Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Sakaki22 07-26-07, 01:55 PM	Women and wine, Party and dine. 'Tis the life I once had, For sorrow or for glad. 'Til fate, she led me to you. Like so many others of the neglected poor of the city, I found myself living not in the lavish estates, but in the cold estates. Rain or shine, the city herself was my home. Like my other brothers and sisters, in blood or not, we lived by peddling, stealing, scraping, and surviving. My life found new direction when I found my flute. It was in disrepair, thrown out by an upset child who could not bear his lessons longer. With a little help from my friends, I was able to repair it to a working condition, and taught myself how to play. By the age of 15, I had finally earned my first coin: A street musician earned slightly more than a street beggar. I, however, was never one for keeping coin. Food, drink, women, copper and silver always found a way to slip from my fingers. But with this flute, this gateway to the rest of my life, I for the first time felt gold. This single, insignificant coin was more than I ever owned. I'm not a greedy man, and I initially refused the shining object, but it came back to me. I returned to my alleyway home, gathered my friends and loved ones, and we celebrated life, vowing to live to it's fullest. Life went on, as life tends to do. Over the next few of years I began to collect different clothing, other instruments, theater masks, and other knickknacks. Myself and my companions eventually got down decent routines, learned our instruments, and in time were putting on larger productions for more cheers and more money. Then we went too far. Naturally, we gave the people what they wanted to see. What made them laugh, what they could joke about in the future. But when a high advisor of the city counsel was seen in public getting slapped by a prostitute, perhaps that wasn't the right thing to emulate behind our masks. Next thing we knew, performance arts were outlawed on the streets. A good man who owned the tavern we frequented allowed us to perform in his premises, thinking it good business. In defiance of the city council, we enacted our now city-famous "A Price Too Steep" act for the second time. We received a standing ovation, despite town guards standing in the room before us. We removed our masks and took our bow, gladly accepting the rounds of applause, and rounds of drinks we were given. The next day Jariah, perhaps my closest friend, and our troupe's "prostitute" actress, was found dead. Much like me, she had no family of her own, but she did possess the warmest smile in the entire city. Her murder went unsolved, but I have a feeling the authorities knew who did it and were instructed not to care. Our next show was in her memory. We reenacted her final performance, only the third time we did that show, with a twist. A final act was added, where the prostitute was murdered in her sleep by a town guard, with the councilmen watching from behind, wearing our proudest mask. That night, I played the "prostitute" role, and that night, I saved my own life from a guards attack. I stole his sword, I slew him with the blade, and myself and my friends fled the city. Through the cold and the gray, Through the night, here I pray. On I run, outlaw, Cannot stay, can't fall. The vision, the truth became clear. Through the night and the forest we fled. We did not believe the town military chased us, but we ran as if they did just to play it safe. Exhausted, we collapsed in a forest clearing and slept a weary sleep. The next morning Taran, my mentor and our oldest member, never woke up. With only myself and two others, the twins Duran and Kari, we agreed to separate and go two different ways. If we were under pursuit, we didn't want to be caught together. We agreed to meet again in one month. Unfortunately, I never saw them again. Whether they live today, I do not know, but I pray for their safely every day. Armed with little more than a two handed sword, a plain outfit, my flute, and a porcelain mask, i went on alone into the wild. After about five days of travel, I felt myself getting slightly hallucinogenic, perhaps it was something I ate. One night I felt as if my mask were talking to me. Horik,, it said, I have already sworn myself to you. Do you swear yourself to me? ..... How do you answer a mask? An inanimate, painted clay mask? The next night, it asked me again. I held it in the air as I staggered, and I shouted to the mask "How can I swear to you? You're not real." The third night I held it in my hand, expecting it to speak again. I was so focused on the mask I never heard the fox approach me. The graceful beast lept over my shoulder, biting the mask from my hand, and ran into the woods. Sword in hand, I gave chase. I caught up to it sitting in a clearing, wearing my mask. I had heard of men who could become beasts, lycanthropes or druids or something. It stared at me with it's impassive, clay smile. Slowly approaching it, I reached out and took the mask into my hand. Behind the mask, there was no man or beast. In the clearing I stood alone, sword and mask in hand. On my eighth day in the woods alone, I sat in contemplation of the fox and the mask, and my visions. Were they real? Walking along, I saw no other foxes, or other beasts like it. It did not smell of any animal, and no furs clung to the straps. Perhaps