Post/Author/DateTime	Post
cog_n_taz 07-23-07, 09:29 AM	Some would call him a paladin, he calls himself an ordinary man. Some would call him a martyr, others, an abomination. Those who know him simply refer to him as “ol’ Bill”. If someone were to ask them when he came to the village of Shepherd’s Retreat, they would not have an answer, only that he had been there for as long as anyone can remember. If one were to ask them of his last name, they would not remember, he’s just Bill, good ol’ Bill. Perhaps even he does not know the answers to these questions by now, but it scarcely seems to matter any more. he has always been there, always will be. Indeed, for the inhabitants of Shepherd’s Retreat, the village without Bill would be almost unthinkable. Since when the grandparents of those living in the village were but children, Bill had been there, there to help the village in whatever way he could. From defending from bandits, to finding a stray sheep in a snowstorm, to tending to the sick and injured, whatever the task, old bill was always there to help. And then, one day, he wasn’t. Aging is something that comes to everyone, death doubly so. After what seemed like an eternity, Bill’s presence was nowhere to be found in Shepherd’s Retreat. The villagers were at a loss what to do without him. Some wept, some simply sighed and shook their heads, a few accepted his death and moved on, after all, he was an old man, wasn’t he? All, however, mourned his death. his funeral was a sight to see, as every villager in Shepherd’s retreat and the surrounding areas attended, mourning the death of the kind man that was Bill, yet not one member of the church of the Shining One appeared, as though they had forgotten about him entirely. Those who knew him begged him to return, but the body of the man that was once Bill held no life within it. Meanwhile, Bill had arrived in Celestia, in the realm of the Shining One. Though he was saddened by being forced to leave Shepherd’s Retreat, he was content in the knowledge that he had done what he could. his duty was done, there was nothing more to do, and now he would spend eternity in the service of the Shining One. But Bill was a wiser man than most, and in time, he saw the village suffer from the lack of his presence. Those still living in Shepherd’s Retreat needed a new guardian, yet none would come to such a place. Across the years, Bill had been the only one who had come to help, and indeed, it seemed as though he was the only paladin who would ever visit the tiny village. Days after this revelation, Bill marched into the heart of Celestia, demanding a direct audience with the Shining One. When his request was not met, the Archons before the gates were shoved roughly aside as Bill stormed away to meet his god. Several days after, Bill had returned, smiling happily. It later became apparent that the Shining one had been kindly persuaded to give Bill permission to return to life to protect the people of Shepherd’s Retreat once more, though the exact words used to persuade the god were “If you don’t let me back down there this minute, I am going to call your good friend Olidamarra over here, and I’ll remind him to bring the Satyrs along, got it?”. Whatever the method of his kind, understanding and reasonable persuasion, Bill rose from the grave several days later as a Deathless, returned to life by what could only be described as a miracle. The villagers were indeed, as he expected, shocked to see him, but they held no fear of his new form, understanding almost instantly that however he may look, this was still old Bill. They welcomed him back into Shepherd’s Retreat, and every villager rejoiced over his return for days on end. Ten years later, Bill still resides in the sleepy little village of Shepherd’s Retreat, “doing the job that’s put in front of me”. Even today, he walks the grasslands around the village, guiding the sheep along the rolling pastures. Yes, he's undead. Yes, he's still LG. Yes, he's still a paladin. No, he isn't going to spontaneously blackguard. In light of that, what say you, CD boards? Any good?
Fithero 07-23-07, 10:02 AM	Sweet background! Couple of questions- 1) What level is he? If the game is going to start at a higher level (10+) for example, then its cool to have him die of old age. If its a 1st lvl game (or anything below 5th) then perhaps he was killed or died from some disease. I say this only because ive always had a problem with people at the end of their life, still being 1st lvl characters. 2) Why is he so tightly bound to this small town? Sure, its noble to want to defend a town that no one else will, but to give up your own after life? Perhaps there is something comming, a prophecy of some sort that he knows that only he will be able to handle. Or perhaps the town rests above an entombed weapon or creature. 3) Why did none of the town clergy attend his funeral? 4) What do the towns folk think of his new form? 5) Why 'Bill'? As i said, he sounds like a cool character and the background is well written. Good work.
cog_n_taz 07-23-07, 10:30 AM	Ah, fithero, glad to have you on the case:) . Also, good to hear you liked it, now onto the questions... 1) 5th. Going necropolitan, and the DM gave me permission to dump it for DK (nerfed heavily, +2 LA) at level 8 and retroactively go back down to 6th. 2) he's spent his entire life there, he loves the place, everyone he knows is there, and he really cares about the village and everyone there. It is, for all practical purposes, his home town, and he came back for the purpose of staying there even after death. 3) The town clergy did, but he didn't get a big paladin's funeral from his church, unlike most. See, he wasn't too important, and he was basically put there and completely forgotten, and he suspects but doesn't know this. In fact, they don't even know he's dead, they forgot entirely about his existence. 4) they were surprised, and a bit nervous at first, but after a while, he reverted to "good ol' Bill". If you mentioned that he's undead, they would likely say "Yes, he is, so?". Basically, from day to day, they've ceased to even notice that he is, in fact, undead. he isn't a paladin, he isn't an Undead Abomination (TM), he's Bill. 5) because it's a simple, and good name. Could you imagine this guy being called "Sir gunther the valiant"? 'cause I can't. Also, it's inspired by Bill Door from Reaper man (diskworld). Death basically goes on vacation there, and works udner disguise at a corn farm as a farmhand, under the name Bill Door.
Staver 07-23-07, 10:49 AM	Okay, I have a question: are you planning on playing this character, or is he an NPC of some sort? If you are planning on playing him, will all the adventures take place in Shepherd's Retreat? If not, you've kind of boxed yourself in. If he's so devoted to this place that he argued with his god to allow him to return there, he's not likely to spontaneously go roaming about seeking adventure. -Staver :embarrass
cog_n_taz 07-23-07, 11:01 AM	he's a PC, actually, and I've already thought about that.:) Basically, he stays around to do whatever is necessary to protect his village. If something serious threatens it (such as, say, the evil curse of doom which can only be stopped by killing the dragon BBEG, who lives on mt. plothook), he will leave to deal with said threat, and then come back. he stays because he wants to and because that is currently how he can best help the place, but he isn't haunting the village or anything, far from it.
Fithero 07-23-07, 11:13 AM	1) 5th. Going necropolitan, and the DM gave me permission to dump it for DK (nerfed heavily, +2 LA) at level 8 and retroactively go back down to 6th. When you say necropolitan, do you mean some sort of "good" version of one, ie: one thats empowered by positive energy rather than negative, aswell as one that isnt all rotting? 5) because it's a simple, and good name. Could you imagine this guy being called "Sir gunther the valiant"? 'cause I can't. Also, it's inspired by Bill Door from Reaper man (diskworld). Death basically goes on vacation there, and works udner disguise at a corn farm as a farmhand, under the name Bill Door. Sweet, if youve gotta a hidden/deeper meaning behind it, then run with it. (such as, say, the evil curse of doom which can only be stopped by killing the dragon BBEG, who lives on mt. plothook) Ugh... i really hate mt.plothook. You gotta walk through the gates of conflict, all the way up rising tension path and the dragon lives right at the top of resolution peak... such a pain in the you-know-what :P (A shiny +1 dagger of returning, to anyone who figures out what i just said :P) Peace
cog_n_taz 07-23-07, 11:37 AM	Nope, no deep, hidden meaning, that's the whole point:D . Additionally, yes, he's deathless, but he will look kinda scary undead-y. Actually, the DM gave me permission to take the nerfed DK template straight away, so he's a level 3 paladin, and DK as LA+2. And yeah, he looks like an armoured skeleton with burning orange lights for eyes etc. Scary, but he's just "Good ol' Bill" to them. heck, even the sheep don't mind him by now:P .
cog_n_taz 07-24-07, 11:56 PM	Okay, the DM was kind enough to start the campaign in Shepherd's Retreat:D . Also, a paladin from the Order he nominally belongs to (the one that forgot all about him) passed through the place, and while staying there for the night, saw Bill. he didn't recognize him (he was a kid when the guy left, and it's been ages since, the paladin wasn't too young himself), and freaked out, automatically going into "Undead abomination, prepare to die" mode. So, how did Bill reply? Well, he just smiled calmly, patted the guy on the back, and said "Evenin' Gunther, how've you been?" Yeah, that left him a very confused paladin. he proceeded to explain everything that had been going on, which left the guy in something of a shock, as you might expect. It took a lot to even make him remember Bill, actually. Ofcourse, Bill had a few laughs at his expense, as you might expect from him. Oh, and his skill selections make powergamers cry. I picked max ranks in profession (shepherd), and split the remaining skill points between profession (fishing) and craft (cooking). Nerf fishing, I say!
