Karrus Zephrec, Sword for Hire (PEACH, if that term is valid here. :P) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Karrus Zephrec, Sword for Hire (PEACH, if that term is valid here. :P) [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Master_Vega
11-17-07, 01:50 AM Another group, another character. :P

Karrus Zephrec, Sword for Hire

The room was quiet as two figures, one a tall man, the other a short boy who had six months previous entered his fifteenth year, stood facing one another on the golden wood floor. The magical lanterns in every corner and every wall supplied unwavering light on the predominantly white room. After what must have been an eternity, the man spoke, "Who are you?"
"I am Karrus Zephrec, thirty-first mercenary son in the Zephrec family line, yet to be approved full-fledged by my superiors, but confidently chosen by them for the coming mission. My purpose is combat; my pursuit is wealth, and the furthering of my family's fame."
The man nodded in approval, then pointed to the boy's sword, "What is that."
"This is Vercile Zephrec, my blade, my brother. He carries the Zephrec Family Seal, as I hope to soon. He was forged by our sister family, the Theris, and marked and adopted after my superiors approved him. It is through Vercile that I serve most effectively, and through me he is maintained and kept in prime condition."
"What is the symbol on your shoulder?"
The youth pulled up the long, gray sleeve of his uniform to reveal a barbed and cemetrical tattoo on his light skin, "The stern, steel eye, pupileless until I return from my first mission. Incomplete it symbolizes the honing of concentration and skill; when completed it represents senses sharp as a sword, and skill and focus worthy of the Zephrec family name."
His senior smiled and clapped slowly, "Excellent, Karrus. You make us all proud."
"Thank you, father," Karrus dipped his head, a few locks of auburn hair falling in front of his eyes as he sheathed his blade.
"Be careful on your mission tomorrow; there should be little danger, but regardless, keep your senses about you."
"Yes, father."
"You are dismissed; goodnight Karrus, and good luck."
"Thank you again," his son smiled and left the room.

Karrus Zephrec is a prodigy of the sword; though not the quickest in mastering other skills, he excels at swordplay and other forms of combat. He is so talented, in fact, that he is among the quickest of the Zephrec family line to ever enter mercenary service. He is the second child of Morin and Isella Zephrec, and has an older brother, a younger sister and an infant brother. Despite being part of a decently sized family, Karrus is very quiet; he is not shy, as many of his acquientences believe, but elects not to speak when he has nothing to say. He will converse, though, if he finds the subject interesting or important.
Like most of his family, Karrus focuses on the Diamond Mind discipline more than any of the teachings open to him. He hopes to retain the praise of his family and be a shining example of their mercenary abilities. The boy also wishes to assist his younger brother in training when the child is old enough.

Karrus is Chaotic in the sense that, while he will not break laws simply because they are there, he does not chain shackle himself with them. If a law is in the way of his mission, he will break it without a second thought. He is only loyal to his family, after all, not the nation he lives in.

Stats:
5th level Swordsage.
Str: 16
Dex: 15
Con: 11
Int: 12
Wis: 14
Cha: 11

Before anyone asks why a 15.5-year old character is at 5th level, let me explain: the DM has said that none of our characters have gone out adventuring yet, and that we're all 5th level (or the equivalent for characters with level adjustments) because we've 'been training'. I figured it wouldn't be much more of a stretch to have a blade-prodigy trained for most of his life by his mercenary family.

Question: If the DM insists I play at least the minimum age (17) for a human swordsage, do you think I can preserve the blade-prodigy feel of the character?
Also, is this character good, or neutral by what you have read? I wanted either Chaotic good or Chaotic neutral with good tendencies for this character.

Thanks!
Terjon of the Blue Rose
11-18-07, 12:35 AM Please Examine And Critique Honestly...

Hmm. I think it works for this board though it seems especially redundant here.:P

I like the character but I'd stress just a little bit more the size differential between him and a full grown adult if you want a child prodigy. He should at 15.5 still be significantly shorter than the average man unless he's going to be growing into a huge individual. A small size also helps to stress his age without directly mentioning it. Perhaps a bit of child-fat still around the face to give a young-ish look.

