So my inquisitor, along with nearly everyone else in our party was killed off due to an unfortunate run-in with a white dragon and we're rolling up another set of characters for our next session. We're starting at level five, using a "roll 3d6, drop lowest, add six" method for attributes and starting with 10,500 gp.
I plan to whip up a debuff witch; I've already looked over several featured guides on builds. I'd like to ask for equipment suggestions, as the setting of the campaign is peculiar. The center of human civilization reveres a single god and views non-divine magic as heresy. Likewise, there are severe limitations on magic items - potions are fine, but this means scrolls, staves, wands, magic rings, etc. are not available upon creation. One exception to this rule is the bag of holding, for convenience. Special materials like mithral are allowed. I'm not sure about wondrous items.
I'm a bit at a loss as how to kit out a witch with mostly mundane equipment. I read a suggestion involving a mithral buckler and silken ceremonial armor in Viking Irishman's guide, and to complement this, a witch's kit and a familiar's satchel.
I was wondering if anyone had other recommendations, or even miscellaneous tips for playing witches for the first time.
I actually decided to roll with a cavalier for this. I picked an Angel-blood Aasimar for my race for a little buff to Str and to cancel that negative Cha modifier. Eventually I'll look to get Celestial Servant for the mount.
I haven't tried the class before and thought it'd be fun and flavorful. But I appreciate the suggestions!
Haven't had race in mind just yet; the campaign is open to a wide selection of 3rd party things on a case basis, but I thought I might stick to an official one for simplicity's sake.
My PF experience is somewhat limited, having played just a handful of campaigns, and it might show in my post. Most of what I've known are fighters or barbs whacking things in melee, but I do have an Inquisitor in a current game that provides a nice balance between martial and casting.
I just don't want to be a one-hit-wonder that rips in combat but sits around like a rock otherwise. (And sadly watches his full caster companions blow everything out of the water)
I joined up with an online persistent world campaign and it uses a peculiar system to generate attributes. To keep on track, I won't go into detail but here's what I ended up rolling:
Str 17
Dex 15
Con 12
Int 12
Wis 11
Cha 8
Ironically, I was pondering building a caster-type but the dice decided to give me a full martial-oriented array instead. When I first saw them, I thought 'Aw man, I'll have to play a barboreian...' But I figured I may slug it out. I wanted to ask for some advice on where to take these attributes.
Right away, they seem pretty geared towards barbarian/fighter. I've had my share of martial characters, so I was itching to go a different route, but that's life. Now, what sorts of suggestions (third-party or otherwise) come to mind for a character who can take advantage of these rolls without being shoehorned into a boring martial who only shines when he's hitting something?
I finished writing up Galbert's other information:
Background:
Galbert was born in Cheliax, a son of the minor aristocratic House Aurelian. His father possessed a mixture of Taldan and Azata heritage, while his mother was full-blooded Cheliaxian. House Aurelian possessed little political weight, as it only gained its noble status by supporting House Thrune in Chelliax's civil war. Compared to the top-ranking houses of the country, it is humble in comparison. However, Galbert's youth was a comfortable one; certainly much better than it might have been elsewhere.
At twelve years old, Galbert was under the apprenticeship of a condottiero named Guilliame de Labourd. At the time, de Labourd was in the employ of Queen Abrogail II and was involved in a series of campaigns aimed at quelling minor uprisings out of Gault. Under de Labourd's tutelage, Galbert became learned with the sword and acquired skills at leading men. He became familiar with living off foreign lands and dealing with nobility; mostly in terms of employment.
When de Labourd passed away, Galbert was now nearing his mid twenties. Territory gained by de Labourd had been threatened to fall into Gault's hands at his death. Queen Abrogail appealed to Galbert to retake the region. He was given command of a Cheliaxian army, and quickly subjugated territories that had been in dissent.
He was rewarded handsomely for his service, although was envied and feared by Bertrand of House L'anguille. Bertrand's own territory bordered those taken by Galbert, and he worried that the condottiero would turn into a powerful rival. Rather than continue to receive military orders, Galbert was appointed the governor of a small administrative region instead.
