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Hi all. I've had the silly idea of making my latest society character into a mockery of cheerleaders -- as a former cheerleader I'm entitled to do this without repercussion, so no hating allowed. ;) Though I could definitely use some build advice. Here's what I have so far:
A Half-Orc Bard raised by Humans who denies her Orc side (she tells everyone she's "half-human") and is on the prowl for a Human husband. She's not above stooping to deceitful means (ie Alter Self, etc...) to snag her man. In fact, the whole reason she joined up with pathfinders was to scope out the boys.
(I'd make her Lawful Evil if it was allowed.) I'm playing the Lawful part like a high school hierarchy where cheerleaders & sports stars (aka bards & fighters) are at the top of the food chain and the social structure must be maintained. She will reprimand anyone who steps out of line.
I want her to be support & buffs, but mostly to act & play like she's cheering on her team. I'm even doing all her spells/performances as cheers. :P
Level-0
- Dancing Lights
- Detect Magic
- Message
- Lullaby (for putting people to sleep as she goes on an on about how awesome she is & what she's looking for in a guy)
Level-1
- Charm Person
- Hideous Laughter
- Disguise Self
- Summon Monster I (this is more to support being useful in random parties, but I'm going to play it so that she gets up in someone's face and says things like "Oh yeah, well, I summon a herd of Unicorns to kick your butt!" and 1 frog appears.)
- Sleep
I don't have any level-2 spells picked yet.
1. I'm thinking of going Bard/Standard Bearer/Battle Herald. Is BH a decent PrC? Any specific archetype recommendations? I like the Order of the Cockatrice (esp Braggart) but is Cavalier worth it?
2. Know any good weapons that could double as PomPoms?
Right now I've got a Scorpion Whip based on a recommendation) but after researching it, I don't think the guy understood how it worked. I like the idea of being able to trip/disarm people (because I don't usually bother with CMs) but can I do that with the Scorpion Whip? And is it even worth trying? Or is that useless to the party?
Either way, I'm dead set on anything that passes for PomPoms.
3. **EDITED**
4. I'm considering trading in Orc Ferocity for a belly button ring (aka Sacred Tattoo) :P Though ferocity has saved my butt in the past. So I'm wondering...Is it a worthwhile trade off for +1 to saving throws?
Thanks for any and all help.
1. I'm not big on them, it really depends on what you want. They are in a weird place of full BAB, but bards can't wear medium or heavy armor unless they are a particular archetypes and the battle herald looks like his job is to stand there and giving bonuses while hitting them without special abilities I guess? I'd prefer all the skill points and casting myself.
2. Masterwork Tool of some sort for pom poms, use weapons in combat. You can still cheer on the party with your pom poms.
3. The bonus feat is a racial trait, Adopted gives you a race trait like Elf's warrior of old or gnome's animal friend.
4. +1 to saves has saved my butt more often than ferocity or die hard. If I get that low I tend to be too dead to matter anyway.
I recommend Prestidigitation as one of your Cantrips. Honestly, I can't see a Bard such as you are describing, not having a means of instantly cleaning any muck or grime from her person.
The other utilitarian uses are pretty boss too.
Answers to your other questions:
1) While I don't really have experience with PFS much I have played Cavaliers on more than one occasion elsewise & have found them to be 'team players' only second to the Bard really. Going for BH & taking a level or two of Cavalier would be kind of like heading for Cheer Captain in my mind, you will lose some of your spellcasting & a slight amount of your Bardic Music capabilities in exchange for being significantly better personally in a fight.
I would recommend taking the Standard Bearer Archetype for Cavalier however as it will get you Banner earlier & not saddle you with a Mount that doesn't improve along with you. I would recommend making certain you have an Int of at least 13 so you can take Combat Expertise & put the additional BAB into being harder to hit.
2) Pom-Poms?! Hrm...
The best I can think of might be either spiked gauntlets, Cesti, or possibly an Iron Brush. Of all those only the Iron Brush actually has the Pom-Poms as anything more than just fluff about the actual 'weapon'.
