Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Fithero 09-01-05, 07:57 AM	Ok people, due to the fact that im going on my holidays soon im going to be doing alot of writing...fantasy writing. Now ive got the setting, all i need is the characters, which is where you all come in. Im looking for a range of characters who can star in the short story, i plan to use my elf hexblade as one of the main characters (he wont be the "main" character, just one of a few). I palan for the story to be dark and gritty and character focused Im looking for serious, down to earth characters that have realistic backgrounds (no min/maxed characters), they dont have to be good, they can be any alignment. Im wanting everyday adventures (as impossible as that sounds) not heros with all 18's. Basically any of the core races and classes are allowed (and classes out of all the complete books). Roll them up as first level characters and create a small background for them aswell as some sort of personality/motivation. Cant say that all the characters in the main party but some will be enemies though, so a wide array of characters is needed. A warning though, *characters will die*. Basically thats it. I know its bit of an ask of you all to just throw out characters, but i know there are some very creative people out there with some great character concepts just dying to be used. Thanks in advance guys and gals, hope to hear from you. Later
DNA 09-01-05, 07:58 PM	Here's a character I had fun playing for a while, maybe she'll be interesting for you. You'll need the 3.5 psionics book for my version, but you could probably sub in Sorcerer for Wilder if you don't have it available. Lacrimosa Starfall Stats: Human Monk2/Wilder6 (leveling up as Wilder) Alignment: CG Appearance: This girl can't be older than 16 or 17, and she's only about 5'6"... but there's a strange intensity about her that both attracts and frightens. Her hair is black, but right now it's only an inch or so long. She's dressed in utilitarian traveler's garb, but she doesn't seem very comfortable in it. Backstory: Lacrimosa was abandoned as an infant, left wailing on the doorstep of a monastery. As a charity, the monks took her in and raised her in their traditions. Unfortunately for the girl, these monks were worshippers of Lament, goddess of sorrow and torment. Their philosophy stated that all joy and pleasure in life is fleeting, and that only sorrow is real and eternal. In keeping with this belief, the monks mortify their flesh and spirits daily. Their goal is to live in a state of constant, near-catatonic misery - and they are quite adept at achieving this goal. They named the girl Lacrimosa, "Tearful One." Throughout her childhood, they tried their best to indoctrinate her with their harsh beliefs. Once, when she was about five years old, the monks caught her playing in a field of flowers; she was forced to sleep on a bed of thorny roses for a week. When she was twelve, she made the mistake of publicly enjoying her bown of gruel; for penance, she ate nothing but rotten bread and bitter roots for a month. And once, at fourteen, she was caught kissing a boy from a local village. Of their punishment for that transgression, it should suffice to say that to this day, she gets hysterically violent any time a male tries to touch her. The strange thing is, this girl kept fighting. Lacrimosa knew that there was more to life than sorrow and eternal mourning, and she never quite despaired of one day freeing herself. Not long after Lacrimosa turned sixteen, she was allowed to travel down from the monastery to the Big City along with several elder monks. The monks trusted that her spirit was broken, but not so much that they ever failed to tie her up at night. On the second night of their stay, one of the monks tried to assault Lacrimosa while she was tied to her bed. His very touch drove Lacrimosa to a state of near-madness. She screamed aloud, from the very core of her being, and to her surprise, the monk collapsed to the ground, blood dripping from his ears. Terrified and confused, Lacrimosa managed to struggle out of the bindings the monk had loosened for his little jaunt, and she fled into the night. Lacrimosa soon learned that she had killed the monk through some strange and very rare faculty of her mind. She dedicated herself to the one shining ideal that had kept her alive her whole life - that there was good out there, and that innocent people do not deserve to suffer. Since Lacrimosa was raised her whole life by evil monks, she associates all formal order and patriarchy with pain and suffering. Thus, she has absolutely no respect for any law or social norm.
Fithero 09-01-05, 09:24 PM	YES! that is an awsome character! Lacrimosa will be taking part in the story for sure. Have you got any stats for her or anything like that? skills/feats? Also, im thinking the story will be about characters ranging from 5th - 10th level. They have been around for a short while, but theyre not experts. Later
Harrow Blade 09-02-05, 06:28 AM	Here is a character background that I developed for a Character I never got to play. I don't have stats rolled up but feel free to use it as you will. Char Soulburn (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=7139400) Basicly she uses her whiles to begin a new life however life keeps forcing her to rely on the skills she learned as a slave and the power of the demon that steadily increases it's presence in her blood much to her disgust. Will she beable to leave her past behind her or will it forever dominate her destiny?
