OK,stream-of-predawn conciousness:
Horatio Darkhand is the scion of an old family fallen on hard times. In years past his grandfather (??) was a cult devotee of Iuz and feared by the locals. After his death the family was shunned. Dad tried to live simply, raising sheep in the outlands of Tricaster, but he never lived down the stain Grandfather had left on the family. Horatio has inherited a burning need to prove that he is nothing like his grandfather, and has dedicated his life to an appropriate LG Greyhawk god (Pelor??) to prove his worth. His family forfeited any wealth they once had when Grandfather died, and an outbreak of anthrax recently claimed both most of his father's sheep and his mother.
Thoughts?
Speaking as the DM you have no idea how many plots that all fits in with. Thank you, Patrick.
The party is becoming a touch anti-government, taxes and what not so how about Tritherion - the God of Liberation and Retribution. Either way don't get too hung up on the Gods yet, I'll provide a list of the more obvious ones locally later.
Cheers
There was me concerned that someone may roll a 20 on Wealth!
This is food for thought about what you may want to play and how it fits with the dice rolls everyone has just made.
Until I map out Tricaster and its NPC's for you all, it may seem a bit confusing. Trust me it is much simpler to do. Any questions just...
Step 3
Gaining A Class
Possible Classes Available
The PHB details 11 classes. I have several additional classes from other sources that may suit better. These are;
1) Warmage – a cross between a wizard and a warrior
2) Battle sorcerer – a cross between a warrior and a sorcerer
3) Favored Soul – divine sorcerer with some fighting ability
4) Scout – a cross between a ranger and a rogue
5) Swashbuckler – an Errol Flynn fighter, all speed and quick reactions
6) Convince me!
Class Generation
Character Background and Start
The other aspect of character generation that requires explanation is how you roll it up. Instead of the normal method, everyone starts with 8 in each ability score subject to racial modifiers. All races get their standard PHB modifiers.
Training Plans for Two Years
Training then takes place. At the start each PC roleplays and meta-games their training dependent on what he hopes to achieve.
A druid would need to learn one of his key skills such as survival, plus a typical weapon, plus a zero level druidic spell and a first level spell.
Each class has its own key skills, weapons, and other abilities that must be attained to finally qualify as a first level member of that class. Once everyone had finalised what they wish to become then I shall make it clear what they need to achieve. It isn’t that hard to do and I have only ever had one person fluff it but he kept rolling 1’s.
Also the player assigns one stat to each of the three abilities he is trying to attain. These must be a bit relevant such as Charisma for a bard learning a spell. These will increase at the end of the year to show he is getting better physically or mentally. To reduce min/maxing by players, the stats assigned each year must vary. No one spends a year just improving their physical stats; mental stats must be improved too.
Typically in the first period of training I have seen PC’s work at a forge or chopping wood to help their Strength or Constitution, in an Inn for Charisma, help in the local hospital or merchants for Wisdom etc
Hit points start with 3 and increase with Con modifier over time.
During the training periods, the party will have the chance to adventure in small ways. They will meet lots of NPC’s and be able to form contacts for the future.
End Of 2 Years Metagaming
At the end of the first two year, each player rolls 1d4+1 and this total is added to each stat he has been training. At no time may a PC have a stat above his first level racial maximum. For instance, Brett decides to play a half-orc fighter, Veg. In the first year Veg goes to work for the local blacksmith to learn how to craft weapons and build up his Strength. At the end of the year Brett rolls 1d4+1 and gets a 3 which he adds to Veg’s Strength total making 13 (8 +2 (half-orc race) + 3 (dice roll)).
Secondly each player rolls a D20 against the skills, spells and other abilities they have been training to see if they have acquired sufficient understanding of it. This roll is modified by the ability of the trainer, the key stat modifier and possibly one or two other situational modifiers. Generally the DC to master something is 15 however it is harder to learn a first level spell than a zero level spell so that is Dc17.
e.g. Now Brett rolls on to see if Veg has learnt how to make weapons. Craft is an Intelligence based skill but for the purposes of this creation, it’s whatever stat Brett just improved that matters. Brett rolls a d20 for Veg’s attempt to learn how to make weapons. He gets a 10, adds 1 which is his current Strength bonus, adds 2 because his blacksmith happens to be a really good teacher. That gives Veg a total of 13 which means he hasn’t quite mastered the skill (he needs a total of 15). Next time he can spend another 2 years at the forge his Strength (or Constitution or Intelligence) can go up and he will get an additional +2 bonus for his second attempt.
