Lacrimadia's page

Part of the reason for her success came from her developed ability at a young age to perceive traces of vitality in living subjects. With nothing but a glance, she could recognize that a patient was alive or dead, or nearing death. Though she disliked the term, she thought of these life signs as the person's "spirit", and became convinced that through careful study and analysis it should be possible to effectively communicate with it. To gather as much data as she could, she often volunteered at hospitals and morgues, and once joked that she had been exposed to more diseases at fourteen than anyone else in her family had in their whole lives.

As a distant member of the Sovereign's family, Lia was required to have a capable protector as her security detail. For as long as she can remember, this role was performed by her favorite uncle Vesicaris (usually called "Fessic" or "Fezzie"), her mother's brother. He was a big man, with wide shoulders and bulging yellow eyes, and he always kept his head and face shaved to better show off his crazy expressions. To Lia's horror, he became sick with a rare cancerous disease just after her graduation, and as his condition grew worse and worse she ceased all of her studies to care for him. When he died that following winter, she was furious. None of her other relatives had done anything to help him, even though many of them were powerful and wealthy. His funeral was brief and sparsely attended, and the Sovereign sent only a form letter that misspelled his name.

As she became more withdrawn and consumed with grief, Lia became more and more convinced that she could still sense her uncle's presence. His spirit, if that's what it was, hung about her all the time. She saw signs of him everywhere she looked, what she was sure was measurable evidence that he had not gone away completely, but only ceased to have a physical body. But science had failed her, for no one could replicate the results of her experiments, and she began to lose most of her credibility as she developed wilder and wilder theories to explain her data.

Finally, she decided that she needed to leave Danor to pursue other avenues of her research, specifically magic. She had become quite adept in slipping her security detail in the three years since Uncle Fezzie passed, and she cleverly worked out a plan to disguise herself and bluff her way onto the new rail-line going to Risur. She figured that no one would suspect that she would go there, since their two countries were still nominally at war, and if she made it to Flint she could disappear into the enormous influx of people emigrating there to make a new life. As part of her cover, she took a new name: Lacrimadia, Draconic for "day of woe."

As soon as her train left the borders of Danor and headed into the Wild Lands, Lacrimadia was nearly assaulted by the rush of sensations she experienced: the thousands of spirit voices and images of people just on the periphery of most people's perception. I was right! she exulted to herself, My theory was right! And then she saw her Uncle Fezzie, clear as day, as if he was standing beside her. "Together, like always," she said through her tears, and she knew he nodded and whispered "Caramia" with his silly grin.

Lacrimadia has been in Flint for almost six years now. Anxious to make a good living so that she could afford the necessary equipment to continue her research, she answered a recruitment for the Royal Homeland Constabulary. Since she passed the background check, she thinks that she was able to bury the fact that she is related to Han Jierre, but she does not know for sure if that is true. She has done her best to leave all physical traces of her childhood behind. In her, the RHC has found a voracious student, someone who attends every training seminar they offer and constantly asks insightful questions whenever she has access to a tutor. She is proud to have been promoted recently to the rank of Detective-Chirurgeon, a tribute to her uncanny abilities in forensic investigation.

In her free time, she continues her work with spirits. She has begun to recognize that literally everything has a spirit: the living, the dead, even inanimate objects. She has also learned how to call these spirits to her, and through her to join them to a host. This takes a toll on her body, though, and she now has to augment herself with various medical devices to keep herself from falling apart under their weight like an undead corpse. She finds actual undead creatures distasteful, however. She is still refining her understanding, but she thinks that there are two kinds of spirits: light ones and dark ones, for lack of a better descriptor. Light spirits retain their memories and desires from life, while dark spirits seem to her violent and cruel, almost like an otherworldly opposite personality hiding in shadow. When restored to a body, the former more closely resemble their living selves, while the latter are monsters. She prefers to deal with the lighter side of death, and shuns the dark. Fortunately, she has found that her favored type of spirits are especially versatile, and by befriending them and requesting their aid she can power all manner of biomechanical discoveries.

