Odd character idea based on a Marilyn Manson lyric [Archive] - Wizards Community

Odd character idea based on a Marilyn Manson lyric [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Belladonna5012
10-13-04, 12:22 AM Yes, a character concept based on a Marilyn Manson lyric. Yes, I do know I'm just a little touched upstairs; there will be no need to inform me of this.

Anyway, the lyric in question is from the song "Get Your Gunn" (see the CD "The Last Tour on Earth"). "You want me to save the world / I'm just a little girl." A bit ridiculous, I understand, but the idea grabs me. I'm not going to pretend I can explain it.

I'm thinking a very young character, far younger than the PHB allows (probably 10 to 12), who was forced to grow up very quickly and has something of a mission. Since the game I'm in takes place on a savage, subterranean prison plane, I can make her a native, and the justification for a hard life becomes immediately apparent. As does her mission--learn the secrets of the plane (such as what's beyond the tunnels that the NPCs don't come back from) and either find a means to evacuate the population (she would not be the type of person to just run away herself and leave everyone else behind) or improve its abysmal living conditions.

I'm guessing she'd be CG, maybe NG (but probably CG, as I already have an NG character). Just to capitalize on the contrast between her chronological age and the the maturity she's been forced to develop, I was thinking of starting with a relatively innocent little-girl image and then twisting it. Right now, I'm thinking human (maybe even elven), petite, and blonde... with lots of scars and other visible signs of past injury, such as (perhaps) a crooked, once-broken nose.

So. I'm still not entirely decided what race she would be (for the record, I play a half-human/half-demon, a giant human for whom I'm trying to find a way to get Powerful Build or the like, and a drow), though I'm leaning towards human, or what class she would be (I play a Rogue/Swashbuckler going either Psion/Slayer or Fatemaker, a Fighter who's probably going War Mind or maybe Spellsword, and a Swashbuckler/Wizard who's going Bladesinger), though I lean just slightly towards Paladin of Freedom (the CG version of the Paladin, found in Unearthed Arcana).

I'm thinking of two things in particular: how various races and classes would fit with the "little girl looking to save her world" concept, and how they would diversify the types of characters I play in a mechanical sense.

Human suits this image well, as could elf; but I get the impression most humanlike races would fit reasonably well, even ones like tiefling or half-orc. From a diversity-of-mechanics standpoint, I already have two humans (or at least, using human as their base template). Elf or gnome could be interesting, though I'm just about addicted to the human's bonus feat, extra skill points, and easy multiclassing.

While the Paladin of Freedom seems to suit the concept of a benevolent mission well, it has an emphasis on melee combat and physical strength and endurance that could make it a bit hard to believe on a "little girl." Then again, the increase in contrast could be kind of fun. From a diversity-of-mechanics standpoint, all of my current characters are melee combatants (albeit with notable differences in their fighting styles) who will also have spells or powers, meaning another fighter/caster may not be what I need (though an Arcane Archer gish could provide an interesting variation on the fighter/caster theme). Also, I tend to be disinterested in pure fighter types (they just seem so limited in what they can "do," and this is a concept for which being good for more than just smashing things is absolutely vital). From a mechanical standpoint, making a full caster would probably be the way to go, as I've been meaning to get around to playing one. Perhaps a caster/fighter (as opposed to the other way around), like a Wizard 10/Eldritch Knight 10 (using Militia to qualify) or a straight-up Battle Sorceror. To be honest, I can't sit still waiting here for the class in Complete Arcane that's supposed to have a brand-new casting system (I wanna SEEEEE!), nor can I wait to see its other new materials.

Some notes:
Character can not be a servant of a deity (personal preference), and I tend to shy away from divine casters in general (save for ones like the Ur-Priest, which is right up my alley). Yes, I know the Paladin of Freedom is a divine caster; that was kind of an ad-hoc exception, but she'd still have a cause as opposed to a deity.
Alignment restrictions have been removed for almost all classes and all races, so she could be, for instance, a good Hexblade. I'd prefer to stay away from the PrCs in the BoED and BoVD (excluding those that also appear in other sources); the former because I don't like most of them, and the latter because their restriction to evil alignments was not removed (the Ur-Priest is an exception because it appeared in Complete Divine as well).

