About Corentin the YoungerCavalier 6 (Beast Rider), Sentinel 1
Abilities:
Challenge 2/day (Swift action, +Cav level to damage vs foe, -2 AC vs others) Mount (as Animal Companion) Order of the Dragon (+2 melee attack rolls for allies vs challenged) +1/2 Cavalier level to Survival checks to provide for or protect allies Tactician 2/day for 6 rounds Link (Handle as free action, push as move, +4 to Handle Animal) Aid Ally : Aid Another action provides a +3 bonus Cavalier's Charge : +4 to attack on mounted charges, no AC penalty Banner : +2 Morale bonus to saves vs fear, +1 to hit on charge Bonus Feat (6th level) : Weapon Focus (Morning Star) Symbolic Weapon: +1 Sacred bonus to hit an damage rolls w/ Morning Star. Counts as holy symbol. Obedience : +2 sacred bonus vs charm and compulsion effects Spells:
None Feats:
Mounted Combat Ride by Attack Distracting Charge Power Attack Deific Obedience (Milani) Weapon Focus (Morning Star) Traits:
Inspired - 1/day as a free action roll twice and take the better for a skill or ability check Orphaned by Giants - +1 to attack vs Giants, +2 to confirm criticals Skills:
6/level (4 + 1 + 1) -6 for Half-plate and Mwk shield applied below Acrobatics : -4
Equipment:
Hope Rekindled (+1 Silver Valiant Morning Star) Uskroth’s Armor (+1 Half-Plate, 1/day Righteous Might on wearer for 5 rnds) 11,500/50 Mwk. Heavy Wooden Shield 157/10 Mwk. Battle Axe Boon/5 Dagger 2/1 Silver Dagger 22/1 CI Morning Star 16/6 Javelin x3 3/6 (Cavaliers Kit - 23gp)
Resolute :
Home:
379gp, 3sp, 3cp Total weight : 102 lbs (Med) Appearance/History:
Corentin is a tall well muscled man of Taldan descent with deep brown hair and hazel eyes. He grew up near Yanmass where his father served as a man-at-arms to a local minor lord. In addition to his parents and three siblings Corentin's grandfather, Corentin the Elder, lived with the family. He had served as a knight in his prime and spent his twilight years teaching his namesake horsemanship, martial prowess and of duty to ones fellows. Eventually the open plains about his home grew too familiar to the young adventurer and after his grandfather died he set out to find his place in the world taking only what gear he could carry and his trusted mount Resolute. A handsome face combined with an amiable disposition meant young Corentin, Cor to his friends, was rarely without companionship. Those who rode with him quickly came to respect and trust him and for his part he treated those of good heart as family. In time he joined a mercenary company by the name of the Mountain Wyrms and proceeded to see much of central Avistan as they moved from employer to employer. This lasted for several years until the company was decimated in battle near the borders of Belkzen, Nirmathas and Varisia. Lost and near death the young cavalier discovered a new purpose i life after that battle. Though he rarely speaks of it whatever transpired lead him to Trunau where he promptly dedicated himself to their cause. Since that time he has lived among those brave and stubborn people seeking to aid them however he can. Though still a young man Corentin carries a weight of years from his experiences. He is quick to smile and friendly to all he meets but those close to him can see that the shadow of whatever befell his band still haunts him to this day. An erstwhile companion he is staunchly loyal to his close companions and always seeks to find the best course for his allies. Stalwart in battle and with a mind for tactics he is a boon to any military endeavor. When arrayed for battle Corentin is an imposing figure. His well crafted breastplate, a gift for his service to the town, provides him protection from whatever strikes might get past his heavy shield. He is most often seen mounted upon Resolute, an impressive example of equestrian breeding. The lance he wields has seen many foes to their grave while his battle axe is always close at hand for those who think to get within his reach. All of Corentin's gear is functional and well cared for with a single exception. Mounted upon a short banner pole hangs the tattered remains of his old companies banner. The upper portion is in good repair displaying the red and green fields beneath a rampant brown dragon. The lower portion has clearly been dragged or torn however and the entire banner is stained with splashes of blood and dirt. For reasons he will not discuss Corentin still carries it into every battle he fights replying only that "Perhaps someday." when asked about retiring the worn symbol.
