Well, then I guess I will have to do something about them. Arnrich says with a smile, trying to lighten the situation. Hopefully, I can gather a few individuals to help deal with this threat before it reaches the point of necessity for full-scale armies. he continues, almost to himself. What information regarding these Hidden Three have you been able to uncover? Sadly, I'm guessing not much, else they would not be hidden. Also, have you considered what can be done to move some to safety or if perhaps I can help in that regard too?
Arnrich's wariness gives way to a warm smile and he speaks Greetings, honorable Kasugach. Please come in and accept my hospitality, poor as it might be. he continues with a laugh. Arnrich proceeds to fetch her a cup of water and a some bread in case she wished to immediately sate any thirst or hunger. As always, I have many questions regarding the Hold. But, you have traveled far and I will patiently await as you bring any tidings or ask any questions of your own. With that, Arnrich patiently waits upon his visitor. Arnrich will eventually ask questions regarding any new possible youths to be brought to the house, whether or not Kasugach has chosen to take an apprentice, and eventually of the Hold. This is in addition to any important interacting questions she and he may engage in (this post and following responses). As a player I don't want to completely gloss over such interactions but I do recognize this is a PbP. :)
DM Jelani wrote: Okay, Arnrich can we replace "Meirin is a half-orc priestess of Sarenrae who has taken to heart Arnrich's teachings about the goddess. Generally nice. Note: Game mechanics-wise, she would be a cleric of the separatist archetype and worships Sarenrae. She is of the Neutral Good alignment. " with "Kasugach - A venerable Orc shamaness who wanders far and wide; most tribes of Belkzen fear and respect her. She keeps an eye on The Hidden Three through divination." as an ally? Certainly.
@ DM Jelani
@ Xylor
Spoiler: I don't see a ranged weapon, although I guess the spear could be a one use one or you could rely upon spells. Also, the hero lab description of "wooden weapon" appears slightly cut-off. So does "wood bond". It doesn't matter to me but I was just looking at it and adding up bonuses. If it works for you, no big deal. Perhaps some of the basics such as rope for purchase? I didn't think buy any for Arnrich but he can fly. Perhaps some other general gear (backpack, etc.), but you seem to already know that. Although I don't know how much cash you have left, perhaps some "consumables"? It is always good to have a potion of cure light wounds on yourself (50 gp) for someone else to use on you in an emergency. Perhaps a weapon blanche (silver, adamantine, etc. or something else as there are a few optionslink) that can be put on in advance or a silver dagger in case we encounter lycanthropes. Just throwing a couple things out there since you asked. But, it looks OK to me for 7th level. The wood bond works real well for giving Xylor a good to hit bonus.
DM Jelani wrote: Alright, now we need to do some work bringing you guys together. Xylor I need to see an alias from you. I'd like to get it to where you guys share at least one ally. You can either use one of the NPCs one of you already made or I can come up with one. Xylor if you can think of a reason to be in Freedomtown, great. If not, I will give you some in-character motivation. Arnrich, I'm thinking that Richard Ashcrom has helped you finance a school/temple in Freedomtown. Is that acceptable? Sorry, I missed the bold-face part earlier. It works well for me.
Present and accounted for. :D Possibilities for allies in common... 1. Rumax- I think he fits the type of personality that Nirmathas caters to/is filled with. *****
The inhabitants of Nirmathas are primarily human, though they tend to judge a creature on its actions rather than its race. The people of Nirmathas are renowned for their love of individual freedom and hatred of bureaucratic meddling and repression, putting them at odds with the two nations that have previously conquered them (see the History section above). The people are generally independent and self-reliant, even within the cities, where such traits are less necessary. This independent attitude does have its drawbacks: Nirmathas effectively functions without a higher government, with each town and village running it own affairs.
2. Irissa is a monk and they often learn through master-student relationships. With Arnrich's emphasis on education, he is a teacher (he actually has skill points in profession teacher) as well as a gunsmith and tool maker and was apprenticed to an alchemist, he holds master-apprentice relationships in high regard. As such, he would also be familiar with and hold in high regard the master-student relationships often forged by monks. ...Just a couple thoughts there.