Fithero 07-25-07, 12:40 AM	sounds like it went well, and good work on the skill selection! Just as long as he doesnt show up on any paladins regular 'detect evil' scans, im sure it wouldnt be to hard to convince them of your goodlyness :P Peace
cog_n_taz 07-25-07, 12:53 AM	Yeah, the party is still nervous, but largely convinced. I mean, they found him surrounded by sheep and fishing, it's kinda hard to believe otherwise. So, what do you think of his reply to that paladin? Definitely shocked him:D
CrimsonDeath 07-25-07, 02:32 AM	Ugh... i really hate mt.plothook. You gotta walk through the gates of conflict, all the way up rising tension path and the dragon lives right at the top of resolution peak... such a pain in the you-know-what :P (A shiny +1 dagger of returning, to anyone who figures out what i just said :P) Peace Yeah, then you have to take the barrel down the Falls of Action... But I do like the peaceful stroll back home through the Fields of Denoument.
Drow64 07-25-07, 03:08 AM	This is Bill: http://www.mindflayedcomic.com/comic041.jpg http://www.mindflayedcomic.com/comic042.jpg http://www.mindflayedcomic.com/comic043.jpg He's the Lich.
Fithero 07-25-07, 07:25 AM	Yeah, then you have to take the barrel down the Falls of Action... But I do like the peaceful stroll back home through the Fields of Denoument. Boo-Yah! Congratulations, you can now put in your sig. 1 "Fithero's +1 Dagger of Returning" Collect the whole set :P Peace
cog_n_taz 07-26-07, 12:54 AM	...Butcher my character concept not, Drow64, for there shall be a reckoning:P . Also, Bill stores his mace, shield, sword and full plate in a chest in his house, but doesn't actually wear em unless he has to. What he is actually wearing in a non-combat situation consists of (usually) a fishing pole across his back, and a sack of bait and other equipment in his backpack, along with, quite possibly, his lunchbox (he doesn't need to eat, but he still can, and enjoys good food). he tends to wear blue overalls, a white shirt, and a rather broad-brimmed straw hat. Definitely the classical death knight outfit:P . Also, he carries a quarterstaff/cane around, since some of the places he takes the sheep through can be fairly rocky.
warwinner 07-26-07, 09:51 AM	A peasant paladin undead called bill Too mundane for me
cog_n_taz 07-26-07, 05:48 PM	Not a peasant, and you're missing pretty much the whole idea, but ok, to each their own:) .
warwinner 07-26-07, 05:55 PM	Well, the name is what is the most mundane Besides he's staying in a village and tending sheep and doing simple things, doesn't seem very paladin-esque or heroic to me
Ensjak 07-26-07, 06:51 PM	Who says a hero has to be doing heroic deeds all the time. You've heard of a druid tending a grove. I imagine you'd have no qualms with that kind of a background. Most of the time the Druid is content to let nature go about it's business, he plays a small role in the ecology of the forest. Eating plants and perhaps small game. But the forest could survive without him. When a threat arises, the Druid meets it head on, defending the forest and all its denizens with the heroism of a knight marching into an evil dragon's lair. Sounds like Bill is that type of druid's paladin counterpart. His forest is the village. When heroic deeds are needed for the village to survive, he rises to the challenge. He doesn't go out looking for trouble. He defends the powerless against those who would oppress or destroy them. That's exactly how a paladin should act according to his oath. I like Bill. I think he's spot on.
cog_n_taz 07-26-07, 07:06 PM	Thanks for the support, as well as phrasing all that far better than I could hope to. And yeah, he helps them in small ways, helping people with whatever they may need, tending to the sick etc., which can be fairly big things some of the time. (imagine it, healing and disease curing for anyone sick or injured? Pretty good). And yeah, the name is a fairly normal one, it's meant to be, whether you like it or not is up to personal taste, obviously. Myself, I can't picture the guy with a standard paladin-y name.
CainJustice 07-26-07, 07:29 PM	what does bill's sheet look like?
cog_n_taz 07-26-07, 07:33 PM	he's a concept that can be applied wherever the DM allows a pally death knight (deathless knight, technically). As such, he has no concrete stats, but the current incarnation (I plan to re-use him) is a level 3 paladin +2 LA from the death knight template. I use the rebalanced paladin from these boards, and plan to eventually go argent bastion (shield/protection based).
cog_n_taz 07-27-07, 12:24 AM	By the way, his weapon is, like so many other aspects of him, homebrewed. he carries an improved shepherd's crook-ish thing. Exotic weapon, one handed, warhammer damage (can't recall how much it was), and can be used to trip, 'cause of the little hook on the end. The DM would have made it martial, but I wanted more that 1d6 damage. As for feats, currently, he has subduing strike and improved disarm, plus EWP (shepherd's crook). Later on, he will gain imp. trip at level 6, as well as shield ward as a bonus feat at level 5. At level 7, he will get divine shield as a bonus feat, and I'm not quite sure where to go from there. Basically, his procedure in a fight is thus: first, try to disarm what/whoever it is, and talk it out of fighting. If this is not an option, move to subdual damage. If this is also not an option, he has no problem with beating up constructs, but he knows that mindless undead are not evil, and even though they can't be subdued or reasoned with, he will atleast try to turn them rather than fight. If none of this is an option, than ofcourse he will move on to the smiting phase, but that's definitely a last resort. And yes, he will trip and disarm quite a bit, but no, a shepherd's crook is not the new spiked chain, far from it. Also, he doesn't mind fighting unfairly (trip, disarm etc.), because, as he put it, "you don't get points for fighting fair, you just end up dead. Well...more dead, in my case."
cog_n_taz 07-27-07, 12:33 AM	Almost forgot to mention, I had tons of fun with him last game. he just got to a semi-big city, and is totally in awe, by virtue of having never been in one for the past 90~100 years or so. Also, some guy tried to rob him while he was fishing, big mistake. I made my listen/spot checks and noticed him a mile away, but pretended I didn't. So, he let the guy stab him in the back. Twice. At which point he turned around, chuckled, and said "why don't you try somewhere around here next time?" (pointing at a different spot on his back). After that, the robber pretty much collapsed from panic. Bill's response was to break both daggers and toss them into the lake he was fishing from, hand the guy a few silvers from his pocket, and send him on his way. What's in it for him, you ask? Well, he's just being paladin-y, but in a good way, not in a "smite on sight" way. That, and he got a good laugh out of the whole deal:D . After two sessions though, I'm starting to think that Bill isn't hardline Lawful Good so much as he's just a nice guy. Still, he's definitely good enough to remain a paladin...I think. What do you guys think, should I be on my guard? Also, some time during the next session, he's going to pay those of his old paladin order a surprise visit, again, to say hi to some "old friends" that don't remember him at all (yes, he kinda expects it), and ofcourse, in the name of Seeing The Looks On Their Faces.:D
CrimsonDeath 07-27-07, 03:37 AM	After two sessions though, I'm starting to think that Bill isn't hardline Lawful Good so much as he's just a nice guy. Still, he's definitely good enough to remain a paladin...I think. What do you guys think, should I be on my guard? "Lawful good" does not necessarily mean you have to be the stereotypical sanctimonious jerk who tries to run everyone's life. As long as he's kind and generous, respects the law, and defends the innocent, he ought to be fine.
