When I made my first post, I hadn't realised Tamrin Credence was already an established character. That makes this contest a little unfair, IMHO. He has a whole development team behind his design (or at least one professional writer), while Karisa's entry is just a 300-word writeup with no interpersonal ties to other Society members. I've read the scenario where Credence is introduced, and while I still really like his style, I'd love to see how Paizo tackles Karisa's backstory in a scenario before I can formulate a fully-informed opinion.

As a former slave myself, freed and led out of bondage by the Butterfly Goddess's mercy I cast my vote for Tamrin Credence!

Only a former slave, one who has lost their freedom and regained it, can truly appreciate what it means to be free! While I'm sure Miss Starsight has great empathy for those in bondage and has the best of intentions for our Faction, her past close association with the Major does her no favors! It can only cast aspersions and doubts about her leadership and our Faction as a whole!

Tamrin Credence stepped in to lead us during the Assault on Absalom when Major Maldris, her mentor, was missing in action! I find it convenient that she seeks leadership now, where was she then?

"I dislike this entirely." Knight-Captain Pridbor Bitahson speaks up, "Captain Maldris is not some fullish idealist. He is a hero and has lead us proudly. Mistakes are only human. His, are understandable." with a gruff voice, his arms unfold and settle at his hips, the large half-orc in full steel falcon gear steps forward.

"Until we understand the situation and recover him from whatever has happend. I find myself hard pressed to choose. On the one hand, Karisa and I share a similar history with the Venture Captain. I was once liberated by him, and took up my own chains in defense of others through his guidance and leadership. I learned a lot from Maldris, I fear for his safety and mental state after all these years facing such a... seemingly endless battle."

"However, I have also worked with the Tillers. Have connections and all. So I know Tamrin's connections are strong and his people's determination is good. I"m surprised we don't work together more, the Liberty's Edge and the Tillers. I also was bound for Cheliax for the brief time I was in slavery... Seeing him and knowing what he faced and still choosing to fight the good fight takes heart."

Pridbor grins, reaching a hand over to gently pat his armored scorpion. "If it where up to me. I'd say we don't settle for one. Both are worthy leaders, and worthy warriors. One has been trained by the best, the other has had first hand view of the tyranny of this enemy we face. However, Karisa would be more valuable in the field to us then Tamrin and what we need is a leader in opperations. So for now, seeing as we need someone who wouldn't be in the field as much as at home organizing. I place my vote with Tamrin... At least until we can recover Captain Maldris."

Pridbor steps back frowning, thinking of what may happen if he where forced to face Maldris or worse. Hoping secretly that this could be salvaged.

Karisa Starsight should stand aside until an independent inquiry finds out exactly what her mentor is currently involved in. Otherwise she runs the risk of accusations of involvement. Tamrin, for the moment.

Tamrin Credence not only has actual first-hand experience as a field agent but he also already donned the mantle of leadership during a recent crisis in Absalom. How many slaves were freed that day?

Right here! In Absalom! Our home!

I'm sorry to say, but the other candidate doesn't seem to have a lot of actual experience in the field or as a leader. However, her contacts and familiarity with the faction's official matters will be useful--when she's working with Tamrin as his second-in-command.

(Also, the Society needs more halflings.)

Do we count as celebrities, Mikko? Does that mean Tamrin has two celebrity endorsements? IS THAT AN ABUSE OF OUR POSITIONS, AND THEREFORE INHERENTLY AGAINST THE BELIEF OF THE FACTION WE WISH TO INFLUENCE?!

Maaaaaaaybe? :-P

I find Maldris' recent actions to be dubious at best, and potentially treasonous. As a result, I am unwilling to support a protege who has not, as yet, distanced herself from the actions through both word and deed. She may sympathize with the plight of slaves, but unlike Credence, she cannot truly empathize with them.

I have had nothing but good reports from my associates regarding Tamrin Credence's ability to work for the good of the Society, the liberation of slaves, and the undermining of despots. So my choice is clear.

Good riddance, Major Indiscretion.

** A muscle bound shonati warrior steps up **
I hope that little sister finds a road away from this corruption and out of the path that the major bound us towards.. Take the time to attain the wisdom and greatness leadership requires. Not all actions justify the destination.