Background:
Failure. It tasted like blood and smoke, felt like broken bones and the hollowness of spirit where fallen friends once dwelt. This was the reality that greeted Corentin when consciousness cruelly returned. He half sat, half lay across Resolute's back, only a lifetime in the saddle having kept him on his precarious perch. The battle had gone from glorious charge to terrifying rout in what seemed only the blink of an eye. The cause of the change of fate was unknown to Cor but its effects were not. The companies flank collapsed and the enemy poured in to take advantage. Soon their line was a broken shambles, pockets of resistance in an angry sea. In one of these Cor had stood with men and woman who had become more than friends, more than family. There they made their stand, exacting a blood price for each warrior who fell. But fall they did. Pressed from all sides they were dragged down one by one until only Corentin and two others, the gruff Ulfen warrior Juerrgan Snowborn and Rilliana, a skilled half-elven scout and ranger, remained. The three made the decision with only a shared glance. If they were to die then it would be cutting a swath through their killers. Hastily they formed up and set heels to their mounts. One last charge, a defiant cry against Pharasmas coming peace. Riding through the mob they were soon separated. Corentin's lance impaled one man and broke on the armor of the next before the shattered shaft was pulled from his hand. Blow after blow rained down upon him and Resolute as they sprinted by their doom. Eventually one of those attacks sent Cor into darkness's embrace. Only Resolute's stamina and the coming night allowed them to clear the field and escape into the nearby wood. Now it was hours or perhaps days later and Resolute continued to walk, the companies proud banner dragging behind them tattered and mud soaked. Corentin tried to sit up but the simple movement drew a hiss of pain and threatened to set his wounds back to bleeding. The attempt must have been enough to let Resolute know that his master was awake however and the exhausted beast stopped suddenly. Whatever tenuous hold Cor had on the saddle was not enough to account for the abrupt halt and he fell heavily to the ground where he lay motionless for some time. Staring up at the celestial vastness his mind floated to thoughts of his father, a Taldan man-at-arms, and his grandfather, the old knight who had raised him on tales of great deeds and the tenants of family, loyalty and comradery. It seemed an eternity since he had last thought of home so long departed and so far away. He had grown much since making his way into the world. First as a traveler and then a mercenary. Memories of battles flowed and merged together over time, even the scars they left not enough to mark one from another. The people he remembered though. His comrades, those he would trust with his life and who returned his confidence. Those he fought for and those he fought. Sometimes wealthy warlords or nobles but sometimes simple folk. Best when it was simple folk. There was something admirable...righteous... about those who defend their own, to hold on to what they had, home...family....hope. None of that remained for Cor anymore though. The company was broken, dead or scattered. So many friends sent to their final judgment and his wounds likely to see him to his own soon enough. With such thoughts on his mind the darkness embraced Corentin once again. When he awoke the day had barely broken free of the long night. The sun sat low in the sky and the morning mists lay heavily about him. With an effort he rolled over and pushed himself up to his knees. There before him grew a singular rose bush. To call it such was an exercise in flattery. The struggling plant was but a few twisted stalks stretching out from between a pile of broken stones. Upon that humble base however bloomed the most beautiful flower Corentin had ever seen. It's deep red bloom was illuminated by an errant shaft of sunlight that, against all reason, had found it's way through boughs and mist to gift its light to this solitary flower. Cor stared mesmerized by it. His mind flew to thoughts of men and woman plowing cracked earth, digging well after well in search of water, battling mounted knights with nothing but farm tools and proclaiming through their actions that courage, and the hope that spawns it, does indeed spring eternally. Gritting his teeth Cor stood and step by step made his way to Resolute. There he painfully knelt and lifted his companies banner. the wyrm on it splattered with blood. Patting the animal he lifted himself up and into the saddle, the pain making his vision swim. With a quiet click of his tongue and light tap of his heels he set Resolute into motion. There was one place Corentin knew of where simple folk stood as an island in the ocean. If they still stood when he reached them then his blade would be theirs for as long as they needed it. Mount (Resolute):