warwinner 07-27-07, 03:59 AM	Oh well, i didn't mean anything in an antagonistic way, dan the warmage and the warforged warlock were classy and swashbuckling, you could say i was spoilt by them A paladin/deathless could have come to in a much more "exciting" way I didn't mean it's a bad concept, just that it is not an exciting concept, just like a druid watering his garden and feeding the birds day after day Though if you wanted the paladin to be subdued and one with/among the common people and not stand out,my whole point is mute and you are spot on
cog_n_taz 07-27-07, 04:04 AM	That's what I thought too, but many people would disagree, so it's nice to hear it from someone else. he does go respect the law, but admits that its representatives can be wrong. Obviously, he will try to fix the problem, being the nice guy he is, but in a non-violent way. For instance, Shepherd's Creek is under the jurisdiction of a rapidly expanding mining town. Because of that, tax collectors have appeared there once and demanded faaar more than the village's net wealth, at which point Bill appeared in his hat of disguise, and said the following: " Good afternoon, gentlemen. here to collect the taxes, I presume? Well, a silver piece a head is quite a bit, but there's no helping it, I suppose. Nevertheless, I'll be happy to pay the fee on behalf of the village." he said all this while smiling genially and, incidentally, removing the hat. The tax collectors managed to keep up something resembling a poker face, and agreed to take the silver a head (totalling about 4~5 gold for the village), before scurrying away as quickly as possible. And yes, They came to collect something like 70 gold a head, and Bill knew it, but hey, whatever works, right?:D
cog_n_taz 07-27-07, 04:16 AM	Oh well, i didn't mean anything in an antagonistic way, dan the warmage and the warforged warlock were classy and swashbuckling, you could say i was spoilt by them A paladin/deathless could have come to in a much more "exciting" way I didn't mean it's a bad concept, just that it is not an exciting concept, just like a druid watering his garden and feeding the birds day after day Though if you wanted the paladin to be subdued and one with/among the common people and not stand out,my whole point is mute and you are spot on hey, constructive criticism is always welcome, no need to apologize. But yeah, Dan and Zelrath are standing-out obvious adventurer material in one way or another (dark or jolly and insane, respectively). But yeah, I wanted something that hadn't been done before, and a "quieter" sort of paladin. he's not subdued, he does all kinds of things, but not all heroic deeds involve killing hordes of invading demons. Come on, this guy argued with heironeous for the right to sacrifice his afterlife and stay in his village, that's pretty heroic, if unorthodox. But yeah, not exactly exciting. Then again, he isn't meant to be. One of the reasons for making this guy, though, is to write a take on a pally/death knight that hasn't been done to death, and I think I succeeded atleast in that. And yes, he doesn't wave his paladinhood around like a big banner or anything, there is no "look at me, I'm righteous", going on, but if you read his background again, you'll notice that in his own, quiet way, he's pretty special:) . Also, it may seem like little, mundane things, but can you imagine how much of an impact he makes on the village? If nothing else, he's a walking band-aid and cure-all, which is pretty big in and of itself.
warwinner 07-27-07, 04:46 AM	I think the urban soul prestige class from races of destiny fits him well.He's given his heart and soul to protecting his village [you'd have to adapt it to his village though,but since he isn't an npc it might not work out]
cog_n_taz 07-27-07, 04:54 AM	hm, thanks. Unfortunately, I'd have to own the book, which I don't, and it's impossible with my budget. Plus, a population of 40~50 is hardly urban, is it? Or did I miss something? Still, thanks for the suggestion:). Also, have I managed to sway your opinion on the whole heroic/non-heroic thing, or did I fail miserably?
warwinner 07-27-07, 06:50 AM	Well you could adapt the abilities of urban soul to a village with your DM It is a thematical fit, one who draws power from his community and is attuned to his city and can sense things/changes in his place and is strongest in his attuned city and travel magically within his city etc Bill is not "heroic" in the traditional sense,but he seems to be a background hero - a common man's hero, not many may know of him or think of him as something special - but he is special in his own way.A rustic looking person, but with great inner strength But you HAVE TO bring out his heroic qualities a bit,subtly if need be."He was always there to help" isn't good enough something small - an act or occurrence which tells you how great he actually is [Silly example: a kid who loved toys who told the king that if he spared her penniless father punishment for stealing a toy that she wished he would give her on her birthday , the king could have all her toys which she loved so very much]
cog_n_taz 07-27-07, 06:57 AM	Yeah, you're right. It may no be there in the background, but is the thingy with the tax collectors going in the right direction? he pretty much saved the entire village back there. Also, I'll take a look at Urban Soul if I find it, but he doesn't actually have anything supernatural to do with the place, if you noticed. Nevertheless, it's a nice idea, I'll look into it, thanks:) . And yeah, he isn't noticed much, partly because your typical paladin is, perhaps unintentionally, quite the show-off. Mind you, it also requires people to be extremely used to him to sort of forget they have a semi-powerful paladin in the village, who is also a death knight. After all, he's just Bill, right?:D
warwinner 07-27-07, 07:06 AM	Yes, the tax paying is a step in the right direction And yeah, he isn't noticed much, partly because your typical paladin is, perhaps unintentionally, quite the show-off. Mind you, it also requires people to be extremely used to him to sort of forget they have a semi-powerful paladin in the village, who is also a death knight. After all, he's just Bill, right?:D Hmm, when i read this paragraph, i got this image of a young kid of someone in the village, leaping onto the lap of Bill - The paladin/deathknight and telling him "uncle bill, tell me a bedtime story, i want to sleep.This better be a good one, not the boring story you told me last time" Bill :- I'm sorry, i'll try to tell a good one this time
cog_n_taz 07-27-07, 07:09 AM	hm, perhaps the story with that guy that tried to rob him? I definitely will be showing what kind of person he is throughout the game in some detail, but yeah, I will put anything else I come up with into the background. And...uncle Bill? You win, that has to be done, thank you so much :D .
ArgulFraster 07-29-07, 05:12 PM	Wow. I just gotta say-this is possibly one of the best builds, story-wise, for a paladin, I've ever seen. Not my style; but definitely awesome. Have a :cookie:
cog_n_taz 07-29-07, 07:44 PM	Woah, that good? Thanks! Take a look around here though, I'm pretty sure you can find waaaaaay better.
Nox_the_Barbarian 08-25-07, 01:29 PM	Wow. I just gotta say-this is possibly one of the best builds, story-wise, for a paladin, I've ever seen. Not my style; but definitely awesome. Have a :cookie: :-( damn. beat me to it. oh well, have another :cookie:. kudos on th build! really interesting. i wish i could see how the campaign turns out...
cog_n_taz 08-26-07, 11:34 AM	Glad you like it, I've had a few more games since, I've just been busy. Gonna throw it out there tommorow (my time)...
cog_n_taz 08-26-07, 07:07 PM	Okay, after heading over to his paladin order (or, as he put it, drop in for a chat and a cup of tea), he was confronted by a few law officials outside town, and was about to be arrested for the whole tax collector incident (someone mentioned that they were forced to leave, not exactly true, but it tends to get you in trouble). So-o... here's the following conversation. Bear in mind that he could have just steamrollered the lot of them, he just didn't want to. "My my... so many of you, this must be quite the important operation. Now, something like this, they wouldn't put any old fool in charge, now would they? No, they would choose someone with the wisdom and foresight to see people for who they truly are." (Looks at the leader) "Now, a wise man like you would have heard what they say... you can tell a lot about a man by looking into his eyes. So do me a favour, sir, look into my eyes, and tell me what you see..." At this point, he looks the poor guy in the eye, and removes his hat of disguise. he, ofcourse, panics and runs. "Good man, that. Run along now, all of you, I'm sure the law has better things to do than chase after an old man." There's more, which I will post later.
cog_n_taz 08-28-07, 01:36 AM	Later on, the same guys came back, backed by some rather chunky bodyguards with longswords, steel shields and scale mail. Since these guys are low level fighters at best, I doubt they would have even got past his DR, but as you all know, that's not his style. Instead, he surrendered, and let himself be brought into prison. After one night there, he was told that his punishment for treason, intimidation of state officials and assault on a state official was beheading. Now, Bill's the lawful type, so he tried to find a way to twist it to his advantage. he asked to see the exact wording on the document, and sure enough, it said that he is to be beheaded, but never explicitly stated that he is to be killed (it's just assumed, obviously) Meanwhile, the rest of the party is gearing up to do a heroic break-in, rescue Bill, and run out of the city. The next day, he's taken to the guillotine to be executed. he's given a list of charges, and told that he will be beheaded for his crimes. At this point, he smiles, and cheerfully exclaims "but ofcourse! Why didn't you just say so?" and removes his skeletal head. (temporarily, and he took 20 damage for it) The assembled crowd stares in horror as he turns to address the executioner, still smiling, and the head - now held in his left hand - asks "Now, will there be anything else?" And ofcourse, legally, there wasn't. he walked out, and ran into the party, who were ready to burst in, and were armed to the teeth. Since it's not important to him, he entirely forgot to put his head back on - the rogue fainted at that point - and simply said "Oh, hello there, what are you doing over here?"
zioth 08-29-07, 05:49 PM	Amazing. This sounds like a very fun character to play, and you've done a great job with it.
cog_n_taz 08-31-07, 07:38 AM	Amazing. This sounds like a very fun character to play, and you've done a great job with it. Why thank you, there was another game today, so I'll add more scenes/quotes when I can. And yes, he is loads of fun to play. Incidentally, if anyone would like to steal this character/base another off him, feel free to do so, the world's got a serious shortage of easy-going paladins:D .
