@Fomiel. I'm worried less about the function and more about the fluff.
@Marko. Speaking of fluff...
So this is what we have so far.
jhspace1-Darien Smith-LG Human Conjuring Sorcerer
Ixos-Toramin Gearsmith-LG Dwarven Stonelord Paladin
Fomiel-?-?? ? Some sort of alchemist
Edward Sobel-Velterra-CG Human Oracle of Stone
Drayen-Alleran-?? Human Falconer Trapper Ranger
Marko-Gabriel-LG Tiefling Paladin
Walter das Sombras-?-?? ? Druid (probably)
Feral-Bjorkus the Lesser-CN? Half-Minotaur Barbarian (multiclass into sorcerer)
tomtesserae-?-CG? ? Rogue
True Repentance-?-?E? Drow Cleric
If there is a question mark in the row with your name, please tell me the information necessary to fill it in.
If I missed you, please tell me so I can include you.
@jhspace. I have an odd request. Sell your alignment to me. Why is he LAWFUL good?
@jhspace1. That's actually not bad. If you allowed me to edit it I could put some finishing touches on it.
Google link changed to edit mode
Act fast, before the script kiddies find it and change it to an advertisement for Eniemen or something.
Yes, the colonel. Sorry got it mixed up.
He would be neutral evil i think. Chaotic when he needs to be, lawful when he needs to be, so i guess the average is neutral evil. But im never too good with what alignment people should be.
@Marko. I like her. You can finish updating, any further information will not influence my decision.
Haha! Should I be worried then?
Blurbs:
Personality wise, Gabriel is an odd mix of serious and cheerful, determined and relaxed, and passionate and driven, yet unfocused. The man is a paladin and, by definition, upholds the virtues of law and order. But he was born of chaotic demon energies, and though they do not truly influence his mind, they have left him a rather difficult challenge. Focusing is hard for the young paladin in all but the most serious of circumstances. His mind often wanders and it has proven difficult for him to over come this for his more scholarly training. At the same time,as he had shown with the more physical and spiritual aspects of his training, he has the potential for focus bordering obsession.
Gabriel, growing up as he did, is a very open minded paladin who tries to take after his master. He believes he is too young to judge, but takes this a bit further then Geoffrey, and believes he needs to be careful when dealing with anyone. Those in need of help will obviously get it, but taking things at face value has cost him much in the past. He tries to be kind though, and truly believes in doing good, helping others and delivering justice simply because it is the right thing to do. That said, his upbringing has left him a bit... looser then some paladins, and he can sometimes be seen enjoying drinks or parties with the soldiers that accept him despite his heritage.
Arlene: Arlene is a 5'4 human at the age of 23 winters. She is, in one word, cheerful. But that word hardly does her justice. Her deep brown hair is cut short in an uneven manor, one that she somehow makes work with a pretty smile. Her green eyes shine brightly with cheer, but also intellect. Indeed, Arlene is far more cunning then she lets on. Being both an artist, a philosopher and a cleric for nearly 12 years means she can probably talk circles around anyone too. She is accepting of nearly everyone, and believe very few people truly deserve hate or redicule. She often goes out of her way to heal the sick and injured in the more dangerous parts of the city, relying on her status as a Cleric of Shelyn for free passage to even the harshest of gangs to heal the members injured. Few people touched by her remain unchanged.
Helen: Helen is a 20 year old tiefling. What she looks like is unknown, but she was relatively tall for her age at 15. She has red skin, a tail, horns, and smoldering orange eyes, looking every bit the tiefling she is. She is, more then most, proud of her heritage. Or was, at least. She was also a thief of some skill and sharp cunning. Where she is now is uncertain, but she is likely living life the way she wants too.
