paizo.com Recent Posts in Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting Embracepaizo.com Recent Posts in Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting Embrace2012-11-15T23:11:14Z2012-11-15T23:11:14ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceSethttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#362011-02-18T23:40:42Z2011-02-18T23:40:42Z<p>I only cast six of my eight votes this round, and you got one of them.</p>
<p>Sorry to see you didn't make it to the next round, but hopefully you'll show us some magic next year!</p>I only cast six of my eight votes this round, and you got one of them.
Sorry to see you didn't make it to the next round, but hopefully you'll show us some magic next year!Set2011-02-18T23:40:42ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceQuandaryhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#352011-02-16T02:14:38Z2011-02-16T02:14:38Z<p>Hey Nick, sorry to see you didn´t make it... I really thought you deserved to, especially given your body of work so far (I think I´m more inclined to judge each entrant´s entire body of work and not SOLELY judge only with the current round... if somebody can´t write a decent item or archetype, I don´t think they´re superstar). Certainly the core concept, barbarian vampire nobility, seems a good way to play off of real-world vampire lore, e.g. Vlad the Impaler. I certainly think that the negative response for including Aristocrat was unfounded - who is to say there isn´t hereditary rulers of Orcs to begin with, their parents would likely encourage that, and it´s just a matter if other powerful Orcs can unseat them or not. Real-world Nobility grew out of warriors leading states/armies, so how are Orcs different? The social Class Skills they gain still work the exact same, manipulating Orc politics isn´t mechanically different in-game than manipulating stuck-up Taldoran society.</p>
<p>It looked like you had various technical problems, but I think the core idea was strong. I think the Aristocrat NPC level was a reasonable choice - the NPC class is a way to boost his skills (learned from his Vampire creator) without boosting his CR as much as a PC class (which was your technical error, ironically concealing this side benefit).</p>
<p>Anyhow, you have some strong competitors this year in Sean, Sam, and Artus, so maybe you can learn from the experience and come back stronger next year - like Sean did!</p>Hey Nick, sorry to see you didn´t make it... I really thought you deserved to, especially given your body of work so far (I think I´m more inclined to judge each entrant´s entire body of work and not SOLELY judge only with the current round... if somebody can´t write a decent item or archetype, I don´t think they´re superstar). Certainly the core concept, barbarian vampire nobility, seems a good way to play off of real-world vampire lore, e.g. Vlad the Impaler. I certainly think that the...Quandary2011-02-16T02:14:38ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceNicolas Quimbyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#342011-02-16T00:51:02Z2011-02-16T00:51:02Z<p>I know I sounded lukewarm on this, but it's actually really grown on me and I'm sorry to see you eliminated for it. The core concept verged on the screwball, but I think you really made it work in a cool and grandiose way; he really is an orc Dracula, sophisticated and horrible.</p>I know I sounded lukewarm on this, but it's actually really grown on me and I'm sorry to see you eliminated for it. The core concept verged on the screwball, but I think you really made it work in a cool and grandiose way; he really is an orc Dracula, sophisticated and horrible.Nicolas Quimby2011-02-16T00:51:02ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceAsk A RPGSupersuccubus (alias of Charles Evans 25)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#332011-02-16T00:01:19Z2011-02-16T00:01:19Z<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Disclaimer:
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Ask A RPGSupersuccubus is posting from the point of view of a CE aligned (very advanced) succubus; the clarifications of the Abyssal meanings of ‘sorry’ and ‘commiserations’ which she made in the previous round don’t bear repeating here, but the Abyssal definition for ‘sympathy’ has some mileage for repetition, so (once more) in the language of the Abyss ‘sympathy’ is military jargon for a popular model of half a mile high siege-tower with spiked wheels, ballistae and fireball hurling catapults. (By way of explanation for the latter it’s a demonic joke: ‘See, we have sympathy for your situation’.) </span>
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Obligatory End of Round 3 Results Post:
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[Spoiler omitted]</p>Disclaimer:
Ask A RPGSupersuccubus is posting from the point of view of a CE aligned (very advanced) succubus; the clarifications of the Abyssal meanings of ‘sorry’ and ‘commiserations’ which she made in the previous round don’t bear repeating here, but the Abyssal definition for ‘sympathy’ has some mileage for repetition, so (once more) in the language of the Abyss ‘sympathy’ is military jargon for a popular model of half a mile high siege-tower with spiked wheels, ballistae and fireball...Ask A RPGSupersuccubus (alias of Charles Evans 25)2011-02-16T00:01:19ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceNeil Spicerhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#322011-02-15T20:22:42Z2011-02-15T20:22:42Z<p>Some quick answers for you, Nick...</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nick Bolhuis wrote:</div><blockquote> I also should have included his stats for raging, but I'm not sure this is as big a deal as it at first seems to be. </blockquote><p>It's still a big deal. In a Paizo-published product, you'll still need to design your barbarian's stat-block in his "rage" presentation and cite the Base Statistics line under the Tactics section to show what he's like when he's <i>not</i> raging. That's standard fare. And, the good news is that the Paizo spreadsheet given to freelancers auto-calculates that for you...though, you can toggle the "rage" effects on or off depending on what you need for a specific encounter. Most encounters with NPCs who have barbarian levels usually include combat. So, the "rage on" switch is the most commonly used.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nick Bolhuis wrote:</div><blockquote> ...I'd like to talk about my ability scores. I feel they are correct.... </blockquote><p>You're good here. See the derro discussion threads for John and Trevor. I explained there how I arrived at some different conclusions based on <i>not</i> using the "+4, +4, +2, +2, +0, -2" method...and some underlying analysis on how that impacts NPC design by choosing that method over building from the elite array.
