Oh, this is Fanguar's submission, btw.
Magus is cool. I just meant the feat is there, almost a teamwork feat. Black Thom could also be the backup driver. So, primary driver, primary navigator, backup driver/navigator who is primary crafter.
No one steps on anyone's toes. Redundancy is built in.
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A young smallish child with a large leather purse strapped across the shoulders stands on her tiptoes to read the scrip on the flimsy paper. She is sounding out the words, slowly and obviously missing difficult words. Tugging on the shirt of a passerby, "Please sire, what does this paper say? There are no pictures." Listening closely to the recitation, "Oh boring adult stuff, nevermind... Coming Mom!" She skips off and is soon lost in the crowd.
Right - I'll deal with questions first, and get to reviews a bit later. I'm happy to see the interest in this idea, as I think it has the potential to be a fun ride.
psychicmachinery - I have no plans of making moranth munitions or a Golarionised version available.
Kybryn - the role of Guard can encompass any additional roles and responsibilities you like. The title really just means that while the carriage is in motion, you are riding either shotgun or in the passenger compartment rather than at the reins.
Wolfwaker - as others have confirmed, you are essentially looking at an Arcane or Divine caster for the Navigator role. Personally I want the planar travel to be a class feature directly, and not supplied via an item.
Dementia Walker - I'd be happy to give the Factotum a once over to review - can you throw up the broad strokes of the class in a spoiler?
Spugs Mcman - I am happy to see psionic characters put forward. I have the Dreamscarred PDFs myself.
Edgar Lamoureux - I'd have to say no on the lasher, sorry.
Submissions so far:
Navigator:
Fanguar - Mortimer Mead: Human Wizard
Hassan Ahmed - Black Thom: Half-Orc Wizard
TheHairyAvenger - 'Quick' Ben: Human Wizard
Driver:
flykiller - Otis Ryland: Human Rogue
Mug - Shorga Brull: Half-Orc Cavalier
Guard: (We realize this is a loose term to mean "Not a Driver or Navigator". It's also been noted that many characters could switch between roles in a pinch.)
Quiche Lisp - Lamtheer: Half-Elf Ranger
RainyDayNinja - Kergal: Merfolk Barbarian
Michael Sumrall - Charlotte de Berry: Tiefling Magus
Michael Falconn 866 - Kaleb Backdagger: Halfling Rogue
RecknBall - Tin Cornbloom: Halfling Rogue
lalallaalal - Leoroar Silverkin: Half-Elf Skirmisher
Therealthom - Dyoming: Human Monk
Kybryn - Varius Noma: Human Ninja
Unknown:
psychicmachinery - ?
MisterLurch - ?
Wolfwaker - ?
Dementia Walker - ?: Factotum(?)
Spugs Mcman - ?: Psionist(?)
Edgar Lamoureux - ?
Will have some questions for all likely tomorrow, as I am still reading and digesting what people have put forward to date.
I tweaked my feat selection a little and updated my profile accordingly.
I may tweak my gear and review my crunch latter tonight.
Psionics, really? We don't have enough to worry about?
Does that mean the world is crawling with just as many psionic creatures and NPCs as anything else? How common is it?
Wizard - Illusionist/Shadow School for ease of entry and/or escape at later levels.
Just reread my post from last night, the Factotum is not in the DMG it is in Dungeonscape I have no idea why I said DMG. At any rate...
An example of how this works is, with 2 inspiration points in a battle the character could use one to add an int bonus to his attack roll, and then next round use his second point to give him a bonus to a climb check to escape an enemy, his points would be used up for that encounter. As soon as the battle is over the party moves into another room and encounters a trap the factotums points are now refreshed because this is a new encounter and so he could use one to boost his disable device.
He works a bit like a bard and a rogue being a skill monkey and having very limited magic.
I believe that he would work well as a driver to start and possibly a navigator at a later point. As well as a guard of course.
Psionics, really? We don't have enough to worry about?
Does that mean the world is crawling with just as many psionic creatures and NPCs as anything else? How common is it?
Just addressing this point - don't worry about what may or may not be out there. The PbP will be tailored to suit the characters that are selected.
So if a psionic character or two is selected - then there will be other psionic monsters and psions around (though still very uncommon). If none are selected, then there probably won't be any psionics in the world.
Dementia Walker: Sounds interesting, pitch away :)
Edgar Lamoureux: Yep - pitch away. Any fine-tuning of any third party stuff will happen post selection at any rate.
Not that Thom-Thom is ever worried.
Class: Factotum lvl 2 (Dungeonscape 3.5) Driver +Basic combat abilities
Race: Changeling (Eberron Campaign Setting) Able to change appearance at will as though using the disguise self spell.
Dex 14 +2
Con 10
Int 16 +3
Wis 10
Cha 12 +1
Hp 15
BAB +1
Fort 0+1 Ref 3+2 Will 0
inspiration pts per encounter 3
Inspiration- Gains number of inspiration points at the beginning of each encounter according to level.