Horse (Combat trained) Init. +1; Perception +5 Speed 50' _____________________________________________________ Defense _____________________________________________________ AC 21, touch 11, flat footed 19 (+8 Natural Armor, +2 Dex, -1 Size) HP: 60 (6d8 + 24) Fort: +9, (+5 base, +4 Con) Ref: +7, (+5 base, +2 Dex) Will +5, (+2 base, +1 Wis, +2 Iron Will) (+4 vs Enchantments) CMD 22 _____________________________________________________ Offense _____________________________________________________ BAB: +4; CMB +10 Melee: Main : Bite +9, 1d4+5, x2 (B) Secondary : 2x Hooves +4, 1d6+5, x2 (B) ______________________________________________________
Abilities :
Feats :
Tricks : Attack
Skills : Acrobatics : +14 (4+5)
Equipment : Bit and Bridle CK/1
Weight : 115 lbs (light load) Leveling:
2nd : +8 hp, +1 Fort, +1 BAB, +6 Skill pts (Climb, Handle Animal, K:Nobility, Perception, Ride, Sense Motive), Order Ability : Aid Ally, FC=Skill point (Bluff) Resolute : +7 hp, +1 BAB, +1 Will, +1 skill (Acrobatics), Feat : Sure-Footed 3rd : +8 hp, +1 Reflex and Will, +1 BAB, +6 Skill pts (Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Intimidate, K:Nobility, Perception, Ride), Cavalier's Charge, FC=Skill point(Swim), Feat : Power Attack Resolute : +2 Natural Armor, +1 Str/Dex, +1 Trick : Flank, Evasion 4th : +8 hp, +1 Fort, +1 BAB, +6 Skill pts (Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Sense Motive, K:Religion, Perception, Ride), Challenge +1/day, FC=Skill point(Linguistics:Giant), +1 Str Resolute : +7 hp, +1 BaB, +1 Fort/Reflex, +1 Skill(Acrobatics), +1 Con (+4 hp), 4th level adjustment (+2 Str/Con (+4 hp)) 5th : +8 hp, +1 BaB, +6 Skill pts ( +3 K:Relgion, Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Ride, Sense Motive), Feat : Deific Obedience (Milani), Banner, FC=Skill Point (Climb) Resolute : +9 hp, +1 Skill (Acrobatics), Feat : Iron Will 6th : +8 hp, +1 BaB, +6 Skill pts (Diplomacy, Handle Animal, Ride, Sense Motive, K:Religion, Perception), Bonus Feat : Weapon Focus(Morning Star), FC=Skill Point (Climb) Resolute : +9 hp, +1 BaB, +1 Fort, Reflex, Will, +1 Skill (Acrobatics), +2 Natural Armor, +1 Str/Dex, +1 Bonus Trick(Fetch), Devotion 7th (Sentinel) : +8 hp, +1 Fort, +1 BaB, +4 Skill pts (Diplomacy, Handle Animal, K:Religion, Ride), Feat : Spirited Charge, Symbolic Weapon, Obedience Near Death experience:
Oblivious to the chaotic battle going on around him Corentin's consciousness slowly coalesces into a dreamlike state. The fragrant hint of roses on an unfelt breeze and a steadily growing light far off in the darkness are his only companions in the unknown void. Even as he tries to comprehend the sudden change in his surroundings he becomes aware that the light is growing closer, or perhaps he is moving towards it. Back in the waystation his lifeblood continues to pump out onto the floorboards with the regularity of his beating heart. The light grows until the radiant form of a winged woman can be seen. Behind her the darkness parts to reveal an idyllic land where simple folk go about there daily lives, an aura of happy contentment flowing forth like heat from a fire. Looking more closely at the inhabitants of this land Corentine notices that almost all of them bear the scars of past violence and beneath their smiles lies the steely resolve of those who have fought for what is dear to them. Turning his eyes back to the woman he finds himself reaching a hand towards her almost without thought. She raises her own in turn and their fingertips almost touch before the cavalier feels a sudden pull drawing him back the way he came. For a brief moment it's as if time stops, a hairs breadth or perhaps infinite miles between them, before the woman graces him with a brief smile and he begins drifting backwards. Faster and faster he retreats, until the entire scene is once again only a point of light in the darkness and then just darkness.
