Okay, this is going to sound extremely odd, but I need some advice for building a high-level NPC that is designed to be a parody of Lady Gaga.
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Okay, you can stop laughing now. Basically, I'm running a campaign where the head of a city-state is being manipulated by a bard for nefarious purposes. After a conversation with a friend (who is also a player in the group) I decided to parody the Bard after Lady Gaga because, "She's crazy enough that she just is a monster."
Now, I've trade and I've tried, but I'm having writer's block coming up with the following things for this character, and I was hoping for some fresh ideas form the forums. What say you, Paizo Forum-goers?
#1 Class Combinations: (My original draft was a Sandman Bard with levels in Assassin).
#2 Motivations: (Why is she manipulating the duke? What does she serve to gain?)
#3 Personality Quirks: (I admit I'm not a Gaga follower, and I don't know what personality quirks to adapt to the campaign setting.)
He's hoping for some good ideas!
Well, a desperate need for attention is one personality quirk that shouldn't be overlooked...
Sorry, not a Gaga follower, but for some reason I was getting some final fantasy 6 Kefka vibes from your bard, maybe look at Kefka for motivations but gaga for everything else, might be a good mix.
Maybe make her a shapeshifter?
Make sure she has no actual ranks in Perform, but Skill Focus (Disguise) and a high Bluff, to make people think she actually knows what she's doing.
Make sure she has high ranks in perform, as those songs are really catchy. Max out bluff and diplomacy, given her ability to surf the dangerous waters of media idiocy and sexism known as music "criticism". The RL Gaga comes with a coterie of avant-garde artists in a variety of disciplines, so leadership of a variety of bards with synergies is a good idea. Obviously, one of that crew should have craft: taxidermy and knowledge: fashion; given the popularity of her music videos, you should probably have her control a theater as a base of operations. She should have PC wealth and gear at the very least, obviously, given her success. For a build, I'd check out the stat block for the BBEG in the last module of the Crimson Throne AP.
I decided to parody the Bard after Lady Gaga because, "She's crazy enough that she just is a monster."
Not as scary as Oprah. . . .
(I admit I'm not a Gaga follower, and I don't know what personality quirks to adapt to the campaign setting.
Here's what I'd suggest:
* She has the image of a revolutionary, both in terms of politics and style.
* She has moderate talent (ranks in perform keyboard/vocals is fine).
* But really she's a scheming, savvy businesswoman.
I'd actually be hesitant to make her a full BBEG (she's more like an expert). Maybe you can surround her with powerful NPCs that are the "muscle" behind her rule. That gives you the opportunity to capture her. A true bard is going to be very hard to capture/imprison.
Make sure she has no actual ranks in Perform, but Skill Focus (Disguise) and a high Bluff, to make people think she actually knows what she's doing.
"Lady Gaga" has been playing piano for 20 years (not an exaggeration) and gained early admission to an arts college on her musical skills. There are two things Gaga knows - music and making money hand over fist through provocative characterization. Which was what? Basically every really famous artist in the 80s?
I suppose you got it correct for a parody, but you are obviously trying to insult the artist.
I'd say Celebrity Bard but it is too superficial. Go with Demagogue Bard. The useful parts of Celebrity Bard but with abilities that actually make a good enemy.
Max ranks in perform (keyboard, oratory, and sing)
I like focusing on the monster thing. How about Werewolf Demagogue Bard. Or Vampire. Vampire Aasimar Demagogue Bard.
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make her a fey creature who wants to bring into the real world some strange eyeless fey that consume eyes of the innocent or something...
For kicks, once when my players got bored and started yawning, i just said"Lady Gaga attacks you! What do you do?" and then i whipped up various powers...her voice for instance made you sickened and looking at her nose made you nauseated...she threw spiderwebs and acicic steaks...it was a fun fight...
I would actually go with a multiclass Celebrity or Demagogue and Aberrant sorcerer. Also, if she doesn't worship/have ties to Lamashtu (mother monster), you're doing it wrong.
#2 Motivations: (Why is she manipulating the duke? What does she serve to gain?)
She wants his love and his lover's revenge as she and he could write a bad romance?
Seriously. Twisted romance always works well as a motivator. The attention grabbing/power making others mention rounds it out.
I also like the monster heritage suggestions. She does after all suggest one should, "Put your paws up. Because you were born this way, baby."
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OK, so it's not the mst creative of solutions, but it works. I didn't optimize spell/feat selection, but instead tried to think of things Gaga might take. Note that she has Leadership, but I'm totally not going down that rabbit hole for you - but she ABSOLUTELY should have it. I did this really fast, so I'm sure there are some holes in it.
Edit: like, for instance, the fact that I gave her PC WBL instead of NPC WBL. Oops.