Cunning insight- Before an attack roll, damage roll, or saving throw an inspiration point can be spent to add Int bonus as a modifier to the roll
Cunning Knowledge- Adds Int bonus as modifier to skill check
Trapfinding- As a rogue
Arcane dilettante(1 spell, lvl 0)- Spend an inspiration point to mimic a spell as a spell like ability
Bluff 1+2 racial+1 Cha
Diplomacy 1+1 Cha
Disable Device 2+2 Dex
Disguise 2+1 Cha
Handle Animal 2+1 Cha
Intimidate 1+2 racial+1 Cha
Knowledge(arcana) 1+3 Int
(geography) 1+3 Int
(planes) 1+3 Int
perception 2
sense motive 2+2 racial
Grix was unique in the sense that he was a changling. Raised in a normal city from birth in a family of changlings his parents where becomers, they believed in assuming a role and keeping it, hiding in a society that was not their own, raising Grix as a human. Grix did not agree with his parents beliefs and used his unique abilities as a changeling to mimic people around him and get into places that he shouldn't have learning much in his years in the city. Visiting the mages tower as an apprentice, the church as an acolyte, the healers houses and banks and many other places. Grix got into many arguments with his parents about how he chose to live his life, eventually his parents became fed up with his ways and kicked him from their house because he was not following their rules. With a small amount of money and using the knowledge that he had accumulated over the years Grix struck out to make his fortune.
While Grix is not malicious, he is not above using his abilities for personal gain. He comes off as a little strange and distant because he knows he is not human even if others do not. If he does make friends he will do anything for them.
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Oh Voiceless One, with your permission, I withdraw Tin Cornbloom from consideration. May I instead submit Nadri in her place?
Nadri is escorting a bit of cargo her now former master and employer, Tyur VanForg, sent from Magnimar. Rather rushed job of packing too, she was shooed out to prepare her things while Master VanForg hurriedly stuffed items into boxes of straw. All very curious, but what an opportunity to explore the world!
Nadri, making the best of things, is striking out on her own to create made-to-order items of magic, only scrolls for the moment but soon much more. What a lovely challenge! What opportunities for R&D! She possesses a sealed scroll from her master to be handed to a gentleman Pok at final destination. Then she can truly be master of her own destiny.
"Ah?! What is this? Vaylen Trade Guild seeking dedicated and skilled persons for immediate employment. Applicants must be willing to travel. Recompense will be commensurate with risk… and pays double in death. Already, opportunity beckons! And such a wonderful way of advertising for help. She fishes around in her backpack, pulling out a sheaf of papers, handbills of her own to be specific. Tugging out an old unused tack on the lantern post, she isolates one handbill and enthusiastically pounds it in with a stone. “Good Day! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nadri Fiskbottom and I represent Fiskbottom Specialized Merchandise LLC. We carry several scrolls of magiks that would improve your ability to make a difference in the world. Our current offering and prices are listed here. Feel free to contact me at any time. I can also provide onsite consultation for an additional fee.”
Hands on her hips, head tilts in very idealistic manner, ”Oh yes, Perfect! Now let us finish our delivery and find this Maester Stephen.”
Nadri,
If we both get picked, let's rock it.
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:(
I can't really think of anything Psionic to play. I've wanted to play a dread for a while now, but can't get into it. Same goes for cryptic. I've already played most of the other classes, and I'm not too interested in playing them.
I think I'm just going to have to sit this one out, as fun as it looks to be.
Wolfwaker here, this alchemist is almost finished. He grew up in a circus and learned from a performing alchemist. I'm still mulling over traits and discoveries. Is there a good circus-related trait? Something for acrobatics perhaps. Or I might give him the one for Bluff.
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Wolfwaker here, this alchemist is almost finished. He grew up in a circus and learned from a performing alchemist. I'm still mulling over traits and discoveries. Is there a good circus-related trait? Something for acrobatics perhaps. Or I might give him the one for Bluff.
How about this one? Stage Magic.
Kalum, Navigator.
Personality
Kalum is a nice guy with a tendency to talk himself into trouble. He is fairly easy going, and believes that everything passes in time, and that the only constant is change. He helps people if he can, because that's how he was raised and the world would be a nicer place if everyone did.
Kalum is a priest of Yog Sothoth, but he sees Yog Sothoth as a positive deity (Yog Sothoth is CN, and Kalum is CG), Yog Sothoth is the whole of space and time, within which everything happens. Sentient minds are simply the Universe - Yog Sothoth - trying to understand itself.
Kalum is tied to Yog Sothoth through the rituals performed over him while he was being born. Over time that tie will grow.
Kalum comes from a large family that share money. The family had hard times in the past and Kalum would like to make sure he can put aside enough money so it doesn't happen again. He's not greedy, but he hates the idea of being desperate again.