the whole thing was an illusion. That night, I woke to a quiet laughter. Looking around, the fox sat by my side. At his paws was my mask, face down in the grass. It looked at me, with a puzzled look on it's muzzle, then nudged the mask closer. Getting to my knees, I picked it up, looked it over, and put it on. Horik, I heard, I have already sworn myself to you. Do you swear yourself to me? Looking through the eyes of the mask, I saw the fox lying on the ground before me. Looking down to it, then up and around, I got on my knees and bowed to the fox. To this day I don't know why. I took my mask off and put my forehead to the cool grass, and whispered "I swear myself to you." I heard another laugh and got up, to find the fox was gone. I woke up the next morning to the sound of a harp. Thinking another traveling troupe was passing by, I hurried to the source of the music. What I found was a man in a porcelain mask, identical to mine, sitting on a log as he played. Looking up, he beckoned me to his side, then down and resumed his music. Hesitant, I walked to his sit and sat beside him. Setting my mask and sword down, I pulled out my flute and played. It would be strange of me to describe the encounter as "magical", but I know no other words to match it. Setting his harp down, he gestured to my mask. I handed it to him and he turned away from me. Taking his own mask off and dropping it to the ground, he donned my mask and began to sing. Overwhelm, I sang along with him. The words simply came to me; lyrics of song and dance, celebration. We sang of the wine and the women, good food and good laughs. Turning to me, the mask he had put on was not the mask I had given him! He wore a soft leather white mask, a smile gracing it's face, eyes slots wide and chin straps designed to let the mask open and close as the wearer spoke! I had never seen such a mask in my life. Walking closer to me, he smiled. Horik, he said, As you have chosen Me, I have chosen you. Be My vessel in this world, and help those who sing our praises. Taking off the mask, a second was underneath; one side grinning, the other frowning. It was unusual, yet familiar. Offering me the leather mask, he said Be My Paladin, Horik, and I will be your guide. Sing My praise, and I will sing yours.. Taking the mask into my hands, I donned it, and he was gone again. Where he once stood, the trees had cleared, and I saw civilization in the distance. After nine days in the woods, I was free. And for the first time in nineteen years, I felt I was truly free. ========== Taking the worn, wooden flute from his concealed lips, Horik stood up from his stool atop the stage and gave a low bow. Applause sang from his story. After some minutes, he settled into a bar table and took a drink from his wine. A boy walked up to him and sat before him politely, asking "Sir? Is that story true?" Smiling, Horik took his mask off and put it on the table before the boy. "The story is only true if you believe in it, lad. For one... I believe." Looking down at the smiling mask, the boy smiled and nodded, then returned to his families table. It wasn't the best story, Horik admitted to himself; It couldn't connect with everyone. But today it touched someone. Olidammara be praised. ==================== I've always wanted to post a character backstory on these forums, and I thought I finally penned one that could bring interest. Comments? Critiques? If you were my Dungeon Master, would you accept this character?
041391klr 07-28-07, 12:44 AM	The question isnt would he accept it, its How would he NOT accept it? Seriously, Its an awesome character concept, pretty unique if you ask me.. Anyway.. :ayyyy!: for an awesome background
Fithero 07-28-07, 07:57 AM	Sounds like an awsome character, is he actually a paladin who follows Olidammara or some other class that is his chosen? Good work!
Sakaki22 07-28-07, 11:08 AM	Thank you both :D Yes, he is a Paladin. I feel that the code of conduct they use is loose enough to accommodate the lifestyle of a devout to Olidammara, and remain LG.
Ghauldin 07-28-07, 11:35 AM	:OMG!:OMG!:OMG!:OMG!:OMG!:OMG!:OMG!:OMG! :OMG!:OMG! Sire as I fancy myself a bard, I am humbled by your sheer force of imagination; I bow before you... aaaand I give you a :cookie: for giving world a preternaturally cool paladin of freedom character concept. http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#paladinVaria ntsFreedomSlaughterAndTyranny (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#paladinVaria ntsFreedomSlaughterAndTyranny) the link above will lead you to the CG paladin of freedom class variant.
Fithero 07-28-07, 12:10 PM	Not to detract from the character, cos like Ghauldin said, its an awsome and creative idea. But a few things come to mind- Dont you have to be within 1 step of your deities alignment to follow them? (Isnt Olidammara CN?) As a god of thieves and trickery, wont this conflict with the paladins code of conduct? If you can find a way around these little road blocks, all the more power too you :D peace
Ghauldin 07-28-07, 12:55 PM	Well he really doesn't need to be a thief himself to protect the way of life that is promoted by Oli. Simply protecting the marginals of the society against the law would fit a Paladin of Freedom's code perfectly. Theft and trickery would also be ok as long as he can convince his DM that his intention and the immediate results are not really evil.