3) I'm not an expert by any measure, but I've always been under the impression that the Adopted trait opened up Race traits, not racial traits. Which is to say in the case you are discussing it would allow you to take traits like Scholar of Ruins or World Traveler (which are human-only), in addition to ones like Brute or Outcast (which are half orc-only); not allow you to select the extra feat available to humans at Character Creation.
You might also consider taking the Pass for Human Feat from the Advanced Player's Guide if you haven't already.
4) Considering it sounds as though you aren't going to be as 'up close & personal' as 1/2 Orcs frequently get traditionally, an across the board Save bonus may actually be of more overall use to you.
I say this having never used Orc Ferocity on one of my 1/2 Orc Characters however.
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This is funny as hell. Good work and stuff.
I don't know about the other stuff, but they look to be like, unarmed extensions, like cestus' or special types of gauntlets or even scizors(Maybe not as brutal.). Is there any way for a non-Monk to get flurry of blows or anything?
Also, as an aside, I wonder if there are any Barbarians on the sports teams. Are Paladins and Clerics preps? How does your Half-Orc gal feel about multiclassers?
I definitely misread that Adopted Trait description. Thanks for clearing that up. And thanks for all your input. It's very helpful.
Also, for my pompoms, could I mod the handle of a weapon? Like by knotting a bunch of colored leather strips to/through it? Society (at least the group I play with) likes things straightforward, ie easily explained in a 30s character intro, so it'd have to be a minor mod. Seems to me that would work. Any ideas?
I don't know about the other stuff, but they look to be like, unarmed extensions, like cestus' or special types of gauntlets or even scizors(Maybe not as brutal.). Is there any way for a non-Monk to get flurry of blows or anything?
Is it legal to hide a weapon in a pompom? Sounds brutal.
I don't think anyone else gets flurry, but there is this.Also, as an aside, I wonder if there are any Barbarians on the sports teams.
I'm not sure if I want to play football with a dragon totem barbarian. Is it a foul to grow wings and breath fire? I know I'm definitely not tackling the fiend totem barbarian.
This is funny as hell. Good work and stuff.
Also, as an aside, I wonder if there are any Barbarians on the sports teams. Are Paladins and Clerics preps? How does your Half-Orc gal feel about multiclassers?
That depends on whether they're Human or not. :P Elves are also acceptable. If they're Half-Orc or Gnome, then forget it.
She, like all the other girls on my cheer squad, is shallow as hell.
Of course Elves would also be acceptable. :P
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Have you seen the Battle Poi? They're basically a pair of sponges on short chains soaked in oil and lit on fire, and you swing them around to deal fire damage. They're actually pretty bad because they don't add your Strength bonus, but they're the closest weapon I can think of that mimics pom-poms and they're great for Dazzling Display. The only other one I can think of would be Fighting Fans.
Cavalier would be nice, and Braggart would alleviate your need for Dazzling Display. Don't know much about Battle Herald, but PFS only goes up to level 12, so pretty much any prestige class is going to struggle there.
As for spells, Beguiling Gift would be a good choice. Grease is one of the better 1st-level Bard spells, but isn't on-theme for this character (unless you think she'd be willing to use it on the other team as a means of cheating).
Actually, grease is a great support spell. That +10 boost to your CMD can save lives! Also depending on your GM, the use of slippery grease can vary but be pretty fun to use.
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I have Dora as a bard/cavailer that specializes in tactics and buffs. Not quite a cheerleader, but a similar role. Heading towards Battleherarld...not sure how well that will play out, but will give it a try. She rides a wolf named boots. I wanted a dire ape or monkey. Not optimized for combat, but fun to play if you like support roles.
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Glamered weapons could be really fun for Pom-poms. As far as spells, I think you need Clarion Call to act as your cheerleader megaphone. Also? Ear-Piercing Squeal... I mean Scream. Plus Lock Gaze, so they have to look at your "eyes". And most importantly, Unnatural Lust.
Also, I generally recommend against Scorpion Whip, because there's enough rulesy vagueness (both of those are definitely words) that they're obnoxious to play in PFS. I really like the Battle Poi suggestion.
