Help with character concept for Artificer [Archive] - Wizards Community

Help with character concept for Artificer [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
The Law
01-14-06, 06:58 AM Hi guys,

Law is my DM (and bf :D) so i'm posting under his account.

I'm a new player of an artificer and I need some help with my character concept. Our party of seven plays in Eberron. The DM has given me the following background:

Kaelanna was employed as an alchemist for House Cannith in the Fabricator's Guild until recently. She started working for the Guild shortly after finishing her studies at Morgrave University (specializing in alchemy, spellcraft and arcana, and also dabbling in architecture & engineering).

At first she enjoyed doing what she was good at - creating alchemical substances. Her intention, like that of most skilled workers, was to earn enough to live a life of comfort and to be a respected employee, and she believed that employment at the Fabricator's Guild could help her achieve these goals. Perhaps she could even craft magic items for the Guild as her skills grew from her work experience and from her night time studies into weapon- and armorsmithing. Some time at the Guild made it apparent that artificers capable of crafting fine magical weapons & armor command respect and lots of gold...

After a couple of months of working long hours and receiving very little recognition for doing so, she soon realised that unless one was a member of the bloodline, it was unlikely that you'd get promoted according to your skills - unless you were very patient, very skilled, and lucky. After a particularly inept House member was appointed as her superior due to his lineage (and started taking credit for most of her work), she knew that she had little hope of reaching her goals any time in the nearby future unless some minor scion of the House took an interest in her and proposed (making her a House Cannith family member as a result, and thus more eligible for promotion).

Finding that thought less than appealing - and having had enough of concocting things in the alchemy lab all day (and House Cannith politics) - she chose the life of an adventurer and resigned.

Along the way she met a companion, Algren - a warforged fighter that also finds the life of an adventurer more appealing than that of common worker. With no war to fight and having had enough of the sneers and comments made by the other races, he teamed up with Kaelanna, sharing her intention of becoming a hero - and wealthy in the process.

Algren is a warforged fighter in the party, if that isn't obvious :) All the players in the party have a 'niche' in terms of their personality, and I feel like I'm missing out because I don't. As an example, our elven bard is a member of House Phiarlan and has a bit of a mean streak in her personality. She has a distinct personality that fits her 'spy' role very well. Our party rogue is a kleptomaniac and has this silly grin every time he gets caught or does something silly. The party sorcereror has a high Charisma, and as a result he's rather handsome and considers himself a ladies man (he's always making not-so-subtle passes at my character, and the elven bard).

The other party members are veteran players, so they've had more practice at roleplaying. I find that their characters have distinct and often predictable personalities (which are not the players' own) which is great and makes their character feel more 'real'. They get really involved in their roleplaying.

Questions
1.) I was considering being a haughty, confident know-it-all type that considers herself slightly superior to most due to her education and wealthy parents. She's got a soft spot for Algren, the warforged fighter. Could someone please help me flesh this concept out a bit? Any suggestions on extra traits I can bring in, or tips on how I can make my roleplaying personality more 'real'?

2.) I'm looking for a picture for my character. A jpg or bmp image of high quality. Where do you think I should look? The WoTC site has lots of art, but none that really suit my character as per the description of her. Any ideas?
Trydan
01-16-06, 02:41 AM 1.) I was considering being a haughty, confident know-it-all type that considers herself slightly superior to most due to her education and wealthy parents. She's got a soft spot for Algren, the warforged fighter. Could someone please help me flesh this concept out a bit?Start off by answering the question "why" she has a soft spot for Algren. Why feel sympathy for an otherwise complete stranger? The reason for the friendship is an insight into common ground. It will help you figure out your own character, and also act as a reason for why the group is a group. Try discussing it with Algren's player. Often two people can talk through a better idea, that is more cohesive, that just one player alone.

2.) I'm looking for a picture for my character. ... Any ideas?If you're feeling adventurous yourself, try reading the second link in my signature. ;)
Kung_Fu_Mouse
01-16-06, 07:57 AM Start off by answering the question "why" she has a soft spot for Algren. Why feel sympathy for an otherwise complete stranger? The reason for the friendship is an insight into common ground.

I never thought of it like that... By applying that logic to all of the party members I will begin to get an understanding of who she really is. Thanks for the help it is much appreciated! :)

As for making my own picture... I am definitely considering it, thanks for alerting me to the link.
Morka
01-16-06, 08:14 AM I know only the basics about Eberron, but I should be able to help you nevertheless.

First of all, you should detail your familly. It seems to take an important part in your background: they are obviously wealthy, but not nobles. Perhaps your grand-father was just some blacksmith who became rich during the war by making many quality weapons.
Another option would be to make you an orphan adopted by the House Cannith. You know, a servant's daughter, who grew up with the "noble childs" and please them by his intelligence. In return for his friendship, they paid her the university. Your PC knows the only way to remain at the same level than his "noble friends" is to become a master crafter. Now perhaps did your "noble friends" simply grew bore by you and stop helping your social rising, or perhaps being too young they didn't have the authority to help you further.