Backstory:
Arnrich is a half-orc who has a long and storied path for his mere 17 years of life. His mother is "the Crone", a human witch of undetermined age and unknown goals who has spent years on various battlefields communing with the spirits therein. In order to better attract the many spirits of the Belkzen battlefields where both humans and orcs died, she bred herself with an orc "historian", a shaman of the Brimstone Haruspex. Arnrich spent his first few years known only as "boy" and was taken from battlefield to battlefield and used as bait to draw spirits out. Then one morning while wondering a battlefield, Arnrich looked up to see an eagle flying and he followed it into the east, toward the rising sun. He wandered for days and somehow managed to both avoid trouble and avoid being found by his mother's minions while finding scattered water and food. It was almost as if he was being looked after. One day, when very hungry, he chanced upon a wagon and attempted to steal some food. He while staring at all the crazy looking vials he was caught by the owner, a man named Timothy Brasser. The nice old man took a liking to the boy and named him Arnrich. Under his tutelage and while traveling throughout the Inner Sea region, Arnrich began learning the many secrets of alchemy. Also, in his travelings, he was introduced to the church of Sarenrae and its teachings. Years later,Arnrich had a dream one night. He was approached by an angelic woman who told him she wished him to work for her. She told him that he was to not simply serve himself but to look elsewhere and help others, especially his people. They suffered in many ways, much of it their own doing, and needed help to be led to the light. She would be their patron if he would lead them to her. But, she warned he must leave quickly. Waking in sweat and in a fear for his life, Arnrich fled. It was fortunate he did so for otherwise he would have been caught by "the Crone". Poor Timothy Brasser was not so fortunate. After much internal debate, Arnrich convinced himself that his visitation was from Sarenrae herself and that he would heed her words. Since, he has done his best to see that the young half-orcs he meets can have more opportunity (such as paying for a tutor or putting them into an apprentice program) and has tried to lead others out of their sins. Regretably, sometimes he has failed with the most notable failure being his brother's (lack of) redemption. But, he has not given up hope for Unger, yet. Now, he spreads his eagle wings (the alchemical discovery came to him in a dream...) and flies forth to serve Sarenrae.
Allies:
Allies 1. Meirin is a half-orc priestess of Sarenrae who has taken to heart Arnrich's teachings about the goddess. Generally nice. Note: Game mechanics-wise, she would be a cleric of the separatist archetype and worships Sarenrae. She is of the Neutral Good alignment. 2. Rumax is a half-orc longhunter, a hunter who will typically head into the wild for weeks or months at a time while collecting skins and furs. He befriended Arnrich, who made him a longrifle, and they occasionally pass time together. Note: Game mechanics-wise he is a ranger with both the trapper and trophy-hunter archetypes. He is of the Chaotic Good alignment. 3. Homer is a huge orc barbarian who has taken a liking to Arnrich. He wields a great-axe and a great-bow and has come to the conclusion that Sarenrae is the Orc fire god. Note: He is of Chaotic Good alignment and Homer is the only name that popped in my head. enemies:
Enemies 1. "The Crone" is a human witch with a spirit patron and she is also Arnrich's mother. Her union was a deal brokered with an orc shaman (specifically an ancestor mystery oracle) of the Brimstone Haruspex to be allowed to study a battlefield nearby. What the shamans of the Haruspex did not fully realize is that she also planned to use her later born son as an ongoing lure for such spirits. His innocent blood, both human and orc, being the lure to draw the spirits forth for her. But, she awoke one morning to find her young son gone and she has held great hatred for him ever since. Hatred enough to have tracked down and killed some of his companions from time to time. No one knows her true name. She is merely referred to as "the Witch" or "the Crone". She never named Arnrich and merely referred to him as "boy". Her whereabouts are currently unknown. 2. Unger is a half-orc shaman of the Orc Fire God (it is not known whether the varied orc gods are unique gods themselves or aspects of other known gods). He also holds a great animosity toward Arnrich who has openly stated his belief that Sarenrae, as a fire goddess, is the rightful Fire God for orcs and half-orcs to follow. Unger is also Arnrich's half-brother with the same orc father who always favored Arnrich when learning of his exploits through divinations, something that feeds his hatred of his brother. Note: He may be a cleric or an oracle (fire), varied possibilities... 3. Gunter Dorn is a human soldier from Last Wall... a soldier who abandoned his post to track down and kill Arnrich for killing his family. In actuality, it was Unger who did so and not Arnrich. Note: Game mechanics-wise he would probably be a cavalier. His alignment would probably be True Neutral or Chaotic Neutral. acquaintances:
Acquaintances 1. Elsbeta is a teacher (female Taldan) who feels compelled to teach those less fortunate so they may lift themselves to better positions. Note: Game mechanics-wise, she may be a rogue or bard. She can be based out of any location from Riddleport to Korvosa to Last Wall or anywhere within the inner Sea region. She is one of those people who is just plain too likeable to dislike. Most likely Neutral Good aligned. 2. Richard Ashcrom is an Andoren merchant-banker and philanthropist (Taldan human) who has financed a few small investments for Arnrich the past few years. He has a fair amount of wealth and widely spread contacts. Note: Most likely a rogue and can be found practically anywhere in the Inner Sea region. Or, at least his contacts can. Most likely Neutral Good aligned. 3. David Falstaff is an engineer who previously worked in the factories located in Palin's Cove but fled to safer regions when the trouble began brewing in Korvosa. He has had the opportunity to take in as apprentices a few youngsters Arnrich began training as tool makers and machinists. Note: Troubles were of the Crimson Throne variety and David is most likely a rogue or alchemist or perhaps both. He may have taken up residence in any number of places as appropriate to the campaign.. Most likely Neutral Good aligned but perhaps Neutral. Abilities:
12 Strength 12 20 Dexterity 16 +2 half-orc +2 belt 14 Constitution 13 +1 level 4 16 Intelligence 16 14 Wisdom 14 13 Charisma 13 combat:
in progress AC Touch Flat Footed Hit Points Saves Fortitude + (base) + (Con) Reflex + (base) + (Dex) Willpower + (base) + (Wis) racial:
size medium sensesdarkvision humanoid (human, orc) orc blood Toothy Some half-orcs' tusks are large and sharp, granting a bite attack. This is a primary natural attack that deals 1d4 points of piercing damage. This racial trait replaces orc ferocity. Shaman's Apprentice Only the most stalwart survive the years of harsh treatment that an apprenticeship to an orc shaman entails. Half-orcs with this trait gain Endurance as a bonus feat. This racial trait replaces the intimidating trait. Though not apprenticed to an orc shaman, Arnrich was apprenticed to the "Crone". gunslinger 1:
Gunsmith, including gunsmithing feat Grit
Critical Hit with a Firearm: Each time the gunslinger confirms a critical hit with a firearm attack while in the heat of combat, she regains 1 grit point. Confirming a critical hit on a helpless or unaware creature or on a creature that has fewer Hit Dice than half the gunslinger’s character level does not restore grit. Killing Blow with a Firearm: When the gunslinger reduces a creature to 0 or fewer hit points with a firearm attack while in the heat of combat, she regains 1 grit point. Destroying an unattended object, reducing a helpless or unaware creature to 0 or fewer hit points, or reducing a creature that has fewer Hit Dice than half the gunslinger’s character level to 0 or fewer hit points does not restore any grit. Deeds
alchemist(grenadier) 6:
Alchemy (Su) Alchemists are not only masters of creating mundane alchemical substances such as alchemist’s fire and smokesticks, but also of fashioning magical potion-like extracts in which they can store spell effects. In effect, an alchemist prepares his spells by mixing ingredients into a number of extracts, and then “casts” his spells by drinking the extract. When an alchemist creates an extract or bomb, he infuses the concoction with a tiny fraction of his own magical power—this enables the creation of powerful effects, but also binds the effects to the creator. When using Craft (alchemy) to create an alchemical item, an alchemist gains a competence bonus equal to his class level on the Craft (alchemy) check. In addition, an alchemist can use Craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using detect magic. He must hold the potion for 1 round to make such a check. An alchemist can create three special types of magical items—extracts, bombs, and mutagens are transformative elixirs that the alchemist drinks to enhance his physical abilities—both of these are detailed in their own sections below. Extracts are the most varied of