Other than that I'd say your pretty good. If you have to play at 17 you can still get the child-prodigy but you should be well-known by this point. At the very least everyone in your family should be acting expectantly around you even if you haven't truly been out into the world. Might want a bit of expression around the father even if he doesn't intend to let it slip... say a sigh when you are successful in the ritual you described that he shouldn't have let out. By that age they have been waiting on the chance to test you. To show the world what you are.

The only other bit I could add to the character would be to put into the description somewhere the bit about his strong sense of duty. That and your describing a Lawful or at least Nuetral character as he has a very ordered lifestyle. He may ignore laws that he cares nothing for but he himself acts in a regular and consistent manner. Lawful, at least to me, has nothing to do with following the law. After all their are lawful criminals (see mafia families) its just that they follow a different code then the national law. Your character is much the same. National law means nothing to him but family law is holy.
Master_Vega
11-18-07, 01:19 AM Please Examine And Critique Honestly...

Hmm. I think it works for this board though it seems especially redundant here.:P
True, but most of my other threads here have been along the lines of "I have half the character concept; anyone got the other half?" I'd like to think this one simply needs fine-tuning. :P

I like the character but I'd stress just a little bit more the size differential between him and a full grown adult if you want a child prodigy. He should at 15.5 still be significantly shorter than the average man unless he's going to be growing into a huge individual. A small size also helps to stress his age without directly mentioning it. Perhaps a bit of child-fat still around the face to give a young-ish look.
Yeah, I'll write some more emphasis in the introduction... I haven't decided on an exact height, but he's probably somewhere around five feet, maybe less, while his father is around six feet or more. Any ideas on an exact height?
I'll work on the rest of the description additions and edit them in later.

Other than that I'd say your pretty good. If you have to play at 17 you can still get the child-prodigy but you should be well-known by this point. At the very least everyone in your family should be acting expectantly around you even if you haven't truly been out into the world. Might want a bit of expression around the father even if he doesn't intend to let it slip... say a sigh when you are successful in the ritual you described that he shouldn't have let out. By that age they have been waiting on the chance to test you. To show the world what you are.
You mean the father lets out a sigh, or Karrus does... or either one?

The only other bit I could add to the character would be to put into the description somewhere the bit about his strong sense of duty. That and your describing a Lawful or at least Nuetral character as he has a very ordered lifestyle. He may ignore laws that he cares nothing for but he himself acts in a regular and consistent manner. Lawful, at least to me, has nothing to do with following the law. After all their are lawful criminals (see mafia families) its just that they follow a different code then the national law. Your character is much the same. National law means nothing to him but family law is holy.

I agree with you here, but I have yet to talk to the DM about what he thinks about the law/chaos axis. From what he's written and spoken of the campaign world (which he even described as "standard adventure fodder"), it seems lawful might mean "obeys the rules of the land". I could probably get away with neutral then... So is Karrus TN (LN if the DM agrees) or NG (LG) do you think? He doesn't seem like the type to be horrified by battle or killing, especially with his upbringing, but I don't see him standing by when innocents (which he might identify as "potential clients" as an excuse confronted by his party... that is if he feels the need to make an excuse) are threatened.
Maybe keeping civilian casualties down is looked upon as professional by his family?

The campaign is a good-aligned campaign, and though characters of any alignment are allowed I feel I might be disrupting the game if I don't give my character at least a small desire to do good. :P

Thanks again!
Terjon of the Blue Rose
11-18-07, 07:00 AM I was thinking the father for the sigh. Something to show tension about how the family is expecting him to perform.

As for nuetral vs good he is relying heavily upon the code of the family. If they have a strong ethical code so does he. If they are a purely mercenary family he does not. Even if he himself is good he seems devoted enough to act as nuetral in family enterest or vice versa. I'd try to come up with the basics of the family as an organization and then use that to determine how he behaves.
Master_Vega
11-18-07, 11:38 AM Family Values (heheh...)