Fithero 09-02-05, 07:13 AM	That too is an awsome character...she will be playing a part in the story too. This is good, were getting some great characters together here. Later
DNA 09-02-05, 06:23 PM	Heh, looks like you're gonna have a lot of unstable women in your story. You could do some interesting things contrasting Lacrimosa and Char's outlook on life. EDIT: Oh yeah, you asked for stats. I don't have the character sheet on hand, but her first psionic spell was the Mind Burst (or whatever) that does 1d8 damage per MP expended, Will save to negate. Beyond that, she had mostly subtle spells, good for charming and mind-reading and such. The concept was that Lacrimosa's powers were never actually visible, which made her that much more strange and unnerving to be around. I don't remember her stats, skills, and so on. Very high charisma, decent everything else, somewhat low wisdom. She had a few points in Knowledge: Religion because of the monks' indoctrination, and typical Wilder skills beyond that. In terms of character arcs... the more Lacrimosa adventures and the more powerful she gets, the more confident she is in herself and her beliefs. When she first escapes from the monks, she's basically just desperately running for her life. By the time she's been adventuring a few years, her hair is grown out and she's somewhat of a leader. But througout it all, she's constantly being persued by the monks and their agents, and she's got a pretty understandable vendetta against them.
Fithero 09-02-05, 08:11 PM	Thanks DNA, the more detail the better. Although not *every* character will be playing a part in the main party, some will be background characters, or even enemies. Keep'em comming folks, these first few are great. Later
akiir 09-02-05, 10:29 PM	simikal ranger10 choatic evil erythul human meduim male 20yrs. 5'7'' 123lbs brown hair red eyes tan skin ac20 hp initive fort=10 ref=9 will=5 bab+10/+5 grapple+13 str17+3 dex15+2 con16+3 int8-1 wis14+2 cha8-1 +2 elf bane longsword 1d20+16/11 1d8+5 19-20/x2 for elves +4elf bane longsword 1d20+18/13 1d8+7+2d6 +2 human bane dagger 1d20+16/11 1d4+5 19-20/x2 10ft for humans +4 human bane dagger 1d20+18/13 1d4+7+2d6 gear amulet of natural armor+3 gave to me by the shaman that raised me +2 studded leather armor pack of salted "meat" a animal hide cloak waterskin bedroll blanket 3/torchs backpack shorts and a cut off shirt skills survival=15 heal=15 handle animal=12 knowledge(nature)=12 search=12 hide=3 feats/abilities favored enemy(elf) track wild empathy combat style(two weapon fighting endurance animal compaion wolf favored enemy(human) improved combat style(improved two weapon fighting) woodland stride swift tracker evasion favored enemy(angel) weapon focus(longsword) weapon focus(dagger) toughness imporved intitive dual strike kramer the brown and white spotted wolf 30hp intitive+2 50ft ac16 bab+1 grapple+3 bite+4 1d6+1 fort+5 ref+5 will+1 special attacks/feats evasion link share spell weapon focus(bite) tricks attack come stay there my evil cannablistic ranger
Fithero 09-02-05, 11:46 PM	O....k :bigeyes: i think that dude will be one the *other* side :P Very cool though, ive never seen a character have angels as his favoured enemy, has he got a background?