Sol_Aedh_Avoth 09-02-07, 01:26 PM	I like Bill, sooner or later I'll make my PCs arrive in Shepherd's Retreat and meet him...
cog_n_taz 09-04-07, 07:58 AM	I like Bill, sooner or later I'll make my PCs arrive in Shepherd's Retreat and meet him... :w00t: :bow: Thanks, I'm honoured:). Also, I have a new sequence involving him... more than one, actually. I'll post em up now:) .
cog_n_taz 09-04-07, 08:10 AM	Okay, the party finally tracked down who keeps trying to get him arrested/executed. The culprit is a member of the city council, and a fanatical follower of Pelor, who apparently realized that Bill is undead, and intends for him to be destroyed in Pelor's name as quickly as possible. Ofcourse, we can't let this happen, can we now? So, the party, minus Bill, go to talk to him after a sermon. They chat with him about various aspects of his religion, basically letting him preach to his heart's content, until Bill strolls in through the door without even a word of warning, and begins to speak before the priest has a chance to say anything. "Good evening, sir. Now, I know you're a busy man, what with all this taint of undeath to purge from the world, so I'll keep this short. There are a list of important things that concern you, and I have them on a list here. Their names are: Slander, false charges, attempted execution by said charges - murder, essentially-, racism toward the dead, and, most importantly, large men in chainmail. Large, uncomplicated men dressed in chainmail, and quite possibly equipped with maces, swords, axes and other uncomfortably large pieces of metal. Now, there's two ways we can settle this: in a peaceful manner, or in a Civilized manner. Now, sir, I am far from a violent man, but I have come to learn during my stay here that it is the civilized way to hire men who are. My offer is thus: Allow me to leave the city, do not send your men after me, stop wasting your time, not to mention mine and everyone else's, and you will never hear from me again." After he finished with his speech, he just turned around and left with the rest of the party. It's been a few days in game time and he hasn't been pestered yet, so I think it worked. I have to go for now, more to come soon!
cog_n_taz 09-04-07, 08:53 AM	Later, the town the party was staying in was about to be attacked by a combined force (total of 200~300) of orcs, ogres, hobgoblins, and the like, a fraction of the as-yet-unknown BBEG of the campaign. As they march toward the town, the sorcerer is getting ready to charge in there and fireball things, when Bill stops him. "Give it a rest, son. There's a time for steel and sorcery, and there's a time for words." "And which do you think this is?" At that point, Bill takes a quick look at the army, assessing its strength and numbers, before replying. "Now, kid...now's the time to pray." The next morning, the army finds Bill ahead of their path in the dead of night, while everyone back in town is still asleep. he's sitting down on a folding chair, and smoking his pipe. They stand there, crowding near him, stopping in a huddle to discuss the unexpected turn of events. Once they're all in a suitable huddle and near enough, Bill activates his pipe, which is, in fact, a horn of blasting (with a price and range increase, and damage boosted. Yes, it cost a lot). And the crowd goes dead, courtesy of 7d6 area damage, Bill's first lethal damage. The next morning, the party is asking him what they do, and he's just smiling contentedly. When they ask him what's going on, he simply says "look out the window, boys, it looks like we got our miracle after all."
ArgulFraster 09-04-07, 03:34 PM	Later, the town the party was staying in was about to be attacked by a combined force (total of 200~300) of orcs, ogres, hobgoblins, and the like, a fraction of the as-yet-unknown BBEG of the campaign. As they march toward the town, the sorcerer is getting ready to charge in there and fireball things, when Bill stops him. "Give it a rest, son. There's a time for steel and sorcery, and there's a time for words." "And which do you think this is?" At that point, Bill takes a quick look at the army, assessing its strength and numbers, before replying. "Now, kid...now's the time to pray." The next morning, the army finds Bill ahead of their path in the dead of night, while everyone back in town is still asleep. he's sitting down on a folding chair, and smoking his pipe. They stand there, crowding near him, stopping in a huddle to discuss the unexpected turn of events. Once they're all in a suitable huddle and near enough, Bill activates his pipe, which is, in fact, a horn of blasting (with a price and range increase, and damage boosted. Yes, it cost a lot). And the crowd goes dead, courtesy of 7d6 area damage, Bill's first lethal damage. The next morning, the party is asking him what they do, and he's just smiling contentedly. When they ask him what's going on, he simply says "look out the window, boys, it looks like we got our miracle after all." ...BILL WIN VICTOLY!
cog_n_taz 09-04-07, 08:21 PM	Thanks!:D The point is, though, that he didn't do it, and made sure no one at the village saw. They got the miracle they asked for, remember?
dragor_shadowfury 09-05-07, 08:29 AM	Hi cog, as I have said before (i think) Bill is awsome. I look foreward to the beginning of my game. his doings will surely cause quite some laughter. I hope you will get more good ideas in my campaign... but I also think Bill is gonna get a lil angry at one point... alsoo thank you for calling me kind.
cog_n_taz 09-05-07, 09:05 AM	Hi cog, as I have said before (i think) Bill is awsome. I look foreward to the beginning of my game. his doings will surely cause quite some laughter. I hope you will get more good ideas in my campaign... but I also think Bill is gonna get a lil angry at one point... alsoo thank you for calling me kind. Meh, it's true, you put in more effort/allowed more for the sake of one character than any other DM I know, myself included. Also, even if he does have more funny moments than serious ones, he isn't actually a joke character, in case you were wondering. Oh, and...Bill? Angry? Unlikely, but if it does happen...no. There is no way you want to be anywhere near him. At all.
dragor_shadowfury 09-06-07, 02:25 AM	I never looked at him as a joke character, but a seriously entertaining character if you know what I mean. And I think the one thing I have planned will make him quite angry... and those who rarely blow up are usually the worst when enraged.
cog_n_taz 09-06-07, 06:12 AM	Put it this way... if he gets angry, he won't be the one blowing up. I can't, however, say the same for whoever's responsible.:P
dragor_shadowfury 09-06-07, 07:14 AM	I'm looking forewards to this
Paradox_of_Life 09-06-07, 10:09 PM	Just make him Deathless (BoED) and you're good to go.
cog_n_taz 09-06-07, 10:18 PM	Just make him Deathless (BoED) and you're good to go. Already done, and alot has happened since, read the rest of the thread.
dragor_shadowfury 09-07-07, 12:19 PM	but I wonder... how mean would you have to be to... say Krishuuk to enrage Bill?
zioth 09-24-07, 12:27 PM	Any exciting news on Bill?
cog_n_taz 09-24-07, 06:48 PM	What am I, a newspaper?:P Anyways, yeah, I've had a few games lately, and　will post here when I'm less busy.
dragor_shadowfury 09-25-07, 02:27 AM	but I wonder... how mean would you have to be to... say Krishuuk to enrage Bill???
cog_n_taz 09-25-07, 09:42 AM	?? Yeah, I forgot to ask... who is this Krishuuk chap? Also, tell me on Sorcen's, don't want the thread to get deleted/locked for derailing...
cog_n_taz 09-29-07, 08:00 AM	When he's actually hit for once by a hobgoblin "Strike an old man? Shame on you! Strike a dead man? ...Well, go ahead, it's your funeral." he never dealt anything but big subdual in most fights, though, that one included. (no, there was no vow involved, I don't do this stuff for the stat bonuses) In a different fight, against a hobgoblin warblade, after dodging an attack and making an attack. "You know, I really ought to be getting too old for this." Warlock - "Shouldn't you retire?" Bill - "Retire? I've died already and come back to life. This IS my retirement, boy!" Or when the same warlock talks about the absolutely ancient enemy warlord BBEG (who is decidedly mortal). "You know, I could care less about that guy. I mean, he's really old, so even if we don't lift a finger..." Bill - "Yes?" Warlock "Well, he's pretty old, he's gonna die soon, right?" Bill - "Your point being?"
