Currently some of my friends and I are playing Carrion Crown.
We're currently at Schloss Caromarc (or however it is spelled), and the party barely survived the Erinyes trap.
Our paladin died to the trap however, and fell into the depths.
Relationship:
Despite not having known eachother for all that long(they met shortly after the funeral of Lorrimor), my elven magus Korlandril(Yes, I stole the name from the self absorbed eldar from craftworld Alaitoc, but it was one of those non-thinking days) and the half-elven paladin Thaleles, have been fighting side by side as the party's frontliners for the past few weeks now. They've not seen eye to eye on every subject, him being an Iomedae follower, and Korlandril primarily venerating Calistria. However there have been mutual respect (seeing as how they were both from prominent Kyonin families) and Korlandril, who is very much a world-travelling sort, took his pressence in the party as a fresh breath of home.
Of all the people in the group, Thaleles had consistently been the one Korlandril could casually talk to, what with the rest of the group consisting of:
1: A testy, if well-meaning, female human druid
2: An opinionated, unmannered young male human sorc/cleric(pharasma)
And finally
3: A dishonest, unscrupulous(I have consistently beat him in sense motive vs bluff) male half-elf Rogue.
Thaleles was a pleasant touch of home, a noble young man, someone that could be talked with in elven, without having a human tongue, clumsily butcher the language, and a person Korlandril was very close to regard as an actual friend.
But, as mentioned above, he fell. (in more than one way)
my character tried saving him, calling on a steed of his goddess (read: used a scroll of summon monster IV to conjure a giant wasp) to catch him while falling, but it failed.
Now at this moment, despite the fact that an already pretty badly injured, full-plate wearing paladin would likely not survive an x-hundred foot fall onto spiky rocks and rushing water, Korlandril has yet to accept that he is dead, and my first act next gamesession will be using my ring of featherfall to go after him (at least I want to bring his corpse to Lepidtstadt until his house can send someone to secure it and bring it back to Kyonin).
Now comes the pain of losing a party-member, and I really want to bring out the fact that Golarion elves are very passionate, and are very much a more emotional, more fey-like race than some previous incarnations of elves, some of who were more self-absorbed aristocracy, manifesting as an actual race.
Naturally, a party member's death is a great way to add depth to the character, but more than everything I want the other players to feel the difference in passion, realizing that, while the death of our companion may haunt them for a long time, my character will still remember it, when their grandchildren have died of old age.
However once this is said, I don't like hogging the spotlight and I don't want to chain the adventure down with this development. I believe that in order to make a story work and in order to help your DM, you must sometimes put a character-trait a bit in the background if it helps the flow of the story, or helps the party fit together.
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So what I would like you guys/gals advice on, is how you would go about roleplaying this unfortunate development? As I said I want to bring out the fact that this character is an elf, and experiences this sad affair distinctly different than the humans and half-elf in the group. Ideally, I want to other players to get a bit of culture-shock (if that expression gives to correct idea of what I am talking about? :P ) -without- the entire affair turning into a huge ball and chain for the adventure.
Your inputs and ideas are very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
-Nearyn
Well if he was a half elf hailing from Kyonin then both of your characters came from the same culture and therefore have the same practice of saying farewell to dead freinds/family. Instead of the normal "oh, he's dead. Thats annoying." reaction, make up some kind of funerary ritual that the long lived elves perform for those who go too soon. Have your character stress to the rest of the non kyonin party that he died much too soon and had decades if not centuries more to set the world right.
As Shady_Motives said make up some sort of rite. Then Maybe have your character take on some of his traits as sort of a throwback. And have him Maybe be motivated by revenge for a little bit.
Heck your character could even eventually take a level of Paladin to represent his influence.
There is a plethora of possibilities.
If you don't mind what are some more of your characters traits, background, and motivations.
But I would say make it a short scene where your character Maybe leaves them be for a whole while be performs the rite. That way they can handle their business with you being in the background. If they wish to join you then feel free to step out of the background into the spotlight and drag them along with you.
I like the suggestions. Thanks :)
If you don't mind what are some more of your characters traits, background, and motivations.