Konphujun 09-03-05, 01:02 AM	Hey, Feel free to use the character in my sig. He is definatly one of my favorite characters of all times and he comes with a background! He was made for Forgotten Realms though, so you may have to do some adjusting there but other than that I see no reason that you could not use him. Best of luck with your story. Peace, Konphujun :devil:
Fithero 09-03-05, 10:32 AM	Ok people this is good, im liking these characters and i will try and incorperate all characters that are posted here, into the story some how. Right now im trying to assemble the main party of charcters. So far i have chosen two characters from the list so far. What im looking for are tragic characters who still have the potential to do good. Im thinking some sort of afflicted lycanthorpe (more tragic if its not his choice to be an animal) would be appropriate, doesnt have to be a werewolf, something exotic would be good. Nor does it have to be a human male... that is a town mayor (which as we all know, is the most likely to be a werewolf). Another interesting though, what about some sort of synical paladin, one who isnt all "stop fiend, thou'ist is in peril of bein' smote by my blade". He is still a good guy, he just isnt an optimistic doofus. Ill try and stay close to the classes and rules as possible, but ill focus more on story than rules. For instance, these guys might end up slaying a dragon that is way out of their league, rules wise. Anyway, thats just an update, im thinking the story will revolve around the defence of a small town or something, i dunno, its all up in the air at the moment. When i get the main party together ill put a call out for some ideas. Thanks guys. Later
Fithero 09-04-05, 09:37 AM	Input seems to have slowed somewhat, so i shall add the next character. A fallen paladin who seeks to redeem him/herself. This character is on her atonment mission, the character was involved in some sort of scandal (most likely adultery) and now seeks to regain his paladinhood. The character wont be as good as a fighter, and will lack all his paladin abilities....so basically he/she is a pretty weak character, so it should be interesting. (Possible: He might have been seduced by the hald-drow named Char Soulburn...could be interesting) Also, another character ive been thinking of is one who has just been released from a long prison sentence. Im talking like 30-40 years if he was human. everything has changed and he is somewhat lost in the new world. Any thoughts? Later
ShiverTheBard 09-04-05, 12:08 PM	Name: Xerin Xextor Class: Paladin 6 AL: LG All his life Xerin's family has been running this town. His entire family is Lawful Evil and uses extortion and nasty things to control a large metropolis. As a young child, Xerin grew to hate this control his parents and family tried to exert over him. The women are overbearing in his family and slightly perverse. (Imagine a drow-like society.) So, Xerin dislikes powerful women and he eventually ran away at 16. He found his way to an order of Heironeous and is now dedicated to destroying tyranny. Basically, he's becoming a paladin to rebel against his family. He is very charismatic and cares deeply for the people who are his allies. (He uses his Lay on Hands on them first before healing himself.) It's a decent background though I think it would have some funny interactions with Lacrimosa, whether as an enemy, ally, or party member do what you will. Stats: 16 Str 14 Dex 15 Con 12 Int 13 Wis 18 Cha Uses a Bastard Sword one-handed with the Ancestral Relic Feat making it a +2. In the other hand is a Heavy Shield which he uses to knock people unconscious when he doesn't want to kill them. He wears a set of Mithril Full Plate of Speed. This makes his move speed 50 when he activates one of the ten rounds of haste per day.
akiir 09-04-05, 07:47 PM	background for my ranger:he was orphand in the town of seeker(or what you want) at a young age. To survive he began eating rats and other living things,see this primitive behavoir that city officals finally decided to throw him out.After hiding in the woods and eating berrys and anything he could catch,a white and brown spotted wolf (later kramer) came to him and dubbed him as freind. A wandering tribe of mystics and barbarians saw this specticial and thought it a sign from there wolf god.The tribe took care of the boy. They trained him in all manner of things but found out he loved to eat a somewhat weird thing, human flesh. he really liked elven flesh also. One day they were walking and a angel from a rival diety attacked slaughtering everbody but simikal and kramer (The wolf afore mentioned). As he walked up to the shaman who was like a father to him. The shaman spoke his last words the wolf god blesses you boy so keep this and always take care of kramer and he will take care of you,with this he handed him a amulet in the shape of a wolf head never taking it off. From that day on simikal learned to hate and kill angels even eating them which wasn't all that bad. Currently he was making the final stab when he was thrust into ravenloft by the weird harrowing mist.
