Help me develop this concept, please [Archive] - Wizards Community

Help me develop this concept, please [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Deadlion
02-02-06, 05:37 PM I have an idea, but I need YOUR help to make it really work. [insert first world war recruitment poster here]

The idea is this...

A martial character of some kind, probably a swashbuckler, but I'm not sure. Handy in a fight, but also very charismatic and persuasive.

He wants to conquer the world.

Not for personal power, or glory, or wealth, or to make others suffer, or so that his benevolent rule might undo all the evils of previous tyrants. He just likes a challenge. In fact, if he ever succeeds, he'll probably abdicate on the day of his final victory.

I'm not sure what alignment to use. I see him seeming very callous and brutal at times, but in a more utilitarian manner than a sadistic one (such as sacrificing "expendable" troops for a small strategic advantage)
At other times I see him being likeable, charming, and witty.
He's probably prone to acting on his whims, but when he decides to do something, he will go at it with stubborn determination and a methodical practicality until his task is done.

A lot of the time he can be quite taciturn and reserved, pent up in his own thoughts.
When he "comes out of his shell", so to speak, he is engaging and entertaining. It takes a lot to anger him, but when his wrath is aroused, he will stop at nothing for revenge. His anger is, however, cold and deadly, allowing him to plot and plan, not pushing him into rash acts.

So yeah... feedback, suggestions, help on choosing an alignment, ideas for backstory? Personally, I have absolutely NO idea what would've happened in someone's life to make them turn out this way...

Although it's not really apropriate on this board, I'd also welcome suggestions on what class(s) he should have levels in.

Thanks in advance.
Blackavar
02-02-06, 07:22 PM This is a character of extremes. Whatever he decides to do, whether gaining power, seeking revenge, making friends, or personal whim, he totally commits himself to that course of action.

Here's an outline of a possible backstory that could:

Growing up, it seemed like every time he tried to achieve something, something got in his way. Actually, he was just lazy and not putting in any real effort. Eventually, he became frustrated enough to finally get off his *** and work hard in life. As soon as he did, he became sucessful. But he wasn't satisfied. He had become too competetive and, as soon as he had one success, he started looking for another obstacle. Now, whatever he decides to do he totally commits himself to that course of action. I see this as a competetive edge gone out of control. Now, he's decided to take over the world.

In terms of alignment, I'd say TN because he doesn't show strong favoritism on the good/evil axis or law/chaos axis.

For his class, I think almost any could work, except paladin and maybe not monk (but I think its possible). His class will just be a guideline for his world domination method.

Just my 2 cp worth. I hope it help
Fithero
02-02-06, 08:03 PM This character sounds like he could be played alot like Zaphod Beetlebrox (The president of the universe in Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy... 3 arms... 2 heads??? anyone?)

Basically... somehow despite being a total idiot this guy became president of the galaxy then goes off searching for an even bigger and more outlandish goal.

Im thinking that whatever you character has is never enough, he doesnt even take time to enjoy it. The second he reaches his goal, he drops whatever prize he has obtained and is already planning on how he will get something even greater.

A short attention span for everything but his goal, if its not aiding him towards it, he will probably be able to watch it for about 15 seconds before becomming board of it. Although, in a strage sort of way, he always remains focosed on his main goal, despite any distractions.

Anyway, hope this helps.

Later
interpretivechaos
02-02-06, 09:02 PM A gnome....

This character is definately the archetype of the Choatic Neutral gnome.

Anyway, besides my suggestion of race, I would suggest a high intelligence and put a slight arrogant streak in him. Not a "I'm better than you" but a more "Oh... I guess you might be able to do it as well as I could... Sure I guess you can do blah blah." He'll be predisposed to think of himself as better than he actually is (And confidence is a bad trait for an aspiring dictator).
Thindelock
02-02-06, 09:19 PM Alignment sounds True Neutral to me. He's not out to spread chaos, and he has nothing against lawsand rules, but nor does he abide by rules all the time, etc etc. He's neither benevolent nor malevolent. He wants the challenge, the experience.