Sakaki22 07-28-07, 01:31 PM	A quick read of the "Religion" sections of the PHB and the DMG both state nothing about needing to worship a deity near your alignment. Admittedly, I have heard something like that before, but I thought it was for Clerical spells or domains. If anyone has a quote and source, please do tell. Although I love the variant Paladins (and admit that the Freedom one would work great for this character), I truly feel this character can work with the PHB class and the restrictions it sets: Code of Conduct A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all class abilities if she ever willingly commits an evil act. Additionally, a paladin’s code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm or threaten innocents. Subconsciously, I think I filled out helping those in need (feeding the fellow poor) and punishing those who harm innocents (killing the town guard) in the story itself. Authority may have been disrespected, true, but it's legitimacy is debatable. I also feel it's easily possible to play a follower of the God of Trickery and Theives without, in fact, lying and stealing. The heart and spirit of the worship stays intact. The only iffy piece, IMO, is whether or not partying qualifies as "chaotic ends", but I assume Olidammara'd forgive ;) Again, thanks everyone for their input. I think I'll have to post more characters here.
ArgulFraster 07-29-07, 06:00 PM	You, sir, have my respect. Now, the way this will play out...please, keep us updated.
h4ttori 08-02-07, 12:41 PM	Excelent Concept, very strong Background any DM would love to hace such PC in his Campaing, theres is only 1 thing that concerns me, im looking for a Tiefling Paladin of Olidammara as my PC, as main concept in the oli's religion the love for Freedom, my question is: how can a LG Paladin follow a patron who encorages him for breaking the Law? look for Paladin of Freedom that makes exact what you want follow the rules that YOU believe help to keep the people's freedom.
CrimsonWyvern 08-03-07, 12:39 PM	:eek: Too. Freaking. AWESOME! Honestly, that backstory is, at least as far as I can see, professional grade. I will admit that I agree with the people who suggest that you go with Paladin of Freedom, but it's evident to me that you can play the character as a LG Paladin if you wish to. You've helped expand the possible paladin concepts. Bravo.
Dari_Ra 11-15-07, 07:32 PM	you deserve a Pet Dragon :dragon: since this character's background is Really Well Written (i meant the dragon for you for writing it)
KIDS 11-15-07, 07:40 PM	While I personally thought "Chaav would fit better" as I entered the thread you changed my mind. Great job there, I hope your DM is wise enough to recognize the win in this character and not fret over the (obeyed) codes.
The_Shaman 11-16-07, 08:24 AM	If your character has a LG alignment, there's no reason not to do it. Good luck!
cog_and_taz 11-20-07, 09:19 AM	...Well, here it is - a better character than I ever thought possible. I take my hat off to you, sir, and as the player of the current board-famous paladin, I salute you. Great job, I wish I could come up with a character as good as this one.
Baddum12 02-26-08, 12:46 AM	Seriously... freaking awesome, man. I am thoroughly impressed. :D
I_roll_ones 02-26-08, 01:55 AM	I believe in FR, (I know this is Greyhawk, but it's just an example) Selune(CG) has an order of monks, and Sune(CG) has an order of paladins. That being said...This is in no way meant to insult the story, but I think that paladin of freedom, if you can find it(Unearthed Arcana) suits this character tremondously, and allows for a CG paladin. If your DM does not accept your story, he had better have a really good reason for it.
Baddum12 02-26-08, 06:00 PM	I don't think Paladins need to follow a deity of a certain alignment. Well, for obvious reasons it wouldn't work out to be of LG alignment and follow Erythnul. But even the PHB describes one facet of the neutral alignment to be "think[ing] of good as beeter than evil... not personally committed to upholding good..." Which, even though the paladin needs to be lawful good and uphold the idea of good, it doesn't mean that the ideas of his/her deity need to demand it. "Paladin need not devote [him/]herself to a single deity-devotion to righteousness is enough" So I think the idea of a deity for a paladin is more of the characters personal preference whether they were of paladin class or not. What I'm trying to say here is... I don't see any need for a Paladin of Freedom or any other means to change the alignment of the character. I think it not only sounds cool on its own... but works out mechanically as well.
narack 04-10-08, 08:15 AM	Ok if one of my player comes up with a back story like that i would give him massive exp bonus for RolePlaying. No joke dude this is the best back story i ever saw. 10 thumbs up even if i got only 2. I do also think that Paladins should be more following ideal or a goal than a god. As long as he remain loyal good to his goal(s).