Harrow Blade 09-04-05, 11:11 PM	Fithero, how many characters are you looking for? I don't want to flood you with characters but I saw your comment about a lycanthrope and as I happen to be a fan of lycanthropes I had a character that may suit. Rylanthil is an elven cleric of Corellen, slight in build and scholarly in nature. He is a historian with a passion for truth and in pursuit of that truth puts himself in situations that lead to dangerous encounters. he is often heard trying to explain to his rescuers "but that is where the history is freshest, I want to see how it is and how it was." It was one of these situations that led to the moment that would forever change him. Some how he managed to stumble into a ritual being held by a small group of outcast orc clerics of who were performing a rite to transform them into wereboars. They over powered Rylanthil but rather than slay him the twisted his body and put a stain on his soul by transforming him into an afflicted wereboar. (*game mechanics wise there is a spell in the complete divine that will do this) Released battered and changed but unable to remember anything after being subdued by the orcs Rylanthil returned to his home where he later transformed, as the orcs had planned, and caused the death and injury of a number of his family and friends. He escaped only to wake disorienented outside of his home town. Only when he got home and found the devistation wrought upon his family did he find that he was no longer able to cast spells normaly granted him by his god. he fled in anguish unable to deal with the stress of the situation fearful of the feeling of something lurking deep within his own body and mind that he could not quite grasp. Rylanthil spent many days performing an atonement at the end of which he recieved a vision in it he saw himself as he was when from seemingly out of no where blood is splatted over him in a fountain of deep crimson. He saw minself desperately try to wipe it off but as his efforts grew ever more frantic the bllod seemed to be driven into his skin and under his flesh. Screaming in fear Rylanthil saw a shadow flash across his bare chest of hair and tusk and hoof before it seemed to claw its way beneath his skin. it saw then that Rylanthil was able to see the stain on his own soul fighting for dominance with is will and devotion to his god. When Rylanthil woke he knew that he could not return to his family for fear he might lose the battle for his soul to the beast that raged within him. Thus he set out to find the weapon that would ensure his his victory and final return unstained to the courts of Correllen. Mechanics wise it may be best to treat the affliction as unable to be cured by remove curse or the regular ways but rather a special quest given by his god. Also perhaps a lower caster lvl than his actual level to signify the stain on his soul but he still holds to his link to his god. Also I have stats for Char Soulburn. Str 8 Dex 14 Con 12 Int 15 Wis 10 Cha 18 Feats: Drow eyes (races of fearun), Force of personality (cha bonus to will save), empower spell like ability (MM3). Skills: Bluff 11, Con 7, diplomacy 15, disguise 13, Gather info 7, intimidate 13, Knowledge Arcana 3, Religion 2, Underdark 2, spellcraft 5, usemagic device 13. Invocations:Eldrictch spear, Beguiling influence, devils sight, fell flight, walk unseen. Posessions: medalion of thoughts, ring of protection +2 , cloak of resistance +2, mithril chain shirt +2 wand of magic missile (cl 5, 50 charges)
Horias_Norehammer 09-05-05, 12:33 AM	I'm a writer too. These two were going to be used for a fantasy novel I'm brainstorming on, but they were suppossed to be background characters. Then they started taking over the story. So I took them out so not to overshadow the main characters. I hope they can be a good part of your story but be careful. They could soon invade on your story the way they did mine. Good luck. Name: Caden Asth Tamar Class: Cleric(any good) Race: Human age: 17 Caden was born to be a cleric. His father was a poor farmer, his mother washed clothes for the more privelaged people of the town just to make ends meat. Meager helpings of food and a run down shack were all the accomodations his mother and father could provide for him and his older brother. When Caden was eight his mother died of a plague which ravaged almost a quarter of the town. Caden was also hit with this plague but miracuosly survived. Being the only survivor of this plague was torture to Caden. He could not understand why all these people should die and a meak boy such as him could survive. So Caden went looking for answers. Eventually, after coming up empty, he turned to the last thing he could think of; religion. Caden met with an elven cleric named Alsonth Tarroveil. Alsonth was stricken with the young boy's story and invited him to the temple to reflect upon the matter. There, Alsonth asked Caden to pray to the cleric's god for answers. In doing so, Caden recieved a message from the god. The god told Caden that he was spared because he was meant to be a servant to the divine being. The god knew that Caden would come looking for answers and that he could only find them with this god. Caden was torn. How could a divine being miracuously save him, but let his mother die? That night Caden recieved a vision from his mother. That what was done was done for the greater good. Caden accepted this vision and eagerly joined the temple's clerics, though he still feels the pain of guilt whenever his skeptical brother asks how he could follow a god that abonded their mother. Now at 17, Caden is to make his way out into the world, spreading the word of his god to the unknowers. Caden is eager about the journey and the fact that his older brother has agreed to come as his paladin protector.