Class-wise, I'd look at Ardent Dilletante from Planar Handbook. It's not a terribly powerful class, though it isn't bad if you're a spellcaster, particularly bard (which fits the swashbuckler archetype if you play it right). The reason I suggest it isn't stats, it's flavor: A.D.'s are in it for experience. They want to try everything, to experience and sense everything they possibly can. They're world travellers who do anything and everything just to see what it feels like.

Take that concept, add some egomania and a competitive streak, and you've got a great world-dominator.

Of course, A.D. comes from Planar Handbook... so why stop with the world? If your game is Planescape-y, you could use global domination as a ticket into gaining control over planar realms... and eventually, planes. Good luck taking Sigil.

Of course, the gods might protest to you taking over planes. But hey, that's part of the challenge. And at high levels in A.D., you don't lose levels for dying and getting Raised. So, the gods smite you? Great. You'll just try again tomorrow :)
Diplominator
02-02-06, 09:38 PM Ardent Dilettante doesn't really mesh with the brutal-at-times mindset of the OP. I'd go with Kensai to reflect the whole focused, deadly, yet charismatic leader. He really does sound neutral to me, but also lawful. He isn't out to promote good or evil, but he is trying to bring order. Order under his control, but order. Alternately, fighter might also work, but they don't get the nifty class features. Those are my suggestions for class.

As for your character, that sounds like a good start, but I'm not sure how a person would develop that mindset. 1st-level adventurers don't usually set their sights on world domination, so is this a higher-level campaign?
interpretivechaos
02-02-06, 11:43 PM He's probably prone to acting on his whims, but when he decides to do something, he will go at it with stubborn determination and a methodical practicality until his task is done.

To me this seems to indicate a chaotic nature with a stubborn persistence. I suppose that might be neutral, but more interesting part of the character is his almos absurd whim, so I gravitated to chaotic.

I might suggest either (gasp) swashbuckler itself (CoW), Blade Bravado (RoS) for the swashbuckling theme. Else a bard or rogue would also work (as would a fighter)
Deadlion
02-03-06, 07:03 AM This character sounds like he could be played alot like Zaphod Beetlebrox (The president of the universe in Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy... 3 arms... 2 heads??? anyone?)

Lol, you just can't beat Beeblebrox. But somehow I don't see my character idea meshing too well with Zaphod's comedic idiocy. I want him to be quite intellectual, despite his military background (not saying soldiers are stupid, just that martial characters in D&D have less class skills and skill points)

A short attention span for everything but his goal, if its not aiding him towards it, he will probably be able to watch it for about 15 seconds before becomming board of it. Although, in a strage sort of way, he always remains focosed on his main goal, despite any distractions.

This might work quite well, and it's an interesting idea. I'll have to think about it.

Anyway, besides my suggestion of race, I would suggest a high intelligence and put a slight arrogant streak in him. Not a "I'm better than you" but a more "Oh... I guess you might be able to do it as well as I could... Sure I guess you can do blah blah." He'll be predisposed to think of himself as better than he actually is (And confidence is a bad trait for an aspiring dictator).

I wanted a high intelligence anyway, as how else would he come up with a plan with any kind of success for such a grand goal?
Arrogance is a good idea, but I'd probably play it quite subtlely. After all, he's supposed to be charismatic, not despicably full of himself.

Alignment sounds True Neutral to me. He's not out to spread chaos, and he has nothing against lawsand rules, but nor does he abide by rules all the time, etc etc. He's neither benevolent nor malevolent. He wants the challenge, the experience.

That's more or less what I was thinking, but I was unsure about it, and wanted to see what others thought.

Class-wise, I'd look at Ardent Dilletante from Planar Handbook. It's not a terribly powerful class, though it isn't bad if you're a spellcaster, particularly bard (which fits the swashbuckler archetype if you play it right). The reason I suggest it isn't stats, it's flavor: A.D.'s are in it for experience. They want to try everything, to experience and sense everything they possibly can. They're world travellers who do anything and everything just to see what it feels like.