<p>I do think you're right, however, that in and of itself, commentary about the ability scores in your stat-block didn't represent the primary criticism or feedback related to your design. Still, rest assured that you did fine here.</p>
<p>Hope that helps,
<br />
—Neil</p>Some quick answers for you, Nick...
Nick Bolhuis wrote:I also should have included his stats for raging, but I'm not sure this is as big a deal as it at first seems to be.
It's still a big deal. In a Paizo-published product, you'll still need to design your barbarian's stat-block in his "rage" presentation and cite the Base Statistics line under the Tactics section to show what he's like when he's not raging. That's standard fare. And, the good news is that the Paizo spreadsheet given to...Neil Spicer2011-02-15T20:22:42ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceNick Bolhuishttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#312011-02-15T18:48:15Z2011-02-15T18:48:15Z<p>Yay! Now I can say stuff.</p>
<p>First lets acknowledge the things I legitimately screwed up on. </p>
<p>I did miss the racial skill bonuses from the vampire template, this was a matter of haste and poor math-checking. </p>
<p>I also should have included his stats for raging, but I'm not sure this is as big a deal as it at first seems to be. Without a constitution, there is no recalculation of hit points, and being undead makes him immune to many effects requiring a Will save (with channel energy being one notable exception). Beyond that, his boost to strength simply adds a +2 to everything he tries to do in combat, +2 CMD, and opponents get a +2 to hit him. Is this a mistake? Yes, is it something a DM cannot negotiate on his own? No.</p>
<p>CR calculation was also incorrect, simply a result of not carefully checking (a holdover from 3.5 really).</p>
<p>Second, I'd like to talk about my ability scores. I feel they are correct, have rechecked the math, and have had others do the same. I do not want this to seem like I am screaming foul, or claiming that and error in judgement has cost me votes in the event that I do not advance (I am writing this a few hours before the results). I will show my math here, and if legitimately wrong please show me where so I can learn from it, because right now I feel I am in the right.</p>
<p>Starting with a base stat line (Str,Dex,Con,Int,Wis,Cha) of 11,10,11,11,10,10.
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I then add the Orc Racial modifiers: (+4 STR, -2 INT, -2 WIS, -2 CHA) to get 15,10,11,9,8,8
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Vampire (+6 STR, +4 Dex, Con—, +2 INT, +2 WIS, +4CHA) to get 21,14,—,11,10,12
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Elite Array (+4 STR, +2 Dex, +0 Con, +2 INT, -2 WIS, +4 CHA) to get 25,16,—,13,8,16
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Increase at 4HD/8HD both to Wisdom to get a final 25,16,—,13,10,16</p>
<p>These are the scores I have presented, and I do not see why they are wrong. This then calls into question all derived sats from these ability scores needlessly, casting the entirety of my stat block in an unfavorable light. If these score are not correct please please tell me where they are wrong so I can avoid this trouble in the future. If they are correct, perhaps returning to a show-your-math format for this type of round in future years will avoid this sort of thing. I know the judges are swamped with work from this, and I truly appreciate their efforts. I do not want to call them out from making a simple mistake, instead, perhaps a review of the round format or even the stat block spreadsheet (if one is used in this case) is warranted. </p>
<p>So some milk got spilled, not big deal.</p>
<p>On to my more stylistic choices. Comments on my use of Aristocrat have been many and varied. My earlier drafts for Karuuk had him as barbarian only, though this made me worry that vampire brought nothing interesting to him, and that he might as well be any other orc barbarian (not very superstar). So I got to thinking that the prospect of an eternity of orc-ness may not seem too cool to a newly made immortal, suddenly capable of overcoming yesterdays obstacles with ease. This got him (and me) thinking about his future, the world and his place in it, which he could only hope to learn from outsiders (not many history books lying around in orc-land). So the second draft had him interested in history, namely the lost glory of the orcs in the area, as well as the whispering tyrant and the prospect of prizes gained upon his release. This aspiration was mechanically weak, a few skill points spent on history didn't seem like enough warrant this manner of direction for the character, and he ought to be able to read. So that's how I ended up selling myself on aristocrat, learned PC classes, like wizard or bard seemed like an equally long stretch, and I didn't have the words to fit it all in. It kind of got jammed in there at the end, and seems like it was not the best of ideas.</p>
<p>That said I'm glad those of you who did see what I was going for enjoyed it.</p>
<p>My choice for vampire was much the same, I know vampire can be overdone, and in retrospect I would have been better to go with all out feral vampire than trying to squeeze in some dracula. I did however think that vampire was an interesting treatment for the image, and one that others were unlikely to come up with.</p>
