Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Tyusk 11-05-04, 05:04 PM	Hey there, lemme give you a little background :) I am running a city based game in an Arctic setting, with races such as Humans, a Woolly Loxo (toned down variant of Loxo in MM2), an Arctic Kenku (mm3), and Glacial Dwarves, from Frostburn. The PCs are starting as level 1 commoners around the age of 14. Influences of the game are, Gangs of New York, The Sandlot, Catcher in the Rye, etc... The PCs will be a part of hteir own small gang, what i need is two NPC commoners around age 14 that will be unique, fun for me to roleplay, and just plain cool :) PCs and NPCs alike will be taking regular PC classes for their next level....the commoner start is only for roleplaying purposes. so in summary, i need two NPCs, with cool appearance and personality out of the races listed above...i'm just looking for some cool ideas :) thanks folks!! Ryan
Ilium 11-05-04, 05:17 PM	In an arctic setting all the ideas are cool! :) Seriously, I think you could go with a real charmer. The kind of kid who is chronically in trouble but always talks his (or her) way out of it. Up to you whether this person is really just a bit roguish but basically ok, or an evil manipulative slimeball. At 14, that decision may not be made yet... Crunch-wise: High Charisma (obviously), Skill Focus(Diplomacy) and the Negotiator feat could give you a level 1 commoner with a +12 or better modifier on diplomacy. Now that's charming. :) Put the other good stat in Int and this person will have lots of skill points and probably end up as a real leader. Will probably take Rogue levels next, but could get by with Expert.
Tyusk 11-07-04, 10:35 PM	yeah, that makes sense...i like the idea, thanks!. I think i'm goign to go with a girl though, i made her up and she's pretty good as far as diplomacy and bluff go... i thinki may make a child aristocrat as well...one that ran away...should be good for some plot. any other ideas? :)
Vharuck 11-08-04, 10:27 AM	Could always rip off Lenny from Of Mice and Men and make a brutish kid who actually is just very loyal and gets upset sometimes. Ever read the book? Big guy who follows around a small guy. One time somebody starts to punch him in the face, Lenny just looks to George (small guy) and asks what he should do. George gives Lenny permission to fight back, so Lenny immediately and easily breaks the guy's hand. Good scene, and a good character for a gang. Warning: Lenny was mentally retarded, and I don't know how much offense anyone may take to this. I dunno, some people might not like the fact that a gang leader is twisting retarded kids to his will. I say, if they're good at it and they like it, let 'em go.
Tyusk 11-08-04, 03:23 PM	oh that's a good idea, i had overlooked that! very good book. thanks :)
Aluroon 11-08-04, 08:04 PM	Why not just let them start with levels of rogue...you make it very difficult for them (your players) from the aspect of skill points (especially if they end up going rogue) by forcing them into a level of commoner. Rogue 1st level skills 8+2 (14 int) x4 =40 skill points Rogue 2nd level skills 8+2 (14int) x1 = 10 A big difference. Just a thought. Aluroon
Tyusk 11-08-04, 08:06 PM	the focus in my game is on roleplaying, and not the nubmers side of it, i'm looking more for character development and roleplaying than the more physical side of it, its even going to be a low combat game.
Aluroon 11-08-04, 08:18 PM	Not even from a combat prospective. Giving them more skill points gives them more freedom to define there characters in my experance. I often end up looking at the numbers compared to the story and am forced to change/remove important elements to help a character make sense. So basically I just think that giving them the option of Rogue instead lets them play with a wider base, it also makes for sense for a street gang IMHO for them to be able to do more then an averange person, for them to be able to sneak around better then most. just my thoughts. Great storyline idea btw Aluroon
Ilium 11-09-04, 08:42 AM	I saw a suggestion a while ago that would help, here: Instead of X4 skill points at first level, you give X2 skill points at each of the first 3 levels. That way people don't feel so compelled to take rogue for their first level if they want a rogue level eventually. And since you won't be raising your Int yet by third level, it won't mess with the calculations.
Tyusk 11-09-04, 03:47 PM	thanks a bunch for the suggestions, and also the kind words, Aluroon :)