Take that concept, add some egomania and a competitive streak, and you've got a great world-dominator.

Of course, A.D. comes from Planar Handbook... so why stop with the world? If your game is Planescape-y, you could use global domination as a ticket into gaining control over planar realms... and eventually, planes. Good luck taking Sigil.

Of course, the gods might protest to you taking over planes. But hey, that's part of the challenge. And at high levels in A.D., you don't lose levels for dying and getting Raised. So, the gods smite you? Great. You'll just try again tomorrow

Hm... Unfortunately I don't have the planar handbook, but the flavour behind the class is appealing. I'll probably borrow at least some, if not all, of it, while sticking with a more usual (boring?) character class.

Ardent Dilettante doesn't really mesh with the brutal-at-times mindset of the OP. I'd go with Kensai to reflect the whole focused, deadly, yet charismatic leader. He really does sound neutral to me, but also lawful. He isn't out to promote good or evil, but he is trying to bring order. Order under his control, but order. Alternately, fighter might also work, but they don't get the nifty class features. Those are my suggestions for class.

That's why I was thinking I'd take some, but not neccessarily all, of the concept behind the Ardent Dilettante. Which book is the Kensai class from, and what kind of abilities does it have? I don't really have much by way of rules, so I tend to rely on the online SRD, heh...

As for your character, that sounds like a good start, but I'm not sure how a person would develop that mindset. 1st-level adventurers don't usually set their sights on world domination, so is this a higher-level campaign?

I'm not really sure about level. This character idea isn't with a specific campaign in mind, it just popped into my head the other day. In some ways it would be fun to run this character from low level all the way through, plotting and planning all along, building up influence, wealth and power as he advances in levels, until he eventually makes his move.
To be honest, though, he may never see any play at all. I always seem to end up as the DM... Hm, perhaps he could be some kind of "villain" in a game I run...

Thanks for all your input, folks. It's really good stuff!

