Tellis Corinesten's page

Tall and slender, this classically handsome man is obviously quite keen on appearance. His equipment and clothing are meticulously kept, despite their apparent ware. Well groomed, dark hair pulled back into a neat tail, and a finely-tended small triangle of a beard under his lower lip have the mark of Chelaxian fashion. A wry grin is readily apparent adding to a generally pleasant continence, interrupted only by what appears to be a tattoo on his right lower-jaw and neck that appears to be the inverted pentagram of Asmodeaus. His lean figure has more of a dancer’s grace about it than a warrior, but the rapier at his side seems like a natural part of him.

The Corinesten family has been long in disfavor since the rise of House Thrune, and Tellis’s particular branch of the family has been destitute for more than a generation. His father sold off the last of the estate to mercantile interests, and drank the remainder. All that remained for Tellis to receive for an inheritance was his education at the academy that still bore his family name. A place at Acadamae Corinesten was traditionally free for all Corinestens, otherwise even he wouldn’t have been able to afford the one benefit his noble birth provided him. As it was he made the most of this opportunity. He quickly learned he had a natural aptitude for the gentleman’s blade, and this talent coupled with his naturally good looks and easy manner made him a favorite among his classmates. He took this information and polished his personae and developed his skill with the rapier, hoping for a military commission or some similar opportunity to bring his family back to prominence. At times, his lack of wealth behind his family name would present obstacles in his path, however when challenged Tellis would simply touch his birthmark - an inverted star of Asmodeues - located on his neck and jaw, and be filled with confidence that he was meant to succeed.

Upheld by his internal determination, he enjoyed his years at the academy. But when graduation came his friends all returned to their noble houses, with positions at the ready he found himself lacking in options. When he actually tried for a position in the military, he realized that he could not afford to purchase a commission commensurate with his bloodline. His skills translated well to the position of Paralictor but he knew he had neither the singular faith nor the ruthless cruelty that such a position required.

For a time Tellis used his wit and charm and the many friendships and associations he made at the academy to present a façade of success. He was well liked enough that he always invited to the key social events, and generally lived a life of a constant visitor moving from estate to estate as a favored guest. When about town, his friends and companions appreciated that they could go into the rougher parts of town with his bladesmanship keeping the riff-raff away. Really, he had the requisite noble blood that he was accepted at virtually any event, and his winsome personality made sure he always had an invitation. So he enjoyed life for a time, but he also had a strong feeling of insecurity in that he was simply treading water rather than moving towards his goal of truly establishing himself. This self doubt came to full realization when Tellis overheard a conversation about him among a few minor rivals who were unaware of his presence. They laughed as Tellis was described as a glorified courtesan, with his failed bloodline making him a favorite party-trick. His first thought was to draw steel and challenge the speaker to a dual – his right as a nobleman, but he realized that whether he won or lost he would merely lend credence to the truth behind the remarks.

After that the shine was gone on his lifestyle. The wandering between events, drinking, and truly mooching off his companion’s good will was simply becoming too tiresome to maintain. However a possible vehicle to achieve his goals was revealed when he found himself in a discussion of call of the Queen Abrogail II to assist in distant Korvosa. As the conversation turned, he and his companions naturally agreed that the for the Swordlords to succeed, they need would to truly bring the Rule of Law and tenants of Imperial Civilization to the colonies. The Queen needed someone who understood the value of an orderly society and who had both the martial skill and political knowledge to effect true change in the backwater. Suddenly Tellis found himself saying, “I agree entirely. And that is why I am making passage to Korvosa at the end of the week.” His friends all saluted and applauded him, and several parties were held in his honor.

While not quite what he had in mind, and a bit further from Egorian than he had ever intended to travel, the call seemed exactly what someone of his talents and inclinations needed - an opportunity for achievement and advancement based on skill and merit. And who was more deserving of such an opportunity than he? It would be a grand adventure, and the alliances he could bring to Chelliax would surely allow him to regain his family’s proper positions and significant holdings. So pulling in a few favors owed, and spending the last of his money on passage, Tellis Corinesten set out to answer the Queen's Call in Korvosa and restore both himself and his House to the prominence they deserve.

Tellis Corinesten has had a noble upbringing in Chelliax where he fully took advantage of benefits of the caste system while he maintained his position in through wit and charm. However, he understands the darker side of life in Chelliax and knows there are times when such dark means must be brought to achieve an end. However, he prefers to focus on the benefits brought about by a strongly legalistic society and the privileges that can only exist in an orderly state of being. As a part of that he believes that his family nobility means he is destined for greatness, if only he can find the proper means of attaining that greatness. This gives him an somewhat simplistic view of the world, and he is a truly more than a little naïve about the difficulties he is likely to face, especially in the wild. That said, his force of will and sense of self are strong enough that he can face the challenges that his naivety and lack of worldliness might bring about. (Irrepressible Trait)

His silver tongue and natural likeability make his noble-born natural arrogance appear to be a friendly, foppish, confidence when not among his peers. While he understands that his true peers are among the aristocracy of Chelliax, he looks at the adventure he is embarking on as a romantic quest and the boon-companions he joins with will naturally be trusted friends and allies. His romantic view of adventure is not always realistic, so far his plan has worked well enough for him that it is a shield against the dullness of reality. Thus, his wit and charm are freely and consistently shared, and he typically uplifts the spirits of those around him. Cultivating the support of friends and companions has gotten him this far in life, and he hopes it will continue to serve him while under campaign. (Silver Tongued)

At heart, he is a nobleman of Chelliax, and he understands how threat, guile, and force make the negotiation of a contract to one’s own advantage a necessary part of society. He knows he is skilled with a blade as well as a turn of phrase, and is willing to cut with either in order to get his ultimate goal. His frequently offered friendship is genuine and he is loyal and true to his word, when formally given. However, his social aptitude is also calculated to bring him further influence and keep him living in the lifestyle he hopes to continue to be accustomed to. While his adept at pulling strings, however, he is also trusting in the friendships he forms and he occasionally trusts in his own wit and charm too much, finding himself falling prey to the schemes of others.

Tellis Corinesten
Human (Chelaxian) swashbuckler (inspired blade) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Advanced Class Guide 56, 125)
LN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +4; Senses Perception +2
Defense
AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +4 Dex)
hp 11 (1d10+1)
Fort +1, Ref +6, Will -2; +2 trait bonus vs. charm and compulson
Offense
Speed 30 ft.
Melee rapier +6 (1d6+4/18-20)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, dodging panache, opportune parry and riposte), panache (4)
Statistics
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 7, Cha 12
Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 15
Feats Combat Expertise, Fencing Grace, Weapon Focus (rapier)
Traits birthmark, threatening defender
Skills Acrobatics +6, Bluff +7, Climb +2, Diplomacy +7, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (local) +7, Perception +2
Languages Azlanti, Common, Draconic, Infernal
SQ inspired panache, silver tongued
Other Gear chain shirt, rapier, canteenUE, flint and steel, masterwork backpackAPG, signet ring, trail rations (5), 119 gp, 4 sp, 10 cp
Special Abilities
Birthmark +2 save vs. charm & compulsion
Combat Expertise -0/+1 Bonus to AC in exchange for an equal penalty to attack.
Fencing Grace Add Dex instead of Str to rapier damage. +2 CMD vs. disarm if you have at least 1 panache point.
Inspired Panache (Ex) Gain no panache from killing blow, only from rapier crits.
Panache (Ex) Gain a pool of points that are spent to fuel deeds, regained on light/piercing crit/killing blow.
Silver Tongued You can shift a creature's attitude by three steps with Diplomacy.