Naliah Lotheed's page

Accuracy (Ex): At 1st level, a sniper halves all range increment penalties when making ranged attacks with a bow, crossbow, or firearm. This ability replaces track.

Deadly Sniper (Ex): At 2nd level, when the sniper makes an attack against a target who is within his weapon’s first range increment and completely unaware of his presence, that attack ignores the 30 foot range limit on ranged sneak attacks, and if it is a sneak attack, he adds his sniper level as a bonus on his sneak attack damage roll. After this first attack, the target is aware of the sniper’s presence.

Finesse Training (Ex): At 1st level, a rogue gains Weapon Finesse as a bonus feat. In addition, starting at 3rd level, she can select any one type of weapon that can be used with Weapon Finesse (such as rapiers or daggers). Once this choice is made, it cannot be changed. Whenever she makes a successful melee attack with the selected weapon, she adds her Dexterity modifier instead of her Strength modifier to the damage roll. If any effect would prevent the rogue from adding her Strength modifier to the damage roll, she does not add her Dexterity modifier. The rogue can select a second weapon at 11th level and a third at 19th level.

Studied Target (Ex) (2 targets, +2 bonus): A slayer can study an opponent she can see as a move action. The slayer then gains a +2 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, and Survival checks attempted against that opponent, and a +1 bonus on weapon attack and damage rolls against it. The DCs of slayer class abilities against that opponent increase by 2. A 5th level slayer can only maintain these bonuses against two opponents at a time; these bonuses remain in effect until either the opponent is dead or the slayer studies a new target. The slayer may discard this connection to a studied target as a free action, allowing him to study another target in its place. If a slayer deals sneak attack damage to a target, he can study that target as an immediate action, allowing him to apply his studied target bonuses against that target (including to the normal weapon damage roll).

Sneak Attack (3d6): The slayer's attack deals extra damage anytime his target would be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC (whether the target actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the slayer flanks his target. Should the slayer score a critical hit with a sneak attack, this additional damage is not multiplied. Ranged attacks can count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet. With a weapon that deals nonlethal damage (like a sap, whip, or unarmed strike), a slayer can make a sneak attack that deals nonlethal damage instead of lethal damage. He cannot use a weapon that deals lethal damage to deal nonlethal damage in a sneak attack, not even with the usual –4 penalty. The slayer must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. A slayer cannot use sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment.

Slayer Talents
Poison Use (Ex) (L2) (Advanced Class Guide pg. 53): The slayer is trained in the use of poison and cannot accidentally poison herself when applying poison to a weapon.

Deadly Range (Ex) (L4) (Advanced Class Guide pg. 53): Increases the range at which she can deal sneak attack damage by 10 feet. A slayer must be at least 4th level before selecting this talent.

Foil Scrutiny (Advanced Class Guide pg. 53): A slayer with this talent is able to obscure her thoughts and intentions. She gains a +2 bonus on all Bluff and Disguise checks, as well as on Will saving throws to resist mind-reading spells and effects (such as detect thoughts and discern lies).

Cast each 1/day at Caster level 1, DC 11
Dancing lights: Medium, 1 minute, Save No, SR no. Create either up to 4 torchlights or glowing orb, or 1 vague humanoid shape.
Prestidigitation: 10 ft, 1 hr. Creates various minor tricks
Read magic: Personal, 10 min/level. Read scrolls and spellbooks.
Unseen Servant: Close, 1 hr/level. Invisible force obeys your commands.

Feats
Point-Blank Shot (L1): You gain a +1 to attack and damage when attempting a ranged attack within 30 feet of the target.

Noble Scion (Human bonus): You gain a +2 bonus on all Knowledge (nobility) checks, and Knowledge (nobility) is always a class skill for you. You also gain an additional benefit depending on which family you belong to. Lotheed: Your family ranks include the greatest wizards and arcane scholars in Taldor, and schooling in some of the most comprehensive arcane libraries in the Inner Sea was your birthright. If your Intelligence is 11 or higher, you gain the following spell-like abilities: 1/day—dancing lights, prestidigitation, read magic, unseen servant. The caster level for these effects is equal to one half your class level.