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Deadlion 02-02-06, 05:37 PM	I have an idea, but I need YOUR help to make it really work. [insert first world war recruitment poster here] The idea is this... A martial character of some kind, probably a swashbuckler, but I'm not sure. Handy in a fight, but also very charismatic and persuasive. He wants to conquer the world. Not for personal power, or glory, or wealth, or to make others suffer, or so that his benevolent rule might undo all the evils of previous tyrants. He just likes a challenge. In fact, if he ever succeeds, he'll probably abdicate on the day of his final victory. I'm not sure what alignment to use. I see him seeming very callous and brutal at times, but in a more utilitarian manner than a sadistic one (such as sacrificing "expendable" troops for a small strategic advantage) At other times I see him being likeable, charming, and witty. He's probably prone to acting on his whims, but when he decides to do something, he will go at it with stubborn determination and a methodical practicality until his task is done. A lot of the time he can be quite taciturn and reserved, pent up in his own thoughts. When he "comes out of his shell", so to speak, he is engaging and entertaining. It takes a lot to anger him, but when his wrath is aroused, he will stop at nothing for revenge. His anger is, however, cold and deadly, allowing him to plot and plan, not pushing him into rash acts. So yeah... feedback, suggestions, help on choosing an alignment, ideas for backstory? Personally, I have absolutely NO idea what would've happened in someone's life to make them turn out this way... Although it's not really apropriate on this board, I'd also welcome suggestions on what class(s) he should have levels in. Thanks in advance.
Blackavar 02-02-06, 07:22 PM	This is a character of extremes. Whatever he decides to do, whether gaining power, seeking revenge, making friends, or personal whim, he totally commits himself to that course of action. Here's an outline of a possible backstory that could: Growing up, it seemed like every time he tried to achieve something, something got in his way. Actually, he was just lazy and not putting in any real effort. Eventually, he became frustrated enough to finally get off his *** and work hard in life. As soon as he did, he became sucessful. But he wasn't satisfied. He had become too competetive and, as soon as he had one success, he started looking for another obstacle. Now, whatever he decides to do he totally commits himself to that course of action. I see this as a competetive edge gone out of control. Now, he's decided to take over the world. In terms of alignment, I'd say TN because he doesn't show strong favoritism on the good/evil axis or law/chaos axis. For his class, I think almost any could work, except paladin and maybe not monk (but I think its possible). His class will just be a guideline for his world domination method. Just my 2 cp worth. I hope it help
Fithero 02-02-06, 08:03 PM	This character sounds like he could be played alot like Zaphod Beetlebrox (The president of the universe in Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy... 3 arms... 2 heads??? anyone?) Basically... somehow despite being a total idiot this guy became president of the galaxy then goes off searching for an even bigger and more outlandish goal. Im thinking that whatever you character has is never enough, he doesnt even take time to enjoy it. The second he reaches his goal, he drops whatever prize he has obtained and is already planning on how he will get something even greater. A short attention span for everything but his goal, if its not aiding him towards it, he will probably be able to watch it for about 15 seconds before becomming board of it. Although, in a strage sort of way, he always remains focosed on his main goal, despite any distractions. Anyway, hope this helps. Later
interpretivechaos 02-02-06, 09:02 PM	A gnome.... This character is definately the archetype of the Choatic Neutral gnome. Anyway, besides my suggestion of race, I would suggest a high intelligence and put a slight arrogant streak in him. Not a "I'm better than you" but a more "Oh... I guess you might be able to do it as well as I could... Sure I guess you can do blah blah." He'll be predisposed to think of himself as better than he actually is (And confidence is a bad trait for an aspiring dictator).
Thindelock 02-02-06, 09:19 PM	Alignment sounds True Neutral to me. He's not out to spread chaos, and he has nothing against lawsand rules, but nor does he abide by rules all the time, etc etc. He's neither benevolent nor malevolent. He wants the challenge, the experience. Class-wise, I'd look at Ardent Dilletante from Planar Handbook. It's not a terribly powerful class, though it isn't bad if you're a spellcaster, particularly bard (which fits the swashbuckler archetype if you play it right). The reason I suggest it isn't stats, it's flavor: A.D.'s are in it for experience. They want to try everything, to experience and sense everything they possibly can. They're world travellers who do anything and everything just to see what it feels like. Take that concept, add some egomania and a competitive streak, and you've got a great world-dominator. Of course, A.D. comes from Planar Handbook... so why stop with the world? If your game is Planescape-y, you could use global domination as a ticket into gaining control over planar realms... and eventually, planes. Good luck taking Sigil. Of course, the gods might protest to you taking over planes. But hey, that's part of the challenge. And at high levels in A.D., you don't lose levels for dying and getting Raised. So, the gods smite you? Great. You'll just try again tomorrow :)
