Submitting Seferneru, human slayer from the Shackles who likes the Red Mantis fighting technique much more than their ethics.
You can see roleplaying samples from my old characters; here's some of them:
Telemakos Eysteinn Roman
Background:
Seferneru grew up in Port Peril, son of an Osirian merchant and a Garundi tavern-keeper, who had settled down their businesses in the turbulent port city of the Shackles.
Growing up, his family had enough money to avoid struggling and debts, but also enough to be a target of the many criminals of the city: as such, Seferneru learned from a young age the importance of keeping his valuables hidden, and check for signs of intrusion in his own home.
As soon as he was old enough his father had him trained in the basic use of weapons and, and taught him how to sport traps and ambushes.
To Seferneru, this seemed a bit excessive as a precaution against petty thieves, but there where deeper reasons. Unbeknownst to him, his parents had gotten more and more in debt with “razor” Rascaro, a local crime lord and loan shark, and feared for the life of their only son.
It was a terrifying day in the life of the fifteen year old Seferneru when Rascaro and half a dozen brutes
broke into their home to brutalize, possibly kill his parents. Both his mother and father were completely helpless, at the mercy of the criminals. The family hopelessly hid in a closet as the thugs advanced, when…
“Rascaro Lushka of Port Peril, called “the razor”” said a raspy voice “Captain Owembe wasn’t satisfied with your last business together, and sent me to negotiate a new payment.” Seferneru had just the time to spy through the closet keyhole: a series of red, quick slashes, and the brutes where on the ground, dying. In front of a bleeding Rascaro, a man in a Red Mantis mask and twin sawtooth sabers. A last slash, and Rascaro was on the ground, a wound open from neck to navel. As silent as he came in, the assassin disappeared.
It was the most impressive thing he ever saw: the quickness of movements, the lack of any noise in his steps, the fear in seeing the assassin… Seferneru was hooked. He wanted to be that good – but he knew he couldn’t become an assassin, for his morals where solid.
The Red Mantis probably wouldn’t have liked witnesses of one of their dealings. It seemed wise to move, and Seferneru was getting old enough to leave the nest. With the blessings of his parents, he bought a place on Jenivere – while trying to learn as much as possible about the Red Mantis’s techniques without incurring in the wrath of the assassin cult.
Appearance:
Of medium height, wiry and athletic, Seferneru is a strapping young lad with the deep tan complexion of most northern Garundi. He wears light armor and clothes with a bit more red in them than it would be wise; when in combat, or scouting, he wears a red bandana over his nose and mouth. He carries a sawtooth saber as his primary weapon.
IMAGE
Personality:
Seferneru is skilled and capable, but a bit too reckless. The very skill he pursues is incredibly dangerous – the Red Mantis makes a point of punishing those who misuse their weapon of choice. Still, he is in such awe of the style that can’t be swayed from his quest.
With friends and allies, he is fun-loving and quick to the joke, always ready to take a risk for his mate. In combat he is dedicated and dissolves into a silent stabbing machine – in a sense, he does wear a mask, just like a real Red Mantis.
Crunch:
Seferneru will be a ranger/fighter focused on using Sawtooth sabres. Dazzling Display represents an intimidating stance, pale copy of the proper Mantis Strike of course, but still effective.
Seferneru
Male Human (Garundi) Slayer 1
NG Medium humanoid (human)
Initiative +2; Senses Perception +4
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Defense
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AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13 (+2 dex, +3 armor)
HP 11 (1d10+1)
Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +1
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Gear:
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Explorer’s outfit (free)
Ranger’s kit (This kit includes a backpack, a bedroll, a belt pouch, a flint and steel, an iron pot, a mess kit, rope, soap, torches (10), trail rations (5 days), and a waterskin) (9 gp)
common thieves’ tools (30 gp)
Submitting Seferneru. He is an Osirian champion who is trying to get back his humanity.
A good melee fighter with debuff abilities and among the tankiest of tanks.
I did not put a link to every feat since I assume everyone knows what Power Attack does, hope it’s ok; same goes for magic items. Please let me know if there'ssomething wrong with the profile.
Gear is almost finished, I’m waiting for your answers before finalizing it. I am also lacking the non-campaign trait.
a few DM questions:
1) Living Monoliths get Greater Planar Ally as a SLA to summon sphinxes. Does that mean I can summon an Androsphinx (13 HD)? 2 Hieraco-sphinxes (8 HD)? Is there any difference in summoning a regular sphinx (12 HD) with planar ally rather than greater planar ally?