Galbert was disgruntled by the political maneuver, and rather than accept the commission, offered himself to nobles in Andoran. Ever since, circumstances have seen him change allegiances many times over.
Personality:
Galbert is both ambitious and easygoing. In his journeys, he has been in the service of many powerful individuals and worked up a notable reputation. He is used to the hardship of military life, but also to a degree of prestige and wealth that comes with being a famed mercenary. Although he serves his clients faithfully according to their contracts, he does not feel beholden to them and knows he just as well may end up serving their enemies in the future. Military service has given Galbert a sense of discipline, and he will fight alongside companions for the greater good – coherency and efficiency are virtues he aspires to. At the same time, he exhibits a measure of flamboyancy and a flair for excess – no doubt thanks to his upbringing.
Appearances:
In both peacetime and combat, Galbert lets his inner decadence seep from the recesses. He can often be seen in fine clothing of Taldan or Cheliaxian make, embroidered with gold thread in elaborate patterns. This most often includes a doublet with or without sleeves over a linen shirt, accompanied by stockings over trunk hose and leather boots. He dons a short cape over his torso; a longer cloak for bad weather.
Galbert's hair is short, drawn back from his forehead and the color of mahogany. He wears a finely-groomed mustache and a round beard that conforms to the shape of his face. His Azata heritage has gifted him with a sunny halo and his eyes give off an iridescent shine. His skin is a pale goldenrod.
In combat, Galbert protects himself with a jerkin of studded leather and thick gloves. He prefers light armor; if necessary, a breastplate at most. He carries a polished buckler in his off-hand to ward off blade strikes. His head is topped with a brimmed hat with a stiff crown. The light from his halo permeates around his head even with it on.
Great; I'm writing up my backstory and other details now. I've got an Azata-blooded Aasimar Swashbuckler in the works.
Here's the interview:
Interview:
1. What do you offer the expedition? What are you best at?
My name is Galbert Aurelian - a mercenary by trade; although I'll implore you not to regard me as a simple sellsword. Rather, I aspire to the highest degrees of professionalism – a condottiere, if you will. I have served all over the Inner Sea, from Geb to Galt, and farther still. I have been hired by many lords and rest assured, I left them satisfied. While skilled at arms, I have dealt with all sorts of people; negotiation comes naturally to me. I would also have you know that I have some Azata ancestry; take that for what it's worth. I do have a trace of noble heritage in Taldor, although I don't presume courtly etiquette will count for much in Old Padiskar!
2. What areas do you struggle in?
You may have already guessed, but I am not a spellcaster by any means! I have seen many strange things in my travels, but I don't pretend to understand the arcane, much less dabble in it. I do trust you have others in your employ that are... used to that sort of thing?
3. Have you any experience with Vudra or the Vudrani?
I have had the pleasure of visiting Katapesh before, although my stay was short-lived. Unfortunately, I know very little of the language. However, I know a thing or two about Vudrani culture; enough to get by.
4. What training, formal or otherwise, might you have that would be helpful to this expedition?
I have had considerable training with the rapier, and as I've mentioned before, I regard myself quite highly in combat. That is my principal offer to the expedition; I will not let any harm come before your granddaughter or any accomplices that are less savvy in a fight. My profession requires that I travel often, so I'm no stranger to a saddle, nor the deck of a ship.
5. Do you have any duties or obligations that could conflict with our expedition? Would you explain them to me?
A condottiere I may be, but the trade has rules. Under contract, I am bound to your service until your granddaughter is safe in your care. I shall not and cannot offer my services to another while under your charge. These stipulations I pride myself on. It helps to have a dependable reputation in this line of work!
I've been roleplaying for an upwards of 5+ years; mostly freeform, play-by-post on forums and such, but I have my share of tabletop Pathfinder and 3.5 experience. I haven't combined the two much and this is my first time on the Paizo forums, but I'd be happy to join in and tag along if there's any room left!
