Xin-steth al-A'aqool's page

Misdirection - Choose an alignment when preparing spells at the start of each day. Detects as that alignment as though Misdirection had been cast on a creature with that alignment.
Sudden Shift - As an Immediate action after being missed by a melee attack, Teleport 10' to seen square within reach of attacking creature. 0|4

CL 2, Concentration +2
0- Guidance, Read Magic, Resistance, Light
1- Doom, True Strike; 0|2

Bluff +11 (1 rank, 3 class, 1 trait, 3 feat, 1 Wis, 2 Cha)
Diplomacy +9 (1 rank, 3 class, 2 feat, 1 Wis, 2 Cha)
Intimidate +8 (1 rank, 3 class, 2 feat, 2 Cha)
Knowledge: Religion +5 (1 rank, 3 class, 1 Int)
Knowledge: Arcana +5 (1 rank, 3 class, 1 Int)
Linguistics +2 (1 rank, 1 Int)
Lore: Tar-Baphon +5(1 rank, 3 class, 1 Int)
Perception +5 (1 rank, 3 class, 1 Wis)
Sense Motive +5 (1 rank, 3 class, 1 Wis)
Spellcraft +5 (1 rank, 3 class, 1 Int)
Use Magic Device +7 (1 rank, 3 class, 1 trait, 2 Cha)
ACP: -6

Languages: Taldane Common, Kelish, Infernal, Necril
Feats: Skill Focus: Bluff(+3 Bluff), Persuasive(+2 Diplo/Intim)
Traits: Unpredictable +1 Bluff
Dangerously Curious +1 UMD, Class Skill
Indomitable Faith +1 Will Saves
Drawback: Meticulous -2 vs. non-Class skill checks
SQ: Domain:Trickery(Deception){Sudden Shift}, Misdirection, Orisons, Guilefule Lore(+WisMod Bluff/Diplo), Studied Target(Full Text in Spoiler Below)

Study an opponent seen as a move action, gain a +1 bonus on Bluff, Knowledge, Perception, Sense Motive, Survival checks attempted against that opponent, and a +1 bonus on weapon attack and damage rolls against it. The DCs of class abilities against that opponent increase by 1. These bonuses can only be maintained against one opponent at a time, and remain in effect until either the opponent is dead or a new target is studied.

If sneak attack damage is dealt to a target, may study that target as an immediate action, and apply studied target bonuses against that target (including to the normal weapon damage roll).

At 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th levels, the bonuses on weapon attack rolls, damage rolls, and skill checks and to DCs vs a studied target increase by 1. In addition, at each such interval, these bonuses can be maintained against an additional studied target at the same time. May discard this connection to a studied target as a free action.

At 7th level, study an opponent as a move or swift action.

Worn: Greataxe(12lbs), Heavy Mace(8lbs), Scale Mail(30lbs), Heavy Steel Shield(15lbs),
Silver Holy Symbol of Asmodeus((1lb),engraved on reverse of Symbol of Rovagug), Ioun Torch, 10-Foot Pole(8lbs)
Weight: 74 lbs

Backpack(66 lbs): Bedroll, Winter Blanket, Hammock, Soap, Medium Tent, Small Steel Mirror, 50' Hemp Rope, Flint and Steel, Waterskin(3), Whetstone
4GP 2SP 2CP
~0.25lbs

Total Weight Carried: 140 lbs
Carrying Capacity: L:<76, M:77-153, H:154-230, OH:230, OG:460, P/D:1150

"Thoughts"; "Speech, with Magic Item/Spell Names and emphasis on certain words"; Spell and Magic Item names, and if ever applicable, "telepathic communications;" Whispered conversations, sign languages; Not Common language: "Words in that language."

There was a time not long past when the name A'aqool carried great weight in the city of Katheer. Merchants of no little renown, the al-A'aqool family was one of the first to settle the Qadira satrapy, taking advantage of the lucrative opportunities afforded by trade with the Inner Sea.

Centuries of competitors, natural disasters, and distance from the heart of the Empire brought complacency to the family, and their multinational efforts were reduced first to a few Imperial contacts, then limited to within Qadira, and finally resolving into local traders and craftsmen within Katheer. Still, their name held some meaning, for their downsizing did little to diminish their shrewd tactics and unquestionable business acumen; dealing with an al-A'aqool meant prompt service, impeccable quality, and a fair price.