Horias_Norehammer 09-05-05, 12:57 AM	Name: Galin Asth Tamar Class: paladin Race: Human Age: 20 Galin is a meatier more deminshional character. He is strong willed and muscle bound. But he is also quite keen and tactical when he has to be. He plays off his brother alot and acts like more of a fighter at times. Galin could not serve a god that let his family suffer so much. He serves as a paladin for his brother, but does not give in to all that holy smiter rubbish. He plays along because on his mother's death bed she asked him to watch out for his naive brother. When Caden came home telling Galin he had talked to a god, and had a vision from their mother, Galin hit the roof! Galin forbid his brother to follow through with such nonsense, but Caden was strong willed. He defied Galin and went to live at the temple. Galin steamed and fumed over his brothers treacherous act, but in the end gave in to his pride for the oath he made to his mother. Galin went to the temple and applied entry into the order known as the "Cleric's Sword". This order trained skilled fighters of evil to aid clerics on their divine quest of spreading the word of their diety. Being a bear of a man he was soon recruited and grudgingly learned the ways of the paladin. Though resentful of the diety, Galin couldn't help but admit that the skills he had been given could come in quite useful. Now at 17, his brother, the fool, is out to make his world his temple and Galin is to be accompanying him on his quest. Will Galin stay resentful to Caden and his god, or will he rise above his petty pride and take heed the tools the god has given him? What would Galin become if Caden was killed? What if it was Galin's error that go Caden killed? some good questions...tell me what you think.
Fithero 09-05-05, 02:46 AM	All these characters are good, the elven wereboar will be in the party aswell, i like him. A boar seems like such a brutish and disgusting creature next to an elf, very interesting. I talked to my mate who gave me the ex-con idea and he said it would go with the fallen paladin. He slept with the kings daughter or wife or something and spent many years in jail without his paladin abilities (gaining levels as a rogue) and now that he is out, he seeks redemption. So he will be in it aswell. As for Galdin and Caden, they probably wont be in the party, but they will fight besides them. Im thinking there will be a large scale assault on the stories main town, that is where those two (aswell as many others) will be. As i said, im going to try and incorperate as many of these characters as possible. Thanks guys, this is great. Later
X-Codes 09-05-05, 06:37 AM	Amagar Morgata Tiefling Swashbuckler 1/Rogue 5, Alignment Neutral A tan-skinned man with jet black hair and reddish-brown eyes. On his face are a pair of leaf shaped burn scars above and below his left eye, extending downward and dissapearing underneath his black tunic that sticks out from under his shining, silvery-looking chainmail. He also wears black slacks and carries a long, slender blade of elven make across his back. S: 13, D: 20, C: 12, I: 18, W: 8, Ch: 7 Feats: Weapon Finesse (B), Exotic Weapon Prof. (Court Sword), Power Attack, Educated (arcana, the planes) Skills: Appraise +9, Balance +9, Bluff +9, Disable Device +11, Escape Artist +9, Gather Information +3, Hide +12, Jump +5, Knowledge (arcana) +10, Knowledge (the planes) +11, Listen +4, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +12, Search +9, Sense Motive +8, Spot +4, Tumble +9. The story will seem a bit lame, but I am leaving everything unnamed so that you can place everything where appropriate for your world. Amagar's birth was largely unforseen, as his heritage is a mix of a number of ancient, yet diluted, demon bloodlines from ages past. It was sheer chance, or a stroke of fate, that they all somehow concentrated into his parents and caused his birth. As a young child, he immediately began playing what his parents hoped were cruel pranks on other children, often causing some degree of harm. Little did they know, these actions were actually being encouraged by the dark whispers held within Amagar's blood. This pattern of violence towards others continued until he neared adulthood, when he was found to be responsible for the burning down of the small town's garden square. The local lord was eventually forced to banish Amagar due to the overwhelming pressure to do so from the townsfolk. Amagar was given basic arms for protection and hunting as well as a week's worth of provisions. Unfortunately for those he encounters in his travels, he did not use them for the purpse they were entrusted to him. He became a troublesome highwayman, and his reputation eventually attracted the wrath of a traveling wizard. Amagar was first paralyzed by a curse uttered my the dark human, before being blasted by a white-hot ray of fire. He would not regain conciousness for nearly two weeks, and found himself in a moderatly sized bedroom. His torso, head, and left arm were all wrapped with bandages, and the skin underneath was obviously still trying to heal. He ventured a guess that he had reaced majority while unconcious, and began to look around for some explanation as to what happened after his defeat. It would be nearly an hour before an old elf draped in elegant clothing looked in on him. What followed shortly was a full story about how Amagar was found, moved here, and treated for his injuries to the best of the elven abilities, although the vile nature of the spell would leave Amagar greviously scarred for life. Amagar surmised that he had brought his fate upon himself, after hearing the sage's tale. What followed caused as much confusion as gratefulness in Amagar's mind: He was offered education and training to better prepare himself in later days. The sage explained that it was something of process of being reborn into another mold, free to find his own way in the world. The prospect of learning something from another was strangely appealing to this mostly self-taught man, and so he agreed.
