What about summoners who hate their eidolons?
Also, WOOOO! HUMANS! Amirite? :D *holds up hand for high-five; looks around expectantly; smile fades a little*
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I imagine cannibalism would qualify as murder. Just, special murder. The kind that brings you to special hell. The kind they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater? (Also, I too am a shambling human mess. High five.)
I'm in so many games already, but I was in a brief WotW campaign once, and would love a chance to play this character again. Jasper is an ambitious summoner with a somewhat complicated relationship with his eidolon. Simply put - they don't get along. The eidolon is more powerful than the summoner, and despises the fact that the summoner can only summon a mere frail aspect of its true form; while the summoner knows he needs the eidolon in order to be successful - and he resents that. They quip and jab at each other, and sometimes the eidolon will flat-out refuse the orders its 'master' gives. Oh, and the eidolon has said that it only works with the summoner out of curiosity, because immortality is boring, and that as soon as the summoner ceases to interest it, it'll kill him. So there's that. The statblock and a backstory/personality/appearance is in the profile. I'll post later with the other information you've requested. In the meantime, any thoughts or questions?
I know you're leery of summoners, but since my character has no archetypes, I'll throw my hat in the ring. Jasper is from a WotW campaign that fizzled in the early stages. He's currently 2nd level, but I think the point buy is right. He's greedy, sharp of tongue and mind, and a skilled extortionist. He was convicted of fraud and consorting with dark powers - both due to his use of his eidolon, Jax. His nemesis would be easy - Nheran, the archmage who struck him down and sent him to the guards. While Nheran has probably forgotten the incident, Jasper would like nothing more than to ruin the man who ruined his life. The part I most enjoyed about this character was playing a summoner and eidolon who didn't actually get along so well. It was more a grudging respect than anything else - the summoner knows he's virtually powerless without the eidolon, and the eidolon keeps the summoner around only for amusement. "Good work today Wesley, sleep well, I'll most likely kill you in the morning!"
I've got a backstory in the profile. Let me know if it's satisfactory.
Nope, no synthesist. Too fond of the spiteful banter between the pair. ;-)
Dotting with this character. He was made for another Way of the Wicked campaign that fizzled out shortly after reaching second level. I know a lot of people are leery of summoners, but I didn't see any restrictions on them, so here we go. I enjoyed playing up the relationship between summoner and eidolon - the summoner is used to having minions, and treating the eidolon as such, but the eidolon is far older and more powerful than he is, limiting its power to what his feeble mortal mind can handle - until such time as he grows bored and kills the summoner, of course. I mean, immortality gets boring, and these humans can be so interesting...
That's no good. Hope you're taking care of yourself.
GM/Morlos: "So it would seem," Jasper mutters, eyes narrowing at Trik's retreating back. From next to his legs, Jax shrugs, offering, "I rather liked the fellow." Ignoring the statement, Jasper looks to the tiefling. "Well. Shall we head back, and see how the runt's progressing on the puzzle-box?"
GM/Morlos: Jasper's jaw tightens further, as if a screw is being wound in it. "Yes, he's a real barrel of laughs," he says coldly, shooting a glare at the unfazed eidolon. "I assume he's the sensible one, then?" he asks Trik, nodding at Trak's retreating back.
GM/Morlos: "Layers upon layers and plans within plans. How very Asmodean," Jasper muses, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. He releases his grip on Trik's hand, watching with one raised eyebrow as the other man crouches and shakes paws with Jax. "I'm not entirely sure what he is, myself," he begins, but Jax interrupts before he can say another word.
Jasper blinks in confusion as Jax stalks down the stairs to rejoin him, as if knowing it was welcome back. The eidolon looks... different, somehow, and it takes Jasper a moment to realize how. His eyes finally settle on the outsider's forepaws, which now sport a pair of wickedly curved claws. "When did that happen?" he asks in amazement, brow furrowing at the creature's chuckled response. "When you weren't looking." GM/Morlos: After a few minutes of wandering with Morlos, invisibly fuming at his eidolon's flippant attitude, the sight of Trik and Trak is a welcome distraction. He shakes Trik's hand, gripping it firmly, already beginning the subtle power play of the handshake. "Jasper Vraxis," he says by way of introduction, before inclining his head to his companions. "This is Jaxterin, and Morlos. Now, for curiosity's sake, what do you mean by 'more'?" He raises one eyebrow at the pair of identical men.
