Kikiri sits and listens with entertained and wide eyes, but Kolung keeps a watch on the edges of the wagon train, keeping an eye out for danger. He doesn't even touch his roasted elk, although Kikiri seems more than happy to scarf it down for him.
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All for it! Let's go fight some oni! ...or, you know, whatever else is out there....
Kikiri and Kolung venture into Riddleport for a little bit to see the markets and add a little more to his small collection of useless souvenirs. Beyond that, he doesn't see anythign that strikes his fancy.
Oh, I'm still here! I was just waiting to see if anyone had any other input. I'm okay to move along to the next big thing, I'd probably want to wait a little while before we start selling things. The further we go, the easier it will be to make a big profit!
I suspect it's because the distance makes the item more "exotic". ICly, yeah, may not be the wiser places to sell, but since they're close enough, it's still decently feasible to hire someone to travel and pick up things at a somewhat decent cost. I'm presuming, I'm not sure what the intent was. I guess think of it Silk Road style. The farther along the road you get, the more valuable a product because it comes from such a great distance. Something up the street is hard to sell at higher prices, but in stops over in the Dragon Empires? You can just tell folks it's from the other side of the world and they'll think "Ooooo, must be super cool. Worth a little extra, I guess."
Kikiri perked up at the question from Rae. "Oh, us? We must! It is my duty as the last of the Shadowscale tribe, as well as the last Dragon Caller, to protect the royal family of Minkai. My ancestors used to be deadly warriors who served the Amatatsu family and protected them on their escape. I'm the last of them, so, it's up to me and Kolung to return Empress Ameiko to her throne, and rebuild my tribe." For a brief moment, Kikiri's enthusiasm faded as he looked at the ground, as if the weight of his task had finally hit him just then. The dragon beneath him looked up and spoke something to him in Draconic, which made Kikiri smile a bit. "True... I am not alone. I have my brother, Kolung, to help me... and now, I have you all as well! -OH! Check that out!" Kolung immediately swerved to check out whatever it was that Kikiri just had to see. ***************************
Riddleport. A world market if there ever was one! Kikiri just wanted to see it all, but knew that they had a mission, and as a dangerous place, this was not exactly the time to go sightseeing. Still, he did want to know if there might be anything worth checking out... perhaps some potential customers? Or even a chance to get something really cool to take with them.
Kikiri and Kolung come along, staying close to Ameiko, but the notice of the crow caught their attention. Kikiri seemed curious by the bird, but Kolung stayed quiet, staring intently up that the crow as it flew away. Finally, the kobold noticed his companion's silence, looking down at him. Draconic:
"What's wrong, Kolung? You got so quiet all of a sudden."
"That bird... I wonder if... hrm... no, nevermind. I am probably overreacting. I think it's just an odd bird. Nothing more." Kikiri quirked his brow, but shrugged. If Kolung didn't think it was big deal, no worries! Truth be told, Kikiri was interested in seeing what the place had to offer! "Kolung and I are going to go check out what they have for sale in some of the stranger shops. I want to get something cool before we leave!" Awaiting anyone else who might be interested, the duo set in search of something unique and strange to take with them on their trip.
Kikiri frowned at Calder. "True. There are. I've seen them." The ways they kept prisoners back in his tribe sent a small shutter up Kikiri's spine. He never liked that practice. "I say we take it. Any risk we accrue from it, Kolung and I can easily overcome it, if need be. My vote is to take it!"
Wow, that Appraisal... Alrighty! Looks like I will be our ninja merchant! Please don't mind the shurikens in the basket of turnips or the actual scales on the measuring scales! I assure you everything is top notch!
Kikiri and Kolung hummed along as Ameiko played her instrument, the kobold bobbing his head back and forth while the dragon he laid on swished his tail in time to the song. But their rhythm is interrupted by the arrival of Sandru and this new fellow making a sales pitch, the duo watching him intently... though Kikiri seemed more interested than Kolung. Probably because he could understand the man. Translating for his brother, Kikiri smiled down at Kolung, yapping a bit more. Draconic:
"That's what I can do to help, Kolung! I can find us cool and unique things and sell them for others! Plus, I've always wanted a collection of the cool stuff we find on our journey! You know, to chronicle our travels?"
