Here is G-unit’s submission. Bendoc is a Halfling slayer (cleaner). Any questions let me know.
Reason to protest Meeting a contact (One of Bendoc’s students has gone missing and someone at the protest has some info)(Also, Tessa Serini (Adam Warnock’s pc) is tagging along with him. However feel free to pick one without the other).
Step 1: Background and Concept elements (at least 5) (history, description, personality)
1. (Description) Bendoc, a Halfling, is small but well-muscled like a racehorse. The willowy halfling has an emotionless face that always looks like he is about to pass judgment on those around him. The most prominent feature is his large bulbous nose which sits above a thin lipped mouth set in a perpetual frown and recessed chin. His small, squinty, grey, eyes appear to miss little. Bendoc’s skin is pale from a lifetime spent indoors and stands in stark contrast to his styled dark colored hair. He is always freshly shaven, well groomed, and dresses impeccably, usually adorned in a red waist coat with dozens of pockets concealed in its lining. The diminutive halfling smells of roses and lavender.
2. (Personality) Bendoc comes across as officious and sardonic. The halfling is direct and to the point, not kind nor cruel, just blunt, but often condescending. He has a dry sense of humor which catches people by surprise. Bendoc is impeccably tidy and clean, and is meticulous about his gear keeping it organized and pristine. He often gives unwanted advice in a nasally monotone voice.
3. (Background) He was born a slave, property of House Delronge, in Egorian the imperial capital of Cheliax. His parents and brother were also bonded to the household. Life was hard but their owners were fair, if uncaring, and it was comforting that they were all together. That all changed when Bendoc turned nine and was sold to House Serini and carted off to their manor in Kintargo where he was secreted away as a slave, kept inside their estate, away from prying eyes.
4. (Background) The lord of House Serini was a harsh taskmaster and cruel for the sake of being cruel. Bendoc endured many beatings at his capricious hands. Overtime, he learned to feign obedience, and was given responsibility over the other slaves, acting as majordomo for the household. More importantly, to lord Serini, the officious halfling was found to possess a keen eye for detail, a quick wit, as well as steady nerves and became useful in helping his master cover up his indiscretions.
5. (Background) Bendoc learned the secretive halfling fighting arts from Jako, another slave a Serini Manor. This fighting style uses everyday items as weapon so slaves can train under the noses of their masters. He excelled at this training and after his escape started teaching it to other halflings in secret.
6.As unlikely as it sounds he formed a friendship with one of the Serini daughters, Tessa. She always offered Bendoc an extra measure of kindness, smuggled him books to read, and shared her hopes and dreams with him. Regardless, even after their escape, he refers to her as Mistress and never uses her first name.
7. One night, Bendoc was summoned by his master, who informed him that his skills would be needed. To his dismay he was taken to a room that had been prepared for a ritualistic sacrifice. Bendoc tensed prepared to fight as he thought he was the one to be sacrificed. However, he quickly realized, to his great dismay, that the evil Serini family were sacrificing one of their own, their daughter, Tessa.
All to soon the ritual began and Bendoc stood helpless as an ominous presence filled the room. In desperation the halfling rushed in and kicked over one of the candles encircling the alter, knocking it down, and disrupting the wicked ceremony. An insidious pulse of energy pushed its way through the room tossing people aside. This otherworldly force was being drawn into his friend and without thinking Bendoc ran towards the helpless woman and grabbed her. Unfortunately, he couldn’t stop the spirit from entering her and unwittingly became a conduit for another spirit to come into his body.
8.All who attended this ritual, except for Bendoc and Tessa, were incapacitated by the release of mystical energy allowing for the pair to escape. They didn’t go far, staying in Kintargo, finding a place to live in the Redroof district.
Step 2: Goals (one character, one player)
1. (Player) To see Bendoc grow into a leadership role.
2. (Character) To earn enough coin to buy the freedom for the rest of his family from the bonds of slavery.
Step 3: Secrets (known & unknown)
1. (Known) He secretly teaches a handful of halfling students the halfling improvised weapon fighting arts.