LADY AGAG CR 14
Female Human Bard (Demagogue) 15
CN Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +5; Senses Perception +17
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DEFENSE
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AC 23, touch 11, flat-footed 22. . (+9 armor, +1 Dex, +3 natural)
hp 78 (15d8)
Fort +8, Ref +13, Will +11
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OFFENSE
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Spd 20 ft.
Melee +3 Rapier +15/+10/+5 (1d6+4/18-20/x2) and
. . Gauntlet (from Armor) +12/+7/+2 (1d3+1/20/x2) and
. . Unarmed Strike +12/+7/+2 (1d3+1/20/x2)
Special Attacks Bardic Performance (swift action) (40 rounds/day), Bardic Performance: Countersong, Bardic Performance: Dirge of Doom, Bardic Performance: Distraction, Bardic Performance: Fascinate (DC 25), Bardic Performance: Frightening Tune (DC 25), Bardic Performance: Inspire Competence +5, Bardic Performance: Inspire Greatness (3 allies), Bardic Performance: Inspire Heroics (1 allies), Bardic Performance: Soothing Performance
Bard (Demagogue) Spells Known (CL 15, +12 melee touch, +12 ranged touch):
5 (4/day) Mind Fog (DC 24), Dispel Magic, Greater, Foe to Friend (DC 24), Mislead
4 (6/day) Shout (DC 22), Freedom of Movement, Sonic Thrust, Wall of Sound
3 (7/day) Haste (DC 21), Slow (DC 21), Reviving Finale, Smug Narcissism (DC 22), Terrible Remorse (DC 22)
2 (7/day) Hold Person (DC 21), Silence (DC 20), Glitterdust (DC 20), Cure Moderate Wounds (DC 20), Cacophonous Call (DC 21), Steal Voice (DC 20)
1 (7/day) Unnatural Lust (DC 20), Ventriloquism (DC 19), Hideous Laughter (DC 20), Charm Person (DC 20), Expeditious Retreat, Vocal Alteration (DC 19)
0 (at will) Prestidigitation (DC 18), Dancing Lights, Light, Detect Magic, Lullaby (DC 19), Summon Instrument
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STATISTICS
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Str 12, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 14/20, Wis 8, Cha 20/26
Base Atk +11; CMB +12; CMD 23
Feats Arcane Armor Training, Bard Weapon Proficiencies, Bouncing Spell, Ensemble, Improved Initiative, Leadership (Base Score 23), Prodigy: Perform: Keyboard Instruments, Perform: Sing, Spell Focus: Enchantment, Spell Specialization: Mind Fog, Spellsong
Skills Acrobatics +26, Bluff +26, Climb -2, Diplomacy +26, Disable Device -4, Disguise +26, Escape Artist +16, Fly +26, Intimidate +26, Knowledge: Arcana +30, Linguistics +23, Perception +17, Perform: Dance +26, Perform: Keyboard Instruments +26, Perform: Oratory +26, Perform: Sing +26, Ride -2, Sense Motive +26, Sleight of Hand +16, Spellcraft +23, Stealth +16, Swim -2, Use Magic Device +26
Languages Aboleth, Abyssal, Aklo, Auran, Azlanti, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Gnoll, Goblin, Ignan, Infernal, Necril, Protean, Shadowtongue, Skald, Sylvan, Terran, Undercommon
SQ Bardic Knowledge +7 (Ex), Bardic Performance: Gather Crowd (Ex), Bardic Performance: Incite Violence (DC 25) (Ex), Famous +4: Wherever the PCs are, Jack of All Trades: Trained skills (Ex), Metamagic Rod, Quicken, Versatile Dance +26 (Ex), Versatile Keyboard Instruments +26 (Ex), Versatile Oratory +26 (Ex), Versatile Singing +26 (Ex), Well Versed (Ex)
Combat Gear +3 Rapier, Celestial Armor; Other Gear Amulet of Natural Armor +3, Bag of Holding II (1 @ 45.6 lbs), Cloak of Resistance, +3, Headband of Mental Prowess, INT & CHA +6: Spellcraft, Use Magic Device, Metamagic Rod, Quicken
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SPECIAL ABILITIES
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Arcane Armor Training Swift action: -10% arcane spell failure due to armor.
Bardic Knowledge +7 (Ex) Add + 7 to all knowledge skill checks.
Bardic Performance (swift action) (40 rounds/day) Your performances can create magical effects.
Bardic Performance: Countersong (Su) Counter magical effects that depend on sound.
Bardic Performance: Dirge of Doom (Su) Enemies within 30' are shaken.
Bardic Performance: Distraction (Su) Counter magical effects that depend on sight.
