Randolf PZ's page

Randolf
Male FIghter(Crossbowman) 1
LN Medium Human
Init +3 Perception +1

==Defense==
AC: 16, Touch 13, Flat Footed 13
HP: 13
Fort: +4 Ref: +3 Will: +0
Armor: Studded Leather

==Offense==
Speed: 30ft
Ranged: Heavy Crossbow +5 (1d10) 19-20x2 120' P
Melee; Morningstar +3 (1d8+2) x2 B/P
Melee; Melee Dagger +3 (1d4+2) x2 P/S

==Statistics==
Str:14, Dex:17, Con:15, Int:14, Wis:10 Cha:7
BAB:1, CMB:3,CMD16
Feats:Weapon Focus (Heavy Crossbow), Point-Blank Shot, Rapid Reload.
Class Abilities:Simple and Martial Weapon Proficiency, Armor Proficiency (Lt, Med, Hvy) and Shield including Tower
Traits: Outlander (Lore Seeker)
Skills:Acrobatics+2, Appraise+2, Bluff-2, Climb+5, Craft(Alchemy)+2, Craft(Armor)+2, Craft(Bows)+2, Craft(Trapmaking)+2, Craft(Weapons)+2, Diplomacy-2, Disguise-2, Escape Artist+2, Heal+0, Intimidate+2, Knowledge(arcana)+7, Perception+1, Perform(act)-2, Ride+6, Sense Motive+0, Stealth+2, Survival+0, Swim+1

"-- HUMAN RACIAL TRAITS --
• Dex: +2
• TYPE: Humanoid (Human)
• SIZE: Medium
• BONUS FEAT: Humans may choose a bonus feat at 1st level.
• HUMAN HERITAGE (Dexterity) : Humans get a +2 bonus on one ability score of their choice at creation, to represent their varied nature.
• SKILLED: Humans gain an additional skill rank at 1st level and one additional rank whenever they gain a level.
• Automatic Languages: Common
• Bonus Languages: Any

-- ARCHETYPES --
• You have selected the following Archetypes:
- Crossbowman (Fighter)

-- CLASS ABILITIES --
• FAVORED CLASS (Fighter) : You've gain the following bonuses: Hit Point).
• FIGHTER BONUS FEATS: At 1st level, and at every even level, a you gain a bonus feat from the Combat Feats list. (PFCR 55).
• FIGHTER WEAPONS AND ARMOR: A fighter is proficient with all simple
and martial weapons and with all armor (heavy, medium, and light) and shields (including tower shields). (PFCR 55).

-- COMBAT FEATS --
• ARMOR PROFICIENCY (LIGHT / MEDIUM / HEAVY): When you wear a type of
armor in which you are proficient, the armor check penalty for that armor applies only to Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Sleight of Hand, and Tumble checks. (PFCR 118)
• POINT-BLANK SHOT: You get a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls with ranged weapons at ranges of up to 30 ft. (PFCR 131)
• RAPID RELOAD (Crossbow, Heavy): You can load [Crossbow, Heavy] as a
move action. (PFCR 132)
• SHIELD PROFICIENCY: You can use a shield and take only the standard
penalties. (PFCR 133)
• TOWER SHIELD PROFICIENCY: You can use a tower shield and suffer only
the standard penalties. (PFCR 135-136)
• WEAPON FOCUS (Crossbow, Heavy): You gain a +1 bonus on all attack rolls you make using the selected weapon. You can gain this feat multiple times. Its effects do not stack. Each time you take the feat, it applies to a new type of weapon. (PFCR 136-137)

-- TRAITS --
• OUTLANDER (LORE SEEKER) (Campaign): You've studied magic intensely,
and hope to increase that knowledge by adding ancient lore. You gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (arcana) checks, and Knowledge (arcana) is a class skill for you. (PFAPG 331)

-- WEAPONS --
• HEAVY CROSSBOW: You draw a heavy crossbow back by turning a small winch. Loading a heavy crossbow is a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity. You can shoot, but not load, a heavy crossbow with one hand at a –4 penalty on attack rolls. You can shoot a heavy crossbow with each hand, but you take a penalty on attack rolls as if attacking with two one-handed weapons. This penalty is cumulative with the penalty for one-handed firing. [Weapon 1 (PFCR)]
• MELEE DAGGER: You get a +2 bonus on Sleight of Hand checks made to conceal a dagger on your body (see the Sleight of Hand skill). [Weapon 3 (PFCR)]

