Greetings everyone.
Now my favourite type of outsiders are the azata as they embody the ideals of freedom, adventure, travel and independence. As such I would like to try incorporating one into Golarion as it is my main setting for adventuring. However I've never as of yet tried to incorporate an outsider into the setting as I'm not sure how he would fit and interact with mortals.
I would like something like an azata Ghaele of whom takes the appearance of a idealized human as to better fit in. He is a kind hearted crusader who take joy in the thrill of adventure and questing, the hunting out of evil creatures and helping out of those in need.
He has taken residence in Golarion for the past few decades for he finds the people and the world as a whole very intriging. It is also a good hunting ground for knightly crusading as the world is populated by many terrible beasts and creatures.
Now back to the original question how say would he interract with an adventuring group of whom he has recently decided to accompany? Would he be the subject of envy or jealousy? How would he communicate as he wouldn't know the common tongue, mabye he picked it up during his years there?
How would he communicate as he wouldn't know the common tongue, mabye he picked it up during his years there?
Ghaele have truespeech listed in their known languages, so he is perfectly able to communicate with anyone. His only problem is that he can't read common or other human languages.
You can monkey around with their skills. Nothing says that a Ghaele can't have the skill to read common or other languages. What's in the book is just the standard, not every one of them.
How would he communicate as he wouldn't know the common tongue, mabye he picked it up during his years there?Ghaele have truespeech listed in their known languages, so he is perfectly able to communicate with anyone. His only problem is that he can't read common or other human languages.
Also, the languages listed in the Bestiary stat block are his basic languages; there are other three to add, given from his +3 Int. Thence, making Common one of them goes automatic. The other two can be any other, probably regional tongues fitting the regions where he dwells or the things he fights or is interested in.
Plus, of course, the Bestiary creatures are samples of the average creature of a given kind, you can always assign different skills, feats, and so on.
If you're up for spoilers...
Now, if you're not up for spoilers (or even if you are, but want more information):
Azatas, being chaotic good, will do whatever they want to, so long as it's not evil. Social and ethical constraints are minimal, even if moral ones are not. As others have commented on the languages adequately, I'll handle the other two questions.
For this first, it depends entirely upon the adventuring group he's with. First, look over the Azatas in general, and then the Ghaele in specific.
Azatas are a race of celestials native to the plane of Elysium, where the pursuit of freedom and goodness is paramount. Azatas are champions of these concepts, great bards, knights, and explorers who roam the planes in search of good folk in need of their help. Frequently described as the most elven or fey-like celestials, azatas nevertheless often have strange, inhuman shapes or can take elemental or eldritch forms. Most have some knightly or courtly title, such as duke, countess, or prince, apparently hereditary, perhaps from a celestial monarchy long abandoned and forgotten. Azatas do not exploit these titles to exert influence over each other, instead using them for personal identification or a bit of self-importance. They are deadly and resolute foes of evil, fearless and clever in battle.It is not surprising that the three best-known kinds of azatas can all fly, for they rarely stay in one place for long and prefer the thrill of motion and discovery to creature comforts. Most azata “settlements” are little more than a collection of tents around a landmark, gathered over the course of a day to share news, stories, and perhaps good-natured duels, and then packed up again a few days later. Such temporary settlements are colorful and have a celebratory atmosphere, as azatas are quick to greet any of their kind as old friends. Although few can predict when and where an azata community might arise, some groups or breeds of azatas gather in cycles for traditional festivals and reunions. Such gatherings typically take place at a time of mystical consequence, such as on the evening of the lunar equinox, or during less predictable times, such as upon the wedding of two seers, and always in a place of pristine or stunning natural wonder. All azatas fundamentally know when and where the closest or next gathering of their people might occur, and while none are required or even expected to attend, all are welcome. These gatherings do not preclude more permanent azata holdings and communes, however, and the heights of Elysium endlessly ring with the songs of azata choirs.
