Not had much luck with way of the wicked, last campaign I was in failed before we got to lvl 2. Ah well guess that's par for the course in PbP games.
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Thanks GM, here's an updated build for Borys. Borys: Borys of Torag
Human paladin (tortured crusader) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Horror Adventures 65) LG Medium humanoid (human) Init +0; Senses Perception +6 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+6 armor) hp 12 (1d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +4 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor) Melee earth breaker +5 (2d6+6/×3) Special Attacks smite evil 1/day (+0 attack and AC, +1 damage) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10 Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 15 Feats Furious Focus[APG], Power Attack Traits subject of study Skills Acrobatics -5 (-9 to jump), Craft (blacksmith) +2, Heal +6, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +4, Knowledge (nobility) +4, Knowledge (religion) +4, Perception +6, Sense Motive +6, Survival +6 Languages Common SQ alone in the dark Other Gear chainmail, earth breaker[UE] -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Alone in the Dark Can use lay on hands only on self, use 2 to gain use of smite evil, and auras only affect self (not allies). Furious Focus If you are wielding a weapon in two hands, ignore the penalty for your first attack of each turn. Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage. Smite Evil (1/day) (Su) +0 to hit, +1 to damage, +0 deflection bonus to AC when used. Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
I decided to lean into the horror aspect with my Tortured Crusader Borys. There will be no happy everafter for him, poor soul, but perhaps gods willing the undead fiend who killed his friends and family turns up at some point in the AP! Borys Background:
To look at me now, you’d be hard pressed to believe I was once considered handsome. These scars are just a fraction of the pain I’ve endured. A year or so back I was content, with family and forge to care for. I grew up in a place so small it didn’t have a name and just like my Da before me, may Torag bless his soul, I was the village blacksmith. Reckon I had it good I did, yes the hours were long and the pay bad, but I was respected. I had a loving wife Clara and a wee bairn, Tara, the light of my life.
Then one night in the teeth of winter, the living dead came. Zombies mostly, but one of them, a soulless fiend who crawled out of the pits of hell, was smart. Most of the village was holed up in the forge but he barricaded the door. He had his thralls pile up the fire wood I’d spent all summer harvesting against the door, and he cackled as he doused it with the keg of lamp oil I kept outside. As for what happened next. I… I can’t... I can’t… It broke me, mind and body.. I never used to drink before that night, but oblivion can be a solace when a man has lost everything. I don’t know how or why I survived. Near scared the life out of the poor tinker who called by the next day, he thought I was one of the living dead on account of my wounds. He couldn’t believe I was still breathing, and claimed it was a miracle. That’s how I met Professor Lorrimor of course, he was researching all manner of strange things. He wanted to know everything, and I don’t suppose I was too happy at the time with all his questions, but considering he was paying for my medical treatment I was hardly in a position to argue. Description and personality:
Once handsome, Borys has been scarred by terrible burns all over his body. As bad as the physical damage is, the mental scars are far worse. Borys became taciturn and fatalistic and he drinks too much. Clara was the love of his life and he will never remarry. With nothing in life to look forward to, he’s looking for a cause to die for. Naturally he has an abiding hatred of the undead.
He’s still an imposing presence, with the musculature you’d expect from a former blacksmith. He carries with him an oversized maul known as an earth breaker, all the better for smashing undead with! Build: Borys of Torag
Human paladin (tortured crusader) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Horror Adventures 65) LG Medium humanoid (human) Init +0; Senses Perception +6 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16 (+6 armor) hp 12 (1d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +5 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor) Melee earth breaker +4 (2d6+4/×3) Special Attacks smite evil 1/day (+0 attack and AC, +1 damage) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 17, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8 Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 14 Feats Furious Focus[APG], Power Attack Traits indomitable faith, subject of study Skills Acrobatics -5 (-9 to jump), Craft (blacksmith) +2, Heal +6, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +4, Knowledge (nobility) +4, Knowledge (religion) +4, Perception +6, Sense Motive +6, Survival +6 Languages Common SQ alone in the dark Other Gear chainmail, earth breaker[UE] -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Alone in the Dark Can use lay on hands only on self, use 2 to gain use of smite evil, and auras only affect self (not allies). Furious Focus If you are wielding a weapon in two hands, ignore the penalty for your first attack of each turn. Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage. Smite Evil (1/day) (Su) +0 to hit, +1 to damage, +0 deflection bonus to AC when used. Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
Note I've not selected all his starting gear. I know there's no crafting in the campaign, the blacksmith skill point is just for RP and he'll select something more useful for level 2.
Oh Carrion Crown. Well I've had the itch to play a Tortured Crusader paladin for a while, lets see if dice bot is feeling kind. 15
I think that's a 19 point build, seems perfectly serviceable. Time to put my thinking cap on.
Thanks. I'll get an alias sorted tomorrow.
Dune is brutal and notions of a fair fight seem like a good way to get yourself killed, so I'm thinking of making a rather underhanded knife fighter. A bounty hunter slayer seems a perfect chassis for that. If allowed the kitsune style chain would make for very effective dirty trick use. I was looking through the traits and noticed scarred descendant and carefully hidden, which suggested a background: One of my budding fremen's ancestors was from either a Harkonnen or perhaps more likely from one of their vassel houses. For one reason or another they rebelled (or did they) and went native. Could make for an interesting campaign hook. I'm assuming a stillsuit is equivalent to leather armour, please correct me if I'm wrong. Build: Ghir son of Dranor
Human slayer (bounty hunter) 3 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 53, 118) LN Medium humanoid (human) Init +3; Senses Perception +7 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +3 Dex, +1 shield) hp 26 (3d10+6) Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +3; +2 trait bonus vs. divinaton effects, +1 trait bonus vs. fire, +4 trait bonus vs. hot conditions -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee mwk dagger +8 (1d4+4/19-20) Special Attacks sneak attack +1d6, studied target +1 (1st, move action) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 18, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 14 Base Atk +3; CMB +7 (+9 dirty trick, +9 disarm, +9 reposition, +9 steal, +9 trip); CMD 20 (22 vs. dirty trick, 22 vs. disarm, 22 vs. reposition, 22 vs. steal, 22 vs. trip) Feats Combat Expertise, Deadly Aim, Deft Maneuvers, Endurance, Kitsune Style, Kitsune Tricks, Power Attack Traits carefully hidden, charming smile, cunning soul, desert child (desert), scarred descendant Skills Acrobatics +9, Bluff +9, Craft (leather) +5, Diplomacy +3, Disguise +8, Heal +7, Intimidate +9, Knowledge (geography) +7, Perception +7, Sense Motive +8, Stealth +9, Survival +7 (+8 to track favored enemies of your own subtype) Languages Common SQ dirty trick, finesse weapon attack attribute, track +1 Other Gear mwk leather armor, mwk buckler, mwk dagger -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Combat Expertise +/-1 Bonus to AC in exchange for an equal penalty to attack. Deadly Aim -1/+2 Trade a penalty to ranged attacks for a bonus to ranged damage. Deft Maneuvers You don't provoke attacks of opportunity when tripping. Dirty Trick (Ex) As a free act on sneak att vs. studied target, no extra dam but dirty trick at +1 per extra dice lost. Endurance +4 to a variety of fort saves, skill and ability checks. Sleep in L/M armor with no fatigue. Finesse Weapon Attack Attribute Finesse weapons use Strength on attack rolls. Kitsune Style Perform Dirty Trick at the end of a charge. Kitsune Tricks Kitsune Style can apply two different conditions in single dirty trick attempt. Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage. Sneak Attack +1d6 Attacks deal extra dam if flank foe or if foe is flat-footed. Studied Target +1 (move action, 1 at a time) (Ex) Study foe as a Move action, gain +1 to att/dam & some skills vs. them. Track +1 Add the listed bonus to Survival checks made to track. Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
Still working on my slayer, the extra information is very handy. If having two crysknives is particularly unusual, I won't go that route. Edit: Question, are bucklers or light shield a thing in dune? I read the first two books years ago, and I don't remember reading about non-technological shields.