Weapon Finesse (Rogue bonus): You can use your Dexterity modifier when making a melee attack with a light or finessable weapon.

Precise Shot (L3): You can shoot or throw ranged weapons at an
opponent engaged in melee without taking the standard –4 penalty on your attack roll.

Rapid Reload (L5) (hand crossbow): The time required for you to reload your chosen type of weapon is reduced to a free action (for a hand or light crossbow), a move action (for heavy crossbow or one-handed firearm), or a standard action (two-handed firearm). Reloading a crossbow or firearm still provokes attacks of opportunity. If you have selected this feat for a hand crossbow or light crossbow, you may fire that weapon as many times in a full-attack action as you could attack if you were using a bow.

Quick Draw (L7): You can draw a weapon as a free action instead of as a move action. You can draw a hidden weapon (see the Sleight of Hand skill) as a move action. A character who has selected this feat may throw weapons at his full normal rate of attacks (much like a character with a bow). Alchemical items, potions, scrolls, and wands cannot be drawn quickly using this feat.

Proficiencies
Naliah is proficient with all simple and martial weapons, the hand crossbow, and with light armor, medium armor, and shields (except tower shields).

Traits
Child of Oppara (Campaign): You gain a +1 trait bonus on Appraise and Knowledge (nobility) checks, and one of these skills is always a class skill for you. The Noble Scion feat does not have a Charisma prerequisite for you. In addition, you start play with a noble’s outfit, a signet ring, and a single additional nonmagical item worth no more than 200 gp.

Hidden Hand (Combat): Your concealed weapons strike fast and true. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal light weapons and a +1 trait bonus on attack rolls when making an attack with a light weapon during a surprise round.

Skills
(6 + Int 1/level + +1 human + 1 favored class = 9 ranks/levelx6; + 8 skills + 1 human + 1 int for rogue level=10; +2 background skills/level marked with *; all skills listed are class skills)
Acrobatics +13 (5 ranks + 5 Dex + 3 class)
Appraise* +9 (2 ranks + 1 Int + 3 class + 1 trait)
Bluff +12 (6 ranks + 1 Cha + 3 class +2 Talent)
Climb + 5 (1 rank + 1 Str + 3 class)
Craft (Sewing/Embroidery)* +10 (5 ranks + 1 Int + 3 class)
Diplomacy +10 (6 ranks + 1 Cha + 3 class)
Disable Device +16 (7 ranks + 5 Dex + 3 class + 1 trapfinding)
Disguise +10 (4 ranks + 1 Cha + 3 class +2 Talent)
Escape Artist +10 (2 ranks + 5 Dex + 3 class)
Heal +0 (1 Wis)
Intimidate +1 (1 Cha)
Knowledge (dungeoneering)
Knowledge (geography*) +5 (1 rank + 1 Int + 3 class)
Knowledge (local) +6 (2 ranks + 1 Int + 3 class)
Knowledge (nobility) +9 (2 ranks + 1 Int + 3 class + 1 trait + 2 feat)
Lore (Poisons)* +7 (3 ranks + 1 Int + 3 class)
Linguistics —
Perception +10 (7 ranks + 0 Wis + 3 class) (+1 to find traps)
Perform (Dance)* +7 (3 ranks + 2 Cha + 3 class)
Profession (Wis 1)
Ride +4 (4 Dex)
Sense Motive +10 (6 ranks + 1 Wis + 3 class)
Sleight of Hand +15 (7 ranks + 5 Dex + 3 class) (+1 to conceal light weapons)
Stealth +15 (7 ranks + 5 Dex + 3 class)
Survival +5 (1 rank + 1 Wis + 3 class)
Swim +1 (1 Str)
Use Magic Device —

Trapfinding: A rogue adds 1/2 her level on Perception checks to locate traps and on Disable Device checks (minimum +1). A rogue can use Disable Device to disarm magic traps.

