens?
Background skills?
Dwarves seem like they ought to be devotees of Hephaestus. All hammering away at forces buried deep beneath volcanoes and whatnot. I might have to make that character.
Dotting for interest (waves to Nikolaus - fancy a joint sub my old friend lol?)
Will likely pitch Polyοἶνος (Poly-oin-os)- a Greek human Drunken Master Monk :) Taverna philosopher, practitioner of Pankration and an ardent follower of Bacchus!
With regards the game itself - know you've said no to Drawbacks but don't they fall into the trope of the tragic hero in Greek myth? Internal flaws that oft bring about the downfall of the hero or heroine? Just a thought :)
Regardless looks a very interesting concept - will get to work on my idea.
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Black Dow, I was thinking about an Oracle for precisely that reason. The flawed hero is a very Greek trope.
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Dotting for interest (waves to Nikolaus - fancy a joint sub my old friend lol?)
For you BD always! :) Hmm... I could do something different and do Polyoinos' best student...?
@Nikolaus HP is 1/2 + 1 for every level after the 1st. The bigger cities are pretty metropolitan so Elven, Halfling, Draconic are all pretty helpful. Yea, go ahead and give yourselves Background Skills.
@Black Dow I realize that, but I often find that most PCs pick ones that effect their PCs minimally and few RP their flaw.
Background skills? In that case I’ll switch greed to craftsman, and will take craft arms and armor. This way he’ll be able to repair his equipment and make a new spear of anything should happen to his.
dotting...
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Here is my submission:
Kali Soy
CN Human Ranger 3
str 10
dex 16
con 14
int 8
wis 12
cha 16
HP 26
AC 17 (+4 armor, +3 dex), T 13, FF 14
BAB 3
Init +4
Fort +6
Ref +7
Will +3
Speed 30'
Longsword: +7 to hit; 1d8+3s damage; 19-20/x2 crit
Longbow: +7 to hit; 1d8 damage; 20/x3 crit; 100' range
Skills:
Acrobatics r3 +9
Climb r3 +5
Intimidate r3 +9/11 vs. slavers
Perception r3 +7
Sense Motive r3 +7
Stealth r3 +12
Survival r3 +7/8 to track
Background Skills:
Linguistics r3 +5
Sleight of Hand r3 +9
Languages: Arabic, Celestial, Giant, Greek
Class Features:
Archetype (Sword Devil)
Combat Style (Archery)
Death Vow (1/day; +1)
Slashing Fury
Track
Wild Empathy
Alternate Racial Features: Focused Study
Traits: Ambush Training (+1 to init and weapon damage during surprise round), Enemy of Slavers (+2 to diplo and intim vs. Slavers/kidnappers)
Feats: Skill Focus (Stealth), Weapon Focus (Longsword), Precise Shot, Endurance, Slashing Grace
Equipment:
Masterwork Longbow 375 gp
Masterwork Living Steel Longsword 815 gp
Leather Lamellar 60 gp
Cloak of Resistance +1 1000 gp
Potion of Lead Blades (cl 1) x2
Potion of Gravity Bow (cl 1)
Potion of Cure Light Wounds (cl 1) x2
Potion of Shield of Faith (cl 1) x2
Potion of Lesser Restoration
Quiver of arrows x2 2 gp
98 gp
[/spoiler=Backstory]
Kali was born the bastard child of a pleasure slave and her master. A slave herself, she was still a little girl when she was forced to follow in her parents footsteps.
Years past and a holy warrior of Artemis saved all of the slaves in Kali's brothel.
Both out of curiousity and in respect for the woman who rescued her, Kali followed her savior, sneaking aboard a ship that left from Istambul.
When the woman entered the sacred glade of Artemis, Kali followed without hesitation.
Several years later, Kali emerged a changed woman, with had a keen eye and steady hand.
Charged with the task of hunting and killing those who would enslave women, Kali has gained something of a reputation among slavers: it is known that once the woman with red hair sets her sights on them, no slaver has ever survived.
Currently, Kali is looking for a enigmatic slave vendor in the city of Athens.
[/spoiler]
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Allow me to toss my hat into the ring! While I am still forming a name, story-wise, I'm looking at a renowned thief for this rogue, one who's not above getting dirt on his hands to get the job done. There is a deal of pride in his ability to complete a job, and his emotions will tend to get the best of him in situations. One could say they're his Achilles' heel if that weren't too on-the-nose for a Greek setting. His desires to meet challenges and see the world should be easy hooks for the plot to use. A fuller story can be developed - what did you hope to use for the initial exposition?