<p>Lastly
<br />
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nicolas Quimby wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Standback wrote:</div><blockquote>I'm not well-steeped in Golarion goodness - could I ask you to expand on this? I would like to hear more, please. :) </blockquote><p>Neither am I really, but I think I know the basics:
</p>
When the Whispering Tyrant was defeated, Lastwall was formed to maintain a vigil on his Fortress of Evil and make sure he never returned. It's always been a military nation, relying on support (and volunteers) from other nations and staying focused on its mission. The problem is that the Tyrant really seems to be good and dead; fortunatley, Lastwall also borders a major pass out of the Hold of Belkzen (Golarion's orcland). If not for that it would be home to a lot of really bored paladins. </p>
<p>A Lastwall game is usually an against-the-orcs game, but there's this foreshadowing in that everyone swears an oath to oppose the Whispering Tyrant, even though it's really just lip service and most don't take the Whispering Tyrant seriously (yet). </blockquote><p>You're basically right here. I see last wall as sort of like a little Minas Tirath, bordering on nations capable of great destruction. The Hold of Belkzen is where the orc tribes are amassed, though they pose little real threat due to lack of true leadership. They had leadership once in the form of the Lich-King Tar-Baphon who had united them under his banner. When he was destroyed they fell back into their original chaos. As for the Lich-King, he was imprisoned beneath his tower, which is now layered with protective and binding magics to prevent any chance of his release or return. These wards are maintained by patrols from Lastwall, though most of Lastwalls troops are concerned with the orcs. Gallowspire, the tower of the lich-king, is actually in the neighboring country of Ustalav, which has this sort of transylvania/ravenloft thing going. At least, that's how I understand it.
<p>So in closing, thanks to everyone who has supported me and my ideas. Hopefully I will advance, but it looks unlikely. In any event I will remain on the boards to hound those who do advance and will certainly be back next year, bigger, stronger, better, older (and probably a little heavier). </p>
<p>Thanks everyone! :D</p>Yay! Now I can say stuff.
First lets acknowledge the things I legitimately screwed up on.
I did miss the racial skill bonuses from the vampire template, this was a matter of haste and poor math-checking.
I also should have included his stats for raging, but I'm not sure this is as big a deal as it at first seems to be. Without a constitution, there is no recalculation of hit points, and being undead makes him immune to many effects requiring a Will save (with channel energy being one...Nick Bolhuis2011-02-15T18:48:15ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceNicolas Quimbyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#302011-02-15T05:20:25Z2011-02-15T05:20:25Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Standback wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Nicolas Quimby wrote:</div><blockquote> I will dissent from Standback on this one, in that I think the Whispering Tyrant connection was a good decision. It fits the character, fits the world, and is a useful device for DMs looking to transition into a high-level game (assuming they haven't <i>already</i> been foreshadowing the tyrant's return, which may be the case). </blockquote>I don't know that I disagree with you on that :P My line about "the basis for a pretty epic-level campaign" was meant along much the same lines, if I understand you correctly. </blockquote><p>Good point. I think what I meant to disagree with was the idea that that part is 'generic' (and really, I'm not disagreeing with that so much as excusing it because I think it's really cool and appropriate. :) ).
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Standback wrote:</div><blockquote>I'm not well-steeped in Golarion goodness - could I ask you to expand on this? I would like to hear more, please. :) </blockquote><p>Neither am I really, but I think I know the basics:
</p>
When the Whispering Tyrant was defeated, Lastwall was formed to maintain a vigil on his Fortress of Evil and make sure he never returned. It's always been a military nation, relying on support (and volunteers) from other nations and staying focused on its mission. The problem is that the Tyrant really seems to be good and dead; fortunatley, Lastwall also borders a major pass out of the Hold of Belkzen (Golarion's orcland). If not for that it would be home to a lot of really bored paladins. </p>
<p>A Lastwall game is usually an against-the-orcs game, but there's this foreshadowing in that everyone swears an oath to oppose the Whispering Tyrant, even though it's really just lip service and most don't take the Whispering Tyrant seriously (yet).</p>Standback wrote:Nicolas Quimby wrote: I will dissent from Standback on this one, in that I think the Whispering Tyrant connection was a good decision. It fits the character, fits the world, and is a useful device for DMs looking to transition into a high-level game (assuming they haven't already been foreshadowing the tyrant's return, which may be the case).