On it! I'm assuming my evolution choices are a-ok, then?
Jasper
Jax
* This gives Jax three natural attacks: bite +4 (1d6+3), 2 claws +4 (1d4+2). I remember the limitation that I could play a summoner as long as I didn't overpower it - if this puts Jax into that category, let me know and I'll swap out the evolution, probably for improved damage (bite).
No worries! I've just played with a few GMs who like to impose such restrictions, and wanted to check. I'll level now, and put a rundown here when I'm done. And a question for the party - I'm considering picking up infernal healing as my new 1st-level spell. Does anyone have any other suggestions on what would be useful? I've never played a summoner before, and I'm not entirely sure what role they're meant to fill (though the eidolon is pretty obviously "big angry thing that destroys face"). Input is appreciated!
Okay, question time. I'm planning on keeping Linguistics maxxed out for Jasper (for a few levels, at least), since a lot of summons (particularly elementals) only speak one language, and being able to actually give verbal commands is good. Also, yadda yadda high charisma, blah blah don't let the halfling handle the talking, et cetera. ;-) So, the question is, how do you want to handle languages? Most GMs I've encountered say that you need to have been regularly hearing or reading a language before you can put a point in it; would you impose that restriction? And if so, would I be able to obtain a book or something in order to learn a new language?
Bah. The halfling language. A horrible, base thing. May as well let the half-pint decipher it. Rolling his eyes at the box, Jasper folds his arms across his narrow chest. Well, I doubt that woman will tell me where Jax went. May as well see what else is here. Seeing Avingen and Darvik wander off, apparently having the same idea, he turns to Morlos. "Well, my fiendish friend. Shall we see what secrets the manor holds?"
Jasper nods to Tiadora. "I'll be sure to let you know what I need. In the meantime, would you be so kind as to fetch my companion?" Turning back, he stands behind Darvik and Avingen, frowning at the box. "Well, this is interesting," he mutters, running a finger along the writing. His lips move soundlessly as he mouths the words, trying to get a feel for the sounds and piece them with what he knows.
Jasper reads the contract, scanning it carefully for any loopholes that may trip him up later. Finding none, he nods in satisfaction and takes the dagger, drawing it across his palm. The corner of his mouth twitches slightly as he does so, but he clenches his fist over the bowl, squeezing out enough blood to sign the contract. Finally, he picks up the quill, signing both copies of the contract with a scratchy signature. "Very well," he says. "It is done. I look forward to working with you, Cardinal."
At Tiadora's statement, Jasper's eyes flash dangerously, and he opens his mouth to protest. Before he can say a word, Jax growls his consent, shouldering his way past the summoner's legs, shooting him a warning glance, then leaving silently with the slave. Flustered and alone, Jasper follows the group through the doors, standing silent through the introduction. His mind races - with thoughts of grandeur, with questions, with answers - but he manages to swallow the jumbled mess and finally work out the words, "Tell us more."
Ah, GM, I like Jax as well. :D I just loved the idea of a summoner and eidolon who aren't BFFs. I'm enjoying playing up the dynamic between the two - Jax finds Jasper amusing, and Jasper finds Jax useful. Neither particularly likes the other at all, though. I'm finding it fun. :D
After his lunch and bath, Jasper dresses in the provided clothes, but frowns as shrugs into a shirt. The eidolon gives him a questioning look, to which Jasper shrugs. "I just find it odd, is all. Tall and slim isn't exactly a common body type. But these clothes fit me surprisingly well. It's almost like they knew I was coming." He finishes dressing himself, and makes for the door. "Are you coming, or are you staying here?" he asks sharply.
"Quiet," Jasper snaps, turning away from Jax as he scrubs himself. "You know I can banish you in an instant. I don't have to keep you around." The hot water is a blessing, and he makes sure to take his time bathing - he doesn't know when he'll get another chance to do so, after all.