On how to roleplay this character, you could play her as a confident know-it-all, like you wished, but perhaps a bit disillusionned: you are one of the best artificer, but it can't help you to rise in the society. You are well respected and perhaps friend with some young nobles, but everything reminds you that you are nothing compared to them.

About your friendship with Algren, I'm not too sure. If you take the path that your grand-father made fortune during the war, could it be possible that he himself "built" Algren, making him your "uncle"? Or is it possible that he was built by House Cannith? (Sorry, I don't have all the details about Eberron.) He could have grew bored of the incompetent nobles along with you; perhaps a young noble was just named Captain of his squad. You should discuss this with Algren's player.

As for portraits, you could check this section (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/pc) of the WotC site, or the Elfwood (http://www.tetraq.com/league/frames/elfwood.htm) site.
Kung_Fu_Mouse
01-16-06, 10:59 AM Thank-you! You've given me some great ideas. I really appreciate all the help. :)
LiXinjian
01-23-06, 07:40 PM If I may..

Clearly, the background suggests a disillusioned woman. She's good, she thinks, but not good enough. No, you have to be noble-born to live the good life and make a splash in this city.

She would certainly be a bit cynical about concepts such as "law", "justice" and the likes. She'd see examples of this unjust system all around her.

From there, I see two avenues: Either she decides to make a fortune to buy her way to nobility (HOPE), or she decides that the rotten system needs to be brought down (ANGER) and becomes a roguish raider/anarchist leader out to "liberate the slaves" toiling under the city's regime. Or, perhaps even a third avenue would be that she wants to leave it all behind and seeks opportunities elsewhere (WONDER), sick of it all. Or a combination of the above: a roguish mercenary doing high pay jobs for the nobles she secretly despises/envies, out to make a fortune and a name all at once.

Downtalking law, justice and equity is a good trait your character could adopt, having seen her share of inequities. She can't help but laugh when a haughty paladin flashes his lord's name around or mentions how honor directs his life, then proceeds to burst his bubble with real (or fake!) examples from her past life. As a recurring trait, this gets funnier every time, like when the story of how your inapt co-worker got promoted becomes richer and richer with every telling, until it's some completely absurd and romanced tale where he hired the services of a bunch of trolls scumbags to beat ideas out of you, ideas which he then used to attract the attention of the head of the House. Don't be afraid to exagerate and go over the top with your stories: it's part of the charm of your character.

Utlimatelty, though, no matter how much she denies it, she's still that little common-born girl, with a good heart.