I'm eyeing up a bounty hunter slayer. I think I can tie this back pretty well into dune lore too.
Ooo interesting concept. How do you feel about barbarians and rage powers? Are those too close to magic in your mind? A brawler might be on point however. I'm curious how you'll handle bene jesuits, I guess they're close to some sort of psion.
I've never even so much as touched a single piece of Dragonlance media . The original trilogy by Weiss and Hickman is well worth a read.
Wonder if we'll ever get A First Law Movie, then we can have whoever plays Logan muttering "Still Alive" as he crouches battered, bruised, covered in blood and surrounded by a ring of named men he'd just sent back to the mud.
I've been the before with low dice rolls, GM Ravenheart suggested there would be some kind of balancing for dice rolls so hopefully it won't matter too much if you rolled high or low.
I had some free time so I made a couple of tweaks to Adrith. Nothing major, I changed his traits and added some more detail to his story / appearance. In case it matters, please note he's a follower of Torm the True. Background:
Adrith was born in a tiny village in the foothills of the mountains on the eastern edge of The Vast. Aged 8 he was orphaned when ${CAMPAIGN_APPROPRIATE_ENEMY} raided his village, killing and enslaving as they saw fit. Adrith’s parents hid him in a wardrobe and he was stuck in there for a long time. The enemy went house by house, taking their time and it was well past dark when they finally arrived at his house. Curled up in a ball, Adrith had fallen asleep inside the wardrobe and he was awoken to the sounds of his parents' grizzly deaths. Through a crack he saw everything, and was deeply traumatized. Adrith quietly swore a sun oath and a moon oath to bring their attackers to justice. But what could a boy do? Nothing but bide his time.
With their houses burned and all the men gone, it was no longer safe to stay there so the handful of survivors were forced to make the long journey to Tantras to seek refuge. The way was arduous and filled with hunger and danger, but by some miracle most of them made it. Around this time the Temple of Torm’s Coming had become world famous, and the young Adrith was impressed by all the knights and paladins in shining armor and like a light switching on in his head he knew what he wanted to serve The Loyal Fury. The followers of Torm gave alms to the poor and spread Torm’s teaching. Adrith listened intently and helped out with menial tasks around the temple, cleaning and helping to prepare food for the poor and was soon accepted within the cloister to learn the way of Torm. Years passed and Adrith grew into a man, the church of Torm was his family and he rose through the ranks to join the Tormtar. On his twenty-first birthday, which coincidentally was the thirteenth anniversary of the raid that destroyed his village, he felt a calling. He was needed somewhere to the west. He sought spiritual advice from the clergy of Torm and they advised him to walk out into a blessed hill in the wilderness near Tantrass to fast and pray. His vigil lasted for three days and three nights and in the middle of a storm the most incredible horse appeared. Bread for war, this was a noble creature, bigger and smarter than other horses. Instinctively Adrith knew his name was Cloud and that duty called, so together they traveled west to where they were needed. Appearance and personality:
In his early twenties, Adrith cuts a dashing figure in full dusky blue, almost purple steel armor astride his faithful steed Cloud. Adrith is clean shaven with short flaxen hair, dark eyes and a square jaw with a ready smile, he grew up into the shining knight he always wanted to be.
He’s tall at over six foot with good muscle definition. His kit is simple but well cared for, with his weapons and armor typically buffed to a mirror shine - mostly to prevent rust but it looks great too. He has a simple cloak emblazoned with Torm’s gauntlet.
Flaw:
The trauma from Adrith’s childhood never really left him, and the loss of his parents is a raw festering wound. This has affected him in several different ways:
1. Normally Adrith has a cool head but on several occasions he’s encountered suspected minions of ${CAMPAIGN_APPROPRIATE_ENEMY} and harshly interrogated them in such a way he later felt that he’d sullied himself badly enough to seek atonement. 2. Adrith was never a particularly good sleeper and ever since the death of his parents his insomnia got far worse. Sometimes he manages some fitful sleep, but others he can’t sleep for days, dulling his senses leaving the world seem gray and oppressive. There are some unofficial rules for insomnia. 3. He is hopeless with anyone who might be romantically interested in him.
Crunch and notes: Sir Adrith Human paladin (oath of vengeance, shining knight) 5 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 117, Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic 60) LG Medium humanoid (human) Init +2; Senses Perception +10 Aura courage (10 ft.) -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20 (+10 armor, +1 Dex) hp 52 (5d10+15) Fort +11, Ref +8, Will +10; +1 trait bonus vs. illusion effects. Immune fear -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor) Melee +1 greatsword +8 (2d6+13/19-20) or . . mwk lance +8 (1d8+12/×3) or . . warhammer +7 (1d8+8/×3) Ranged +1 composite longbow +8 (1d8+5/×3) Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with masterwork lance) Special Attacks smite evil 2/day (+4 attack and AC, +5 damage) Paladin Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +9) . . At will—detect evil Paladin (Oath of Vengeance, Shining Knight) Spells Prepared (CL 2nd; concentration +6) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 18, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 18 Base Atk +5; CMB +7; CMD 21 Feats Combat Expertise, Deadly Aim, Hands Of Valor, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Ride-by Attack, Spirited Charge Traits athletic champion, hardly a fool, honest Skills Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Climb +5, Diplomacy +13 (+13 to influence friendly or helpful creatures), Handle Animal +12 (+16 to force this mount into an Unnatural Aura.), Heal +5, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Perception +10, Ride +10 (+14 to force this mount into an Unnatural Aura.), Sense Motive +6, Spellcraft +6 Languages Common, Elven SQ channel wrath, divine bond (mount), finesse weapon attack attribute, lay on hands 6/day (2d6), mercy (fatigued), skilled rider Other Gear +1 full plate, +1 composite longbow (+4 Str), +1 greatsword, mwk lance, warhammer, cloak of resistance +1, ring of resistance +1 -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Animal Companion Link (Ex) Handle or push Animal Companion faster, +4 to checks vs. them. Aura of Courage +4 (10 ft.) (Su) Allies in aura gain a morale bonus to saves vs. fear. Channel Wrath (Su) When an oathbound paladin reach 4th level, she can spend two uses of her lay on hands ability to gain an extra use of smite evil that day. This ability has no effect for a paladin who does not have the smite evil ability. This ability replaces
-------------------- Cloud CR –
Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
I ummed and ahhed about what to build and ended up going for the classic shining knight. Mechanically Oath of Vengeance and Shining Knight don’t normally stack due to both replacing aura of justice. My intention here is for Shining Knight to be the free archetype, which if I’ve understood correctly allows him to take Oath of Vengeance. I also partly did this because herolab is able to cope with this build without too much custom stuff, which is way more challenging with archetypes that replace a lot of things. Note I’ve not spent all his starting gold, and if selected I’ll buy him some camp gear. Long term I’d like Adrith to earn the nickname Foehammer, but he’s not there yet! Re-mounted combat, obviously for a M sized character this doesn’t work in dungeons. As long as encounters are in mixed environments I expect it’ll be fine for Cloud to wait outside when we are dungeoneering. Still if it’s going to be mostly dungeons I could rebuild him as a halfling riding a war dog, granted if I did that the visuals would change and I think he’d be more a virtuoso bravo instead. Long term I suspect Adrith’s story will tend towards tragedy with him sacrificing himself for the greater good. That’s very much on point for one of Torm’s followers.
