Post/Author/DateTime	Post
kfrazier 01-07-04, 01:30 PM	I’m looking for some help with my character and background. This game is scheduled to start on Saturday Jan 10, 2004. This is for a 3.5 D&D campaing. What I have so far: My basic character concept is a Half-Orc Fighter who is an escaped slave from an Orc tribe. He was raised by the Orc tribe who enslaved his human mother, and trained to be a gladiator (fighting other slaves and prisoners). His mother also secretly educated him. Following his mother’s murder at the hands of her captors, he managed to escape and has vowed to avenge her death by “killing all Orcs.” If it helps, his stats are: STR:14, Dex:15, Con:14, INT:12, WIS:10, CHA:8 All help appreciated. Thanks, Kent
Simi 01-07-04, 01:55 PM	As far as the name, it would probably be a human name since his mother is more than likely the one who named him. He could have been given another name by the orcs. That's all I've got so far. (I'm not very good at coming up with names) :embarrass
neoweasel 01-07-04, 06:02 PM	What sort of society did the mother come from? It is likely that, even if he were named by the orcish tribe, he would not use an orcish name at all.
Lanoitakude 01-07-04, 07:23 PM	Since he was in THE PITS, or possibly the Wheel of Pain (Conan!), he should look like he has had some wear-and-tear. Describe, in detail, the various scars he has. Someone who has grown up with so much trouble could have a VERY hard time making freinds, you could reflect this when RP'ing with other players. Maybe he doesn't laugh at all their jokes, or goes and sits in the corner at the tavern instead of at the bar. Not to change your character, but have you considered making him a Ranger with heavy favored enemy (orcs)? I don't know how far you want to take this "orc hating" thing. Your current back-story is good so-far. I saw is INT was 12, make sure you play him above the run-of-the-mill idiot orc. The other PCs will be suprised when the ugly orc responds with a witty remark. Most people I have played with believe all orcs are ugly, stupid, illiterate, and Barbarian class. Prove them wrong! Take advantage of tactical feats and tricky combat maneuvers. Being a character outside the norm will be more fun than being the cooky-cutter half-orc barbarian.
Levism84 01-07-04, 08:52 PM	As far as names go, it is difficult to find a name that fits a certain character, but it is easier to find a name that doesnt fit. Such as: Kevin, Sean, Michael, Christopher, Niles, Alice, or Robbert. But you would be surprised how well Bob, Chuck, and Dan work from time to time. Also, maybe you want to go the nontraditional route. I have used Noel, Whitrick, Kettle, Strom, Thorn Bladefist, Kajal Jarkin, Tucker, Domino Diablo, Griever, and Manard (pronounced may-nert). I haven't played all the characters, but just throw stuff together, stuff you like, stuff you hate, and when you find the name you are looking for it will be like sweet sweet honey. What's in a name anyway?
Elith E'Lyan 01-07-04, 08:58 PM	What about a name that would be rather unusual for an Orc, but that a loving mother might have come up with? Like "Prince" or something to the like. Like Simi suggested, he might well have an Orc name too. Possibly something derogetory, by the sounds of the way he was treated. Maybe something like "Runt" as he wouldn't be quite as big and tough as the full Orcs. As far as character wise, probably rather tempremental and VERY slow to trust. It sounds like it was pretty much him and his mother against the world for all his life. So he probably suspects most people of being out to get him. But maybe with a very soft vulnerable side, particularly around beautiful, caring women reminiscent of his mother. He could also be a BIG time defender of children, making sure that no kid has to suffer something like did growing up. Sort of a kind and caring giant, with a really vicious mean streak if someone's dumb enough to pick on a kid.
kfrazier 01-07-04, 10:35 PM	My thanks to all who have responded so quickly. Lanoitakude: I did give some thought to a Ranger, but thought the Fighter would be more fitting. I will look into it again. Currently, our DM is restricting us to the three core books (PHB, DMG, and MM) as these are the only books he currently owns. He is considering the use of The Complete Warrior. If he allows that I would really consider the Ranger variant in that.
kfrazier 01-09-04, 08:24 PM	Half-Orc Fighter Name: Artimus (Orcs called him “Runt”) NOTE: Location names are from our DM's world. Artimus was born into captivity 16 years ago, his human mother having been an Orc slave for two years prior to his birth. She was of noble blood, although she never told him knowing that her family would never accept a “half-breed” into the family. From a very early age, his mother taught him to “keep his humanity” and secretly educated him the best she could. When he came of age, he was trained as a Gladiator. His first battle was against a dwarven prisoner whom he easily killed. That evening, his mother told him “the dwarves are not our enemy.” Thus began his inner conflict... kill or be killed, but those I kill are not my enemy. With each battle, his hatred for the Orcs grew. He also began to defend the slave children. The only other time he shows a “soft side” is when he is around human females who remind him of his mother. One day, his mother was caught giving extra rations to a gravely ill child. The following evening, at the beginning of the gladiator event, his mother was brought to the center of the pit and he was commanded to kill her. Upon his refusal, an Orc guard slit her throat. Artimus responded by immediately killing the guard, which resulted in the slaves/gladiators rioting against their captors. Sensing his opportunity, he uses the confusion of the riot to escape. Using the knowledge he had gained from other prisoners and slaves, he understood he was in Bal Ashal and that human settlements were to the west. He traveled along the edge of the hills and what is known as the Grand Forrest until he found his way to the farming village of Muskan. Artimus is slow to make friends, as friends often became opponents in the pit. He speaks only when spoken to and finds it to his advantage to let others underestimate him as a “stupid orc”. His hatred for Orcs is such that he attacks them at every opportunity; otherwise he is slow to anger and slower to violence. When he does resort to violence, mercy is rarely shown. Woe to they who attempt to harm a child or any human female, as these are the “favored ones” of Artimus. Artimus stands 5' 10" tall and weighs 198 pounds. He bears many scars from his time in the pits, most notably the scar that runs from above his left eye down to his left earlobe. He also has a rather large circular scar on his left shoulder. He also has a tattoo on his neck in the area of his adam's apple. This is the sign of a slave from his former Orc owners.