Post/Author/DateTime	Post
karyakar 03-28-05, 12:33 PM	Hi all, Long time lurker, first time poster here. I am glad I found my way to this great forum. Haven't explored all the boards in-depth yet, but I will say this... between the Char development & optimization forums, there are enough awesome ideas to last a lifetime of gaming. Just wanted my introduction to the rest of the group to be one of appreciation and gratitude for all the good work you all do here... To fill the void left in our collective weekends after march madness draws to a close, my group has planned to start a campaign in the Forgotten Realms at lvl1. We will be playing every alternate week (Max 4 times per month if players’ schedules match). I am preparing to play a male, lawful good, lesser aasimar, and cleric of lathander/illtamer. Eventually I would like to PrC in Radiant Servant, Morninglord, etc. Now, it might be sometime before I can get enough levels to PrC since we are only playing once every two weeks at the outset. I am not really sure how fast the game and consequently the characters will evolve. I put in the note about the eventual PrC because it may help to give the character something to aspire to, and that in turn could spark ideas that can find its way into his background. We have managed to recruit a DM with a great reputation and some renown. I have never played with him so I am not certain how much and how often he will reward good role-playing. My first impressions after meeting him are all positive though. He seems organized and fair. He had been a regular in the gaming scene here for quite some time, but had to check out for a while due to the added responsibilities of a challenging job & family. Now his life is settled enough for a rerun of gaming. He wants to move away from the hack-slash dungeon crawls towards a more RPing type environment. He emphasized that: * He intends to reward "playing the character and alignment". * The players’ alignments will not be made known to the group, and we must discover it overtime through our interactions with each other. The game is by invite only and all the other players are mature gamers, most of whom I have known for some time now. This is definitely setting up to be a great game so far. I am looking forward to this campaign and plan to have a good showing with my character. This is where you all come in! Help me develop a story line. I plan to post my thoughts and keep updating a story as more and more ideas come in from you all. Now I am sure that there are plenty of posts in this database that have lots of good ideas for my background. Lately I have even tried to read through as many posts as I could about: "RPing Good/Lawful", "Clerics"... I just hope they bring this search feature back soon. [If any of you have bookmarked some old threads that could lead to some great info, please post a link. I would really appreciate it.] Ok so onto some general ideas about the characters story: I want this character to rise from a noble background, one where he has lived a comfortable life of privilege. He has been taught to believe that there is good in all sentient beings. He aspires to liberate people from the clutches of incarnate evil and also the evil in the heart that stems from hopelessness, strife, poverty, hunger, anger... etc. To strive to imbibe these high ideals he has decided to serve the people through the deity he has grown to believe and trust implicitly... something of this sort! He adventures to teach and to learn, to empower the weak and be empowered by mighty adventurers he meets, ultimately to save and be saved... So that’s how it stands so far. Couple of comments about it... 1. I think the character background is a little too sugary, a little too perfect, and a tad bit idealistic. Help me introduce minor character flaws, example: impulsiveness, minor arrogance & ignorance of reality (due to his noble bearing and relatively sheltered life). Need I say more... you all will think of plenty more! Maybe a couple of vices, which he can try to resolve, hidden addictions (I don't know... just throwing it out there). 2. Please post some RPing tips, particularly with regard to his interactions with other party members and NPCs. I would love to hear your own experiences playing LG Cleric/Paladin. Thanks in advance for you help with this cause.