GM I think perhaps a better flaw for Adrith is he often can't sleep, and hasn't been able to since a child. There's some rules for insomnia although I'm not sure where they came from and may need adjustment.
OK putting my hat in the ring with Sir Adrith who perhaps will one day be known as Adrith Foehammer. Background:
Adrith was born in a tiny village in the foothills of the mountains on the eastern edge of The Vast. Aged 8 he was orphaned when ${CAMPAIGN_APPROPRIATE_ENEMY} raided his village, killing and enslaving as they saw fit. Adrith’s parents hid him in a wardrobe, and he was forced to listen to their deaths as they tried to defend their home. Shaken by this, Adrith swore a sun and a moon oath to bring their attackers to justice. But what could a boy do? Nothing but bide his time.
With their houses burned and all the men gone, it was no longer safe to stay there so the handful of survivors were forced to make the long journey to Tantras to seek refuge. The way was arduous and filled with hunger and danger, but by some miracle most of them made it. Around this time the Temple of Torm’s Coming had become world famous, and the young Adrith was impressed by all the knights and paladins in shining armor and like a light switching on in his head he knew that was what he wanted to become. The followers of Torm gave alms to the poor and spread Torm’s teaching. Adrith listened intently and helped out with menial tasks around the temple, cleaning and helping to prepare food for the poor and was soon accepted within the cloister to learn the way of Torm. Years passed and Adrith grew into a man, the church of Torm was his family and he rose through the ranks to join the Tormtar. On his twenty-first birthday, which coincidentally was the thirteenth anniversary of the raid that destroyed his village, he felt a calling. He was needed somewhere to the west. He sought spiritual advice from the clergy of Torm and they advised him to walk out into a blessed hill in the wilderness near Tantrass to fast and pray. His vigil lasted for three days and three nights and in the middle of a storm the most incredible horse appeared. Bread for war, this was a noble creature, bigger and smarter than other horses. Instinctively Adrith knew his name was Cloud and that duty called, so together they traveled west to where they were needed. Appearance and personality:
In his early twenties, Adrith cuts a dashing figure in full blue steel armor astride his faithful steed Cloud. He grew up into the shining knight he always wanted to be.
Adrith is clean shaven with short flaxen hair, dark eyes and a ready smile. He’s tall at over six foot with good muscle definition. His kit is simple but well cared for, with his weapons and armor typically buffed to a mirror shine - all the better to prevent rust. Adrith
Flaw:
The trauma from Adrith’s childhood never really left him, and the loss of his parents is a raw festering wound. This has affected him in several different ways:
1. Normally Adrith has a cool head but on several occasions he’s encountered suspected minions of ${CAMPAIGN_APPROPRIATE_ENEMY} and harshly interrogated them in such a way he later felt that he’d sullied himself badly enough to seek atonement. 2. Adrith has a problem with alcohol, largely because he tends to repress his inner feelings to act in the way he feels is expected of him. He usually tries to abstain from alcohol, but that's not always possible and one drink has a way of turning into ten, or more. 3. He is hopeless with anyone who might be romantically interested in him.
Crunch and notes: Sir Adrith Human paladin (oath of vengeance, shining knight) 5 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 117, Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic 60) LG Medium humanoid (human) Init +2; Senses Perception +10 Aura courage (10 ft.) -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20 (+10 armor, +1 Dex) hp 52 (5d10+15) Fort +11, Ref +8, Will +10 Immune fear -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. (20 ft. in armor) Melee +1 greatsword +8 (2d6+13/19-20) or . . mwk lance +8 (1d8+12/×3) or . . warhammer +7 (1d8+8/×3) Ranged +1 composite longbow +8 (1d8+5/×3) Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with masterwork lance) Special Attacks smite evil 2/day (+4 attack and AC, +5 damage) Paladin Spell-Like Abilities (CL 5th; concentration +9) . . At will—detect evil Paladin (Oath of Vengeance, Shining Knight) Spells Prepared (CL 2nd; concentration +6) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 18, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 18 Base Atk +5; CMB +7; CMD 21 Feats Combat Expertise, Deadly Aim, Hands Of Valor, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Ride-by Attack, Spirited Charge Traits athletic champion, rider's bond Skills Acrobatics -3 (-7 to jump), Climb +5, Diplomacy +12, Handle Animal +12 (+16 to force this mount into an Unnatural Aura.), Heal +5, Knowledge (nobility) +10, Knowledge (religion) +10, Perception +10, Ride +10 (+14 to force this mount into an Unnatural Aura.), Sense Motive +5, Spellcraft +6 Languages Common, Elven SQ channel wrath, divine bond (mount), finesse weapon attack attribute, lay on hands 6/day (2d6), mercy (fatigued), skilled rider Other Gear +1 full plate, +1 composite longbow (+4 Str), +1 greatsword, mwk lance, warhammer, cloak of resistance +1, ring of resistance +1 -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Animal Companion Link (Ex) Handle or push Animal Companion faster, +4 to checks vs. them. Aura of Courage +4 (10 ft.) (Su) Allies in aura gain a morale bonus to saves vs. fear. Channel Wrath (Su) When an oathbound paladin reach 4th level, she can spend two uses of her lay on hands ability to gain an extra use of smite evil that day. This ability has no effect for a paladin who does not have the smite evil ability. This ability replaces
-------------------- Cloud CR –
Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
I ummed and ahhed about what to build and ended up going for the classic shining knight. Mechanically Oath of Vengeance and Shining Knight don’t normally stack due to both replacing aura of justice. My intention here is for Shining Knight to be the free archetype, which if I’ve understood correctly allows him to take Oath of Vengeance. I also partly did this because herolab is able to cope with this build without too much custom stuff, which is way more challenging with archetypes that replace a lot of things. Note I’ve not spent all his starting gold, and if selected I’ll buy him some camp gear. Long term I’d like Adrith to earn the nickname Foehammer, but he’s not there yet! Re-mounted combat, obviously for a M sized character this doesn’t work in dungeons. As long as encounters are in mixed environments I expect it’ll be fine for Cloud to wait outside when we are dungeoneering. Still if it’s going to be mostly dungeons I could rebuild him as a halfling riding a war dog, granted if I did that the visuals would change and I think he’d be more a virtuoso bravo instead.