cog_n_taz 09-29-07, 09:38 PM	Okay, had that boss fight with the hobgoblin warlord (another Iron heart Warblade). Uneventful, but at one point, when Bill was hit, the goblin commented on his bad stance and such. Bill critted for his usual nonlethal damage after that, following up with "Don't tell me how to swing a cane, boy!" I feel that it should be noted that the "boy" hobgoblin is, in fact, 82 years old. 45 years younger than Bill, but still :D.
cog_n_taz 10-01-07, 10:57 AM	here we are, ladies and gents, at the end of Bill's saga...for now. I'm sure there'll be another adventure shortly, but for now, I'd like to thank you for sticking around and reading all this until now, so...thank you.:) At the end of the adventure, the warlord defeated, Bill is back at shepherd's retreat (on the outskirts), fishing. heironeous actually shows up in person, looking perfectly ordinary, and asks him to come to celestia. Basically, he needs a paladin as good as Bill as near as possible to better aid him, but is willing to just ask him instead of order him (I.E. he has a choice). Bill apologizes, but firmly refuses. At this point, the following, brief conversation ensues. "Bill, you've travelled the world in these past few months, I would have thought you realized by now that some things are more important than... than sheep." Bill just smiles, and says "Anyone who can say that ain't from 'round here." "Bill, you're needed up there. Am I to beg you, a paladin, to remember your duties toward me?" Bill looks toward the village, sighs, and says "These aren't the only sheep I'm staying for, m'lord, or the only ones I'm shepherding." After hearing that, heironeous just smiles sadly, turns around, and leaves without another word. Thus concludeth Bill's saga...for now.
Fithero 10-01-07, 03:24 PM	"Don't tell me how to swing a cane, boy!" lol I can just picture the rest of the adventuring party staring dumbfounded as they watch these two old-timers duke it out :rofl: haha, Bill turned down Heironeous :clap: Sounds like Bill is pretty set, and the town he is looking after is safe for a while... until the next adventure starts that is! *cue the dramatic music as a the credits roll* Good work!
ArgulFraster 10-01-07, 03:47 PM	Lol, Bill's adventures continue, and so does the awesome. I like the idea of Bill as a spry old man/deacon/holy warrior, which I suspect was the point. What's Bill going to get later?
dragor_shadowfury 10-01-07, 04:11 PM	What's Bill going to get later? I can answer that being the DM of a soon to start campaign with Bill among the characters, but all I will reveal now is that its gonna get dark and slimy.
cog_n_taz 10-01-07, 09:18 PM	Thank you, thank you :bow: I have to ask, though... what do you mean by two old-timers? Come on, he just called the other guy a boy, don't tell me he still counts:P. As for him turning heironeous down like that, yeah, that's one of his crowning points in the story, I'd say. Still, I'm kinda glad it didn't end as "no, you're coming with me, Resistance Is Futile." Oh, and just to make sure, since some people apparently didn't get it... everyone got who/what he's referring to as the "other sheep", right?
RollaD20 10-02-07, 12:40 AM	point-blank: i am impressed i grant Bill a :tiphat: wear it w/ pride my friend!
cog_n_taz 10-02-07, 02:40 AM	Thanks! So you read the whole thing, or just the backstory?
RollaD20 10-02-07, 02:46 AM	i read the entire thrad, post to post i especially like the part how you describe his reaction to otherwise more threatening situations like that of the sneaky rogue
cog_n_taz 10-02-07, 09:40 AM	All of it? Thanks for your time, glad it wasn't wasted :) And yes, he is rather relaxed in those situations... that, and he's decidedly non-violent. I mean, in the course of the entire campaign, he dealt lethal damage...what, three times? For a character that hasn't taken some sort of BoED uber-vow, I think that's a record. ...ofcourse, that doesn't stop him from making some truly absurd intimidate checks (circumstance bonuses FTW!) without even trying. Come to that, he didn't even go far enough to qualify for being unpleasant for most of those checks. Against the guards, anyway.
RollaD20 10-02-07, 04:07 PM	you should make him a bit more interested in his spirit though, like for me, i meditate and drink green tea for no purpose otherthan it feels right:D though i feel bill's calming demeanor suffices as meditation so just throw in some green tea and... ah what a nice sippa tea, ole chap!
cog_n_taz 10-02-07, 09:36 PM	Yeah, he drinks tea, but not green tea. More... black tea that's been left for a while, until it's best described as creosote. Other than that, fishing is the closest he comes to straight up meditation.
ArgulFraster 10-03-07, 03:40 PM	I think it might be amusing to stat up Bill's tea as an ooze. I think the kind of tea he drinks is similar to Garfield's coffee-it occasionally eats spoons.
dragor_shadowfury 10-03-07, 05:52 PM	I think it might be amusing to stat up Bill's tea as an ooze. I think the kind of tea he drinks is similar to Garfield's coffee-it occasionally eats spoons. pure awesome... If this is done and kept to a reasonable power level, the I may let one of those tag along with Bill as his companion :P
RollaD20 10-04-07, 01:16 AM	about the fishing being his meditation is probably a good idea. oh well my silver dragon shaman called Cinocard say hi to Bill, and so does my dragonelle mount, and my wyrmling silver dragon cohort gives him a high-5.
cog_n_taz 10-04-07, 06:36 AM	Niiice, I think I'll have to do that. Leadership FTW! Also, the tea is generally just really, really bitter, due to being forgotten in teapots for days on end. No, the stuff you want to stay away from is Shepherd's Retreat's notorious brew, generally referred to as "that stuff Tim brews in the forests." Druidic rituals, apple, ankheg acid and more are all involved. This stuff is served in special glasses - it would melt anything else. It's also the primary reason that he doesn't drink. And yes, it cleans any sppons that it doesn't melt.
dragor_shadowfury 10-04-07, 08:45 AM	I just got a semi-insane idea (which then differ from most of my ideas by being only semi...) *leaves to write it down on his laptop under possible happenings to come*
RollaD20 10-05-07, 05:15 PM	i didnt use leadership, i used draconic mount and draconic cohort. dragon shaman also start sipping an alch. frost martini as he is thirsty (he has immunity to cold damage)
Khadmus 10-06-07, 07:34 AM	If this is also not an option, he has no problem with beating up constructs, but he knows that mindless undead are not evil, and even though they can't be subdued or reasoned with, he will atleast try to turn them rather than fight. Constructs are more deserving of fighting then undead, even though they are both mindless (aka "always neutral")? Turning is "more humane" than fighting? What?
cog_n_taz 10-06-07, 09:26 AM	Yes. Constructs never were alive, so it's like smacking a table around. As for turning, I don't mean "blow up anything that lacks a pulse", I mean the standard "make them run away, avoid a fight" deal.
cog_n_taz 10-06-07, 10:03 AM	Okay, the start of a new adventure... this game was just to gather everyone up. For Bill's side of things, heironeous turns up in person, and demands his help. There's some Binder (ToM) that's going to become a vestige so that gods can't touch him, and then come back with an army of freed vestiges that retain their "untouchable for gods" quality. Thus, he needs Bill and co. to summon said Binder, and beat him up before he has the time to try anything funny. The conversation (the important part, anyway) was as follows... "I can see you need help with this - that much is as clear as the lakes. Personally, I suggest you find someone more capable for the task. You have plenty of followers, why pick on an old man?" "here and now, you're all there is. Am I to beg you for your aid? Must I remind you that you live on in this world only with my permission? This village, these hills, this life, you have them with my blessing - should it become a curse for us both, I can tear it all away from you, and I will if I must." Now, he's obviously going out of line here, but Bill can tell it's no empty threat. So he turns around, smiling sadly, and goes to collect his gear, which he left back at home. As he leaves, he says one last thing- "I never thought the day would come when you would begin to sound like your brother, my old friend." Ladies and gentlemen, I believe heironeous has officially been megaburned.:)
Roderick_BR 10-06-07, 04:53 PM	Hah, that's an amusing character concept. A deathless DK paladin... from a humble background. I don't know the full rules for deathless characters, but I think they could come back looking normal, right? But I think that the skeleton look suits better your concept's idea. (wouldn't be so funny otherwise) I'd like to meet Bill someday.
cog_n_taz 10-06-07, 06:16 PM	What, personally? Actually, that wouldn't be half bad... Anyways, he may have his funny　moments, but I'd like to remind you that he isn't, in fact, a joke character. Atleast, he wasn't until my dad described him as "paladin, with worm."