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this is okay because it is making fun of people you think are bad instead of people that you think are not bad
When I read the thread name, I assumed "tip her on her side and push" ... boy was I wrong.....
How to Roll a Cheerleader?
I know there is a joke here somewhere. :)
I would make this as a Witch. I did a similar concept where I focused on keeping Fortune up on my allies and my Cackle was saying things like "Good job guys!" and "I believe in you!". I could see something similar working here and you can flavor your debuffing hexes the same way.
I would make this as a Witch. I did a similar concept where I focused on keeping Fortune up on my allies and my Cackle was saying things like "Good job guys!" and "I believe in you!". I could see something similar working here and you can flavor your debuffing hexes the same way.
I think I'll have to steal that idea for a one shot or an NPC. Sounds like fun. Silly fun, but fun.
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I really like the idea of a sacred tramp stamp...
I've always said that if I were ever to get a tramp stamp it would be of a double-bladed lightsaber. Is that sacred enough?
as a former cheerleader*with as gravelly and low-brow an accent and dialect as a keyboard can manage* "Cheerleader, eh? We dun 'preciate yer kind 'round here...."
I sure hope that's directed at my character and not me, or else we may have to throw down.
I plead 'Unfortunate Accident' to all charges of Cheerleading. I only did it for 1 year and I promptly told my whole squad off for being shallow idiots as soon as we finished our final competition. It was rather epic actually. So at the very least I deserve redemption points, if not a full pardon.
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2. Know any good weapons that could double as PomPoms?
How about a Bladed Scarf? You could put tassles on the ends for the Pom Poms. And it fits the whole 'hidden weapon for dancers' vibe.
Or maybe Fighting Fans?
Those both take Exotic Weapon Proficiencies, except if you're Varisian (and why wouldn't you be?) you can get Bladed Scarf proficiency with the Tattooed Varisian regional trait.
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as a former cheerleader*with as gravelly and low-brow an accent and dialect as a keyboard can manage* "Cheerleader, eh? We dun 'preciate yer kind 'round here...."I sure hope that's directed at my character and not me, or else we may have to throw down.
I plead 'Unfortunate Accident' to all charges of Cheerleading. I only did it for 1 year and I promptly told my whole squad off for being shallow idiots as soon as we finished our final competition. It was rather epic actually. So at the very least I deserve redemption points, if not a full pardon.
I wouldn't worry about it, I merely thought that one-liner would be funny to say. Now, for something actually constructive (and a bit more positive) to offer:
1.If you're going to get standard bearer as part of a multi-class character, you'll probably want to at least get 5 levels of it and then pick up the Horse Master feat. You now have a team mascot whose progression is based off of your character level rather than your cavalier class level. Drape it in whatever garish team colors you want.
2.Instead of a weapon that passes for pom-poms, how about getting a weapon that can have pom-poms convincingly attached to it? Spiked gauntlets, or preferrably a cestus, are both fist weapons that can easily have any manner of fluff, poof, or fleecy/sparkly material tied to them without changing any mechanics to them. Paint your fist weapons with the appropriately garish team colors, and voila -- lethal 'pom-poms', perfect for a dazzling display/braggart-type action. If you want to add to the glamour of it all and have feats to spare, Arcane strike would just add to the razzle-dazzle with your 'pom-oms' glowing and scintillating with arcane energy.
4. I'd have to admit Timothy has a great alternative to the belly button ring while keeping it a tattoo, as derogatory as it may be. All really depends on what type of girl your half-orc really is.
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16
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I definitely think the bladed scarf would make a lot of sense for an actual weapon she uses. Then buy two cat O'nine-tails whips and say that you've cut them down short and colored the leather, then you've got two pompoms! Imagine this: but with colored strings
Oh, thanks a lot! Now I'm imagining a squad of dominatrix-cheerleaders...
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I think that Inquistor goes best with this concept.
Isn't that right, Buffy?
Inquisitor Cheerleaders ...