I don't know that I disagree with you on that :P My line about "the basis for a pretty epic-level campaign" was meant along much the...Nicolas Quimby2011-02-15T05:20:25ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceZiv Witieshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#292011-02-15T03:45:18Z2011-02-15T03:45:18Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nicolas Quimby wrote:</div><blockquote> I will dissent from Standback on this one, in that I think the Whispering Tyrant connection was a good decision. It fits the character, fits the world, and is a useful device for DMs looking to transition into a high-level game (assuming they haven't <i>already</i> been foreshadowing the tyrant's return, which may be the case). </blockquote><p>I don't know that I disagree with you on that :P My line about "the basis for a pretty epic-level campaign" was meant along much the same lines, if I understand you correctly.
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nicolas Quimby wrote:</div><blockquote>As the author himself noted this guy is a really great fit for a Lastwall-focused game, because he ties together the two main enemies of the region. </blockquote><p>I'm not well-steeped in Golarion goodness - could I ask you to expand on this? I would like to hear more, please. :)Nicolas Quimby wrote:I will dissent from Standback on this one, in that I think the Whispering Tyrant connection was a good decision. It fits the character, fits the world, and is a useful device for DMs looking to transition into a high-level game (assuming they haven't already been foreshadowing the tyrant's return, which may be the case).
I don't know that I disagree with you on that :P My line about "the basis for a pretty epic-level campaign" was meant along much the same lines, if I...Ziv Wities2011-02-15T03:45:18ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceNicolas Quimbyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#282011-02-14T21:37:42Z2011-02-14T21:37:42Z<p>Though after reviewing my votes, I also have to say that this is my personal least-favorite name of the round, if not the entire contest.</p>Though after reviewing my votes, I also have to say that this is my personal least-favorite name of the round, if not the entire contest.Nicolas Quimby2011-02-14T21:37:42ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceNicolas Quimbyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#272011-02-14T21:27:16Z2011-02-14T21:27:16Z<p>Dapper, sophisticated orcs have been a running joke at my table since I was 15, which may color my perception of this (and not in a good way). I like that you went with a vampire to make that happen, because it does increase your mental facilities while giving you a lot of time to think, and the trappings of aristocracy are strongly associated with vampirism... But I still think it needs more support. What does it <i>mean</i> to be an "inquisitive and polite gentleman"? If the concepts of "politeness" and of the "gentleman" exist in orc society, then it would be very different from what the words mean to us. If not, then this implies a strong infatuation with other races. I mean, it would basically make him an orc who acts like a human, and I don't think that was adequately explained.</p>
<p>I will dissent from Standback on this one, in that I think the Whispering Tyrant connection was a good decision. It fits the character, fits the world, and is a useful device for DMs looking to transition into a high-level game (assuming they haven't <i>already</i> been foreshadowing the tyrant's return, which may be the case). As the author himself noted this guy is a really great fit for a Lastwall-focused game, because he ties together the two main enemies of the region. </p>
<p>This gets my vote.</p>Dapper, sophisticated orcs have been a running joke at my table since I was 15, which may color my perception of this (and not in a good way). I like that you went with a vampire to make that happen, because it does increase your mental facilities while giving you a lot of time to think, and the trappings of aristocracy are strongly associated with vampirism... But I still think it needs more support. What does it mean to be an "inquisitive and polite gentleman"? If the concepts of...Nicolas Quimby2011-02-14T21:27:16ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceZiv Witieshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#262011-02-14T11:44:21Z2011-02-14T11:44:21Z<p>Nick,</p>
<p>Best of luck with your villain entry! Here's my thoughts, written before I've read anybody else's.</p>
<p><b>Concept:</b> I like the image of a genteel vampire orc - the vampirism gives you great justification for that. His punishment for rivals is deliciously cruel. On the larger scope - this is a solid concept, to the point of being generic: "this bad guy would like to release the ancient lich and unleash a reign of evil upon the world once more." I could see this as the basis for a pretty epic campaign; I don't feel, though, that such a campaign would make much of the villain himself. He'd just be the Big Bad at the End; until you got to the end, he'd just be a placeholder. </p>
<p>To summarize: this has some nice stuff, but it's very generic, by which I mean easily interchangable with lots of other Big Bads.</p>
<p><b>Plot Hooks:</b> Given what I said above, I would really have liked some more concrete hooks - specific cool adventures that would bring Karuuk into play. Something unique to sell me on this particular villain. </p>
<p><b>Mechanics:</b> No particular comments; nothing jumped out at me here.</p>
<p><b>Use of Archetype:</b> Not impressive. The archetype doesn't tie into the character concept in any distinct way; he could have just as easily been without the archetype, or used a different one. This is particularly disappointing as I would imagine this villain featuring <i>physically</i> only for climactic battles; I don't think the PCs would feel the presence of this archetype as very significant at any point. It doesn't inform Karuuk's personality, plans, or methods. In short, it feels like this is in to satisfy the round requirement, and not because it's actually meant to add something to the character.</p>
<p><b>Use of Portrait:</b> Very nice :) The vampire orc twist is a good one, and is a great interpretation of this portrait.</p>
<p><b><i>All in all</i></b>, I think you've got a very solid entry here, with good presentation, and some very nice details. But I think you've missed some key targets for this round - a unique villain whose schemes and influence on the PCs would be exciting and memorable, and significant use of an archetype. I'm not sure where I'll be for the final voting, but if you'll be up against equally solid entries whose villains did a better job of hitting those notes, then I'm afraid Karuuk will be at a disadvantage against them. Part of this contest is getting people <i>excited</i> about using your particular creations; I'm not seeing much here that seems aimed at doing that.</p>
<p>Wishing you lots of luck! :)</p>Nick,
Best of luck with your villain entry! Here's my thoughts, written before I've read anybody else's.