I know this is all pretty vague. But does any of this give any of you an idea, whether about the base concept or its mechanical representation in the form of race/class, that makes you want to throw up your hand and go "Oooh! Oooh! Oooh!" like you know the answer to a really hard question in class? I'd love to hear it.

I can't help the feeling I'm forgetting something, but mm. I can edit later if I have.

~Belladonna Knight
Persephone Imytholin
10-13-04, 08:23 AM My vote's on a Tiefling, with the rough-edged kind of touches they have in PlaneScape. The kind of kid who, when told not to go out on her quest, says "Pike it" and blunders off on her own anyway. The tiefling charisma penalty can be downplayed as a dose of innocent, youthful faith in what some folks say - adding to the twisted, clashing image. Other fun features could be snapped horns or the tattered shreds of a tail.

The most fitting class for such a young character, IMO, seems to be the rogue or the bard. Light, quick and stealthy, they're not massively focused on book-learning or on beating things to tiny pieces. Then again, I could just be saying that because I've always loved playing rogue-types. With a Tiefling, the extra benefit is that you can take your next class for free.
Belladonna5012
10-13-04, 11:13 AM My vote's on a Tiefling, with the rough-edged kind of touches they have in PlaneScape. The kind of kid who, when told not to go out on her quest, says "Pike it" and blunders off on her own anyway. The tiefling charisma penalty can be downplayed as a dose of innocent, youthful faith in what some folks say - adding to the twisted, clashing image. Other fun features could be snapped horns or the tattered shreds of a tail.

The most fitting class for such a young character, IMO, seems to be the rogue or the bard. Light, quick and stealthy, they're not massively focused on book-learning or on beating things to tiny pieces. Then again, I could just be saying that because I've always loved playing rogue-types. With a Tiefling, the extra benefit is that you can take your next class for free.

Hm, there's a thought. While a Tiefling wouldn't have quite the conflict between the "sweet, pure little girl" and "really really hard life" images, as they're already kind of rough, the Tiefling's features would make for more ways physical injury could be evident, yes.

Unfortunately, the Tiefling would be pretty poorly suited for a Bard, what with their crappy Charisma. Maybe a Wizard/Virtuoso. I'd also like to stay away from straight Rogue if possible, but a Tiefling would be suited to Rogue/Wizard/Arcane Trickster, which would give her access to both the social skills and the Knowledges she'll need. They don't quite play up the "mission" aspect like the Paladin would, but I can still see how they'd fit. Thanks. :)

~Belladonna Knight
SmiloDan
10-13-04, 12:15 PM Druid. Full caster, no deity, wide variety of spell types, wide skill selection, a cute little pet...that kicks ass. Not too shabby.
Belladonna5012
10-13-04, 01:38 PM Druid. Full caster, no deity, wide variety of spell types, wide skill selection, a cute little pet...that kicks ass. Not too shabby.

Eh. The whole "naturalist" schtick seems a bit distant from the concept--someone who's more concerned with the needs of people than of nature. Example: since it's a subterranean world (it's not even known if there's a surface at all on the plane), starting a large-scale mining operation could be a means of improving qualify of life (not only is ore rare, but even food has to be "mined" in this setting). I somehow doubt a Druid would be happy with a mining operation, let alone interested in championing it or getting it organized.

So, now that I think of it, I can probably scratch the nature-venerating classes off of the probabilities list.

~Belladonna Knight
Daniel _the_Zodiac
10-13-04, 02:41 PM What about making her like the Drew Barrymore character from 'Firestarter'? Emotional, confused, dangerous.
Belladonna5012
10-13-04, 03:15 PM What about making her like the Drew Barrymore character from 'Firestarter'? Emotional, confused, dangerous.

Mm, not really what I had in mind for the character. I already have one like this (that would be the half-demon Rogue/Swashbuckler).

~Belladonna Knight
Aluroon
10-13-04, 05:26 PM I think Teifling is the way to go as far as race. For class, I'm tempted to say Wilder or Psion (if you have psionic), or Rogue/Wizard/Arcane Trickster (of you not Psionic).

I think the concept is great, but it does need some work.