Kalum loves stargazing, wandering, and living the heck out of life.
Background
Kalum was born 13th in a family of 17. Kalum married Giala. Kalum died after her seventh child was born. Giala remarried to Rocur. She died in childbirth three children later. Roccur then married Yamyra, who had two children already. Roccur passed away a few months before Kalum was born. Yamyra then had a child out of wedlock. She then married Lem - a riding dog trainer. Yamra bore Lem three children before her last childbirth rendered her barren.
With such a large family every copper counted. Pregant with Kalum, single and desperate for money, Yamyra agreed to a deal with a kindly wizard - actually a priest of Yog-Sothoth. She believed she was allowing the priest to do some harmless experimentation in exchange for food and clothing for her kids, and a guarantee of education and a stipend for Kalum.
Kalum, born suprisingly normal, was favoured of Yog Sothoth. The Priest dutifully "educated" him, inducting him to the mysteries of Yog Sothoth. These appealed to Kalum immensely - the enormous size of the Dark Tapestry left him humbled, the infinte worlds and planes appealed to his halfling nature, and something in him - something not halfling, was drawn to the dark majestic power and knowledge of a somehow sentient time and space. He loved to lie on the roof at night and just watch the stars.
Kalum wanted to travel, but his education was till he was 25, and his parents needed his stipend. He hung in there, waiting. He threw himself into his education, learning all he could of the world, and more importantly of the stars. He promised himself that once he started moving, he'd never stop.
The moment he turned 25, he finally let his wanderlust take him. He headed into the capital - something he'd always wanted to see. When he saw a sign offering wealth, death benefits for his family if he died, and the chance to travel everywhere he knew that he had to have that job.
CG Halfling (Wanderlust, Outrider) Cleric (Scroll Scholar) of Yog Sothoth (Exploration, Stars) 2
Str 6 Dex 16 Con 10 Int 12 Wis 16 Cha 16
Feat: Skill Focus: Knowledge Nature
Trait: Born into Poverty (+1 surv, surv is class skill)
Trait: Unspeakable Bond (+2 diplomacy with aberrations)
Exploration Domain: +10 ft movement
Exploration Domain: Door Sight - clarivoyance through an 8 inch thick door
Stars Domain: Change spontaneously burn spells to cast Stars spells if prepare under the stars
Stars Domain: Stars spells cast under the stars heal self level in HP
Scroll Scholar: 1 knowledge skill is class skill, and +1 per 2 levels. Add 1 skill per 5 levels.
Channel Energy 1d6 (positive)
Skills:
Survival +10 = +2 racial +1 trait +1 rank +3 trained +3 wis
Knowledge Nature +9 = +3 feat +1 class +3 trained +1 rank +1 int
Diplomacy +7 = +1 rank +3 trained +3 cha
Sense Motive +7 = +1 rank +3 trained +3 wis
Handle Animal +6 = +2 racial +1 rank +3 cha
Ride +5 = +2 racial +3 dex
Perception +5 =+2 racial +3 wis
Linguistics +5 = +3 trained +1 int +1 rank
Knowledge Geography +3 = +2 racial +1 int
Kalum is applying to be a navigator. He has excellent Survival, and a good knowledge of nature. He has enough Ride and Handle Animal to be a reasonable backup Driver, and enough Diplomacy and Sense Motive to handle negotiations if needed.
As a cleric he is able to plane shift from level 9. As a travel domain cleric with wanderlust he can teleport as a Move action at level 7. He can cast planar binding on a nightmare at level 7 (with risk, of course). He has a lot of travel spells in both his domain lists. As time goes on he will get better at knowledges, pick up comprehend languages as an always on ability, and eventually at level 20 be able to cast most teleport spells as a 24th level caster.
Wolfwaker here, this alchemist is almost finished. He grew up in a circus and learned from a performing alchemist. I'm still mulling over traits and discoveries. Is there a good circus-related trait? Something for acrobatics perhaps. Or I might give him the one for Bluff.How about this one? Stage Magic.
Sounds like it fits him perfectly. Now I am thinking about starting as Alchemist 1/Rogue (Swashbuckler) 1 to get the scimitar (and rapier) proficiency. Assuming the GM doesn't find that too cheesy. My reasoning is he picked up a lot of rogue skills (acrobatics, perform, disguise) in the circus.
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Sounds like it fits him perfectly. Now I am thinking about starting as Alchemist 1/Rogue (Swashbuckler) 1 to get the scimitar (and rapier) proficiency. Assuming the GM doesn't find that too cheesy. My reasoning is he picked up a lot of rogue skills (acrobatics, perform, disguise) in the circus.Wolfwaker here, this alchemist is almost finished. He grew up in a circus and learned from a performing alchemist. I'm still mulling over traits and discoveries. Is there a good circus-related trait? Something for acrobatics perhaps. Or I might give him the one for Bluff.How about this one? Stage Magic.