Concept: I like the image of a genteel vampire orc - the vampirism gives you great justification for that. His punishment for rivals is deliciously cruel. On the larger scope - this is a solid concept, to the point of being generic: "this bad guy would like to release the ancient lich and unleash a reign of evil upon the world once more." I could see this as the basis for a pretty epic...Ziv Wities2011-02-14T11:44:21ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceJerry Keyeshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#252011-02-13T05:19:50Z2011-02-13T05:19:50Z<p>I saw this villain as a gem in the rough. Some people hated the "sophisticated orc" aspect, but I think you should've taken it even further (but without the vampire — I hate vampire villains).</p>
<p>In fact, I think I agree with a lot of Set's points. I could see Karruk getting frustrated while trying to teach etiquette to the other orcs, shouting "No, that's the salad fork!" while jabbing that same utensil into the forehead of the offending minion.</p>
<p>Then, on the opposite end of the spectrum, he tries to impress cultured "guests", failing and becoming more and more agitated, resulting in a slowly rising temper until everyone in the room knows its time leave. Role-playing opportunities abound!</p>
<p>Unfortunately the execution of this entry fell flat, but I see the possibilities here.</p>I saw this villain as a gem in the rough. Some people hated the "sophisticated orc" aspect, but I think you should've taken it even further (but without the vampire -- I hate vampire villains).
In fact, I think I agree with a lot of Set's points. I could see Karruk getting frustrated while trying to teach etiquette to the other orcs, shouting "No, that's the salad fork!" while jabbing that same utensil into the forehead of the offending minion.
Then, on the opposite end of the spectrum, he...Jerry Keyes2011-02-13T05:19:50ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceAsk A RPGSupersuccubus (alias of Charles Evans 25)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#242011-02-12T21:56:56Z2011-02-12T21:56:56Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Nick Bolhuis wrote:</div><blockquote><p> <b>Karuuk Soulrender, the Unrelenting Embrace</b>
</p>
<b>Description:</b> Ominously glowing eyes and midnight skin suggest Karuuks unholy nature. His jagged snarl and hulking shoulders seem average for a vicious orc with an anger issue, but when his anger abates his demeanour changes to that of an inquisitive and polite gentleman. He is a curiosity among the orcs of the Hold of Belkzen; a vampire cheiftan who fancies himself an intellectual. His tribe, the Ashen Skulls, paint their faces with Karuuks enemies. He has a propensity for turning his rivals into vampire spawn and then staking them out for the morning sun.
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<b>Motivations/Goals:</b> Immortality has given Karuuk a different perspective than those of the other orcs within The Hold, the petty squabbling over resources has grown tiresome. Karuuk sees himself as a vampire first, and an orc second. Not one to throw away a valuable resource, he has retained and even expanded his tribe, but to him they are merely a weapon. His real motives lie in reclaiming a time of ancient glory. In his early years as a vampire, Karuuk captured, dominated and interrogated dozens of men and women from neighbouring nations.It was in this way that he learned of the Whispering Tyrant, his rise, fall and the roll the orcs of the Hold of Belkzen had to play. He eagerly awaits the prizes and power Tar-Baphon will bestow upon him when he succeeds in prompting his release.
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<b>Schemes/Plots/Adventure Hooks:</b> Karuuk Soulrender is an ideal villain for parties adventuring out of Lastwall into either of it's northern neighbours. He's particularly fond of compelling information concerning the wards which protect Gallowspire, and is regularly dispatching his unholy horde into Ustalav to test the tower's defences....</blockquote><p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Disclaimer:
</p>
You should know the drill by now, but in case you (somehow) missed it so far, Ask A RPGSupersuccubus is posting from the point of view of a (very advanced) CE aligned succubus: [Spoiler omitted] ;) </span> </p>
<p><b>If a sister succubus seduces this villain or a key henchman and things take their course… Well is this villain likely to be good around a young alu-fiend?</b>
<br />
Ah, an undead orc with <i>manners</i>. Whilst some villains aspire to insane, unachievable goals like godhood, this one aspires to bettering himself in a social sense. (And to unleashing a millennia old undead tyrant, but that's not so important from the point of view of the question currently under regard.)
