After reading a few of these reviews, I have a feeling that I'll have to expand both of my character's background a bit to stand a chance... but I'll just wait for the reviews and see what you think the main problems are. ;)Heh!
I remember you mentioning something to the effect that you hoped Reikou's sudden transport to Ustalav didn't sound too much like deus ex machina; relax, it doesn't. It makes more sense than a 1st level character making their way over the Crown of the World or sailing from Minkai to Varisia, that's for sure.
Am I right in assuming that Reikou's alternate form is a human of Tian-Min ethnicity, given the Forest of Spirits is right next door? I suppose if he were from the northwest then Tian-La would also make sense. Not that this has any in-game effect, I am just interested. : )
Perhaps contrary to your expectations, I think I know a fair bit about Reikou already. Between his stated alignment, his reactions to the Professor, his reluctance to fully embrace his potential destiny (at least so far) and the fact he's a Life oracle, I reckon I have a fair insight into his likely state of mind and how he would work with others.
So no additional comments from me, save to say that if we're still going when the Advanced Races Guide comes out (which I expect we will be) and you are selected, then you are welcome to mine that book for whatever will be useful in more fully defining your race. If you're selected we can talk then about whether we retcon stuff and swap in whatever is new and shiny in the book.
Good luck!
Thanks for the review!
Ah, I had been meaning to pick a specific Tian ethnicity for Reikou's human form, but it had slipped my mind. After doing a quick check of the Dragon Empires books, I think his human form would appear to be Tian-Min. I'll write in what both of his forms look like on the background in a moment.
Thanks for leaving the option of the advanced race guide open! I always love having more character options :D