Lets roll some HP.
Is that actually a thing? Sounds a bit extreme.
Good question TheWaskally, I was going to ask the same thing. The realms is large and there is quite some regional variation. I've got the seed of a character concept: A Dwarven Tortured Crusader Paladin, I've done the high charisma paladin a few times and this sounds like an interesting twist. He either lost his clan to some campaign fitting enemy and is immediately invested in the cause; or to a natural disaster and he's been. looking for a cause worth fighting for, perhaps even dying for. I'm away from my main computer (and herolab) at the moment so I'll concentrate on background for now.
Interesting! Lets see what the dice say.
I'm sure I can build something interesting with that.
Get your characters in by 2:30 pm MST. The deadline is today. I think if you're quick there's still time.
Here’s my submission, I ended up limiting myself to the listed sources. Background:
Hail and well met, I am Nimrodel. I may still be young, but I was born long ago even by the reckoning of Elves. It was the Year of the Lilly and it was a happy time for the citizens of the City of Song who had no inkling of the horror that would befall a little over a hundred and fifty years later.
My parents were the Battle mage Finarfin of the Akh'Faer and his consort Celebrían. Both fell in defense of the city in The year Of Doom although I would not learn of this until much much later. In fact my last memories of them are of the day I graduated into the upper school of Myth Drannor’s famed Incanistaeum. Father was so proud, he was certain I would follow in his steps as a battle mage to serve in the Akh'Faer. I suppose that could have happened, but evocation was never my strong suite. Mother was much more reserved, it was traditional for upper school students to be sequestered in study and it was unlikely we’d see each other for some time. I think somehow she knew that we would never meet again, for she hugged me close and didn’t want to let go even as the tears rolled down her cheek, much to my chagrin and the amusement of my peers. I was incredibly privileged to have learned at the feet of Pyraan the Grim and Peridar Snowbrows. Perhaps you’ve never heard of them, but I’m sure you’ve heard of some of their students, such as the future Blackstaff, Khelben Arunsun, and the were-tiger archmage Tulrun. I’m afraid I was far from their best student, although I did pick up a few things here and there. Unfortunately my studies were abruptly curtailed, my class was experimenting with the effects of spells on portals. Myth Drannor contained a great many of these, although almost all were closely guarded secrets. For my thesis I had the bright idea of testing what a slow spell would do to travel via portal. According to my theory, the greater the distance the greater the temporal shift. If you took a short hop of a hundred miles, it was a matter of adding a few minutes. If you went half half way across Faerun, the effect ought to be more pronounced perhaps up to half a day. I believe my calculations were correct, but I hadn’t accounted for the effects of wild magic. As fate would have it, just as I was stepping through the portal, Sakaala of the Seven Rings managed to overcharge an item she was creating and the resulting magical backlash created a resonance that amplified the effect beyond my wildest dreams. When the effects of the magical travel had worn off enough for me to take stock of my surroundings, I was surprised to find myself in a dank stone complex. I’d expected to enter the same small cave overlooking an insignificant fishing village on the sword coast I’d visited the day before. Several things stirred at my presence and I was chased through the upper part of what I now know is undermountain. I was very lucky, I ended up close to the entrance to the Yearning Portal Inn where I was rescued by a group of adventurers known as The Band of the Unicorn. I was shocked to find a city had seemingly sprouted overnight, and even more shocked to learn it was The Year of the Prince and that nearly a thousand years had passed! Description:
If somebody was to look at me, they'd see a tall elfin thin figure wrapped in a midnight blue cloak with a deep hood, wearing a well made leather pack, out of which if they looked closely they might notice the bulge of a crossbow. If I was to take my hood off, they'd notice my plaited auburn hair, the faint bluish tinge of my skin and the curve of my ears marking me as Teu-tel-quessir. If I allowed them to get any closer they might notice the emerald green of my eyes and the freckles on my cheeks. Build: Nimrodel
Female elf diviner (foresight[APG]) 5 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 145) NG Medium humanoid (elf) Init +11; Senses low-light vision; Perception +12 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 10 (+3 Dex) hp 28 (5d6+10) Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +6; +2 vs. enchantments Immune sleep -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee mwk dagger +3 (1d4/19-20) Ranged mwk light crossbow +4 (1d8/19-20) Diviner Spells Prepared (CL 5th; concentration +11) . . 3rd—clairaudience/clairvoyance, fly, haste . . 2nd—glitterdust (DC 18), invisibility, pyrotechnics (DC 19), see invisibility, stone call[APG] . . 1st—comprehend languages, enlarge person (DC 18), grease, mage armor, obscuring mist, silent image (DC 17) . . 0 (at will)—detect magic, light, prestidigitation, read magic . . Opposition Schools Enchantment, Necromancy -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 22, Wis 12, Cha 10 Base Atk +2; CMB +2; CMD 15 Feats Heighten Spell, Improved Initiative, Preferred Spell (slow)[APG], Scribe Scroll, Spell Focus (transmutation) Traits eyes and ears of the city, warrior of old Skills Craft (alchemy) +15, Fly +11, Knowledge (arcana) +14, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +14, Knowledge (history) +14, Knowledge (local) +14, Knowledge (nature) +14, Knowledge (planes) +14, Perception +12, Spellcraft +14 (+16 to identify magic item properties); Racial Modifiers +2 Perception, +2 Spellcraft to identify magic item properties Languages Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Elven, Gnoll, Goblin, Orc SQ arcane bond (ring), arcane focus[ARG], elven magic, forewarned, prescience (9/day) Combat Gear tanglefoot bag (10); Other Gear mwk dagger, mwk light crossbow, arcane bond ring, cloak of resistance +1, handy haversack, headband of vast intelligence +2, bedroll, flint and steel, ink, inkpen, main spellbook, portable alchemist's lab[APG], pot, soap, spell component pouch, trail rations (5), waterskin -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Arcane Focus +2 to concentration checks to cast arcane spells defensively. Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to magic sleep effects. Elven Magic +2 to spellcraft checks to determine the properties of a magic item. Enchantment You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Enchantment school. Foresight Associated School: Divination Forewarned 2 (Su) Can always act in surprise rounds. Heighten Spell Increases spell level to effective level desired. Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in dim light, distinguishing color and detail. Necromancy You must spend 2 slots to cast spells from the Necromancy school. Preferred Spell (Slow) The chosen spell may be cast spontaneously, and metamagic can be added to the spell without increasing its casting time. Prescience (9/day) (Su) Roll a d20 at the beginning of the round, and use that result as the result of any other d20 roll before the next turn. Spell Focus (Transmutation) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC. Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
Spellbook: 1: Comprehend Languages, Enlarge Person (DC 18), Grease, Mage Armor, Silent Image (DC 17)
I'm toying with the idea of a time mage - or at least a mage fascinated with temporal effects (slow, haste, that sort of thing). I noticed the chronomancer archetype. @Eltonj what do you think about that one, it's not in the list of sources from your first post.