When ROLEplaying, nothing is too cheesy. Just let out your inner child. On a related note, since you did express an opinion, why Rogue(swashbuckler)? Wouldn't a bard be a better dip to originate from? Seems to fit the background as well as meet your end goal.
When ROLEplaying, nothing is too cheesy. Just let out your inner child. On a related note, since you did express an opinion, why Rogue(swashbuckler)? Wouldn't a bard be a better dip to originate from? Seems to fit the background as well as meet your end goal.Sounds like it fits him perfectly. Now I am thinking about starting as Alchemist 1/Rogue (Swashbuckler) 1 to get the scimitar (and rapier) proficiency. Assuming the GM doesn't find that too cheesy. My reasoning is he picked up a lot of rogue skills (acrobatics, perform, disguise) in the circus.Wolfwaker here, this alchemist is almost finished. He grew up in a circus and learned from a performing alchemist. I'm still mulling over traits and discoveries. Is there a good circus-related trait? Something for acrobatics perhaps. Or I might give him the one for Bluff.How about this one? Stage Magic.
Rogue seems like a good fit for the job and swashbuckler lets me get the scimitar proficiency without spending a feat. I figure he is around a lot of sword-wielding performers, acrobats, hustlers, maybe some shady sneaky types and picked up the rogue skills that would come in handy for this job. If I really wanted to min-max his skills I could go Dawnflower Dervish Bard and get Dervish Dance right away but that seemed like more of a stretch story-wise.
Mark, guys, I'm pulling Dyoming out. I'm over committed on PbP as it is. I'm afraid enthusiasm for a great campaign concept, led to a lapse of judgement as to what I can handle.
Best of luck on the campaign!
therealthom - no problems man, appreciate the interest :)
And on to questions - I've spoilered them below primarily to minimize the wall of text involved. There isn't anything secret hiding in there, and please try to not read anything into the queries re: selections or chances.
What would be the first thing that you would upgrade on the conveyance? - and why?
Why did your mother (a succubus) have a sword?
How and why did a necromancer have a demonic companion?
What (if any) stigma did you carry growing up a bastard?
How was Lamtheer actually abducted?
How did your character get from Taldor to Tian Xia and back?
How does the Desert Shadow trait fit into your background?
Apart from that, background is good for now
How does he reconcile the reactions of others to his strangeness?
I'm not sold on the name - would you be open to changing it a bit?
What power over the other villagers did you wield?
Would you be willing to change to the Golarion changeling?
OK, I'm settling on this more balanced alchemist-only build without the dervish dance:
Full Name Kiren
Race Elf
Classes/Levels Alchemist 2
Gender Male
Age 20
Alignment Neutral Good
Deity Desna
Strength 14
Dexterity 16
Constitution 10
Intelligence 18
Wisdom 10
Charisma 8
Kiren Tanariel was an inquisitive and restless elf who joined up with a circus as an apprentice to a traveling alchemist who would transform into bizarre creatures as part of his act. After a disagreement with the circus master, Kiren set off on his own, not sure what he would do, until he saw a certain business opportunity.
Kiren can act as guard, using his alchemical bombs as well as his weapons, and benefitting from magically enhanced strength or dexterity when necessary. He also has a few extracts (and can make potions) that will aid in subterfuge. Always working on new discoveries, he wonders if he can build an alchemically-powered transport or perhaps a roof-mounted alchemical weapon.
Feat: Brew Potion (alchemist)
Feat: Throw Anything (alchemist)
Feat: Point-Blank Shot (+1 attack and damage with ranged weapons to 30')
Trait: Warrior of Old (+2 initiative)
Trait: (maybe) Stage Magic (+2 perform when using alchemical items)
Bomb 1d6+IN (6/day) (level+INT)
Mutagen (+2 armor +4 ST/DX/CO but -2 IN/WI/CH for 20 min) 1 hr prep
Poison Use
Poison Resistance +2
Discoveries:
Tanglefoot Bomb
Extracts per day: 3 at level 1
Extracts known (6):
disguise self
cure light wounds
vocal alteration
reduce person
comprehend languages
enlarge person
Armor: Studded Leather
Weapons:
Light Crossbow
Longsword
As for your questions
I am willing to change, I am not sure how the Golarian Changling works but I will look it up, I also need to finish rounding out my character, currently he is missing traits, feats, and a complete back story, I am going to keep what is already posted of course, just flesh it out a bit more. I threw up what is there in about an hour yesterday.
More then willing to talk shop about the abilities, he is a character that I have played a couple of times back when I used to play 3.5 and I enjoy playing him so I know how everything works pretty well.
2. With a smirk Charlotte replies, I would imagine mother dearest was quite the skilled warrior on top of being good in bed. The Rhoka is a demonic weapon, but I never thought to (or dared) ask how she acquired one. Forget the fact that it is forged of a weird black metal.