1. Family (safety and success of relatives)
2. Blade art (one must be proficient to make money in the business)
3. Business (public image, profit, etc...)

Rules of Business:

1. Contracts are final. They must be kept up on both sides. Unpredictable events can change a contract, but it is best business to stay in the employer's service regardless (it's the mercenary's call, though.)

2. Collateral damage is unprofessional. Allies are to be kept alive, and injuries to bystander parties are to be avoided. Damage to structures should be avoided as well, but is not as much a problem.

3. Avoid jobs that are bad for business. In a "lawful good" kingdom, it is best to turn down job offers for evil or incredibly disruptive activities (IE: assassinating a highly ranked figure, mass slaughter, pillaging raids, etc...). These jobs may be taken if profitable enough, but it is still advized they look into the matter. (Something else has to be up when you're payed insanely to get something evil done.) Noble family fueds turned wars are fair game.

And of course there are the obvious rules about professional manners and such. Another minor philosophy his family teaches is that generocity is good for business. Hiring is still average or above average price, but a free save or two is encouraged if the opportunity is presented.

I'd add more, but I need to get to work.

Alright, I think he's TN, or TN with good tendencies
Terjon of the Blue Rose
11-23-07, 10:48 PM Everything I've seen screams lawful to me. As for the G/N aspect with the no collateral damage thing you may well be good (you're character seems lawful enough to take this code very seriously to me). As for your DMs take on the lawful access as being in relation to national law you probably fit that description as well. The code seems to take into account that violations of national law are bad for business. I'd say your lawful good with an emphasis on lawful. You may well veer towards nuetral at times but something tells me money isn't as much a motivator for you character as the family honor. The family cares a great deal about profitability but I think you may well look more long term about the price of a job. Evil rarely pays off in the long term since if you get caught at it (and you don't seem the type to hide your involvement) it hurts your rep more than a lost job hurts your bank account.
Terjon of the Blue Rose
11-23-07, 10:50 PM The campaign is a good-aligned campaign, and though characters of any alignment are allowed I feel I might be disrupting the game if I don't give my character at least a small desire to do good. :P

I wouldn't so much go with a desire to do good as a great respect for those who do it and organizations (especially the law) which promote such. Helps keep the mercenary attitude while playing a good character.
Master_Vega
11-25-07, 05:06 PM Sorry for taking so long to get back to this. I didn't think expect anymore replies. :P

If this character is Lawful good, he will be my first LG character ever. :P I'm thinking that, while he does obey national laws for the most part, frivolous laws may not get the same respect from him that the more meaningful laws will. He also might press his luck in some occasions, but only when he has a loophole.
If his target runs onto a noble's property, he might follow the man/creature or non-nonchalantly fire his light crossbow (not exactly his favorite weapon) after it if he's hurt it enough to take it down with a bolt. If the noble confronts him about trespassing, he'll simply counter "You certainly could not have planned on harboring my target. After all, harboring criminals and the like is an offense, and such an esteemed man as yourself should not let his reputation be tarnished by such a thing." - Yes, he'll have his witty speechcraft moments... Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) is a nice skill to have. :D I'm fairly certain there will be situations like the above, considering what the DM has told me of the campaign... and if not, oh well.

To him the success of a contract may be held slightly above the law (meaning he might push the boundries a bit to get the job done), but the law is held above the signing of a contract that may prove problematic to the law (IE: a mission where breaking the law is absolutely required).

Hope that makes sense.

Edit: I also really like your idea about respecting those who do good (not well, good). I think that fits the character a lot better than my idea. Thanks!
Master_Vega
11-28-07, 05:55 PM Well, I sent the DM the intro and he likes it. He didn't get back to me on what alignment he considers my character to be, though I think I can get away with lawful for the reasons you mentioned.

Now I just hope that he doesn't start us off with the "you return to find your village a charred mess" scenario after we complete the escorting mission. I just might have to make Karrus my first multi-campaign character if that happens. :P
Terjon of the Blue Rose
11-28-07, 11:37 PM Hope that makes sense.

