Just wanted to note that everything should be in my alias as of a half hour ago. If needed, I can copy it in another post here too.
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Rikash chiming in with this guy. I'm still getting the background/fluff stuff cleaned up and it'll be in this alias.
Thanks for the interest, but while my crunch is together I hit a roadblock getting my background together. Best of luck to everyone else and thanks for the interest, GM Archlich. :)
I am working on my backstory still. I hit writer's block, but I'm back to working on it again. Crunch is more or less done, though he'll be an elf and his name will probably change to something more appropriately elven. Should be done by the end of the month and hoping to be done in the next day or so.
Race: Human
I'm still working on fleshing out my background and fiddling with my character's build. I'm not in love with the Taldan nobility angle that I had originally thought of, so I've been revisiting that. More updates to come as I figure out more about Theo.
Well, I believe I already commented enough on Wild Arcana and what not :) Not sure what else you want me to say, Theodoric. I believe Wild Arcana still has its utility even for a Magus, although it doesn't "combo" with Spell Combat. That's fine, I just didn't see you address my question, so I wanted to double check. Thanks for the clarification. :)
GM Archlich, can you comment on that? I hope I didn't forget to address anyone! I'm actually not entirely sure if you did or didn't answer my question about Wild Arcana and Spell Combat. Given that you're saying nate is correct, I assume that Wild Arcana and Spell Combat don't play nice together? @Theodric- you're better off with arcane surge (imho) It's likely better, it's just that I really like the flexibility of Wild Arcana. If it doesn't work with Spell Combat though, then I'll probably go ahead and do Arcane Surge. Four attacks with two intensified, empowered, dazing (if I used arcane metamastery earlier) shocking grasps (10d6 + 6 damage * 1.5 and dazing for a round targeting will) using only 1 level 3 slot sounds fun. :)
Hrm, all of this is making wild arcana look less and less useful to me as a Magus. I had interpreted it as: spend a swift action/mythic power and then you can cast a spell (with it's normal action cost, generally standard) with whatever metamagic you want up to your max spell level without spending any slots. That would imply I can use it during spell combat. The FAQ version is considerably less useful if it doesn't work with spell combat. In favor, it's still a standard action cast time so that fits into Spell Combat's requirement. Per the FAQ text (bold emphasis is mine): As a standard action, you can expend one use of mythic power to cast any one arcane spell without expending a prepared spell or spell slot. At 1st level, a magus learns to cast spells and wield his weapons at the same time. This functions much like two-weapon fighting, but the off-hand weapon is a spell that is being cast. To use this ability, the magus must have one hand free (even if the spell being cast does not have somatic components), while wielding a light or one-handed melee weapon in the other hand. As a full-round action, he can make all of his attacks with his melee weapon at a –2 penalty and can also cast any spell from the magus spell list with a casting time of 1 standard action (any attack roll made as part of this spell also takes this penalty). On the other hand, it's not precisely the same thing as just casting the spell outright. GM Archlich, can you comment on that? I'm fine either way, but it will impact what arcana I choose. Edit: Also, I'm still fiddling with things. I dropped a feat (Greater Spell Penetration) to pick up another (Empowered Spell) among other possible tweaks.
Also, how do mythic feats work? Is it one per tier? You get one mythic feat per odd mythic tier. So at Tier 4, you should have 2 mythic feats. You can also trade out a path ability (maybe many?) for mythic feats. You need to have the non-mythic feat to take the mythic feat.
The broad strokes of my character (mechanically) are in place in my alias. I'm still working on writing up/brainstorming my background and my alias will probably be changing mechanically (skill points fiddled with, feats fiddled with, etc) as my background is refined.