Randolf: Expert Crossbowman
Randolf was a nobody, growing up in the Kibron Valley in a small village of 75 people; Randolf spent his youth as an acolyte to the local church of Abadar. Acolyte is probably too strong of a word, as that would imply that he was learning the trade of the church, a task that seemed to be beyond his grasp. He was, however, strong, quick and a hard worker, which meant he was ideally suited for all the menial duties around the church. Sure, he wore the robes, the wooden holy symbol and attended prayer services as required (Randolf was very dutiful), he even believed in the words of the church of Abadar, but when it came to learning the basics of clergy life, he fell short. He could say the words properly, as he studied hard to learn them, but when it came to infusing the power of Abadar into his words, nothing happened. Randolf could not be more different than Ethan. Ethan was an acolyte extraordinaire. Ethan learned the prayers easily and could effortlessly add the power of Abadar into his words. Ethan quickly rose to the top of the acolytes and was a promising disciple of Abadar. Due to his high achievements, Ethan was relieved of his normal church duties so that he could more focus on his studies of Abadar. As a sign of humility, each acolyte was to perform their own cleaning of their rooms, laundry and rotate in the kitchen and gardens. Only when promoted to a priest were they to then turn these duties over to an acolyte. Ethan was special and had Randolf to do his chores, as well as his own and the high priest’s chores. This left little time for Randolf to pursue his studies and when he mentioned this to the high priest, he was told that he really didn’t have the talent anyway and his studies had been fruitless. Little did Randolf know but this would ultimately save his life.
A couple of weeks after his fifteenth birthday, we find Randolf doing his chores by the creek that ran behind the church, washing three sets of clothing. As was his fashion, he always washed his robes first, in case he was called away. Having finished washing his robes, they were set on a nearby tree to dry in the sun. He then turned to his task of washing the high priest’s and Ethan’s robes. He really didn’t mind the menial tasks he hadn’t formed that bond with Abadar and Ethan was destined to be a great priest, something that Randolf would never achieve. And Ethan wasn’t unkind to Randolf either. It was the pity that Randolf hated, the pity in Ethan’s eyes that said Randolf was a failure. If anything, Ethan was kinder than normal to Randolf, as one would be extra kind to mule-kicked cousin. Randolf could read and write just as well as anyone else but when it came to Abadar, he just couldn’t get it. He knew he was smart as he had made many improvements on his chores, cutting the time down to handle three people’s chores to what most other’s did just for themselves and their mentor. No, Ethan wasn’t unkind, Ethan was too kind.
{BONG BONG BONG} rang the church bells and broke Randolf’s daydream. It was too early for church services so this meant something special. Only a few times in Randolf’s time with the church had the bells rang as such; twice when the half-orc tribes had sent a raiding party their way and once when a high priest from the citystate Quudi. He knew of no important visitor arriving to their small church. Were the half-orcs getting bolder? The last raid ended badly as the halflings, gnome and humans rose up quickly to defend their town. Looking up to the church, Randolf spies a deep, dark red bird flying by, getting closer and closer. Fire shot from its mouth as it bathed the city square with fiery death. This was no bird, it was a dragon. Dragon attacks were unusual but being this close to the Dragon Mountains, it was not unheard of. Randolf immediately knew there was nothing he could do but pray, pray as he has never prayed before. He fell to his knees and prayed to Abadar to save, not himself, but to save his people, these good people who lived a hard life, who toiled and suffered, who scrapped out a living and helped their neighbors. The countless travellers who have sought shelter at the church, surely that counts for something. Randolf prayed and the red dragon continued to wreak its havoc. Soon the dragon turned its attention to the church. Swooping down low, it breathed a fiery path, instantly engulfing the church and beyond. This was too much for Randolf as a wave a fear, unlike any he had known before, washed over him, causing him to jump back into the creek. As he sank down beneath the waters, the dragon’s fire douched his body, exciting pain like he had never before experienced. His left side, from his waist to his head was burnt. Crawling to the edge of the creek, Randolf laid down to die.
The village was destroyed. 59 villagers were missing or dead. Some were out in the fields or out hunting. These were mostly spared the onslaught of the dragon. Two were rescued, Ethan and the blacksmith. These two were taken back to Quudi to the main church of Abadar. After three days of healing and prayer, the blacksmith died from his massive burns. Ethan teetered on the edge of death, not regaining consciousness for nearly two weeks. Only the dedication of the high priests saved Ethan, but as they heard of his strong faith and achievements of one so young, they applied their best efforts to heal him. Upon waking up, he was very disoriented and could not figure out why they attending to him with such great care. He also was confused by them calling him Ethan. As his throat was badly burned and he had inhaled a large amount of residual dragon fire, he could barely speak to correct them. It was another week until he was strong enough to start moving around and speak above a whisper without great pain in his throat. “Why do you call me Ethan?” he croaked. “We found your robes along with your master’s robes in the waters of the creek where you were washing them. Your own clothing was burned so badly we only knew you by your daily chores of washing your robes and your master’s. It seems as if being a dutiful acolyte of Abadar lead you to the waters in the most critical time. Surely Abadar has great things in store for someone of your talent, Ethan. Perhaps you hit your head and do not remember who you are? Don’t worry, those blows rarely last long and before you know it, you will remember why Abadar brought you to us.” The next week was a sad week. The priests of Abadar at first did not believe that he wasn’t Ethan but was Randolf. Oh, yes, they had also heard of Randolf. Randolf the inept. Randolf the shunned. Randolf the broken acolyte of Abadar.