"...but you've never sold anything before, have you?" "How hard can it be?! He says it's good stuff, and I bet nobody on our travels will have seen stuff like this!" "...so you're banking on the notion that it's exotic, so they should buy it?" "Well, it would be in the Dragon Empires! I mean, you're a dragon, but you don't look like the ones on this side of the world, right? But in Minkai, you'd be right at home!" "Well... I cannot say your logic is flawed..." Following their conversation, Kikiri sat up, waving his hand to get Sandru's attention. "I say we snag it while we can! It may not be exotic here, but I bet we'd find a lot of places where you can't get that stuff. Like... up north! It's cold up there, hard to grow plants, right? I bet they'd think it's cool... and I'm betting nobody in Minkai would have ever seen stuff like this before!" When the pouch passed to him, Kikiri sniffed at it, his keen senses taking in the scents and shaking it a bit, trying to see if perhaps he couldn't negotiate a slightly lower price for it... after all, don't want to spend too much on something, in case it turns out to be bogus!
I've got the wand! No worries! Also, it occurs to me... Kikiri might actually be a half decent trader for the caravan. I mean, he DOES like collecting things from their various stops, and he IS a kobold, which have some slight tendencies of hoarding valuables...
Kikiri blinked back at Clara, before looking at Irissa, then back to the gnome. "...what's that mean? I've never heard that word before." Kikiri looked down at his dragon brother, asking what the word meant in draconic. Kolung grew an extremely ashamed look on his face, before peering up to explain it properly in the same tongue. That's when Kikiri developed an extremely disgusted look on his face. "WHAT!? NO! NO NO NO, EWWWWWW, that's just... NO!" The kobold stared in shock back at the gnome. "Why would you even- no! That's so gross! She doesn't even have scales, or a tail, or fringes and... NO!!!" Kikiri jittered a little, still clearly turned off at the prospect, as Kolung just shook his head in dismay. "I mean, no disrespect, my apologies, but... you aren't... pretty. I mean, to a human, I am sure you are very lovely, but to me, you're like... you're lovely in the same way that I would consider a dire weasel lovely. Lovely fur, very well groomed, impressive physique, but... no. My apologies..."
Kikiri spent a great deal of the night on vigilant watch over Ameiko, not wanting to let anything happen to her on his guard while she enjoyed herself. Curling up in the tavern room downstairs near the fire, Kikiri had fallen asleep next to the warm crackling, while Kolung vanished, returning to his home in the Earthen Planes. At first light, Kikiri's yellow eyes snapped open, before heading outside to do his morning meditations and regain his expended magics. Rolling out the massive scroll he carried on his back, Kikiri made a few hand signs as he consulted his manuscript. "Summoning Justu!" With his brother back at his side, Kikiri helped get the caravan set up, keeping relatively close to Ameiko as she said he goodbyes. Taking his usual place atop Kolung's head, Kikiri watched intently, though his attention was pulled aside by the arrival of Irissa. The dragon nodded respectfully, while Kikiri saluted, leaning down to whisper to her. "(Kalsgard is 950 miles from here. About 30 days if all goes well. Should be able to cross the crown in 60 days in time for spring. Also something about a creepy farm village and skirts. I didn't catch that bit.)" When Sandru came by, Kikiri pressed his palms together and bowed his head politely. "My apologies. Lady Irissa was kind enough to collect something I left behind. She has been ready." When the caravan leader wasn't looking, he gave Irissa a toothy smile and nod. He had her back.
All good here! Let's go!