Elanore: Gabriels mother. She was barely 5'2 when she was alive. It is widly believed that those who knew them both that it was her that Gabriel got the golden tresses and fair skin from, despite his tiefling nature. She was a simple woman, seeing neither extremes of good or evil. All she truly cared for in life, after her husband abandoned her, was her son Gabriel. Everything she did, she did for him, and in the end her association with her son cost her her life. Her funeral was the only time Gabriel sang in front of an audience. It was a... haunting song of love and joy for the life she lived, and thankful of all she had done. Gabriel does not often speak of her anymore, but sometimes one might think when he was staring off into the distance he was thinking about her.
The Aasimar: What little there is to know about this platinum haired and bronze skinned man is rumor and conjecture. They say someone like him has been hunting down and killing tieflings for well over 200 years. They say he is a master swordsman. They say he is a paladin. They say he is a wizard. An assasin. A demon in disguise. But all agree that he is insane and very, very dangerous. And he has something against tieflings.
A few questions about mechanics now. First, I've been hinting at it in the background, but I'd like him to be a pit-born tiefling. Honestly, I can do without all the trappings that come with a tiefling (spell casting, resistance (though that one would be nice), and so on). Is it okay if I make him a pit-born? I'm all for letting you decide what other benefits he gets as a tiefling. -shrug-
Second, I plan on focusing mechanically on a melee fighter with some support abilities. In that regard, I want to take two archetypes. First the Divine Defender and the second is the oath of vengeance. Each aspect of his abilities will represent different beliefs he has. The need to protect will come from the divine defender, which will let him spend lay on hands to buff his and other allies defenses. The need to help will come from lay on hands itself. And then the need to bring justice will come from the oath. Do I have your approval for all of that?
Lastly, I want to take a flaw to represent the downsides to his more chaotic nature. Nothing that will change his alignment or his beliefs, but another, more harmful, physical representation of the chaos he was born of. The flaw is inattentive. Its a -4 to perception checks, and its supposed to represent just how hard it is for him to focus some times.
Approval or disapproval for any of that?
@jhspace. I have an odd request. Sell your alignment to me. Why is he LAWFUL good?
Part of Darien's growing up is going to be that a lot of his assumptions on what happens in life "just because" will get torn apart in war. Darien's never seen a dead body, let alone undead. He's never had to lose something precious just because somebody truly evil took it away. He's never felt revenge, just the "flight" part of fight-or-flight.
So I expect Darien to go through quite a few "uh-oh" moments. I don't know if he'll stay Lawful Good. He might go Chaotic Good if the law is seen as oppressive and manipulative. He might go Neutral Good if he's forced to work with evil characters that don't act like storybook villains. Or Darien could stay Lawful Good, just knowing when the law applies...and when it does not.
It's up to the story.
@jhspace1. I suck at editing these, so the words make a little less sense now, but that's closer to the world. The gray area in the northeast is deadland, even more devoid of life than the deserts of Yenrick. The brown to the far west is more deserts and some mountains, but as far as we know there is no intelligent life or natural resources so it's mostly abandoned.
@True Repentance. I am not end-of-argument opposed to an evil character, but you better sell it. Also I don't want somebody who's just there to try and wreck havoc. In other words, lean towards lawful evil more so than chaotic evil. You can still be neutral, but chaotic evil creatures in my games get put down like rabid dogs.
@Marko. Pitborn is fine. However, remember the more powerful races such as tieflings get cut down to be on par with the other races. You get to choose 2 of their 3 resistances to keep, and your spell like ability gets changed. The shatter spell will only do 1d4 damage instead of 1d6. This still puts you slightly above humans.
The archetypes do not overlap or conflict in any way, I approve of it. I actually like what they say about your character.
I do not have a problem with that drawback, but I didn't get that your character was inattentive. Perhaps I just missed it.
@jhspace1. Understood, I have a better feel for him now.
Trying to get acces to or steal information on new technology sounds like a good job for a rogue too though... and a drow rogue could be pretty fun and sorta powerful to play. Would you allow the drow feats? Mainly the nobility three.