Well considering this is Myth Drannor I'm thinking of a moon-elf wizard or sorcerer who naturally studied at the Incanistaeum. Of course how they ended up being sent back the best part of a thousand years later by Elminster is hopefully going to make for an interesting backstory. I don't play full casters very often so for me it'll be a change. A question for EltonJ, are you intending this as more of an intrigue or a smash the doors in kind of game? I'm guessing intrigue, but wanted to check!
Mmmm very interesting.
It's a good problem to have, doesn't make it easy though!
@Dorien I want to love puppet master Magus, but outside of some cheese tactics I'm not really sure it's mechanically sound :( I'm really curious what you had in mind.
An excerpt from Everett Radfcliff’s diary:
On the surface Westcrown is a law abiding place, but I’ve learned appearances can be deceiving… My father Paul Radfcliff is an art dealer of minor prominence in these parts and through him and his business partners I’ve heard countless stories of valuable cargoes that just vanished in the night, including many priceless works of art. My father’s life was turned upside down by one such audacious theft. Even art galleries of the rich and famous are not immune, although nobody will ever admit it openly. As a devotee of Shelyn The Eternal Rose, I feel it is my duty to investigate, even if those who look into such matters tend to disappear as though they never existed. The truth must come out, the art and citizens must be protected! Besides what if the most tantalizing whispers are true and the Council of Thieves somehow survived the purges? What if it is they who in truth rule from the shadows? That would be a story for the ages!
Everett’s biography:
Borne in Westcrown a little over twenty years ago during a solar eclipse, Everett is only child from a long family of artists and art dealers. Most of Everett’s formative years were spent in Almas, his parents having fled Westcrown after a major art deal went sour with the merchandise stolen. Everett’s tutors in Almas described him as a serious yet warm hearted young man, with a flair for painting and fencing who made friends easily. So it came as no surprise when he answered Shelyn’s call. Three years ago, Everett reluctantly followed his family back to Westcrown, his father had worked hard to repay the debts and deemed it safe enough. Besides the family wanted to care for his grandparents in their twilight years. Having grown up with the freedom of Andoran, moving to infernal Cheliax was quite the challenge for Everett. It took years but eventually he made peace with the realization that there was nothing he could do about House Thrune without getting a great many people killed. Moreover he came to realize his calling was elsewhere, the ordinary folk of Westcrown suffered and he was in a position to do something about it! Something about his new found determination rubbed off on him, and there were whispers that he was destined for greatness. Description:
Everett is just shy of six foot and reckoned by many to be handsome with a shock of auburn hair, chocolate brown eyes and a ready smile. Unlike many of his peers at the fencing academy, Everett has a wiry build and he moves with the grace of a dancer. A keen painter, Everett is often seen sketching in a folio as he seeks inspiration for his next canvas. Build:
Everett
Human paladin (virtuous bravo) 1 (Pathfinder Player Companion: Heroes of the High Court 12) LG Medium humanoid (human) Init +4; Senses Perception +5 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 15 (+4 armor, +4 Dex, +1 shield) hp 12 (1d10+2) Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +2 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee rapier +6 (1d6+4/18-20) Special Attacks smite evil 1/day (+3 attack, +0 AC, +1 damage) Paladin Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +4) . . At will—detect evil -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16 Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 15 Feats Fencing Grace[UI], Weapon Focus (rapier) Traits conspiracy hunter, omen Skills Craft (painting) +2, Diplomacy +7, Intimidate +8, Knowledge (nobility) +4, Knowledge (religion) +4, Perception +5 Languages Common SQ bravo's finesse Other Gear chain shirt, buckler, rapier -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Bravo's Finesse (Ex) Use Dex for att with light/1-hand pierce wep. Use Cha instead of Int for combat feat pre-reqs. Detect Evil (At will) (Sp) You can use detect evil at will (as the spell). Fencing Grace Use Dexterity on rapier damage rolls Smite Evil (1/day) (Su) +3 to hit, +1 to damage, +0 deflection bonus to AC when used. Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
Dot. The doomed mission gives me an idea for a character. Will try and get something written up soon.
Clearly this campaign needs a BFG9000. Could be a mcguffin! What about quad damage power up? Oh and IDDQD...
For your consideration, hopefully I've got the build rules right. For now this is built with Spellsong. Clarissa Amadeus:
Blindfolded and branded, I was dragged into the depths of Branderscar prison and unceremoniously thrown into a cell with the judge’s sentence still ringing in my ears. He’d been wearing one of those silly wigs and I could't stop giggling and got cuffed for my pleasure. I remember him looking down at me the way you’d look at something unpleasant you’d stepped in. He was beside himself with anger as he thundered, ”Clarissa Amadeus you have been found GUILTY of HIGH TREASON! You shall be taken from this place, to another place where you will be held. From there you will be taken to the place of execution where you shall be HUNG, DRAWN AND QUARTERED! May Mitra have mercy on your soul, although we both know that’s unlikely!”
I lay there bleeding on the cold stone floor unable to move because everything hurt, when a voice piped up from the next cell, ”Wow they seemed really upset, what the hell did you do?!” I groaned and forced myself up to a sitting position and through gritted teeth I replied, ”I made a Paladin of Mitra fall…” I coughed up some blood before adding, ”...down the stairs, he broke his neck! I thought he was a nobody, turns out he was Adam Markson, the king’s cousin.” Of course I wasn’t about to share why, I’d done such a thing. I could scarcely believe it myself, it was amazing how far a girl would go for vengeance! The Amadeus family had once been wealthy and respected, a line of barristers going back generations. We had a terrible secret however, devil worship. I’ll probably never know how the Mitran Paladins found out, but my nightmares are haunted by the screams of my aunts and uncles as they smote them down in their righteous anger. Mother hid me under the bed as she and father waited for the inevitable. They refused to say where the last of the relics was hidden and so like the rest of the household they were put to the sword. A single faithful retainer, Darius Smythe had escaped the slaughter and when the Mitran’s had gone, he took me away. That evening in the safe house I swore an oath, in Asmodeus’s name that I Clarissa Amadeus would have vengeance. Darius warned me to be patient, to bide my time. Years passed and I grew stronger and with the last of my family's hidden wealth I trained with the single minded goal to make Paladins Fall. Eventually I felt ready, of course I couldn’t start with a high templar, I needed a nobody. I thought I’d found one too, I researched his habits, how he liked to pray at a particular church on the hill. It was a small matter to sneak in behind him and spread marbles upon the steep stairs that lead up to the private chapel. Then all I had to do was get him angry, I mocked his faith and invoke Asmodeus’s name in Mitra’s church and then I ran! He surged after me only to slip on the marbles before falling down the stairs in a heap. I’d have gotten away with it too if he’d been nobody. But he wasn’t just some schmuck, they turned the whole town upside down searching for me and now I’m royally f***ed!