Bardic Performance: Fascinate (DC 25) (Su) One or more creatures becomes fascinated with you.
Bardic Performance: Frightening Tune (DC 25) (Sp) Enemies who hear your performance are frightened.
Bardic Performance: Gather Crowd (Ex) Perform check gathers crowd over d10 rds. Disperses unless engaged.
Bardic Performance: Incite Violence (DC 25) (Ex) Chosen fascinated creatures gain effect of rage & attack a target (Will neg).
Bardic Performance: Inspire Competence +5 (Su) +2 competence bonus for one ally on a skill check.
Bardic Performance: Inspire Greatness (3 allies) (Su) Grants allies 2 bonus hit dice, +2 to attacks and +1 to fort saves.
Bardic Performance: Inspire Heroics (1 allies) (Su) +4 to saving throws and +4 to AC for one ally.
Bardic Performance: Soothing Performance (Su) Allies are healed and some conditions are removed.
Bouncing Spell You can cast a spell that can be redirected if it has no effect on its first target.
Ensemble Nearby performers can aid your perform checks
Famous +4: Wherever the PCs are With natives of selected region gain bonus to Bluff & Intimidate.
Jack of All Trades: Trained skills (Ex) You may use all skills untrained.
Leadership (Base Score 23) You attract loyal companions and devoted followers.
Metamagic Rod, Quicken The wielder can cast up to three spells per day that are quickened as though using the Quicken Spell feat.
Strong (no school); CL 17th; Craft Rod, Quicken Spell; Price 75,500 gp.
Prodigy: Perform: Keyboard Instruments, Perform: Sing Gain a +2 bonus on two Craft, Perform, or Profession skills
Spell Focus: Enchantment Spells from one school of magic have +1 to their save DC.
Spell Specialization: Mind Fog Pick one spell and cast it as if you were higher level
Spellsong Combine spellcasting and bardic performance
Versatile Dance +26 (Ex) You may substitute the final value of your Perform: Dance skill for Acrobatics or Fly checks
Versatile Keyboard Instruments +26 (Ex) You may substitute the final value of your Perform: Keyboard Instruments skill for Diplomacy or Intimidate checks
Versatile Oratory +26 (Ex) You may substitute the final value of your Perform: Oratory skill for Diplomacy or Sense Motive checks
Versatile Singing +26 (Ex) You may substitute the final value of your Perform: Sing skill for Bluff or Sense Motive checks
Well Versed (Ex) +4 save vs. bardic performance, sonic, and language-dependant effects.
Don't forget the girdle of masculinity/femininity...
make her a fey creature who wants to bring into the real world some strange eyeless fey that consume eyes of the innocent or something...
Far Realm.
Additionally, I agree wrt Demagogue Bard Archetype from Ultimate Magic.
Wow, I have to say that I'm absolutely STUNNED at how many responses this has gotten so far. I'm going to try and make as many comments on as many suggestions as possible:
Far Realm.
This will work well, as the Far Realm (and its Lovecraftian Denizens) play a heavy role in this campaign. Much to Lady Gaga's distress, she's one of several "BBEG."
WOW. I can't believe you wrote out an ENTIRE state block! That looks really good, though I think it needs few, small, tweaks to truly be perfect.
Use/she has to be of X monster/deity/entity/archfiend/etc. from Golarion!
Sadly (for some) I don't play my games in Golarion; I use my own setting's deities/entities and I tend to only use monsters found in the (mostly) setting neutral Bestiary. I don't even have a great grasp of D&D 3.5 stuff (etc. Faeruinian) so it's not really helpful to me when concepts like this that aren't part of the setting ambiguous stuff are flung around. Sorry for not mentioning that before :(.
She wants his love and his lover's revenge as she and he could write a bad romance?
Seriously. Twisted romance always works well as a motivator. The attention grabbing/power making others mention rounds it out.I also like the monster heritage suggestions. She does after all suggest one should, "Put your paws up. Because you were born this way, baby."
I already had her as being in a twisted romance with the local duke, a widower of 20 years, and that she was likely to gain power from it. I just couldn't come up with a good reason or motivation to want that power. I also like the idea of her being of a monstrous heritage.
I would actually go with a multiclass Celebrity or Demagogue and Aberrant sorcerer.
I'm all for fluffy characters in lieu of rote optimization (one of the other villains is a Halfling Monk) but a multiclass Bard / Sorcerer doesn't sound like it has a very good bag of tricks.
I'd say Celebrity Bard but it is too superficial. Go with Demagogue Bard. The useful parts of Celebrity Bard but with abilities that actually make a good enemy.
Max ranks in perform (keyboard, oratory, and sing)I like focusing on the monster thing. How about Werewolf Demagogue Bard. Or Vampire. Vampire Aasimar Demagogue Bard.
