Apprenticeship. One of the grand markers of your journey to adulthood and prosperity.
Upon being apprenticed, you began training, but somewhere in your apprenticeship your teacher saw a spark of something in you. Perhaps it was a way that you approached a problem, or a random question that you asked that gave them an inkling of this spark. With any other Master, your solution or viewpoint would have been brushed aside, but not this one. They saw its potential and nurtured that spark, coaxing your talent into something that could be directed, and then pointed you in the direction of their path. They spoke of the ability to walk this path as if it were rare— "a talent that came along only once in a while", they said.
You learned the basics; both of the profession that they traded in, and the Other– the theory was difficult initially, but that same spark they were fanning helped you find an understanding. Whether it was an intuitive leap, or a long string of logic, you took your first steps with them as your guide. In some cases they could relate it to your trade, giving you practical examples along with the theoretical examples that they taught to you. Other cases were stories that seemed part riddle, part legend.
Years passed. After guiding you to the best of your ability, they gave you a coin stamped with their mark, and sent you on your way with a letter of recommendation. Your destination? A school. "Refinement and Polish", they had claimed with an amused expression.
Time would tell.
I'm looking to run a game...
Pathfinder at its core, I've been poking at the Spheres of Power and Path of War books, and like any grand chaotic idea, I thought "this sounds like fun!". So, with that in mind, I would like to add some practicality to that idea. I'm a fan of storybuilding, so any additions that can be made/splashes of color/little touches of description are appreciated.
I am looking for three players.
Spheres of Power and Path of War are in play, and any Paizo product is available to be integrated.
Background Skills are in effect.
I'm on the fence Automatic Bonus Progression
An Adventure Path is possible, but a little wandering is good for the spirit.
I try to post daily, but life is life. I can understand a bit of a lull.
Right now I'm looking for character ideas, with the premise being that the three of you met at this "Trade School"/were assigned each other as a team/ naturally gravitated towards each other, so you are not unfamiliar.
If you are interested, please respond with a character concept, their trade, and a brief background for them. Depending on interest, this may close sooner, but I'll set the marker for three weeks (the week of 10/07).
This sounds interesting. I love Path of War, but I've been wanting an excuse to look at Spheres for a while. while you say Spheres of Power, does that also include Spheres of Might (the martial variant)?
From the description it sounds like this school accepts students form multiple trades/professions, meaning all he applicants need not coordinate a preferred one with each other?
I’m interested. I’ve never used path of war, and it looks interesting. I’m thinking about a dual katana wielding mystic build, plumekith (Garuda blooded Aasimar variant) if you’ll allow it, possibly tengu if not.
Do katanas wielded one handed still count as heavy blades?
For what it’s worth, I am a big fan of Automatic bonus progression (even though it’s not good for dual wielding characters) simply because there are a lot of interesting magic items ( e.g. wings of flying, boots of zephyr, pipes of the sewers, horn of summoning) that parties end up selling to buy the next increment of the big 6. I remember a time before the big 6 when adventures were made interesting by the use of such items, but since the advent of the big 6 such items are wasted (i’ve Done it myself) and I would like to see them return.
Assuming you’re happy, I will probably make my submission tonight for final approval.
If you wanna duel wield katanas, make sure to take Daisho Expertise. And yes they're still heavy blades even if treated as Light weapons.
If you wanna duel wield katanas, make sure to take Daisho Expertise. And yes they're still heavy blades even if treated as Light weapons.
I intend to ;)
Gabriel was built as a Symbiat/Armiger 2/2, but can be brought back to a lower level.
He's all about movement, think parkour. I suppose he fall into the rogue category.
So I think I will put my hat into the ring, but before I jump in with both feet, what would be your take on creating/summoning undead? Is it something you are comfortable with in game?
If you are alright with the eastern flair I have Kakita Atsuko. She was made for a Pathfinder version of L5R that died out. She is an Azata Blooded Aasimar Bushido Warlord. Crane Clan Duelist. Gave up the Spell Like ability for Resistance 5/Fire it fit her backstory at the time.
May go Angel blooded depending on level we start at. Or she just won't have Dex to damage until level 3.
History
Atsuko was a young girl no more than 5 years old when the Crab marched to take Beiden Pass. Unfortunately, her family lived in one of the villages the Crab sacked along their march north. Her home left collapsed and on fire. She would not have survived if not for her celestial blood. Her mother and father did not have the same fortune and died that day. Once she regained conscious she made her way from underneath the rubble soon finding other survivors. They gathered and marched to the heart of the Crane lands looking for support.