Fithero 09-05-05, 08:31 AM	That is not a lame story, its actually pretty good. What i need to know though is what physical traits does him demonic blood carry? Does he have cloven feet or horns? both? glowing eyes, smell of sulfur/brimstone? Also, can you explain his low scores in wisdom and charisma, how would you like these to be portrayed? Is he just eratic and rude, or is he slow and extremely guarded? Later
X-Codes 09-06-05, 03:16 AM	His right hand has thin, slightly pointed fingers. Not really claws, but more greusome looking than a human's hand. His left hand is covered with a glove, and is severely burned to the point where nails no longer grow on it. The slight red pigment in his eyes is also a result of his blood, and you would see faint red points if you saw him at the end of a dark hall or corridor. Finally, theres a faint ashy smell around him, something he can conviently blame on his scar should he want to keep his heritage a secret from others (and he almost always will). When planning on a large scale, he is brilliant and is usually able to determine where problems will most likely occur, however he is impatient, and preferrs to bypass such tasks for all but the most difficult or troublesome encounters (after making one or two attempts at it first, of course). In a social setting, he is usually a bit detached and very blunt. He also has a short temper and can confound any would-be harasser with insults that only make sense to them a minute later. As for his alignment, he would come to the aid of someone in a life-or-death situation, but not much else. He respects rules so long as everyone else does; if someone draws a blade on him in a tavern, he'll ignore anyone telling him to go outside. He values his personal freedom more than most everything else. And finally he strives to maintain a slight edge over everyone else, looking out for himself if the group ends up in an impossible situation.
Harrow Blade 09-06-05, 05:06 AM	sounds like an interesting gathering of characters. i am interested in where you are taking them all. Keep us all updated with the state of your creating.
Fithero 09-06-05, 07:13 AM	Will do.... With the amount of characters im (hoping) to gather, i think a pretty good setting to have them all placed in would be a rather large city, surrounded by some thick wilderness. Ill keep the over all story pretty simple, while focusing on character interaction. Something like there is an invading force and the city is shut down- -druids, barbarians and rangers try and escape and take their chances with the enemy force. -city watch has serious problems coping with crowd control as people begin to riot, aswell as dealing with the outside force. -several of the characters will most likely join up with some form of militia aswell as a whole bunch of other stuff that will happen inside the walls of the city. Should be good, i gotta make the city first though, aswell as the organisations. I already know that one such organisation will be a guild of spies/information gatherers who pose as prostitutes.... sounds kinda interesting to me. Its just that kinda city, not a nice place to be (im actually wanting it to be a relativley vile city, and its actually a good nation state that is invading for once, not the other way around...kinda makes you wonder what the people are defending) Any comments or aid would be great. Later
EternalSeeker 09-06-05, 10:27 PM	this is a char of mine from 2 campaigns ago. i was able to get him to lvl 5 before a flying sorc with lightning bolt brought him down :weep: Boldhart Hildreth lightfoot halfling Ftr. 1 s 15 d 17 c16 i 16 w11 c 12 Feats Mounted Combat, Ride by Attack Weapon light lance, short sword Riding dog "Dragonfang" Physical Description. I am 2'11", and weigh 32lbs. My eyes are black, and i have dark hair which is in many braids on the side each ending in either a red, grey, or black bead. I have a scar on my left forearm were I blocked a blow from a short sword during the battle with the bandits. In my left ear I have an earing made from a fang I found in the woods when I was younger. I wear my leather armor while traveling but while in town i wear my boots, dark brown breaches, a tan tunic, and maybe my Sage hooded cloak. Past. I was born 23 summers ago somewhere in the western heartlands. I was born to Warren & Verna Hildreth they were riding dog traders/ trainers who traveled throughout the western heartlands and some of Cormyr. I worked as a caravan guard for them until on a trip to Cormyr our caravan was attacked by bandits and my parents were killed. I was able to escape with my life, and little else. After my parents death I