<br />
It depends how much he's capable of keeping it together? I'd need to spend some time studying him before recommending if he's suitable society for a young alu-fiend. </p>
<p><b>Should a succubus tip off any organisations as to the identity, location, and/or activities of this person?</b>
<br />
By Orcus' wand, no. Orcs like this are fascinating experiments which need to be observed carefully in isolation from as many outside influences as possible. Well, in the short-term they do; at some point it will become clear whether or not Karuuk is making any progress towards his self-appointed goals, and at that point it's a case of put him in touch with a sympathetic demon lord or two, or notify a group who specialise in exterminating undead to put him out of his misery. But 'short-term' for a succubus is long enough to get material for four or five books of observations (naturally cutting Karuuk in on some of any profits made <i>if</i> he comes through with shining colours - honour amongst aristocrats and all that). </p>
<p><b>How much money would I lend this person?</b>
<br />
In this case, and given the purses of some publishers with whom I am well acquainted, I could go up to four hundred thousand gold in the interests of seeing what he does with it, how much and how soon he repays it, and gathering various other material for the books I envision writing about this fellow. Of course good manners would require that I partially explain my motivations when lending (and from the book writing point of view it's useful to see how much he understands and how he takes that news...) </p>
<p><b>Other comments? (including fruitcake rating where appropriate) </b>
<br />
The turning rivals into vampire spawn then staking them out in the sun is of course absolutely delicious and convinces me that Karuuk rates as more than just a villain with a tribe (an equivalent of a minor organisation) - and may cause some actual mayhem one day. I'd like to believe that this is partially motivated by scientific curiosity as to aspects of the vampiric state, but it seems more likely to me that he does it purely for the fun of it. So still some way to go there, perhaps. <span class=messageboard-ooc>(As a personal observation, having fun and learning things is of course much more useful than just having fun, except on rare occasions involving specialists in summoning magic, evangelists, servants of Asmodeus and/or expendable servants of Lamashtu that the Demon Queen isn't too likely to miss - well those plus a few more categories, but my general point stands.)</span>
<br />
I'm a bit ambivalent on the Whispering Tyrant thing. Whilst he was a gracious host who threw some absolutely astonishing dinner parties, I'm sad to say that he tended not to see eye to eye with too many paladins and took a perverse delight in ensuring that many met as exquisitely painful an end as possible - which was something of a tragic waste in my opinion. I know he had an empire of evil to run, but if he was that short on time and energy to spare paladins, he could have simply employed some succubi. But <i>nooo</i> he was all into devils - and look where that got him with the last king of Ustalav: that worked out well, didn't it? The she-devil he sent to infiltrate the royal household double-crossed him. Hah!
<br />
But, I won't hold Karuuk too much to blame for aiming to better himself and his tribe and bring a little anarchy to the world by unleashing an undead wizard king of sometimes questionable taste. There are a number of books in this and a fascinating experiment to observe here, after all. </p>
<p><b>Rating on the Gulga-Bracht supersuccubus scale of villainy: </b>
<br />
5 (villain with plans for modest mayhem)</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Further Disclaimer:
<br />
Ask A RPGSupersuccubus (still with half an eye on Lord Orcus) would once again like to clarify that mortal voters should probably rely on more than just her own (impeccable) assessments in making up their minds on how to vote. Thank You. </span></p>Nick Bolhuis wrote:Karuuk Soulrender, the Unrelenting Embrace
Description: Ominously glowing eyes and midnight skin suggest Karuuks unholy nature. His jagged snarl and hulking shoulders seem average for a vicious orc with an anger issue, but when his anger abates his demeanour changes to that of an inquisitive and polite gentleman. He is a curiosity among the orcs of the Hold of Belkzen; a vampire cheiftan who fancies himself an intellectual. His tribe, the Ashen Skulls, paint their faces...Ask A RPGSupersuccubus (alias of Charles Evans 25)2011-02-12T21:56:56ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceSteven Helthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#232011-02-11T16:16:34Z2011-02-11T16:16:34Z<p>I could look past the aristocrat barbarian thing (reminds me of a game I played with Logue a few years ago), if there was just a tiny bit more fluff on how he came to that. Even if it was just the raw Wisdom increase from the moment he rose from the dead, tell me that he stood for the first time as a vampire and realized there was something more. Or talk about the Eastern European style upper society that the evil rulers of Ustalav used to be. But don't just assume a level of aristocrat and claim he wants something more. I can even take the Tepes-like staking of his enemies and other barbarism in combination, if you'll just smooth it over a little for me. If you don't you're wasting word count on something unnecessary and unbelievable.</p>