2) When the Enlarge Person granted by the Ka Stone becomes Righteous Might, does the du-ration change as well?
3) I used a Nodachi as it is a strictly better version of a falchion; if you feel this is unwarranted due to the lack of oriental elements in the backstory, I can change it back to a falchion.
4) I have a mithral full plate that does not look like one, mostly for aesthetical reasons. The Glamered enchantment costs 2,700 gp, I added only 1,000 gp to the cost of the armor since it always appears like one specific thing, can’t become every set of clothes in the world.
5) What is your stance on Wayfinder’s resonant powers?
....Poof the goblin plaaaaaaaya. Wow. I've seen it all. :P
So, depending on some things, I may actually wind up taking two players. I'm going to leave recruitment open for at least another 24 hours, so those of you who want to do tweaks or finish applications, go ahead. I'm waiting on some feedback from my existing game players.
ehrm... are the following all of the applicants? Did I miss someone?
Thackery Binx, Former Evil Overlord, Forcibly Re-careered
Alexandros Satorum, servant of Iomedae by day, Moonbeam lounge dancer by night
Nolan Gendar, Gambit! Not obligated to speak with a Cajun accent.
Renarc Morast, doing sit-ups for Kurgess, hup hup
Poof the goblin plaaaaaaaya
Karzack the Friendly Human. On the run after eating a few elves from Kyoin
actually our Paladin of Pharasma is more of the True Neutral sort, I believe dien allows paladins as "champions of deity" rather than exclusively LG guys.
Seferneru looks for a second with a stern face as the condescending Lyrian climbs the wall. He had a point. Even if he hadn’t, he was going in anyway, and at least by being with him he would make sure that this so-called “son of angels” would stay true to his word of not looting the place.
He jumps, grabs the wall border ignoring a few scrathces on his fingers, and pulls himself up effortlessly. Then, trying to make as little noise as possible, jumps down landing behind Lyrian and Vorthos “I am not comfortable with this. But then, I am nothing if not flexible.” he says to the bard. It is meant as a joke. But with his face not even trying to change expression, it might be hard to tell.
“I choose to embark in this expedition for several reasons; an important one is to make sure that the breaking into the tombs of our ancestors is done with as little disturbance to the dead as possible. You are scholar, you say. I do believe your interest to be deep enough to try and get that bone dust in other ways, should I say no.” Seferneru’s expression never changes. Never.
“But if I supervise the operation, I can try to ensure minimal disrespect to the dead. My colleague” he nods towards Vorthos “possesses a wide knowledge of embalming fluids. However, maybe Abram” he nods towards the paladin “would not be willing to disturb the dead. I do not command this expedition, I can merely express my vote.”
Seferneru leans forward towards the old woman talking to Abram. “Madam, your wise appearance is in stark contrast with your request. Someone as knowledgeable as you must know how dangerous disturbing the dead of this land must be. May I have an answer as to what you wish to accomplish with the reward you asked us to bring you?” Seferneru makes a point not to sound threatening – which usually doesn’t really manage to pull off, emotionless as he appears “I would be a poor guardian for this lands if I were to allow a greater danger trying to prevent a tomb robbery. I trust you understand my position.” the warrior emphasizes the Ka stone in his forehead, believing it to be justification enough.
oh and Sense Motive to be sure1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
since the game is already slow (mostly because of me, I'm the slowest poster here) does anybody thinks that a detour aimed at teaching a lesson to the Mwangi warrior would be a waste of time?
Seferneru, the young woman from the auction seems to have given up on her writing in the corner and is now approaching the Mwangi warrior-- from the sound of their conversation she is offering to chronicle his tale 'for all time'... for a modest fee, of course.
Uhm... I'd need a social character's help to teach him a lesson... but they're both occupied at the moment!
mmm... I was going to ask if the halfling did something wrong at the auction, but then my bard disappeared... I guess Seferneru will look surprised - meaning his eyes are open one millimeter wider - and keep walking to the Dung Beetle, waiting for Lyrian to do his thing.
Seferneru sits in silence listening to the old man Old fool he thinks Plenty are the horrors in the tombs, and all your group did was adding more dangers tothose who would follow. at least the man learned his lesson.
He has no pity for Raegos, at all: if anything, a sense of justice in the old warrior's destiny makes him like the man a bit more. He isn’t an innocent, but he acknowledges his errors, and he decided to punish himself for said errors. This is a man of extremes, yet in his insanity his fate still holds more honor than most.
