Here's my mechanics and rulership and party roles. Stats:
Malqazar the Magnificent Half-elf mesmerist 1 (Pathfinder RPG Occult Adventures 38) LN Medium humanoid (elf, human) Init +4; Senses Perception +4 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12 (+2 armor, +2 Dex) hp 9 (1d8+1) Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +2; +2 vs. enchantments Immune sleep -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 30 ft. Melee sword cane +0 (1d6) Special Attacks hypnotic stare (-2), mesmerist tricks 5/day (false flanker), painful stare (+1) Mesmerist Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +5) . . 1st (2/day)—charm person (DC 15), command (DC 15) . . 0 (at will)—dancing lights, mage hand, message, open/close (DC 14) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 10, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 18 Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 12 Feats Noble Scion of War[ISWG] Traits bastard, noble born - surtova Skills Bluff +9, Diplomacy +8, Disguise +8 (+12 to appear human), Intimidate +8, Knowledge (local) +6, Knowledge (nobility) +8, Linguistics +6, Perception +4, Sense Motive +5, Sleight of Hand +6, Stealth +6 Languages Common, Elven, Giant, Infernal, Sylvan SQ consummate liar +1, elf blood, round ears Other Gear leather armor, sword cane[APG], backpack, bedroll, belt pouch, courtier's outfit, flint and steel, ink, inkpen, jewelry[UE], stationery[UE], waterskin, 3 gp, 4 sp -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Consummate Liar +1 Counts as Combat Expertise for some feats. Elf Blood Half-elves count as both elves and humans for any effect related to race. Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to magic sleep effects. Hypnotic Stare (-2, 30 feet) (Su) As swift action, target creature takes penalty on Will saves. Mesmerist Tricks (110 feet, 5/day) (Su) Implant hypnotic bond with allies. granting edge vs. foes. Noble Scion of War You are a member of a proud noble family. Painful Stare (+1, 1/round) (Su) As a free action, hyp. stare target takes extra precision dam from a hit. Round Ears +4 to disguise to appear human. Rulership Rule:
Malqazar wishes, more than anything, to be king. If he is unable to attain that position, he will settle for any position where he and his authority can be respected. Party Role: Malqazar is something of an all-arounder. He can do some debuffing of enemies, some party aid with his mesmerist tricks and painful stare, and a fair amount of social skills.
The character I’m submitting was used for a previous campaign, and retooled to fit Kingmaker. I’ll have the mechanics up soon, probably tonight. Background:
Born of a dalliance between a noble of House Surtova and a half-elven dancer hired to entertain the Brevic court, Malqazar has not had the easiest life. While his royal blood kept him off the streets, he was seen as shameful to House Surtova due to his bastardy. His father was not the most faithful of husbands, and sired another fully human bastard named Alykzander. Once both boys came of age, their father made a deal. Whichever one could rise higher in the courts of Brevoy.would be legitimized, the other would not. And so, Malqazar began to work to make himself a figure in Brevic politics. In an effort to ingratiate himself with his noble family, he trained in the arts of the Surtovas, politics, deviousness, bladecraft. Knowledge of his family’s ways only increased his ambition for power in the courts. Lies became his only truth, deception the key to his success. As time passed he began to notice an unusual amount of success. A courtier he would try to charm might suddenly find themselves far more sympathetic to his intrigues. A servant that would otherwise mock him might take one of his commands without question. All the while, his lies sharpened. His web of informants and alliances grew, his plots growing to reach from Rostland into Issia as his talent for lies became almost supernatural. Despite his efforts, Alykzander won the legitimacy his father promised. A fortune meeting with the King-Regent became a friendship, and when Alykzander was proclaimed the guest of honor and one of the King-Regent’s feasts, the boy’s father immediately legitimized Alykzander. Malqazar was crushed, and almost let his plots and schemes slide into complete disarray. However, He still craved legitimacy, whether it was from his noble house or through other means. His opportunity at power came one day with the announcement of the Stolen Lands charters and the promise of an opportunity to create a fledgeling nation. With a fair amount of shady dealings, well-places deceptions, and a bit of magical manipulation he had secured his place as a charter holder. If he could not rule in his own nation, he would build one where he could. Appearance and Personality: Appearance Malqazar is a tall, handsome seemingly human man, albeit with slightly pointed ears and a narrow face. From his half-elven mother he inherited the slender build and height of the elves, along with their dignified beauty. He generally wears the outfit and finery of a courtier, tailored to fit the fashions of Port Ice. He carries a slender cane topped with a bear’s head ornament, which upon close inspection is revealed to be a sword cane. Personality
Malqazar diguises himself as well, emphasising his human features, trying to look like a member of the Wiscrani middle class. Disguise: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25 One that is done he says to the group, "I am not really a fighter at all. I defend myself, but that is about it. My true talents lie in the manipulation and confusion of the enemy. It would be best if my safety were assured."