Pass Judgement on their friends and foes by
Destruction involving divine wrath - "Hell hath no fury."
Surrounding theming with healing light - "Hugs!"
Demanding Justice - "You'll pay for this, if it's the last thing I do!"
Protection - "You can't touch this!"
Purity - Protection from "vile taint". At least, that's what it says in the Advanced Player's Guide
Smite - Those pom poms count as MAGIC weapons
Monster Lore - Any Cheerleader can tell you stories about fighting off squids (all arms) and ogres (ew!).
Orisons - Here's you cheers. You even get one that's makes tattoo like permanent scars (Brand), although if you want a tramp stamp at 1st level, it'll have to be one of those "once when I was in cheer camp..." type of things where you and you BFF did each other's tramp stamps. You just can't see that spot well enough to DIY, and the Brand doesn't give you any Luck.
Stern Gaze - "Giving them the stink eye."
Emphasis on Teamwork Feats and the ability to switch those Feats - Learning new cheer routines.
Take the Two-weapon Fighting Feat, and put stringy stuff around the head of 2 small maces. You get the visual effect you want, and 1d6 DMG if you hit (2d6 if both pom poms hit). Almost anything else that would work better than this, like saps with stringy stuff, or cut down whips, aren't available to the Inquisitor. Inquisitors are limited to simple weapons. Cut-down whips may not be allowed by the GM or might not be "legal" for Organized Play. They aren't on any of the approved Equipment lists.
Consider adding a feat, or feat string, that lets you stun or dazzle. Like Weapon Focus/Dazzling Display, which lets you make Intimidate checks on everyone within 30 ft., and could come in handy in social situations as well as Combat. A successful check results in a shaken opponent(s): "A shaken character takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks".
Other than the teamwork Feats, you don't get any bonus Feats, so it could take a while (at least 5th level) to work up to the Dazzling Display.
If you want to go with the shuriken barrettes, you'll have to opt for an Exotic Weapon Profiency Feat. If you take this earlier, it will slow down your Dazzling Display.
At 1st level, you will be making double pom pom attacks at -2/-2, plus your STR mod. STR 14 would probably be a good idea. DEX 15 is required for the Two-weapon fighting.
By 3rd level, you will be making round double pom pom attacks with a +0/+0 modifier, plus your STR mod. If your STR 14, that would be +2/+2 and your potential damage would be 2d6+4 (1d6+2 per hit). Average DPR = 11, if both pom poms hit.
Be sure to put lots of Skill points into Acrobatics, you are a Cheerleader, after all, and Acrobatics is good for extracting yourself from the front line without taking Attacks of Opportunity.
You're might also be the party face, but you're either a "mean girl or a "nice girl", so any social Skill ranks should be split between Intimidate and Diplomacy. For the Dazzling Display to be more effective, you need to be a bit on the "mean girl" side. Either way your CHA should be at least 12, if not higher.
And remember, you're a Cleric-type (caster and support) character, not a tank. Good against the undead, and good for healing and buffing others. Combat is secondary. Be prepared for it, but don't rush into it. WIS and CHA are both improtant abilties for the Inquistor, which leaves CON and INT for "dump" stats, but I wouldn't recommend dumping either below 10.
At 1st level and a 20 point build, you would look something like this
STR 14 +2 (5 points)
DEX 15 +2 (5 points +2 Race), race = Half-orc
CON 11 +0 (1 points)
INT 10 +0 (0 points)
WIS 15 +2 (7 points)
CHA 12 +1 (2 points)
Feats: Two-weapon Fighting. At third level, you add Weapon Focus, which will improve your ATK bonus, and at 5th level you add Dazzling Display.
Weapons: Pom poms (small maces - wooden handles with small metal balls on the end, surrounded by fluff). Once per day you can pass a Judgement on them and make them "magic" for the purpose of avoiding Damage Reduction.