Ouranos Harpy 03-28-05, 03:48 PM	Maybe you should include, where in the Forgotten Realms does this take place? Waterdeep? Silverymoon? Halruaa? Calimport? Also include what his base blood is. We knwo he has celestial blood in him, but is the other half Human, Gnome, Elvish etc? If you give me some of the more rough details, I can hammer something out fer ya~
karyakar 03-28-05, 04:54 PM	Ouranos I am not certain about the exact setting in FRealms. Is this something that will change the story you had in mind drastically? If you get a chance would you mind posting some of your ideas to give me a bit of a springboard. In any case I'll try to find out more from the DM about the setting. As for the base blood. I would like it elvish or human. I am leaning towards human over elvish, mainly becuase I have long held the belief that elves tend to gravitate towards the more arcane forms of magic. While there are certainly elven clerics, and powerful ones at that, the arcane tradition is more likely in Elven houses. On the other hand the idea of organized religion, divine casting, power derived from faith, all seem human tendencies to me. Ofcourse this is open for discussion, but thats just my two cents right now. The key i think however is to bring the flavor of tradition and a noble lineage to the characters story. I certainly don't want to base blood to be of any of the other core races (orc, gnome, dwarven, halfling). As interesting as that would be, my idea isn't to play a wacky combination of races and classes. That even goes for the progression I am drawing up for levels. It will probably be Clr 6, Radiant Servant 10... My plan is to take a rather straighforward character and then add a lot of substance to him. Plus, I have an inkling that this may be an epic progression campaign. I would like this character to be one I can save for an NPC in one of my campaigns in the future. I know that a lot to hope for considering that the character hasn't even started the adventure yet (:)), but I have high expectations. Cheers.
Ouranos Harpy 03-28-05, 06:20 PM	Where you are born, I personally does think changes your attitutes on life. Someone from waterdeep or calimport is less enchanted about the idea of a noble steed saving the poor. However, someone from the city of Silverymoon probably was grown with the ideas of chivalry and valiant knights destroying the evil red-dragon. Also, I was merely asking what you want the base blood to be because it adds to the richness of a character. That is not to say you have to play something exotic like a celestial and fiendish gnome or anything. After all exotic is in the eyes of the beholder. If you feel most comfortable with the idea of a Human that that's what we'll work with. Ok, so I'm going to assume the following: Your character is male, is of human base blood, is a cleric of Lathlander and is a noble. All the names or any minor detail is also subject to change and you may do you as you desire. ************************************* House Amnaunthur was not always nobility. Just a century ago it was infact one of the many refugee houses who had run away from the destruction of Myth Drannor. They arrived at the footsteps of the budding mixed race city Silverymoon in an atempt to survive. Much to thier surprise they were treated very well. The ruling high mage of the city felt pity for the once noble house of the fallen empire and gave them a modest accomodation on one of the manors that resided outside of the city. Ever greatful to the High mage for his kindness, that very day House Amnaunthur swore fealty to the city and vowed to protect it from any darkness that dared to so much as raise a finger upon the city. And the noble house followed through. Solwly through sheer determination and hardwork the house made a mark in the eyes of current nobility by excelling in the magical and matrial arts. House Amnaunthur contrinuted some of the best high mages, Generals and some of the greatest priests. Though they soon became a faviroute and household name in the council of peers, the house never forgot thier beginnings. They never forgot thier humility and contributed itself to the service of the poor in Silverymoon. Bound by a rich servitude for the people House Amnaunthur was truly a shining beacon of light. A few years later after thier arrival to the city, Silverymoon was plunged into a bitter winter which was followed by ongoing hordes of orcs from the frozen north. Desperation and sorrow hit the city hard and all around a bleak shadow of gray settled around. The current ruling patron (yet unmarried) Dharshal Amnuanthur (LG Paladin Lathlanther) felt something had to be done. He decided that if the orc horde could be atleast halted then the people can partake in trade and atleast feed themselves. He took his plan to the Council of peers and begged them to spare a few troops. Many resisted, the idea was noble but also foolish. The Orc horde was immense almost 500, what could a maximum of 200 troops do? Angered by thier inability to help him, he asked all honourable men and women to join him in the crusade and alone ride to battle. his call was answered, over 300 knights, high mages and even commoners followed him into battle. And so they met, Orc against the goodly races of the north. The battle was viscious and bloody, his allies were falling left and right. In his last atempt Dharshal fell to his kness and covered in blood, with his cheeks streaked in tears whispered the most sincere prayer to the god of light, to his patron; the morninglord. Dharshal's prayer