2. (Known) His hand has become possessed by a spirit. He is still trying figure out a way to live with it.
3. (Unknown) One of his students is a traitor secretly serving Thrune (you decide who.. it’s a secret)
Step 4: People (at least two allies/friends and one adversary)
1. (Ally) Khonnir, Peck, Joi, Inego, and Willup - a group of halflings being taught the halfling improvised fighting arts by Bendoc.
2.(Ally) Mistress Tessa Serini - daughter of his slave master. She was unwillingly subjected to a diabolical ritual resulting in her having a strange symbiotic relationship to an otherworldly creature. After the ritual the two escaped together (PC of Adam Warnock).
3.(Ally) Jako - old and wizened halfling slave who taught Bendoc the halfling improvised weapon fighting.
1. (Adversary) Lord Serini - Lord and Master of House Serini in Kintargo. The cruel and heavy handed man wants to see his errant property recovered, intact or in pieces.
Step 5: Three Memories, Mannerisms, or Quirks
1. (Memory) The tears seemed to burn the young halfling’s eyes as he was torn from his mother’s grasp. The whip repeatedly brought down upon his head and shoulders as he was separated from her and stuffed into the back of a wagon.
2. (Memory) Bendoc held the mop in his hands swinging it around his head like a tornado, faster and faster. Jako’s encouraging voice rang in his ears, ”Good… good… you found the mops balance. But don’t forget your balance, everything starts with the hips. In the end it’s all about balance.”
3. (Memory) From his place of concealment the halfling watched in horror as the dark ritual progressed, the chanting reached a crescendo, and the horror came for the girl. He watched frozen, feet rooted in place, unable to act. Somehow he managed to move toward the circle and kicked over one of the candles, disrupting the ritual, but unprepared for what he unleashed.
GM Questions:
Background Questions 1. What is your character’s name? Bendoc, and he dislikes nicknames. His name is really the only thing he owns and he holds it dear. 2. How old is your character? Bendoc is 38 years old although he appears older. 3. What would somebody see at first glance (i.e. height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, physique, race, and visible equipment)? The first thing you notice about Bendoc is that he is small, very small, even for a halfling. Despite his straight and rigid posture he stands noticeably under three feet tall but is well-muscled with broad shoulders and a narrow waist weighing close to 3 stone (42lbs). Upon further inspection of the wiry halfling you would notice his, large, bulbous nose which dominates his face making his small squinty grey eyes look more squinty and his recessed chin appear sunken by comparison. Bendoc’s skin is pale from a lifetime spent indoors and stands in stark contrast to his styled raven colored hair. He is always freshly shaven, well groomed, and dresses impeccably, usually adorned in a red waist coat with dozens of pockets concealed in its lining. The diminutive halfling carries a walking stick but you notice that his limp comes and goes. If you get close enough you realize that he smells of roses and lavender. 4. What additional attributes would be noticed upon meeting the character (i.e. Speech, mannerisms)? The halfling is overly formal, officious, and polite. He can often be heard giving advice (at times unwanted) in a nasally voice. 5. Where was your character born? Where were you raised? By who? Bendoc was born into slavery and, like his parents, owned by the Delronge family. He was born and raised at their manor in Egorian until he was sold to the cruel House Serini at age 9. The young slave was moved to the Serini Manor House in Kintargo where he was kept secretly as a slave. 6. Who are your parents? Are they alive? What do they do for a living? His parents, Delgo and Lillac, are both still alive and are currently slaves in Egorian owned by House Delronge but he hasn’t seen them in almost 30 years. His father, Delgo, works in the kennels and has a way with hounds. While his mother, Lillac, works in the kitchens. 