Generally we can find reasons to use more than one stat for each skill or feat. Spells are tied to one stat. No one can learn a first level spell until they have already learnt a zero level one. Here a natural roll of 1 indicates a complete failure, something the PC is useless at and should avoid or it will require a superhuman effort to achieve next time. For instance, my elven druid rolls a 1 on scimitar and decides that he can never use that weapon again – it must have too much metal in it. A roll of 20 is the opposite and should be treated like a bolt from the blue showing where a PC’s skills truly lie. Remember be flexible.
Lastly the player rolls to see if any other good or bad things have happened to him during the year.
Note experience points are gained from the very beginning. Once a person has reached 400 experience points then they are first level in one class or another. If they have failed to achieve their goals then they do not gain any more experience points until such time as they manage to qualify.
This training and mild adventuring process happens three times in all and represents three two-year blocks of their lives.
Teamwork
It is very easy to min/max a character. This method makes it very tempting to load up on high strength, constitution or dexterity as a barbarian and ignore the rest. Don’t. I have few rules but as an experienced roleplayer I have very set ideas about how each stat should be played. This is not a grey area for me. 10 is average, below that a PC must exhibit more and more traits for being weak in this stat.
If you have a low intelligence I will penalise your character for bright ideas. If you have a low wisdom, I would expect rash or foolhardy behaviour or some other sign of your lack of common sense. And if you play a low charisma PC, that means you are unable to lead or influence the other members of the party.
(On the flip side I can help a little with high wisdom and intelligence. Charisma is a difficult one and my suggestion is that you should only play a high Charisma character if you feel the other players will listen to you).
Finally you are all top class players so the last paragraph should be pretty redundant. My guess is that I am going to get eight very different characters.
Larcifer - I had an idea that Rev's mum, the well-to-do businesswoman could have given you your stash of gold just before the tax collector arrived.
She knew she was about to lose it all and wanted to pay you for all that shovelling.
What do you think?
How's this?
Nagy, Philippa's younger brother, has always shown an affinity for the family horse trade. The animals respond to him well, and he takes his responsibilities very seriously (though sometimes they need to be explained to him more than once). He helps the local farrier, as well.
Ever since the incident with the pool, he has felt he needs to take a leadership role among his youthful peers. Even though Phil is 3 years older, he feels in a way responsible for her misfortune on the outing, and feels very protective of her (not least because he will soon be taller and stronger than she). Indeed, the other children have begun to look to him as a moral compass of sorts, as he is very careful to avoid trouble since then and even shows a "sixth sense" as to whom is safe to approach and whom is safe to avoid. He also makes a show of toting around an axe much too large for him, in which his sister finds some comfort.
Heading for Paladin -- Training axe proficiency / STR; Handle Animal and Profession: Rancher / WIS; Detect Evil and Diplomacy / CHA.
Pat, it's simple, direct and has plenty of scope for adventure. I like it!
The training stuff I'll look at later in the week but it does help because now I can start placing suitable "trainers" about Tricaster.
Because this is a garrison settlement where three roads or tracks meet, there is a fort of some kind. The presence of horses is a good thing and not something that is very common in the area.
The forge is probably very busy turning out militia weapons and other equipment for them.
|
For Age, rolled a 6. Making me 11
Father (14) an Ex-Aristocrat - +2 on Wealth (but see Bad Events)
Mother (17) Well-to-do Merchant
Siblings (3) 1 sister
Early Events:
(4) Good Event - (4) Drank from Magical Pool - +1 Strenght & max Height.
(15) Bad Event - (7) Tax Collector = no wealth
Ancestor History (18) Stole bodies from a graveyard.
Wealth - no wealth, see Bad Events.
I have a few things in common with Rev Rosey. Might be able to make something work there.
Give me some time to process and think. Work was a bear and my mind is a bit tired at the moment for anything creative.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Cheers
Utak - I liked your original background but there is a distinct lack of cities in the Gnarley Forest.
Maybe you could up with some way to use that spoilered stuff and have Rev's family as distant relations you are staying with?
There are one or two coastal ports nearby you could hail from, they are seedy and dangerous places but that may fit also? Waddoya think?
|
|
How's this?