Korlandril is about 200 years old. He is chaotic good(his alignment is lawful good, but that was an oversight on my part. Both my DM and I realize this, and we're taking him across the alignment spectrum towards chaotic as time goes on :) ) and a world-traveller type. He failed as a wizard at a young age, got trained as a magus by a friend of his house, then left kyonin, because he had this gnawing feeling that his entire life, up to that point, he had just taken without giving (This was the beginning of his adventureing life, and a link to his brightness seeking).
He travelled for a while, but once the culture-shock became too much he settled somewhere where he felt a bit more at home, at a temple of Calistria, specifically as a male companion (Calistrian prostitute trait).
While there he had 3 regulars, a young man, trying to make it as an artist. A young widowed noblewoman whose interest in maps was what sparked Korlandrils first long-distance travel (to Absalom and then to Osirian) and an elderly woman who died while Korlandril was still working at the temple (she was the first death he experienced). He left the temple after a few years, but remains a very devout calistriaworshipper. It helps that his house syncs very well with Calistria. I've actually written his house details down somewhere, so if you think it's relevant I'll see if I can find it.
He travelled a long time, worked for Petros Lorrimor and a few years later the Carrion Crown plot began :)
He finds great joy in travelling, history, studying, ruin-diving and generally adventuring. At present he looks for and gathers magic items of any shape and size, hoping to find himself well-equipped enough to one day take his travel to the next level, and begin planeswalking :)
Adventure motivation
His motivation for being in the adventure is revenge. To begin with he merely honoured the last wish of Petros Lorrimor, but when he found out Petros was murdered, not only did he want revenge, but he even talked Kendra into requesting it of him (in one of my more brilliant roleplay moments, if I do say so myself :) ) He inspired such 'Calistrian' wrath in her that she requested the party find and punish the ones who killed Petros, and, being a friend of the Lorrimors and himself wanting the exact same thing, he swore to chase down and kill the man in the bone-cuirass. He helped in the trial of the Beast because Thaleles talked him into it, (and because he dispises the locals of Ustalav) and has agreed to visit Schloss Caromac because the only human in Ustalav he does not dispise (The female judge, whose name escapes me) implored him to go there, and talk the Baron into helping the Beast get a proper life.
I hope this sheds some light on the character and helps you formulate more wonderful suggestions :)
Thanks in advance.
I love it! Now if only I remembered more of C.C.
I would say your character would probably put the person who set the trap as their next target. If they already ain't their main target. And would probably hunt both done like a Wolf whose mate they killed...
Wow... odd phrasing there... sorry.
Maybe make it to where he gets a ring of sustenance (if he doesn't already) and devotes the extra time into hunting down the people he wants revenge against.
P.S.: I have a feeling me and him would get along perfectly... almost too perfectly...
Just do those scenes with the GM without the other players. Five to ten minutes should do it. Or even just declaring that you've done them between sessions, with the GM's approval. The point is, they are private scenes for your character, and they are not where the action is (Unless you like melodrama. Personally I wouldn't mind having my character there when someone's goodbyes are said.) What happens after, though, is relevant. You should show off your character's change of view, and bring this loss up when gathering with your friends at a good moment.
Just do those scenes with the GM without the other players. Five to ten minutes should do it. Or even just declaring that you've done them between sessions, with the GM's approval. The point is, they are private scenes for your character, and they are not where the action is (Unless you like melodrama. Personally I wouldn't mind having my character there when someone's goodbyes are said.) What happens after, though, is relevant. You should show off your character's change of view, and bring this loss up when gathering with your friends at a good moment.
This might actually do better depending on your group. Though if your GM won't allow it in between sessions just have it done off-camera. GM doesn't even need to worry. You can just stay out of any RPing the rest are doing and watch.
As nice a tribute as this may be, I think you do a disservice to your friend by doing it in game. If your GM will allow it, you should write up your tribute and email (or some equivalent) it out.
The best thing you can do for your friend is to decide if you can/will resurrect him, and if so, get it done as quickly as possible. If not, get his new PC into the action as quickly as possible.
If my memory of the AP is correct... No resurrection is possible... even towards the end... at least not without GM liberties.