Languages: Common (Taldane), Azlanti

Note: Much of Naliah’s gear should be designed to be appropriate for a noble as possible, so a backpack or pouch would be a stylish carrying case or purse. She uses her own embroidery skill to add embellishments to many of her items as well (and to help conceal the items she carries).

=Worn/Equipped=
+1 Switchblade (1d4/19-20x2 P; 2,305 gp, 1 lb, 10 ft., looks like a hair ornament) This knife has a springloaded blade hidden inside the handle. It can be designed to look like another type of object (a DC 15 Perception check reveals the deception). If held in your hand, you can activate it as a free action. This weapon is treated as a dagger. Source: Adventurer’s Armory, Page 5
+2 Mithral Chain Shirt (Armor +6, Max Dex +6, ASF 10%) (worn underneath clothing) (4,100 gp, 10 lbs)
Belt of Incredible Dexterity +2 (belt) (4,000 gp, 1 lb)
Cloak of Resistance +1 (shoulder) (1,000 gp, 1 lb)
Efficient Quiver (1,800 gp, 2 lbs)
Sleeves of Many Garments (wrist) (200 gp, 1 lb)
Handy Haversack (2,000 gp, 5 lbs)
Mwk Tube Arrow Shooter (303 gp) (1d4 P/x2; 40 ft.) This weapon consists of a small metal tube hidden within a sleeve; the tube holds a short, spring-loaded bamboo shaft. You gain a +2 bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal a tube arrow shooter on your body. Releasing the fastener allows the spring to force the arrow out. Once a shaft is fired, the tube must be reloaded before it can be used again. Reloading a tube is a full-round action, or a standard action if the wielder has the Rapid Reload feat.

Scarf (pocketed) (8 gp, ½ lb) An elaborate design disguises several small pockets on one side of this scarf. This scarf grants you a +4 bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to hide objects on your body. This bonus does not stack with the bonus wearing heavy clothing provides but does stack with bonuses for attempting to hide small objects.
Signet ring (from trait; –)
Necklace ( of gold and alexandrite, this is her “free” item of 200 gp or less from trait. It is worth 170 gp, and the cost includes the +20 gp for a “poison pill” feature)
----- contains one dose of oil of taggit (90 gp)
Noble’s Outfit (from trait; –) (Her tube arrow shooter is sewn into the sleeve)

=In Efficient Quiver= (Negates weight of objects within)
==In Compartment that can hold up to 60 arrowish objects==
Bamboo Shaft Arrows (x9) (this is ammo for the tube shooter; a 10th is loaded into it) (1 gp; 1 lbs)
Bolts (x40) (4 gp, 4 lbs)
Bolas Bolts (x10) (20 gp, 4 lbs)

==In Quiver compartment that can hold up to 18 javelinish objects=
Mwk Hanbo (301 gp, 2 lbs) (1d6 B/x2 light; trip)(Source: Adventurer’s Armory pg. 3. A thin club often carved like a walking stick.)

==In Quiver compartment that can hold up to 6 bowish objects=
Secret crossbow (4,400 gp, 2 lbs)

=Hidden in Scarf (or similarly appropriate spot on person)=
Earplugs (3 cp, –)
Hip flask (1 gp, ½ lb), filled with whiskey (1 sp, ½ lb)
Holy water (x1, 25 gp, 1 lb)
Vial of greenblood oil (1 dose, 100 gp)

=Handy Haversack (negates weight of what is within)=
==In Large Compartment (Holds up to 80 lbs)==
Traveler’s Any-Tool (250 gp, 2 lbs)
Mwk Artisan’s Tools (Sewing/embroidery kit) (55 gp, 5 lbs)
Candlestick (1 sp, 1 lb)
Candles x5 (0.05 cp, –)
Cards (decent quality deck) (1 gp, –)
Gear maintenance kit (5 gp, 2 lbs)
Grooming kit (1 gp, 2 lbs)
Scrivener’s Kit (2 gp, 1 lb)
===In Scrivener’s Kit (in addition to its usual contents)===
Ink (8 gp, –)
Sealing wax (1 gp, 1 lb)
Stationery (x2) (2 gp)