Crunch below. Let me know if you see any comments & concerns!
N Medium Humanoid (Human, Elf)
Initiative +4; Senses Perception +9; Low-light vision 30’.
------------------------------
DEFENSE
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AC 16, touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+4 dex, +2 armor)
HP: 24 = (3 + (5+Con+FC)/lvl)
Fort +1, Ref +7, Will +1 ( +2 vs. illusions, enchantments, sleep)
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OFFENSE
Masterwork Daggers +7 (+5 if TWF); 1d4 + 4 @ 19-20x2
Shortbow +6 ; 1d6 x 3
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Speed 30 ft.
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STATISTICS
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Str 12, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 12
Base Atk +2; CMB +3; CMD 17
Traits
Feats Two-weapon fightning, Quick Draw
Skills: 33 (11 points/lvl = 8 rogue + 1 INT + 2 Background Background Skills)
ACP 0
(3) Acrobatics +10
(1) Appraise +5
(1) Bluff +5
(1) Climb +5
(1) Diplomacy +5
(3) Disable Device +10
(1) Disguise +5
(3) Escape Artist +10
(1) Heal +2
(1) Intimidate +5
(1) Know(Dungeoneering) +5
(1) Know(Local) +5
(3) Linguistics +7
(3) Perception +9
(1) Sense Motive +5
(3) Sleight of Hand +10
(3) Stealth +10
(1) Swim +5
(1) Use Magic Device +5
Non-Standard Skill Bonuses
+2 Perception, Racial Bonus
+1 Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate - Trait Bonus (Extremely Fashionable)
------------------------------
SPECIAL ABILITIES
------------------------------
The rogue’s attack deals extra damage anytime her target would be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC (whether the target actually has a Dexteritybonus or not), or when the rogue flanks her target. This extra damage is 1d6 at 1st level, and increases by 1d6 every 2 rogue levels thereafter. Ranged attacks can count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet. This additional damage is precision damage and is not multiplied on a critical hit.
With a weapon that deals nonlethal damage (such as a sap, unarmed strike, or whip), a rogue can make a sneak attack that deals nonlethal damageinstead of lethal damage. She cannot use a weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage in a sneak attack—not even with the usual –4 penalty.
The rogue must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. A rogue cannot sneak attackwhile striking a creature with total concealment.
Talents marked with an asterisk add effects to a rogue’s sneak attack. Only one of these talents can be applied to an individual attack, and the decision must be made before the attack roll is made.
Powerful Sneak
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GEAR/POSSESSIONS Wealth: 3,000 GP
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Carrying Capacity
Light 0 - 43 lb. Medium 44 - 86 lb. Heavy 87 - 130 lb.
Current Load Carried 23 lb.
Money 0 PP 22 GP 0 SP 0 CP (~0 pounds)
Artisan's Outfit (4 GP) (1 lb.)
Handy Haversack (2000 GP) (5 lb.)
Masterwork leather armor (160 GP) (15 lb.)
2 masterwork daggers (604 GP) (2 lb.)
10 daggers (20 GP) (10 lb.)
Shortbow (30 GP) (2 lb.)
60 Arrows (3 GP) (9 lb.)
Masterwork Thieves’ Tools (100 GP) (2 lb.)
Hot Weather Outfit (8 GP) (1 lb.)
6 vials of Ink (48 GP) (1/2 lb.)
58 sheets of parchment (5.8 GP) (0 lb.)
6 quills (3 SP) (0 lb.)
2 scroll cases (2 GP) (1 lb.)
2 satchels (1 SP) (1/8 lb.)
1 days' rations (0.5 GP) (1 lb.)
Waterskin (1 SP) (l lb.)
Backpack (1 SP) (1 lb.)
@Black Dow I realize that, but I often find that most PCs pick ones that effect their PCs minimally and few RP their flaw.
Fair point DM-AR, guess I'm in the minority that tended to pick them thematically rather than for the minimal penalty. One way round would be for you to assign them to those chosen?
I'm a real fan of traits - just checking you allow Additional Traits feat?
@Nikolaus: Was thinking that your explorer/explorer's parents had somehow procured a beverage from exotic realms? Struck up a friendship/patronage with my Monk? Only concern of having two followers of Bacchus is the drunken chaos that would ensue lol. Open to ideas though :)
On a side note (and key reason I enquired about Drawbacks) was I wanted to somehow have the linage/bloodline of the cyclops into my character (a game like this only comes along once in an Age, so want to go at it full bore lol)
The One-Eye drawback would have been a good reflection on this :)
@Black Dow Additional Traits is allowed. We can discuss things to flesh out characters once I choose the group.