I cant decide between a rogue or cleric lol... maybe there can be both that sorta work together, one in the open one hidden. I would only want to play one probly but having them both in the story would be awesome. Suppose i should work on their backstory...
They could even be rivals in a way, trying to outdo the other or prove that one is more fit for promotion than the other. Man i have some crazy ideas atm. Ill probly need help making it fit though.
@hustonj. Believe what you may, what the common man knows is they are trying to remove an evil leader so he may not destroy or corrupt the other nations. Things are hardly that simple tho, are they?
I guess I'm missing what you're asking. The world still feels like pathfinder generally. Give me an example of what you want and maybe I can answer your question better.
Yeah, I probably need to go back and add that a little. I'm trying to represent the conflict his nature has with his heritage. He -is- a being born from chaos, and its represented in his physical appearance with the mismatched tiefling features, but I also wanted to have it represented mechanically too. I mentioned it in his blurb, how he has trouble focusing at times, but... hmm... I'll think on it, see if there's either a better flaw or how to better write him to represent it.
Also, I was honestly expecting to get none of those features, so that totally works for me. Hmm...
What are your opinions on alternate racial features? I'm looking at trading away fiendish sorcery for prehensile tail. Its a fun little racial feature that might afford some use in the future. And I like him being able to actually use his tail. XD Plus, fiendish sorcery is utterly useless to me.
@True Repentance. Like other powerful races, drows will get a nerf, and theirs will be in their spell resistance. There is a long story behind it, but there was a great catastrophe that caused them to lose it. When you get far enough in the adventure it comes up.
The drow feats seem fine to me.
By all means make an NPC. I shall use him to do evil things.
Let's see what you come up with. Start PMing me instead of posting here please.
@Marko. I understand it now. He's constantly mulling things over in his head, weather it's his own decisions or thinking about others and how they are reacting to the world, so he sometimes just isn't paying attention.
I am wary of alternate racial features, but that one is fine with me. The dwarven racial feature that gives free spell resistance is overpowered IMHO.
I love em as extra options to be honest, and while I do think some are over powered, I also think they fit. The dwarven one should be bumped down a little, but they are a hardy race, so I never complained when I saw someone using it. XD
Last question and he should be done mechanically. You mention Standard wealth. You want us to roll for it then? Or are they being outfitted by the army and assumed to have a certain amount?
|
Yeah, Bjorkus is CN. He's about freedom and individualism.
Amended this part.
Beaten and bound in chains, Bjorkus was on his way to a messy and public execution in the capital of Xilres when the convoy bearing him was waylaid by outriders fighting for Andril. The convoy was crushed but the soldiers were surprised by the cargo they discovered - a prisoner.
Despite his haggard state, the Andrilan soldiers eventually made the connection based on Bjorkus’s appearance and the orders they found on the slain Xilres men. Unsure what to do with such a potentially valuable prisoner themselves, the soldiers packed up the young bull and dragged him across the landscape to Colonel Geoffrey himself.
The soldiers weren’t cruel but they weren’t especially kind either. After his capture he’d been stripped almost naked and beaten, leaving him a bloody mess in nothing by a breechcloth. The soldiers from Andril made sure he wasn’t in danger of dying but they didn’t do much else for him. He often heard some of them talking about him, ”The cow’s slowing us down - We’d make better time if we saved the Colonel the trouble and just slit his throat – I heard ground up minotaur horn will give a man the beast’s strength in bed. The old lady would love that. Ha!”
Bjorkus fumed but remained silent. Let ‘em try something, he thought. ”I’ll show ‘em what happens when you f$+& with a bull.”
One of the soldiers, a woman by the name of Gabrielle, seemed to take an interest in him. He caught her on more than one occasion, studying his naked form and admiring the physical power on display despite his ragged condition. The young half-breed played along, appearing equal parts stoic and strong, despite his chains. Before two pair could take things much further the guard was caught by her superior. She was kept far from him during breaks after that.