The tribute could possibly be a way to introduce the new character.
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I know it's far too late for this advice, but something to try next time a companion falls:
Jump after them. Dive down like an arrow, trying to gain more speed than the falling character.
Grab them, then activate your Ring of Feather Fall.
You will still have to contend with the rapids, but at least your companion has a fighting chance.
Cheers!
Have you looked into the Pathfinder Companion: Elves of Golarion?
Calistria is a goddess of vengeance.
Get revenge.
She is isn't she... I wonder how I missed that...
If you wanted to go really off the deep end culture shock, drawing attention to the differences between elves and humans, you could play it up as if your character almost likes that this happened; I mean, that they're relishing in their revenge (a dish best served cold!) to such an extent that they prefer it to the friendship of the fallen Paladin.
That would be weird and inhuman and very Calistrian. Though probably not chaotic good.
If you wanted to go really off the deep end culture shock, drawing attention to the differences between elves and humans, you could play it up as if your character almost likes that this happened; I mean, that they're relishing in their revenge (a dish best served cold!) to such an extent that they prefer it to the friendship of the fallen Paladin.
That would be weird and inhuman and very Calistrian. Though probably not chaotic good.
This freaked me out... and yet at the same it made me giddy with excitement... I think I need more sleep...
Maybe make it to where he gets a ring of sustenance (if he doesn't already) and devotes the extra time into hunting down the people he wants revenge against.
Seems like a worthwhile investment. Maybe I'll do that :)
Just do those scenes with the GM without the other players. Five to ten minutes should do it. Or even just declaring that you've done them between sessions, with the GM's approval
Great suggestion. I won't be doing it, but it is a genuinely good idea, since the point is not to tie the plot down in melodrama :)
You should show off your character's change of view, and bring this loss up when gathering with your friends at a good moment.
I fully intend to have this event reflect on his character. He will be noticeably less pleasant to be around, whether angry or sad, that's for sure.
As nice a tribute as this may be, I think you do a disservice to your friend by doing it in game. If your GM will allow it, you should write up your tribute and email (or some equivalent) it out.The best thing you can do for your friend is to decide if you can/will resurrect him, and if so, get it done as quickly as possible. If not, get his new PC into the action as quickly as possible.
Duly noted. :)
Jump after them. Dive down like an arrow, trying to gain more speed than the falling character.Grab them, then activate your Ring of Feather Fall.
Heroic. I like it. I'm guessing things like this would cost me a hero point, but that's what they are for :)
If it would work in this situation I have no clue. I believe I've read someplace that a character falls at a rate of 500ft pr round or something like that. Though I do not remember where I have this information from.
If you wanted to go really off the deep end culture shock, drawing attention to the differences between elves and humans, you could play it up as if your character almost likes that this happened; I mean, that they're relishing in their revenge (a dish best served cold!) to such an extent that they prefer it to the friendship of the fallen Paladin.That would be weird and inhuman and very Calistrian. Though probably not chaotic good.
Extreme behavior is always interesting. In fact:
When the peasants of Lepidtstadt attacked the courthouse, Korlandril and his friends blocked the path. Korlandril was shot by all of the ringleaders and as he noticed them, he started silently chanting an elven war-mantra. Thaleles, noticing this, startet guarding Korlandril with his body and shield, while at the same time holding korlandril back with one hand. It worked for 2 rounds, until an arrow managed to grace Korlandril's shoulder, whereupon he lept into the crowd and slaughtered the ringleaders. His house-code, among other things, demand blood for blood. Thaleles and our rogue managed to talk down those of the crowd who didn't scatter in panic, and once the guards arrived (to find korlandril knee-deep in dead citizen, they tried to arrest him. If it hadn't been for Thaleles intervening on Korlandrils behalf, Korlandril might well simply have startet murdering the guards, being so thoroughly pissed at the entire population of the city, at that point :)
So as you may be able to tell, I have no qualms about alignment changing and extreme behavior. It's all part of character development, when you live in a dynamic and often hostile world.
