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A couple of extra notes. I don't intend to use any actual "samurai" flavor for Damon. I know this can be a worry sometimes in regards to themes. I merely am using the class and archetype as basis for a fun street fighter who has blended several things together to make a style of fighting unique to himself and represent his stubborn nature (resolve). Likewise, monk flavor can be added as the traditional sense, or it can be more in line with bits and pieces he has picked up and incorporated into his own techniques. I envisioned the latter. I likely won't take more than 2 levels of monk, to pick up style feats and let him blend them. Because I like the idea, I'll give a rundown of the plan for his feats, mildly subject to change. Feat Plan: 1- Dodge, Step up(?) Monk(1) 3- Crane Style (level), Ascetic Style (Monk) 4- Two weapon fighting (TWF) (class feat) Monk(2) 5- Weapon focus Unarmed Strike(probably), Style Feat (possibly monkey style) 7- Improved TWF 8- Combat Feat, undecided. Probably. Combat Style Master 9- Improved Critical (Unarmed strike) 11- Pummeling Style 13- Pummeling Charge 14- Two weapon Rend.
If selected there are a couple details I'd like to better hammer out in regards to his background. Crunch wise, he will be a front-liner samurai (brawling blademaster) with eventually at least a couple levels of monk (master of many styles) I'll get the crunch done in a bit, but he will be largely an AC tank, with good offense focused around TwFing with a blade and unarmed strikes. The build will functionally be online around level 4-5. Just too add a little more characterization, I picture his fighting style a mixture of mugen (from Samurai champloo, if you have seen it) and the style like strikes from the new Demon slayer anime. Its fairly flashy, unorthodox, and largely self taught.
Background::
Damon was born a child to a up and coming "noble" family as the eldest of four siblings. Two brothers and a single sister. However, due to his choice of companions, ill fortune and under handed schemes he lost his family and his money, and yet, he felt free for the first time in his life. Damon never sat well with the, as he put it, boring life of a merchant lord. By the age of 14, he only way his father could get him to take his studies half seriously was to train him in only the bare basics of swordsmanship alongside the more bookish studies. Indeed, his resentment towards his father, and his father's frustration towards him and been brewing for awhile, and would only continue to further stew as years went on and he was further held down and entrapped by his father's desires. It was around this time Damon started spending all of his free time outside in the city, often finding trouble in the form of fights or other small misdemeanors. At the age of 17, he had made a small name for himself as a troublemaker, as well as for his rough and instinctual style of fighting. Using both fist and sap in the fighting rings around the town. It was at this time, he met a girl by name of Alaria. A Varisian fire dancer in a traveling band of performers. He was smitten nigh immediately. He would eventually join the troupes performances when they were in town, and seemed to make great friends with them all, even the troupe's leader. At the eave of his 18th birthday, the pressure from his father for Damon to take up the family business, and to finally start acting "as a proper man should" and to finally "take his proper place in the family" proved too great. After a large argument, the rift between them stretched to its breaking point. Damon had, to this point, managed to keep his dalliance with the Varisian troupe a secret from his family. However, now his anger at his father had reached its boiling point and he knew just how to humiliate him. He went about setting events up for the troupe he had joined to be the main performance at his 18th birthday despite his father's hesitance. It was here, in this public showing he would embarrass his father. Damon had joined the act, largely, as a fire dancer alongside Alaria. Using twin blades doused in oil for his performances. It was near the end of this performance that he removed the mask and cloak he used both to hide his identity and as part of the performance. Garnering gasps and silence as he stood there staring towards his father a furious anger on his fathers face. It was here where things got quickly out of hand. Unbeknownst to Damon. The Troupe he had joined had planned to use this chance to rob the wealthy family of some of its riches. The group sent to carry out the robbery had been found, and a following skirmish resulted in a small fire, and the death of Damon's youngest sibling. It was this that proved the breaking point, and in a fit of rage and sorrow his father disowned him and banished him from the household. Giving him but a small pittance to survive on. Weighed down by guilt, Damon fell into fighting to make a living for a time. Incorporating a fair portion of what he learned from his time as a fire dancer into his style to further differentiate it. Eventually, after about three years. His desire for excitement, adventure, and danger lead him to join the pathfinders as the fighting rings had grown boring to him. Though, a large part of the decision was an attempt to forget and leave the past behind him. Damon talking about why he enjoys fighting so much- His voice is a little on the deeper side, with a roguish twinge of a varisian accent. Which I can only picture now as a light southern drawl/accent. That rush of adrenaline, the sheer focus of the fight. When you take part in a seemingly life threatening fight. In that moment, you truly feel alive, in that moment, you forget more than any alcohol induced stupor could even hope to achieve. In that moment... you are free. IC Questionnaire, if you are interested: What is your relationship to the gods and religion? Eh, They are there, but they don't really help all that much.. A goal to strive towards perhaps but uh, I'm not one for all the traditions and uh, expectations most clergy go through. I live by my own code, and I don't intend change that. -Do you have an easy way with strangers?