Puritan13 10-06-07, 07:04 PM	I'm a bit confused why you don't outright destroy mindless undead. They are usually created by evil beings for nefarious deeds.
cog_n_taz 10-06-07, 09:03 PM	Mostly because it's not their fault. They haven't done anything wrong, so it seems wrong to him to destroy them, it's as simple as that.
Master_Vega 10-06-07, 09:25 PM	But if they're mindless then you are destroying an object, property stolen from the original (and dead) owners used to ends they probably wouldn't approve of. Are you doing them a disservice in destroying them, or a favor to the soul the body once belonged to? Unfortunately you can't use Speak With Dead on them because they're reanimated... I'm not questioning your decision on Bill's opinion, though. Whatever you think he thinks is right. :P
Puritan13 10-07-07, 02:33 PM	Mostly because it's not their fault. They haven't done anything wrong, so it seems wrong to him to destroy them, it's as simple as that.The other viewpoint being: They are no longer at rest.
cog_n_taz 10-07-07, 07:26 PM	Point taken, I made the wrong call. Still, it's kinda late to change it now, no?
Master_Vega 10-08-07, 12:18 AM	I wouldn't say you made the wrong call, as Bill is your character and you ultimately decide who he is and how he thinks. Besides, as wise as Bill is, he still might see things 'incorrectly', or not see all of the angles. Perhaps the undead are not as hideous to him since he's a skeleton by appearance? Perhaps he feels it better to strike down the source than further disrespect the bodies of the deceased (this'd be a decent point of view if your DM has undead lose animation when their creator is destroyed). Or perhaps he's got some powerful argument none of us can think of. :P *shrugs* Just some thoughts. BTW: Awesome character, Cog_n_taz. I've had several players I GM for read this over when considering playing a paladin. It's a good look at how you can not be a "smite on sight" paladin, and still follow the code. ^_^
cog_n_taz 10-08-07, 01:47 AM	Perhaps the undead are not as hideous to him since he's a skeleton by appearance? Perhaps he feels it better to strike down the source than further disrespect the bodies of the deceased (this'd be a decent point of view if your DM has undead lose animation when their creator is destroyed). Pretty much, yes. Also, thanks, you made my day... wow, a reference point for paladins. :D
Uberwoot 10-08-07, 04:31 AM	That.. was a lot of reading. It took me weeks. But... worth it. Nicely done, cog. /woot
Master_Vega 10-08-07, 12:44 PM	Pretty much, yes. Well there you go! A reason not to smash undead on sight! :P Also, thanks, you made my day... wow, a reference point for paladins. :D Thanks for posting Bill up here for us to enjoy. He's a bit of an extreme (very laid back), but he shows new players that paladins don't have to be... lawful stupid? :P He's also, of course, a very fun character. lol!
dragor_shadowfury 10-08-07, 03:52 PM	well there is another take on paladin than the lawful stupid kind, and thats the grey guard... but that concept has been done to undeath (in the bad sense of it).
cog_n_taz 10-08-07, 06:46 PM	Actually, so have death knight paladins. Arthas, anyone? Lord Soth? Ripoffs thereof?
Fithero 10-08-07, 07:57 PM	And Fallen Paladins who look like David Hasselhoff..... uh, dont ask:nonono:
Puritan13 10-09-07, 02:30 AM	Well there you go! A reason not to smash undead on sight! :P Thanks for posting Bill up here for us to enjoy. He's a bit of an extreme (very laid back), but he shows new players that paladins don't have to be... lawful stupid? :P He's also, of course, a very fun character. lol! I think that destroying them by turning them might be a bit more gentle way to put them back to rest. I'm imagining a paladin holding his holy symbol aloft and saying in a normal tone of voice "By Heironious's will, I give you back your peace." or something along those lines. If my body were re-animated into a zombie or skeleton, I'd rather have it destroyed completely than used in whatever manner the re-animator wants. That is assuming I didn't sell the rights to my remains for such a purpose. Course, one of the best in character responses I ever got was when a PC ended up dying and getting a True Resurrection (no remains required). His killer animated his old body as a zombie and sent it after them laster on in the adventure. The character freaked out and ran. They were around 17th level at this time. He ran from a 2HD zombie. It was an awesome session. /devilsadvocate Keep it up with Bill's story. He's a very interesting character. Especially since he sass's his deity and gets away with it.
dragor_shadowfury 10-09-07, 02:53 AM	Actually, so have death knight paladins. Arthas, anyone? Lord Soth? Ripoffs thereof? yeah, but they are fallen, Bill most certainly are not... but you are right thats the 2nd typical take on a paladin that isn't lawful stupid.
cog_n_taz 10-09-07, 04:16 AM	And Fallen Paladins who look like Tasslehoff..... uh, dont ask:nonono: Fixt!:D
cog_n_taz 10-10-07, 09:24 AM	Well, here's the next batch o' quotes... First major clash against the Binder's forces - the party is stopped outside town by an ambush - a mixed force of outsiders, along with a few tieflings and weak homebrewed (I think) constructs. Atleast, that's what it looks like at first, until two of the outsiders open a gate, bringing in piles of demons/devils/bizzaro homebrew pact-magic based monsters. So... Bill sighs, grips his cane, and prepares to deal a whole lot of subdual... at that point, he hears a voice of reason in his head. That is, personal advice from heironeous - bear in mind that this is the god of valor speaking, he must've been desperate enough to stray from his code yet again so he would complete the mission (or rather, Bill would). have you taken leave of your senses? You'll be butchered where you stand! Escape now, find some other way to defeat them! "Codex of the Invincible, book two, page 62, line 5 - a true defender of the faith has no fear. I'm afraid you've got no one to blame but yourself for this one, old chap." Must you, of all my followers, act the fool? Now? You will die for nothing! They will destroy you without a moment's thought! At this point, Bill's new hobby springs out. A large contingent of bought and tamed Thoqquas, Bulettes, Xorns and more (the last ones were hired with various exotic alloys). That, and leadership got him a few more, alongside his tea ooze. They proceed to mow through the enemies, which are taken completely by surprise. They also take down the casters, and thus the gate and summoned fiends/binder monsters. "Old man's ears... they leave me as deaf as a post these days... Would you mind repeating that?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Later, back at the main city, the party has accidentally discovered that the mayor has been assassinated, and the leader of the guild of merchants (a doppleganger) has taken his place. In other news, Bill's pipe has been stolen. So... they stomp into the guild hall to sort him out (Bill's ticked off and a half - he really respected the mayor here), and Bill has the sense to warn all the members, telling them to evacuate - after all, there's an arcane caster about, things might get explosive. So, they walk in there, and Bill sees the doppleganger smoking a rather familiar looking pipe (doubtless taken for being magical). he skips the niceties, looks him in the face, and says - "You're under arrest for theft and arson. If you don't resist arrest, you may have a chance to bribe a judge or two and avoid execution." The doppleganger is caught off guard (only by his remark, not his being there), and simply asks "theft and arson? how so?" Bill stares at him for a moment, grabs the pipe, wrests it from him (stupidly easy opposed strength check), and activates it. The roof, wall, floor, and doppleganger go down in a cascade of powdered rubble. The blast wouldn't have killed him, but the falling mortar atleast drove him into unconciousness (he was stabilized and brought to prison afterwards). Bill just looks at the mess, and as the doppleganger falls, he says flatly "well, you lit my pipe, didn't you?"
Gejiin 10-12-07, 02:34 AM	I like the "Ol' Bill" story. Really. I must say I really prefer the first part where he is still alive (along with the part where he dies). I don't like when characters turn out fantastic, it kind of removes the humanity out of them. Anyways... I'm sure this paladin could teach a thing or two to a paladin in my Eberron Campaign. Elizabeth, Paladin of the Silver Flame... she is Lawful Good... but let's say she's a bit borderline. Too greedy to satisfy my idea of a paladin.
cog_n_taz 10-12-07, 04:27 AM	Ah well, it does a little, but the undead/deathless is central to most of it, really... Also, you may want to read the thread if you haven't already, as the story goes on through all of his first adventure and some of the second... And yes, he probably could. Mind you, he's probably the only character out there that only deals subdual/has very little equipment and doesn't have Vow Of Exalted Uber over it... oh well. Mind you, I do have a feat to back the subdual thing up, and it is from the BoED - subduing strike. It lets you convert everything to non-lethal, and I haertily recommend it to any of you who may have similar character combat styles.