Soon after, Randolf resumed his menial tasks around the great church of Abadar in Quudi. For another two years did he serve the church, never making further progress in his studies. Finally, the church turned him out as a failure. He would not be a priest of Abadar nor would he be allowed to serve in their employ. They still felt he had played a great trick on them, pretending to be the great acolyte Ethan. They gave him a dozen copper coins and turned him out. Not knowing where to go, he soon found employment at a tavern a few blocks away, mucking out their stables. He found he was still a nobody, invisible to those around him. This was OK as he was able to observe others, finding out about their lives. He especially liked the adventurers who came into town. He soon learned how to handle the war horses and was allowed to help in the kitchen, serving food to the patrons. He often would help behind the bar, cleaning mugs while listening to the wild tales of the adventurers. It all seemed too incredible to Randolf, to just go explore into the wild lands, looking for treasure and adventure. It seemed too unstructured, to wild. He also enjoyed the city guardsmen who came to drink away their wages, gambling with cards and dice. Even there did he notice disorder, except for one group. On occasion, a group of officers would stop in for a drink. Randolf noticed that they never drank to excess, never gambled and treated the serving wenches with respect. They often brought with them a sense of calm to the tavern. The barkeep, Tom, hated when they arrived since they drove business away. Being a good business man, Tom knew better than to complain, as they never stayed long, grabbing dinner and a drink or two. Randolf, however, enjoyed the structure that they brought to the otherwise chaotic tavern and soon found him making every excuse to wait on them when they came into the tavern. Randolf was used to the crude jokes about his half-burnt face and scarred left hand, but with the officers, it was different. There was a comment or two but it was a genuine interest in what could so disfigure someone. “It was a dragon that did it,” said Randolf. That was the key that unlocked the door to Randolf’s life. The door that lead to Randolf being someone, no longer a nobody. “A dragon did ya say? Well, sit down and tell us about it, young man.”
“Hey, I don’t pay him to drink on the job,” bellowed Tom. A gold coin flew through the air, striking Tom in the chest before bouncing on the bar top, spinning to a stop. “There,” said the captain, “that should buy an hour of his time and a round of drinks for us all, including our young friend here.” Gold, Randolf had rarely seen gold before and to have it spent on him was an honor beyond belief. Randolf started his tale, telling how he came to the church as his family had a debt to the church and paid it with him being an acolyte. How he failed to serve Abadar, all the while noticing the captain had a holy symbol wrought of the finest silver of Abadar around his neck. How, when the dragon came, he fell back with great fear, failing to help his fellow priests. A few comments from the surrounding tables, mostly from a group of common city guards, calling Randolf a liar, how he never seen a dragon, were soon quelled by the stern look of the captain. Once Randolf’s tale was done, the captain looked at the naysayer, stating “I can tell when one of you sorry lumps tries to lie to me. You know it’s true Bruce, I’ve caught you in more than one lie, right? This lad’s telling the truth. By, Abadar, you have seen a dragon. I didn’t think anyone survived that attack two years ago. It is an honor to meet you lad. If you ever need a favor, just ask for Captain Jack.” With that, the officers rose to leave the tavern. Besides himself, Randolf didn’t know what to make of telling his tale and one of the few times it was believed. Steeling his nerve and standing with clenched fists, he said to the departing back of the captain just before he left the tavern, “Can I go with you, to become a soldier like you?” Looking back over his shoulder, the captain looked Randolf over and said, “Sure, grab your things and come along. Oh, and by the way, we aren’t soldiers. You better never say that or you will learn to regret it. We are city guards, the Nightwatch of Quudi.”
The next months were a whirlwind of activity for young Randolf. Drills, drill and more drills. Training with a wide assortment of weapons and armor, Randolf soon learned the battle strategies and found he was good at something. His discipline and hard work soon made him a trained guard and when he went to advanced weapons training, soon found his love; crossbows. He paid attention when they went over the basics of the crossbow and when he got his first try, he scored a bull’s-eye. “Again,” said the gruff weapon’s master. Clumsily reloading the crossbow, Randolf took aim and again hit the bull’s-eye. “Stand over there,” said the weapon’s master. Before the day was done, Randolf stood with three others, three out of fifty, to be trained with advanced weapons. No other weapon felt so right with Randolf as did the crossbow. He soon became an expert with it, outshooting his classmates. He learned everything about using a crossbow that he could, helping others as well. The weapon’s master didn’t let his pride get too big as he outshot Randolf at 50 yards while blindfolded, but Randolf was glad he was finally good at something. His strength allowed him to use the heavy crossbow, reloading faster than most. He had little cause to use the crossbow in his duties, mostly using blunted tips for crowd control. He soon found out that the city guard was a lot of drills and patrols, and very little action. After three years and moving up to sergeant, Randolf felt it was time to move on. Saving most of his pay as he had little use for drink (it made him groggy in the mornings, ruining his ability to shoot accurately) and no head for cards or dice, Randolf had a small fortune awaiting him. He mustered out, buying his own armor and the finest crossbow he could afford, and fell in with a group of adventurers who wanted to explore.