Appearance and personality:
Tall, slim with raven hair, Clarissa looks stunning and she knows it, a real femme fatale. She’s utterly ruthless and enjoys mocking her enemies, subtly undermining them before moving in for the kill where she tries to dominate them. She’s no fan of the king but her real beef is with the church of Mitra which she hates with an unhealthy passion.
Build:
Clarissa Amadeus Female human bard (court bard) 2 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player's Guide 81) LE Medium humanoid (human) Init +0; Senses Perception +4 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10 hp 15 (2d8+2) Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +3; +4 vs. bardic performance, language-dependent, and sonic -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Special Attacks bardic performance 11 rounds/day (countersong, distraction, fascinate [DC 16], satire -1) Bard (Court Bard) Spells Known (CL 2nd; concentration +7) . . 1st (4/day)—beguiling gift[APG] (DC 17), charm person (DC 17), expeditious retreat . . 0 (at will)—dancing lights, detect magic, mage hand, prestidigitation -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 16, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 17, Wis 8, Cha 20 Base Atk +1; CMB +4; CMD 14 Feats Spell Focus (enchantment), Spellsong[UM] Traits high treason, savant Skills Craft (alchemy) +8, Diplomacy +11, Disguise +10, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (history) +9, Knowledge (local) +9, Knowledge (nobility) +9, Knowledge (religion) +7, Linguistics +7, Perception +4, Perform (comedy) +12, Perform (dance) +10, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +8 Languages Celestial, Common, Elven, Halfling, Infernal SQ heraldic expertise +1, versatile performance (comedy) -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Bardic Performance (standard action, 11 rounds/day) Your performances can create magical effects. Heraldic Expertise +1 (1/day) (Ex) You add half your bard level to Diplomacy, Knowledge (history), Knowledge (local), and Knowledge (nobility) checks. Spell Focus (Enchantment) Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC. Spellsong Combine spellcasting and bardic performance Versatile Performance (Comedy) +12 (Ex) You may substitute the final value of your Perform: Comedy skill for Bluff or Intimidate checks Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
I’ve not given her any gear since it sounds like we don’t start with any. I hope she can find a longspear and a portable alchemy lab. Party role: Clarissa is something of a spy, the kind that walks in plain sight as if she belongs there, with the social skills to pull it off. In combat she’s into debuffing and control via trickery. Bards don’t get a whole load of spells so she’ll have to choose wisely, too bad that’s not her strong suit!
Heh always the worst part this, still chances are most of us have not been chosen. The only way to be sure of a spot is to run your own game.
So I've had the idea for a while of building a court bard who specialises in some of the more darkly amusing bard spells and masterworks. Beguiling gift, unnatural lust, dance of the kindled desires, that kind of thing. Perfect abilities for a very naughty girl whose goal in life is to make paladins fall. The RP potential for the satire ability is top notch and mechanically it means you can (mostly) keep spell DCs relevant. I tried this in a Hell's Vengeance game but sadly that didn't get very far. I'm planning to rebuild for way of the wicked including a new background. A question for the GM, how do you feel about the Antagonize feat? Post errata it's no longer stupidly ridiculous but it's still strong. No worries if that's something you'd rather not have in your game, I'd probably take spellsong instead.
Focus & Foible:
Do we still apply racial ability scores on top of this? I notice some 20's in current characters so I'm assuming we do.
So I have the kernel of an idea for a background: "Wow they were rough, what did you do?!" Groaning and unable to lift myself off the floor, for everything hurt, I muttered a reply, "I made a Paladin fall... Down the stairs, he broke his neck." I'm thinking about going for the high treason trait (go big or go home!) but I need a suitable victim. Can I invent a House of Darius retainer or perhaps a second cousin for the victim?
So what's the party right now? Barbarian, Scarred Witch Doctor, Oracle/Kinetecist, Sorcerer (necromancer)? Feels like the party needs support or a divine caster.
Are you all busy or is this not working out for you? :)
Ha and now there's four Marshall submissions, I guess that's just the way it goes. WoTR + Gestalt was always going to be popular. I'm surprised Guardian submissions outnumber archimage ones though.
I'll throw my hat in the ring with a Marshall. Inspiration for Brooke include Zorro and the idea of a lightly armed whirling dervish, to whom combat is a graceful but deadly dance. Brooke:
They called me Brooke because I was found as a toddler beside a babbling brook eating berries. I was found on the edge of the Easter Shudderwood by a group of crusaders on patrol from Fort Clearwater. The story goes that at first they thought they were dealing with a boar, snuffling in the undergrowth. Spears were called for and they cautiously approached, ready for a fight. To their great surprise they found me, all by my own, contentedly eating berries. They tried to ask if I was lost and where my parents were, but I stared at them with mute wonder. I didn’t speak a word, nor did I for many years.
The patrol was formed of fierce desert warriors, most of them Dawnflower Cultists, led by Sylvia and Byron D’Ete hailing from far away Qadria. With no obvious parents, wild animals abroad and rumors of demons in the area, there was no way they were going to leave a defenseless child to fend for herself in the wild. They raised me as if I was their own and in every way except for birth that was true. For the next decade or more, they were my world. They taught me of the Dawnflower, and filled my head with stories of the crusades of shining knights setting forth to battle evil. My mother taught me how to dance, and when I was old enough to hold a blade my father taught me how to dance. In homage to The Dawnflower I learned how to combine the two, much to my adopted parent’s delight. We traveled around constantly as stray demons were hunted down. I was never allowed to go near the battles, but the camp followers were an interesting and eclectic lot. From a greybeard Taldan magister, called Maximus, I learned the rudiments of history and magic and of creatures that stalk the planes. I’m not sure I could pinpoint the exact time when I first felt The Dawnflower’s call, rather I think it had been a gradual thing as I matured. I felt more and more it was time for my generation to take over the reins. My parents, bless them, are getting too old to fight. Father’s sight is going and mother has rheumatic pains. They’ve been talking about returning to Qadria and I think perhaps this winter or the next will see them traveling south. I however have decided to remain, with their blessing I’ve traveled to Kenebres to volunteer. I don’t know what I shall find there, but I know that I am called, besides I have my mothers old healing wand and my father’s sword and armor so I’m sure I’ll be fine. Description and personality:
Brooke is young, of medium height with short brown hair and dark chocolate brown eyes. She walks with a grace that turns heads, and speaks from the heart. An honest and well intentioned person, to her friends Brooke is generous to a fault, often giving away her rations to others who need it more. To strangers she can be reserved or gregarious as the situation calls. To enemies, particularly those of a demonic nature, she is a terrifying whirling dervish, although should even the basest of creatures genuinely wish to repent, she would be the first to help.