Edit: I also really like your idea about respecting those who do good (not well, good). I think that fits the character a lot better than my idea. Thanks!

It does make sense. And I'm glad I could help.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Master_Vega 11-17-07, 01:50 AM	Another group, another character. :P Karrus Zephrec, Sword for Hire The room was quiet as two figures, one a tall man, the other a short boy who had six months previous entered his fifteenth year, stood facing one another on the golden wood floor. The magical lanterns in every corner and every wall supplied unwavering light on the predominantly white room. After what must have been an eternity, the man spoke, "Who are you?" "I am Karrus Zephrec, thirty-first mercenary son in the Zephrec family line, yet to be approved full-fledged by my superiors, but confidently chosen by them for the coming mission. My purpose is combat; my pursuit is wealth, and the furthering of my family's fame." The man nodded in approval, then pointed to the boy's sword, "What is that." "This is Vercile Zephrec, my blade, my brother. He carries the Zephrec Family Seal, as I hope to soon. He was forged by our sister family, the Theris, and marked and adopted after my superiors approved him. It is through Vercile that I serve most effectively, and through me he is maintained and kept in prime condition." "What is the symbol on your shoulder?" The youth pulled up the long, gray sleeve of his uniform to reveal a barbed and cemetrical tattoo on his light skin, "The stern, steel eye, pupileless until I return from my first mission. Incomplete it symbolizes the honing of concentration and skill; when completed it represents senses sharp as a sword, and skill and focus worthy of the Zephrec family name." His senior smiled and clapped slowly, "Excellent, Karrus. You make us all proud." "Thank you, father," Karrus dipped his head, a few locks of auburn hair falling in front of his eyes as he sheathed his blade. "Be careful on your mission tomorrow; there should be little danger, but regardless, keep your senses about you." "Yes, father." "You are dismissed; goodnight Karrus, and good luck." "Thank you again," his son smiled and left the room. Karrus Zephrec is a prodigy of the sword; though not the quickest in mastering other skills, he excels at swordplay and other forms of combat. He is so talented, in fact, that he is among the quickest of the Zephrec family line to ever enter mercenary service. He is the second child of Morin and Isella Zephrec, and has an older brother, a younger sister and an infant brother. Despite being part of a decently sized family, Karrus is very quiet; he is not shy, as many of his acquientences believe, but elects not to speak when he has nothing to say. He will converse, though, if he finds the subject interesting or important. Like most of his family, Karrus focuses on the Diamond Mind discipline more than any of the teachings open to him. He hopes to retain the praise of his family and be a shining example of their mercenary abilities. The boy also wishes to assist his younger brother in training when the child is old enough. Karrus is Chaotic in the sense that, while he will not break laws simply because they are there, he does not chain shackle himself with them. If a law is in the way of his mission, he will break it without a second thought. He is only loyal to his family, after all, not the nation he lives in. Stats: 5th level Swordsage. Str: 16 Dex: 15 Con: 11 Int: 12 Wis: 14 Cha: 11 Before anyone asks why a 15.5-year old character is at 5th level, let me explain: the DM has said that none of our characters have gone out adventuring yet, and that we're all 5th level (or the equivalent for characters with level adjustments) because we've 'been training'. I figured it wouldn't be much more of a stretch to have a blade-prodigy trained for most of his life by his mercenary family. Question: If the DM insists I play at least the minimum age (17) for a human swordsage, do you think I can preserve the blade-prodigy feel of the character? Also, is this character good, or neutral by what you have read? I wanted either Chaotic good or Chaotic neutral with good tendencies for this character. Thanks!
Terjon of the Blue Rose 11-18-07, 12:35 AM	Please Examine And Critique Honestly... Hmm. I think it works for this board though it seems especially redundant here.:P I like the character but I'd stress just a little bit more the size differential between him and a full grown adult if you want a child prodigy. He should at 15.5 still be significantly shorter than the average man unless he's going to be growing into a huge individual. A small size also helps to stress his age without directly mentioning it. Perhaps a bit of child-fat still around the face to give a young-ish look. Other than that I'd say your pretty good. If you have to play at 17 you can still get the child-prodigy but you should be well-known by this point. At the very least everyone in your family should be acting expectantly