set out to fulfill one of my dreams and that is to see the world, and sense then I haven't stayed in one place for long. This life style fits me well as I have been traveling my whole life with my only companion being "Dragonfang". Dragonfang. I got Dragonfang as a pup when I was 18 as a gift from my parents. I raised him, and taught him myself. He is a big black shaggy dog, and capable in combat. He also serves as my watch dog when I sleep. Personality. Traveling as much as I have has made me very self reliant I don't trust others to do work I can do for myself, especially with my protection. Other than that I'm very social and enjoy spending my time either traveling, or in taverns exchanging storys with other travelers, Dancing, and Eating. I'm not much of a drinker and you'll never see me drunk. Beliefs. I tend to be optimistic. My greatest Fear is Drowning, and so I tend to be carefull around water. I'm not religious, and don't follow any god manly because it's a waste of my time I've never seen any proof of ones existence, and so I don't follow them. My politic views are that no government should exist that dosen't serve the people in the best possible way, and the people should be able to have a say in how they are ruled. I follow my own beliefs weather the law were I am agrees or disagrees. Sex is a way to spread happiness, and a great release of emotional feelings. I am able to kill when it is necessary. Killing is only necessary to save my life, or the life of a friend, or other inocent people. The most evil thing a living thing could do is to Kill, or use other people for their own personal gain. To have a successful life you have to enjoy yourself, but also you have to help those who can't help themselves. I am generally honest about my feelings towards others, but I try to get along with most people. The one thing I won't do is kill a child because they have the chance to grow up to be good even if their parents are evil. I would die defending a friend, or a loved one, also I would risk my life for adventure. Travel Log. After my parents were killed I traveled east through Cormyr, then to Sembia, then North through the Elven Court, and the the Dale lands, and into the Moonsea region giving Zhentil Keep a wide berth do to advice from a traveler I met in Voolar, and instead crossed the Tesh River near Dagger Falls, and I'm currently headed to Phlan. Goals./ Dreams. I want to see the world but I also want to oppen a tavern so my travels are likely to end when I accomplish this but until then I'm working on the first. I've always dreamed of going on an adventer not only to test my skills, but also because it'd make a great Tale. good luck with your short story.
Kohdok 09-07-05, 02:07 AM	Alarissa the Fearless. Race: Drow Gender: Female Class: Sorcerer (Untested, Level 1) Typical appearance: Baggy pants tied off at the ankles and a similar shirt with some mundane necklaces going down the front. Has her white hair tied up in multiple braids and a white mark is placed horizontally across her nose, applied with a special cosmetic that she has to re-apply every day. She also wears a pair of goggles that have darkened glass in them, to protect her eyes from the sun. She puts them up away from her eyes whenever she can, as she dislikes them, only wearing them out of necessity. Personality: Irritable. Alarissa is merely a teenager by her race's standards, and possesses all the usual rebelliousness of many teenagers. And what do the evil Drow do when they rebel? Go to the surface and join the good guys, of course! What do her parents think? They don't care! They know that once she finds out how stupid the people up there are, she'll come back. They always come back. History: Alarissa comes from a Drow house that has an odd tradition. There is a ceremony that takes place when a new child can at first move on its own. A collection of objects is placed before them, all associated with a title. Items include a quill pen for wisdom, a gold coin for ambition, and a live scorpion for fearlessness. Alarissa grabbed the scorpion, got stung, and didn't stop bawling for two days. However, as it had been her choice, she received the rare title of "Fearless", as indicated by the mark across her nose, which is required by her family to be applied every day. Why she still applies the mark is anyone's guess, but it's probably become a severe habit after about 60 years of doing so... It was when she was close to coming of age that she rebelled against her parents, fleeing from her home to go above ground. However, as she should soon discover, being a Drow living on the surface can be a hard life indeed.