While the stoic, homebound archons call their cousins flighty, azatas are driven by a crusading nature and feel bored when forced to stay in one place too long. This tendency also means they are unlikely to agree to serve mortals for an extended period of time, preferring to arrive, get the job done, and move on to some other quest or challenge. As much as they seek to spread the cause of freedom and joy, azatas realize that they cannot enforce such virtues throughout the multiverse. Without darkness there can be no light, and without struggle there can be no victory. Understanding this, these celestials remain removed from the majority of mortal conflicts, preferring to act as advisors in such situations rather than champions, granting goodly mortals ownership over their own triumphs. In cases where the forces of evil act overtly, however, and intrude upon mortal worlds, azatas are quick to rally to defend such realms and aid those who have no hope of defending themselves.
Azatas generally work together, but their powerful personalities and strong sense of individual freedom often see them disagreeing on how best to handle a particular situation. While both parties have the greater good at heart, these arguments can fester and grow into long-lasting grudges. In cases where a single azata is convinced his way is right, he might even enter a sort of self-imposed exile, abandoning the support of his kin so he can launch a one-azata crusade against the cruelties of the multiverse.
Most azatas originate from the untamable beauty of Elysium, created and nourished by the influx of goodly mortal souls. Like most other outsiders, they cannot reproduce with each other in the mortal fashion, and often tryst with mortals who prove charming and good spirited. Azatas dally frequently with their own kind, being quick to seek out feelings of love, joy, and companionship, but rarely feel bound or exclusive to merely one lover, regardless of its race.
Azatas speak Celestial, Draconic, and Infernal, but can speak with almost any creature because of their truespeech special ability.
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Those who follow the precepts of freedom, individuality, and goodness find that summoning azatas is the best course in finding extraplanar allies. Few azatas agree on the particulars of specific issues, but they are determined to see evil’s defeat. Azatas are whimsical but determined, and recognize that the best way to bring good to the multiverse is not by enforcing their desires, but by example and word. Except for lillends, azatas have DR overcome by cold iron and evil weapons. They are immune to electricity and petrification; lillends are additionally immune to poisons of all sorts. The magic circle needed to summon an azata is made of cold iron.
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Ghaeles are strong hunters, courtly and knightly, and pursue great foes. Offering them evidence of the binder’s mighty hunts (at least 3 CR higher than the binder), or summoning them to a locale where they can pursue dragons or fiends provides a Charisma bonus to the caster.
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Ghaeles are the most knightly of the azatas, hunting fiends, dragons, and undead with equal vigor. Most appear like idealized humans or elves and are quick to smile—and equally quick to strike against those they perceive as wicked.
Now back to the original question how say would he interract with an adventuring group of whom he has recently decided to accompany?
Let's look at each of the classes (I'm going only with CORE, if you use the APG or other supplements, I'll be glad to cover those too).
* Barbarian: he and a barbarian would be best friends! ... so long as the barbarian is a good guy! Their abilities also don't overlap, so no jealousy, really, unless the barbarian is substantially below 13th level, in which case the Ghaele will probably outshine him. The Barbarian might be envious of the Ghaele's strength, though (STR 25).
* Bard: bard's will be fabulous friends! ... so long as the bard isn't lawful or evil! And if the bard is lawful, well, he might not be terrible, so long as he's not too pushy about it. A little weird, but not terrible. Also there is no overlap in their abilities, although again, the Bard might be envious of the Ghaele's charisma (CHA 17)
* Cleric: so long as it's a cleric of a good non-lawful god, they'll be fast friends! A cleric of a lawful good god is okay, so long as he's not pushy. A cleric of a neutral god is suspicious, but okay... especially if either god or cleric chaotic, but a lawful neutral god's cleric is suspect at best. Any cleric of an evil god (whether the cleric is evil or not) is a straightforward enemy and must be dealt with as such, forgetting social conventions. Any cleric of less than 13th level will be completely outclassed by the Ghaele, and unless they're 14th level or higher the player might still feel outclassed, as the ghaele also has high skills, great stats, and best saves and attacks.
* Druid: A good or chaotic druid will be fine, although the philosophies will naturally be different (nature and the natural world instead of the cosmic extraplanar concerns). Neutrals will be okay. Lawfuls will be suspicious and not very well liked, while evils will be enemies instantly. With no overlapping scores and few overlapping spells, they should work great together.
* Fighter: A fighter that's lower than 13th level will feel mostly outclassed, although they'll know a few more feats than a Ghaele. With the Ghaele's high strength, however... the fighter will likely feel inadequate until 14th level or higher.