was answered. A rift in the sky opened and out came a holy celestial army. Hound archons, Ghaeles, Avorals all were lead in this noble and divine crusade against the degenerate Orc horde. He started in amazement as the most beautiful of all celestials came to his side and fought with him. That very moment he fell in love with his future wife, A trumpet Archon named High lady Israfil. The battle was over and the renegade army had won, and most of the Celestial's returned to thier divinly illuminated abodes. All but lady Israfil who stayed in Amnaunthur Manor long enough to give birth to three children. And from there began the celestial linegae of the noble Amnaunthur house. They gained much respect and now had the respect of all the goodly races in that region. These were the stories that the young lord Julian grew up with. He was continually mezmerized by the noble idea of purity and valor. he continually wanted to be like his patriarch; Dharshal. He wanted to have that devotion and that drive to serve the helpless. But the condition he grew up were different. His family had entered into the politics of Silverymoon and Council of peers. Though not intentionally evil, they became active participants in the petty fights that erupt in politics. Though the still serve the city, many of his family members also want to line their pockets with gold. Very few souls in house Amnaunthur actually are like thier glorified patriarch. And so, unlike house Amnaunthur of before which was in the streets of the poor actually there helping them, the present house Amnaunthur has decided to distance itself with castles and garderns, so that they don't have to look at the slums. They still give charity, but long have the days of actually contructing houses, feeding the poor gone. And Julian is unfortunatly like the rest of his house. He pity's the poor instead of respecting them. And that is what makes him different from his ancestor. he wants to help and sometimes believes that he knows what is better for them, then they themselves. he also has the archtypical idea of good and evil TO him, the world is filled with evil Orcs and noble warriors. he is a child of myths and legend... and often cannot see the grey inbetween. His life is one of stark differences, for only black and white live in his world. Despite all of this, he has joined the clergy of the Morninglord and now hope sto follow in his patriarch's footsteps and vanquish all evil and protect all the downtrodden. For in many ways, this is his destiny. **************************************** ***** Gasp, that took a long time. Hope you enjoy it... have fun.
Rowan_Whispercloak 03-28-05, 06:55 PM	I see your character being a second son of a noble family and being sent to join the church as is the tradition. He live there for most of his last teenage and early adult life. I see this background making him slightly naive about poverty, honor, and fair play. In other word I see him as a sheltered person.
karyakar 03-28-05, 08:07 PM	Ouranos: Thats quite a feat my friend. That story was truly inspired. I could not have hoped for a better start. I will alter it here and there as more ideas pour in and post the completed piece that I will send to our group. I really like the underlying structure a lot... A house rooted in humble beginnings that has lost its way over time. Perhaps 'Julian' (thats a good working name for now) is the prodigal son, who will realign the corrupting house with the path that was chartered by the mighty patriarch. However, along the way he has to challenge his preconceived notions and mature physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I also like the part about him living a life of extremes. Definately a lot to work with.. thanks so much. ------------------------ Rowan: I will most likely do what you suggested and write him as the second son. Like you and Ouranos suggested his youth, relatively sheltered life, and the resulting naivity will definately be a good character flaw for the DM and other players to play off-of. Maybe he is a little gullible and may get caught up in sticky situations created by mischievous rogues, or in a web of lies/misconceptions weaved by evil-leaning mages. He may suffer minor embarrasements and perhaps major problems due to the same. I like it a lot! ------------------------ I am thinking of taking some exalted feats over the course of his evolution... the first being Nymph's kiss at level 1. So the next plan is to introduce a nymph character in there, maybe a caregiver or even an adolescent crush. Any ideas on this new twist folks? Cheers
Morka 03-28-05, 09:29 PM	Here's a few tips about Lathander. This god is the eternal young, the eternal optimist, and the one who bring Spring for the new year and Dawn for the new day. Every morning you should sing the glory of Lathander, enough to get on the nerves of any bard in your party. The past is forgotten, the important is the future. Any feud, any quarrel that happen the day before is forgotten: rancor is stranger to you. However, you are not stupid to the point of forgetting who are your foes; simply, each day is a new chance for them to be redeemed. Newborn are sacred, but the sad side of Lathander's faith is aged ones might be a taboo. The same way, you should be willing to always taste new food, to learn new dances or new languages. About the Nymph's Kiss, you could have fallen in a river and have been saved by a Nixie, or you could have been lost in some forest and saved by a dryad; in memory, you could always carry an Oak wand (non magical).