Nagy, Philippa's younger brother, has always shown an affinity for the family horse trade. The animals respond to him well, and he takes his responsibilities very seriously (though sometimes they need to be explained to him more than once). He helps the local farrier, as well.
Ever since the incident with the pool, he has felt he needs to take a leadership role among his youthful peers. Even though Phil is 3 years older, he feels in a way responsible for her misfortune on the outing, and feels very protective of her (not least because he will soon be taller and stronger than she). Indeed, the other children have begun to look to him as a moral compass of sorts, as he is very careful to avoid trouble since then and even shows a "sixth sense" as to whom is safe to approach and whom is safe to avoid. He also makes a show of toting around an axe much too large for him, in which his sister finds some comfort.
Heading for Paladin -- Training axe proficiency / STR; Handle Animal and Profession: Rancher / WIS; Detect Evil and Diplomacy / CHA.
Small point - please avoid real world names like Phillipa. Just a pet peeve, sorry. Nagy is fine. As is Summer Rose, Peaches etc, just not the more common ones.
Heading for Paladin -- Training axe proficiency / STR; Handle Animal and Profession: Rancher / WIS; Detect Evil and Diplomacy / CHA.
Thinko -- Handle Animal is also CHA. Detect Evil, who knows? Maybe WIS.
Phil was my fault, not Pat's. I'll change it. Are you OK with non-European roots, because otherwise my normal method of picking names for pcs comes slightly unstuck.
Taya. Meaning unknown, but might be poor one. Don't have a surname yet.
I think she really needs some kind of mentor. Is there a midwife in the village? I can see her using her protective instincts that way.
Or she might just stay on the farm and work with the beasties, helping with foaling, doing the early handling and breaking in because she's little and light. Starting to smell a little druidy to me, but we'll see.
Nagy Risper, Taya's "little" brother.
Good enough to make an alias?
So keen, you two! Ok but I shall produce a template tomorrow so that all the basic alias' look similar, makes my life easier.
How do you do, Taya and Nagy Risper.
French Wolf,
I'll need to drop out early on. My wife got a hint that I was making another character and got a little angry. She says that I'm on the computer too much already. She is probably right. Being that we are still in the early stages and there is an alternate waiting, I will give up my spot.
I apologize and hope that there are no hard feelings. Your friendship is important to me. The concept of character generation is great, and I think I could have had alot of fun with it, but in the end, I have to make the Mrs. happy. I DO have to live with her after all. I hope you understand.
Good luck with the game though, and see you over in the Splintered Isles.
Cheers
|
Ok, here's what I've come up with so far, tying in my background with a few of the others and with some of the ideas that have been floating around. Decided on my bad event as well. All can be changed if needed, of course.
Bethsemane is the product of an orc raid on Tricaster 12 years ago. Her mother, a young apothecary, was brutally raped by marauding orcs during the raid. A kindly priest , who also runs the orphanage of Saul’s Refuge, took her in and made her his wife. His kindly ways changed, however, when Bethsemane was born, and the domineering priest uses the young half-orc girl as an example and reminder of her mother’s “wicked ways,” which has caused a rift between Bethsemane and her mother. Bethsemane’s step-siblings, one brother and two sisters, gleefully join in their father’s rampages, treating Bethsemane as little more than dirt. Only one step-brother, , a year younger, shows her any kindness, and the two have become friends and allies against their father’s tyranny.
While gallivanting in the woods with her friends Taya, Nagy, and , Bethsemane found a magical pool (except Taya, who got lost). The three drank from the pool, which left a funny feeling in their stomachs. On the way home, Bethsemane was separated from the group, and was crushed by a tree. She was found later in the day by her friends, but her leg never fully healed, and Bethsemane still walks with a limp.
Determined to show her “saintly” step-father up, Bethsemane wants nothing to do with the priesthood. She also wants to get a as far away from her orcish blood as possible, and so tries to avoid physical labor that will make her muscles show. To this end, she focuses on developing her mental skills as much as possible, and dreams of some day finding a powerful wizard who will accept her as an apprentice, where she can finally realize her true potential.
That's what i got. I'll look at the training stuff in more detail. Thoughts, criticisms, further ideas?
Do you want me to rename Vladimir to a more "fantasy" name if you do I have no problems doing that...
The money from Lady Risper is great, another good tie in to all the PCs
Story and Training Thus Far....