Upon arriving it seemed others she traveled with had families to take them in, left alone she wondered the streets that night. As it was a cold night she was drawn to the glow and warmth from a smithy working late into the night. She snuck in and curled up close to the forge, the smithy focused on his work did not take notice until returning the next day to find the girl still asleep. Upon wakening she asked for food. The smithy sent an apprentice for some tea and food as he asked the girl what she was doing there. She shared what she could remember. Mostly just the flame and how at first it was hot then it was not so bad, but she could only hear the screams of her parents as she laid pin beneath debris. A tear ran down the smithy’s cheek, he embraced Atsuko. It was at this moment, things sunk in and she too began to weep. He offered the girl a bed and food to help in his labors. At first it was medial things like fetching water and pumping bellows. She was not good at any of it she had trouble paying attention and understanding, but she tried.
A few years passed. One day she was carrying a heavy bucket. She tripped and rested her hand against the forge to keep from falling. The smithy looked on in shock as she pulled away unharmed from the heat. Until now he though her just luck from her tale but now he sees the truth. Her ability to work closer with the hot steel allowed her to work much easier with the steel. He began to teach her the trade. Atsuko now felt happy. She would dance and sing around the shop as she was now able to create. A few months went by. A couple came into the shop. The man introduced himself as Kakita Aki. He was there to request a blade be made as a gift for Doji Hisoka’s birthday. The woman stayed behind him with a smile. It was she that took notice of the singing. What a lovely voice she thought. Soon Atsuko came bounding in to see who had come to the shop. She danced and twirled with grace and beauty as she continued to sing. Once she realized she was standing before a Samurai she stopped and bowed. Asking for forgiveness for her actions. She had no idea someone so important had come. The man simply smiled as the woman decided to speak. “Do not be ashamed for such a display of art. Your daughter is very talented.” The smithy smiled and thanked the woman but explained the girl was not his daughter. Looking back to the girl the woman took notice of a brooch she wore. “That is a Crane pin. Did your parents give that to you?” Atsuko visibly became sad as she nodded and said “Yes.” The woman then went on to ask why she was sad. Soon Atsuko started to weep. She told the story best she could remember and spoke of the kindness shown to her by the smithy. The woman too began to cry. Her hands moved to her stomach as she looked to her husband. As he looked down to her hands then back to her gaze he too shed a tear. He nodded and asked the smithy to speak in private. It seems the couple were both Kakita Samurai. The woman had been wounded in the Clan War, and in the years since unable to bear a child. A deal was struck and Atsuko agreed and became the adopted daughter.
Her adoptive parents were now overjoyed. As elves they live a long life, and a long life without a child was going to be a tough one to bear. They were even happier still when they learned of her celestial blood and how she too aged at a much slower pace. Soon she started receiving instruction from both. Her mother fostered the arts and how they interacted with Bushido while her father taught her the sword. She caught on quick and soon was enrolled at the Katia Academy. With instruction from the Sensei and her father she excelled and became top of her class. Proud of what she had achieved her father spoke too and recommended her acceptance to the Scarlet Sentinels. An order sworn to protect the Doji one another and the clan. Holding brotherhood and service above all. She was proud of what she had achieved and proud of how she made her parents feel. It was her pride that caused her first stumble.
It had been a few years now and she was out celebrating and gaming with some classmates. It was one of their birthdays. They were playing shogi when a drunk stumbled into the board and upset the game. They both set a moment and awaited an apology but got none. The drunk started to move on when Atsuko stood. Sir, it is my friend’s birthday and you have ruined our game. Please apologize. The drunk surprised turned, then more surprised to see a woman speaking to him in such a way smiled. A few insults came Atsuko’s way as her smile turned to a hardened stare. “My name is Kakita Atsuko, and I will ask again for you to apologize.” The man laughed. “Kakita huh, little girl pretending to be samurai, I am Daidoji Haru. Why don’t we go outside, unless you wish to end this now and apologize to me?” Her stare turned to a smirk. “Outside then.” She said. She raised her cup and finished her tea. She nodded to her friend and begged for forgiveness as this would take only a few moments then they could get back to celebrating and playing a new game. As the two met gaze outside it was Atsuko to make the first move. As standard she accepted in her mind the duel would end with first blood, but her pride pushed her. As the blade erupted forward from it’s sheath like a bold of lightning the duel was over just as quick. The man’s hand still gripped the tsuka as he brought his arm to his face. He looked on in horror as blood poured from where his hand was. He fell to the ground and begged for his life as the hand finally fell to the ground. Atsuko asked once more. “Apologize?” The man cried and did such. He grabbed up his hand and ran off. Soon the story spread.