"You can make a fizzy drink of immortality!? Oh, that'd be sweet!" Kikiri exclaimed, perking up at the sound of an amazing elixir of life. "But, yeah, kobolds don't usually live very long... though old Jerrazyx is said to be over 100! ...of course, he also hobbles around claiming the frogs can talk to him..." "...I talk to you, though." Kolung piped up from below. "Yeah, but you're supposed to talk! You're a dragon! Frogs can't talk! ...can they?" "...we'll see if you think that when we get to the Empires." The dragon smiled as if knowing something the kobold didn't. Kikiri tilted his head, but shrugged it off. "So... you're a gnome, but she's your sister and a human?" "Adoption does happen, you know. Perhaps her parents left... or something else happened to them." "Ooooohhhhh... you mean like a mining accident? Oh, I'm sorry. I mean, I don't know what that's like, I don't know who my parents are because our whole tribe takes care of the hatchlings, but I heard that bigger races put more importance on that, so... my apologies." Kikiri pressed his palms together and bowed respectfully.
Sorry! Been a tad busier than expected as of late (...that, and, I've been going on some safaris with my siblings in Pokemon GO...) @Clara - Reduce Person would be a handy one for Kikiri, since he could use it to sneak in Ant-Man style on places. Barkskin would also be helpful. Also, if I don't need the Bracers, I suppose I could just sell them back and spend it on a wand of CLW! Woo!
Kikiri blinked at the older, taller woman approaching, looking down at her hand before smiling and shaking it enthusiastically... before Kolung bucked his head up to get the kobold off his face. The imperial dragon eyed the woman, but bowed respectfully. "Nice to meet you, Lady Mvashti! I am Kikiri, last of the Shadowscales, and this is Kolung! And we are coming with you all! All the way! We will not stop until the rightful empress has reclaimed her throne! We will go to the ends of the world for her Ladyship!" He seemed excited about the prospect of a long journey. "Are you her mom?" Kikiri asked, looking between Clara and Koya. She didn't look anything like a gnome either... then again, he and Kolung didn't look alike except for being dragons, but they were still brothers.
Kikiri is still looking around the party, but Kolung turns his head to face the gnome as she speaks in his own language, catching the kobold offguard as he involuntarily swung around with him to face her. He tilted his head, fringes twitching as the imperial dragon smiled back at her, nodding. Draconic:
"Indeed. We are honor bound to serve her majesty at all costs. But we are to do more than simply escort Empress Ameiko to her rightful throne. We must restore the Shadowscale tribe to their former might, so that she may rule in safety. But well met, little one. I am Kolung, and this is my older brother, Kikiri." The imperial dragon nodded up, bouncing the kobold on his head a bit, as Kikiri simply stared back at the excitable gnome girl. Finally, though, he managed to speak, looking down at Kolung. Draconic:
"...you're a gnome? But... where are your burning eyes? Your enormous fangs? The demonic claws and... you speak Draconic? I thought all gnomes only spoke the darkest languages of the Pit..."
"I suspect your tribe elders have never actually met a gnome, Kikiri. So what they told you of them probably should be taken with great quantities of salt." "...hrm. That would make more sense." Kikiri leaned over onto Kolung's face, reaching down to shake the gnome girl's hand. Draconic: "Nice to meet you! I'm Kikiri Shadowscale, the last Shadowscale and Imperial Caller of my kind. So... you make drinks? Do they give you super strength and stuff, or, like, do they make you invisible? Because that would be sweet!"
From the back of the crowd, a large, rock-like dragon's head poked up over the crowd, its bright amber eyes peering out from underneath flawless plates of emerald. On top of its head sat Kikiri, looking out over the spectacle with inquiring eyes, though the rest of his expression was hidden by the total face mask he wore over it. As they watched, both started to speak in a strange, growling language, their reptilian features putting odd emphasis on certain syllables. Draconic: "Do you see her, Kolung?"