Vladimir spends his day in a very routine schedule, he gets up in the morning, makes his bed arranges his belongings just like the head master demands, “Order in ones surroundings reflects the order in ones soul” is often a Mantra Vladimir hears as some lazy boy is getting a lashing for not having the proper corners on his bed sheets.
He then goes out to the training yard to do morning calisthenics “A strong back is a useful back, strong lungs can provide hearty workers for their homeland” Is often yelled at those who waver during their conditioning.
After this is the martial training, Vladimir has a constant reminder of what it is like to lose one’s attention during this session, being one of the smaller boys he often ends up on the receiving end of the business, but the headmaster seems to enjoy watching Vladimir take his lumps only to stand back up again and give his best against boys twice his size. Lately Vladimir has been experiencing a tingling in his arms and his wooden flail vibrates, when this happens his mind wanders and he sees a Tall grey muscular man, usually it is at this instant when Vladimir gets hit in the head and takes a beating.
This takes the youth to lunch where they eat in a mess hall; the meal is nutritious, but not very flavorful. After Lunch the boys are carted off to various locations across the village and surrounding farms and ranches, Vladimir spends the afternoon working at the Risper Horse Ranch cleaning the stables, and doing other chores. The money he gets goes into the orphanage coffers, but the Lady of the house has gifted Vladimir with a coin purse. Vladimir hides this treasure under his bed beneath a loose floor panel. Another perk he gets at his job is he is allowed to have supper with the family. He is fond of this time, and he gets along well with the children who are of his age. After supper chores are done the orphanage wagon pulls up and Vladimir returns to his “home”.
Because he is able to read and he has a talent for paying attention while concentrating on a task, the aging headmaster has Vladimir read and write letters to his correspondences. After this is done Vladimir sits in the Master’s chambers doing paper work while the Master tells Vladimir stories about far off places and of Heroes who place Law, Order and strength as virtues over those who are weak, he describes that the weak shall serve those who are strong, and makes references to the wealthy landowner who is strong and those who owe him money as the weak. He then goes on to tell Vladimir that he knew his Father, and puts a lot of praise on his Father’s strength and talks about his proficiency with the heavy Flail a great tool of his religion and how he was heroic at a battle called Emridy Medows, the Master often attends to Vladimir’s scrapes and bruises at this time using some sort of magic and healing skill that Vladimir watches very closely. There are strange cacophonous chants and guttural mutterings that while Vladimir is alone he practices, but to no success.
Vladimir enjoys his times at the Horse Ranch because he is alowed to play with the other children after supper and before the wagon comes for him. He also enjoys the stories he hears from the Orphanage Master up in his chambers. Vladimir is confused because up in the chambers the head Master is very friendly to him, but when in public the Master makes no moves to prevent the other boys from beating him to a pulp.
Heading for Cleric (Hextor)(WAR/DESTRUCTION domains)
Have faith he will not be evil, but l will be Lawful Neutral, but his upbringing--Abandoned by Father, Mother died due to illness because she was weak, Having to become strong to survive at the orphanage, and having whispers of influence from the Master of the orphanage…
-- Training Heavy Flail / STR; Cure minor wounds / WIS; Concentration / CON.
Sorry add "Magic Weapon" the 1st level Domain spell next to the 0 level spell cure minor wounds/ WIS
|
|
French Wolf,
I'll need to drop out early on. My wife got a hint that I was making another character and got a little angry. She says that I'm on the computer too much already. She is probably right. Being that we are still in the early stages and there is an alternate waiting, I will give up my spot.
I apologize and hope that there are no hard feelings. Your friendship is important to me. The concept of character generation is great, and I think I could have had alot of fun with it, but in the end, I have to make the Mrs. happy. I DO have to live with her after all. I hope you understand.
Good luck with the game though, and see you over in the Splintered Isles.
Cheers
I understand, it's a shame but there's no need to apologize, mate. She is important and let's keep her happy.
Cheers
OK, rename Horatio to Korgoth Darkhand. Korgoth is the family name his father carries, and it sounds kinda sinister, which is another handicap he'll have to fight.
Since Pat is headed to paladinhood, perhaps I should just go for fighter? I am uber poor after all. Not sure if the group can handle two pallys.
|
|
Ok, here's what I've come up with so far, tying in my background with a few of the others and with some of the ideas that have been floating around. Decided on my bad event as well. All can be changed if needed, of course.