When news got back to her parents they were disappointed in Atsuko’s actions. The spoke of the stain she had placed on their family honor even to the point of reminding her of what they have done for her and how her true parents would feel. It was these words she carried over the next few years. The plagued her. Even entering her dreams. It was there she would see her parents burn again and again. All while here adoptive parents would weep. As the dreams persisted they warped. As she learned of the world and the threats to the south. She became inquisitive of the shadowlands. She read what she could find, and would listen to the stories from her parents on what they faced when the clans again united to bring peace back to the land. The more she learned the more tormented her dreams became. Not only did she watch her parents burn but now she watched as tainted Oni did it. The dreams became a burden. She spoke of them with her parents. The father thought he knew someone that could help. He called on a close friend, Kakita Yaru. Yaru had been wounded in the war. Along with the wound he was also tainted. As the taint corrupted his mind he knew he was doomed, until a monk came to his bed. The monk offered tea. It was tea of the jade petals. The monk said he could let the taint consume him and die, or swear the oath against darkness and fight. Yaru was intrigued and did not want to die a young man. It was there he joined the Servants of the Sacred Hymn.
Kakita Aki new none of this, only that Yaru was able to live with the taint. Worried her dreams could manifest into taint as well, especially now an Oni entity was present in them. Yaru took Atsuko as a student. It was here she gained control, she too took the oath and became a member of the Servants of the Sacred Hymn. A few more years passed before she returned to her parents. Now with peace and control she wished to regain the honor she lost. Now she had purpose. With renewed faith her father presented her the family sword. She now has set out to regain her honor.
Personality
Atsuko is happy and a bit bubbly. She loves to dance and sing. She likes people to be happy as she has experienced so much pain, so she strives to comfort and make those around her happy. She loves to celebrate and to play a good game of Shogi, maybe even wager some coin on it. Her pride can make her weak. It opens her to anger and to pain. She will not stand for insults directed at her or those she cares for.
Appearance
Atsuko is beautiful. Her celestial blood has given her alabaster skin and pure white hair, a trademark of the clan. She is slender frame and build. She moves with grace and ease of a dancer as she has practiced most of her life. Her hair is usually down, but tied up using her sash if she expects to train or fight. She prefers the blues and whites of the clan, but wears a scarlet sash in her hair and tied about her arms. The ones on the arms marked with a spear with its haft wrapped in chains. This shows her ties to the Scarlet Sentinels.
So now she is a wandering Samurai seeking to regain her family honor in distant land if that be the case. Since it has been years it would be easy to come up with meeting up with the others.
On Me: I really like AP's Favorites being Kingmaker, Wrath of the Righteous, Jade Regent. I'm open to whatever. I post everyday and until recently as GM Rednal had to step away we had a 5 year old game on the boards. So I'm in for the long haul. Just need some build rules and level. I'm assuming level 1 if we do an AP but with only 3 of us maybe starting at 2nd would make things a tad less dangerous :).
Is it Gestalt Sphere/PoW to make it even more chaotic? ... lol
Would you be using Spheres of Might?
Only gestalt in the sense that Spheres of Power is to be used for any caster, while Path of War is the preferred primary source for martials.
No gestalt as in levels.
I haven't looked into SoM as much as Path of War, so I'll have to say "no" for this game. I only want to tackle one source of spheres at a time.
Ashe: Kakita can work, but I'll have to message you about the details.
Neat. Gonna look deeper into SoP. Might make a shapeshifter character depending on how good that is in Spheres.
So I think I will put my hat into the ring, but before I jump in with both feet, what would be your take on creating/summoning undead? Is it something you are comfortable with in game?
Certainly. Undead (depending on how they're presented) are nothing more than a tool, depending on how they're used. Now, I will say that some cultures and religions may have some issues with its use, but I see no reason that it can't be done. Not to mention some decent clothes and a good disguise check can do a lot to hide their presence, provided it is not being flaunted.