* Monk: A monk and a ghaele have diametrically opposed ethical elements (unless it's that one monk archetype that doesn't). This will cause rather heavy tension, and even more if the monk isn't good. If the monk is evil, there will be no stopping the Ghaele until the monk is dead. Other than that, nothing between the two overlap, so it'd be a great combination, class-wise, though, again, the Ghaele's high stats might cause some jealousy in the MAD monk.
* Paladin: He'll love paladins... so long as they aren't adventuring in Cheliax and/or the Paladin isn't a Hellknight. And the paladin doesn't try to force anything. Hm... maybe paladins are kind of jerks after all. :) Despite this way of thinking, he will certainly respect the paladin for being a powerful (if deluded and misguided) holy warrior dedicated to the cause of good. Hellknights are dangerously misguided (to his way of thinking) and that may very well cause violence (though as a Ghaele, he'd try and avoid it with a good creature). A paladin and Ghaele don't really overlap, so they'd work great together that way, though again the multiple high stats might be sorely longed for by the MAD paladin. They'll love sharing the front lines, however!
* Ranger: Rangers really work well with Ghaeles. The standard alignment things aside (chaotic good best, some good or non-evil chaotic okay, lawful non-good suspicious, any evil kill-on-sight) and the plethora of good attributes generating potential jealousy aside, Rangers and Azatas will work great together, as they really don't overlap much.
* Rogues: basically the same as rangers. Rogues get an advantage because they can find traps.
* Sorcerers: Again, standard comments on alignment and stats aside, the Sorcerer will work very well with a ghaele. Arcane magic complementing divine magic will mean that the two will be a nearly perfect match, rivaled only by...
* Wizards: ... which, when combined with a ghaele, basically make the prefect adventuring party out of two people.
Would he be the subject of envy or jealousy?
Well, the over-all high stats could be cause for some jealousy, and there's some real potential for jealousy with the melee'ers due to the Ghaele's high strength score. The biggest problem, though, is that any cleric of less-than-13th level will be completely marginalized.
I've got to go, but I'll look this over and refine things in a bit, if needed. Hope this helps!
@ Astral Wanderer : Ghaele already have the bonus languages corresponding to his high intelligence (Azata start with no language, save truespeech)
but a DM could feel free to change them to his convenience. But I must say that I like the idea of a ghaele being somekind of planar tourist, having a few hindrances in some aspects of every day life.
@ Pharier : Keep in mind that Ghaeles are extremely powerful beings, and even if your party level is 15+, a ghaele will have a deep impact on the group : at will CLW, at will Detect Thoughts & Charm Monster, continual See Invisibility (and I don't count the spells of a 13th level cleric) will really make things easier for your party.
Maybe you should consider using a less powerful azata (Bralani ?) with class levels.
Several azata Lyrakien are known to reside in Golarion; three unique ones in Varisia IIRC. I'm currently playing a righteous lyrakien (using a Arcana Evolved faen spryte as a stand-in) who adventurers with a group of mortals. It's fun.
@ Astral Wanderer : Ghaele already have the bonus languages corresponding to his high intelligence (Azata start with no language, save truespeech)
Nope. At first I too thought that, but after making an error-scanning for the Bestiary (and currently for the Bestiary 2), I've verified that all creatures in the Bestiaries, except those with class levels and the sample Dragons, have only their base languages listed. If you check you'll see a tsunami of creature with less listed languages than their Int bonus would allow.
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If he's looking to fit in, the last choice of form would be an idealised one.I would like something like an azata Ghaele of whom takes the appearance of a idealized human as to better fit in. He is a kind hearted crusader who take joy in the thrill of adventure and questing, the hunting out of evil creatures and helping out of those in need.
It would be right for someone who is trying to fit in but not quite getting it right....like an extraplaner creature used to idealised forms.
Wow I wasn't expecting so many replies so quick. Thank you all for help and advice on the subject it has helped alot.
Also just another question I have in regards to azata, and really celestials in general is how they mature and grow for I was hoping to have my Ghaele a little weaker than the normal one like CR 9 or 10 but I'm not sure how celestials work in regards to body and mind maturity as they are spirits and effectively ageless physically?