*A small unusually darkskinned Wayang tries his best to hide in the shadows. Obviously straining to make his voice deep as possible he proclaims*
Tamrin Credence shall be our beacon of freedom and justice, igniting in his path a hope and a guidance to those of us seeking freedom and rights to all! Together we shall break the shackles of oppression and tyranny!

A tall, dark haired man in expensive clothing holding a staff enters the room.

As a noble, Hellknight and loyal citizen of Cheliax the choice is obvious, Tamrin Credence must be the new leader of the Liberty's Edge. It is hard to contemplate that they could have a worse leader than the buffoon Maldris but Tamrin may just fit the bill and finally drive this remnant of Andoran into oblivion.

Tamrin Credence, first and last Halfling leader of the Liberty's Edge!

A tall, dark haired man in expensive clothing holding a staff enters the room.

As a noble, Hellknight and loyal citizen of Cheliax the choice is obvious, Tamrin Credence must be the new leader of the Liberty's Edge. It is hard to contemplate that they could have a worse leader than the buffoon Maldris but Tamrin may just fit the bill and finally drive this remnant of Andoran into oblivion.

Tamrin Credence, first and last Halfling leader of the Liberty's Edge!

At least you can use your voting SLIP wisely...

It is hard to contemplate that they could have a worse leader than the buffoon Maldris but Tamrin may just fit the bill and finally drive this remnant of Andoran into oblivion.

"To be cursed by the devil is to be truly blessed."

Maaaaaaaybe? :-P

Freedom--that's what Liberty's Edge is all about. That includes freedom of speech, a basic right to express our opinions so long as we don't attempt to drown out the voices of others.

Celebrities? Hmm, no. I don't know about you, Alex, you're a podcaster and publisher, but I can still go to conventions without having to worry about people lining up to get stuff signed or buying me more beer than I can drink. :-D

I agree with Mikko here.

Tamrin has a much stronger background because it focuses more on things he has done rather than things that merely happened to him. Even the very first paragraph says that he not only cooperated with a plan to free slaves, but also made personal sacrifices to ensure more of them are saved.

He also has a personality that better fits the faction.

What the people expect from a faction leader.

While I'll accept Tamrin Credence as contact if he's elected, his lack of empathy about possible collateral damages is a black cloud (again, his squabbles with Zarta possibly mean Pathfinder deaths). His inability to get above the melee to see in the future is not really better. I can get wrong, but it's unlikely to be the case.

His inability to get above the melee to see in the future is not really better. I can get wrong, but it's unlikely to be the case.

Oh so we're going with short jokes now?

Grrl power!

Oh so we're going with short jokes now?

The short joke was not what I had in mind, but happy that I incidentally hit below the waist *not feeling guilty any second*

Alex Augunas wrote:

Maaaaaaaybe? :-P

Freedom--that's what Liberty's Edge is all about. That includes freedom of speech, a basic right to express our opinions so long as we don't attempt to drown out the voices of others.

Celebrities? Hmm, no. I don't know about you, Alex, you're a podcaster and publisher, but I can still go to conventions without having to worry about people lining up to get stuff signed or buying me more beer than I can drink. :-D

Shoulda taken that icon theme, Mikko!

(In seriousness, that makes sense. 90% of people who recognize me at Cons do so because of my voice.)

A pretty handsome Taldan fellow speaks up.

"As a Shelynite, who am I to judge what or how Karisa comports herself with someone they may be in a relationship with? It may be all business, there may be love there, and how could a true follower of the Eternal Rose doubt the strength of that Love to bring forth the dream that a couple shares?"

"Tamrin appears to have no Love save that of freedom, which is a good thing, but not having someone is bound to hurt him inside. Well... maybe... maybe he and Zarta could hook up? Love knows no bounds."

There's then a metallic grumble from the fellow's left hip, about where a shiny sword rests.

"Rae appreciates romance, I'm a bit more practical. If Rae had taken the route of Karisa, I probably wouldn't be free to serve by his side now, whole and empowered. It's pretty obvious to see where my vote would go."

What the people expect from a faction leader.

While I'll accept Tamrin Credence as contact if he's elected, his lack of empathy about possible collateral damages is a black cloud (again, his squabbles with Zarta possibly mean Pathfinder deaths). His inability to get above the melee to see in the future is not really better. I can get wrong, but it's unlikely to be the case.