Master_Vega 10-12-07, 11:25 AM	Heironeous seems to be getting very desperate/worried. I know there's a lot at stake, but one would think the god of valor to... be more valorous? :P Not criticizing the DM, but I just thought I'd say something. Can gods fall from good to evil? Anyhow, it doesn't seem like Bill to back up his stance on non-lethal combat with a vow. He doesn't bother because it's his choice, not a promise to his god or to the people... and besides, there are times when it takes more than a good punch to take out a threat. Bill knows that (well, I'd assume so since he did have to deal lethal damage once.) Then again I could be completely wrong about this. *shrugs*
cog_n_taz 10-12-07, 06:58 PM	A little more than once, actually - two of those times were with the pipe. As for heironeous, yeah, the DM is basically showing that he's getting really, really desperate. And gods.... well, if you believe that demons, devils, celestials and other outsiders representing an alignment can fall, so can gods, although it may be harder for them. Right now, though, ironic as it may seem, Bill is actually trying to keep his god's alignment in check. Kinda funny, really. he only made the "you sound like your brother" remark because, well, something had to be said to keep him in check, so that he would realize what he was doing.
Master_Vega 10-12-07, 09:18 PM	That is rather ironic. I'm also glad I'm not the only one who heironeous might be in trouble alignment-wise... *erases story guesses* And I suppose I shouldn't be anticipating story here, since you're not the DM. lol!
cog_n_taz 10-16-07, 06:57 AM	So... the party is eating dinner before camping for the night, said meal was cooked by Bill. Earlier that day, Bill used a feat of his (Rebalanced Paladin stuff) to do area cold subdual damage against a bunch of demons and stuff that they were attacked by. It was pretty late in the fight, so they all went down, shortly before Bill got the wizard to cast a Dismissal spell. The party was, ofcourse, pretty impressed by Bill suddenly bringing out some mass cold damage. So... after the meal. "So, how did you do it?" "Some rabbit meat, a bit of venison, a few herbs - oregano really does the trick - some carrot, and a bit of salt. That, and good, clean water." "No-o... I meant that blizzard thing you did earlier." "Oh, that? Well, it would be pretty embarassing if I was on the job for over a century and didn't learn so much as a trick or two, wouldn't it now?" Moral of the story: Making holy blizzards is easy. A good stew? Now that takes skill. More to come soon!
cog_n_taz 10-16-07, 09:36 AM	So, the party confronts this Binder, by going to the appropriate location, summoning him, and fighting him. Said location is a mountain of ash, surrounded by half-formed Vestiges (currently powerless). It's also raining Black Rain (blocks out divine magic). I won't bore you with the details of how the fight went, since the interesting stuff is at the end. Suffice to say that no one died or otherwise got horribly messed up. The rest of the post is deluxe'd, with flowery description and all. Also, for future reference, the Binder is in his mid-30's. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill sighs, and looks into his opponent's eyes, speaking softly, almost whispering. "You thought of everything. Thought of a counter to every last thing that could go wrong. I find myself here, speaking to a man who brought the very gods to their knees. And yet, for all that, there is one thing you forgot, so insignificant that you overlooked it." The Binder smiles, amused by the death knight, mocking him. "And what would that be, god-slave?" The cane in the paladin's hands rises toward his enemy's head at unearthly speeds, smashing into his shoulder, then his head, then his knee. Each strike is accompanied by the sound of bones cracking, and at the end of the flurry, the Binder falls to the ground, alive, but unconcious. "Just one tired old man, boy. Just one tired old man..." Leaving those words hanging in the air, Bill turns to the spirits surrounding the mountain of ash, speaking to them. "So, it's happening... This world is no place for you spirits, nor will it ever be, but I can offer you a choice. Return to the void that you came from, or leave this world. Leave to the hells, if that is what you wish. Leave to the heavens, and I'll be sure to save you the space most of you deserve. The choice is yours, and it is not one you will be given twice." At that moment, a peal of thunder splits the heavens, and a colossal bolt of lightning sings through the air, impacting with the mountain's surface in a shower of smoldering dust. In the space where it landed is a young man in golden platemail, an aura of almost palpable rage about him, his hand holding a longsword that resembles a bolt of lightning. he speaks in a pure, yet furious voice that echoes through out the mountain, hammering into the ears of all around. "You dare allow these abominations into Celestia? Do you not know what it means to be there? These are beings who have defied the gods and gone beyond existence - whatever their reasons, they cannot be allowed to reside anywhere but in the void where they belong. First, you almost force me to beg on my knees, and then you willingly, knowingly disobey my will, and defy the one code that all gods abide by? What must I do? What will you do next? If this is only the beginning, how long will it take before you seek to destroy all that I stand for? Must I take your life, your place in this world away? Where will this end? Must I live in fear of betrayal?" The wooden holy symbol that hangs from the paladin's neck twists and changes form, until it bears an uncanny resemblance to the symbol of hextor - a black iron gauntlet grasping a bundle of arrows. he thrusts it angrily into his god's face, his voice tinged with both anger and sadness. "Is this what you will do? Is this what you will turn yourself into, the monster that you will become to shield yourself from a threat that exists only in your mind? Your code asks for justice, and that is what I gave them." his voice is almost a whisper now, as he repeats "I gave them justice, not a madman." "Be that as it may, I will do what I must. If I am to change as you say, than I will accept that as a necesasry price. Some things simply must be done, whatever the cost may be." The death knight's hand flies through the air, slapping across his god's face , driven by sadness and desperation. though many years have passed since he last lived, tears roll down his face. "Who are you? Who speaks these words? Who are you to say these things? These are the words of a demon, a madman, not the friend I once knew. You blind yourself with nothing more than your own light, and all for what? All to shield yourself from a danger only you can see... If you are the friend that I remember, than show yourself! If not... if you are not, than it is time I bid farewell to the monster you have become." Slowly, heironeous nods, bowing his head, and begins to fade away, returning to Celestia. When he is gone, Bill's holy symbol slowly begins to change back to the form of the Invincible's white fist, grasping a bolt of lightning. The paladin smiles sadly, and whispers into empty air, perhaps to himself. "Just one tired old man, too insignificant to notice. And yet, maybe, when even the gods themselves can do nothing more than watch helplessly, that's all it takes..."
GrondGala 10-18-07, 08:06 PM	I'm an optimizer at heart, but I just gotta say... Fantastic character. Legendary stuff. Well done.
cog_n_taz 10-18-07, 11:58 PM	Thank'ee. I actually optimize a fair bit, too, so long as it fits the character. For example, he had an AC of 39 at ECL 10, easily upgradable to 42 with a single casting of sheild of faith.
munchlord 10-19-07, 11:21 AM	Well here I sit, unable to wait for the second source of Bill awesomeness to starts... currently we're waiting on a half-melted warforged to be done... And then I can't help but think about what would happen if bill ended up in my March of the Necromancers campaign...