You say that, and I would have agreed, but now I want more! There's some cool stuff I would like to be doing but that I lack the feats for. No such thing as enough! :P BTW what counts as an "Upbringing Feat"? Any Racial Feat? Or only the ones that state stuff like "Because of growing up due to blah blah blah, you bleh the bluh"? I don't know a ton of those one sof fthe top of my head. The only things I could find were: Elven Spirit
@Sundakan: If it makes you feel any better, someone has already submitted a Champion character (drbuzzard). ;) One thought: What if you allowed dual path with a requirement that you must choose a primary path that will have more path abilities chosen then the 2ndary? If that were allowed, I'd probably have to think harder about my primary (probably Archmage preferred, but could do Champion or Trickster). You can pay only the scribing costs (depending of the level of the spell): To clarify, is that just the cost to buy the spell (e.g. must pay the same cost again to scribe it to a non-Blessed Book)?
One last thing. Does anyone know if one can use Monk abilities during a barbarian rage? Is this legal DM? I don't think you can be a barbarian/monk as they have opposing alignment restrictions. Am I forgetting an archetype that fixes this? Maybe a drunken something monk? Doing a little digging on your actual question. Edit: Martial Artist monks can get around the alignment restriction and get immunity to fatigue, which is cute. Edit 2: Assuming you do Martial Artist, it seems to me like most of your stuff should work. Exploit weakness is a bit nebulous and if you go Qingqong, I don't think any SLAs you pick up would work. DM obviously will know more, but seems legit to me. :)
While helping out people is nice, suggesting that someone should go down with exactly the same classes and therefore probably be in direct competition with another person who has expressed interest in the thread, will only create problems. My bad, I hadn't notice that HighonHolyWater posted saying he wanted to go down that path. It definitely wasn't my intention to make his life more difficult. I had just had a few interesting thoughts and intended the share them in the same vein as what nate did (in more detail). I like messing around with character ideas and it's an interesting format. As already stated I will go down the Archmage path. We'll then be in direct competition. A switch to another path would be poor at best (there is no psychic path and I don't have enough oracle for hierophant to be worthwhile). It's unfortunate, but I'm not sure there's much either of us can do about this. I wish you the best of luck with your character. :)
I'm planning to go down the Archmage route with my character, for whatever that's worth. Backup path is tricky, but probably trickster purely for path dabbling into Archmage for Coupled Arcana. I would like to be caster focused, so Archmage makes the most sense. To pitch another idea I like the idea of, if someone is interested: A holy warrior with deep ties to the land. Generally avoids cities and seeks to serve the general populace as a healer and protector. The warrior is probably a worshipper of Erastil. He serves as a protector for his party, martyring himself that they might better live. He's a ferocious warrior and a protector of his friends and of nature. Side 1: Warrior of the Shining Light Paladin 12
Focus on buffing, healing friends while your lay on hands yourself with life link active, summoning, and locking areas down with a reach weapon.
Unfortunately not. I prefer sticking to the rules and keep it as an arcane discovery only, for 9th level wizards. I actually think it's a fairly potent one! :) For this game, I can only imagine what a primary class Wizard/Archmage would be able to do. *chilly* No worries, just wanted to know so I can plan my schools. As for the second bit, the more I'm looking at it, the more silly this character is looking. Definitely going to have some scary stuff he can do. I'll probably start putting some stats down in my alias (WIP) tonight cause I can. I'm definitely picking a caster for one of my sides, witch, wizard or sorcerer- I'm unsure what to do with the last side though. Paladin, Mesmerist or Bloodrager (with Barbarian leading up to rage prophet instead) are all attractive alternatives. Sadly no Paladin with the barbarian stuff, as there are alignment restrictions in the way. Side 1: Barbarian 1/Oracle 5/Rage Prophet 6 (or just straight Oracle)
Run around with 2 animal companions (Nature Oracle) and change into a beast yourself. You are nature's wrath, incarnate! You've also got a bunch of handy debuffs/illusions which is interesting. STR 16 DEX 14 CON 15 Int 13 WIS 8 CHA 15 Increases from level go to CON/CHA/INT. Be half-orc with tattoos (too cool to pass up and add Fate's Favored trait for more fun) and stick your increase in STR. Probably spend a mythic feat to get an extra ability boost (3 total with 2 to STR and 1 to CHA). Go up the Stalwart chain (free endurance from your half-orc alternate racial) for lots of DR (as your armor will be useless when polymorphed.