Aluroon
Morka
10-13-04, 08:33 PM I know my suggestion is not what you want, but there is still something that could be interesting in it. Be a cleric. Choose a god from the normal material plane that is almost forgotten in your prison plane (a god like Selune would be great). This way, you don't have to follow-your-believes, since you don't know them.
If you start at level 1, start with 3 point of wisdom penalty, and get them back each time you gain a level. That should illustrate how your young character has to grow and mature quickly. This last idea could still be done with the Tiefling Arcane Trickster, but there will be a lesser impact.
Belladonna5012
10-13-04, 08:57 PM I think Teifling is the way to go as far as race. For class, I'm tempted to say Wilder or Psion (if you have psionic), or Rogue/Wizard/Arcane Trickster (of you not Psionic).

We do have psionics. I just might make a Psion, though I'm honestly leaning towards something else. Arcane Trickster could be interesting indeed.

I think the concept is great, but it does need some work.

Thanks. :)

I know my suggestion is not what you want, but there is still something that could be interesting in it. Be a cleric. Choose a god from the normal material plane that is almost forgotten in your prison plane (a god like Selune would be great). This way, you don't have to follow-your-believes, since you don't know them.
If you start at level 1, start with 3 point of wisdom penalty, and get them back each time you gain a level. That should illustrate how your young character has to grow and mature quickly. This last idea could still be done with the Tiefling Arcane Trickster, but there will be a lesser impact.

...I'm sorry, what? That just confused the absolute daylights out of me.

~Belladonna Knight
jnrhayz
10-14-04, 11:27 AM I could see druid working even though you have already cleared it off. I like playing NG druids in 3rd edition and making them like moderate nature lovers in real life.

You say people have to mine for everything in this realm. Well, being a Druid you probably want that to stop and you want to help people have better lives. If you can find mushrooms or something to grow on the walls then they can farm. Using your love of nature to help people mine, but mine in a way that is beneficial to the people and not damaging to the environment.

Yes, you will basically be trying to change your entire people's view or working with the planet they exist on. Improving their lives and the nature around them.

It sounds like that concept would fit, but I guess it depends on if your DM thinks druids can't be good because they must champion nature before man. Where this concept is more of a joining of nature and man.