After a bit more than a month of exposure, near starvation, and hard marching, the small troop of outriders and their prize made it to the Colonel’s camp.
After what he’d experienced for the past month, Bjorkus expected the Colonel to be some kind of monster – a cruel pitiless man that would butcher him on the spot but the half-minotaur was surprised when the paladin instead greeted him with kindness. He was quick to chastise the soldiers that brought Bjorkus in for his condition. His mighty frame was hollow from hunger and his hair was matted with blood and filth. It was only his will that kept his back straight and a defiant glare in his eye as the paladin examined him.
The good colonel was faced with a dilemma. Bjorkus was the son of a dangerous and wanted pirate lord but he was not eager to end a life so callously. The half-minotaur had potential. He was strong and he had a ferocity that would inspire men. He could be a useful asset if pointed in the right direction…
If he thinks I’m gunna beg for my life he’d got another thing comin’…
But Geoffrey didn’t make Bjorkus beg. Instead he made him a deal. His life would be spared in exchange for his service to Andril in the war. If his service was exemplary, he might even be granted his freedom.
Bjorkus was defiant, even in the face of execution, but with little other choice he agreed. He’d serve in chains if it meant a second chance at building his own legend.
I won’t die. Not here. Not like this. I’ll play their game – be a good soldier – if that’s what it takes to get me back to the sea.
I didn't go into detail about his time serving the Andril military because it didn't make much sense for him to have that much experience as a level 1 character. We are starting at level 1 right? I figured his story would pick up where the campaign begins.
And here he is mechanically. Unless you want me to add things like a tent, canteen, sleeping roll and etc. XD If you do say so and I'll go nickel and dime him. Otherwise he should be ready.
And honestly, that's exactly how I picture him half the time. The other half he's focused on the point of obsession. Its... made for some very interesting times training him. Likely Geoffrey, even if he thinks of Gabriel fondly, will think the guy a bit hard to deal with sometimes simply because he can be one or the other.
Here's Darien's 70 gp's worth of stuff. Of course, half is the freakin' crossbow! (35 gp).
I've worked on this list for a while, so tell me if I have to change the waterskin to a canteen, how may days of trail rations, etc. A tent is just too heavy.
Edit: Yes, I grew up under an Evil GM. Encumbrance sucks.
Edit: But now I can't help myself but use the spreadsheet.
@Feral. Good, every time you add something I like it. Yes I say you could end it there. They would have picked you up deep into their advance anyways.
@Darien. Now that's some nickel and diming. See above post
Oh thank god. The one thing I always dread is the small copper items your character can't do without. XD And then adding them all to the CS.
Will a mythweavers sheet work or do you want me to set up a profile for Gabriel?
@Darien. I don't know if it's just me, but I simply cannot take that avatar picture seriously. It makes me think he's on LSD or something.
@Marko. I prefer characters done on here, but if you post a link to the mythweavers page underneath your alias I am content. I just don't want to go searching every time I need to look up a stat.
I'll make an alias then. If there's nothing else I think I'm done for now then! Well, with making a character at least. I see a lot of competition that needs to... disappear...
Do I need to change my avatar pic? I was going for the "worried young guy" look.
@Darien. I'm getting the "Holy crap look at that flying whale!" look. Opinions anybody? I mean you don't HAVE to change it, I won't be so pretentious as to judge your character on the avatar, I've just never been a fan of the more cartoony avatars.
I'm looking for an avatar that fits Gabriel... really hard to do when I already found a picture that's close to perfect. XD Might settle on something with a helmet so its hard to tell the difference.
Marko....see a PM I got a question for you...
@hustonj. Hmm...for now you've stumped me. I'm going to need to brush up on my history. I should have something for you tomorrow.
@Marko/Edward. If you want you can include me in the PM, if you think my opinion would matter. Not being nosy, just offering my insight.
it was just question concerning mythweavers and number crunching that's all
@DM Omen: He thought he found an error on my character sheet when it was just me counting my power attack into my damage mod.