"No. But I am sure she is plenty safe here. No assassins would be foolish enough to attempt such attacks in such a large gathering." "Do you really think she's the empress we're looking for?" "Undoubtedly. I can feel the energies pulling me towards her. It is how we found her first, no?" "...hey, Kolung?" "Hrm?" "...do you really think we can do this? I mean... I've never been out of my snarl until a couple weeks ago, and now... we're going around the world! And we have to restore an entire lost tribe of great warriors?" "...you worry too much, brother. True, our task is great... but every great journey begins with a single step. And another. And another. And as we walk further, we will look back and realize just how far we can go. And when we look ahead once more... we will take another step." "...wow, Kolung. That was really profound... and poetic!" "Oh, I have dabbled in such musings from time to time."
Sorry, sorry, Rl caught me a bit. @Clara - If you can make those potions at cost, I would be much happier chalking up the 150 GP. Call me cheap, but I always like to have a little spare cash on hand. You never know what kind of adventure you could "buy" your way into! So... yeah, add 150 from me! Also, I imagine Kikiri would probably have a friendly rivalry with Clara, at worst, if not be outright curious as to what she's up to. He kinda flies in the face of kobolds being timid and paranoid cowards. As to the wagon train... hrm... I know I could qualify as a Guard and probably a Spellcaster. I might could make due as a Scout. Cook... no. Entertainer, not intentionally. Wainwright... I MIGHT could rework a few ranks into Kn. Engineering, if that would help. I mean, kobolds are trap masters, and traps require engineering... He might also could qualify as a Trader, buuuuuuut... I dunno. As to how to spend the moneys? Erm... cold weather gear and repair materials seem like a good investment. A ballista would be cool, and Kikiri's DEX could probably let him make decent use of it...? Enhanced undercarriages also seem like a decent idea. Make the trip a little faster.
I just assumed that Kikiri and Kolung showed up after the fact, and Ameiko was like "Uh... yeah, I guess you guys can tag along." I picture them being the newbies of the group, relatively, anyways. Also, didn't realize we had a gnome with us... hrm. I wonder how Kikiri would handle that. My gut instinct is that he is indifferent at worst considering he's curious about everything beyond the world of his little snarl, but... I dunno. Maybe a rivalry a la Legolas and Gimli? Just keep trying to one up each other X)
Finally got a chance to fix the stats, but now I realize I failed to include my background skill ranks... and also missed 2 skill points. Probably gonna toss the into Diplomacy and Ride. Because how badass would it be to have a kobold ninja riding an imperial dragon into battle! Also, I was going to say what leinathan mentioned. I would think it's simply that the caravan is already packed and ready to roll out. Finding a boat, chartering a crew, moving everything onto said boat, sailing, and undoing it all at Kalsgard seems like a lot of work... but that could just be because I'm lazy... @Irissa - Try going into your account at the top of the page, scrolling down your aliases and choose "Edit" next to Irissa's profile. When it lists the little factions, I think there is a choice that just says "None" or "Blank" or something like that. I think...
Okay... I THINK I'm all set as far as stats go. I'm sure I forgot something incredibly important... oh well, I'll fix it down the road if needed. Super stoked to be on the team! If nothing else, this will make for some amusing adventuring. Also glad to be beyond the first book of an AP. Now we can get into the exciting stuff! ********* Kikiri waves to the assembled caravan, as the large serpentine creature behind him gives a brief nod of its head. "Hi! I'm Kikiri, and this is my partner and brother, Kolung. Just leave Lady Amatatsu's... or... is it Lady Kaijitsu..? Erm... just leave the sneaky stuff to us!" Kikiri looks almost like a stereotypical depiction of a ninja, his body covered head to toe in black cloth and armor, a mask covering most of his head... though it does little to hide the black scales around his yellow eyes... or the fact that his muzzle sticks out and makes his race pretty obvious. Kolung looks very much like an imperial dragon, albeit a little more... exotic. In that his "body" seems to be mostly living and shifting rock and dirt beneath plates of pristine emerald armor covering much of his long winding figure. His claws rest lightly on the ground, but the rest of him seems to be hovering just off the surface... or is that a trick of the eyes? Kolung remains largely silent, but Kikiri is eager and willing to hear any stories about the travels of anyone else in the caravan.