No one mentioned collateral damage or lack of empathy (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong), just that he's willing to bend some rules for the greater good. While I agree it's a logical assumption to make that one leads to the other, it doesn't necessarily mean that. We'll just have to see once the votes are over.

To compensate the anti-Tamrin voices, I'd like to offer my worries that Karisa might be too cautious, possibly losing opportunities while she's mulling over whether it's ethical or not. As I've said before, I like some self-reflection within the Society, but not at the cost of opportunities. Indecisiveness could harm just as many people as rashness can.

Out of curiosity, has Karisa made her debut in a scenario yet? Please spoiler the answer.

Out of curiosity, has Karisa made her debut in a scenario yet? Please spoiler the answer.

Karisa has appeared only in the Leaders in Liberty contest so far. There's not really anything to spoil there.

"Oh dear! I just returned from the Plane of Fire and, my, what a kerfluffle! Each candidate has their strengths. On the one paw, a fresh face but with unpopular ties to the Major (I do hope the fellow is all right...), and on the other paw a former slave with extensive field experience. I can't decide! I'm better with a blade than a ballot. I'll consult with those wiser than I."

Ferious Thune wrote:

Out of curiosity, has Karisa made her debut in a scenario yet? Please spoiler the answer.

Karisa has appeared only in the Leaders in Liberty contest so far. There's not really anything to spoil there.

Thanks John. I should have said please spoiler if it gives away details of a scenario.

It seems like it makes the decision more difficult, since we’ve had first hand experience with Tamrin (could be a good or bad thing), but haven’t had a chance to meet Karisa yet. I’m leaning toward Karisa, but I wish I’d had a chance to see how she interacts in a scenario before having to make this choice. At least when Scarab Sages was facing this decision, we got to meet the newcomer (though had to vote essentially immediately on doing so).

EDIT: Tahanikepsu might have made 2 appearances, including the scenario where you vote. I can’t remember. Also, I do like that this is open to everyone, and not just people playing a specific scenario in a specific time frame.

Late at night, that one bartender at the Wounded Wisp who's also (open secret) a priest of Milani remarks:

"I must say I'm rather disturbed at the lack of revolutionary spirit shown by some people here. Comrade Maldris has made some poor choices years ago, but ever since the Society's crusade into the Worldwound he's shown much better judgment. Yes, he's broken the law - but whose law was it? A law forged by canny politicians, corporate financiers and vestiges of a parasitic elite. People with enough money to buy themselves out of any courtroom. I'm not convinced his protege has enough stomach for doing what's necessary."

Large sized Dodo Bird, whose blue and gold feathers match an Eagle Knight's uniform speaks up.

Hi, I am Bertie. I am Ariel's Eidolon. I am writing having escaped from the plane which Ari Summons me to ask the canidates a very important question. Some would say I'm unfettered, but I plan to return after this important question.

Please sign my petition, I have donuts for all who do so.

Taking the longer view, as one might expect of an elven seeker, I believe Karisa's skills are best suited to leading the faction. Tamrin is a valuable and skilled operative who would be most effective continuing to work in the front lines.

- Not that Merisiel, she's a cousin

I'll sign your petition, Bertie.
I've lost count how many times my Bigsley's healed someone, brought down the villains, or his skills have been crucial to success.

But he doesn't get thanked. Sometimes they'll compliment me, like it's my doing, or I'm his boss or somesuch. They'll talk over his head, like he isn't there.
But he's not stupid, he hears it all, and takes it in.
I'd bet he's brighter than half the Taldans we've been lumbered with.

For freedom, you should be able to vote for whomever. So, vote for me! I'm not part of this faction, or even the Pathfinder Society, but why restrict your freedom of choice?

Oh wait, I just realized securing the Shirren voters won't help much right now.

Just to clarify, for the faction cards, we can check the box off for voting without actually playing a scenario, correct? Meaning we could still check off a different box the next time we play a scenario with those characters?

Yes, check off all LE characters faction goal for voting, outside of scenario check offs.

Grrl power!

"No "L" "

Tho I'm mostly drunk I vote for the little lady.
My katana is yours.

ANOTHER ROUND bar keep !

A man, his identity hidden behind a mask and cowl, lofts his shield.