around you even if you haven't truly been out into the world. Might want a bit of expression around the father even if he doesn't intend to let it slip... say a sigh when you are successful in the ritual you described that he shouldn't have let out. By that age they have been waiting on the chance to test you. To show the world what you are. The only other bit I could add to the character would be to put into the description somewhere the bit about his strong sense of duty. That and your describing a Lawful or at least Nuetral character as he has a very ordered lifestyle. He may ignore laws that he cares nothing for but he himself acts in a regular and consistent manner. Lawful, at least to me, has nothing to do with following the law. After all their are lawful criminals (see mafia families) its just that they follow a different code then the national law. Your character is much the same. National law means nothing to him but family law is holy.
Master_Vega 11-18-07, 01:19 AM	Please Examine And Critique Honestly... Hmm. I think it works for this board though it seems especially redundant here.:P True, but most of my other threads here have been along the lines of "I have half the character concept; anyone got the other half?" I'd like to think this one simply needs fine-tuning. :P I like the character but I'd stress just a little bit more the size differential between him and a full grown adult if you want a child prodigy. He should at 15.5 still be significantly shorter than the average man unless he's going to be growing into a huge individual. A small size also helps to stress his age without directly mentioning it. Perhaps a bit of child-fat still around the face to give a young-ish look. Yeah, I'll write some more emphasis in the introduction... I haven't decided on an exact height, but he's probably somewhere around five feet, maybe less, while his father is around six feet or more. Any ideas on an exact height? I'll work on the rest of the description additions and edit them in later. Other than that I'd say your pretty good. If you have to play at 17 you can still get the child-prodigy but you should be well-known by this point. At the very least everyone in your family should be acting expectantly around you even if you haven't truly been out into the world. Might want a bit of expression around the father even if he doesn't intend to let it slip... say a sigh when you are successful in the ritual you described that he shouldn't have let out. By that age they have been waiting on the chance to test you. To show the world what you are. You mean the father lets out a sigh, or Karrus does... or either one? The only other bit I could add to the character would be to put into the description somewhere the bit about his strong sense of duty. That and your describing a Lawful or at least Nuetral character as he has a very ordered lifestyle. He may ignore laws that he cares nothing for but he himself acts in a regular and consistent manner. Lawful, at least to me, has nothing to do with following the law. After all their are lawful criminals (see mafia families) its just that they follow a different code then the national law. Your character is much the same. National law means nothing to him but family law is holy. I agree with you here, but I have yet to talk to the DM about what he thinks about the law/chaos axis. From what he's written and spoken of the campaign world (which he even described as "standard adventure fodder"), it seems lawful might mean "obeys the rules of the land". I could probably get away with neutral then... So is Karrus TN (LN if the DM agrees) or NG (LG) do you think? He doesn't seem like the type to be horrified by battle or killing, especially with his upbringing, but I don't see him standing by when innocents (which he might identify as "potential clients" as an excuse confronted by his party... that is if he feels the need to make an excuse) are threatened. Maybe keeping civilian casualties down is looked upon as professional by his family? The campaign is a good-aligned campaign, and though characters of any alignment are allowed I feel I might be disrupting the game if I don't give my character at least a small desire to do good. :P Thanks again!
Terjon of the Blue Rose 11-18-07, 07:00 AM	I was thinking the father for the sigh. Something to show tension about how the family is expecting him to perform. As for nuetral vs good he is relying heavily upon the code of the family. If they have a strong ethical code so does he. If they are a purely mercenary family he does not. Even if he himself is good he seems devoted enough to act as nuetral in family enterest or vice versa. I'd try to come up with the basics of the family as an organization and then use that to determine how he behaves.