Question: Would you be amenable to allowing me to take Opposition Research as an Arcanist Exploit? Not allowed as the rules are written, but it doesn't seem too bad.
So this is Rikash and the alias I'll be working from for my concept. I've got most of the build together, but it's subject to change as I think about his background. He will be a Kensai/Bladebound Magus, Swashbuckler (no archetypes, which is a change from my old plans), and School Savant Arcanist (Admixturist barring Necromancy and Enchantment, probably). As far as spell selection goes, I get quite a few from just leveling. IF I want to buy more, should I just be buying scrolls and then paying scribing costs (unless I have a blessed book), or is it assumed I can find someone to pick up spells from at a discount (1/2*cost of scribing the spell is generally the cost suggested, but may seem too cheap)? Edit: I almost forgot, I found this picture which I rather like as representative of my character.
I can make some adjustments. I had thought I had adjusted to your requirements fairly closely, but left something unspoiled for ease of reading. Will you require us to maintain that format during play? Also, can you clarify in your template how you'd like us to mark down Defense/DR from the Armor as DR rules that will be in use? Edit: I am at work, so I won't be making any changes for quite a while.
Xanos is my all time favorite character. I can see why. I read through his background and that's a great concept. It's one that I wish I'd have thought of. :P Xanos' philosophy is the next logical step from where Theo is. He accepts Asmodeus' world view as the true state of affairs (e.g. the weak are ruled by the strong at pain of death or worse). The next step is to recognize that Asmodeus and the other gods have set things up in this manner for their own benefit at his (and others though he doesn't care as much) cost. Might make for some interesting RP if we end up playing together. Also some interesting interactions as Theo turns into the undead form that Xanos hungers to be. :)
Did you have any comments about Theo, GM Bone Man? Edit: Link to the post with my answers to your questionnaire.
Ok, my crunch is complete. I'll finish fleshing out my background (mostly transferring stuff from bullet points into a nice narrative) later. I also need to find a few pictures that are appropriate. Please let me know if you have any feedback for me, GM Bone Man. :)
I'm going to rebuild this fellow as a Brawler/Bard/commoner who was convicted of being a slave taker. Before his life of crime, Theodoric was a barkeep raised in poverty who had an eye for stories. He kept less then savory contacts and when his burgeoning inn fell under the scrutiny of the city guard, he lost his clientele and was forced into a life of crime himself. Bitter and resentful of the hand dealt to him, he found he had a knack for the life of a criminal. He lived a decent life, repaying many of his business debts, until he was captured in a sting by the guard. Now stuck in Brandescar prison, Theo plots his escape while quietly worrying about a bite he suffered shortly before he was captured. Questionnaire:
10 Minute background:
1.) Write 5 background and concept elements that you feel are important to your image of the character. These can be a concept overview, a list of important life events, a physical description, a personality profile...whatever you need to get an image in your mind. 5 is just a minimum...more elements are encouraged!
2.) List at least two goals for the character. At least one of these goals should be one that the character has, while another should be one that you, as a player, want to see developed over the course of the game.
3.) List at least two secrets about your character. One is a secret the character knows, one is a secret that involves him but that he is not actually aware of yet. This will help me in creating plots that center around your character. I will also be creating a third secret which you as a player will not be aware of, so expect some surprises!
4.) Describe at least three people that are tied to the character. Two of them are friendly to the character, one is hostile. If you like, you can include an enemy of yours here as well, so I have an instant NPC nemesis to throw at you.