I stand as a symbol to the cause. My loyalties are to the ideals of Andoran and freedom, not to any one individual. It is right and just to see this done in an orderly fashion, by allowing all free members a vote toward who they would see lead. I will choose Karisa Starlight, though I ask everyone to vote their own conscience. Ask yourself, “Who represents not just what we would see ended, but the ideals that we stand for?”

A voice from the back speaks up, a figure hidden in shadows.

That’s the problem with trying to be a symbol: you can’t see what needs to be done! I cast my vote for Tamrin Credence! It would be good to see someone in charge who isn’t afraid to ge his hands dirty in order to bring about your vaunted “ideals.” Sometimes it takes crossing the line to make sure that evil doesn’t prosper... Maldris knew this, even if everyone else wants to sweep him under the rug and forget what he accomplished.

A voice from the back speaks up, a figure hidden in shadows.

That’s the problem with trying to be a symbol: you can’t see what needs to be done! I cast my vote for Tamrin Credence! It would be good to see someone in charge who isn’t afraid to ge his hands dirty in order to bring about your vaunted “ideals.” Sometimes it takes crossing the line to make sure that evil doesn’t prosper... Maldris knew this, even if everyone else wants to sweep him under the rug and forget what he accomplished.

To my mind, I think that Tamrin Credence would be very good as an operations manager, while Karisa Starlight seems to be more understanding of running the organization. As for Maldris, I am not sure what will happen. There are things that I both like and dislike about him. However, I suspect that we will learn soon what has happened to him.

"Someone who was a slave and fought for their own freedom knows what we're trying to accomplish at Liberty's Edge. Someone whose early life was bent by living with slavers doesn't have the right attitude, in my opinion. For the Nine."

"My my my. What a salacious little morsel for the rumor-mill. I would EAGERLY appreciate young fledgeling Karisa to ascend to the top of the heap. The scandals she must be covering for would fill... volumes, and my Mistress would be... pleased."

A dwarf with a well trimmed beard and plain clothes walks up to the podium.

"Tis a disheartning development with Colson having some questionable ... activity now an' in the past. Me Lass, J, has had some questions fer me an I honestly don' know how to parly them.

Be that as it may, I doubt having another hard headed man atop the faction would help at this point, and I see a better transition wit' the lass, Karisa, than the hard boiled halfling."

He nods to the folks and hops off.

I vote for Tamrin.

"Did Major Colson ever come forward about that situation from that one journal we found? It's hard to trust the man's judgement if it is impaired by watching their tailfeathers all the time. Karisa seems like a good kid, Tamrin seems like an angry young man... I'm really glad you young'uns have the choice to make, because I'd probably have to give 'em each a whap upside the head and tell them to work it out themselves."

"Did Major Colson ever come forward about that situation from that one journal we found?"

Can you be more specific?

"If he's not come forwards far be it from me to insist on it. Everyone's path to being a good person involves a journey they must walk alone, with help from others and helping others."

"Did Major Colson ever come forward about that situation from that one journal we found?"

Pridbor grunts in response to these words, "I hear a lot about that. I would of given it to him myself. If I had been there. We know now there are corrupt politicians everywhere and the last thing we need is Liberty's Edge's enemies making a ruckus because of honest mistakes."

He growls soon after before taking a big gulp of his ale, "I can't believe how many of you see the clear, and obvious act to protect all of us from scrutiny as a selfish and corrupt act... For that matter I'm not too sure I wouldn't of helped Maldris if I knew what was happening. We break the law all the time. Steal slaves form Cheliax, liberate them from Absalom, launch secret raids into Rahadoum. . . To all of those people's leaders, we are clearly corrupt and a problem. Did he really step outside of what we normally do? I think not."

He takes another heavy drink. "I can see why we where not consulted. So many of us are already against him."

"Tamrin? now that's someone who knows how to get things done! May the entire might of Andoran be at his disposition!!"

"Neighhhhhhh!!!" echoes Silvermane in a yay kinda way. :)

"Finally a leader I can get behind... huh... I meant Tamrin! get yar minds out of the gutter!!"

"Oh, hey, no judgement! Love knows all sorts of forms and styles!"

"Maldris' inaction over the years isn't a problem, but you want to give him guff over something he personally didn't do? No wonder he didn't tell anyone about it. "

"You wana toss the bum out toss the bum out I'm all for it, but make it for something HE did. Or didn't do. "