just some thoughts.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Belladonna5012 10-13-04, 12:22 AM	Yes, a character concept based on a Marilyn Manson lyric. Yes, I do know I'm just a little touched upstairs; there will be no need to inform me of this. Anyway, the lyric in question is from the song "Get Your Gunn" (see the CD "The Last Tour on Earth"). "You want me to save the world / I'm just a little girl." A bit ridiculous, I understand, but the idea grabs me. I'm not going to pretend I can explain it. I'm thinking a very young character, far younger than the PHB allows (probably 10 to 12), who was forced to grow up very quickly and has something of a mission. Since the game I'm in takes place on a savage, subterranean prison plane, I can make her a native, and the justification for a hard life becomes immediately apparent. As does her mission--learn the secrets of the plane (such as what's beyond the tunnels that the NPCs don't come back from) and either find a means to evacuate the population (she would not be the type of person to just run away herself and leave everyone else behind) or improve its abysmal living conditions. I'm guessing she'd be CG, maybe NG (but probably CG, as I already have an NG character). Just to capitalize on the contrast between her chronological age and the the maturity she's been forced to develop, I was thinking of starting with a relatively innocent little-girl image and then twisting it. Right now, I'm thinking human (maybe even elven), petite, and blonde... with lots of scars and other visible signs of past injury, such as (perhaps) a crooked, once-broken nose. So. I'm still not entirely decided what race she would be (for the record, I play a half-human/half-demon, a giant human for whom I'm trying to find a way to get Powerful Build or the like, and a drow), though I'm leaning towards human, or what class she would be (I play a Rogue/Swashbuckler going either Psion/Slayer or Fatemaker, a Fighter who's probably going War Mind or maybe Spellsword, and a Swashbuckler/Wizard who's going Bladesinger), though I lean just slightly towards Paladin of Freedom (the CG version of the Paladin, found in Unearthed Arcana). I'm thinking of two things in particular: how various races and classes would fit with the "little girl looking to save her world" concept, and how they would diversify the types of characters I play in a mechanical sense. Human suits this image well, as could elf; but I get the impression most humanlike races would fit reasonably well, even ones like tiefling or half-orc. From a diversity-of-mechanics standpoint, I already have two humans (or at least, using human as their base template). Elf or gnome could be interesting, though I'm just about addicted to the human's bonus feat, extra skill points, and easy multiclassing. While the Paladin of Freedom seems to suit the concept of a benevolent mission well, it has an emphasis on melee combat and physical strength and endurance that could make it a bit hard to believe on a "little girl." Then again, the increase in contrast could be kind of fun. From a diversity-of-mechanics standpoint, all of my current characters are melee combatants (albeit with notable differences in their fighting styles) who will also have spells or powers, meaning another fighter/caster may not be what I need (though an Arcane Archer gish could provide an interesting variation on the fighter/caster theme). Also, I tend to be disinterested in pure fighter types (they just seem so limited in what they can "do," and this is a concept for which being good for more than just smashing things is absolutely vital). From a mechanical standpoint, making a full caster would probably be the way to go, as I've been meaning to get around to playing one. Perhaps a caster/fighter (as opposed to the other way around), like a Wizard 10/Eldritch Knight 10 (using Militia to qualify) or a straight-up Battle Sorceror. To be honest, I can't sit still waiting here for the class in Complete Arcane that's supposed to have a brand-new casting system (I wanna SEEEEE!), nor can I wait to see its other new materials. Some notes: Character can not be a servant of a deity (personal preference), and I tend to shy away from divine casters in general (save for ones like the Ur-Priest, which is right up my alley). Yes, I know the Paladin of Freedom is a divine caster; that was kind of an ad-hoc exception, but she'd still have a cause as opposed to a deity. Alignment restrictions have been removed for almost all classes and all races, so she could be, for instance, a good Hexblade. I'd prefer to stay away from the PrCs in the BoED and BoVD (excluding those that also appear in other sources); the former because I don't like most of them, and the latter because their restriction to evil alignments was not removed (the Ur-Priest is an exception because it appeared in Complete Divine as well). I know this is all pretty vague. But does any of this give any of you an idea, whether about the base concept or its mechanical representation in the form of race/class, that makes you want to throw up your hand and go "Oooh! Oooh! Oooh!" like you know the answer to a really hard question in class? I'd love to hear it. I can't help the feeling I'm forgetting something, but mm. I can edit later if I have. ~Belladonna Knight
Persephone Imytholin 10-13-04, 08:23 AM	My vote's on a Tiefling, with the rough-edged kind of touches they have in PlaneScape. The kind of kid who, when told not to go out on her quest, says "Pike it" and blunders off on her own anyway. The tiefling charisma penalty can be downplayed as a dose of innocent, youthful faith in what some folks say - adding to the twisted, clashing image. Other fun features could be snapped horns or the tattered shreds of a tail. The most fitting class for such a young character, IMO, seems to be the rogue or the bard. Light, quick and stealthy, they're not massively focused on book-learning or on beating things to tiny pieces. Then again, I could just be saying that because I've always loved playing rogue-types. With a Tiefling, the extra benefit is that you can take your next class for free.