Bethsemane is the product of an orc raid on Tricaster 12 years ago. Her mother, a young apothecary, was brutally raped by marauding orcs during the raid. A kindly priest , who also runs the orphanage of Saul’s Refuge, took her in and made her his wife. His kindly ways changed, however, when Bethsemane was born, and the domineering priest uses the young half-orc girl as an example and reminder of her mother’s “wicked ways,” which has caused a rift between Bethsemane and her mother. Bethsemane’s step-siblings, one brother and two sisters, gleefully join in their father’s rampages, treating Bethsemane as little more than dirt. Only one step-brother, , a year younger, shows her any kindness, and the two have become friends and allies against their father’s tyranny.
While gallivanting in the woods with her friends Taya, Nagy, and , Bethsemane found a magical pool (except Taya, who got lost). The three drank from the pool, which left a funny feeling in their stomachs. On the way home, Bethsemane was separated from the group, and was crushed by a tree. She was found later in the day by her friends, but her leg never fully healed, and Bethsemane still walks with a limp.
Determined to show her “saintly” step-father up, Bethsemane wants nothing to do with the priesthood. She also wants to get a as far away from her orcish blood as possible, and so tries to avoid physical labor that will make her muscles show. To this end, she focuses on developing her mental skills as much as possible, and dreams of some day finding a powerful wizard who will accept her as an apprentice, where she can finally realize her true potential.
That's what i got. I'll look at the training stuff in more detail. Thoughts, criticisms, further ideas?
Thanks for putting some thought into this. It looks good and effective. A half-orc wizard, we don't see many of those about.
Cheers
|
|
Larcifer, this is putting me in a bit of a quandary. I would rather not see a cleric of Hextor in the party. Utak/Mothman etc I know and its unfair but you I don't. My reasons are based on future party unity and now that we may have one or two paladins I am even more concerned.
This has happened to me before however and I have a couple of possible solutions because saying no to a player is something I hate almost as much as seeing party issues develop.
1) You play a Lawful Neutral Cleric of no god but with everything else (as per the PHB). You have the methodical and organised life and the same domains. You can then choose to either do cures or inflicts too as a bonus.
2) We let you play in the party as is (I would like their opinions on this too - not a cop out just interested in how everyone else feels). But you put together a set of rules, a code of honour so that you will NEVER perform evil acts, especially where the party is concerned.
Funnily enough Vladimir is a name that suits your guy. Makes me think of Siberia.
Cheers
|
|
OK, rename Horatio to Korgoth Darkhand. Korgoth is the family name his father carries, and it sounds kinda sinister, which is another handicap he'll have to fight.
Since Pat is headed to paladinhood, perhaps I should just go for fighter? I am uber poor after all. Not sure if the group can handle two pallys.
Ta Pat.
OK, rename Horatio to Korgoth Darkhand. Korgoth is the family name his father carries, and it sounds kinda sinister, which is another handicap he'll have to fight.
Since Pat is headed to paladinhood, perhaps I should just go for fighter? I am uber poor after all. Not sure if the group can handle two pallys.
Whups, sorry. Didn't register that there was another proto-paladin; I was just keying off the Charisma needed for the horses. I could go ranger just as easily.
Whups, sorry. Didn't register that there was another proto-paladin; I was just keying off the Charisma needed for the horses. I could go ranger just as easily.OK, rename Horatio to Korgoth Darkhand. Korgoth is the family name his father carries, and it sounds kinda sinister, which is another handicap he'll have to fight.
Since Pat is headed to paladinhood, perhaps I should just go for fighter? I am uber poor after all. Not sure if the group can handle two pallys.
Actually, I was thinking maybe a swashbuckling Robin-Hood type might work better for Korgoth. Plus you need coin to train as a paladin!
French Wolf, why do I not take to the "Master's" teachings for a season or 2 and then I may discover the letters I have been writing for him are written in a code (deciper script) I quickly realize that the orphanage is a recruiting centre for Hextorites but I cannto prove it, I took to the teachings and at lvel 1 I am "godless" but have the ideals and I work to go towards Hieronius. My Father can be a cleric of Hextor down the road I meet him and battle ensues....
|
Whups, sorry. Didn't register that there was another proto-paladin; I was just keying off the Charisma needed for the horses. I could go ranger just as easily.OK, rename Horatio to Korgoth Darkhand. Korgoth is the family name his father carries, and it sounds kinda sinister, which is another handicap he'll have to fight.