Wait, I made it? OMG, I MADE IT! WOO-HOO! I mean, erm... thanks for picking me! I'm kinda surprised I made it through so many tough apps! Looking forward to things!
I know it's a last minute entry, but I thought I would throw this in just for kicks. I know I still don't have the equipment cleared, but I'll get to that as soon as possible. Hopefully tonight at the latest. Meet Kikiri Shadowscale, the last of his tribe, former mascot of the Rusty Dragon and dedicated "kirin" to the Kaijitsu family (...which at this moment is just Ameiko, but... hey, she might have kids one day!)
Kikiri took mental note of the writing in the book, along with his other stuff, before quietly trying to slink back away. Looking over at La'vriel, he sighed, shaking his head and moving above him. Hanging down, Kikiri reached over to tug one of the half-elf's pointy ears his way and whisper to him. "(As a general rule of thumb, if you know someone is acting as a spy or scout, keep such information to yourself.)"
Kikiri eyed the Mayor and Blackthorn, squinting slightly as he seemed most interested in Jaidoh. He didn't trust this guy... something about him just rubbed him the wrong way. Try to be very quiet, he slunk over across the ceiling and clung tightly to the top to keep as low a profile as possible. He wanted to see what that fellow was writing in his little book... no information was bad information.
Kikiri stared down at Tariel, scaly lips frowning. "If you are interested in such. I am not. I did not come to this city to solve it's petty affairs." Kikiri sat up (down?) as he looked at Rabe and Jaidoh, still frowning. "My tribe receive our missions through visions, given to us by the obsidian dragon, Aaverax. Typically, it is the elders who receive them, but a few weeks ago... I myself began to see them. A city - this city - on fire. Howls of war filled the air. And when I awoke, always, the same word: 'Magnimar'. I don't know why, but the elders believe that Aaverax has foretold of disaster unparalleled coming to this city. For some reason, she wishes me to witness it... or perhaps, prevent it. Somehow." Kikiri looks down at the body, huffing a little at it. "A dead elf is of little concern to me. Trivial, really. We have learned that someone wishes to instill fear in the elven blooded of this city. Is our task not complete?"
Kikiri watches the cloaked half-elf speak, tolerating the babble with rigid motionless and quiet staring, before finally speaking up once more. "Animals do not kill with purpose like this." he spoke, looking down again at the body. "And unless it has a specific taste for elven features, they do not kill with recurring traits." "The plump chief stated that a series of elf and half-elf deaths have been occurring, yes?" Kikiri asked, raising both claws to the ceiling again and moving more directly over the elf female's head... or what was left of it. "This is intentional. Your slayer wishes to send a message to those of elven lineage: they are not safe in this city. Our tribe uses tactics like this against the more intelligent creatures from time to time. It's a warning. 'If you do not wish to suffer the same, you will leave.' Crude, but effective." Kikiri looked down and pointed at the crushed head. "They are also well versed in magic. Notice the crushing of the head and face. Intentional. Some of our tribe elders have mentioned that some magics permit communication with the deceased. None that we know, but they have spoken of it. You can no longer do so with this elf." Kikiri stared back at the half-elf, expression somewhat annoyed, but still neutral. "Your slayer... or, more than likely, slayers... are choosing specific targets and being careful to cover their tracks. But even so, they leave clues."