-Do you play well with others?
-What draws you to the life of an adventurer?
-Do you identify with a particular animal or element?
-What specific goals do you have, if any?
-Do the ends justify the means? Yes, they do. And while there are limitations to everything... Stand among the ashes of a trillion dead souls, and ask their ghosts if honor matters. Their silence, is your answer.
I'll do this IC. Voice is on the deeper side, with just a hint of gravel in it. Guild Questionnaire: For what reason does your character become an adventurer? What motive keeps them going?
Whaaat, I gotta answer all these questions? Ahhh, sure, whatever.. lets see.. well, for one theres the little fact that, if I didn't, I may well be stuck back in that stuffy monastery. Sure, it wasn't terrible, some of them old dodgers really could fight. But, the rest of it? Just not for me man. Secondly, See, I've got this wanderlust, had it since I can remember. What better way to scratch that itch than sign on with an "adventurer guild". Get sent to places all over. Sure its no society lodge, but uh, well. Plenty of reasons to be here than there. Anyway.. Then there's the little fact that I've got my own style, and what better way to push it further than life or death situations? Only so much training and sparring can do for you. You gotta put yourself on the line, make or break. That's when you truly push past your limits and make breakthroughs. Finally, I don't know a better place to make some cash for food and booze! Haha! How did your character first hear about the House of Fate and Fire? I didn't, well, not until I'd already been.. what would you call it.. scouted? Suppose I impressed someone during one of my daily spars in the old temple. Or maybe one of the acolytes just wanted me out of their hair. Who knows. Either way, I ended up here. Why did your character decide to join the House over other options available to them? (Feel free to come up with some liberties on this one, whether they were recruited or tried out for the guild) How does the House fit into your motives as an adventurer?
The adventuring parties live in dormitory-style apartments. The rooms are quite spacious, and the living/kitchen area is shared. What does your room look like? What kind of roommate are you?
While Teladora insists that adventurers don't need as much rest as normal people, Layla disagrees. The lamia makes sure that all parties get at least a week of downtime between adventures unless they ask for less. What does your character do to unwind? Oh, well, half the time I'm training, the rest of it I'm either sleeping, drinking, eating, or relaxing in a really hot bath. Man, I've been to some hotsprings before, really outta get one going here. Nothing relaxes ya like simmerin' in a hot bath with a drink in hand.
I've updated Damon's Background. I've also sent a PM with a couple questions/ideas.
Okay, heres an alias for Damon, background is still a WIP but his general demeanor and personality are here. IC Questionnaire: What is your relationship to the gods and religion? Eh, They are there, but they don't really help all that much.. A goal to strive towards perhaps but uh, I'm not one for all the traditions and uh, expectations most clergy go through. I live by my own code, and I don't intend change that. -Do you have an easy way with strangers?
-Do you play well with others?
-What draws you to the life of an adventurer?
-Do you identify with a particular animal or element?
-What specific goals do you have, if any?
-Do the ends justify the means? Yes, they do. And while there are limitations to everything... Stand among the ashes of a trillion dead souls, and ask their ghosts if honor matters. Their silence, is your answer. further personality building- Loyalty, or Honesty?:
Compassion, or Justice:
Love, or Fear :
Obedience, or free thinking:
Pride, or Greed:
Group, or Individual:
What is Right?, What is wrong?
Yes, We need to find a sheltered area first however perhaps a house though I fear we may find we are unwelcome guests there... Then again, It isn't wise to camp in the middle of a snowstorm.. or light a fire on a plains. Attracts attention, as if we haven't gotten enough of that yet. He sniffs, his face stubble covered in frost. He scans the area, trying his best to find a suitable place to hunker down, and one hopefully devoid of too much trouble.
let us go, the sooner we rid the world of this evil, the better. Damon moves to the edge of the ship, looking for a place to jump/climb down.
not alot of good it did the captain. He says eying the ring
Damon spies the ring and bends over to examine it. He picks it up and holds it over his head. What is this I wonder....
Is this round 4? 1-Damon full moved into 5ft step range,
I thought j had the movement if not it would have been round 3 full attac . (Sorry just trying to keep on top of things)
Sorry, could someone move me? I won't have access to interact with the map till tonight. But I do get flanking now thankfully.