Xin-steth was born the second son of the reigning matriarch of the family. The substantial resources of the family led to his childhood being filled with tutors, rounding athletic skills with knowledge and philosophy; it was this latter subject that piqued his interest above all others, much to the displeasure of his parents and mercantile tutors. They tried to focus his attention, even harshly punishing the servants who would give him access to religious tomes, but Xin-steth's curiosity could not be kept in check; by age 12 he already stood as tall as most men, and his stern, confident demands were readily ceded to by the staff. Even his parents gave in over the years, and at 14 he was provided an acolyte of Sarenrae for religious education.

It did not take him long, however, to grow bored of the dogma and righteous propaganda of the Dawnflower. Sarenrae herself rent Golarion's surface when her followers displeased her, yet the clergy and common herd preached redemption, understanding, and forgiveness. Pressing the priest more each visit, Xin-steth learned of the other deities, often surprising his tutor with his level of insight and cross-faith questions; lessons evolved into regular discussions, and soon Xin-steth learned much of the ways of the Gods.

He was especially interested in Asmodeus.

It was tradition in his family that when a child comes of age, they are given a moderate portion of wealth to begin their careers. Typically, a business operation was started, or the child invested back in a family enterprise, but it was not unheard of for a daughter to pledge herself to Sarenrae, or for a son to seek his glory in the heart of the Empire. Xin-steth chose to become a scholar, at little shock to his family, and left Katheer for Sothis, under the pretext of studying in Sarenrae's light.

He remained in Osirion for only a fortnight, taking the first transport for Absalom.

Xin-steth resided in a modest flop amidst the towering cathedrals of the Ascendant Court; His time was spent on the religious circuit, and he perused countless tomes and scrolls from every faith represented. As his knowledge grew, so did his understanding; Asmodeus was chief among the divine. Some gods lied and cheated, holding no honor for even themselves; others were mad beasts, powerful and powerfully insane. Even the Good deities lied to their followers, plainly in their texts, espousing hypocrisy, flowery drama, and loathsome attitudes both in respect to mortals and with each other.

Then there was Asmodeus. Asmodeus never lies; if you are unable to understand the truths he speaks, that is hardly his fault. Asmodeus is above the petty bickering and shallow relationships so common among the divine. And Asmodeus alone holds the key to the Rough Beast's prison; even his opposition knew he was the best among them to keep destruction contained. A year and a day after his arrival in Absalom, Xin-steth took formal vows to Asmodeus.

He proved as challenging an acolyte as he had a child; his obsession with detail and self-assured attitude often put him into direct conflict with superior clergy as he questioned their methodology, standards, and even faith in Asmodeus. His logic often proved infallible, however, and while the lower clergy found him repugnant, the leadership of the Church saw a powerful tool for culling the weak and rooting out the traitorous. The Church's resources in Absalom were limited with respect to appropriate training, and so he was ordered to Egorian, shipped along with a Gebbite convoy on his 28th birthday.

Those Gebbites brought word of mutterings amidst the undead; the Whispering Way was on the rise, the faithful gathering strength and power. Similar stirrings from Nidal and Ustalav showed a pattern all too obvious; Tar-Baphon was coming back.

And delivered to their doorstep was the perfect envoy. Absolutely devout, unquestionably loyal, and possessing the best qualities of personality for a mission such as this.

Xin-steth arrived in Egorian one man, and after two years, would leave another. He has one hour each day, when he goes off to "prepare his spells," that he may remember the man he once was, but at all other times, he must now be Steth. It is through his faith in Asmodeus alone that he can remain sane.

Xin-steth is a tall man, rising to six and a half feet, and his markedly erect posture make all but the largest of men look up to meet his stern, unflinching gaze. Chocolate irises stare out from his face, a deep olive complexion typical of those from Katheer. He keeps his dark black hair cut short, and a full beard is trimmed daily; he does not wear a mustache. His visage is made even more opposing by the thick musculature adorning his frame. He maintains good hygiene, and his gear is meticulously tended.

Hailing from a powerful family, and indoctrinated with the teachings of Asmodeus, Xin-steth is accustomed to his word being law. He brooks no stupidity in his arrangements, and is only just tolerant of true ignorance. Those who can not keep their word are of no use to him, and he puts little trust in flighty, whimsical folk; though he would be foolish to deny their potential skills, he can not be certain they wouldn't simply change their mind, or "forget."

He manifests this worldview through a near-maniacal attention to detail, and his tendency to find fault in the work of others left him with few friends. It was precisely this trait that attracted the attention of the hierarchy of the Church of Asmodeus, and he was ultimately selected as the perfect candidate, and groomed for his current task.