Don't worry, Darvik. You're not the only one wondering why that took so long! :P
"Shame there aren't more halflings. They make the best slaves." Jasper smirks at Charlie, then follows his assigned slave. Jax follows silently, taking in its surroundings.
Jasper appears to ignore the insults, though his jaw tightens slightly. Jax seems slightly more interested, though not offended - rather, his expression is more curious. "I think some creature comforts are in order before we get down to business," the summoner says sharply. "So I would suggest you obtain them for us."
Jasper seems for a moment as though he's reaching for the water, but catches himself just in time. He wrenches himself away, trudging onward. The rain is welcome, and he manages to slake his thirst somewhat, but it also manages to find every gap in his ill-fitted armour, leaving the thin man soaked and looking somewhat like a kicked dog. "I say we press on," he manages, rubbing water out of his eyes. "We must be close, and I for one don't want to waste time in the rain."
Before breaking camp, Jasper stretches his aching limbs and kneels, drawing a crude summoning circle in the dirt. His chanting switches between abyssal and infernal - the eidolon had never told him exactly which plane it came from, and it didn't seem about to reveal that secret, either. The summoning works, though, and as the creature appears, Jasper smirks. "Did you enjoy your time at home?" he asks, raising one eyebrow at the beast.
Jasper's eyes narrow as he listens to the plan, noting the hesitation in Gregor's voice, but he sighs and nods. "Very well. I cannot object to an early start if it means being able to summon again." He also sets about clearing the ground, trying to pick out a soft patch of dirt for himself as he does so.
Jaspr sighs in frustration. He'd feel far more comfortable if Jax was beside him - well, as comfortable as you could feel when counting on a being who was completely indifferent to your continued existance - but in times like these, extra muscle was comforting. "We continue onward," he says calmly, not allowing his exhaustion to creep into his voice. "If we rest, as Morlos said, they will surely catch us. A simple majority vote can settle this. Sheriff? Halfling? What say you?"
Ding! Achievement unlocked!
Still behind, Jasper races to catch up to the others, lungs burning, legs aching. He skids to a stop in front of the lever, just long enough to pull it, then dives under the portcullis just before it comes crashing down. He rolls to his feet and turns to the others with a smug look on his face. "Well. Too the Moors, then?"
Well, considering how well I rolled on my last Dex check, I'd be a fool not to try! :D
Since Jasper is still behind, I assume he'll be the last one out, unless anyone wants to wait for him (pfft, we're evil, yeah right). He can yank the lever to close it behind him, but he can't set it on fire like Gregor wants.
Seeing as how Jasper went ass over tea-kettle back there, who wants to hang back and set the lever on fire?
Congratulations, Charlie. I'm now laughing harder than anyone should ever be laughing before their morning coffee.
Jasper continues running, cursing his own clumsiness at such a vital point, trying to catch up to the others.
Jasper hurries after the group, but slips and goes tumbling into the scrub.
Jasper follows Gregor, moving quickly to help with the door.
Jasper picks up the other lamp, pausing to let the summoned eagle flap back to his shoulder. It killed the guard; he may as well let it rest its wings for the half-minute or so it had left on this plane. He then follows Gregor, trusting him for now. Let the fool get us out of here. I'll be leading this sorry group soon enough.
Jasper begins climbing the ladder quickly, yelling at the eagle as he does so. The bird seems to get the general gist of his commands and swoops off after the guard, attempting to rake him with one of its claws. ,
The summoned eagle screeches and flurries at the guard, flapping around his head and attempting to break as much skin as possible. Jasper watches as best he can from below, cursing as the bird doesn't fdo as well as he'd hoped. ,
Hearing Avingen's annoyed and pained yells, Jasper hisses a curse under his breath. No, not now! He moves back, looking up through the trapdoor, and focuses on the farthest empty space he can see. Muttering, sumbling over the chant a little in his fear, he snaps the fingers of both hands and another eagle appears with a flash of fire. The bird screeches and swoops at the closest guard, wings flapping in his face, beak open, attempting to tear off an ear, but not even grazing the lobe.
Hmm... you raise a good point. I can certainly see said arrogant summoner collecting titles and demanding people refer to him as such. :P
Accomplishments. Great. You had to appeal to my obsessive must-platinum-video-games side. :P
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