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The character concept I have in mind is someone from another era/realm/dimension/plane/wombat that somehow got transported to the current pathfinder setting. This would have no real in-game effect stat or gear-wise, just for the flavor of it.
For example, rather than wearing the usual medieval style garb, he'd be dressed a bit more on the Victorian end of things. Yanno, a nice shirt, vest, breeches, nice boots and a greatcoat rather than, say, a cloak. He'd also know of marvelous and wondrous technologies (but certainly not how to make them himself, and ESPECIALLY not in this horribly backwards and 'primitive' society) and would speak of such things from time to time.
About the only real gear-ish sort of influence it'd have is if there are rules set out (and approved) for a Swordcane in society play (and I really hope there is). If not, I'm sure he'd adapt and pick up weapons and whatnot from the setting the longer he's been there.
Is this idea too out there for society play? I'm hoping not 'cause I think it'd be a real blast to play it (as my local society group is all for fun and interesting roleplaying), but I figured I'd ask and see what people thought before getting my hopes up too high.
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For example, rather than wearing the usual medieval style garb, he'd be dressed a bit more on the Victorian end of things. Yanno, a nice shirt, vest, breeches, nice boots and a greatcoat rather than, say, a cloak.
Actually Pathfinder is already more Victortian than medieval. Sir Laribold Croome (Seeker of Secrets p.22) is a fine example of what you are describing.
My advice would be to read more about Golarion and Pathfinder Society and create a character that fits in that world. As you are likely going to play with many different people it's better not to create a character that 'breaks' the world. You'll have many other ways to get fun and interesing roleplay anyway!
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Just be prepared to rein in some of the concept if you are taking the character to other games, especially conventions, and go along with GM requests. Some GMs would want you to avoid talking about other worlds or advanced tech.
That said, Golarion has clock towers, mechanized dams, guns, paddle-wheel boats... and there are magic equivalents of holograms and even nuclear reactors. And that's not including the nation with the starship and robots.
So I'm pretty sure that you could get away with a swordcane :) (Actually, I'm pretty sure that Varian Jeggare has one)
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Varian Jeggare
looking at the miniature I would say it's a rapier, but he's a distinguished gentleman anyway.
Sir Laribold Croome does:
Armed with only a cane sword and jeweled dagger, Laribold insists on resolving all violent altercations by formal duel, even with obviously unintelligent monsters.
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I see no problem with the concept.
A few words of caution however: (that I think addresses all the issues mentioned above)
1- Don't over do it. There is nothing worse than a concept character that is overdone. It annoys people and you are quickly seen as a liability.
2- Don't block the game. Your character is be an idiot (and you playing him isn't either (I'm going out on a limb here...)). Just because you come from [another world] does not mean that you do not understand the basics of things and you should not have to be reminded every minute of what a sword/magic/raging barbarian/undead is. If people have to explain to you everything that is going on, you're blocking the game, that's annoying and you should drop that.
2a- To be recruited into the society, your character had to spend time getting trained by the society. And its not just a 20 minute seminar (see Seekers of Secrets). So though you come from [XYZ] you should be familiar with the workings of Golarion and its people.
3- In public settings especially, your character is not the only element of the show...The module must preceded your character concept. As long as you add to the table, its all good, but if you block the game, that's not. Its okay for characters to pout and whine, but as long as they follow the party and do their job.
4- Be good at what you are supposed to do (which is something that's true of every PFS character). Don't be dead weight.
Finally, as was stated, there are regions that have firearms and that are more aligned with Victoriana than Med-Fan. Perhaps your character comes from there.
I think Golarion was designed with extremely varied regions that your character could easily be from "here". But if you want to come from Krynn/Athas/Ravenloft... I don't think anyone would care.
With all that in mind, GO FOR IT.
JP
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Keep in mind that in a con setting you may break the immersion factor for some.
Player 1: I'm Melchor the Barbarian from the Shoanti Tribes
Player 2: I'm Venusia, Cleric of Desna, Varisian dancer.
Player 3: I'm Annigon, a space alien
Granted thats a bit extreme.
We have been given such an incredibly rich world to work with that you don't even have to try hard to fit in and get whate you are going for.
Elves? They're technically not native to this world.
Gnomes? They're from another dimension (Fey)
And as noted above, the diversity in cultures available is pretty nice.
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Officially by the rules... for PFS play, you have to be from one of the countries that counts as a faction list, although not neccessarily of the same faction that you are aligned with.
Actually, no.
You just need to have a faction, you don't need to be from one of the 5 nations.
Otherwise, you couldn't be from Absalom (eg).
EDIT: You don't even have to be from the Inner Sea region, as the OP Guide specifically gives an example of Vudrans loyal to one of the factions.
I see no problem with the concept.
A few words of caution however: (that I think addresses all the issues mentioned above)
1- Don't over do it. There is nothing worse than a concept character that is overdone. It annoys people and you are quickly seen as a liability.
2- Don't block the game. Your character is be an idiot (and you playing him isn't either (I'm going out on a limb here...)). Just because you come from [another world] does not mean that you do not understand the basics of things and you should not have to be reminded every minute of what a sword/magic/raging barbarian/undead is. If people have to explain to you everything that is going on, you're blocking the game, that's annoying and you should drop that.
2a- To be recruited into the society, your character had to spend time getting trained by the society. And its not just a 20 minute seminar (see Seekers of Secrets). So though you come from [XYZ] you should be familiar with the workings of Golarion and its people.
3- In public settings especially, your character is not the only element of the show...The module must preceded your character concept. As long as you add to the table, its all good, but if you block the game, that's not. Its okay for characters to pout and whine, but as long as they follow the party and do their job.
4- Be good at what you are supposed to do (which is something that's true of every PFS character). Don't be dead weight.
I would add:
5- Don't be disappointed if other players ignore your super-cool idea altogether.