Like when they are first created would a Ghaele start right off the bat as a CR 13 creature with all its intellence, wisdom, skills and power or would he slowly mature in these aspects over many spans of time learning, experiencing and developing as mortals do?
To your last line:
Yes and yes. If I recall correctly, anyway.
He starts off as a base Ghaele instantly.
He grows in power by gaining levels like mortals.
Effectively, most outsiders are "born" of mortal soul-stuff in a "lesser" form.
As they do great things, they eventually ascend to "greater" forms as rewards or under exceptional circumstances. This is ill defined, however.
Some are not that way. I believe angels and qlippoths are the exceptions? I'd have to check to make sure, though.
Also just another question I have in regards to azata, and really celestials in general is how they mature and grow for I was hoping to have my Ghaele a little weaker than the normal one like CR 9 or 10 but I'm not sure how celestials work in regards to body and mind maturity as they are spirits and effectively ageless physically?
If you don't mind turning to a different form of "weaker" than age/maturity, you could use some power-restraining object that he wears for some reason (a curse, a choice, whatever you can think of). In the Yu Yu Hakusho manga there was a character with a nice concept (although he met a miserable end and could not be seen doing anything great): he wore a super-heavy armor not for training like in other stories, but just to restrain his true power that was too great.
Hey guys just thought I'd post in what I have for his canon background so far as I can't edit my first post. I'm trying to find some ideas to flesh out his history so as to add more depth. I.e what he has achieved, people he has befriended, how has he grown, places he has been to etc.
Pharos is a crusading Ghaele whom, like all azatas was created and nourished by the influx of goodly mortal souls. The Elysium is his home plane. Driven by his desire to quest, help out the good and hunt down evil Pharos eventually left the Elysium and took to roaming the planes in search of folk to aid and evil to vanquish.
As of current he is known to have taken residence within the infamous planet Golarion in the guise of a tall, idealized elf with long darkish brown hair. He has taken upon himself the title of Sir Pharos, the roaming crusader.
Passions and Habits
Being an Azata Ghaele Pharos takes great joy in the fighting of evil and the helping of those in need. He also enjoys travel and sharinga good ol pint of ale with companions after a hard days work. Of all the gods he seems to revere Cayden the most.
Character personality and traits
-Enjoys a good laugh.
-Is an avid reader.
-He prefers a clean, quick death so as to prevent suffering.
-Always eager to learn new things.
-Strong of Will
-When in conversation he usually prefers to listen than to talk.
-Bold and Courageous
P.S I've decided to incorporate the D&D savage species system (Converted to pathfinder) so as to make my Ghaele more playable. I.e as of current Pharos is going to be Lv 9 Ghaele class as my adventuring group is around lv10.
Nice. I'll have to think on it before giving too much input, but it's a nifty thing.
Some questions/thoughts to get creative juices flowing and help with RP stuff:
One: "Enjoys a good laugh" - is he a prankster, a jester (socially), or just a connoisseur of good humor? Something else?
Two: why does he like reading so much? Combined with his love of ale and reverence of Cayden makes for a very unusual Azata!
Three: does "strong of will" mean simply unfailing in hope, or possibly irritatingly stubborn? Both? Neither?
Four: How does "he usually prefers to listen than to talk" impact his skill selection? Does he have less active social skills, more passive/insightful (social-or-not) skills?
Five: "Bold and Courageous" - two different things and it may be good on occasion to highlight the differences between them.
Other considerations:
* Azatas like fighting evil dragons and fiends. Perhaps that could be part of his back-story? (Something like successfully taking down a more powerful fiend - or even a half-dragon fiend! -, but suffering because of it would certainly suffice to explain his level-"loss" when compared to other ghaele's.)
* Why and how did he come here? Was he summoned, but something went awry? Was he bound against his will? Did he pass through a one-way portal? Did he choose to come here? Does he have a ready or easy way back (this one is important, because the other players will likely want to use it/bank on using it in circumstances you might not expect!)? How long has he been here?
* How does he look at mortals? As equals? Lessers? Potential-future Azatas/other celestials?
* Is he has chaotic as other azatas? Less? More? As good? Less? More?
Anyway, hope these help.