7. Do you have any other family or friends? Yes, he has a brother who is still a slave owned by the House Vashnarstill where he serves as a shipwright in Kintargo. He also considers Mistress Serini his friend (Adam Warnock’s PC). Khonnir, Peck, Joi, Inego, and Willup - a group of halflings being taught the halfling improvised fighting arts by Bendoc. Jako, the halfling who taught him improvised fighting is still a secret slave of House Serini. 8. What is your character’s marital status? Kids? Very single, when he was a slave he was not selected as a breeder. Since he escaped with Mistress Serini he hasn’t been in any major relationships. 9. What is your character’s alignment? Neutral, Bendoc has learned it’s best to stay flexible and go whatever way the wind blows to survive. (Although he has chaotic good tendencies). 10. What is your character’s moral code? Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself, but do what it takes to survive. 11. Does your character have goals? Prior to the current changes in Kintargo he was saving coin to buy his family’s freedom. 12. Is your character religious? Sort of, he is a Shelynite but not a fanatic. He makes an offering or a quick prayer every now and then to the goddess of protection and luck as it is only common sense. 13. What are your character’s personal beliefs? People should be free, kind, and treat others with respect. Halflings should look out for each other. 14. Does your character have any personality quirks (i.e. anti-social, arrogant, optimistic, paranoid)? The former slave is impeccably tidy and clean, he is meticulous about his gear keeping it organized and pristine. He can be condescending especially towards humans. 15. Why does your character adventure? Why would you join the rebellion? He would view it as an opportunity to improve the lot for his fellow halflings and his upbringing as a slave has left him with little tolerance for bullies. He is going to the protest to meet a contact to who has information on Bendoc’s missing student Willup. 16. How does your character view his/her role as an adventurer? Bendoc views it as a calling and a responsibility to his fellow halflings. 17. Does your character have any distinguishing marks (birth-marks, scars, deformities)? Angry red welts crisscross Bendoc’s back, a testament to his time spent as a slave. 18. How does your character get along with others? He gets along well with others, he is helpful but wary. 19. Is there anything that your character hates? Slavey, large dogs, and bullies. 20. Is there anything that your character fears? Whips, large dogs, and people who wield whips.Snakes, clowns, snake-clowns…. Lego Batman reference.
CUNCH:
This diminutive, peculiar looking, halfling is well dressed and watches those around him like a bird of prey.
Male, Halfling, Slayer (Cleaner) - 1
N, Medium Humanoid (halfling)
Initiative +3
Senses Perception +7
Move 20
Str 14, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14 Wis 12, Cha 9
Base Atk +1; CMB +2; CMD 14
Feats Possessed Hand (1st level), Deceitful (Bonus Class)
Skills 10 ranks/ level(6 class, 2 int, 2 background)
Acrobatics [+7] (1 rank +3 dex +3 class)
Bluff [+8] (1 rank +2 int +3 class +2 feat)
Disable Device [+9] (1 rank +3 dex +3 class +1 trait +1 feat)
Disguise [+5] (1 rank -1 cha +3 class +2 feat)
Knowledge (Local) [+6] (1 rank +2 int +3 class)
Linguistics [+6] (1 BGrank +2 int +3 class)
Perception [+7] (1 rank +1 wis +3 class +2 race)
Sleight of Hand [+6] (1 BGrank +3 dex +1 trait +1 feat)
Sense Motive [+5] (1 rank +1 wis +3 class)
Stealth [+11] (1 rank +3 dex +3 class +4 size)
Modifiers: +1 on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks vs Studied Target. +2 diplomacy while wearing fashionable accessories, +4 sleight of hand w/ hollow heeled boots, -2 on untrained skills ACP -2
Traits Surprise Weapon(combat), Clever Word Play(Social), Natural Born Leader(Campaign), Gold Finger(Faction) Meticulous(Drawback)
Languages Common, Halfling, Elven, Dwarven, Infernal
==============================================
SPECIAL ABILITIES/CLASS FEATURES
==============================================
Ability Scores+2 Dex, +2 Cha, –2 Str.
Clever Word Play Use intelligence in place of charisma for bluff skill.
Deceitful +2 on Bluff and Disguise checks +4 if you have 10 or more ranks in the skill.
Favored Class Bonus +1 hit point.
Fearless +2 on saving throws against fear.
