Post/Author/DateTime	Post
LiXinjian 06-30-04, 08:46 AM	I have this player who has requested that I come up with a character for him to play, complete with some roleplaying suggestions. I have been thinking about this concept: a druid who's fascinated with birds. The creatures he calls with his Summon Nature's Ally spells are birds, or swarms of birds (if there is such a thing). When he casts Speak with Animals, he speaks with birds: he's not even sure the spell would work on other kinds of animals. And, of course, his animal companion is a bird of some kind. I picture the druid somewhat like that prophet from Warcraft III, in that he wears a collar made of feathers. I also see a cloak that's entirely made of black feathers, so that they effectively look like giant wings, and a beak-tipped staff. Seeing as I am in a little bit of a rush right now, I'd like the people of this board to post some of their suggestions concerning this character. What could be his quirks? His strengths? His flaws? But more importantly, what spells would he favour above all others? I'd like to hand out items that are in keeping with that character's theme, too, so feel free to suggest any. Like Quaal's Feather tokens, or ring of Feather Falling (check out the illustration in the DMG), or anything else. If you have any game mechanics ideas, by all means, post them too. Thank you so much!
Trydan 06-30-04, 09:40 AM	The following spells might be regarded as useful. Feather fall Fly Levitate Wind Wall Air walk Control Winds Gust of Wind Animal Friendship Animal Growth Animal Messenger Animal Shapes Animal Trance Calm Animals Charm Person or Animal Commune with Nature Detect Animals or Plants Dominate Animal Hold Animal Invisibility to Animals Repel Vermin Shapechange Speak with Animals Polymorph Other Polymorph Self Also, a bit of spell-research could convert Phantom Steed into Phantom Giant Eagle Mount (or something).
LiXinjian 07-01-04, 08:00 AM	Well, thanks for your input, Trydan. I like to think of the druid changing back into his normal form after assuming the shape of a dire giant eagle (or whatever), and finding leftover feathers in his hair hours afterwards. It makes me smile. Plus, I think it's a theme worth exploring and building a character around. What do you think? (wonder what I'd get processing this idea through your character creation process... hmmm...)
Trydan 07-01-04, 08:10 AM	Originally posted by LiXinjian I like to think of the druid changing back into his normal form after assuming the shape of a dire giant eagle (or whatever), and finding leftover feathers in his hair hours afterwards. It makes me smile. Plus, I think it's a theme worth exploring and building a character around. What do you think? Hmm... picking at carrion by the road-side springs to mind. Another option is being frustrated at his eyesight when in human form. Always rubbing his eyes, and complaining that he can't see as well, despite having good (by human standards) eyesight. Eagles also like to be high-up. This could mean that he'd always eat standing up, or insist of the top-bunk if sleeping in a dormatory (sp?). Perhaps he could also be unfazed by the weather or enjoy castle-towers and parapets. I think that this is a good character concept, but that it will take a fair amount of work to make it work. I guess a lot will depend on the campaign and the world-setting. Talk to your DM and consider how the character will fit in with the other plans. Oh, and make sure you have some convincing motivations to drive the character to want to adventure with the others, rather than just being a loner who spends all day riding the thermal updrafts.
LiXinjian 07-01-04, 08:54 AM	As I FORGOT to mention, *I* am the DM. Or will be once the campaign gets underway. Therefore, DM approval or participation isn't much of an issue. I think a certain love of heights is a good idea for this character, as is a definite fondness for higher ground ("lets climb that hill to get a clear view of the countryside"). I was already considering giving the character a preternaturally keen eyesight, which is thankfully possible because druids have spot as a class skill. Perhaps I'll add Skill focus(spot) and/or Alertness to his skills. Birds are pretty good at spotting movement, after all. Here's the expanded concept I came up with: Like the birds he so loves, DRUID isn’t particularly strong or tough. On the other hand, he’s quick and clever, although his obsession with birds and his dubious clothing often make him stand out in a crowd. His clothing reflects his interests, with a feather collar and a long, feathered cloak. The head of his spear is adorned with a carved bird’s head and beak. DRUID values freedom above all. He has chosen the Phoenix as his emblem creature but he loves all birds equally. His spells are either fiery in nature or relate to animals (birds) as a whole. DRUID fights with a spear (and perhaps a dagger when reach becomes an issue) and uses a small, round shield adorned with his totem bird. I'll try to come up with a good reason for this guy to go on adventures, and an even better reason why he joins up with the other PCs. Again, thanks for your valuable input. It is greatly appreciated.
LiXinjian 07-01-04, 08:57 AM	Originally posted by Trydan Also, a bit of spell-research could convert Phantom Steed into Phantom Giant Eagle Mount (or something). [/B] Hmm... Spell Thematics (from Player's Guide to Faerûn) would allow just that: a cool bird-theme... Edit: Or not. It's for ARCANE spells only.. unless I decide otherwise.
Mysteris 07-02-04, 01:46 AM	LiXinjian: You might consider looking at the character of Beldin from the Malloreon series by David Eddings. He was a sorcerer who spent a good deal of time as a hawk and acquired a number of decidely bird-like habits and attitudes. Your druid might have a detached understanding of events going on around him, not really 'getting' politics and social nuances, but he (she?) could be frightenly perceptive about getting at root causes and insecurities. He might have a quasi-mystic air, seeming to know things without being there (thanks to his avian friends), and he might be both fierce and proud with strangers and enemies, yet just as fiercely protective and warm towards those he considers his kin (his fellow adventurers and perhaps a lover).
LiXinjian 07-02-04, 09:14 AM	Yeah! His bird friends might feed him information constantly. Although not all of it could or should be true (or even relevant to an adventurer), it's a great way for me to convey rumours and info to the group. I could simply drop him notes on a few subjects, and let him use the information however he sees fit. Good idea Mysteris. And thanks for the pointer.