@Galoria I suppose it is on me for not mentioning this, but no unchained classes for this. Especially since I've buffed those classes anyhow.
Hi, expressing interest. I'm going to work up a half-elven witch, which I think can be very appropriate for a greek campaign.
Bharaz, I sent you a PM regarding a common backstory, yesterday! Just calling it out because I know the site is having issues with PMs.
Yup! Saw the PM. Would be glad to intertwine backstories with a writer of your caliber
@Nikolaus: Was thinking that your explorer/explorer's parents had somehow procured a beverage from exotic realms? Struck up a friendship/patronage with my Monk? Only concern of having two followers of Bacchus is the drunken chaos that would ensue lol. Open to ideas though :)
Hmm... doesn't fit the image of my character in my head but... how old is your guy? Old enough to have schooled mine? I'm thinking my parents came to Athens, having a hard time fitting in. Your guy took them under his wing, schooled their kid (me) and now I've grown up a bit I act as your 'sober companion'. Think Holmes and Watson from Elementary (although I suspect our personalities might be a bit backwards...) Might work? Otherwise I'd probably have to cook something completely different up.
No worries mate - am purely spitballing. I've not really got a notion of how old he is to be honest - definitely not a young pup as he needs to have some "pickled knowledge under his gourd".
Am actually changing that he is a Bacchanal Skald over the original monk option... the class and archetype provide more a more literal link to Bacchus (especially with the link to madness, chaos and of course the holy grape lol)
I still like the notion of your character being a counterpoint of soberness - although I was going to suggest a Spell Dancer Magus for your elf - look up the Pyrrhichios or Pyrrhike war dance - very cool.
Would make our duo traveling troubadours/entertainers and would-be heroes of antiquity? :) With the game beginning in Athens and at the time of the Demeter Harvest Festival - it would make perfect sense for them to be there (or if you go in another direction then my Skald is drawn to the festival and using it as the perfect opportunity to meet up with his old friend?) Loads of options!
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GM, do you allow pregame crafting? I’m thinking about a Dwarven smith who worships Hephaestus, so he’d probably have made a good bit of his own gear if possible.
Bharaz is withdrawn. Myself (Grumbaki) & Andostre are making a joint submission, with background incoming.
This will be my alias.
@Ouachitonian That sounds fine, just keep in mind the changes to crafting.
I still like the notion of your character being a counterpoint of soberness - although I was going to suggest a Spell Dancer Magus for your elf - look up the Pyrrhichios or Pyrrhike war dance - very cool.
Very fitting I agree - the only issue is that I want to try out the Eldritch Knight prestige class, which requires psychic casting. Hmm - will think about it. It may be that I shouldn't take on another game with school starting again next week...
No worries Nik - I'll press on with Polyoinos in the meantime. An Eldritch Hoplite is a pretty cool image tho' I'll grant you that :)
@DM Amazing Red: Quick question chief - we using Hero Points?
I like the sound of this a lot. I'm considering an Arrowsong Minstrel bard devoted to Apollo, bringing cheer wherever he wanders.
This could play into either being part of the troubadors, or as a rival?
No worries Nik - I'll press on with Polyoinos in the meantime. An Eldritch Hoplite is a pretty cool image tho' I'll grant you that :)
Had a different thought - my guy turns up from India, doesn't know anyone. Polyoinos, being a friendly soul, takes him under his wing and they become good friends. Possibly, if you're willing, my guy marries Poly's sister and we become brother's in law! :D
Bharaz is withdrawn. Myself (Grumbaki) & Andostre are making a joint submission, with background incoming.
This will be my alias.
Hi, Grumbaki and I are very close to finalizing our backstory and submitting. Just FYI.
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@Black Dow That is a good question. Yes, every PC will start with 1 hero point.
@Zahir ibn Mahmoud ibn Jothan: Greek is "Common". Real World Languages are valid choices.
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Joint submission!
Amphitryon: Half-Elf Gloomblade Fighter
Kyronai: Half-Elf Bonded Witch
Background
Kyronai, along with his older brother Amphitryon, were part of the Silverstar Company, a mercenary organization patroned by the goddess Artemis. The company is known for adapting a blend of traditional elven guerrilla tactics with those of the more heavy hoplite soldiers common in human-centric Greece. The brothers' father is an elven officer who has a volatile relationship with their mother, a human hedge witch who travels with the mercenary company and offers healing and augury services. As the brothers grew up, Amphitryon gravitated towards his father's career, while Kyronai was instructed in his mother's craft. Both brothers learned skills from both parents, however. The Silverstar Company's acclaim made it very desirable, but also very expensive, and sometimes years would pass between contracts.