the three. In many ways, they behave like spells in potion form, and as such their effects can be dispelled by effects like dispel magicusing the alchemist’s level as the caster level. Unlike potions, though, extracts can have powerful effects and duplicate spells that a potion normally could not. An alchemist can create only a certain number of extracts of each level per day. His base daily allotment of extracts is given on Table: Alchemist. In addition, he receives bonus extracts per day if he has a high Intelligence score, in the same way a wizard receives bonus spells per day. When an alchemist mixes an extract, he infuses the chemicals and reagents in the extract with magic siphoned from his own magical aura. An extract immediately becomes inert if it leaves the alchemist’s possession, reactivating as soon as it returns to his keeping—an alchemist cannot normally pass out his extracts for allies to use (but see the “infusion” discoverybelow). An extract, once created, remains potent for 1 day before becoming inert, so an alchemist must re-prepare his extracts every day. Mixing an extract takes 1 minute of work—most alchemists prepare many extracts at the start of the day or just before going on an adventure, but it’s not uncommon for an alchemist to keep some (or even all) of his daily extract slots open so that he can prepare extracts in the field as needed. Although the alchemist doesn’t actually cast spells, he does have a formulae list that determines what extracts he can create. An alchemist can utilize spell-trigger items if the spell appears on his formulae list, but not spell-completion items (unless he uses Use Magic Device to do so). An extract is “cast” by drinking it, as if imbibing a potion—the effects of an extract exactly duplicate the spell upon which its formula is based, save that the spell always affects only the drinking alchemist. The alchemist uses his level as the caster level to determine any effect based on caster level. Creating extracts consumes raw materials, but the cost of these materials is insignificant—comparable to the valueless material components of most spells. If a spell normally has a costly material component, that component is expended during the consumption of that particular extract. Extracts cannot be made from spells that have focus requirements (alchemist extracts that duplicate divine spells never have a divine focus requirement). An alchemist can prepare an extract of any formula he knows. To learn or use an extract, an alchemist must have an Intelligence score equal to at least 10 + the extract’s level. The Difficulty Class for a saving throw against an alchemist’s extract is 10 + the extract level + the alchemist’s Intelligence modifier. An alchemist may know any number of formulae. He stores his formulae in a special tome called a formula book. He must refer to this book whenever he prepares an extract but not when he consumes it. An alchemist begins play with two 1stlevel formulae of his choice, plus a number of additional forumlae equal to his Intelligence modifier. At each new alchemist level, he gains one new formula of any level that he can create. An alchemist can also add formulae to his book just like a wizard adds spells to his spellbook, using the same costs and time requirements. An alchemist can study a wizard’s spellbook to learn any formula that is equivalent to a spell the spellbook contains. A wizard, however, cannot learn spells from a formula book. An alchemist does not need to decipher arcane writings before copying them. Bomb (Su) 3d6
Martial Weapon Proficiency Scimitar replaces Brew Potion Alchemical Weapon (Su)
Precise Bombs (Ex)
Directed Blast (Su)
Discoveries 2 (grenadier) Precise Bombs Benefit: Whenever the alchemist throws a bomb, he can select a number of squares equal to hisIntelligence modifier that are not affected by the splash damage from his bombs. If the bomb misses, this discovery has no effect. 2 Explosive Bomb Benefit: The alchemist’s bombs now have a splash radius of 10 feet rather than 5 feet (see Throw Splash Weapon). Creatures that take a direct hit from an explosive bomb catch fire, taking 1d6 points of fire damage each round until the fire is extinguished. Extinguishing the flames is a full-round action that requires a Reflex save. Rolling on the ground provides the target with a +2 to the save. Dousing the target with at least 2 gallons of water automatically extinguishes the flames. 4 Explosive Missile Benefit: As a standard action, the alchemist can infuse a single arrow, crossbow bolt, or one-handed firearm bullet with the power of his bomb, load the ammunition, and shoot the ranged weapon. He must be proficient with the weapon in order to accomplish this. When the infused ammunition hits its target, it deals damage normally and detonates as if the alchemist had thrown the bomb at the target. If the explosive missile misses, it does not detonate. 