Diplominator 02-02-06, 09:38 PM	Ardent Dilettante doesn't really mesh with the brutal-at-times mindset of the OP. I'd go with Kensai to reflect the whole focused, deadly, yet charismatic leader. He really does sound neutral to me, but also lawful. He isn't out to promote good or evil, but he is trying to bring order. Order under his control, but order. Alternately, fighter might also work, but they don't get the nifty class features. Those are my suggestions for class. As for your character, that sounds like a good start, but I'm not sure how a person would develop that mindset. 1st-level adventurers don't usually set their sights on world domination, so is this a higher-level campaign?
interpretivechaos 02-02-06, 11:43 PM	He's probably prone to acting on his whims, but when he decides to do something, he will go at it with stubborn determination and a methodical practicality until his task is done. To me this seems to indicate a chaotic nature with a stubborn persistence. I suppose that might be neutral, but more interesting part of the character is his almos absurd whim, so I gravitated to chaotic. I might suggest either (gasp) swashbuckler itself (CoW), Blade Bravado (RoS) for the swashbuckling theme. Else a bard or rogue would also work (as would a fighter)
Deadlion 02-03-06, 07:03 AM	This character sounds like he could be played alot like Zaphod Beetlebrox (The president of the universe in Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy... 3 arms... 2 heads??? anyone?) Lol, you just can't beat Beeblebrox. But somehow I don't see my character idea meshing too well with Zaphod's comedic idiocy. I want him to be quite intellectual, despite his military background (not saying soldiers are stupid, just that martial characters in D&D have less class skills and skill points) A short attention span for everything but his goal, if its not aiding him towards it, he will probably be able to watch it for about 15 seconds before becomming board of it. Although, in a strage sort of way, he always remains focosed on his main goal, despite any distractions. This might work quite well, and it's an interesting idea. I'll have to think about it. Anyway, besides my suggestion of race, I would suggest a high intelligence and put a slight arrogant streak in him. Not a "I'm better than you" but a more "Oh... I guess you might be able to do it as well as I could... Sure I guess you can do blah blah." He'll be predisposed to think of himself as better than he actually is (And confidence is a bad trait for an aspiring dictator). I wanted a high intelligence anyway, as how else would he come up with a plan with any kind of success for such a grand goal? Arrogance is a good idea, but I'd probably play it quite subtlely. After all, he's supposed to be charismatic, not despicably full of himself. Alignment sounds True Neutral to me. He's not out to spread chaos, and he has nothing against lawsand rules, but nor does he abide by rules all the time, etc etc. He's neither benevolent nor malevolent. He wants the challenge, the experience. That's more or less what I was thinking, but I was unsure about it, and wanted to see what others thought. Class-wise, I'd look at Ardent Dilletante from Planar Handbook. It's not a terribly powerful class, though it isn't bad if you're a spellcaster, particularly bard (which fits the swashbuckler archetype if you play it right). The reason I suggest it isn't stats, it's flavor: A.D.'s are in it for experience. They want to try everything, to experience and sense everything they possibly can. They're world travellers who do anything and everything just to see what it feels like. Take that concept, add some egomania and a competitive streak, and you've got a great world-dominator. Of course, A.D. comes from Planar Handbook... so why stop with the world? If your game is Planescape-y, you could use global domination as a ticket into gaining control over planar realms... and eventually, planes. Good luck taking Sigil. Of course, the gods might protest to you taking over planes. But hey, that's part of the challenge. And at high levels in A.D., you don't lose levels for dying and getting Raised. So, the gods smite you? Great. You'll just try again tomorrow Hm... Unfortunately I don't have the planar handbook, but the flavour behind the class is appealing. I'll probably borrow at least some, if not all, of it, while sticking with a more usual (boring?) character class. Ardent Dilettante doesn't really mesh with the brutal-at-times mindset of the OP. I'd go with Kensai to reflect the whole focused, deadly, yet charismatic leader. He really does sound neutral to me, but also lawful. He isn't out to promote good or evil, but he is trying to bring order. Order under his control, but order. Alternately, fighter might also work, but they don't get the nifty class features. Those are my suggestions for class. That's why I was thinking I'd take some, but not neccessarily all, of the concept behind the Ardent Dilettante. Which book is the Kensai class from, and what kind of abilities does it have? I don't really have much by way of rules, so I tend to rely on the online SRD, heh... As for your character, that sounds like a good start, but I'm not sure how a person would develop that mindset. 1st-level adventurers don't usually set their sights on world domination, so is this a higher-level campaign? I'm not really sure about level. This character idea isn't with a specific campaign in mind, it just popped into my head the other day. In some ways it would be fun to run this character from low level all the way through, plotting and planning all along, building up influence, wealth and power as he advances in levels, until he eventually makes his move. To be honest, though, he may never see any play at all. I always seem to end up as the DM... Hm, perhaps he could be some kind of "villain" in a game I run... Thanks for all your input, folks. It's really good stuff!