Skills at 1st level: 6 per level
Acrobatics (Cheerleader) = 3 ranks + 2 DEX = +5
Intimidate (your peers) = 1 rank + 3 class + 2 race + + 1 Stern Gaze + 1 CHA = +8
Disguise (Make up) = 1 rank + 3 class + 1 CHA = +5
Sense Motive (just because Inquisitors get a bonus for this) = 1 rank + 3 class + 1 Stern Gaze + 2 WIS = +7
Other useful Skills (for later levels)
Know. Arcana, Dungeoneering, Nature, Planes, or Religion = 1 rank + 3 class + 2 Monster Lore = +6
Diplomacy (suck up to your superiors) = 1 rank + 3 class + 1 CHA = +5
Perception (just because its useful) = 1 rank + 3 class + 2 WIS = +6
Ride ('cause you know she has a pony, and it bites) = 1 rank + 3 class + 2 DEX = +6
Heal (combat support) = 1 rank + 3 class + 2 WIS = +6
Make her young, and if you're in Organized Play, forget about the Day Job (no Crafts or Professions), you're still in school!
Now get out there and "KNOCK THEM UNDEAD!"
Cavalier. The Pom-Poms are your Banner.
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Who has had such a bad interaction with Cheerleaders?
I dated a Cheerleader in Highschool, and she was a great person.
Best break up too. Still talk to her from time to time.
I think media plays them in an unwarranted dark light.
I agree. I've had little if any interactions with cheerleaders-- not because they were stuck-up or "out of my league" but because I had nothing in common with any of them.
I don't know where all the vitriol in their media portrayal comes from. I suspect it's a bit of sour grapes, a bit of mis-remembered high school angst, and a bit of narrative convenience-- they're easy to dehumanize because they all wear the same uniform, and they're easy to mock because most people don't see "cherrleading" as its own sport.
That said, the OP clearly HAS had bad experiences with cheerleaders, and "evil cheerleader" has kind of become a character archetype in American pop culture, so if that's what she wants, that's what she gets.
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Like any stereotype, it may have some basis in fact, but it has been exaggerated into a caricature. Any one cheerleader being nice or mean is not indicative of ALL cheerleaders by a long shot. That said, I was pretty unpoular in high school, being a Band geek who played D&D in the early 90s. I knew the entire cheerleading squad, as we all shared buses going to the football games. I was made fun of far more often than not. It's okay, I got through it. But popularity and good looks at an age when you are not fully developed and prone to making bad decisions is usually a recipe for an attitude of entitlement that can make them seem to be mean when they don't mean to be.
Who has had such a bad interaction with Cheerleaders?
I dated a Cheerleader in Highschool, and she was a great person.
Best break up too. Still talk to her from time to time.
I think media plays them in an unwarranted dark light.
I agree. I've had little if any interactions with cheerleaders-- not because they were stuck-up or "out of my league" but because I had nothing in common with any of them.
I don't know where all the vitriol in their media portrayal comes from. I suspect it's a bit of sour grapes, a bit of mis-remembered high school angst, and a bit of narrative convenience-- they're easy to dehumanize because they all wear the same uniform, and they're easy to mock because most people don't see "cherrleading" as its own sport.
That said, the OP clearly HAS had bad experiences with cheerleaders, and "evil cheerleader" has kind of become a character archetype in American pop culture, so if that's what she wants, that's what she gets.
There's not nearly as much vitriol, angst, or even annoyance as you seem to think. Sure, I couldn't stand my cheer squad. They were fake, shallow, and gossipy and I don't mesh with that mentality, (besides, when was the last time you met a cheerleader with her own set of dice and minis?) But they weren't the only ones like that. Lots of people are. And mocking the stereotype is just for amusement.
I build all my characters to be as ridiculous as possible. They're more fun to role play when they're silly,(probably because I'm silly).
Some of my other characters include an uber-hugging half-orc social worker who runs a goblin dog shelter and campaigns for equal rights for hideous dark dwellers everywhere. And a Treesinger druid who is ashamed of her elfness, spends all her time as a plant, has a treant boyfriend (aka liveoak), worships asparagus, & when she dies she wants her body donated to the vegepygmies so she may be reborn as a higher being.