Belladonna5012 10-13-04, 11:13 AM	My vote's on a Tiefling, with the rough-edged kind of touches they have in PlaneScape. The kind of kid who, when told not to go out on her quest, says "Pike it" and blunders off on her own anyway. The tiefling charisma penalty can be downplayed as a dose of innocent, youthful faith in what some folks say - adding to the twisted, clashing image. Other fun features could be snapped horns or the tattered shreds of a tail. The most fitting class for such a young character, IMO, seems to be the rogue or the bard. Light, quick and stealthy, they're not massively focused on book-learning or on beating things to tiny pieces. Then again, I could just be saying that because I've always loved playing rogue-types. With a Tiefling, the extra benefit is that you can take your next class for free. Hm, there's a thought. While a Tiefling wouldn't have quite the conflict between the "sweet, pure little girl" and "really really hard life" images, as they're already kind of rough, the Tiefling's features would make for more ways physical injury could be evident, yes. Unfortunately, the Tiefling would be pretty poorly suited for a Bard, what with their crappy Charisma. Maybe a Wizard/Virtuoso. I'd also like to stay away from straight Rogue if possible, but a Tiefling would be suited to Rogue/Wizard/Arcane Trickster, which would give her access to both the social skills and the Knowledges she'll need. They don't quite play up the "mission" aspect like the Paladin would, but I can still see how they'd fit. Thanks. :) ~Belladonna Knight
SmiloDan 10-13-04, 12:15 PM	Druid. Full caster, no deity, wide variety of spell types, wide skill selection, a cute little pet...that kicks ass. Not too shabby.
Belladonna5012 10-13-04, 01:38 PM	Druid. Full caster, no deity, wide variety of spell types, wide skill selection, a cute little pet...that kicks ass. Not too shabby. Eh. The whole "naturalist" schtick seems a bit distant from the concept--someone who's more concerned with the needs of people than of nature. Example: since it's a subterranean world (it's not even known if there's a surface at all on the plane), starting a large-scale mining operation could be a means of improving qualify of life (not only is ore rare, but even food has to be "mined" in this setting). I somehow doubt a Druid would be happy with a mining operation, let alone interested in championing it or getting it organized. So, now that I think of it, I can probably scratch the nature-venerating classes off of the probabilities list. ~Belladonna Knight
Daniel _the_Zodiac 10-13-04, 02:41 PM	What about making her like the Drew Barrymore character from 'Firestarter'? Emotional, confused, dangerous.
Belladonna5012 10-13-04, 03:15 PM	What about making her like the Drew Barrymore character from 'Firestarter'? Emotional, confused, dangerous. Mm, not really what I had in mind for the character. I already have one like this (that would be the half-demon Rogue/Swashbuckler). ~Belladonna Knight
Aluroon 10-13-04, 05:26 PM	I think Teifling is the way to go as far as race. For class, I'm tempted to say Wilder or Psion (if you have psionic), or Rogue/Wizard/Arcane Trickster (of you not Psionic). I think the concept is great, but it does need some work. Aluroon
Morka 10-13-04, 08:33 PM	I know my suggestion is not what you want, but there is still something that could be interesting in it. Be a cleric. Choose a god from the normal material plane that is almost forgotten in your prison plane (a god like Selune would be great). This way, you don't have to follow-your-believes, since you don't know them. If you start at level 1, start with 3 point of wisdom penalty, and get them back each time you gain a level. That should illustrate how your young character has to grow and mature quickly. This last idea could still be done with the Tiefling Arcane Trickster, but there will be a lesser impact.
Belladonna5012 10-13-04, 08:57 PM	I think Teifling is the way to go as far as race. For class, I'm tempted to say Wilder or Psion (if you have psionic), or Rogue/Wizard/Arcane Trickster (of you not Psionic). We do have psionics. I just might make a Psion, though I'm honestly leaning towards something else. Arcane Trickster could be interesting indeed. I think the concept is great, but it does need some work. Thanks. :) I know my suggestion is not what you want, but there is still something that could be interesting in it. Be a cleric. Choose a god from the normal material plane that is almost forgotten in your prison plane (a god like Selune would be great). This way, you don't have to follow-your-believes, since you don't know them. If you start at level 1, start with 3 point of wisdom penalty, and get them back each time you gain a level. That should illustrate how your young character has to grow and mature quickly. This last idea could still be done with the Tiefling Arcane Trickster, but there will be a lesser impact. ...I'm sorry, what? That just confused the absolute daylights out of me. ~Belladonna Knight
jnrhayz 10-14-04, 11:27 AM	I could see druid working even though you have already cleared it off. I like playing NG druids in 3rd edition and making them like moderate nature lovers in real life. You say people have to mine for everything in this realm. Well, being a Druid you probably want that to stop and you want to help people have better lives. If you can find mushrooms or something to grow on the walls then they can farm. Using your love of nature to help people mine, but mine in a way that is beneficial to the people and not damaging to the environment. Yes, you will basically be trying to change your entire people's view or working with the planet they exist on. Improving their lives and the nature around them. It sounds like that concept would fit, but I guess it depends on if your DM thinks druids can't be good because they must champion nature before man. Where this concept is more of a joining of nature and man. just some thoughts.