Build: Note I’ve taken Dual Talent alternative racial feature to get +2 to dex & cha.
Brooke
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One thing you didn't mention GM is if VMC is allowed. Anyway have fun, this is a great AP - although folks need to know after book 2 there's a lot of travel.
So I've been wanting want to make a lightly armoured fencer who treats combat as a (deadly) dance for a while. Possibly virtuous bravo paladin + something flavourful (perhaps dervish of dawn bard for battle dance). Could also build this with daring champion cavalier + X. Anyway before I get too excited do we know which class the GM's friend wants to play? If it's a front liner I've got a cleric idea I've been working on for WoTR too.
Spoiler:
16 14 12 14 17 11 9 Woah that's got to be north of 25 points. Hmm. Oracle could be fitting given the background, although I'm thinking more on the lines of a fencer.
The best thing about war priests is the self buffs, so IMO it's not worth delaying spell casting. If you want more skills, you can get four per level with 8 int by using the FCB for skills and taking the cunning feat. Is that worth it? Maybe. If you didn't do that you could instead use your FCB for 1/5 combat feat, and be a feat up which is what I did on Daseem. Really though it sounds to me like in your heart you want to play the warpriest but your head is saying you should play something with trapfinding. I'd personally go with your heart when it comes to a recruitment thread, you've gotta want to play the class for the long haul.
Now I look at my submission in the morning I'd probably change Torrins archetype to Undead Scourge if selected. I'd forgotten there was two anti undead archetypes.
Oh, I hadn't realized Jereru was going for something similar-ish (a divine martial with Lawbringer). At least Torrin is firmly melee orientated rather than ranged. I also seem to have written a small novella (sorry about the length). An excerpt from Torrin’s personal journal, dated several years ago:
I have made peace with the fact I shall never know who my parents are. I was too young to remember it but I was found on the edge of the Northern Fangwood by a group of crusaders on patrol from Vgil. The story goes that at first they thought they were dealing with a boar, snuffling in the undergrowth. Spears were called for and they cautiously approached, ready for a fight. To their great surprise they found me, all by my own, contentedly eating berries. They tried to ask if I was lost and where my parents were, but I stared at them with mute wonder. I didn’t speak a word, nor did I for many years, I was never the fastest thinker but I always got there in the end. The leader of the patrol was Second Sword Obadiah Jenkins, an older devout follower of Iomedae. Obadiah was a man of unyielding principle yet at the same time he was incredibly patient and generous of spirit. He took my appearance as a sign of Iomadae’s favor and took me under his wing. I couldn’t say if The Inheritor’s hand was truly at play that day, but I seemed to plug a hole that was missing in Obadiah’s heart. Years before he’d had a family of his own, but they like many others had been torn to shreds and eaten by a nest of ghouls. He raised me as if I was his own son and in every way except for birth that was true. At his feet I learned of Iomedae and of the other gods and of the crusades. He taught me about honor and virtue, and of how the hard way is often the right way. He taught me to fence and that doing the right thing is its own reward. For the next decade or more, he was my world. By this stage the now First Sword Obadiah Jenkins was getting rather old, he didn’t have the speed or the stamina that he once had. Yet he took each day as a blessing, and never once complained despite the rheumatic pain in his joints I shall never forget the last time I saw him. I had just sworn my vows and been accepted into Iomedae’s service. He swelled up as if to bust with pride and there were tears in his eyes. I asked him what was wrong and he laughed, saying ‘Torrin nothing’s wrong, nothing at all! Enjoy your first patrol, remember what I’ve taught you. I know you’ll make us proud, Iomadae be with you.’ I saluted and set off with my comrades up the Path and then Kestrel River keeping our eyes out for bandits or people in need. Upon my return to Vigil I was told the garrison commander, a paladin by the name of Roger Stern, wanted to see me. I must confess to being a little overawed by commander Stern, perhaps even a little frightened. I hadn’t spoken to the man in years and the last time had been a disciplinary action over a minor teenage indiscretion (I’d taken too much of a liking to the communion wine. Believe me I learnt my lesson!) I marched into his office wondering what I’d done wrong. He’d been speaking for several minutes before I realized that I hadn’t done anything, it was about Obadiah my Dad. A day’s hard raid away near Castle Firrine there was a village. Normally an idyllic place, late one evening a drifter hammered at the door of the only inn, seeking refuge from a storm. Naturally the Innkeep took him in and paid for his charity with his and everyone else in the Inn’s life, for the drifter was a vampire. Survivors had run to Castle Firrine where Obadiah was posted. He along with a dozen volunteers rushed to the village, knowing that a vampire was likely beyond them, yet going anyway in the hopes of rescuing the rest of the village. What ensued was a battle that stretched through the night, a game of cat and mouse where the vampire picked them off one by one. The only thing that saved them in the end was the dawn, which found the vampire cornered in the basement of burnt out remains of a church dedicated to Sarenrae. This respite gave the surviving villagers a chance to escape, but the crusaders knew that come the night the tables would be turned. Something had to be done, and Obadiah and two others volunteered to charge the vampire and drag it out into the light. That’s what they did although none of them lived to tell the tale. I was stunned to hear this, it was as if my world had turned upside down. I remember Commander Stern’s words, he said ‘Son. I have an inkling of what you may be feeling. I too have lost loved ones in battle, it is natural to rail at the world but in the end it does no good. This is a test of faith, the first I fear of many you may face. Know this, Obadiah died honorably, his sacrifice saved the lives of many. His soul will be cherished forever by The Inheritor.’ He then handed me Obadiah’s sword, saying ‘He would have wanted you to have this, sadly his armor could not be saved’. Torrin’s personal journal, dated six weeks before the campaign start:
So this is Rosslar’s Coffer, let's hope there’s no Orcs ruin our stay. The town’s not exactly big, but I can’t complain, the barracks are dry. Besides we’re needed, the border won’t patrol itself. I’m sure his place will seem like home in no time, besides there’s some crusader shrines I’d like to visit next time I get a day off. Iomedae’s Paladin Code:
The paladins of Iomedae are just and strong, crusaders who live for the joy of righteous battle. Their mission is to right wrongs and eliminate evil at its root. They serve as examples to others, and their code demands they protect the weak and innocent by eliminating sources of oppression, rather than merely the symptoms. They may back down or withdraw from a fight if they are overmatched, but if their lives will buy time for others to escape, they must give them. Their tenets include the following affirmations. *I will learn the weight of my sword. Without my heart to guide it, it is worthless—my strength is not in my sword, but in my heart. If I lose my sword, I have lost a tool. If I betray my heart, I have died. *I will have faith in the Inheritor. I will channel her strength through my body. I will shine in her legion, and I will not tarnish her glory through base actions. *I am the first into battle, and the last to leave it. *I will not be taken prisoner by my free will. I will not surrender those under my command. *I will never abandon a companion, though I will honor sacrifice freely given. *I will guard the honor of my fellows, both in thought and deed, and I will have faith in them. *When in doubt, I may force my enemies to surrender, but I am responsible for their lives. *I will never refuse a challenge from an equal. I will give honor to worthy enemies, and contempt to the rest. *I will suffer death before dishonor. *I will be temperate in my actions and moderate in my behavior. I will strive to emulate Iomedae’s perfection. Description and personality:
At six foot tall, with short dark hair, Torrin is the spitting image of a paladin. He has a serious yet humble demeanor and a body seemingly chiseled out of rock. He endeavors to always keep his armor and sword in immaculate condition and he proudly wears the insignia of The Inheritor.