Sometimes I swear the damned thing is watching me.
3. Continuing to answer the agents questions, Charlotte almost seems to blush, I supposed because he wanted the power, and other..... assets, that binding her his will could provide. I guess I should be happy he preferred a living mate, all things considered.
The "A" to your "Q" (yes I'm aware that sounds awful)
...and now that I'm thinking about it how about
My Big, Fat "A's"
Question for Shorga:
How would you reconcile the job of driving the wagon with the mounted abilities of the cavalier?
I've thought of several options here,
I'd tie Ursa loosely to the carriage, and have her walk next to my seat on the wagon, nearby if I needed to mount in a hurry.If combat occurred I'd mount Ursa and let the carriage rest in place.
If the carriage needed to flee then Ursa would run alongside, a wagon moving much slower than a horse at full speed.
As an Honor Guard archetype he's much better suited to sticking close to others, or moving quickly to others, rather than harassing the enemy with run-by's or charging out to meet the foe. Shorga can and will do those things if the situation calls for it, but his first priority in a combat situation is the carriage and those in it.
Re:feedback
I padded out his personality a bit under his description in his profile.
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Answer to the Question for all
I would replace the reins and the wheels first. Nobody wants the reins to break and the bullock to run off without us. Wheels would be hard to replace in the middle of a delivery.
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Great questions make me think of some aspects of my PC that could use development.
Qadira
"Early on in my career as a… hand for hire, a meeting was arranged with an old Qadiran. This man proudly identified himself as “one of the Peerless”. While to me, this “title” didn’t hold much value, to him it was everything. He explained that he was a retired merchant and advisor to the royal family in Qadira. In his old age, Khair Saheed, son of Abdul-Aziz of Osirion, found himself relaxing in the culturally rich region of Taldor, where enough coin can buy you anything. Khair, having left Qadira on… less than good terms with some of the local merchants, expects that his estate has been ransacked. He sent me on a series of trips out there to secure some of his lost belongings. Unfortunately, Qadira is on a cultural lockdown, and moving around as a Taldan is… less than convenient. While this is my specialty, becoming a local in Qadira is not easy. Everything from facial hair, to their wardrobes, to their odd mannerisms is quite particular, but this never proved to be a… serious problem, but I digress. Having spent so much time out there infiltrating areas patrolled by the Imperial Guard, I honed my ability to move unnoticed. I’ll tell you right now I can learn anything, become anyone, and sneak anywhere twice as fast as anyone you’ve hired."
Tian Xia
"Tian Xia you ask? This is where it gets good. Prior to this job, I had never worked for a Taldan. It seems that Taldans generally search outside of the city for talent, as this lowers the risk of being caught. Quintus, as he called himself, was a young noble looking to get his hands on some serious poison. I’ve made it a habit not to ask too many questions, so I held myself back from inquiring further. One thing I do know about poison, is that when employed by the wrong hands, everything can and will go wrong. He requested a substance called “Black Lotus Extract”. He said he had a Taldan contact from Amanandar who would be waiting for him in Goka when he arrived. Now, the hardest part about getting to Tian Xia was the simply the idea of spending somewhere close to six months on a boat. This is longer than I am used to, but my own disappearance for a while was a welcomed idea.
One would think that blending in a crowd in Tian Xia would be hard for a Taldan, and one would be correct in assuming so. Why try? Taldan merchants and Aristocrats spend plenty of time out there, so merchant is the angle I took. With some financial help from my my employer Quintus, I assumed the name of Vincenzo Motta, master of fabrics. From the time of arrival, it took me less than 48 hours to track down my contact, and secure the package. With a few days left on my hand before the next boat was leaving to Taldor, I decided to live it up. With time and coin to spare, I indulged myself. I experienced the cuisine, theater, brothels, and on my last day there, caught a bit of some of the training going on for the Ruby Phoenix tournament. Have you ever seen what a wakizashi can do to a man? Perhaps you’ll soon have the opportunity to witness, I purchased a couple while I was down there. On the ride back, I started playing with my new toys. A local from Tian on his way to Taldor approached me and offered a hand in learning how to use it. I graciously accepted his offer and received some serious training. Odd that a local would have such talent, but it seems quite normal for the citizens there to have martial training."
