Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gothic Rose 12-29-05, 04:33 PM	So, right, I didn't even know this forum existed, but it looks awesome, and it seems to be the right place to put this. Alright, so I'm bringing in a new character for our ongoing Dragonlance game (my old one, a Knight of Neraka, died valiantly defending Pax Tharkas from a Dragonrider and his army) and I'd like some help with the background of my new character. She's a Neutral Good Half Elf Swashbuckler/Necromancer who'll be progressing into Spellsword, Eldritch Knight, and so on so forth. She's a pirate fighter/necromancer, basically. She wields a spiked chain, and is a chipper, cheerful lass who loves life and fun and all that jazz, but has a somewhat fatalistic streak in her. For those who are interested, her personality is loosely based off of Imoen's from the Baldur's Gate Saga. I’m debating as to whether or not she was born in Southern Ergoth, since the place is a giant glacier ruled by Gellidus the white dragon overlord. I’m thinking that, regardless, she was raised amidst her Kagonesti family - she was raised by her mother (who was either raped by, or loved, a human - I haven't decided yet, to be honest. Suggestions welcome.). Being a half elf, she was something of an outcast, but still accepted as a lesser memberof the tribe. She was always much more intelligent and cunning than he kinfolk, undoubtably taking after her father (who I am seriously debating having been a wizard. Probably black robe, to help account for her affinity with necromancy). Her uncle, a sorcerer of the family, saw the latent magical talent in the girl, and nudged her towards that path. However, in her mid teens, something very bad happened. Minotaur raiders struck. They made landfall, and did a fast and quick raid on her people, taking a few captive, including her. She was made a slave, and for several years she was used as nothing more than a living commodity – bought and sold to various individuals, used, abused (Physically, mentally, and possibly sexually). She always attempted to look on the bright side of things (she wasn’t dead), and tried to maintain hope, even when there was none, but it was hard. She suffered long bouts of suicidal thoughts, feelings of depression, and all sorts of similar, bad stuff. Eventually, though, she found her way onto a minotaur merchant’s vessel - and the ship was attacked by pirates. Always trying to remain hopeful apparently paid off, because one of the pirates was kind enough to release her (and her fellow slaves) from their bondage, and she fought against her former masters with the ferocity of a tiger that has been caged too long - using the very implements of her oppression against them (her chains.). The Pirates were impressed with her fighting and spirit, and took her on as crew (of course, they probably would have anyways - it's just that, unlike the other conscripts, she survived). For a year or so, she plied the waves with them, until a new crewmember was added - a mage. He was a dark man, not exactly the greatest person. Middle aged(?), he was once a member of the Tower of High Sorcery - a black robe, who since turned to Magic of the Heart for his spells. However, with the end of the War of Souls, he turned back to wizardry, and took My Character on as something of a pupil - he recognized her affinity for magic, and was, perhaps, hoping she'd end up in the Order, or something silly like that. She took to the training like a fish in water, progressing fairly quickly. However, to make a long story short, she wanted to see more of the world than just the oceans and ports - she wanted to see the trees of the forest again, see mountain peaks and raging rivers, rolling plains and great cities - and maybe even her tribe. So, despite the love and general fluffy feelings she felt towards her crewmates and captain, she headed off on her own for adventure. She always tries to look on the bright side, be cheerful and happy. She's intensely curious about the world around her, and enjoys exploring and making new friends. She doesn't view necromancy as inheriently evil - it's power, and like all power, it can be used to lay low the masses, or champion the needy. She understands that life is brutal and short - that's why she has to be happy. Because if she lets the weight of all the horror come crushing down, then she won't know what to do. She has to make others happy, because then everyone is happy, and they forget just how painful life can be. Any comments, critiques, suggestions, and ideas are welcome. Ideas for her background, plothooks, stronger ties to the campaign setting - anything and everything can be helpful! I’m not entirely set on some of the events, like exactly how she left the ship, etc., but part of that is being developed with another PC who lost his character, and is bringing in a Bard who was part of the crew of the ship she served on. Thanks
Gothic Rose 01-03-06, 02:18 AM	Guess no one's willing to help. Ah, well.