Kikiri stared back at Rabe for a little bit, before letting out a quiet exhalation. "...very well. My name is Kikiri Shadowscale, of the Shadowscale tribe. You are Rabe, yes? And your companions... Jerry and Jaidoh, hm? The fey stain- apologies... Ithir -spoke highly of you." Kikiri stared a little more at Rabe before huffing lightly. "I shall reserve my observations of you until I have seen you more firsthand." Kikiri leaned down, still clinging to the ceiling with his lower claws and tail (somehow) as he placed his hands into a strange contortion, as if passively meditating. "I am not here to solve the murders of these elf touched... though I will say, he is sloppy in his execution. I have been searching out you all in particular. I believe you are related to the vision our obsidian sensei has given me. Whether that is true... remains to be seen." Kikiri motioned with a nod to Tariel. "I cannot speak for her enthusiasm in this. I presume she is simply acting out of interest in the dead."
Kikiri stares down at the body for a little longer, before turning his gaze to Rabe and squinting at him a bit. After an uncomfortable silence, he speaks again. "Manners are not my forte, but they cost nothing, so even my kin and I can afford them. I know them already, but in the home of a guest, customs should be observed, no?"
"Water. Also, proper tools, if you wish to abstain from the handling of the body." the kobold replied, only briefly glancing over to Tariel, than resuming his silent study.
Among the new figures examining the body is a very strange sight. And not just his features, but his placement within the room - specifically, nearly over the body, clinging upside down to the ceiling and looking down with slitted yellow eyes. The eyes shift to eye the new arrivals, followed by a black-scaled draconic snout turning to look them head on. The black, tight-fitting garb covers much of his body, but several things stand out about him... particularly, the small katana strapped to his back and a small collection of various things - charms, fetishes and even some black scales - hang off his waist. For a few moments, he stares absolutely silent at the new faces, as if studying them quietly before making any sort of move. Finally, however, he speaks, the scratchy, high-pitched yip of his voice clashing with his somewhat threatening appearance. "...you're late. After all I have heard regarding your exploits, I expected a quicker arrival." The kobold turns back to the body, eying it for a moment before looking back. "And greetings. Welcome." he added, as if adding it on as an after-thought, before returning to his observations.
I would love a Jade Regent campaign. I've got a kobold ninja that I have been wanting to toss into something for a while now. Perhaps he's joining the caravan to travel to the east and find the ones who gave his tribe the ninja arts in the first place... because that would be awesome!
Kikiri just watches quietly from the shadows. He will always be watching...
It occurs to me that as a member of a secretive kobold tribe (who typically don't get along with humans to begin with), getting into town is going to be a challenge, even if I come in obvious peace. Is anybody willing to be the diplomat who vouches for my presence in Heldran?
Okay, Kikiri's profile should be all set! Barring some messed up inventory, I think everything else is ready. Here's hoping he makes the cut! Crunch:
Kikiri Shadowscale
Male Kobold Ninja 1 LN Small Humanoid (Reptilian) Deity: Irori/Apsu Init +5; Senses Perception +4, Darkvision 60'
Ninja Tricks None yet... --------------------
History:
Born into the secretive Shadowscale tribe of kobolds, Kikiri grew up learning the art of ninjitsu from those around him, as was custom. According to his tribe's history, long ago, an extremely rare obsidian dragon gifted the Shadowscales with the ninja arts, and was so good at them, none have found her again to this day. The Shadowscales use their nigh-mystical techniques to protect themselves and their warren with ruthless efficiency.
Recently, however, the Shadowscales, who live in the woods near Heldran, have taken note of the sudden snowfall and have grown quite concerned. They know this is not natural weather, and suspect something evil may have moved into their woods. Dispatching their individual agents throughout the woods to recon the situation and perhaps find a solution, Kikiri was among those sent to investigate. However, he believed this problem was too grave for the Shadowscales to handle by themselves. They might need assistance with this, or at the very least, an ally more knowledgeable than themselves on the subject. Although the tribe elders claimed the idea to be stupid, Kikiri secretly diverted from his investigations to visit the town of Heldran. It could very well be that this entire endeavor would prove fruitless... but if someone among the softskins had a notion of what they were up against and how to stop it, disregarding such a vital asset would be foolish. Thus, Kikiri has made for the town of Heldran to speak with it's residents. No Shadowscale has ever dared to attempt something so dangerous, but with the snows falling around them, the tribe was looking to be wiped out anyway. The potential reward was well worth the immense danger he was walking into. Personality:
Kikiri is generally quiet, withdrawn and speaks little unless necessary, as his training has taught him. However, this doesn't mean he's anti-social, and enjoys company for what it's worth. This makes Kikiri a remarkably good confidant, and if you need to get something off your chest, Kikiri will gladly listen with undivided attention.