cog_n_taz 10-19-07, 12:06 PM	Thanks! And yeah, there's a fire-flinging samus-esque warforged warlock, a wererat paladin of Pelor, a Varag scout, Bill, a Chaond warlock, and... that's it, I think. Still, one messed up party, so I might end up being the normal one:D
Guardian1 10-22-07, 09:37 AM	So, the party confronts this Binder, by going to the appropriate location, summoning him, and fighting him. Said location is a mountain of ash, surrounded by half-formed Vestiges (currently powerless). It's also raining Black Rain (blocks out divine magic). I won't bore you with the details of how the fight went, since the interesting stuff is at the end. Suffice to say that no one died or otherwise got horribly messed up. The rest of the post is deluxe'd, with flowery description and all. Also, for future reference, the Binder is in his mid-30's. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill sighs, and looks into his opponent's eyes, speaking softly, almost whispering. "You thought of everything. Thought of a counter to every last thing that could go wrong. I find myself here, speaking to a man who brought the very gods to their knees. And yet, for all that, there is one thing you forgot, so insignificant that you overlooked it." The Binder smiles, amused by the death knight, mocking him. "And what would that be, god-slave?" The cane in the paladin's hands rises toward his enemy's head at unearthly speeds, smashing into his shoulder, then his head, then his knee. Each strike is accompanied by the sound of bones cracking, and at the end of the flurry, the Binder falls to the ground, alive, but unconcious. "Just one tired old man, boy. Just one tired old man..." Leaving those words hanging in the air, Bill turns to the spirits surrounding the mountain of ash, speaking to them. "So, it's happening... This world is no place for you spirits, nor will it ever be, but I can offer you a choice. Return to the void that you came from, or leave this world. Leave to the hells, if that is what you wish. Leave to the heavens, and I'll be sure to save you the space most of you deserve. The choice is yours, and it is not one you will be given twice." At that moment, a peal of thunder splits the heavens, and a colossal bolt of lightning sings through the air, impacting with the mountain's surface in a shower of smoldering dust. In the space where it landed is a young man in golden platemail, an aura of almost palpable rage about him, his hand holding a longsword that resembles a bolt of lightning. he speaks in a pure, yet furious voice that echoes through out the mountain, hammering into the ears of all around. "You dare allow these abominations into Celestia? Do you not know what it means to be there? These are beings who have defied the gods and gone beyond existence - whatever their reasons, they cannot be allowed to reside anywhere but in the void where they belong. First, you almost force me to beg on my knees, and then you willingly, knowingly disobey my will, and defy the one code that all gods abide by? What must I do? What will you do next? If this is only the beginning, how long will it take before you seek to destroy all that I stand for? Must I take your life, your place in this world away? Where will this end? Must I live in fear of betrayal?" The wooden holy symbol that hangs from the paladin's neck twists and changes form, until it bears an uncanny resemblance to the symbol of hextor - a black iron gauntlet grasping a bundle of arrows. he thrusts it angrily into his god's face, his voice tinged with both anger and sadness. "Is this what you will do? Is this what you will turn yourself into, the monster that you will become to shield yourself from a threat that exists only in your mind? Your code asks for justice, and that is what I gave them." his voice is almost a whisper now, as he repeats "I gave them justice, not a madman." "Be that as it may, I will do what I must. If I am to change as you say, than I will accept that as a necesasry price. Some things simply must be done, whatever the cost may be." The death knight's hand flies through the air, slapping across his god's face , driven by sadness and desperation. though many years have passed since he last lived, tears roll down his face. "Who are you? Who speaks these words? Who are you to say these things? These are the words of a demon, a madman, not the friend I once knew. You blind yourself with nothing more than your own light, and all for what? All to shield yourself from a danger only you can see... If you are the friend that I remember, than show yourself! If not... if you are not, than it is time I bid farewell to the monster you have become." Slowly, heironeous nods, bowing his head, and begins to fade away, returning to Celestia. When he is gone, Bill's holy symbol slowly begins to change back to the form of the Invincible's white fist, grasping a bolt of lightning. The paladin smiles sadly, and whispers into empty air, perhaps to himself. "Just one tired old man, too insignificant to notice. And yet, maybe, when even the gods themselves can do nothing more than watch helplessly, that's all it takes..." Dude, you pulled a a Brutha (main character in Terry Pratchett's Small Gods)! Awesome!
cog_n_taz 10-22-07, 10:54 AM	I actually read the book, but any Brutha-ness is unintentional. I'm glad you like it, but even now, I don't see any in there. Still, thanks!:D
Guardian1 10-23-07, 12:04 AM	A certain Brutha-ness is there. If possible, check near the end of Small Gods after Om has regained his powers, and Brutha becomes his prophet. The conversation between Om and Brutha is very similar to the one you've outlined between Bill and Heironious. A powerful god is getting dissed by his most faithful servant? Yep, totally Brutha-ness there.
cog_n_taz 10-23-07, 03:07 AM	True, there's some resemblance there in the whole "sure, you can erase me from the fabric of the universe, but then you lose" thing. Didn't mean to do a ripoff, though.
Guardian1 10-23-07, 07:25 PM	Not a ripoff, more like paying homage is how I see it. This is a truly unique paladin, one who should go down in the annals as one of the coolest characters ever. cog n taz, hats off to you :tiphat:.
cog_and_taz 11-13-07, 09:50 AM	Thank you, guardian, you've made my day several times over. I'm sorry I left you all hanging. The good news is that Bill is now in two PbPs that you can read up on. here (http://plothook.net/RPG/forumdisplay.php?f=957)'s one, run by dragor/munchlord over on Plothook, and here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61778)'s another one, DM'd by Fiery Justice, over on the GitP boards. The second one is a bit further in and has a higher level of quoty goodness, but if I know munch, you'd all do well to keep an eye on the first one, too.
munchlord 11-13-07, 11:23 AM	thank you C&T and expect that to be sigged.
Pandapeep 11-27-07, 04:47 PM	Dude. This is one of the coolest characters I have ever heard of in my entire life. I am in awe of Bill sheer awesomeness. Also, I am so going to gank him for my next game, no doubt.
Jager Mage 11-28-07, 02:45 AM	So, I have to admit, that when I first saw "Bill the Paladin" I figured that this was going to be some semi-moronic guy with a dumb character concept boosting about how awesomely like every other Pally ever is. However, I must say that I am extremely glad I was wrong. Bill is one of the best, well thought out, maturely played characters I have ever encountered. I, in all my RP elitism, didn't like how the name "Bill" broke the fourth wall. Until I read the backstory, and I no longer think it breaks the fourth wall. Thank you. Like others, I will likely rip off this character concept from you.
optimusprimm 12-03-07, 01:37 AM	:D Bill = <3 Anyway, if it's okay with you, I'd like to adapt Bill for my own use. As of now, he's named Dave, and has the same general backstory as Bill. He's a human Paladin 10, and instead of any sort of template I'm using a nerfed version of the Vow of Poverty from BoED. I took out the bonus feats, as well as the save bonuses. In all reality, it gives him stats similar to that of an undead (Stat bonuses, DR, natural armor, no need to eat or drink, and resistances). Maxed out, the feat only gives 15 AC which can't be buffed by magical items, so it's not broken all over the place. I gave him the traits of a deathless, and then let this feat cover the needs of the undead stats, so that they increase over time. I'm stoked to see how he works out!
Sakaki22 12-03-07, 02:55 PM	I have to disagree with something you said in my thread, cog and taz: Your character has to be at least better than mine. The sheer simplicity of the personality makes him so perfectly adaptable. The backstory itself is timeless. And the adventures he goes through have so many classic moments, the kinds of things players laugh about in smiles years later. I wish I made a character as good as yours! :) I hope everyone else playing a Bill, or a Dave, can live up to the original. Personally, I'm not even willing to try.
munchlord 12-03-07, 03:38 PM	*points at the post above* You see dude, another piece of evidence of the fact that you RULE!
cog_and_taz 12-05-07, 09:30 AM	Too bad Sakaki, I don't see you convincing me after pulling off the amazing story that is horik, but thanks anyway:) To all the rest of you who want to use Bill in a campaign: I'd be honored if you did. Make whatever modifications you see fit, and use him as you like in any amount of games. In fact, if you're the DM and any of these games are play-by-post games, I'd be more than willing to RP him for you.
zioth 12-05-07, 01:07 PM	Wow. That's quite an offer. I wish I could find some way to fit Bill into my PBeM so I could take you up on it. Hm... How flexible would you be with Bill's background? And another "hm...." You've given me an interesting idea... I've had some trouble keeping up with my PBeM lately, but what if I got a few good role-players togehter to play some of the NPCs for me? Interesting....
cog_and_taz 12-05-07, 05:19 PM	Okay... the changes are fine, but it does depend a bit on how far you go - if you plan to take the story and turn the whole thing on its head, tell me how you plan to go about it first. Also, at the risk of looking stupid/people finally catching onto the truth, what's a PBeM? If it means E-mail, I can't do that, sorry, pretty much restricted to forums.
zioth 12-06-07, 01:15 PM	PBeM stands for Play By eMail. So yeah, it's not by post. For a short-term thing, I could just copy all the emails to a message board somewhere. Of course, it might be a while before I can easily bring in someone like Bill. It sure would be fun, though. It's too bad you can't do email. I'd probably try to recruit you for my game. :) If you're feeling bored one day, feel free to look at some of the game turns at http://zioth.com/zioth/game1.