Damon makes a 5ft step to attempt to flank with doppel. hang on big guy, I got your back.
Damon moves into the room. Readying a strike. (Full move to get into the cabin.
The problem with D20 for Me, like Doppler and many others, I just don't have a reliable 'free time' other than about 9-10 Wednesdays and Mondays. And possible Tuesdays during 12-4 ish est time. (4pm)
Damon moves to the edge of the ship and begins looking for a way down. I'm leaving this godsforsaken ship. The captain is either hiding or dead. And from what I could tell from talking to him, I honestly feel like he can handle himself here.
Damon just stares out towards where he saw the castle, trying ingrain the direction into memory. do what you will, but hurry. I've got some things to kill.
doubtful, I doubt it cares, or worries, enough about us for that. Too smug, and prideful.
Damon Takes a step, closing the distance between him and the other Ice Wight. As he does he splits his twin blades apart once again, taking a slashing attack against both creatures ending with his blades buried deep in their flesh.
Son of a..... Damon mutters, feeling sorry for the crew. Shoulda stayed up here to help them. Dammit. What's worse, undeath has violated their corpses. He draws his sword as he moves up towards one creature, snapping the hilts together to form a double bladed sword as he moves. DIE YOU ABOMINATION! As he runs he brings his combined blade around, twisting his body into a full spin before connecting with his blow.
I use roll20 for my game maps, the only downside is most phones don't even like to show it. (Remarkable number of my pbp players use a phone)
Yes, well I post a lot from my phone (I'm moving around most of the work day) and it doesn't like to play nice with interacting with Google doc maps.
haven't looked at it again yet. But I tried to be specific about following fairly close behind our friendly local paladin. About 5-10ft
Well, what's on deck i wonder. Icy Death?
now that looks like it would be cold...
Stupid people, why would they stay? It always baffles me. Damon glances towards doppel, for once, I agree with mr. dour here, cold is only the first trial
work. lol. adding my selected spells now-
Aye, would be unfortunate, I knew it would cold here but this is bloody ridiculous. Might as well not even worry about the protection magics. The wind eats right through it it seems. Damon looks around at the others gathered here. Well, I'll go ahead and suggest this, at least for know.. Though I really don't think I need any help. Perhaps we should travel together for a time. I'd rather us all get to the damned castle in one piece. Hate to see lives lost for no reason. Since It doesn't seem like any of you are planning on taking the next journey back south.
Damon Yells What know you of me?! What know you of my trials?! I have battled the beast within, I have seen it, seen myself with naught but rage, anger, hate and spite. It poisons you. You speak of emptying yourself to that hate, that rage which blinds you? No, It is my Ideologies, my loved ones, my vows that give me strength. It is these that let me stand against the dark. Pure rage is for the weak If allowed to guide you. He takes a breath, Yes, anger is power to be used when necessary but, it is those things which you mock that give me true power, give me confidence, that give me conviction. It is those things for which I fight that give me the strength to stand above the rest. Because of them, I cannot allow myself to fail. I know only violence, so that others may know peace. whether they deserve it or not... he turns away from Doppel with a sigh. If you believe in nothing, you will fall for anything He turns towards the small woman. Aye, if you believe that death is truly the end. Though I for one don't believe that. Though I know not what to expect. In my opinion, the best question to always ask yourself is this. What is it you fight for, and why? Damon takes a seat in a chair across from the woman with about 100lbs of metal on her back.
Also, how well known the little order I made up are known in this game would be up to the GM. Though I imagine the Belmont would know.
What can I say. Even the ladies Want to be like Damon
Damon smiles, finally getting a human reaction from the Belmont. hmph, your right, this time is different. This time the blood collected will be his. I will say it again, don't count. Me. A. Weakness. He stopped his practice when he was approached By Belmont. Damon turns towards doppel after his calm outburst well I'll be, that's two human reactions in one go. And you may let your love, your mind, what have you. You may let it be stripped away, you may lose your memories, what makes you human and who you are. I don't plan to. I'll tackle the trails of this castle, and I plan to keep my sanity and my life doing so. I'll succeed, my conviction is unquestionable, my will unwavering. I will brave this trail, and like all others come out better for it. I'll not lose myself to rage again, I'm to good for that. Damon casts a glance around the room towards everyone stating on doppel and ending on Belmont. protect the weak and innocent, stand against any evil, hunt the wicked and the cruel, slay the vampire, werewolf, and demon. This is my vow, our vow. We are unwavering, we are the night hunters, we fear no darkness, but let those that dwell within it fear us. He recites one of the oaths he was taught when he was younger. A way to remember.
do not underestimate me and do not look down on me. I'm far stronger than you think, and only getting stronger. I'm not the one attempting to seal what my ancestors caused. Damon spits as he takes offense at the Belmont's suggestion of his weakness. Not missing a beat in his training dance.