Her most fulfilling work to date has been her success in reuniting her uncle's spirit with a living body. Though the physical resemblance is not very strong, it feels like him-- and it makes her feel like she has truly achieved something worthwhile to have him by her side again in the flesh. As she is assigned to more dangerous missions with the RHC, she is sure that she will need someone as dependable and capable as him to help look after her. And though she knows he is already dead, she would be devastated if something were to happen to him.

The Detective-Chirgeon is principled and proud. Though she has left Danor and sworn allegiance to Risur, she still tries to defend her distant relatives and her homeland, even if she doesn't agree with everything they do. She has been raised to believe that the gods no longer exist, if they ever did, and to trust to empirical scientific methods to explain the supernatural. As far as she can tell, when people die their spirits do not go to a better (or worse) place but instead linger on forever in the nearby Ethereal plane. She firmly believes that the wishes of the dead should be respected, and that they should be treated always as if they are still part of this world to which they are bound.

Lacrimadia dreams of a future where death ceases to be an ending for those spirits that deserve to continue. Since life is eternal as far as she knows, and since all things are at least partly alive to her, she is surprisingly socialist and egalitarian in her political views. She believes in justice and taking care of her community, just with a much, much wider definition of community. She believes everything can be useful to everything else, and everything should look out for everyone. Though she has sworn an oath to King Aodhan, she does not believe he is inherently better than his subjects, and she would prefer that Risur became a democracy like Danor. She has no love for tyrants and those who profit from the suffering of others.

Mechanoid 5, HD 4d8+23 (55 hp), saves +2/+2/+5; Str 14+2-2+4, Dex 14+2+1+1+4, Con 14; natural armor +6; hardness 2; upgrades x7+1: Cover* (Covered Mechanoids), Discount Fabrication*, Durability, Enclosure (transparent, 15 hp), Focused Design x2 (+4 Str/Dex enhancement), Immersive Cockpit (Full Integration), Lightweight* (Lightweight Mechanoids), Mechanoid Template* (Hollow Body Construct: Living [undead], Lesser Immunity [immune to mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms); +4 vs ability damage, ability drain, death effects, disease, energy drain, exhaustion, fatigue, Necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, or any Fortitude effect (unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless)], Hearty, Living Needs, Saves), Passenger Seats (Compact Pilot Seat), Skillful Design x2 (+4 Acrobatics, Disable Device, Escape Artist, Stealth); modified (Improved Familiar Arsenal) masterwork spider-silk bodysuit (armor: +3, max Dex: +6, ACP: 0, +2 vs crits)

Benefit: Once per day you may use speak with dead as a spell-like ability with a caster level equal to your character level. When using the spell in this manner, you must use it in the area where your target died and it must be used within a day of the creature’s death. You do not require a complete body as the ability speaks with the spirit and needs no corporeal connection.

Once per combat, as a standard action that provokes attacks of opportunity, you conjure forth a spirit from a creature that died within the last five minutes and within three miles of your current location. The spirit appears in a space you choose within 25 ft. of you, and performs a standard action of your choice. Any attack it makes counts as having the ghost touch weapon property.

Special: You can acquire only one theme feat.

Death sphere* (from sphere specialization), Reanimate
• Gravetongue [utility]
• Hollow Body
• Summon Spirit
- Sustained Necromancy* (from Necromantic Limit (Reanimate) drawback)

Enhancement sphere, Enhance (Enhance Equipment)
- Animate Object* [enhance] (from Constructor drawback)
• Deep Enhancement

Life sphere, Cure, Invigorate, Restore
• Deeper Healing
• Painkiller

Mind sphere [utility]
- Intuit Knowledge* (from Inward Focus drawback) [utility]

Beastmastery sphere
- Pet* (from Mechanical Best Friends)

Equipment sphere* (from martial tradition)
- Finesse Fighting* (from Weapon Finesse)
- Firearm Proficiency* (gun training (revolver), from base sphere)

Scout sphere [utility]
- Heightened Awareness* (from trap insight)
- Hidden Appearance* [utility] (from Veiled drawback)