Kyronai and Amphitryon have seen relatively little actual warfare growing up, and have turned to other pursuits for entertainment. Like many young people, Kyronai is fascinated by the theater. He looks to try his hand at writing his own plays and poetry, and sees the Demeter Harvest Festival in Athens as a place to do that. When Kyronai decided to go to the Demeter Harvest Festival, Amphitryon joined him. Mostly for the food. He had spent most of his life desperately trying to please his father, and worked tirelessly to earn the right to fight in the company’s phalanx. But while he earned that right, he gained much more experience learning how to forage for food and how to cook. He was excited at the possibility to see what mankind had to offer!
Kyronai Description:
Kyronai is a slender, sullen young man with jet black hair and gray eyes. He dresses simply in a black robe and hood that he keeps meticulously clean so that it stays meticulously black.
Amphitryon Description:
Amphitryon takes after his mother’s side more than his father’s. He is tall, broad of shoulder. If not for the point of his ears, it would be easy to mistake him for being completely human. He is most often seen wearing his breastplate and carrying his on his back, out of the goal of training himself to not notice the weight.
@DM - Are campaign traits okay?
Here's the character sheet for my submission, Teledoros. This young man of Naxos is eager for adventure, a bit dim-witted but with the voice of a siren to make up for it. He claims that Apollo himself has led him to Athens, having hitched a ride with a cadre of priests of Demeter travelling to the harvest festival.
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Had a different thought - my guy turns up from India, doesn't know anyone. Polyoinos, being a friendly soul, takes him under his wing and they become good friends. Possibly, if you're willing, my guy marries Poly's sister and we become brother's in law! :D
@Nik: That would work. Can we presume his sister has died tragically and hence now why your character travels with Poly (as opposed to being a good husband and tending the vineyard)?
@DM Amazing Red: Perfect on the Hero Points - they are thematically fitting :) Another wee question (if you'll so indulge) - what about multi-classing? Would you prefer us to stay true to just one class at this juncture? Hope to nail down the bones of the character later today and have him pitched in time.
@zefig: Lol - love your description of him, Teledoros would fit right in to the band of troubadours and entertainers.
@zefig: Lol - love your description of him, Teledoros would fit right in to the band of troubadours and entertainers.
I'm game! He's probably a relative newcomer to the group, still very young. 16, maybe 17. He's perfectly happy just singing, showing off his archery, and tending to the attentions that those talents bring him but he keeps his eye out for something bigger.
@Zefig: No campaign traits.
@Black Dow: You can multiclass. Just don't go nuts with it.
@Zefig: No campaign traits.
Okay! I'll swap out the one I had. I still have one other trait and gear to choose too.
Working on my Bacchanal Skald as we speak - crunch and fluff coming together.
Am working off the assumption that Polyοἶνος has some latent Satyr ancestry/lineage in him - is proving to be a fun character.
Will shoot to get the nuts and bolts/WIP profile up shortly.
As promised WIP profile for Polyοἶνος (Polyoinos) - Black Dow's Bacchanal Skald
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I'd like to throw my pointy hat in the ring for this as well. I'm thinking an arcane caster (Sorcerer or Summoner, worshiping Hecate) or a Druid (worshiping Artemis or Pan.)
Seriously cool concept btw.
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Amphitryon and Kyronai have some drow elements to our heritage. Mostly, I think it was just a mechanically appropriate method to incorporate shadow elements from our PCs' witch mother, not actually drow heritage from our elven father.
I love that most of the submissions have some sort of theater or performance background going on.
Looking forward to seeing who's selected!
I'm going to extend the recruitment for another 24 hours. You have until then to submit a character and to make any changes.
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I've updated Teledoros, changing skills and traits and adding gear.
This young man made a name for himself on Naxos as a singer. His voice was said to be so clear and pure that it could drive off disease and fend off death. In truth his voice was a comfort to many, and while it may have made the last days of his sick sister Xanthe more bearable, his voice couldn't save her from the gods'judgement. The loss hit him hard, and though his parents and many siblings carry on in Naxos, Teledoros seeks his fortune in Athens. He sailed to the west, following the sun on a ship carrying priests of Demeter to the Harvest Festival. In Athens, he has met several like-minded entertainers with a taste for wine and a heart full of adventure.
I'll plan on making a new alias for Teledoros if selected.
Not gonna manage something for this I'm afraid. Sorry - it sounds like a great concept. Have fun everyone!