Gold Finger +1 trait bonus on Disable Device and Sleight of Hand checks, and disable device is a class skill for you.
Halfling Luck +1 bonus on all saving throws.
Keen Senses Halflings receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception checks.
Meticulous –2 penalty on skill checks for skills with which you're untrained.
Natural Born Leader treat your Charisma score as if it were 14 instead of its actual score to determine how many teams you can manage and as a bonus to your managed teams’ actions. Also, gain a +1 trait bonus to your Leadership score if you take the Leadership feat.
Possessed Hand When using your possessed hand gain +1 insight bonus to attack/damage/ disable device/ sleight of hand. Once per day as a swift action, retrieve any stowed object that weighs less than 5 pounds you carry. -2 on concentration checks.
Resourceful Take no penalties for using improvised weapons and count as having the Catch Off Guard or Throw Anything feats for the purpose of qualifying for feats.
Slow Speed Base speed of 20 feet.
Small Gain +1 to AC and attack rolls, a –1 to CMB and CMD, and a +4 on Stealth checks.
Studied Target (Ex) +1 Study an opponent as a move action (or an immediate action as part of a sneak attack) to gain a +1 on Attack/Damage/Bluff/Knowledge/Perception/Sense Motive/Survival and DCs of class abilities.
Surprise Weapon +2 trait bonus to hit with improvised weapons.
Weapon and Armor Proficiencies All simple and martial weapons, as well as with light armor, medium armor, and shields
This should be interesting, Bendoc thought as he sits down at the table. "Salmon for me too," The halfling responded to the the serving girl. After a short pause he quickly added, "and ale too."
When it rains it pours, Bendoc thought as he overheard the girls dilemma. He looked at Kadrian with a wry smile as he waited for the Swashbuckler's response.
"Everyone", said the swashbuckler, addressing his fellow "heroes", "Over here!" Kadrian leads the group to the end of a nearby empty alleyway.
Making sure they were going to have a private conversation, Kadrian speaks in a low tone.
"Okay. This is what my Aunt Kendra was able to find out last night. The city guard was able to capture some of the goblins, and interrogate them, but the guard haven't been able to get much. The goblins had orders to burn the town down, especially the new Cathedral. All the goblins could tell them about their leader, was that he was "some longshanks", which I think means some tall human. That is all we know now."
Bendoc nodded his head, "That might explain the footprints I found outside the crypt, some were to large to be goblins."
Bendoc kept quiet trying to avoid talking about the undead, "A few drinks sound good." He quickly added, "And perhaps something to eat." as he begins heading back to the inn.
Rak looks on the scene in front of him in dismay. "Did they steal his remains?!?" He looks around for any scrap of Father Tobyn, not finding any other than bits of rotted clothing.
Maybe he got up and walked away like the skeletons," Bendoc says with a shrug of his shoulders.
Rak Opal wrote:
"Bendoc, didn't you say that you saw no tracks leaving? If that's so, where did the goblins go?"
"Just because I didn't see any tracks doesn't mean they didn't leave that way. There's more than one way to hide a person's tracks," the halfling advises. Nevertheless he begins looking around for an alternate hidden exit.
Bendoc finished examining the door and pushes the it open with his foot, "Beware there is poison on the door handle." With his slingstaff in hand he approaches the sarcophagus.
"I'm fine. You all search the room while I check the door over there," Bendoc responded to the Swashbuckler's question and pointed across the room. The diminutive ranger then made his way to the far end of the room and took a close look at the door.
Bendoc nodded his head in agreement at Rak's observations, " Definately, goblins and something bigger." He squats down and examines the prints. As he points to the wall he said, "There are 6 goblins and something bigger, around human sized. They climbed the wall there and entered the vault."
As the dwarf moves forward he follows and cautions, "Be careful I don't see any tracks leaving the vault."
"Aye, my ma and pa live on a small cabbage farm, along the Turndark River, about a half-days walk from town," Bendoc announced. "Got me three bothers too. Though mos have left home," he hastily added.
