Ok so I'm tryin to come up with a new character and I've got two issues One more of an issue than the other.
Ever since I first picked up the bestiary I've been intrigued by the Tengu, having not played anything before 3.5 I wasnt around for the Kenku race, I love the flavor (what little can be found about them) from both PF sources as well as the Japanese myths I've been able to look up. I think the swordtrained and the gifted linguist abilities are very interesting and I have a chance to play one now.
My idea for the character so far (not much at this point) is the contemplative, wise warrior that takes pride in their skill with the blade and wants to prove to themselves more than anyone else that they are the best with a sword of any kind in their hand. Also I liked the bits from what myths I could find that they were very deceptive and tricksters and liked to mimic people, thought I can't figure out which skill would be best used to mimic people and/or "throw" his voice, I dont want a trickster than plays horribe jokes on people just fun, harmless pranks and mimicry
So my first issue is that I'mnot as creaitive of a person/player as I'd like tobe Ilove pathfinder/DnD immensely but when it comes to character backgrounds in general I'm more often than not at a bit of a loss for something original. Add to the fact I can't find a whole lot about Tengu even so far as what kind of society do they have, what kinda names do they use fluff the a like and I'm even more at a loss because of my lack of creativity. I'm not asking anyone to write a thorough backstory or anything as little or as much as you'd like to throw out there is fine, but really just lookin for some ideas from experienced creative thinkers that I can build up from myself.
Second issue is a bit more minor I'm up in the air over which class to use, I've considered mostly Ranger or Fighter leanin a bit more towards fighter though I'm not convinced I can what I want to with the character with the fighters skill points and class skills as well so if you have any other class/build ideas throw em at me as well.
Any ideas are greatly appreciated, thank you.
Okay.. let's see.. I'm typing this as I think it, so this may not be as solid as if I prep.. We're looking at:
•Kenku
•Swordsman
•Trickster
So, this assumes-- wait.. scratch that. *looks up info* Alright. Skimming the info, you're looking at a nonstandard member of the race (going off of what I can find) who likely worships a trickster god, and deviated from the norm of his race.. Culture is something you'll have to dig up, but I'm thinking fighter/rogue, and Duelist might work for an idea, else shadowdancer, but that all depends on how the character develops.
A character who is a "takes pride in their skill with the blade and wants to prove to themselves more than anyone else that they are the best with a sword of any kind in their hand" fits very well into the Fighter mold.
I'd consider mimicry to be a use of the Bluff skill since it would be an attempt to fool others if used as the basis for pranks. If it was being used to amuse and entertain, I'd consider it a use of the Perform skill.
As far as names go, it's hard to go wrong with actual Japanese names since the Tengu originate in Japanese myth. You can easily find lists of male and female Japanese names and their meanings by doing a search on-line. Some to consider include:
Male
Hiroki - “Abundant Strength”
Isamu - “Courageous”
Katsu - “Victory”
Noboru - “To ascend”
Satoru - “Enlightened”
Toshiaki - “Alert and intelligent”
Toru - “Wanderer”
Female
Azami - “Thistle Flower” (emphasizes Defiance)
Chikaze - “1000 Winds”
Kaminari - “Thunder”
Mikazuki - “Moon of the third night”
Miu - “Beautiful Feather”
Finally, take a look at the Character Traits Piazo has made available here (http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/resources). They may give you some ideas considering a possible background for your character.
Maybe I'm sounding a bit condescending, so I apologize in advance. In my opinion Tengu's make a bad starting race for the "proof to myself that I'm great using any blade" background. Tengu's are automatically proficient with all (sword-like) blades - so there's no real challenge that you're working with, no hill to struggle through to make your character mature from fledgling to god-defying blademaster.
You can, of course, put my whole argument on its head a bit. If you make your Tengu a monk of the empty hand (APG) you can automatically masterfully wield any weapon - or anything for that matter - (not just blades). Maybe that triggers some character concepts for you?
Finally, the Tengu are in many ways described similar to Kitsune from Japanese folklore, maybe you'll find some useful inspirations if you look up those creatures? :)
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I'd consider mimicry to be a use of the Bluff skill since it would be an attempt to fool others if used as the basis for pranks.