Human Ninja 2
N Medium
Init +3; Senses Perception +6
DEFENSE
AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13 (+3 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 13 (2d8)
Fort +0, Ref +6, Will +1
Defensive Abilities none; Immune none
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee wakizashi +5 (1d6/18-20) or wakizashi x2 +3 (1d6/18-20), sneak attack (1d6)
Ranged shortbow +5 (1d6) or dagger +5 (1d4/19-20), sneak attack (1d6)
Special Attacks Ki Pool (extra attack, +20ft speed, +4 stealth)
STATISTICS
Str 10, Dex 16, Con 10, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 18
Base Atk +1; CMB +1; CMD 14
Feats Dazzling Display, Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (Wakizashi)
Skills Acrobatics +7, Bluff +9, Diplomacy +9, Disable Device +7, Disguise +8, Intimidate +8, Perception +6, Ride +9, Sense Motive +5, Sleight of Hand +8, Stealth +8
Traits Desert Shadow (GtSOP), Militia Veteran (Ride) (T:EoG)
Languages Common
Sq Combat Trick (Dazzling Display), Ki pool (5), Poison use, Sneak Attack (1d6)
Combat Gear smokestick; Other Gear masterwork studded leather, shortbow, wakizashi (2), 5 gp
Varius would rank his preferences and describe abilities to an employer in this way:
1. Guard: Strong DPR capability with excellent scouting skills.
2. Driver: Excellent Ride skill, and could easily re-arrange or take some skills to fit the job
3. Navigator: Having traveled the world due to previous jobs and contracts, and an outstanding Gather Information skill, Varius would be very resourceful as a navigator. He would focus on using his disguise skill to secure passage to wherever needed. With a high leadership score, Varius would take a cohort at level 11 who could cast Plane Shift to get the party around. This could add a dynamic element to the campaign.
In all three roles, Varius would/could function as the Diplomat and Scout, engaging in diplomacy, subterfuge, infiltration and and spying.
Varius was born Iacobus Vanguard in Taldor, to a common family. His parents educated well in etiquette and literacy, and worked him hard. Varius grew up content, but over the years became quite bored. In a society that cared little for the common worker, he had no place in the activities of high society.
When he came of age, the military was the obvious choice for Iacobus, as it gave him the opportunity to possibly earn some social rank. He quickly began to make friends, and make progress within the local militia. As anybody this socially gifted, he called a lot of attention to himself, with little patience or care for the idea of "doing his time". Needless to say, his commanding officers took notice of him, and were not thrilled by his competence. As a commoner without a name, he was expendable, and was quickly weeded out of the military.
With a ruined name, and no more than a few copper in his pocket, he decided that this was not the life for him. He began to travel, testing his ability to blend in, and survive off of nothing but good looks and quick hands. After a failing a few times, he realized that creating new personas was the key to making his way in the world. He quickly used this skill to experience a more ritzy lifestyle, which has become his standard of living now. He came up with the name Varius Noma for himself, and began to use this name as his primary front. He began to brand himself in low places as a "specialist mercenary", and earned a lot of credibility in this way. His most recent job, which was in Tian Xia, exposed him to the world of eastern culture and combat. He immediately became obsessed, and purchased himself a couple of Wakizashis to train with. Since then, he hasn't turned back to martial weapons.
As is ritualistic for himself, he has been laying low for a few months now, and is preparing to take another job.
Varius is a master of deception. Each job he takes, he will either recycle one of his developed aliases, or come up with one which is best suited for the job at hand. He does not need to rely upon magic or other supernatural tricks to sway people (as of yet). He will not speak of his past life with anyone (unless by some miracle he gets drunk and seduced by a beautiful woman, in which case he may break down), and has no problem lying about where he comes from, to anyone. He has an obsession for eastern culture, and considers himself to be quite zen, meditating when possible, and practicing with his Wakizashis. With only a few months worth of training with the Wakizashis, he's become proficient with the weapons, and now prefers to use them over anything else he learned while in the Military. Varius if possible will stay ahead of the crew in order to scout out any potential threats. In the beginning this means he will try to obtain his own horse and rise separately from a carriage or cart.
Kybryn
Answer:
After checking the axles, Kiren eyes the bullock and looks at his alchemist's case. "Hmmm, I knew a fellow from Ustalav that used to experiment on animals. Maybe I could give that bullock a bit of an 'upgrade' if we needed more strength."
I'm not really keen on my character so I am going to be pulling out. Sorry taking up board space ;) good luck everyone :D
Kergal is used to the stares and suspicion of the land-based people he meets, and this only further spurs him on to attempt to redeem himself in the eyes of his people, in the hopes of returning some day. But in his experience, fellow warriors quickly respect him as an equal once they see him fight alongside them.
Lamtheer's answers
I would replace the reins.
If you can't control your horsepower, you're in trouble.
And then, I would replace the bullock, as soon as possible.
If your horsepower is slow and old, your travel will be tediously time consuming and... non profitable ! We can't have that !
The druidic circle was effectively destroyed. Several dire twisted animals, three mossy fungous monsters, two evil druids and the abusive ranger were killed during the battle with the Eagle Knights and the paladin.
A dozen perverted nature cultists and two lesser evil druids were thrown in jail by the Eagle Knights.
The Knights were later contacted by respectable (non-evil) druids, who took custody of their two druidic malevolent colleagues, saying something like "You won't hear about these two anymore. We take care of our own."