<p>But the killer for me is the stat block execution. If I voted for you to move on, I'd be looking at an underdeveloped, flawed mess of an encounter. If I bought an adventure by you, it might take an extra few months for it to come out. Other entries might not have as good a raw idea in terms of what a villain is, but they have pretty good stat blocks, and I only get so many votes. Seems unlikely this one will outdo the better concepts with well-presented rules.</p>I could look past the aristocrat barbarian thing (reminds me of a game I played with Logue a few years ago), if there was just a tiny bit more fluff on how he came to that. Even if it was just the raw Wisdom increase from the moment he rose from the dead, tell me that he stood for the first time as a vampire and realized there was something more. Or talk about the Eastern European style upper society that the evil rulers of Ustalav used to be. But don't just assume a level of aristocrat and...Steven Helt2011-02-11T16:16:34ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceSwamp Druidhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#222011-02-11T04:40:15Z2011-02-11T04:40:15Z<p>I don't like the aristocrat/barbarian thing going on. I like the concept you were going for but I don't like the implementation.</p>I don't like the aristocrat/barbarian thing going on. I like the concept you were going for but I don't like the implementation.Swamp Druid2011-02-11T04:40:15ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceStarglimhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#212011-02-11T02:05:21Z2011-02-11T02:05:21Z<p>Yeah .. no. His hero-worship of Tar-Baphon gives him depth beyond a few of the other entries, but this is too rough for my vote.</p>Yeah .. no. His hero-worship of Tar-Baphon gives him depth beyond a few of the other entries, but this is too rough for my vote.Starglim2011-02-11T02:05:21ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceRuss Taylorhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#202011-02-10T02:59:45Z2011-02-10T02:59:45Z<p>A cultured orc's a fun trope to play with. Unfortunately, vampire, one of the more overused monsters in Pathfinder. And a half-orc barbarian. I realize orcs are supposed to be barbaric, but submit a half-orc barbarian for a contest is a lot like submitting a halfling thief. You <i>really</i> need to nail the execution if you're going with something predictable. The mixture of nobleman and Vlad the Impaler does work a bit, but honestly, a cultured vampire is just as much a trope as a bestial orc, so this sort of winds up trapped in the middle ground rather than genre busting.</p>
<p>The stat block errors sink the remaining chance of this hapless would-be noble for getting one of slots. But I'm just one vote, and it does look like he's got his boosters too.</p>A cultured orc's a fun trope to play with. Unfortunately, vampire, one of the more overused monsters in Pathfinder. And a half-orc barbarian. I realize orcs are supposed to be barbaric, but submit a half-orc barbarian for a contest is a lot like submitting a halfling thief. You really need to nail the execution if you're going with something predictable. The mixture of nobleman and Vlad the Impaler does work a bit, but honestly, a cultured vampire is just as much a trope as a bestial orc, so...Russ Taylor2011-02-10T02:59:45ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceEngineerAuthorManhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#192011-02-10T02:39:31Z2011-02-10T02:39:31Z<p>This guy reminds me of Beast from the Xmen. He's a monster, but he can be a gentleman. </p>
<p>I don't see anything that is strikingly creative, but at least this villain has a goal other than to be evil for evil's sake. Reclaiming past glory is a believable driver for his actions. </p>
<p>I'm on the fence on this one. I think it's an OK villain, but nothing spectacular.</p>This guy reminds me of Beast from the Xmen. He's a monster, but he can be a gentleman.
I don't see anything that is strikingly creative, but at least this villain has a goal other than to be evil for evil's sake. Reclaiming past glory is a believable driver for his actions.
I'm on the fence on this one. I think it's an OK villain, but nothing spectacular.EngineerAuthorMan2011-02-10T02:39:31ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting Embracejames knowleshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#182011-02-09T23:48:38Z2011-02-09T23:48:38Z<p>I think the fact that he's kind of a joke can be a good thing. The PCs will likely underestimate this guy and be taken by surprise when him and his minions (once his CR is fixed and 1 more barbarian lvl added for the leadership feat) beat the crap out of them.</p>
<p>vote given. good luck.</p>I think the fact that he's kind of a joke can be a good thing. The PCs will likely underestimate this guy and be taken by surprise when him and his minions (once his CR is fixed and 1 more barbarian lvl added for the leadership feat) beat the crap out of them.
vote given. good luck.james knowles2011-02-09T23:48:38ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceVarthannahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#172011-02-09T23:10:55Z2011-02-09T23:10:55Z<p>It gets my vote, too. Disappointing in some aspects, but the archetype and wondrous items were both fantastic.</p>It gets my vote, too. Disappointing in some aspects, but the archetype and wondrous items were both fantastic.Varthanna2011-02-09T23:10:55ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting Embracegboneheadhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#162011-02-09T22:42:20Z2011-02-09T22:42:20Z<p>Oh, I don't know if it's really too campy for Pathfinder.</p>
<p>A half-orc granted immmortality who is trying to strive to be above his coarse surroundings could be played as tragic rather than camp. It doesn't •have• to be Batman the TV Show, it could be The Dark Knight.</p>
<p>And personally, I found Falcon's Hollow and the whole "Lumber Consortium" thing in D0 Falcon's Last Home to be rather campy. Certainly as much as an orc vampire who wants to be more :)</p>
<p>Anyways, I don't think this was one of the top entries, but it definitely got one of my votes.</p>Oh, I don't know if it's really too campy for Pathfinder.