More than any other member in his tribe, Kikiri recognizes that nobody can do it by themselves, and especially not a little kobold like himself. While he sees being able to take care of yourself and being self sufficient as things to take pride in, there is no shame in admitting you need aid. Heck, he's taking a big risk to himself and his tribe based on that belief! Kikiri prefers to stay out of the thick of things and strike from places one wouldn't expect; although it may look like he's abandoned a fight (and there is no shame in admitting that either), more often than not, he is merely vanishing from sight to attack again when his foes are unprepared. Of course, if he can avoid combat altogether, so much the better. While Kikiri is not dedicated to the cause of protecting his allies or others per se, he realizes that if he loses allies, his chances of stopping this unnatural winter dwindle ever more. If he can't stop the coming cold, his tribe will perish or be forced to make a dangerous migration. Neither option is good for them, and as such, while he may not see his allies as worth risking life and limb for (yet), they are vital to his efforts, and thus, if he can save someone, he will make the sincere effort. Traits Explained: Reactionary - Only the slow and slow-witted perish. A simple and grim truth that all Shadowscale hatchlings are taught. To survive the intense training of his tribe (as well as the perilous missions of embarks on), Kikiri has learned to expect danger at every turn, and always assume something dangerous is right around the corner. Better to act first and not know what you dodged than to die knowing what hit you.
Alchemical Breath - All Shadowscales practice either sorcery or alchemy in an attempt to enhance their surprise tactics. Kikiri is no exception. Gifted as a tinker, Kikiri has learned from his tribe's best alchemists to create the alchemical coal his tribe is known for, along with other tricks and traps. And like all his kin, he knows where to hide it to keep it a secret, just in case... Warded From Witchery - By fluke, fickle luck, or perhaps actually blessed by their obsidian dragon master, all Shadowscales have some connection to the arcane world around them. Some use these talents to aid their sneakiness, others sharpen them to receive "visions" from their obsidian sensei, and for others, like Kikiri, he develops something like a sixth sense in terms of overcoming magic. Be it seeing through illusions, latent arcane repulsion, or simply detecting the subtle shift in magical energy around him, spells don't affect Kikiri quite as easily as his other kin.
I'm gonna toss this little guy into the fray and see if, finally, I can snag a spot in one of these RoW games. I know about the first couple of encounters (and the fact we kill Rasputin at some point), but beyond that and it'll contain a lot of snow, not much. I need to tweak him up a little bit, but the short version is that his tribe of secretive kobolds live in the forest that's being afflicted by the sudden winter. The others are debating about what to do, but Kikiri thinks this may be too big for them to handle, so he quietly leaves the warren and ventures to the nearby town. He's hoping he can find someone who might have some idea of how to counter the sudden cold, and if so, convince the rest of his tribe to work with them to survive.
Alrighty! Mostly finished! I need to finish work on the equipment section, but beyond that, he'll be ready to roll! Crunch (Unfinished):
Kikiri Shadowscale
Male Kobold Ninja 4 LN Small Humanoid (Reptilian) Deity: Irori/Apsu Init +6; Senses Perception +7, Darkvision 60'
Ninja Tricks Flurry of Stars, Smoke Bomb --------------------
History:
Born into the secretive Shadowscale tribe of kobolds, Kikiri grew up learning the art of ninjitsu from those around him, as was custom. According to his tribe's history, long ago, an extremely rare obsidian dragon gifted the Shadowscales with the ninja arts, and was so good at them, none have found her again to this day. The Shadowscales use their nigh-mystical techniques to protect themselves and their warren with ruthless efficiency. And they receive their "missions" when the tribe elders experience visions, supposedly given to them by the obsidian dragon herself.