Sniper sphere* (from martial tradition), Deadly Shot
• Sniper Shot

Tinker sphere* (from tinker specialist) [transportation], Technology Literacy, Transportation (Mechanoid), DC 18
- Advanced Field Projectors* (from moldable inventorship x2)
- Advanced Transportation* (gizmo, transportation) (from moldable inventorship)
• Arsenal Set (gizmo)
• Cognitive Set (gizmo) [utility]
- Expanded Tinkering* (from Powerless drawback) [augmentation, modification], Augmentation (Augmentation, Prosthetic), Modification (Modification)
- Extra Automatons* (transportation) (from Tinker Tradition drawback)
- Full Integration* (gizmo, transportation) (from moldable inventorship x2)
- Personal Field Projector* (from moldable inventorship)
- Transportation Mastery* (gizmo, transportation) (from Tinker Tradition drawback x2)

Trap sphere* (from martial tradition), Snares (Tripwire), DC 18
- Alternative-Trap (Craft (alchemy)) drawback
• Expert Eye [utility]
- Flash Trap* (from trap specialist) [snare]
- Trap Launcher* (from martial tradition)
- Trapper's Recovery (from Focused Trapper (snares) drawback)

Adroit Trade Talents: Experimenter, Occultist
Trade Talent Class Skills: Fly, Intimidate, Knowledge (dungeoneering), Knowledge (engineering), Knowledge (planes), Linguistics, Use Magic Device*
Adroit Bonus Skill Talent: Artifice sphere (gear package)

Gestalt Trade Talent: Dilettante
Trade Talent Class Skills: Bluff, Escape Artist, Heal*, Knowledge (engineering)*

Multiclass Trade Talent: Medium
Trade Talent Class Skills: Diplomacy, Knowledge (arcana)(R), Knowledge (planes)*, Stealth(R)

Artifice sphere* (from trade tradition) [gear], Cobbled Creation [approach], Trinket; Associated Skill Craft (alchemy) Skill Leverage Craft (alchemy), Knowledge (engineering)
- Chemical Armaments* (from base sphere) [function, gear]
• Secret Project [plan]

Study sphere* (from trade tradition), Knowledgeable, Prescient Study [plan], Theorize; Associated Skill Knowledge (local) Skill Leverage Heal, Knowledge (local)
- Anticipate Hostility* (theory) (from base sphere)
• Build a Case (research, theory) [utility]
• Theoretical Focus

Vocation sphere* (from trade tradition)
- Dilettante* [Bluff, Escape Artist, Heal, Knowledge (engineering)] (trade) (from gestalt skills) [utility]
• Divergent Aptitude (Perception/Int) [utility]
- Doctor* (trade) (from trade tradition) [utility]
- Experimenter* (trade) (from trade tradition) [utility]
- Medium* (trade) (from multiclass skills) [utility]
- Occultist* (trade) (from trade tradition) [utility]
- Philosopher* (trade) (from base sphere) [utility]
• Versatile Leverage (Knowledge (planes), Knowledge (religion), Sense Motive) [utility]

Urban Bond (Su) While in an urban environment (defined generally as a bounded area with a population density of at least 1000 people per square mile), an urban empath needs neither food nor drink, and he gains a +2 bonus to Acrobatics, Climb, and Perception checks. These effects generally extend as long as he is within 3 miles of the border of an urban area.

Additionally, three times per day an urban empath can communicate with buildings, roads, or other structures in an urban environment, asking them up to three questions about what they have witnessed or been involved with. This communion functions similar to the stone tell spell, but only takes 5 minutes to perform.

