Post/Author/DateTime

Post

K'man 08-13-03, 02:11 AM

Later on in the campaign I'm running, I'm planning to introduce my PCs to a recurring Shadar-Kai NPC (FF p. 150). He's probably going to be true neutral, and have a few levels in rogue, followed up by either mage/arcane trickster or fighter/master of chains. He's not particularly evil, but is still fairly grim in a pragmatic kind of way, and he'll do his best to eliminate anyone who he feels poses a danger to him. Over the campaign's course, I can see him appearing on the side of or against the PCs, back and forth as the situation demands. In a sense, the curse he's dealing with is like a terminal illness, and I can see him exhibiting some similar psychological traits to someone in that unfortunate situation. Where I could use help from you guys is: :b:Sense of humor: Should the character have a dark, bitter sense of humor, an overactive, strained one (his way of dealing with the pain) or none whatsoever? :b:Attentiveness: No matter what, this character's going to have good modifiers to spot and listen. Should he appear disinterested in 'insignificant' conversations, curtly try to hurry them along, or pay close attention to anything that can distract him from the agony he's in? :b:Friends: Should he be a loner by nature? If he becomes fond of some of the PCs, would he let them know or treat them any differently? :b:Coping: As far as the shadow curse goes, what mannerisms would be associated with resignation towards it? How about constant rebellion against it? I'm not necessarily going for an angsty feel, but I see the character definitely leaning strongly to one of the extremes of either denial or acceptance. :b:Patience: Should he be aloof and indifferent enough with conversations to sit back and let anyone say anything, or on a hair tirgger, with zero tolerance for bickering and otherwise wasting time? :b:Appearance: In what ways should he conform to the typical shadar-kai? How would it be significant for him to differ? (Anything from psionic tattos to a trenchcoat and constant scent of absinthe and patchouli works, so lang as it says something about your image of him) :b:Name: I'm thinking something classical-based here, but any and all suggestions are welcome. :b:Quirks/Mannerisms What should he have a soft spot for? What makes him mad(der)? What else can you guys come up with? Surprise me. From the FF: "The shadar-kai, or shadow fey, are a race of bitter, detemined humanoids whose souls are poisoned by shadow. Gray-skinned and dark-eyed, the slender shadar-kai stand slightly taller than average humans, and their soft movements exude grace and uncanny stealth. Shadow follows the shadar-kai wherever they go. Shadows cast by the folds of their clothing seem deeper than those on humanoids, and a shadar-kai can seemingly fade out of sight by simply stepping into any common shadow. The shadar-kai prefer light weapons suited for grace and agility, especially spiked chains. Many shadar-kai favor a variety of piercings and tattoos. Long ago, the shadar-kai thoight to perserve the world from the rising humaniod races. Skilled in shadow magic, the shadar-kai made a dark pact with a dark power of the plane of Shadow to cast the world into an endless twilight where the shadar-kai would rule supreme. But the experiment went awry, and the shadar-kai were left bound to the plane of Shadow, cursed to lose their souls in its dark depths. This shadow curse affects shadar-kai to this day, and every member of the race is engaged in a lifelong struggle to stave off inevitable doom. The continuous pull of the plane of Shadow has left the shadar-kai grim and embatled. Few races understand the plight of the shadow-fey. Even the temporary solutions the shadar-kai have found leave them struggling with constant pain, making them vicious. Their willingness to commit acts of cruelty and violence has increased with each generation." Thanks in advance for all the help. edit: If you're interested in the character's stats and classes, then the crunchy stuff is posted at http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=80743 .