After much research, I believe I've settled on a Soulweaver (Dual Channeler) specializing in the Life and Blood Spheres. I am assuming surgeon, doctor, or some similar profession is a valid option?
Also, my 2c on Automatic Bonus progression: it's solid. My group tends to find things come online a bit too slow though, so we generally bump the levels by 2. So a 1st level character does get the +1 Resistance, a 2nd level character gets +1 weapons/armor, etc.
This does make characters a bit stronger at low levels, but evens out by level 5 or so and is typically better off than the ridiculousness of not getting even a +2 weapon until 9th level.
Hmm, I have a couple of characters in mind, I will have to think about it after doing some crunching to see if they will work.
I'm certainly interested as a fan of both Spheres and Path! However, and this is just kind of me being a weirdo, I'd much prefer playing in an AP (even if it ends up going off the rails/different).
I've GMed Carrion Crown for almost a year now, with the party almost done with book 3. I've also played in a 13th Age campaign for the past 2 years, but only actually played PF a couple times - fortunately, all of those sessions were with Spheres, so I'm very familiar with the system.
I'd most likely end up doing Path just because I crave Shattered Mirror and Riven Hourglass.
A proper character concept will be coming... soon! Probably either a Knight-Chandler Mystic or a Bushi Warder...
Great just let me know. I'm on the boards monday-friday 7:30am-4pm while at work. :)
Expessing interest. I've heard of and looked at both Spheres and Path but never had the chance to actually play either, so I'm eager for a chance to give them a spin.
Character wise, I've got the bones of an up-jumped street tough laid out in my head. Picked up off the street by a magnanimous teacher, refined their natural fighting talent under apprenticeship, cocky, ambitious and dying to show up all the more privileged students. Mechanically, warlord seems a good fit, considering the chip-on-the-shoulder attitude I'm imagining.
Certainly. Undead (depending on how they're presented) are nothing more than a tool, depending on how they're used. Now, I will say that some cultures and religions may have some issues with its use, but I see no reason that it can't be done. Not to mention some decent clothes and a good disguise check can do a lot to hide their presence, provided it is not being flaunted.
Excellent. Than may I present to you
Dimitri was born the pure Human child of two Dhampirs, brother and sister in the service of their vampire father. As punishment for giving birth to a normal human, his parents were branded as vampires and summarily dropped off bound and gagged in front of the town hall building of a clan of vampire hunters. He almost did the same to Dimitri, when he noticed that Dimitri, even at a young age, had managed to take control of one of the skeletal horses that were pulling the vampire's carriage. Realizing that such a necromancer would be a handy secret weapon against his rivals in the region, he set about training the boy in the arts of unlife.
Thus began Dimitri's education at the hands of a 700 year old being: he learned to read by age 4, and had animated his first undead creature by age 7.
For his part, Dimitri viewed the vampire, who referred to himself as Lord Myang, as his father. The vampire was a master of manipulation, and also the only person that Dimitri ever saw.
Thus went their existence until about a year ago, when at the ripe old age of 16 Dimitri entered his father's library to look for a book on Vampirism, and ran across his father's journals (his father had been fastidious about documenting everything that happened to him). His father had been summoned away from the castle, and Dimitri had grown bored of rereading Tobin's Spirit Guide. He desired something not related to the undead to read.
Intrigued, and against his father's instructions (he had been forbidden to enter the small library this father kept certain tomes in), Dimitri pulled down the first volume and began reading. After approximately two days of nonstop reading later, Dimitri reached the story of his parents, and learned of their fate. He read, in black and white, his father's own opinion of him, that he was nothing but a weapon to be wielded against his enemies.
And so it was that Dimitri went to the road and lured a small family with a boy about his size into an ambush by his undead. once the family was dead, he animated his parents and marked the boy in the manner the aforementioned clan of vampire hunters would mark a Human servant of vampires, staged the body in his own room, and then set the castle ablaze.
He then picked a direction at random and set off on a skeletal horse, commanding it to ride and not stop, then promptly cried himself to sleep.
finally waking, he had no idea where he was, but he saw that there was a trade village near by. Dismissing his horse, he walked his way into town and tried to find something to eat.