Since Pat is headed to paladinhood, perhaps I should just go for fighter? I am uber poor after all. Not sure if the group can handle two pallys.
I was thinking of going ranger ... but I could switch to druid or (maybe) barbarian. Although those were Otto's choices as well. Hmmm...
Anyway, Datha Tain (he takes his mother's last name), human male, young ranger (?) in training... More to come!
FW. I've got me a problem I'm hoping you and the group can help resolve.
Taya works as a pony girl just fine, but that heads slightly towards druid as a flavour. BUT, she's got this huge phobic thing about trees. Could her first steps into maybe finding arcane powers come from a form of aversion therapy?
I'm fiddling like crazy with this, because it's a really appealing concept, I'm just not sure how to work it in terms of game mechanics. She is the very last person who would ever go to the woods or meet any kind of druidical type.
Also of course there is the issue that druid is divine rather than arcane power.
Other possibilities. She stays home and works with the horses. Young Vladimir's patience and determination not to be knocked down by anything endear him to her. He becomes another of her "family" who she needs to look after.
Would you countenance some event that sparked an outburst of power from Taya which scares her badly enough to realise she HAS to control it or become a danger? The kind of things I was thinking of were seeing the Master at the orphanage beating Vladimir, or Nagy being unfairly threatened or insulted.
Input welcomed and needed. Really not sure which way to push her, but the likely skills would be Int and Wis at present. Cha would be useful too. Heck, all of them would be useful.
Since Pat is headed to paladinhood, perhaps I should just go for fighter? I am uber poor after all. Not sure if the group can handle two pallys.Whups, sorry. Didn't register that there was another proto-paladin; I was just keying off the Charisma needed for the horses. I could go ranger just as easily.I was thinking of going ranger ... but I could switch to druid or (maybe) barbarian. Although those were Otto's choices as well. Hmmm...
Anyway, Datha Tain (he takes his mother's last name), human male, young ranger (?) in training... More to come!
I think we're set, or set as can be with the randomness ahead. Nagy haeading toward Paladin, Korgoth (Patrick) heading toward Swashbuckler, which leaves Ranger wide open.
OK, going to look through the swashbuckler as a character class, but I think the tax men have caused young Korgoth to swear vengance on greedy officials. By becoming a 'good' bandit and robbing from the rich and giving to the poor perhaps he can redeem his family's name.
Course he is 13 now, so all of this is long range :P
Checking in
Hello.
AGE 109
FATHER: Ex-aristocrat (+2 on Wealth table)
MOTHER:Herbalist/apothecary
SIBLINGS: One brother and one sister
GOOD/BAD:
Gifted strange vision of clarity (+1 Wisdom permanent)
Childhood plagued by illness (-1 Con)
ANCESTOR:Druid of the Emerald Circle (yay plot point)
WEALTH: 30 gold pieces
Hmm, this is quite a bit to consider, Finwe's tale is ...complicated.
((Bows to Utak.))
Thank you good sir.
Larcifer here...
Vladimir checking in will create a profile as we go...
|
|
Other possibilities. She stays home and works with the horses. Young Vladimir's patience and determination not to be knocked down by anything endear him to her. He becomes another of her "family" who she needs to look after.Would you countenance some event that sparked an outburst of power from Taya which scares her badly enough to realise she HAS to control it or become a danger? The kind of things I was thinking of were seeing the Master at the orphanage beating Vladimir, or Nagy being unfairly threatened or insulted.
I think that's a good idea!
I like the tie in Rev. This "Master" is a real A-hole!
AGE 109
FATHER: Ex-aristocrat (+2 on Wealth table)
MOTHER:Herbalist/apothecary
SIBLINGS: One brother and one sister
GOOD/BAD:
Gifted strange vision of clarity (+1 Wisdom permanent)
Childhood plagued by illness (-1 Con)
ANCESTOR:Druid of the Emerald Circle (yay)
WEALTH: 30 gold pieces
The blood runs pure in Finwe's veins. So much is all that needs be said of her ancestry. That and a bag of gold, naught else. Dispossessed as a youth, she was raised in the wild, by the wild woods of ...("Gnarly?) The first night alone a rabbit's warren was in her lap, then a lynx's den, and finally a dryad took cruel pity on the waif, and kept her alive, but barely, that first harsh winter by the edge of a icy brook, shivering and alabaster like ice herself. 'Twas a raven's nest kept her bag of gold coins, for many years.