5.) Describe three memories, mannerisms, or quirks that your character has. They don't have to be elaborate, but they should provide some context and flavor
Questionnaire 2: 1.) How does your character interact with the others within a group? Theo is not generally malicious. He sees his deeds (evil or good) as means to an end. He doesn't generally go out of his way to inflict harm unless there's a significant gain for him involved. As such, he can play nicely with others in a group as long as they're all working towards a common goal. He is true to his word (mostly) and is willing to sacrifice for close friends who've proven true before. He's genial and charming, though rough spoken. 2.) What is your character's role in a group? Theo is meant to be a front line combatant who buffs and debuffs. He'll likely spend the first round of combat tipping the odds in the group's favor (bardic performance and spell), before wading in and beating things into pulp. He supplements his beatings with a variety of control abilities (grapples, trips, dirty tricks, etc). As he levels up, he'll become increasingly better and better at social interaction as well (versatile performance). 3.) How is your character not as they seems? I want one or two skills that would surprise others if they found out he knows them. Also include personality traits, positive or negative, that would similarly surprise others. In present company, his distaste for harming children probably stands out. He is also not sadistic and takes little pleasure in schadenfreude. That said, he is vicious when he has a goal in sight and he feels he's being thwarted. He has an affinity for cats, kittens in particular, that strikes those who've seen him with his hands bloodied as odd. He's an accomplished story teller and genuinely relishes telling a good tale. 4.) What are your character's goals, conscious and, perhaps, subconscious? Seek out power so that he may live comfortably and in a position of influence. He also wishes to see his mother living in comfort after her life of hardship. He wouldn't mind seeing those who've wronged him hung out to dry. He wouldn't admit it if asked (or even to himself), but he wants to see Talingarde burn for the pain inflicted on him. He has a deep rooted hatred for Mitra, though he would say he is only apathetic about the "weakling god". 5.) How easily does your character love? Have they been in love? He has not loved, though he has affection for a number of women he has been with. He has felt that he couldn't provide for anyone he might want to marry so he has kept his distance purposefully. Hurt by his past, it will not be easy for him to come to intimately trust anyone. 6. Is your character racist at all, either now or in their past? Theo is not racist, given how he has seen all struggle and toil in the muck that was his childhood home. He does have a distaste for the upper classes of Talingarde. He has been called street rat while begging for food too often for him to hold any affection for the richest. He turns a blind eye to any charity that is available, calling it a "sop to the vanity of the stuck-up bastards on the top of the hill". 7. All people believe something that is not true, both about the world around them and about themselves. What lies/untruths does your character believe about themselves and the world around them? While he might disdain the rich, he isn't willing to admit that he envies them and their comfort. When he imagines himself risen to the top of society, he purposefully keeps himself far humbler then many of the nobility. All of this is a lie, he has a strong vain streak and his lowly position irks him. He also ignores much of the good Mitra's priests and servants do. This is a bias, long ingrained, that isn't likely to fade in his lifetime. He sees the god as helpless to undue to wrongs in the world and his worshipers to be banal sheep. 8. How is your character about material possessions? That which he considers his is defended closely. He has had to do without far too often to be free with his goods. He isn't greedy *cough*, but just wants what should rightfully be his. 9.) What does your character perceive their major problems to be? He was born into poverty through no fault of his own and the world has been stacked against him. He has been imprisoned for trying to free himself of the arbitrarily inflicted destitution that his obvious superiority demands he be free of. He is to be beheaded in a grossly unfair perversion of justice. The system grows increasingly corrupt the more you study it. 10. What does he perceive the solutions to those problems to be? He currently feels that there is only a little he can do to right the world's wrongs, but he can maybe save himself and a select few. By abusing the corrupted system, he can right the stacked deck and help out a few of his fellows. Anything more then that is a futile and quixotic waste of time. 11. What are your character's religious beliefs? He is a devout worshiper of Asmodeus. The god's descriptor of how the world should and does work makes tremendous sense to Theo. He is where he is due to the tyranny of those who are his 'betters'. They claim to worship the puppet god, Mitra, but their actions speak for themselves. All the self-righteous and vain bleating about 'honor, justice and fairness' are facades for the corrupt world that exists today. 12. What does your character fear? Death. He hasn't had time to claw his way into a position of power that is rightfully his. He fears dying before he can prove that he is much stronger then his birth and current station would lead others to believe. He also fears the death of his mother, who is one of the few positives in his life. 13.) How much of a temper does your character have? What sorts of things set them off? He is generally calm, but excessive preaching by Mitran priests will set him into a foul mood. Add in any prattle about his position being 'a reflection of the ills in your soul' and he is likely to become violent. Threats to those he genuinely likes and loves are also likely to earn his ire. He can be vain, so he can be set off after sufficient agitation about his lot in life, though this takes more prodding as he encounters it often enough to have become somewhat inured.