==In Small Compartment 1 (holds up to 20 lbs)==
Potion of cure moderate wounds (300 gp, –)
Potion of fly (750 gp, –)
Potion of shield of faith +1 (50 gp, –)
Vial of large scorpion venom (1 dose, 200 gp)

==In Small Compartment 2 (holds up to 20 lbs)==
Cold iron blanch (x1) (20 gp each, 1 lb each)
Tindertwig (x5) (5 gp, –)
Perfume (5 gp, 1 lb)
Waterproof bag (5 sp, ½ lb)

===In waterproof bag===
Honey (jar) (1 gp, ½ lb)
Mug (2 cp, 1 lb)
Tea (green) (1 lb, 4 cp)
Teapot (1 sp, 1 lb)

Total current cash: 20 gp, 6 cp

Total Carry Weight: 27.5 lbs (Max Light Load 43 lbs)
Starting Gold: 23,500 gp plus items granted by Noble Scion

Summary Naliah was the black sheep of the family because she wasn’t good at magic, but her mentor taught her bladework and subterfuge for survival. She witnessed her father and two possibly Cheliaxan agents murder her mother, and she used her relative invisibility and ability to pick up on details in her household to carefully orchestrate her father’s murder, of which no one (that she knows of) suspects her. Recently her cousin Martella has revealed she knows Naliah is smarter than she appears and has recruited her aid.

Long and Overly Complicated Version
Naliah is third child and second daughter of the recently deceased Lord Darius Lotheed, and almost nobody knows she killed him. After all, most of the noble world thinks Naliah is so flighty she can’t even keep her hair out of her wine goblet when attempting to flirt with a suitor.

Darius was a second cousin to other Lotheeds who possess higher ranks in the peerage. Her own family’s direct holdings are limited to an estate at the edge of Oppara, a fine manor and lands by anyone’s account, but little compared to Darius’s cousins’ duchies. Lord Darius always resented that he was not higher in the hierarchy of Taldane peers and spent much of his time trying to gain further status and power; in the process, he earned as many allies as he did enemies. When an arrow found its way to his throat during a hunt with fellow peers, many mourned it—publicly—as a tragic accident. Privately, many presume it was an assassination, and nobody was shocked. The rumor mill in Oppara asserts Chelish spies killed him for bad information, or perhaps it was a shadowmaster in House Varima, which Darius frequently had deals with. Some think, no, perhaps his son Rabin orchestrated it so he could take over the house. Or perhaps it was his son-in-law (Jasper Merosett, married to Naliah’s sister Kilarra), as Darius had never fully paid him Kilarra’s dowry.

Naliah’s family had always overlooked her. Full of proud arcanists, she lacked the attention span or interest to learn magic beyond a few cantrips, and everyone assumed early on she was just stupid. Naliah had learned early in life that once people assumed you were pretty and stupid, you could largely do as you pleased, unnoticed. She enjoyed sneaking around the house collecting gossip and palming small objects with which she could play pranks on with her.

Nonetheless, Naliah’s mother, Jamella, wanted Naliah to be able to defend herself in a world of both intrigue and invasion, dismissed the magic tutors and instead hired a governess, Azinda, a military veteran who was a distant and relatively lower-born relative of House Karthis. Azinda was both a skilled historian and soldier. Azinda trained Naliah in courtly niceties and arts expected of third children like embroidery, but picking up on Naliah’s sharper-than-expected observation skills and ability to go unnoticed (socially and physically), she also trained Naliah the value of gathering information and remaining unseen, figuring it would help the girl amongst cutthroat nobility. Azinda also took Naliah hunting, a favorite sport among the nobility, and Naliah’s skill with a bow quickly became unparalleled—but Naliah did not show this off to her family; no one expected her to have any talent, so why let them think she did? Azinda further taught her the use of the hand crossbow, less useful for hunting game, but concealable, and valuable in times of strife. Naliah hunted with Azinda on her own and practiced at the range, but at family hunts she tended to stick to the sidelines and eat canapes.