The happy-angle was something I had not considered, and I might in fact include it once the immediate mourning has stopped. Having the sobbing stop, only to be replaced by an eager chuckle seems like a good way to turn some heads :)
One of the things I have considered having him do, is reaffirm his faith at a Calistria temple, once again marking his hands with patterns of henna, and keeping it that way until he gets his revenge. It's a cosmetic thing, but it should be able to spark quite a bit of back and forth with the Pharasma cleric :)
Nice... just nice...
About the whole melodrama thing its all subjective. Ask your group if they mind indulging you. This would allow them to be involved if they wanted. Also they might want the privilege to do the same at some point If they don't write up and e-mail a description of the ritual and maybe seem if your gm will some quick 1 on 1 rping. This could even be done via the internet. I don't think a player hogging the spot light temporary is a bad thing as long as everybody gets their turn.
Regarding the culture differences angle, maybe role play how the death of shorter lived races don't hit you as hard as the death of an half elf or elf. Think of humans and pets. This might require the death of short lived race that your character was fond of and might have to waited for. For role playing grieving try some little things you can sprinkle into
the game, such as ordering/ eating his favorite food in his honor. Changing how you react to followers of Iomdae, or following a person in crowd who looks superficially like him for few minutes.
Arise chicken! Arise! ...
... Chicken arise! Arise! Chicken!
Hi all.
I wanted to thank you all again for your contributions, they've helped me determine a path for Korlandril to take (at least until my DM throws a curveball, but if that happens, it happens :) ).
Anyway I think after all your advice, I owed it to you to tell you how it turned out and what I decided to do.
First thing Korlandril did was look for the body, but no body was to be found. (Un)Fortunately my DM said that there was no doubt that Thaleles had been dead even before he fell, so there was no holding out hope of a heroic return for our paladin.
I had Korlandril stare into the water for awhile, mourning Thaleles, until the humans (impatient race) thought we had spent enough ours outside in the cold, staring into water. I decided to use parts of Anetra's idea, having Korlandril's faith and the thought of how immeasurably more sweet revenge would be, sustain him through the dungeon.
Once we're out I intend to have him visit a Calistria temple and have a good 3-day-to-a-week cry, then have him reaffirm his belief in Calistria and declare his vengeance in front of her alter. When these things are in place he'll be travel-worthy again, more dedicated than ever to getting his revenge, but also infinitely more patient, now unwilling to grant the enemy mercy, for any reason. So there is no course to hurry, since their death at his hand is now a complete certainty :)
Again, thank you all for your time and contributions. It was massively helpful.
Cheers
-Nearyn
@Nearyn: I love the robot chicken reference.
Sounds like you are enjoying your new found lust for revenge... I wish you the best of love.
I know it's far too late for this advice, but something to try next time a companion falls:
Jump after them. Dive down like an arrow, trying to gain more speed than the falling character.
Grab them, then activate your Ring of Feather Fall.
You will still have to contend with the rapids, but at least your companion has a fighting chance.
Cheers!
I actually did this in a campaign last year, same type situation, a trap knocks the character (who happened to be my chracters brother) off the side of a cliff, I immediately jumped off the side of the cliff and caught up with him in mid air. The only difference being I was a 7th level cleric with the travel domain, so I used my one dimension door spell for the day and teleported us to safety as we were about 60 feet from going splat on the ground.
Awesome! That sounds excellent and very fun.
I actually did this in a campaign last year, same type situation, a trap knocks the character (who happened to be my chracters brother) off the side of a cliff, I immediately jumped off the side of the cliff and caught up with him in mid air. The only difference being I was a 7th level cleric with the travel domain, so I used my one dimension door spell for the day and teleported us to safety as we were about 60 feet from going splat on the ground.I know it's far too late for this advice, but something to try next time a companion falls:
Jump after them. Dive down like an arrow, trying to gain more speed than the falling character.
Grab them, then activate your Ring of Feather Fall.
You will still have to contend with the rapids, but at least your companion has a fighting chance.
Cheers!
Same! Mine happened out of a window in Sharn (an Eberron campaign), with a Feather Fall token; my character jumped out the window after the other character got knocked out, and made his fall a little less fatal.