6 Concussive Bomb Benefit: When the alchemist creates a bomb, he can choose to have it inflict sonic damage. Concussive bombs deal 1d4 points of sonic damage, plus 1d4 points of sonic damage for every odd-numbered level, instead of 1d6. Creatures that take a direct hit from a concussive bomb are deafened for 1 minute unless they succeed at a Fortitude save. 5th level feat extra discovery spontaneous healing (Ex) Benefit: The alchemist gains the ability to heal from wounds rapidly. As a free action once per round, he can heal 5 hit points as if he had the fast healing ability. He can heal 5 hit points per day in this manner for every 2 alchemist levels he possesses. If the alchemist falls unconscious because of hit point damage and he still has healing available from this ability, the ability activates automatically each round until he is conscious again or the ability is depleted for the day. 7th level feat extra discovery wings (Ex) Benefit: The alchemist gains bat-like, bird-like, or insect-like functional wings, allowing him to fly as thefly spell for a number of minutes per day equal to his caster level. These minutes do not need to be consecutive, but they must be spent in 1-minute increments.
feats:
in progress skills:
in progress equipment: in progress
DM Jelani wrote:
Does that mean the redeemer would go really well with that character background or as an ally to the given background and mechanics? I have the race guide but hadn't looked at it enough to realize there was a half-orc paladin archetype. I actually like that better than the flying alchemist gunslinger. :D I'll probably get that done sometime Monday.
Here is Arnrich, by The Thing from Beyond the Edge.
Arnrich's story and background:
Arnrich Arnrich is a half-orc who has a long and storied path for his mere 17 years of life. His mother is "the Crone", a human witch of undetermined age and unknown goals who has spent years on various battlefields communing with the spirits therein. In order to better attract the many spirits of the Belkzen battlefields where both humans and orcs died, she bred herself with an orc "historian", a shaman of the Brimstone Haruspex. Arnrich spent his first few years known only as "boy" and was taken from battlefield to battlefield and used as bait to draw spirits out. Then one morning while wondering a battlefield, Arnrich looked up to see an eagle flying and he followed it into the east, toward the rising sun. He wandered for days and somehow managed to both avoid trouble and avoid being found by his mother's minions while finding scattered water and food. It was almost as if he was being looked after. One day, when very hungry, he chanced upon a wagon and attempted to steal some food. He while staring at all the crazy looking vials he was caught by the owner, a man named Timothy Brasser. The nice old man took a liking to the boy and named him Arnrich. Under his tutelage and while traveling throughout the Inner Sea region, Arnrich began learning the many secrets of alchemy. Also, in his travelings, he was introduced to the church of Sarenrae and its teachings. Years later,Arnrich had a dream one night. He was approached by an angelic woman who told him she wished him to work for her. She told him that he was to not simply serve himself but to look elsewhere and help others, especially his people. They suffered in many ways, much of it their own doing, and needed help to be led to the light. She would be their patron if he would lead them to her. But, she warned he must leave quickly. Waking in sweat and in a fear for his life, Arnrich fled. It was fortunate he did so for otherwise he would have been caught by "the Crone". Poor Timothy Brasser was not so fortunate. After much internal debate, Arnrich convinced himself that his visitation was from Sarenrae herself and that he would heed her words. Since, he has done his best to see that the young half-orcs he meets can have more opportunity (such as paying for a tutor or putting them into an apprentice program) and has tried to lead others out of their sins. Regretably, sometimes he has failed with the most notable failure being his brother's (lack of) redemption. But, he has not given up hope for Unger, yet. Now, he spreads his eagle wings (the alchemical discovery came to him in a dream...) and flies forth to serve Sarenrae. Allies
Enemies
Acquaintances
Arnrich's mechanics: This is a work in process... S:12
Classes: Alchemist (grenadier) 6 Gunslinger 1 Feats
Discoveries
Traits
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