Azinda left the estate once Naliah came of age five years ago, gifting her a hand crossbow and a “hair stick,” which was in fact a switchblade knife. She largely lost touch with Azinda after that but heard Azinda died about a year ago, one of many deaths in Oppara as political tensions have risen, which left her sorely aggrieved. But that is not her greatest grief.

Three years ago, while on a walk outside, she saw her father and mother with two men she only faintly recognized as business associates of her father’s. Curious, she followed them. Hiding within a tree a good way away, she witnessed something horrid. Her mother pointed accusingly at one of the guests. The guest shouted something back at her, and the other whispered something in Darius’s ear. Darius frowned, but grasped his wife’s hand, and after a struggle, he pushed her into the water and then held her down, the two guests simply watching coldly. Naliah could not climb down the tree in her skirts quickly enough to get to them, and she feared calling for help could get herself killed. By the time she was able to regroup, Darius was already back at the manor informing the household of her mother’s “tragic accident.” Naliah considered telling someone else, but she wasn’t sure who would believe her.

Naliah could not save her mother, but she could avenge her. She used her skills and her ability to be underestimated to gather a good deal of information about her father and her family. Including the fact that her father’s “business associates” seemed to include Cheliaxans, one of whom always smelled of a particularly musky cologne.

Then, on the next family hunt, while Naliah made an excuse to recover from a spoiled canape, she snuck off, quickly changed her outfit using a magical glamer on her clothing, followed the hunting party, and shot her father dead. Using her prestidigitation cantrip, she left behind the scent of that musky cologne to frame the Chelaxian, and everyone is very certain Naliah was on the other side of the forest being very ill during the whole time it happened.

Naliah went about her normal life, though stayed out of the spotlight—indeed, much as anyone whose family had such tragedy should. She is supposed to be finding a suitable match to marry, but she has claimed she is too distraught over both parents’ deaths to court anyone. She thought, largely, no one would take notice of her again, or at least hoped it. But then a few months later, she received a message from her cousin Martella Lotheed: “Azinda told me you’re not as stupid as you seem—and good riddance to Darius. Tell your family you’re going on an extended visit to relatives… and help me save Taldor.”

Intrigued, she responded. In a whirlwind of activity, Naliah has used both her skills at being “harmless” to observe and feed Martella information, as well as at fighting unseen from the shadows. She has over time become an able assassin and spy under Martella’s tutelage. Gifted at hiding deadly things upon her person, still few suspect Naliah is anyone but a flighty third child who will never do much but chatter and embroider. But working for Martella as fueled her with a fire she didn’t know she had, and hopes, from the shadows, to free Oppara from some of the corruption which plagues it.

HeroForge Mini
Naliah is 23 years old, about 5’10”, with long black hair with auburn streaks braided intricately into an elaborate up-do. She has pale brown skin and eyes of dark gold. She wears bright colors that complement her complexion, and always wears the gold and alexandrite pendant that was her mother’s, even if dressed down for incognito travel, outdoors entertainment, or adventure. As intrigues unfold in the capital, she has made sure that even when dressed for a gathering of the nobility, she is able to defend herself, concealing weapons and other aids where she can.

Outwardly, Naliah is a giggly, fashion-obsessed spoiled noblewoman—in other words, what many expect a woman of her position to be. But behind vapid smiles, she is an astute observer, taking note of others’ body language and the things they say in case it’s useful information. Although she hated her father even before the shallow, vain man killed her mother, Naliah also possesses an ambitious streak as he did. But unlike Darius, Naliah’s ambition is simply to remain comfortable and do as she pleases, and she knows the less people actually notice her—at least, as she really is—the better. She’d rather manipulate as needed behind the scenes, and make sure she is able to survive and thrive the tense politics as they escalate in the country. Indeed, while Martella’s cause for the Princess is inspiring, even the risks she takes in the name of said cause is largely so that hopefully, when it is all over, she can disappear into the life to which she is accustomed and enjoy a quiet life. At least—that is what she tells herself. She might enjoy her skill at intrigue more than she will admit.