However, a while ago, Kikiri began experiencing visions of his own. The sight of a city in flames and the name "Magnimar" continually ringing in his ears upon waking up. After several nights of the same dream, he brought it before his elders, who discussed it amongst themselves. After much debate, the elders returned to tell Kikiri that the unusual nature of his dream must be a special vision gifted to him by the obsidian dragon. As a result, he should seek out this city and investigate it, with the understanding that he should be on the lookout for anything weird or out of the ordinary. After packing and many days of travel, Kikiri has arrived quietly in the city of Magnimar, and has begun investigating a series of events that have been occurring around town recently. A strange group of individuals seem to be turning up at every corner, and Kikiri believes they may have something to do with his visions. Personality: Kikiri's training has made him quiet, observant and reclusive to all, but his own kind. He is quick to react to danger and almost always has a weapon hidden somewhere in case of trouble. Kikiri doesn't speak much, and when he does, it's generally no nonsense and to the point, but he does enjoy company for what it's worth - he is fond of simply listening to others speak their minds, and as such, although he may not show it, Kikiri is a great confidante and good for speaking openly about what plagues the mind. Kikiri is faithful to his tribe and the kingdom he calls home, and would sooner off himself than give up secrets about either. Thankfully, his knack for getting out of trouble typically prevents such situations from occurring.
In battle, Kikiri often appears to have abandoned the fight, when in reality he is merely hiding and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. He prefers to keep at a distance, but if an opportunity to floor a foe presents itself, he is often the first to rush in and deal the crucial blow. Aside from his more mystical ninja arts, Kikiri has a habit of tinkering with things to assist where his ninjitsu would normally not get him past, and when given downtime, can be found fumbling with something he's been hiding on his person.
Sounds like you could use... A SMALL NINJA!!! Gimme some time to tweak this profile and I'll have it set!
I made this little guy in case another game sprang up for him, but I can tweak him to suit this game just fine (I still need to work on his crunch). He's a Kobold Ninja 3/Sorcerer (Kobold Bloodline) 3/Lore Warden 3 who focuses on using his kusarigama to trip up and immobilize folks in battle, before flinging all manner of shuriken and mystic arts their way. He comes from a blessed tribe of kobolds who practice ninjitsu supposedly gifted to them long ago by an obsidian dragon (when others point out there is no such thing as an obsidian dragon, they wave it off saying, "Of course you can't find them! They're ninjitsu masters! They can't be seen by such lowly untrained eyes!") His tribe, the Shadowscales, weave stealth and innate magic together for their abilities, but are slowly losing their ninja arts, so he's traveling about in search of information concerning the obsidian dragon in hopes that he can convince her to teach their tribe once more. Reaction Pose: Kikiri snapped up several shuriken in his hands, ready to sling them at the gnome, before halting at the realization that he was the only one springing for his weapons. Slowly loosening up, but still holding his shuriken in hand, Kikiri listened as the gnome offered him pie. He refused - Apsu knows what smelly gnomes put in their food - but listened with intrigue about the request of the Society. The idea of a Shadowscale hiring their skills out like some common mercenary was abhorrent!
But the prospect of access to such records that the Pathfinders were rumored to horde in their libraries was tantalizing. Not to mention, traveling to seek an ancient scroll may lead to OTHER secrets... preferably dragon related secrets! In either case, he was treading the threshold of untold knowledge. If he was to locate his tribe's benefactor, he'd need every scrap he could get his claws on! "Very well. I'll accept... but on the condition that in return for my aid, I would like to gain access to the archives of the Pathfinders. I am searching for something that concerns the survival of my tribe itself, and I suspect your archives will have some clues to what I'm looking for. Do we have a deal?" By Tiamat's breath, how desperate had he become to strike a deal with a gnome? |