Do you mind if the image I choose is not exact? Its the closest I've found so far on the paizo boards avatar choices thing. XD
@Feral. Mr.Omen. I lol'd.
@hustonj. Now that sounds interesting. Couple things.
Race, alignment?
Geoffrey would probably have a more targeted approach. The spoils of war and rebuilding of walls and other resources are a merchants delight. He might promise to get him a strong foothold when the siege ends.
@Marko. Ah, gotcha.
Yes that's fine. I've actually gotten into the habit of finding an avatar first before deciding on a description. Imagine what I had in mind with this one.
Well, I did that. I just kinda forgot that Paizo doesn't allow personal avatars so the image stuck in my head is not one I can choose. XD I may choose something completely vague and impersonal and link the character sheet just for the image, cause I just think it -really- works.
Also, sending ya a PM with some more story goodies.
@hustonj. So, a few things I can say for sure.
In Yenrick, trade is like the East India trading company. There is no organized government, whoever rules the trade rules the land.
In Gesthil, the culture is such a mixing pot it's hard to tell. One thing for sure is their affinity with nature. If there's any comparison, it's to the Native Americans.
Brumik and Xilres resemble the Romans somewhat, their main relation is how they did trade.
Andril is a nation trying to advance. I'm having trouble comparing it to anything. They seek magical and mechanical advances, try to keep the other nations at peace with each other, constantly are branching out to explore the world more
@hustonj. Alignment is very flexible in my games. I can throw two different LN characters at you that couldn't stand each other. If it makes sense, keep it. Don't feel like you have to 'restrict' yourself to an alignment.
Got everything copied into an alias.
@Bjorkus. Looks mostly good, have a function question for you tho. I noticed you took the armored hulk archetype. How's that going to work when you multiclass into sorcerer?
@Bjorkus. That feat is extremely powerful. I'm going to have to put some requirements in there for that, you can't just have a level 1 character with over 20 health. Please pick another feat for now.
Very carefully... =P
The short answer is that it's not. In the beginning it won't be too much of a problem because all of his spells will either be 24 hours or verbal-only. Once Bjorkus gets a few levels under his belt and has a decent spell repertoire, he'll basically be skipping armor altogether and be swinging in the breeze.
I suppose I could just be a default barbarian.
I'll just stick with toughness then.
Swapped out of armored hulk and traded tribal scars for toughness.
well finished the alias.
And done! This is the closest I could honestly get to the Gabriel in my head, sans the horns and so on. I urge you to click on the link I put into his full name if you want a better idea of what he looks like.
DM Omen: If there's anything mechanical you want me to change feel free to let me know!
@Gabriel Leoni. Don't worry about fine tweaking. It won't influence my decision. All that will be done after this closes up.
jhspace1-Darien Smith-LG Human Conjuring Sorcerer
Ixos-Toramin Gearsmith-LG Dwarven Stonelord Paladin
Fomiel-?-?? ? Some sort of alchemist
Edward Sobel-Velterra-CG Human Oracle of Stone
Drayen-Alleran-?? Human Falconer Trapper Ranger
Marko-Gabriel-LG Tiefling Paladin
Walter das Sombras-?-?? ? Druid (probably)
Feral-Bjorkus the Lesser-CN Half-Minotaur Barbarian (multiclass into sorcerer)
hustonj-Mas'ud-?? Human Rogue (possibly bard)
tomtesserae-?-CG? ? Rogue
True Repentance-?-?? Drow ?
If there is a question mark in the row with your name, please tell me the information necessary to fill it in.
If I missed you, please tell me so I can include you.
Edit: My apologies Bjorkus, I forgot to edit that for you.
I mentioned it a few posts back. Bjorkus is CN.
Oversight, it has been edited.
I'm torn between Besmara and Calistra as a patron for Bjorkus.
Besmara fits his pirating background to a tee but Calistra fits the rest of him perfectly. Hmm...