Balthus Tauran's page

Slasher (dog) animal companion
Medium animal
Init +3; Senses low-light vision, scent Perception +6
Defense
AC 19, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (+3 Dex, +6 natural)
Hd 6
hp 33/51
Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +3
Offense
Speed 40 ft.
Melee bite +8 (1d6+6)+trip
CMB=8, CMD=21
Special Attacks: power attack bite +6 (1d6+12)
Statistics
Str 19, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 3, Wis 12, Cha 6
Base Atk +4;
Feats (3+1): improved trip, toughness, power attack, evasion
Skills (6): Perception (2) +6, Stealth (2) +8, Swim (1) +8, Acrobatics (1) +7
Tricks (3): Hunting (attack, down, fetch, heel, seek, track); Bonus (defend +2 more)
Special: link, share spells, evasion, ability score increase (INT), devotion (+4 will save vs enchantment and effects)

Balthus
HP 67/67
AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 16
Conditions:n/a
Melee
Melee (battleaxe +1 keen, 2H grip): +11/+6 = +7 (base) +3 (STR) +1 (magic)
Melee Damage (battleaxe +1 keen, 2H grip): 1d8+5, 19-20, x3
Melee Damage (battleaxe +1 keen, 2H grip, power attack): 1d8+11, 19-20, x3 (-2 to hit)
Melee (hunting knife): +11/+6 = +7 (base) +3 (STR) +1 (MW)
Melee Damage (hunting knife): 1d4+3, 19-20, x2

Ranged
Ranged (MW shortbow composite +3): +10/+5 = +7 (base) +2 (DEX) +1 (MW)
Ranged Damage (MW shortbow composite +3): 1d6+3, x3, 70'
Ranged (MW shortbow composite +3, deadly aim): +8/+3 = +7 (base) +2 (DEX) +1 (MW) -2 feat
Ranged Damage (MW shortbow composite +3, deadly aim): 1d6+7, x3, 70'

Spells used:
-----
Slasher
HP 51/51
AC 19, touch 13, flat-footed 16
Conditions:n/a
Attacks: power attack bite +6 (1d6+12)

BACKGROUND
Balthus was born in a small town southeast of the Ashwood in Varisia. While most of the town’s inhabitants clustered around the center of town and tended to livestock, Balthus’ small family lived at the edge of town, what many would call the frontier, and made their living from hunting and trapping. Frontier men were taught at an early age about being self-sufficient and Balthus’ father taught his son well. Balthus learned the way of the woods and the way of the plains at an early age.

That was a while ago, and Balthus has since buried his parents and struck out on his own, living from day to day, taking odd jobs as hunter, trapper, and killer. Goblinoids of all types have a special place in Balthus’ hardened heart.

It had been a pretty uneventful couple of years, not much excitement, until an attack by goblinoids almost decimated his home town. Balthus was out hunting when he saw a large goblinoid force marching towards the settlers’ cabins. He ran swiftly to warn them; they had to evacuate and head for more fortified locations in town.

After a couple of hours, he came upon the first cabin, old man Nario, who was friend of Balthus. It appeared that a small hunting party had gone ahead of the main goblinoid contingent. He quickly found the old man, dead with his axe in hand in the middle of goblin and bugbear corpses. His faithful dog Slasher, sat near his master’s body, crimson jaws on his master’s lap, and growled at Balthus in warning. A new-found respect blossomed in Balthus when he realized that the dog had probably killed his fair share of goblinoids and survived, albeit injured, the raiding party.

Realizing that his master was dead, the hound tagged along with Balthus to warn the other settlers. Balthus didn’t think the injured dog was going to be able to keep up with him but he was surprised by the animal’s resiliency – and bad temper; it reminded the ranger of himself.

They managed to rouse the settlers and led them into an old fortified building in town where they successfully defended from the goblinoid attack. Unfortunately, their cabins had gone up in flames; such was the hard life at the frontier.

A few months later Balthus heard about the call to help reopen the Bloodsworn Pass and there was even the potential to obtain land to settle; his own land and perhaps be able to settle down some. After finishing rebuilding some of the settlers’ cabins, he said goodbye and traveled to Korvosa. Balthus quickly learned that he could not get rid of the foul-tempered dog and finally accepted to let him tag along. They growl at each other every so often.

PERSONALITY
Balthus is quietly forceful and tends to stick to things until they are done. He has a well-developed value systems which he strictly adheres to. He is well-respected for his perseverance in doing the right thing. He tends to be individualistic, rather than be leading or following.

He is practical, traditional, and organized and not interested in theory or abstraction unless he sees the practical application. He has a clear visions of the way things should be. He is loyal and hard-working and values security and peaceful living.

Although in his late 50s, the man is a grizzled veteran of many battles. He is slow to anger but his temper is slow to rein in when ignited. His cynicism is often times confused with a bad temper but Balthus just likes to push people’s buttons. He is quick to point out, “Hey you wanna be dealin’ with me ‘cause that dog there; he’s the mean one.”

DESCRIPTION
Wispy, white hair cut shoulder-length frame a strong jawline, which is kept clean-shaven although a persistent stubble appears every couple of days. Compact, stringy muscle under white skin burned tan by many years outdoors allow Balthus to move gracefully even with a heavy load. The ranger has a well-oiled chain shirt under his snug clothes. Leather boots on his feet and his weapons (composite short, hunting knife, and battleaxe) complete the picture.

Slasher is a sleek, short-haired hound who growls at everyone, even Balthus, except children.