Ashianyl 01-03-06, 02:38 AM	he was always much more intelligent and cunning than he kinfolk, undoubtably taking after her father (who I am seriously debating having been a wizard. Probably black robe, to help account for her affinity with necromancy). I'm thinking she's kinda impetuous if she believes herself smarter than the elves. Elves are slow to react to insult or take action against things that does not threaten them directly. If you are referring to her intellectual capability of understanding magic, again that may not be true, since elves like to take their time enjoying everything life has to offer before they commit themselves to acane pursuits (don't you just love frolicky elves?!??) :)
Gothic Rose 01-03-06, 02:57 AM	I'm thinking she's kinda impetuous if she believes herself smarter than the elves. Elves are slow to react to insult or take action against things that does not threaten them directly. If you are referring to her intellectual capability of understanding magic, again that may not be true, since elves like to take their time enjoying everything life has to offer before they commit themselves to acane pursuits (don't you just love frolicky elves?!??) :) She is a bit impetuous and naive, although it is true (mechanically) that she's more intelligent than her kin - the Kagonesti suffer a penalty to intelligence - she, being a half kagonesti, does not :P (She has a starting Intelligence of 18, so no kagonesti of her level could match it) However, I don't =think= she feels smarter than they are. Although that could be an interesting angle, if she felt that her kin were, in some ways, inferior to her. Hrm.
Ashianyl 01-03-06, 04:51 AM	Intelligence 18 or no, it only shows she's good at understanding technical aspects of magic. It takes experience to wield true power. And a community looks up to those who are both wise and intelligent, because disputes and negotiations are part and parcel of community living. So... perhaps she is smart, but not too wise (ex. she makes wisecracks at other people's expense)... and yes, she would see herself smarter than her peers since she ages so much faster and is more dedicated to mastering stuff because of her limited lifespan (like humans). Read up on Races of Destiny if you have the book. It offers a wonderful insight on half elves and humans, who are always trying to be overachievers to compensate for their short lifespans. :)
Gothic Rose 01-05-06, 01:52 AM	Intelligence 18 or no, it only shows she's good at understanding technical aspects of magic. It takes experience to wield true power. And a community looks up to those who are both wise and intelligent, because disputes and negotiations are part and parcel of community living. So... perhaps she is smart, but not too wise (ex. she makes wisecracks at other people's expense)... and yes, she would see herself smarter than her peers since she ages so much faster and is more dedicated to mastering stuff because of her limited lifespan (like humans). Read up on Races of Destiny if you have the book. It offers a wonderful insight on half elves and humans, who are always trying to be overachievers to compensate for their short lifespans. :) I do imagine she makes wise-cracks on occasion, sometimes with disastrous results - although they're made less out of malicious intent, and more out of bemused good natured joviality. I'll check out Destiny. Anyone have any ideas for a name? I'm having problems with that arena.
Ashianyl 01-05-06, 05:24 AM	Names? Hehe. Lets see... one part childish swashbuckler, one part dark necromancer... hrrmmm. First names: Eshana Katrishya Last names: Illysthar Nightfern Whisperleaf :)
McBAMF 01-05-06, 05:22 PM	It is just really hard for me to think of a happy-go-lucky optimistic swashbuckler that raises undead (or general necromancy). Just seems too contrary to me. Almost like a Barbarian who learns to read and then becomes the most powerful wizard ever (possible just not logical i guess).
Gothic Rose 01-05-06, 11:44 PM	It is just really hard for me to think of a happy-go-lucky optimistic swashbuckler that raises undead (or general necromancy). Just seems too contrary to me. Almost like a Barbarian who learns to read and then becomes the most powerful wizard ever (possible just not logical i guess). I doubt she would raise the dead unless it's a matter of life or death (no pun intended). She's a good person, after all, wants to help others (and help herself, a bit, heh. She's an adventurer after all) and so she probably won't be doing much of the whole Undead Army thing - although she'd be willing to wrest control of the Undead from someone else, and then use said controlled undead to beat the orginal animator senseless. :P
Ashianyl 01-05-06, 11:44 PM	It is just really hard for me to think of a happy-go-lucky optimistic swashbuckler that raises undead (or general necromancy). Just seems too contrary to me. Almost like a Barbarian who learns to read and then becomes the most powerful wizard ever (possible just not logical i guess). It is never contrary if you can write a really nice story to it... please read the Eberron Campaign Setting where designer Keith Baker offered some really nice and plausible reasons why barbarians can become wizards. People need to stop stereotyping characters, especially here of all places. This is the character development board, where we explore such possibilities! :D
Gothic Rose 01-05-06, 11:47 PM	Names? Hehe. Lets see... one part childish swashbuckler, one part dark necromancer... hrrmmm. First names: Eshana Katrishya Last names: Illysthar Nightfern Whisperleaf :) I like Eshana. Katrishya, too. And the last names, as well :P I'm not sure if she'll actually have a last name, though - Krynnish half elves only have last names if their parents loved each other - children of rape don't. I told the DM that "Her father is a black robed wizard, her mother, a Kagonesti elf. I'm leaving it to you to decide if they loved each other or if he raped her." That way, she (my DM) gets a nice juicy plot toy to play with if she wants to. :P