By Finwe's fifth winter, she was in control of her destiny, a cunning survivor, and on her seventh she met a druid of the Emerald Circle. She was taken in and her ancestry was tested, she was an Yrinsil, of ancient lineage. Her parents were known to live many hundreds of leagues away. Why she was dispossessed is never discovered, from the first, she showed a determination to remain in the forest, and to disown all claim to her roots. Only the brightness of her glance was testament to her wealthy lineage. That and a bag of thirty gold.
The Conclave took it upon themselves to see her elevated to her proper place, but they needn't have bothered. Though forever diminished by her winter in a lynx den, she was small of stature and waif-like, but she was strong of will, and her spirit burned like blue fire in her eyes. Few Elves could claim the ancient House to which she was bastardized, but she cared naught. When she left the forest at last, they gave her that cracked leather bag of gold coins. (Country of origin?)
To Finwe Yrinsil, elvish immortality was nothing, she lived for each moment balancing it all on the edge of her spear. It was the Emerald Circle that gave her insight, but she took it to action, the edge of her spear or her blazing sapphire eyes.
Perhaps those many years in the woods, she became (as a private oath to herself) to protect from defilement a certain magic pool in the woods she dwelt. A pool that granted all a permanent strength, all but her, whom the dryad would never aid, but only give in dribs and drabs to keep alive... She was private judge of all who entered the glade, and if she found them worthy, she remained hidden in the branches. But if those she deemed foul came into her glade, The fountain of Strength, she would attack until the left or were slain. She learned craftiness, and set snares and traps to ward the glade. (As druid) She also used the power of communion with the earth spirits to cause weeds and briers to rise up from the ground around the fountain when she concentrated and uttered certain druidic chants. (Entangle) It was her contemplation of these earth spirits she meditated upon as she waited in ambush (wisdom).
ooc: I was originally planning a druid, but I see a cleric already? I'm not sure, but I can easily change any -or all- of this, as needed. One preference: Druid is the 'most' civilized class, I would prefer to get less, such as ranger, barb even or maybe one of those alts I saw mentioned? A shamanistic elven war priestess Spear-maiden type thang would be perfect. Lol, Im just saying, I need more direction, please advise anything not appropriate. Meanwhile I will read more posts and try to come up with first year's activities, and was that some ability scores I saw?...)
Reading more posts, I am thinking scout as a possibility, though I do feel a strong connection to all woodland creatures. Is there a druid-rogue? (Mind explodes at the possibility of class idea) I think I'll leave off here, and get some input.
Guy Humual's Character
Note Faust isn't the family name, just Orick's middle name.
Mothman's character ... sorry, I haven't settled on an avatar yet.
|
|
French Wolf, why do I not take to the "Master's" teachings for a season or 2 and then I may discover the letters I have been writing for him are written in a code (deciper script) I quickly realize that the orphanage is a recruiting centre for Hextorites but I cannto prove it, I took to the teachings and at lvel 1 I am "godless" but have the ideals and I work to go towards Hieronius. My Father can be a cleric of Hextor down the road I meet him and battle ensues....
I'll have a think about that today. Its certainly sounds good.
Cheers
First part:
The day Orick was born his mother cried in despair. Orick was a healthy child, born with lily white skin and perfectly formed hands and feet, but she cried none the less. She saw poor Orick as her doom.
Madelyn Maure had lived a happy existence in Tricaster, moving there with her late husband Dorn, and together they scratched out a comfortable life. Together they started a family, having one boy (Vickory) and two girls (Gretta and Quillith), but then, before the youngest was even out of dippers, disaster struck. Orc raiders attacked the town, Dorn was killed, and Madelyn . . . she did what she needed to survive.
In the weeks that followed Madelyn was forced to put a husband in the ground as well as worry about putting food on the table for 3 youngsters; the eldest only vaguely aware of what was going on. Then Magnus Octovious Maros road into town. Octovious had seemed like a knight in shining armor. As Magnus of the temple of Wee Jas in _________ he was rich, powerful, and he had connections. Best of all he was looking for a wife. Octovious was a widower, his wife died giving birth to his only son (Godwin), and to settle some ancient land dispute he needed to marry a local girl to claim his inheritance. Madelyn saw her opportunity and made her moves on the priest.