Paul_V 04-11-08, 05:30 PM	Awesome. Simply and absolutely awesome. Extra big cookies to you. However, I'm not sure Olidammara would be so... Good. He's CN, but in your story behaves (and approves the acts of someone who behaves) in a CG manner. This, however, isn't important at all, since Wee Jas is LN leaning towards Evil and St. Cuthbert is LN but leaning towards Good. Why shouldn't Olidammara do the same?
David 04-12-08, 03:49 AM	I'd say Horik is Chaotic Good. He actually breaks the law with his performance, so he can't be Lawful. He's a rebel. I can think of a prestige class that would work well with this background: The Holy Liberator. Kinda like the Blackguard, but Chaotic Good.
Schizoveen 04-12-08, 09:22 AM	first of all I want to say that that was incredible to read. love the writing style and the imagination in play. definitely something people can use for inspiration (as i definitely will). I'd say Horik is Chaotic Good. He actually breaks the law with his performance, so he can't be Lawful. He's a rebel. I can think of a prestige class that would work well with this background: The Holy Liberator. Kinda like the Blackguard, but Chaotic Good. breaking the law doesn't always mean that your not lawful. lawful means that your true to a law, doesn't have to be the same law as the one from the village. The lawfulness of a monk is more directed to a personal code of honor. also, he broke a law which was created by evil people. by making a statement, he was fighting evil in a non violent way, something a good paladin would probably encourage. Chaotic means that he does what his mood is telling him. i don't think this char is chaotic in that way at all. being a rebel doesn't always make someone chaotic. anyway, just my opinion
Sakaki22 04-14-08, 08:02 PM	Wow, it makes me feel all good and tingly to know people still read this thread and take the time to comment it. It encourages me to write more backstories. On the subject of Lawful Good and Olidammara: While from a glance it doesn't seem very becoming of The Grinning Rogue to sponsor a LG character, that doesn't mean it's so unorthodox as to require a rewriting of the Paladin class (ie. Variants). I, personally, like to think of the alignment system with a twist: dominate and recessive axis. A Chaotic Good Rogue may put his own needs before the needs of others (A CN trait), but desires the common good of mankind overall (a NG trait). In practice, he is more Chaotic than Neutral, but in faith more Good than Neutral. As practice dominates action, he would show Chaos over Good. In acronym, "Cg" In Horik's case, his desire to help the less fortunate drive his actions, but his unwavering devotion to his friends, loved ones, and cause stand as a backbone to his life. He would be "lG" Lawful Good, putting good over law (such as taking shots at corrupt leaders), but would never allow recklessness or inaction to hinder his goals. To thank everyone for their support of my character, I'd like to give two gifts to use, PC or DM alike: The Grinning Rogue Paladin's Code of Conduct Live life to it's fullest, and you will live a fulfilling life. Give and get; Give a tale, get a laugh. Get and give; Get in excess, give more so. A destination is only worth it's journey. Love honor; pay all dues, respect the respectable. Honor love; love another freely, but never remove another's love. A copper saved is wasted, a copper spent on others worth gold. Protect the innocent; champion others, and lead man to champion itself. Innocently protect; all man deserves freedom, give it freely. And lastly... Horik, Human Paladin of Olidammara Human Rogue-1/Paladin-4 LG Medium Humanoid Init +1; Senses Detect evil, Listen +7, Search +8 Languages Common, Undercommon ======================================== AC 18 (+5 mithral breastplate, +3 large steel shield); Touch 10, Flat-footed 18 HP 31 Resist Immune to fear Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +4 ======================================== Speed 30ft Melee +8 Longsword (1d8+4, 19-20/x2) Base Attack +4; Grapple +7 Attack Options Sneak Attack +1d6, Smite Evil 1/day Special Actions Detect Evil, Lay on Hands, Turn Undead ======================================== Abilities Str 16 Dex 10 Con 12 Int 12 Wis 11 Cha 16 SQ Trapfinding, Aura of Good, Divine Grace, Divine Health Feats Guerrilla Warrior*, Guerrilla Scout*, Devoted Inquisitor Skills Diplomacy +6, Disguise +6, Escape Artist +3, Gather Information +6, Hide +7, Intimidate +6, Listen +7, Move Silently +7, Perform (Wind Instrument) +7, Search +8, Sense Motive +3 Possessions +1 Longsword, +1 Large steel shield, Mtw. mithral breastplate, wand of cure light wounds, 765 gp *Heroes of Battle Hope somebody can enjoy one (or both) of these. Be sure to tell me your mileage on whichever you use. I'm sure I'll be back eventually with another character backstory.