Bendoc stood and picked up his pack. With a sigh he brought his pack to his shoulders and announced, "Let's go get her then, no use standing around waiting."
Kadrian listens again with Rak what Father Zanthus repeated to the others.
Cayden's puke bucket!! Grave desecration! Oh Gods! I hope the raid wasn't a ruse to get whatever or whoever was in the crypt?! "I think we would all be glad to help in whatever way we can", spoke Kadrian, nodding to both Father Zanthus and Sheriff Hemlock.
Looking around, the swashbuckler questions, "Anyone see Izbela this morning? She might have some arcane expertise to shed on this subject?"
"Nope, I haven't seen the lass," Bendoc replied to the anxious Kadrian. Bendoc took a pull off his pipe exhales a smoke ring into the air before he added, "Arent ye the last one to see her?"
I will be on the road Tuesday – Thursday please feel free to bot me as necessary. I do not foresee having any problems posting. However, tomorrow is going to be an 18 hour day and I might just hit the sack when I get to my hotel.
Bendoc sit silently as he enjoys the benefits of being a town hero. As he enjoys his second helping of food his thoughts keep returning to the days events and how the goblin got into the town.
Eventually, he cleans his plate and wipes his mouth on his napkin before he announces, "I must agree with my Shoanti friend. Dawn will come early and we have a lot of work to do."
When Ameiko offers the group free room and board Bendoc is lost in his own thoughts for a bit. Imagining himself floating on a biscuit in a sea of gravy. After a second he catches the offer made by Father Zantus and responds, "I can't speak for all, but I wouldn't mind getting to the bottom of this meself."
Certainly Master Dwarf," Bendoc exclaims as Rak mentions food. While he walks withRak toward the Rusty Dragon he remembers his fathers advice, Neve go drinking with dwarves. With a grin he looks up at his companion, " A few drinks would be nice, especially since Kadrian is paying.
Loquacious for a dwarf, Bendoc thinks as he listens to the dwarfs rendition of events. He gladly takes a mug adding, " Let's not forget your valent contributions Master Dwarf." As he drinks he wonders and looks toward the tables, This would go great with some of the curry-spiced salmon I wonder if ther is any left.
Bendoc shrugs his shoulders at Akuleh, "Not sure, as far as I recall." In a slightly lowered voice he continues, "But we best keep our eyes and ears open. It could just be a coincidence that the goblins attacked today but it pays to be suspicious."
Accident or foul play, Bendoc wonder when he thinks about the north gate being left open. Best not start throwing accusations around, he cautions himself as he listens to the conversation.
Bendoc shrugs his shoulders and with a grin adds, "Sorry Foxglove but orders are orders." He loads his Slingstaff and offers to his companions, "I'll take point." With that said he begins to head in that direction.
Bendoc crosses his arms as he listens to Lord Foxglove's advances. He is slightly amused when Kadrian interposes himself between Izbela and the noble and thinks, Two peacocks strutting for a woman they barely know.
He shakes his head and moves over to the goblins and searches their bodies.
Seeing that his companions are fine Bendoc moves over to the human man the goblins were originally toying with. "It's safe the foul creatures are destroyed," he announces.
Bendoc runs past the human man trying to flank the mounted goblins. He sees the flames erupt and consume Algon's body. Always found that one a little creepy anyway, he consoles himself.
Took a double move counted the blocks as difficult terrain.
Bedoc steps up and swings at the goblin and sighs in disbelief as he misses again.
Slingstaff, blessed:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Damage:1d4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Bendoc runs to the end of the lane. Seeing that he has a clear shot he launches a bullet at the hind quarters of the warg Karidan is moving up on. With disappointment he watches his projectile sail wide of its mark.
What type of witchery is this? Bendoc wonders as Izbela summons the golden warrior. I liked the bird better, he decides and continues aloud, "The north gate it is. I'll guard the rear. "
" I don't think this is the end of it," Bendoc remarks to his companions. "Do we want to stay here and secure the temple or start patrolling the town to see if there are anymore of these vermin about?"