Entering the village, he was met by a single man, a courier who knew him by name and appearance. The man explained that he had a message from a school for people who have gifts like his. He then handed him a sealed dark blue envelope which contained both a coin and a letter of recommendation.
It was at the school that Dimitri discovered just how limited his education was: he was an expert when it came to knowledge of undead, but he did not understand commerce at all, for example.
Mechanically, Dimitri will be a soul weaver with the Lichling archetype and the Death sphere.
I was a bit afraid my Dhampir Soul Weaver was going to overlap too much with yours for a second, but it looks like very different characters from similar mechanical sources. Going to try to have a backstory write-up later today.
The blood calls to Zacharia; it always has. His heritage leaves him with the Hunger, to the horror of his wet nurse at the orphanage, and growing up was a struggle to control his urge to feed on the other children (particularly the ones that angered him), grown only more confusing over the years as other desires began to arise and mingle with the one omnipresent one singing through his veins.
Were it not for a kind soul, a similarly afflicted priest who saw in Zacharia a kindred spirit, he might have turned to a dark path, shunned as he eventually became from the other children his age.
Instead he was brought into the care of Father Isaiah, a priest of Dalenydra. In practice he was also associated with Sarenrae's church, but adhered to a vow of strict pacifism and respect for life that even the Dawnflower's worshipers found extreme.
Father Isaiah taught Zacharia everything he knew about the human body, and those of the other races and tried to instill in him the values that Isaiah said allowed him to hold on while surrounded by those his body told him were food.
Zacharia appreciated the Father's kindness and tutoring, but would never quite gel with the philosophy. His blood ran hot and fast, and he turned the philosophy of medicine toward life: sometimes harm must be done to accomplish a great good. A diseased limb must be severed, and sometimes the cure to a disease ravaged the one healed. So could it be considered that the parasites that inflicted themselves on the populace should be purged, with the same prejudice that a tick would be removed and burst for the good of its host.
This came to a head when Zacharia turned his healing abilities to use removing the "disease" of a small group of toughs harassing the pacifistic priests of Dalnydra and Sarenrae.
While Father Isiah had come to love his charge, he could not reconcile that with the boy's radically different philosophy, and could no longer conscience teaching him the same talents he had turned to the violence he had so abhorred. Still, his skill in the medicinal arts could not be denied.
Not wanting to destroy Zacharia's future over their philosophical differences, and hoping he would come to seethe light one day, the priest pulled strings with a friend of his in the school to get him into their medical program, and set that friend to watching over him.
Ignore the sheet in the profile, this is a recycled alias from a very short lived game.
Storm Dragon (Z. Sangesfrier): Solid. General concept, backstory has training and the handoff. What you have is precisely what I was looking for.
Vrog Skyreaver (Dimitri the wise): I'm curious about what their tendencies might be, but the premise is sound. What Craft or Profession were they trained in?
JohnTheSavage (Nameless): The concept is good. Tell me more?
Ashe (Atsuko): While the fit is definitely L5R, the idea is good. I would tentatively offer that Yaru offered her a coin and directions to the school under their recommendation, though. I presume that the trade learned was at the forge?
Hassan Ahmed (Gabriel XIII): Where did they come from? Was their entire life an experiment? What would their trade be?
Grankless: Interested
Anderlorn: Interested
Simeon: Interested.
Vrog Skyreaver (Dimitri the wise): I'm curious about what their tendencies might be, but the premise is sound. What Craft or Profession were they trained in?
As for tendancies, I'm not sure what you mean here. Do you mean like their favorite things to do, how they react in specific situations, or something else?
To keep things classical, Dimitri will be a trained alchemist (craft: alchemy).
General tendencies, really. Someone that developed in isolation, raised by sometime whose values are most definitely not theirs will have considerable difficulties adjusting, but it's not outside the realm of possibility. Just a point that I was considering.
I will say, if you're inclined, go ahead and allow Dimitri access to dhampir alternate traits. It's possible that they may have inherited something from their parents.
I would also be interested to know starting level particularly, mainly because it affects in what order I pick the talents I'm looking at. I'm assuming 1st level given you were considering running an AP.
Any chance of knowing the starting level and stats? Those might affect which concept I submit.
Not at present. I'm looking for solid concepts first, rather than a number theory. Who the characters are tells me more about what the players want to explore (or what idea has them interested) and what is likely to help maintain interest in the game.
I'll give character creation info out once the characters have been selected. Once I know, I'll also be able to decide whether or not an AP is fitting.