Familiar (Willing Martyr) 5, HD 5 (hp 27), BAB +3, saves +1/+4/+4; Clockwork Rhamphorhynchus (Size: Tiny; Speed: 10', fly 40' (good); bite 1d3; construct traits, evasion, low-light vision, scent, sudden swoop, swift reactions, vulnerable to electricity, winding; Str 6, Dex 17, Con –, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 11); alertness, born again, empathic link, for the master's merriment, natural armor adj +3, share spells, speak with master; Bluff 5+0, Craft (alchemy) 5-1, Diplomacy 5+0, Escape Artist 5+3, Fly +11, Heal 5+2, Intimidate 5+0, Knowledge (arcana) 5-1, Knowledge (dungeoneering) 5-1, Knowledge (engineering) 5-1, Knowledge (local) 5-1, Knowledge (nature) 5-1, Knowledge (planes) 5-1, Knowledge (religion) 5-1, Perception 5+5, Sense Motive 5+2, Spellcraft 5-1, Stealth 5+14, Use Magic Device 5+0; COMBAT EXPERTISE*, COMBAT STAMINA*, DEADLY AIM*, DODGE/MOBILITY, IMPROVED INITIATIVE*, LIGHTNING REFLEXES*, POWER ATTACK*, WEAPON FINESSE*

Vesicaris's current body is a very tall tiefling man, with a square shaved head and a long, lean face. His skin is pale and his eyes are deep-set. He likes jokes and pranks, though the process that returned him to life has slowed his reactions significantly, and slurred his speech. His skin is tough and scarred, and he walks with a slight lurch.

Cohort (Warrior) 5, HD 4d8+8 (40 hp), BAB +4, saves +4/+1/+4; Hollow Body Housed Soul (Tiefling, Oni-Spawn [Darkvision, Demonic Mien, Fiendish Resistance, Skilled (Disguise, Intimidate)]; Size: Medium; Speed: 30'; natural armor +1; DR 5/slashing; Str 16+2, Dex 12, Con 13+1, Int 9, Wis 10+2, Cha 11-2); athlete, combat talent x2 (Guardian: Assist, Guardian: Endure Pain), combat training (Proficient/Con), martial tradition (Homeguard Militia [Equipment: Pikeman Training, Equipment: Polearm Mastery, Guardian sphere (patrol), Guardian: Defend Other]), trade tradition (Secret Agent [Dilettante (Climb, Heal, Knowledge (nobility), Swim), Thug; Body Control sphere (Endurance Training*, Incredible Stamina drawback, Physiological Focus drawback)]); Climb 1+9, Disguise 3+2, Heal* 5+4*, Intimidate 5+7*, Knowledge (history) 5+2, Knowledge (nobility) 5+2, Perception 5+4, Swim 1+9; ADDITIONAL TRAITS (Kin Guardian, World-Weary [Knowledge (history)]), COMBAT EXPERTISE*, COMBAT STAMINA*, DEADLY AIM*, EXTRA COMBAT TALENT* (Gladiator sphere, Gladiator: Braggart drawback, Gladiator: Self Confidence*), MUSCULAR REFLEXES, POWER ATTACK*, WEAPON FINESSE*; hollow armor, masterwork bardiche (1d10, 19-20/x2, brace/reach/sunder bonus), masterwork tool (Intimidate/demoralize)

Mechanoid 5, HD 4d8+33 (65 hp), saves +2/+2/+5; Str 14+2+1+1+4, Dex 14+2-2, Con 14; natural armor +6; hardness 2; upgrades x7+1: Armor Slot, Cover* (Covered Mechanoids), Discount Fabrication*, Durability x3, Enclosure (transparent, 15 hp), Focused Design (+4 Str enhancement), Immersive Cockpit (Full Integration), Lightweight* (Lightweight Mechanoids), Mechanoid Template* (Hollow Body Construct: Living [undead], Lesser Immunity [immune to mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms); +4 vs ability damage, ability drain, death effects, disease, energy drain, exhaustion, fatigue, Necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep, stun, or any Fortitude effect (unless the effect also works on objects or is harmless)], Hearty, Living Needs, Saves), Passenger Seats (Compact Pilot Seat); full plate armor (armor: +9, max Dex: +1, ACP: -6)

1. House Soul allows L to use Reanimate to make a special zombie that doesn't count against other uses of Reanimate and lasts until dismissed. It is essentially a spirit possessing a dead body. It has feats, skills, and an Intelligence score.