The Eagle Knights didn't ask them to elaborate.
Anadra, the leader of the druidic circle, managed to escape during the battle.
---
In the first days of Lamtheer's life, while is mother was still in bed after the delivery, he became very ill. Moss began to grow in his hair, in his eyes, in his mouth - and in his lungs. Nothing could cure him, and his parents were becoming desperate.
Luckily, Lamtheer's nurse, a wise old woman hired by his parents, told Elsbeth and Astiel that she knew of a clearing deep in the forest, circled by old trees and with an ancient oak in the middle of it. There was some mysterious beneficent influence in the glade that had in the past saved people from the kind of affliction which now threatened Lamtheer's life.
The old nurse could take Lamtheer with her and bring him before the old oak and pray for his cure. But she would need Astiel to accompany them and to protect her and the infant against the numerous hazards of the forest.
Astiel was eager to go so his child could be saved.
Before going, the old nurse spoke softly to Elstbeth, still bed-ridden:
"I need your blessing, milady. Do you entrust me with the life of Lamtheer, your only child ?"
"I do. Please, save him !" answered Elsbeth imploringly .
The old nurse had a reassuring smile. Then she departed with the baby and the father.
After a 3 days trek in the dense forest, they arrived by night in the clearing. It was a foreboding place, with a big moss-covered oak tree in the middle of it. Astiel's heart clenched in his chest, but he still hoped for his child to be saved.
Then the old nurse stood before the olden oak with the baby in his arms.
"Behold !" she said to the great oak, to the trees around the clearing, to the mute beasts of the forest and to the dark sky above.
"This child is named Lamtheer and his mother entrusted his life to me of her own free will !"
Then she smiled at Astiel and a veil of glamour came off her countenance. And then it was the vile Anadra who stood grinning savagely at the astounded father.
"Kill him !" screamed the druid in a shrill voice, and the olden oak tree itself moved to crush the life out of the Elf.
Astiel fought like a cornered lion and, as fate would have it, managed to save his life and to flee from the clearing.
But in so doing, he abandoned his and Elsbeth's only child to the dubious care of Anadra.
The wicked druid finally cured Lamtheer of the mossy disease she had called upon him herself.
But today, 20 years later, Lamtheer's hair remains green, its tinge the same as a lush moss' colour.
We need approximately 254gp to replace everything, if we pool our money... we may be able to do just that.
4gp, two Bit & Bridle
100gp, Carriage
150gp, two Light Horses (cheaper, can pull more than 1 heavy horse. maybe buy 1 at a time - alongside current horse)
Thom just started helping him rebuild it. Doing most of the manual labor. In exchange, Thom received food and drink and a silver every week. There was also a cot to sleep on, in the corner of the "lab".
At night, with his darkvision... we protected the place from any local "curiosity". He wasn't asked to, he just did it. The bolder kids liked to play practical jokes.
Thom was quiet, shy... uncertain. But, eventually broke out of his shell. The wizard caught him reading a book, and was apparently shocked. He hadn't considered a young half-orc could read. But, read Thom could... and write.
The wizard had him transcribe notes from his research, write letters and allowed him to read what so ever he pleased... except the spellbook and scrolls. But, eventually the old man relented and let the boy dabble.
"If I'm gonna teach you, I get to call you something... Thomas is your name?"
"Just Thom. The kids call me Thom-Thom.
"I knew a Thom a long time ago, toe haired and freckles... That isn't you. You have a darker complexion, black hair... and you do like the shadows and prefer black clothing. Like you don't want to be seen, hmm..."
"People always get the wrong idea. Like I'm bad luck, like a black cat or something."
"Black Thom, then."
First up on the list would be the reins. Maintaining control is number one priority in driving. Broken reins in a dangerous situation might mean ruination for the cart and cargo and injury for the crew.
Second would be the cart. With some proper engineering, the cart can be made both stronger and lighter, allowing the same old beast to go faster or increasing the carrying capacity. In addition, a strong animal pulling a rickety cart can cause it to break on a rough road.
The bullock will be the last. The most important is not how fast it can sprint, but how easy it is to control and how reliably it will cope with duress.
Not sure if applications are still open. If so, I'd like to toss my hat in the ring, so to speak.
Dwarf Cleric (Divine Strategist) of Gorum 1 / Fighter (Unbreakable) 1
Domain: Destruction (Rage)
STR 16, DEX 11, CON 15, INT 14, WIS 16, CHA 7
Alternate Race Traits: Craftsman, Rock Stepper, and maybe Magic Resistanr
Feats: Endurance (Ftr-Unb), Die Hard (Ftr-Unb), Power Attack (1st)
Skills: Craft (weapon) +6, Craft (armor) +6, Heal +7, Intimidate +2, Knowledge (religion) +6, Sense Motive +8
Applying for a guard position (although later would be able to "navigate" to other planes, the guard position should have the most "action").