Upon seeing the new recruits Malqazar extends a hand, "Greetings fellow rebels and actors. I am Malqazar the Magnificent, master of minds, mental manipulator, and mesmerist extraordinaire! Our...ah...troupe has had some success in evading Hellknights but we have not faced them face to face. Now, it looks like we have a few rather bulky new additions to our group, so we may have a bit more skill in that regard."
Malqazar leaves the upscale he's been staying in. He purchases a cup of coffee and a marmalade crepe to eat on the way over. Coming to the Serpent he notes the Hellknights outaide of it and decides, wisely, to go to the theatre instead. Malqazar heads into the theatre. Upon seeing the rest of the group he greets them before walking onstage and saying, "I see we've all gotten here in one piece. Let us practice then."
Malqazar walks in with the rest. He sidles up to the bartender, requesting a bottle of wine and five glasses. Having acquired refreshments, he walks over to the table the group is sitting at and says, "Here, a bottle of wine for us all to share. May our partnership be long and lucrative." Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Malqazar locks eyes with a goblin and stares intently. He gazes at the goblin, then to another, and back to the first. He then taps his walking stick against the ground, satisfied with whatever he just did. Casting unnatural lust on one chair goblin with the target of the other chair goblin. DC is 16 will.
Malqazar twists the head of his walking stick, before pulling it to reveal a well-made sword. He briefly tests the sharpness of the blade and smiles slightly. He takes a breath in, and his smile quickly fades, "By the foulness of Jubilex! That stench is overpowering!" He snaps his fingers and a flash of light emanates from his hands. Four lights rise off of it, softly glowing above his head. "If any of you need some light, I can certainly help."
Malqazar listens to Janiven intently, lips pursed in thought. Once Vara has spoken he says, "Well, the goal of liberty is certainly a noble one. I do enjoy the sound of a Westcrown without the shadowy beasts that prowl the night, without the tyranny of unjust overlords. I would indeed wish to help this cause, there are many opportunities to gain here. I suppose all revolutions are built on the backs of those who tell the stories of those who are oppressed, and what better storytellers are there than a troupe of actors?"
Malqazar grins briefly and clears his throat, "Ah, a question I am oft asked. It is a good story, although a rather long one to be fair. I grew up in a small farming town, quite isolated from most other towns. The most exciting event was when the tax collector would come, which people thought to be an occasion to rejoice. I never found it as exciting as most others did, but I digress. I found that rural life did not suit me much one night when I was thigh deep in manure when I was assigned to clean out the barn. I began to think about where I could go, and the closest city was Westcrown. Now, I had made some arrangements to be introduced to the noble court, and my arrival was for a time quite the talk of court. As I had aspirations to continue that reputation, I figured I needed a fitting title. I thought for a while, realising I had gone from the dull life of a farmer to chatting with lords and ladies in elegant salons. Well, I found that rather magnificent. In any case, I have prattled on too long about myself."
Malqazar walks into the tavern, his fine walking stick tapping rhythmically against the wooden planks of the floor. He spots the table that Sia and Vara sit at, and walks over, pulling out a chair and settling down. "Good morning madams. I believe I have not formally introduced myself. I am Malqazar the Magnificent, and if it would not be untoward, who may I have the pleasure of addressing you two as?"
Malqazar considers their words, before tucking the paper into the pocket of his waistcoat. He raises his eyebrows at Sia and notes, "I do find a bottle of wine is exceptionally useful in oiling the gears of the mind," before turning to Ian and Janiven and saying, "You have indeed piqued my interest. If any others here wish to join me in the morning to mull over the decision, I would welcome it. After all, is it not important for a cast to know each other? I find it makes for far better acting."
Despite lacking professional training in acting, Malqazar is able to use his charm and gravitas to excellently make his way through the audition. He is so caught up in acting he doesn't notice the finer details of the room, but in studying the script notices the hidden text. Perception Reading: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Jing the Bandit: Malqazar reaches for his collar, finding it impeccably ironed as always, with no signs of having creased. He chuckles and remarks to Jing, "I notice that my collar has not creased at all. Regardless of what your intentions with 'fixing a crease in my collar' may have been, it would not do for new acquaintances to harbour grudges. I agree with your assessment though. A Hellknight's mace is never a good way to end a night. Shall we find a bar or restaurant, I would be intrigued to know how a catfolk made his way to Westcrown."
Jing the Bandit: Malqazar whirls around, seeing a catlike figure standing before him. "What in the blazes do you think you're doing?" Malqazar utters menacingly. He locks his gaze with that of the feline humanoid, his dark eyes boring deep into Jing's mind. He speaks again, in a calm voice that seems to reverberate in Jing's head, "I would recommend that you not do that. If you've decided against it, how about you greet me in a more civil manner?" |