A half-orc granted immmortality who is trying to strive to be above his coarse surroundings could be played as tragic rather than camp. It doesn't *have* to be Batman the TV Show, it could be The Dark Knight.
And personally, I found Falcon's Hollow and the whole "Lumber Consortium" thing in D0 Falcon's Last Home to be rather campy. Certainly as much as an orc vampire who wants to be more :)
Anyways, I don't think this was one of the...gbonehead2011-02-09T22:42:20ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceJason Nelsonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#152011-02-09T19:32:51Z2011-02-09T19:32:51Z<p>Personally, I find the idea of a barbaric orc vampire pining to be taken seriously as a gentleman's gentleman highly amusing. </p>
<p>The problem is, that's not really what Pathfinder is going for in flavor and tone. It drifts too close to the line of camp. It's not that Pathfinder has no sense of humor; it's that the devs are wary of stuff that feels like a joke. We remember the bad old days of stuff like "Gargoyle" and the rather tragic "Castle Greyhawk." </p>
<p>A guy like this doesn't HAVE to be a joke, but he ends up reading like one. At the very least, he inspires a WTF? reaction in the reader, and takes them out of the notion of this person being a serious, legitimate adversary. </p>
<p>As usual, Neil has nailed down the stat block issues in detail, so I'll not repeat analysis there. </p>
<p>I think this guy could be fun in a home game, but it's not Superstar stuff for a published product.</p>Personally, I find the idea of a barbaric orc vampire pining to be taken seriously as a gentleman's gentleman highly amusing.
The problem is, that's not really what Pathfinder is going for in flavor and tone. It drifts too close to the line of camp. It's not that Pathfinder has no sense of humor; it's that the devs are wary of stuff that feels like a joke. We remember the bad old days of stuff like "Gargoyle" and the rather tragic "Castle Greyhawk."
A guy like this doesn't HAVE to be a...Jason Nelson2011-02-09T19:32:51ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceElorahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#142011-02-09T16:07:16Z2011-02-09T16:07:16Z<p>"The Unrelenting Embrace"...<b>awesome</b>. And then you hit me with the bit about him turning enemies into vampire spawn and staking them out for the morning sun. What?! I'm awake and paying attention now, despite only being halfway through my morning mocha. That is just a beautifully wicked tactic, and screams "villain". In fact, I'm now dreaming of capturing an important NPC, vampire spawning him, and watching the party try to rescue the NPC before he's toast. </p>
<p>I actually love the conflicting aspects of Karuuk Soulrender — the desire for aristocracy versus the brutal pugilist. </p>
<p>Got my vote!</p>"The Unrelenting Embrace"...awesome. And then you hit me with the bit about him turning enemies into vampire spawn and staking them out for the morning sun. What?! I'm awake and paying attention now, despite only being halfway through my morning mocha. That is just a beautifully wicked tactic, and screams "villain". In fact, I'm now dreaming of capturing an important NPC, vampire spawning him, and watching the party try to rescue the NPC before he's toast.
I actually love the conflicting...Elora2011-02-09T16:07:16ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbraceTrevor Merbackhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#132011-02-09T11:22:48Z2011-02-09T11:22:48Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Ryan Dancey wrote:</div><blockquote>I have this mental image of an orc in a velvet smoking coat with an ascot.</blockquote><p>Who told you about my alternate villain?Ryan Dancey wrote:I have this mental image of an orc in a velvet smoking coat with an ascot.
Who told you about my alternate villain?Trevor Merback2011-02-09T11:22:48ZRe: Forums: Round 3: Design a villain: Karuuk Soulrender, The Unrelenting EmbracePaul Brownhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ltwk?Karuuk-Soulrender-The-Unrelenting-Embrace#122011-02-09T08:22:50Z2011-02-09T08:22:50Z<p>I find the idea great. I will definitely add this guy to Carrion Crown.</p>
<p>However, I find him a little mechanically lacking. The aristocrat level does not do much other than add a little backstory that could just as easily be explained in a skill section. Perhaps he could give up his favored class hit points for Knowledge (nobility).</p>
<p>Give me a little time to think about this guy. I'm on the fence.</p>I find the idea great. I will definitely add this guy to Carrion Crown.
However, I find him a little mechanically lacking. The aristocrat level does not do much other than add a little backstory that could just as easily be explained in a skill section. Perhaps he could give up his favored class hit points for Knowledge (nobility).
Give me a little time to think about this guy. I'm on the fence.Paul Brown2011-02-09T08:22:50Z