General tendencies, really. Someone that developed in isolation, raised by sometime whose values are most definitely not theirs will have considerable difficulties adjusting, but it's not outside the realm of possibility. Just a point that I was considering.
I will say, if you're inclined, go ahead and allow Dimitri access to dhampir alternate traits. It's possible that they may have inherited something from their parents.
Dimitri is, when it comes to social interactions, very naïve. He tends to take people at face value, and he don't really get sarcasm, and also assumes that people are speaking literally and truthful.
I was a bit afraid my Dhampir Soul Weaver was going to overlap too much with yours for a second, but it looks like very different characters from similar mechanical sources. Going to try to have a backstory write-up later today.
Ya, we're actually at the opposite end of the spectrum to each other when it comes to power.
Presenting
Few trades have undergone a more drastic change than the apothecaries. Once crackpots guessing at the proper amount of leeches to apply to drain the proper humors, times have changed. Medical practices have been revolutionized through the formation of the Apothecary’s Guild which centralized and refined medical practices. The iconic raven masks that have defined the trade for centuries have gone from symbols of plague and fear to the assurance that with their arrival, diseases would be cured and injuries would be healed.
It was into this period of learning and optimism that Tanar was born. Both of his parents were apothecaries, and he grew up with the knowledge that he would follow in his parent’s footsteps. His childhood, though safe and well cared for, was constantly on the road, never stopping in one place for long enough to make friends or find somewhere he fit in.
When he turned eleven, he left his parent’s care and went to study at the Apothecary’s College under the rather indirect tutelage of Master Gerhardt, one of the main players in the formation of the Apothecary’s Guild. He took easily to his studies. His parents had taught him the rudiments of medicine, and it was something of an instinct to him. However, he still felt lonely. Despite the newfound consistency in his life, he couldn’t connect with his peers, couldn’t find any engagement with those around him.
Nonetheless, his talents were considerable in the medical arts, even drawing the eyes of Master Gerhardt himself, and the old apothecary decided to take Tanar under his direct tutelage. It was in this time of direct instruction that Tanar truly came into his own. Several years passed, and his skills came to rival those of many apothecaries even a decade older than him.
Several years passed before at the age of seventeen Master Gerhardt made a shocking discovery. Though his great medical talents were certainly partially attributed to his natural talent, but there was more to it. The Other. Though many apothecaries were thought to have mystical powers in the olden days, the amount of apothecaries who truly possessed magical abilities was vanishingly rare. And yet, Tanar possessed them.
It was at the urging of Master Gerhardt that Tanar was sent to a true academy to hone his skills. Though excited to learn more about this talent he possessed, he was far less ready to uproot himself once more. He had built a life at the Apothecary’s College. He had people he was close to, and a comforting routine. And yet, the Other called to him. It drew him to learn more, to find more of its secrets. He knew what he had to do.
In terms of mechanics, Tanar would be an alchemist with the essentialist archetype.
(Gabriel XIII): Where did they come from? Was their entire life an experiment? What would their trade be?
Was thinking of a Weapon X type scenario originally. Was a darker world, perhaps.
I'm not certain I caught what this setup is, are the "coin givers" good (agents), evil, indifferent? Knowing would help shape the backstory. Is it like in John Wick?
Some quality he had caught someone's eye. Trade could be anything, something around movement... Costume designer, tailor, actor.
I have something I like and working on it.
I'm not certain I caught what this setup is, are the "coin givers" good (agents), evil, indifferent? Knowing would help shape the backstory. Is it like in John Wick?
Some quality he had caught someone's eye. Trade could be anything, something around movement... Costume designer, tailor, actor.
The coins are the identifying markers of who referred and recommended their entry into the school. Without that marker, they'd get the cover story, and be turned away if they stumbled across it. With the marker, they get access to the knowledge and training that puts them across the threshold of Level One. The coins are not currency, but more an endorsement from a former student (now Master), the design unique to them and known to The Trade School. So, yes... Kind of like a Coin in "John Wick", or a Hunter Card in "Hunter X Hunter"
It is possible for the Masters to span a range of alignments, they are just nurturing that spark if they discover it in someone. The potential to access Spheres and Disciplines is a rarity, as the rest of the world still functions in Pathfinder Default.
Don't forget "Dancer" as a trade as well. Other potential influences may be what deity or concept they follow.