They were married three weeks later, and not long after he returned to the city to look after his goddesses’ affairs Madelyn discovered that she was pregnant. When Octovious returned he showered his new bride with gifts. The priest was happy to expand his family, his eldest son was sickly, and he was genuinely pleased with his new step children, but he was happy to have a child of his own blood . . . and not just because under the law a marriage could be annulled with the first two years if it wasn’t consummated . . . Octovious wanted to expand his family.
Then Bethsemane was born. Things changed overnight. Even though many of the locals must have known in the backs of their minds what had happened to Madelyn all those months ago, it still seemed like a great joke: big fancy pants priest leaves young newlywed wife home alone, and now he’s been cuckolded by an orc! Octovious made Madelyn’s life a living hell. For a while Madelyn even considered getting an annulment, but Octovious saw to her families’ needs, he saw that food was on their plates, a roof was over their heads, and they were dressed in cloths deserving of their station. Despite his venomous words he remained a dutiful husband. Six months after Bethsemane was born Madelyn was pregnant again.
The rumors continued. Octovious continued to be cruel and domineering. Despite most assuredly carrying his child very little had changed in Madelyn’s life . . . with the exception that she was slowly beginning to understand her husband. Octovious hadn’t divorced her for two reasons, one he needed to maintain residence in the town to keep his claim on his ancestral home, and although he couldn’t physically live in town and run his church at the same time, if his family (i.e. his wife) stayed in town he could still claim residence. And Two, being a priest of Wee Jas, Octovious followed the law to the letter. He knew that she hadn’t actually cheated on him (despite not telling him about the rape Octovious was smart enough to figure out what happened) and thus infidelity wasn’t grounds for divorcee. He also knew that marriage had been consummated (and he would never think of lying about anything, even for personal gain) and so he couldn’t try to have the marriage annulled.
Madelyn realized too late that she didn’t want to stay married to Octovious. Orick had looked to her, on that day, like a ball and chain. With Orick born, looking every bit the pure blooded Suel, Madelyn realized that she could never claim that the marriage wasn’t consummated, and she knew that Octovious would never do anything that would give her grounds for devoice. With Orick’s birth she was now trapped . . . and the young woman cried.
Very quick update:
Going for Ranger:
Survival (WIS): help mother forage and gather in the woods.
Melee Weapon (STR): continue apprenticeship at smithy to build up strength. Use swords destined for militia use to practice weapon-play.
Stealth-related skills (DEX): learn to hide from wild animals and hunters in the woods whilst foraging. Sneak swords out of smithy to practice swords-play.
That on the right track FW?
Short update. Going for Sorcerer
Building Con/Cha handling and breaking in yearlings.
Working on Int/Wis by hunting for a mentor to teach her control.
The day she saw the Master beating Vladimire changed Taya's life. Without knowing what she was doing or how she was doing it, she pull the stick from his hand and turned it on him. (she spontaneously cast Mage Hand).
Since then she's been terrified. If she can do things like this, she must learn to control it or be a danger to those she loves. She is certain that whatever she did was fuelled by rage, so she works to control her temper and concentrates on working with her beloved horses. If they can learn, so can she.
This the kind of thing you wanted FW?
Very quick update:
Going for Ranger:
Survival (WIS): help mother forage and gather in the woods.
Melee Weapon (STR): continue apprenticeship at smithy to build up strength. Use swords destined for militia use to practice weapon-play.
Stealth-related skills (DEX): learn to hide from wild animals and hunters in the woods whilst foraging. Sneak swords out of smithy to practice swords-play.That on the right track FW?
Hmmm ... re-reading French Wolf's instructions I think he is going to come up with the abilities we need to train in to achieve our desired classes. If so, disregard the above!
Thanks French Wolf. Good luck and have fun with the game.
((Bows to Utak.))
Thank you good sir.
You're Welcome. You have an excellent DM in French Wolf. Have fun!
|
|
French Wolf, what's your feelings on tieflings? Maybe it's the 4e stuff I've been reading, but I find myself drawn to this and I've never played one before. And it would still fit my "outsider"/persecuted concept.
Not sure how to deal with the +1 LA with this method of character generation, though. Maybe just not develop the racial powers until later levels? I don't know.
Let me know what you think, before we get too much deeper into the process.