Hope that helps a bit.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The Law 01-14-06, 06:58 AM	Hi guys, Law is my DM (and bf :D) so i'm posting under his account. I'm a new player of an artificer and I need some help with my character concept. Our party of seven plays in Eberron. The DM has given me the following background: Kaelanna was employed as an alchemist for House Cannith in the Fabricator's Guild until recently. She started working for the Guild shortly after finishing her studies at Morgrave University (specializing in alchemy, spellcraft and arcana, and also dabbling in architecture & engineering). At first she enjoyed doing what she was good at - creating alchemical substances. Her intention, like that of most skilled workers, was to earn enough to live a life of comfort and to be a respected employee, and she believed that employment at the Fabricator's Guild could help her achieve these goals. Perhaps she could even craft magic items for the Guild as her skills grew from her work experience and from her night time studies into weapon- and armorsmithing. Some time at the Guild made it apparent that artificers capable of crafting fine magical weapons & armor command respect and lots of gold... After a couple of months of working long hours and receiving very little recognition for doing so, she soon realised that unless one was a member of the bloodline, it was unlikely that you'd get promoted according to your skills - unless you were very patient, very skilled, and lucky. After a particularly inept House member was appointed as her superior due to his lineage (and started taking credit for most of her work), she knew that she had little hope of reaching her goals any time in the nearby future unless some minor scion of the House took an interest in her and proposed (making her a House Cannith family member as a result, and thus more eligible for promotion). Finding that thought less than appealing - and having had enough of concocting things in the alchemy lab all day (and House Cannith politics) - she chose the life of an adventurer and resigned. Along the way she met a companion, Algren - a warforged fighter that also finds the life of an adventurer more appealing than that of common worker. With no war to fight and having had enough of the sneers and comments made by the other races, he teamed up with Kaelanna, sharing her intention of becoming a hero - and wealthy in the process. Algren is a warforged fighter in the party, if that isn't obvious :) All the players in the party have a 'niche' in terms of their personality, and I feel like I'm missing out because I don't. As an example, our elven bard is a member of House Phiarlan and has a bit of a mean streak in her personality. She has a distinct personality that fits her 'spy' role very well. Our party rogue is a kleptomaniac and has this silly grin every time he gets caught or does something silly. The party sorcereror has a high Charisma, and as a result he's rather handsome and considers himself a ladies man (he's always making not-so-subtle passes at my character, and the elven bard). The other party members are veteran players, so they've had more practice at roleplaying. I find that their characters have distinct and often predictable personalities (which are not the players' own) which is great and makes their character feel more 'real'. They get really involved in their roleplaying. Questions 1.) I was considering being a haughty, confident know-it-all type that considers herself slightly superior to most due to her education and wealthy parents. She's got a soft spot for Algren, the warforged fighter. Could someone please help me flesh this concept out a bit? Any suggestions on extra traits I can bring in, or tips on how I can make my roleplaying personality more 'real'? 2.) I'm looking for a picture for my character. A jpg or bmp image of high quality. Where do you think I should look? The WoTC site has lots of art, but none that really suit my character as per the description of her. Any ideas?
Trydan 01-16-06, 02:41 AM	1.) I was considering being a haughty, confident know-it-all type that considers herself slightly superior to most due to her education and wealthy parents. She's got a soft spot for Algren, the warforged fighter. Could someone please help me flesh this concept out a bit?Start off by answering the question "why" she has a soft spot for Algren. Why feel sympathy for an otherwise complete stranger? The reason for the friendship is an insight into common ground. It will help you figure out your own character, and also act as a reason for why the group is a group. Try discussing it with Algren's player. Often two people can talk through a better idea, that is more cohesive, that just one player alone. 2.) I'm looking for a picture for my character. ... Any ideas?If you're feeling adventurous yourself, try reading the second link in my signature. ;)
Kung_Fu_Mouse 01-16-06, 07:57 AM	Start off by answering the question "why" she has a soft spot for Algren. Why feel sympathy for an otherwise complete stranger? The reason for the friendship is an insight into common ground. I never thought of it like that... By applying that logic to all of the party members I will begin to get an understanding of who she really is. Thanks for the help it is much appreciated! :) As for making my own picture... I am definitely considering it, thanks for alerting me to the link.
Morka 01-16-06, 08:14 AM	I know only the basics about Eberron, but I should be able to help you nevertheless. First of all, you should detail your familly. It seems to take an important part in your background: they are obviously wealthy, but not nobles. Perhaps your grand-father was just some blacksmith who became rich during the war by making many quality weapons. Another option would be to make you an orphan adopted by the House Cannith. You know, a servant's daughter, who grew up with the "noble childs" and please them by his intelligence. In return for his friendship, they paid her the university. Your PC knows the only way to remain at the same level than his "noble friends" is to become a master crafter. Now perhaps did your "noble friends" simply grew bore by you and stop helping your social rising, or perhaps being too young they didn't have the authority to help you further. On how to roleplay this character, you could play her as a confident know-it-all, like you wished, but perhaps a bit disillusionned: you are one of the best artificer, but it can't help you to rise in the society. You are well respected and perhaps friend with some young nobles, but everything reminds you that you are nothing compared to them. About your friendship with Algren, I'm not too sure. If you take the path that your grand-father made fortune during the war, could it be possible that he himself "built" Algren, making him your "uncle"? Or is it possible that he was built by House Cannith? (Sorry, I don't have all the details about Eberron.) He could have grew bored of the incompetent nobles along with you; perhaps a young noble was just named Captain of his squad. You should discuss this with Algren's player. As for portraits, you could check this section (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/arch/pc) of the WotC site, or the Elfwood (http://www.tetraq.com/league/frames/elfwood.htm) site.
Kung_Fu_Mouse 01-16-06, 10:59 AM	Thank-you! You've given me some great ideas. I really appreciate all the help. :)
LiXinjian 01-23-06, 07:40 PM	If I may.. Clearly, the background suggests a disillusioned woman. She's good, she thinks, but not good enough. No, you have to be noble-born to live the good life and make a splash in this city. She would certainly be a bit cynical about concepts such as "law", "justice" and the likes. She'd see examples of this unjust system all around her. From there, I see two avenues: Either she decides to make a fortune to buy her way to nobility (HOPE), or she decides that the rotten system needs to be brought down (ANGER) and becomes a roguish raider/anarchist leader out to "liberate the slaves" toiling under the city's regime. Or, perhaps even a third avenue would be that she wants to leave it all behind and seeks opportunities elsewhere (WONDER), sick of it all. Or a combination of the above: a roguish mercenary doing high pay jobs for the nobles she secretly despises/envies, out to make a fortune and a name all at once. Downtalking law, justice and equity is a good trait your character could adopt, having seen her share of inequities. She can't help but laugh when a haughty paladin flashes his lord's name around or mentions how honor directs his life, then proceeds to burst his bubble with real (or fake!) examples from her past life. As a recurring trait, this gets funnier every time, like when the story of how your inapt co-worker got promoted becomes richer and richer with every telling, until it's some completely absurd and romanced tale where he hired the services of a bunch of trolls scumbags to beat ideas out of you, ideas which he then used to attract the attention of the head of the House. Don't be afraid to exagerate and go over the top with your stories: it's part of the charm of your character. Utlimatelty, though, no matter how much she denies it, she's still that little common-born girl, with a good heart. Hope that helps a bit.