2. Hollow Body, with the Life sphere, allows L to use Reanimate to create living zombies instead of dead ones, basically creatures that look like what they were when they were alive, but with the zombie template and no undead traits. It's not stated explicitly, but I think the creature still has a Constitution score.

3. Since House Soul lets me use Death talents that change Reanimate, I reason that L's special zombie can be a Hollow Body. However, since a typical zombie's stats aren't appropriate for that-- they assume that all zombies are mindless and don't have skills or feats-- I'm wondering if you'll allow me to use a Leadership cohort instead? That's how I calculated these stats, specifically using the rules for intelligent undead cohorts under Master of the Dead.

Attack: Craft a Flash Trap or Tripwire or a Detonator gadget and attach it to a bullet as it is fired with Deadly Shot (Trap Launcher). With a free Immediate action, can add extra damage to Deadly Shot and regain martial focus with Trapper's Recovery. As a full round action, can attach two traps with Sniper Shot.

Defense: Lacrimadia has two moldable inventorship tinker talents that she doesn't need to maintain her mechanoids, which she usually sets to Personal Field Projector and Advanced Field Projectors, allowing her to make gizmos that improve her or her allies' defenses. Also, her Chain Veil mechanoid provides her with amazing protection.

Gadgets and Gizmos: Good gizmos to craft are Mental and Physical Augmentations, Elemental Infusers, or Personal Field Projectors. Most of her technician's gadgets will be spent on Detonators, though she can also make batteries (for Augmentation and Arsenal gizmos).

Gear: With Artifice she can craft Shatter Shot bullets containing ghast retch flasks that use her Artifice DC. Each bullet and each flask takes 1 minute to craft, and lasts for 2 hours and 40 minutes, so she usually makes 10 of each when she has a spare 20 minutes.

Heal allies: Healer's Hands (Treat Deadly Wounds 5/day as a full round action), channel positive energy, or Life sphere effects (Cure, Invigorate, Restore). Can heal Fezzi's nonlethal delayed damage with Painkiller at no cost.

Minions: Reanimate for 0 sp with D:Conc (only one at a time) or 1 sp for 1h/CL. Reanimated creatures are Hollow Bodies (zombies w/undead type, no undead traits). Animate Object for 1 sp with D:Conc or 2 sp for 10m/CL. Unfinished Business can summon a spirit with 1 standard action 1/combat.

Scout: Lacrimadia can automatically find traps within 10' without actively looking (Heightened Awareness). Her familiar is an excellent scout, too. She can also Reanimate minions and use them to trigger traps, or question the dead about the environment. Can even question the environment directly 3/day.

Spirit Medium: Constant Gravetongue, can reroll a failed Knowledge check or summon and question a spirit within (level x days of death) w/Curious Spirit, Unfinished Business can speak with dead 1/day.

Theorize: She should develop an Anticipate Hostility theory whenever possible, ideally before combat. Build a Case should always be active, too. If Knowledge (local, planes, or religion) applies to an enemy, use a Prescient Study plan before combat to take 20 on the check.

Vesicaris: Lacrimadia's bodyguard typically focuses on keeping Lacrimadia safe. He can patrol as a full-round action and delay damage until after she heals him.

Full-Round
• reveal [plan] (Prescient Study, Secret Project)
• Sniper Shot
• Treat Deadly Wounds (with Healer's Hands)
• Trinket (with Cobbled Creation)

Standard
• Blessing
• gadget
• Unfinished Business

Move
• gadget (spend MF)
• reload revolver

Swift
• begin [approach] (Cobbled Creation)
• Soul Seer

Immediate
• Theorize
• Trapper's Recovery

Free
• direct souls 1/round

Swift
• begin [approach] (Meditate)
• endure effect (Maintain Stamina)

Immediate
• Boast (on critical hit, killing blow, or successful maneuver)
• Defend Other
• endure effect (Maintain Stamina)

Opportunity
• Assist

Free
• Delayed Damage pool

None
• Pikeman Training (+2 damage on readied attack w/brace weapon)