Master_Vega 11-18-07, 11:38 AM	Family Values (heheh...) 1. Family (safety and success of relatives) 2. Blade art (one must be proficient to make money in the business) 3. Business (public image, profit, etc...) Rules of Business: 1. Contracts are final. They must be kept up on both sides. Unpredictable events can change a contract, but it is best business to stay in the employer's service regardless (it's the mercenary's call, though.) 2. Collateral damage is unprofessional. Allies are to be kept alive, and injuries to bystander parties are to be avoided. Damage to structures should be avoided as well, but is not as much a problem. 3. Avoid jobs that are bad for business. In a "lawful good" kingdom, it is best to turn down job offers for evil or incredibly disruptive activities (IE: assassinating a highly ranked figure, mass slaughter, pillaging raids, etc...). These jobs may be taken if profitable enough, but it is still advized they look into the matter. (Something else has to be up when you're payed insanely to get something evil done.) Noble family fueds turned wars are fair game. And of course there are the obvious rules about professional manners and such. Another minor philosophy his family teaches is that generocity is good for business. Hiring is still average or above average price, but a free save or two is encouraged if the opportunity is presented. I'd add more, but I need to get to work. Alright, I think he's TN, or TN with good tendencies
Terjon of the Blue Rose 11-23-07, 10:48 PM	Everything I've seen screams lawful to me. As for the G/N aspect with the no collateral damage thing you may well be good (you're character seems lawful enough to take this code very seriously to me). As for your DMs take on the lawful access as being in relation to national law you probably fit that description as well. The code seems to take into account that violations of national law are bad for business. I'd say your lawful good with an emphasis on lawful. You may well veer towards nuetral at times but something tells me money isn't as much a motivator for you character as the family honor. The family cares a great deal about profitability but I think you may well look more long term about the price of a job. Evil rarely pays off in the long term since if you get caught at it (and you don't seem the type to hide your involvement) it hurts your rep more than a lost job hurts your bank account.
Terjon of the Blue Rose 11-23-07, 10:50 PM	The campaign is a good-aligned campaign, and though characters of any alignment are allowed I feel I might be disrupting the game if I don't give my character at least a small desire to do good. :P I wouldn't so much go with a desire to do good as a great respect for those who do it and organizations (especially the law) which promote such. Helps keep the mercenary attitude while playing a good character.
Master_Vega 11-25-07, 05:06 PM	Sorry for taking so long to get back to this. I didn't think expect anymore replies. :P If this character is Lawful good, he will be my first LG character ever. :P I'm thinking that, while he does obey national laws for the most part, frivolous laws may not get the same respect from him that the more meaningful laws will. He also might press his luck in some occasions, but only when he has a loophole. If his target runs onto a noble's property, he might follow the man/creature or non-nonchalantly fire his light crossbow (not exactly his favorite weapon) after it if he's hurt it enough to take it down with a bolt. If the noble confronts him about trespassing, he'll simply counter "You certainly could not have planned on harboring my target. After all, harboring criminals and the like is an offense, and such an esteemed man as yourself should not let his reputation be tarnished by such a thing." - Yes, he'll have his witty speechcraft moments... Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) is a nice skill to have. :D I'm fairly certain there will be situations like the above, considering what the DM has told me of the campaign... and if not, oh well. To him the success of a contract may be held slightly above the law (meaning he might push the boundries a bit to get the job done), but the law is held above the signing of a contract that may prove problematic to the law (IE: a mission where breaking the law is absolutely required). Hope that makes sense. Edit: I also really like your idea about respecting those who do good (not well, good). I think that fits the character a lot better than my idea. Thanks!
Master_Vega 11-28-07, 05:55 PM	Well, I sent the DM the intro and he likes it. He didn't get back to me on what alignment he considers my character to be, though I think I can get away with lawful for the reasons you mentioned. Now I just hope that he doesn't start us off with the "you return to find your village a charred mess" scenario after we complete the escorting mission. I just might have to make Karrus my first multi-campaign character if that happens. :P
Terjon of the Blue Rose 11-28-07, 11:37 PM	Hope that makes sense. Edit: I also really like your idea about respecting those who do good (not well, good). I think that fits the character a lot better than my idea. Thanks! It does make sense. And I'm glad I could help.