For the record, the apprenticeship is for a trade(Profession), and that does have some synergy with Craft skills. The difference (at least in my head) is that while a Craft skill can give knowledge of how to make the things, a Profession is the knowledge of how one can make a living from making the things.
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Yeah Atsuko has a few tades. She is a Dancer, but she can also forge/craft weapons and armor.
Working on a concept right now - is Zealot permitted, or are you wanting to avoid Psionics as well in here?
Otherwise working on a glassmaker's apprentice with a big hammer.
Working on a concept right now - is Zealot permitted, or are you wanting to avoid Psionics as well in here?
Otherwise working on a glassmaker's apprentice with a big hammer.
Psionics is viable. It may likely share some transparency with magic, but not completely.
Nice. Transparency is the only way to go. :P
Forgot to mention, my skill would be craft (alchemy) or some more medically focused crafting skill. Maybe craft (medicine).
The facility masqueraded as a farmstead several a couple of hours or of the nearest settlement (this community) and the keepers would hire a teacher to come and teach.
She teaches the subjects art, calligraphy, manual dexterity (sleight of hand, disable device), craft (jewelry, lock, clothes, leather, clockwork?), dance and some "meditation."
She doesn't know why this curriculum... But, it's because when the Symbiat is first created and the host is shared, the two beings need to learn to work together and not against one another.
On the last night, during the destruction... Gabriel saves the teacher from the burning building in which she was trapped. She had always been kind and supportive. He shares very little of what the place was, and she takes him in as a boarder.
She is the master that eventually gives him the coin. I still don't have an exact craft or profession - I typically fill in the party gaps.
He is probably not originally from the town.
So I would like to get started building Dimitri as a character and wanted to know the particulars (if you don't mind).
It might have gotten lost up thread, but the GM is planning to select characters/players based on concept then decide the charop guidelines afterward, in part because they're not sure whether they're running an AP for this or not.
Hassan Ahmed • (Gabriel XIII) I'm speculating that the aberration was fused with them at the facility, and the memory could have been forcibly forgotten or repressed. What aberration was fused with them? Did they gain any access to powers with the initial fusion? The owners of the facility hired a teacher for one person? Others? How many "Others" were there, if any? What was their goal?
Simeon • (Tanar) That works. You've got the training, the curiosity, and the handoff. That's another for Alchemy, so there are solid hooks available that won't feel like shoehorning.
Grankless • I dig the concept so far, looking forward to seeing the result.
Anderlorn • In progress.
JohnTheSavage • In progress.
So far, I'm counting Tanar, Dimitri, Zachariah, as complete enough that nothing needs to be added.
Atsuko is potentially done, there's just some setting translation I'm still considering. If done directly, that's on the other side of the planet, across the Crown of the World. That's difficult to make work. What class(es) were you considering?
(Gabriel XIII) I'm speculating that the aberration was fused with them at the facility, and the memory could have been forcibly forgotten or repressed. What aberration was fused with them? Did they gain any access to powers with the initial fusion? The owners of the facility hired a teacher for one person? Others? How many "Others" were there, if any? What was their goal?
May I ask that we not use player name? It's my real name.
There is a vignette in the alias/profile (for feel), but basically they were experimenting on making super soldier/agents, alchemy of the mind or unlocking gestalt synergies.
Weapon X, Ender's Game, etc...
The experiment was for one to two dozen subjects, several dying along the way... complications, being put down, combat trials, etc... In my current background, all perished except for Gabriel. That can be changed, and of course there may be other facilities in other regions.
The teacher was to help them cope and adjust to changes (although, she was not aware of the experiments, just that they were recovering). She may have had her ideas, but the money was good and no untoward behavior was evident or sustained in hey presence
I did not take aberration as Pathfinder literal (creature type) but now as a disembodied being, astral? Like from Superman's phantom zone. Demon, angel, alien... a willful entity, seeking to manifest physically.
I believe the Spheres are Mind and Telekinesis.
I understand if the concept is not a good fit for the game.
Noted. Apologies on the name usage.
The concept can work, just advance the timeline a bit... For instance, Facilities such as that are secretive, so anyone that remains clueless is better for them- or they're paid/threatened to keep their mouths shut. Instead of the teacher being a Master, she may have thought it wise to leave the region, taking Gabriel with her, since she's a dedicated teacher, and he's the only survivor. They travel, he acclimates, and she starts teaching again somewhere else. What does he take to doing? What draws his attention?