Hope Rekindled:
The ladder creaked and groaned in protest against the unaccustomed use as Corentin and his fellows descended into the druid's cache. The dim light that filtered down did little to reveal the contents of the room but a few arcane words washed the area in light once Gizsmith arrived. Now unveiled the treasure trove before them was truly impressive. Masterfully made blades rested in a nearby weapon rack awaiting the day skilled hands would once again take them up. On the wall hung a cloak that seemed made of feathers next to a cabinet containing bound scrolls. To the side a few small chests sat quietly guarding the secret of what they held. As the rest began to search it was a soft glimmer from something leaning against the wall that drew Corentin's attention. Moving closer he realized it was a morning star resting there as if from the beginning of time. It's intricately leather wrapped handle, untouched by age, ended at a silver haft which flowed gently into an ornate head crafted into the image of a perfect blooming rose. Despite the delicate nature of the weapon's design a sense of strength surrounded it. Reaching towards it with a hesitance bordering on reverence Corentin finally steeled his nerves, took hold of the handle firmly and lifted the morning star before him. The silver petals flashed in the light and the weapon seemed to hum with energy as he took a few simple swings to test it's make. Perfectly balanced, this masterpiece felt lighter than it's size would imply. Each movement flowed easily into the next with a grace only magic could grant. As he stared at the deadly bloom topping the weapon visions of orcish hordes, flowing between the trees and through the bogs, came to mind. Men and woman, humans, elves and other races fought for each foot of ground but bit by bit gave them up as the waters ran red with their blood. A sense of anxiety filled him but also resolve and fatalistic purpose. Time warped, rushing forward days, weeks, perhaps months and now he pictured a ring of survivors. Haggard and exhausted but unbroken they stood chanting, their voices strained and cracked from overuse. Around them the orcs could be seen everywhere, cutting down the few who remained to give their lives for the time the circle needed. Finally the chant stopped, it's echoes carrying in the trees longer than any sound should. The magic rose up from the swamp itself like a force of nature but it was then Corentin realized the tragedy of it. This wasn't the magic of life and hope but of death and nihilism. The members of the circle fell, their souls visibly torn from their dying bodies to form fell lights. Even deep in their bloodlust the orc took pause at the immense power released before them. As their screams began Corentin turned his mind from the scene of despair. Shaking the thoughts...vision...he didn't know...from his mind the cavalier left his friends to their inspection of the cache. Climbing back up he crossed the decay filled room and entered the next life filled chamber. Somewhere in the back of his mind he noted the symbolic nature of such an emergence but his thoughts were too scattered to think much of it. Surrounded by the grand work of the druids from before their fall he dropped to his knees and prayed to the Everbloom. It was some time before he returned to his companions. He smiled at the state of them. Gizsmith carefully examining one item after another describing it's nature and the magics involved in great detail to no one in particular. Nearby Jaghal was practically bouncing about the small room, now adorned with the feathered cape, theorizing how the expending of so much of his divine energies might effect this place. Meanwhile Sasha was humoring both of them while packing things up and trying not to roll her eyes too much. Corentin's smile at the comradery was tempered by the absence of those who so recently fell but he knew that their sacrifice would not be in vain. "Hope always remains. In the end that is what the Circle lost sight of but now what they left behind helps to kindle the hopes of today. Even if it is just five travelers seeking to do the impossible." -------------------- Grensledek's death Put aside hundreds of years ago when despair claimed those who had once held it, the morning star had sat silent and forgotten. Only a glimmer of possibility remained carried within the sole survivor of that dark time. That fragile hope traveled alone in the wilderness until it came to rest at a rare spring in a dry land. In time others came, driven from their homes by foes too innumerable to fight they sought solace near the quietly running waters. Renewed by the spring they found their courage and declared they would give no more. They would hold to this place until the last of them fell. Their foes assailed their walls again and again but still they remained with their Hopespring tended by it's silent guardian. During one such attack, when things stood on the teetering edge of a knife, the hopebearer's life was saved by a group of those who had come to dwell there. Later when that group stepped forward to give their lives to end the threat to the town he instilled a hint of the hope he bore into them. Following his words the group traveled though death and darkness to take up the long forgotten spark of hope and carry it to the very heart of their enemies forces. There they now stood, bloodied, exhausted, surrounded by foes and once again on the brink of life and death. It was then that Hope Rekindled flared with divine light as it streaked like a falling star towards the tyrants skull. The impact sounded as sickening as it was final and left the giantess crumpled in ruin on the ground.
Wishlist:
- Some form of magical morning star (holy) - Some cool Milani themed item - Strength boosting belt - Amulet of natural armor - Something creative and cool :) |