His father’s sacrifice deeply affected him, and often there’s a hint of sadness in his eyes. Determined to make a difference, and live up to Obediah’s example, Torrin puts his all into everything he does.
Build:
Notes: FCB = +1 skill point. Human floating +2 to STR. I have yet to spend all the starting gold, I should note the [url=https://www.aonprd.com/TraitDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Chosen%20of%20Iomedae]Chosen of Iomedae trait grants a masterwork longsword. Torrin
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Future build direction: This really depends on what the rest of the party is like. If we lack healing then perhaps it makes sense to go down the oradin path, potentially picking up ultimate mercy (plus a bunch of status removal mercies too). Otherwise there's staples like step up, lunge, etc... Power attack is a good level 3 or 5 feat.
GM is VMC allowed?
Fantastic another table, I've got a paladin in mind for this :)
Oh that's nifty, thanks!
Entirely sensible GM, I wouldn't want to run multiple tables either. I also feel bad about disappointing people when I recruit for games, but it's just the way it is and everyone knows that when they apply. Personally I enjoy writing backgrounds even if my character doesn't get selected.
Audra Firtina:
My name is Audra Firtina which means storm in two languages. They say I was born out of wedlock in the middle of the worst storm in fifty years to batter Ilizmagorti, a wretched hive of scum and villainy. Certainly my early life was tempestuous, growing up in the long shadow of the Red Mantis taught me many unpleasant lessons. My family was somewhat unconventional… Mother, bless her rotten avaricious heart, was an honest to goodness pirate. My father, well we never really knew who he was. Oh we know who he claimed to be, but there's no such thing as a 'humble wine merchant' on Mediogalti Island.
What I do know is the long weeks and months when he was away was like the calm before the storm. Despite being a pirate of some renown, she was scared of him. I remember the fighting, the cursing and screaming, vases thrown while I hid in the closet. In the end she always backed down, despite what it cost her. When he was gone she’d hug me close and whisper, ‘Don’t be like him… You were marked for greater things than the Honeyed Gardens of the Sivlamlik’. At the time I had no idea of what she spoke, and now that I do it sends a shiver down my spine. I’m glad to be well away. When I was fifteen we waited till Father had been gone for a week before I signed onto the Bloodsoaked Lion as a swab. It was far from glamorous but it was far from father and life aboard had its charms. It was the sea I loved mostly, especially when the wind was howling! There's nothing quite like witnessing the raw majesty of nature to put things in perspective. It was there in the middle of a storm no less, that I felt the first stirrings of Gozreh's calling. There's just something about the majesty of sky and sea that makes my soul ache with fierce joy. I'm not alone in that regard, the faith of She Who Guides The Wind And The Waves is welcome aboard most every ship. Still perhaps I like the storms a bit too much, longing for them and laughing like a loon when they came didn’t exactly endear me with the Bloodsoaked Lion’s mate. I was summoned to see him and he said, ‘Audra. Audra, Audra, Audra what are we going to do with you?! You didn’t fall from the rigging, you know your knot work, and how to set a sail. What’s more your cooking is almost passable but that cackling in last night’s storm and the one the week before, that just won’t do. Tomorrow we berth in Port Peril, tomorrow evening we sail without you. Go to the bursar and collect your pay and gather your things.’ Well what do you say to that? Giving me a full season’s pay probably wasn't the best of ideas. Naturally I spent the next week crawling from disreputable tavern to disreputable tavern until I found myself in the Formidably Maid. Worst grog I ever tasted there, I must have had a skinful and then some for I awoke with a marching band in my skull in an unfamiliar room. The only thing I knew for sure was I was at sea with a tempest brewing in my head. Suddenly I realized what had happened, press ganged, now that just wouldn't do! This captain has sown the wind and I aim to make damn sure he'll reap the whirlwind! Build:
Audra Firtina Female human druid 1 (Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic 40) NG Medium humanoid (human) Init +8; Senses Perception +8 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+3 armor, +2 Dex, +1 shield) hp 10 (1d8+2) Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +6 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee quarterstaff +2 (1d6+3) Domain Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +5) . . 7/day—storm burst (1d6 nonlethal) Druid Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +5) . . 1st—hydraulic push[APG], obscuring mist[D], shillelagh (DC 15) . . 0 (at will)—detect magic, enhanced diplomacy, light . . D Domain spell; Domain Weather (Storms domain[APG] subdomain) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 18, Cha 10 Base Atk +0; CMB +2; CMD 14 Feats Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Profession [sailor]) Traits ilizmagorti native, reactionary, strong swimmer Skills Climb +4, Heal +10, Knowledge (nature) +6, Perception +8, Profession (cook) +8, Profession (sailor) +11, Sense Motive +9, Survival +6, Swim +7 Languages Aquan, Common, Druidic SQ finesse weapon attack attribute, nature bond (Storms domain[APG]), nature sense, wild empathy +1 Combat Gear healer's kit; Other Gear wooden armor[APG], light wooden shield, quarterstaff, backpack, blanket[APG], canteen[UE], holly and mistletoe, soap, spell component pouch -------------------- Tracked Resources -------------------- Healer's kit - 0/10 Storm Burst 1d6 nonlethal (7/day) (Sp) - 0/7 -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Druid Domain (Storms) Finesse Weapon Attack Attribute Finesse weapons use on attack rolls. Nature Sense (Ex) A druid gains a +2 bonus on Knowledge (nature) and Survival checks. Storm Burst 1d6 nonlethal (7/day) (Sp) As a standard action, ranged touch attack deals 1d6+0 nonlethal dam to foe in 30 ft. & inflicts a -2 to att for 1 rd. Wild Empathy +1 (Ex) Improve the attitude of an animal, as if using Diplomacy. Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at https://www.wolflair.com
Description:
Audra is a fiery redhead, with sea green eyes and a wicked smile. Her build is slim and wiry, she used to sport a fine scimitar but that got lost and now she carries a simple quarterstaff. She favours wooden armor and a shield, while not the best in a scrap at least it won’t carry her down to Davy Jones' locker should the need to swim arise. I went for Ilizmagorti Native here since I have some previous experience on these boards with that location. I was toying with Ship's Surgeon and the healing hands feat, it would have been easy to fit in mechanically but I decided it didn't really fit her background. |