The problem that I personally as a GM would have with this, is that Bluff alone does not take into account that mimicry (regardless of how it is used) is an art form...
*EDIT*
So with the Pathfinder Rules (since Skill Synergy Bonuses are gone), it would be two separate skill checks to use mimicry in such a way as to really fool (i.e. Bluff) someone like that...
Though with most cases, I would rule that "Perform" alone is sufficient...
YMMV...
-That One Digitalelf Fellow-
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Mimicry and Ventriloquism (throwing your voice) should fall quite nicely under "Perform: Comedy" (as there are only nine categories to choose from unless you allow/make-up additional ones)...
D'OH...
I meant "Perform: Act"...
I don't know why I typed "comedy"...
Oh well...
-That One Digitalelf Fellow-
OK well thank you all for your insights I def can use the advice given already and it got my mind working a bit. Loved the reference to the Kitsune and the advice for names and for the perform skill help alot.
BUT now a friend of mine in the game has convinced me to make the caracter a Tengu Samurai type fighter. I know I know it's cheesy but I have a weakness for Samurai and, well you know how it is when some else suggests somethin like that that you love lol.
So..... all cheese aside, any flavor/feat/skill ideas for creating a Tengu fighter samurai type? Keeping the already aforementioned fluff such as sword lord type and a little mischievous but maybe expanding the sword skill thing to maybe keeping track of "friendly" duels and how many wins I've gotten to prove my skill with the sword.
I wasnt too hot on the 3.5 samurai class because as much as I love the TWF samurai tales, I don't believe it was that prevalent among most samurai I like the two-handed style a little more for the idea, but without access to all my books until this weekend I can't get it out of my mind some of the ways to put together a samurai style fighter from PFRPG rules.
I'm thinkin Tengu Probably fighter class as I had intended before, will focus on a single blade as well as the longbow as primary weapons
Surely I cant be the only one interested in a Tengu Samurai
Surely I cant be the only one interested in a Tengu Samurai
Personally I see Tengu more as rogues, rangers and all that fun sneaky shadow stuff, but the whole point of these games is to break molds and challenge perceptions. I rather enjoyed playing a Tengu Witch. Why do you need a specific Samurai class? Historically I wouldn't see them all that much different than any other fighter. I think really your bigger question should be one of gears and skills to fit more in line with the archetype you're considering over trying to create a new class.
Grab feats like Quick Draw (not unlike Iaido)
Focus on pure melee feats (weapon spec. Katana and Naginata, improved critical on both weapons, improved initiative (again a la Iaido.)
Google Bushido and have your character follow the code...
Its more about Role play and not Roll play :)
I'd be interested in knowing how it pans out ;)
Don't forget blind fighting.
"In the style of the blind swordsman."
You might look into converting some skill tricks.
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Kobold Quarterly #14 has got The Ecology of the Tengu and Dragon #329 has The Ecology of the Kenku if you want to go old school.
You like to try the Red Mantis Assasin prestige class from the campaing setting it has lots charisma dependent abilities so it sinergices very well with trickster types, might need a little refluff in order to fit your concepts but its made of awsome.
Humbly,
Yawar
Play a Tengu Cavalier with points in linguistics that takes personal pride in always challenging an enemy in their native tongue.
Cavalier even sort of fits the samurai theme with the banner and tactical training. I'd suggest either Order of the Dragon (for an honor based samurai), or Order of the Lion (for a feudal servant version).
two handed fighter variant from the APG is my go to. Take quick draw, power attack, the vital strike line and sunder line. Now you've got basic Iajuitsu focus down and can mess the fudge out of anyone. Alternately take the mage killing feats for a superstitious samurai, or the step-up and strike line for a serious archer/mage killer. Personaly I would take craft weapons which allows you to make your own daisho, and use the elven curve blade damage and crit range for your katana since you designed it. Granted it's technically a bastard sword but curve blade is better Roll wise rather than role wise. Definetly keep linquistics high, not only can you taunt monsters in their own language, but it is just a sick skill.