Oh, darn. I was out running errands and didn't see that you'd be wrapping up so soon. I thought I had a few more hours (I'm on PST). Best of luck to everyone else then. :)
A pallid man sitting in the corner eyes you warily for a moment, then smiles and beckons you over. Tousled black hair frame a handsome face, now grimy from the decay found at the heart of Brandescar prison. His tattered finery and handsome face unworn by the outdoor's marks him a noble. Grinning genially, the man nods his head politely and asks, "Pray tell what horrid misfortune has brought you here, friend?" His grin widens and he waits for an answer patiently. "Ah, of course. For myself, I've run into a spot of trouble with my debtors and I seem to be here by mistake. I can't say I'd be sad to never see the inside of this hellhole again." The man extends a hand to shake. As you do so, you notice that his skin is oddly cold and clammy, even for the depths of Brandescar. "I am Lord Theodoric Redner, Paladin of Mitra." A voice calls from the darkness, "Don't listen to that puling whoreson's lies, fish. Tha' bastard was plotting agin' the good King. And I'm willing to say tha' there's no Paladin or I'm a bloody pox on yonder 'lordling's' backside." A raucous peal of laughter breaks the quit of the dungeon as the speaker steps into view. Theodoric's smile never waivers as he stands, chuckling, "I'm afraid you've caught me in my little ruse, friend. I hope you don't take my little game to heart." He steps closer, hand extended as if to shake. In a sudden blur of motion, Theodoric backhands the speaker violently. A flash of blueish light outlines the man against the dark dungeon and you get the odd impression that the handsome lordling has grown fangs and claws. Blinking as the light fades, you hear a heavy thud and screaming that cuts off an instant later. Roderick strolls back into the feeble candlelight that makes it through the door, nonchalantly wiping his bloodied hand on his threadbare garments. He takes a seat near you, smiling broadly and saying, "Now, where were we?" His smile, formerly warm and welcoming, has a dark edge to it that you hadn't noticed before. -------------------------------------------------------------- Rikash chiming in with my Knight of the Sepulcher/Sorcerer. Roderick is built to focus on debuffing the enemy with his spells before wading in and smashing his enemies to pieces. He's resilient and starting at level five can heal himself like a Paladin could with his touch of corruption. He'll have fantastic saves and strong attacks (when Smiting, Arcane Striking and buffed by his spells). With a focus on Charisma, his spells will also provide strong arcane support.
There's a large storm near the Paizo offices so they're having intermittent issues. That's probably why you're seeing issues.
I am also on the list, but I don't have the time right now to copy/paste all of it. :)
Submitting Theodoric Redner, Infiltrator inquisitor of Asmodeous, who I think will fit in nicely. Right now I only have a detailed crunch but I have a fleshed out back story and personality in mind that just needs to be put to 'paper'. The synopsis is that he's the son of a pair of well-to-do merchants who, using the education and opportunities provided by his parents, joined the cult of Asmodeus. His family regularly worked to provide goods to the Church of Mitra and Theo used this position to further both his and the cult's goals. Sadly, his forgeries were discovered and he was arrested before making good on his escape. So far, his broader involvement in the cult are not discovered (he's simply a greedy merchant), but it is only a matter of time before he's charged with heresy and sedition. Finding the prattling of the church and tolerance of Talingarde for its weak and pitiful grating, Theo is eager to escape and make good in his vengeance. I presumed a little bit about the cult, but this can easily be altered to be a splinter cell or a formed group of some sort. Also, are there any non-standard ethnicities within Talingarde? How about commonly spoken languages other then Common? |