So the shallow & obnoxiously perky half-orc cheerleader on the prowl for her perfect human husband fits right in. In fact, after the reactions I got in her 1st scenario, I think she may steal the show. She's certainly a hell of a lot of fun to play. :P
Cavalier. The Pom-Poms are your Banner.
Explain plz?
Cavalier. The Pom-Poms are your Banner.Explain plz?
Well, either you put your pom poms on a banner or your reskinning pom poms as your banner. I should note, PFS has a rule against reskinning.
So the shallow & obnoxiously perky half-orc cheerleader on the prowl for her perfect human husband fits right in. In fact, after the reactions I got in her 1st scenario, I think she may steal the show. She's certainly a hell of a lot of fun to play. :P
Good to hear it! I hope she's fun to the end. I love it when someone interesting pops up at a table.
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There's not nearly as much vitriol, angst, or even annoyance as you seem to think. Sure, I couldn't stand my cheer squad. They were fake, shallow, and gossipy and I don't mesh with that mentality, (besides, when was the last time you met a cheerleader with her own set of dice and minis?) But they weren't the only ones like that. Lots of people are. And mocking the stereotype is just for amusement.I build all my characters to be as ridiculous as possible. They're more fun to role play when they're silly,(probably because I'm silly).
Some of my other characters include an uber-hugging half-orc social worker who runs a goblin dog shelter and campaigns for equal rights for hideous dark dwellers everywhere. And a Treesinger druid who is ashamed of her elfness, spends all her time as a plant, has a treant boyfriend (aka liveoak), worships asparagus, & when she dies she wants her body donated to the vegepygmies so she may be reborn as a higher being.
So the shallow & obnoxiously...
My ex played D&D, and my buddy's wife(also a cheerleader) played D&D.
They both have their own set of dice.
I also still play with a couple of former Highschool Football teamplayers, who are now Military men.
Just saying, mocking the stereotype is fun, but at least be aware of what is fact, and what is fiction.
How about a Sensei Monk -> Pathfinder Chronicler? No need to worry about what kind of weapons the pom poms are; they're just decorative costume bits and you're using unarmed strikes if you have to fight. (You could add drunken master to it, depending on what the cheerleaders at your school were like.)
2. Know any good weapons that could double as PomPoms?How about a Bladed Scarf? You could put tassles on the ends for the Pom Poms. And it fits the whole 'hidden weapon for dancers' vibe.
Or maybe Fighting Fans?
Those both take Exotic Weapon Proficiencies, except if you're Varisian (and why wouldn't you be?) you can get Bladed Scarf proficiency with the Tattooed Varisian regional trait.
This is a great idea! Thanks!
And thanks to everyone else for all your suggestions.
What about punching daggers built into the pom-poms. The blades would be hard to see until you stab someone.
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Summon monster to call out the mascor?
Pompoms can just fit around a starknife.
My ex played D&D, and my buddy's wife(also a cheerleader) played D&D.
They both have their own set of dice.
I also still play with a couple of former Highschool Football teamplayers, who are now Military men.
I think that says more about you than it does about cheerleaders or high school. Either that you know lots of atypical people or that you break the mold yourself. I suspect both. I would have probably liked cheering with your cheerleaders...none of the girls on my squad could have told you what a d6 was.
I'm all for shattering stereotypes. But I'm also all for playing silly characters. I refer you to my Treesinger for any further explanation.
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Well, I was spent most of Highschool getting my butt kicked by people I had never knew, including getting beaten unconscious with a bat.
I was not cool.
Around late Junior to Senior, I just stopped giving a crap, and I collected a unique group of friends as a result. One bet me 20 bucks to ask out a cheerleader, so I walked up to one during a game, asked her out, she said yes, and we started dating.
I still got my butt kicked here and there, but only when none of my friends were around.
I don't know how the crunch would play out, but I thought a re-skinned witch with prehensile hair would work for you. The thought of a cheerleader with prehensile hair tickles me.
Lots of enchantments. Lots of slumber parties. Lots of making boys weak in the knees (or just weak).