I'll write up basic back story soon.
As to your question on what to fix:
If that didn't work or was not possible, I'd focus on strenghening and building up the structure of the carriage. Sure it'd be nice to move swiftly (or at all), but who cares if you can move if you're dead or your goods have been stolen? Build up the defenses now and worry about delivery later.
Thanks to all for the questions and in response to Dark Netwerk - recruitment will close officially 24 hours from the time of this post, and I'll post selections soon after.
This is the remake of Grix now known as Icarus Ras'Drexel a Human Factotum rather then a Changling, This required a complete redo of his background and I changed his stats a little due to the +2 for being human, also moved around a few skill points and added the Feats.
Class: Factotum lvl 2 (Dungeonscape 3.5) Driver +Basic combat abilities
Race: Human
Str 13 +1
Dex 14 +2
Con 12 +1
Int 16 +3 (14 +2 for human)
Wis 10
Cha 14 +2
Hp 15
BAB +1
Fort 0+1 Ref 3+2 Will 0
inspiration pts per encounter 3
Inspiration- Gains number of inspiration points at the beginning of each encounter according to level.
Cunning insight- Before an attack roll, damage roll, or saving throw an inspiration point can be spent to add Int bonus as a modifier to the roll
Cunning Knowledge- Adds Int bonus as modifier to skill check
Trapfinding- As a rogue
Arcane dilettante(1 spell, lvl 0)- Spend an inspiration point to mimic a spell as a spell like ability
6+Int modifier+1 per lvl
*Bluff 1+2 Cha
Diplomacy 1+2 Cha
Disable Device 2+2 Dex
*Disguise 2+2 Cha
Handle Animal 2+2 Cha
Intimidate 1+2 Cha
Knowledge(Arcana) 1+3 Int
(Engineering) 1+3 Int
(Geography) 1+3 Int
Linguistics 2+3 Int
Perception 2
*Sense motive 2
*Spellcraft 2+3 Int
Precise Shot
during his travels Icarus was digging though his bag one night and again came across the book that was given to him. At this point every town that he stopped in he would assume the guise of a certain traveler that matched one of the buildings in the town. A acolyte if there was a church or a apprentice if there was a wizard tower learning something at each place that he went to, perfecting his disguises and stories as he passed from town to town, working odd jobs for money. Until he saw a tattered add nailed to a post...
Icarus is very secretive, not telling people his real name or abilities, he can drive a carriage and knows his way around a few weapons and armor. He keeps mainly to himself mostly because he doesn't stay in one place or disguise long enough to make friends. His goals are simple, looking for knowledge and abilities and enough gold to keep himself clothed and fed. He is also interested in magical items and will obtain them through questionable means if necessary.
Here is the background for my character:
Morgrym Hammarstahl
It was a human, leaving at the same time Morgrym was, who introduced Morgrym to the worship of the God of battle, strength and weapons. Needing more, Morgrym left the Five Kingdoms to search out the faith of Gorum. He eventually found it among the dwarves of the Kodar mountains north of Varisia and he joined the clergy of the Lord of Iron with relish, his previous strategic training helping to shape his divine path.
Once his training was complete and he had touched the divinity of his new god, he went back out into the world to find battles wherever they may be, and test his mettle. But first he had to return a favor to his cousin who had moved to Almas in Andoran.
Finding Smithtown and the dwarven enclave was simple, but finding his cousin was not. Morgrym was set upon by a group of thugs in fancy clothes. After handily defeating them, the city guard arrived. A witness had told them that he assaulted the group of, what turned out to be, young nobles. The witness, of course, was his cousin, a respected smith in the area, and so the watch were inclined to believe him rather than Morgrym.
As luck would have it, none of the nobles had been killed and so Morgrym was not put in jail or executed. Unfortunately, he was forced to pay restitution to them with the last of his coin. Morgrym's cousin, his plan not having been entirely successful, fled the city, leaving no trace of his whereabouts.
Having scrounged together what he could, Morgrym prepared to leave the city when he spotted the note on the lantern post.
Hmmm, he thought. Travel and danger. And danger leads to battle. I don't have many options and this looks promising. What's the worst that could happen? If the danger turns out to be lacking, I can seek my battles elsewhere...
Right-o, after deliberating on the submissions and having some hard choices I have settled upon the five un/lucky applicants that will be signing up as follows:
Navigator:
Harakani - Kalum: Halfling Cleric
Driver:
flykiller - Otis Ryland: Human Rogue
Guards:
Dementia Walker - Icarus Ras'Drexel: Factotum
Mug - Shorga Brull: Half-Orc Cavalier
Wolfwaker - Kiren: Elf Alchemist
Please check in here to the OOC thread for final checks and balances.
Many thanks to those that applied, and if any spots open up I'll return here for replacements. If there are any questions as to non-selection, feel free to post it here or PM me so that I can give feedback.