He unsheathes his scimitar “Here, old man” he gently guides the hand of Raegos to the handle of the scimitar “Feel like a warrior again for a moment. We will give your former companions a just end, this I promise. Ancient Pharaohs will no longer haunt your nightmares.”
He leaves to his more diplomatically-inclined companions the task to find information about the mask.
Knowledge:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26Oh... this is a good first roll. I will cry over this in combat.
Seferneru is saddened in seeing the hungry children. Silently he takes all the food he has in his backpack Dry fruit, dry meat, unleavened bread. Dry food of substance, like my land he lays it down in front of the children “The day will come when the River Sphinx will bring back abundance to our land. For now, the Sphinxes themselves watch over you. Take this and share it with your friends.” he whispers to them without changing his serious stone-like expression.
He returns to the Scarab ad his companions “This man braved the tombs, and came back insane. Maybe the Throne was wise to forbid any undisciplined adventurer fresh off a boat from entering the Pyramid the first time” he replies to the woman. “I have no troubles abiding his conditions – we will need information, even from a madman, if we wish for this expedition to be a success.” he looks at the children once more “it is time for prouder days in our history.”
sorry for the stereotypical paladin-like behavior (even if I’m not the paladin) but it’s about improving an Osirion in decay rahter than helping the little children. Hope this makes it less corny.
Seferneru slowly tilts his head towards Vorthos. This shows his great anger towards the alchemist. “Many have hoped to reach enlightenment through ancient artifacts retrieved from the tombs of our past. Most found our past not so different from a “bauble in someone’s palace”; others, less lucky, found despair and curse instead.” he says, very matter-of-fact. “We wish to keep them from outsiders not for greed, but for the protection of the man who has a willpower weaker than his coinpurse.”
“Believe me, I have no hate for these people” he indicates both auctioneer and bidders “Just sadness, and a touch of pity. It is not ancestral relics the secret to a better self: it is control over your limbs and emotions, exercise to shape your body and a just belief to drive it forward.”
Our heritage, our history, our art. These people are giving our glorious past to foreign collectors in exchange for money. Seferneru sternly looks at the auction, saddened at the display of greed and yet in perfect control of his expression. Some items are secrets that should be left buried, and the others should adorn the Palace of the Prince. Neither kind should be in foreign hands.
If he stood near the auctioneer, he probably would have been sold too.
“This seems pointless, and somewhat unpleasant.” he says to his companions. “I am happy you are enjoying youself...” he stares for a second at Lyrian “but I would rather make contact with this Scarab and leave.”
Sorry I'm late. For the future, if Seferneru sees another dishonest act like the halfling stealing, he is going to intervene.
Seferneru is appalled by the behavior of the new arrival, who presented himself as Vorthos. He lacks restrain, and awareness of his surroundings. He is probably hard to predict, which could be a double-edged blade. If this is the sort of people the Pathfinder Society usually employs, they shall soon crumble to the ground.
“Who among us knows the whereabouts of this Scarab? He or she should be quite notorious, for deserving such an immodest nickname.” says Seferneru as he follows the others to the action house.
Seferneru gets to the Dung Beetle at dinner-time, after taking leave from Amenopheus. He has no wish of indulging in late-night drinking, and the tavern would not be his place of choice for meeting the group. Nevertheless, without letting any emotion show on his stone-like face, he gets to the Beetle.
Unfortunately, as he is about to enter, he notices some sort of brawl going on. The fight is unskilledly performed and unpleasant to witness.
The half-orc is too fat for half the techniques he is trying to accomplish. He may be drunk, too. He hammers around like a madman, while his adversary is unfocused on the battle and takes it like a joke. He gains the upper hand in the end, more because of the half-orc demerit than because he really deserved it.
After the brawl is over, Seferneru enters the joint. He endures the disgusted stares the heavy drinkers at the counter give him when he orders fresh water. When your poisoned bodies start to fail at a later age, you will remember of the wisdom of the Sphinx Disciple he is about to say, but lets it go, not wishing to start another altercation. You come wishing to loot our past, but you should instead try to make yours the teachings of our present guardians.
Looking around, he sees the armored man wearing the symbol of Pharaz-mat. With a contained sigh, he laso notices that he is sitting with one of the brawlers.
This is unpleasant. he walks over to them, then puts down his cup of water near their alcoholic beverages.
“The blessings of the Gods and of our Ruby Prince upon you” he salutes them “I am Seferneru and I carry the Mark of the Lodge.” he shows his wayfinder to Lyriam and Abram. “Am I correct in believing you will be my fellow Pathfinders in the meeting with the Mithral Scarab?”