This isn't the first Demagogue suggestion (Jeremi made a full statblock with her as a Demagogue), but by gosh. I absolutely LOVE the concept of the character as a Werewolf. Perhaps trying to get people to become Werewolves themselves because she thinks that their human forms is just a rouse, and in actually they're all "born this way." May need some work, but man, I really, really like that idea ....
* She has the image of a revolutionary, both in terms of politics and style.
* She has moderate talent (ranks in perform keyboard/vocals is fine).
* But really she's a scheming, savvy businesswoman.
I'd actually be hesitant to make her a full BBEG (she's more like an expert). Maybe you can surround her with powerful NPCs that are the "muscle" behind her rule. That gives you the opportunity to capture her. A true bard is going to be very hard to capture/impriso."
I love all of these ideas, especially the bard entourage. A lycanthorphic bard entourage, even. That could be REALLY cool. Maybe instead of making everyone into werewolves, she wants to make everyone into lycanthropes.
Make sure she has high ranks in perform, as those songs are really catchy. Max out bluff and diplomacy, given her ability to surf the dangerous waters of media idiocy and sexism known as music "criticism". The RL Gaga comes with a coterie of avant-garde artists in a variety of disciplines, so leadership of a variety of bards with synergies is a good idea. Obviously, one of that crew should have craft: taxidermy and knowledge: fashion; given the popularity of her music videos, you should probably have her control a theater as a base of operations. She should have PC wealth and gear at the very least, obviously, given her success.
I like all of these suggestions as well. Giving the Lady Gaga the new Ensemble Feat from Ultimate Magic seems like a must as well.
So, Here's the Compilation so far:
#1 Class Combinations: (My original draft was a Sandman Bard with levels in Assassin).
- Lady Gaga should most certainly be a Bard. Probably of the Demagogue Archetype.
- Lady Gaga NEEDS high perform skills in Singing, Dance, and Keyboard/Piano, as the real Gaga is, for love her or for hate her, talented at what she does.
- Lady Gaga will have a small entourage of 4-5 bards. Each bard will not be as skilled in performance (or as highly-leveled) as she is. I'm thinking of an encounter where they're all bards, but Gaga's followers are all multiclassed with other classes; Bard/Celric, Bard/Sorcerer, and Bard/Fighter to name a few.
- Lady Gaga (and her entourage) will be lycanthrophes, with Gaga herself being a werewolf.
#2 Motivations: (Why is she manipulating the duke? What does she serve to gain?)
- Lady Gaga wants power.
- She's a revolutionary.
- She wants people to "be who they are truly meant to be."
- Putting all of this together, Lady Gaga wants to spread lycanthorpy across the population of the city, with herself as the ruler of an entire region of lycanthrops. She's not entirely concerned with what the people do when she reaches the top, only that she is essentially their queen.
#3 Personality Quirks: (I admit I'm not a Gaga follower, and I don't know what personality quirks to adapt to the campaign setting.)
- She's somewhat vain. (Please don't argue for or against whether or not the REAL Gaga is like this. That is not a discussion for this thread.}
- She's "Out there."
- Very loud-spoken.
- Extremely manipulative.
What do you all think so far? Any other suggestions?
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I'm surprised no one has suggested Master Spy from the APG yet. I made a BBEG a while ago who was a cleric 8/master spy 8. In my home setting, she was a cleric of the goddess of sex and fire. So she got negative channeling, the wall of ash and anything to please abilities (from the Ash and Lust subdomains), and a lot of good RP abilities. If you take Master Spy, you get to make disguises fast (like costume changes), sneak attack (because Lady Gaga likes to kill the men she sleeps with in her videos), and the ability to shift alignment, which is good for a court setting. The Fool Casting ability is also useful and reminds me of her videos (particularly Bad Romance).
Lady Gaga got really famous after the LGBTQ community got behind her, so maybe this Gaga (I think her in-game name should be "The Fame Monster") rose to prominence with the support of a similarly marginalized community, namely, lycanthropes. Not all lycanthropes are evil of course, so maybe the revolutionary bent comes from the Duke boppressing all shape changers. Oh! Oh! I've got it!
Years ago, The Duke and The Fame Monster were lovers, were betrothed even. However, she was attacked by a werewolf on the day of their wedding, and The Duke couldn't bear to be with such a monster. He began exterminating lycanthropes throughout the land in an attempt to avenge her, but she has begun to feel a kinship to these outcasts and is trying to put a stop to it.
Its a terribly tragic story, and while the PCs could certainly simply kill one or the other, or both, they could also try to resolve the estranged relationship between the two, and try to save their "bad romance"