"Healing" lol I have a trusty wand of CLW so after that fix I can make use of my own at least. Gotta come prepared.
Well that lowers the possible humour dractaularly
And at least it would be easy to remember and be like. "OK guys, here is the suck hall again! Prepare to cower ! "
"Healing" lol
At least we know now that we are doomed. Did you expect any other outcome?
You know people have formed entire cults to die with them because they didn't want to be alone. Lol.
I may change Damon's sin to pride. The more I tinker with him, the more I feel it fits, and I don't see any pride sins, so diversity is fun. It also matches the condensending drawback I took with him better.
bringing down buildings is not my strong point, I'll keep the horrors dead, maybe find Dracula himself and put him down. But I'll leave the wall crumbling to others. Blade and bow have limited use against pure stone walls. He gets up and walks to an open area of the cabin where he can train. He draws the twin blades on his hips snapping them forward to meet at his chest, joining them into one, he twists the joined blade around in a lethal dance, unjoining and joining them repeatedly for the entirety. Twirling them in circles and complex maneuvers when separated. While he does this he continues his speech. hpmh, this'll show em how proficient I am. And Its only a glimpse but likewise. How do you propose to get the siege equipment and supplies needed all the way there? Safely? As he says, personally I've never fought a wraith, but my order has warned me of them. I feel that in 1200 years fact has merged with myth, perhaps it is not as deadly or impossible that the story makes it out to be. After, who spread that take if they all died?
hey hey guys, I included myself in that term too. don't get your hairbraids in a twist. He gives a grin At least, it seems several of us have come here with the intent to end this evil for good. Just one question. How are we going to do it? I imagine if it was easy, a group like us would have done it long ago. killing normal vampires I have done, and most undead are childs play. But Dracula? If it is even him still, or even just an essence of him. well, That is power. He ponders on his words a minute. Yeah, power. Can't wait to be the one to take it out, heh heh. This may be fun yet. Astrid, just save some undead skulls for me to bash in ok?
Damon, a night hunter. Myself, I have come to rid the curse of deasise upon my teacher, signs point it linked to this castle, I also come on a quest to end this evil for good if I am able, and to acquire any items that will aid in my quest, or that must be destroyed. The way he adds that last part on gives off a hint that that part wasn't necessarily in his job description from his order. He looks over to the two bickering. if you are a monk, being unarmed wouldn't matter. I'd wager you could snap her neck as if it was a chicken bare handed, though someone with a blade, or two, may pose a problem. No offense meant to you madam, but you do seem quite frail. He looks over the girl as a woman comes down the stairs, carrying a full set of armor. The hell? Is it raining jackasses up there? I thought I was the last one up top that wasn't crew!
Damon again turns to the Belmont
heh, you'll show him for making a fool of you won't ya? But doesn't that armor get cold? Or are you protected magically? And I still feel like that magic won't save him if someone truly wanted what he has. Damon takes a sip from his slushie water. and do tell what it was he stole? for the love all god, please don't say your favorite drinking mug...
hmph why do you magic your doors shut merchant? Do you feel you are in less that amiable company? That those here would steal from you? Or that others here could not aid you if a thing were to happen? Damon takes a slight offense to something that most likely has nothing to do with him. His bad mood from the weather and his fathers condition returning with it. I have a feeling should anyone here wish to get in, it wouldn't really stop them anyway. He adds before turning back to the others.
So, what brings you all this way? What tales have drawn you to the land of evil?
Damon's nose flares at being ignored. easy there, keep it cool. Very well then Damon gives a sniff only his training from Davin keeps him from smart mouthing off the man. He then thinks of his own symbol the Hunters gave to him. hmph, I follow any deity that has the same ideals as me. why bother with just one in particular. None of them really care. He turns towards the others then speaks to the masked man You, you said something about setting up shop? Are you a merchant? come, let us sit and talk of things we have seen. It should do well to pass the time. Tell me, what brings you all to this dark place? He tries not to worry about the Belmont, or the danger ahead, the happy youth he was merely years ago coming to the front. A true smile on his face. But he couldn't help but cast another glance towards the silent man in the corner.
Damon regards the man that nudged him. He finally pulls back the cloak's hood. I'd rather you not touch me. But yes, most likely. He then regards the Belmont. of the belmonts eh? Didn't your family cause all of this? What are you going there for? this man's family is said to have been the cause of so much death and destruction.. they're no better than the things I hunt if that is the case. |