The entry for Symbiat states that they're fused with a psychic aberration, so I was asking if you had a particular in mind. Its mannerisms would be a influence on him- mitigated or aided by the teacher- depending on what it was, though it can entirely be an ambiguous, unnamed entity.
However, if your general basis is a "Weapon X" sort of scenario, Wolverine (and Sabretooth) have generally been loners, and that does not translate so well into a group game.
However, if your general basis is a "Weapon X" sort of scenario, Wolverine (and Sabretooth) have generally been loners, and that does not translate so well into a group game.
Agreed, but those were more examples of the program or facility and not the character per se.
The dichotomy/conflict is between his general NG alignment, helpful, pleasant, collaborative yet grounded/rooted in his own human identity (nice guy, help others, sacrifice)... vs. the CN of entity aberration bring of power (help myself, will to power, high Mach).
Is the trade meant to be a cover? I would think cartwright (carpentry, smithing, leatherwork, engineering). Carts, wagons, coaches, animal gear. Gets in with businesses, fixes things.
Creative outlet... glass. Glazier, stained glass, etc...
The trade is more the profession that they were pursuing when they got discovered. In Gabriel's case, it may seem like a cover, but that also depends on how well the fusion has integrated.
The trade is more the profession that they were pursuing when they got discovered. In Gabriel's case, it may seem like a cover, but that also depends on how well the fusion has integrated.
Apologies, the complication is my own making, I'll try to explain my thoughts.
If the campaign in based on clandestine operations, there would be a need not to be so unique or individual... not to stand out or draw attention. So being a weapon or armor smith, or item crafter... you wouldn't want to be known for it, it's too identifiable.
On the other hand if the campaign is straight up, out in the open... Gabriel the Smith went down to the ancient burial ground to investigate the disturbance...
"Gabriel, he's such a nice fellow... and so creative, he is an aspiring weaponsmith and artist. When I'm old enough to join the militia, I'm going to ask him to make a sword for me."
Trade, I typically think public... to transact and be known.
In one campaign, it was dangerous to worship Desna because a starknife was rare and too identifiable. Unfortunately, it was what my character was built around.
Sorry, rambling.
Knowing s little more about the type of campaign/activities might help me.
Thanks for your patience!
I can understand.
In this case, if you're intent on Gabriel, the framework to use would be the initial post at the top of this thread, with the clarifications I've added later on. I'm reading that you're trying to fit it to the campaign, but I'm only asking for who the character is, not who they are in this setting, if that makes sense?
So I've got, I think, the actual *person* pretty set, though I still need to decide on a race and particular class. Probably Stalker, maybe Harbinger. Unfortunate that hammers kind of blow... Definitely she'll be focusing more on the more explicitly supernatural disciplines.
However, on the subject of Lelache... I've got the big picture, though details and names need to be slapped in when I can really get mechanics nailed down.
She's tremendously straightforward, rarely engaging in subterfuge or trying to hide things. She's just... quiet!
I'm thinking that she was apprenticed to a glassblower-slash-mirror crafter. She spent much of adolescence working in a studio in Ustalav, learning the trade. An order by a strange individual - no doubt a mage of some kind - was begun by her with the intent of the master completing the work.
While creating this mirror to the specifications of the commissioner, Lelache found the glass containers she was crafting to not quite match up to what she had come to expect from normal geometry. Things measuring differently each time, staying strangely malleable even after cooling - definitely the weirdest thing she'd done herself, but Ustalav was certainly home to many a strange sight!
But it was when she began shaping a silver mirror for this strange commissioner that her life truly changed - though the cause of this change was never really figured out by her master, the dark haired girl grew more distant, her gaze looking somewhere *past* whoever she was speaking to. He surmised perhaps she saw something in this strange mirror, which was paid for handsomely in platinum, but certainly Lelache is hesitant to discuss it.
After this, in addition to her slight change in demeanor, the girl displayed certain talents, mystical techniques that baffled her mentor. Though he cared deeply for her as his apprentice, the master recognized that it was possible that Lelache's new talents could be honed better elsewhere. Though no mysterious assassin himself, the glazier provided her with the Coin and enough cash to get her to the Trade School, where she would learn so much more than just the few tricks she'd displayed before...