V00D007 09-08-05, 06:40 PM	The Watch : Captain Gordan (pronounced Jorden) Larethan Paladin (helmite) 3 /Fighter 6 He is a distinguished sort of fellow, tall, rugged looks and a boyish grin. If you manage to get past those piercing green eyes and sandy blonde/grey hair you'll see the scar. Just below the right ear is a puncture wound that appears to have not been treated properly. There's a slight limp as well. The Captain is a man whose past still haunts him. He was once a full fledged Knight of Helm, The Vigilant, The Watcher ("the bastard" under his breath). Gordan was respected, even as a child. Smart, witty, clever and his eyes never stopped moving. He watched everything, everyone, nothing escaped his emerald gaze. The younger kids worshipped him and the older ones knew better that to try and best him. ( Especially after what happened to Mortimer) As he grew the Helmites keep their eyes on him, watching and waiting. At his 16th Birthday he was approached by a Knight, and offered the dream he kept secret, to be a squire to Lord Nathan Greyson "The Hawk" Lord Nathan trained him well, too well, in fact. Three years to the day, Gordan was annointed as a Knight-Errant. 6 years and two wars later found him as a Full fledged Knight of Helm and Second-in-Command at the outpost near the Thesk/Thayan border. Then IT happened. The Commander at the outpost was getting lazy, and old, relying more on his title than his wits to accomplish anything. Watches had begun to decline in frequency and more often than not Gordan was left feeling frustrated and helpless. In his mind the chain-of-command and his oath to it prevented him from circumventing the Commander and doing things his way. Several merchant wagons had recently been attacked and 10 people had been killed. Yet, only one patrol was guarding the the whole breadth of their eastern front. Gordan began taking extra watches himself, 4 or 5 times a week, trying to perform his duty to Helm and the people inside who live there. It was too much. As he finally succumbed to sleep, the attack came, from the darkness, the first arrow pierced his neck. He tried to stand, to fight, but he quickly lost conciousness and dropped some 43ft to the base of the wall, his fall slowed only by the large brush that had grown up around the parapet. When he awoke an undisclosed time later, his leg was broke and the small bolt was still lodged in his neck. Drow. Poisoned. He spent hours dragging himself back to the keep, crawling over the slain bodies of his friends and strangers. He was puzzled by the fact that he was unable to heal himself. What was happening? Why was Helm not answering his prayers? Then it hit him, like a bolt from the heavens themselves, He had fallen asleep on watch. But it was his 6th extra that week? He didn't know about the Drow being in this area. It wasn't his fault. Fine. If you're to damn arrogant to allow for humanity the curse you. May the servants of the Abyss take you. It's been 18 years since then, most of first half was selling his sword and shield to caravans for drinking monies. Then he happened into this town. Lawlessness and corruption, the perfect home, yet something wasn't right. One night he happened to rescue a poor maiden from several armed attackers, he was quite drunk, yet his training served him well. Again fate was watching, he was offered a job on the watch and the rest is history. Gordan Larethan Paladin3/Fighter6 Str 15 Dex 12 Con 16 Int 16 Wis 13 Cha 17 Wears ordinary chain shirt and carries with him a Bastard Sword. he also carries hidden under his vest behind his back a magical +2 dagger of defending, a gift from The Hawk. He also is never seen without Mortimer or Saryen ( more later unless someone wants to create them). His clothing is simple and hand made by his seamtress wife. He has no children, yet. He can be found at almost any time protecting the second most thing dear to him. The City. He may no longer wear the armor or carry the full brunt of a deities might, but he's still a defender of the weak. No harm will come to vist my city, my family, my people. Not on My watch.
Bannek 09-08-05, 09:52 PM	Honestly what's better for comic relief than a dwarf. They say all sorts of stuff like bah and "go hug a tree" - Gilzak. Gilzak is a dwarf thats been around for 7 decades. He has stats 18 str, 16 dex, 20 con (thanks to a deck of many things), int 15, wis 15, cha 8. He was trained in his clans militia (fighter 2) and then he started wandering after a goblin raid. He had vowed that his clan would be protected. So he now runs about slaying every evil creature in hopes that he will make the name Gilzak of Bollod so feared that evil creatures will steer clear of his clan(ranger 3). He has ended up in the underdark and needed a means of keeping in touch with his clan (deep warden 5). He slew many monsters in the underdark and has no returned to his clan to defend them (dwarven defender 1-10). He is always looking for a group of adventurers to help and is in need of an excuse to get out and stretch his legs and grumble a bit about tree hugging elves and bloody humans who keep messing up the land so that he has to clean it up for 'em. haha you can't have an adventure without a dwarf. its the truth.
Konphujun 09-08-05, 10:38 PM	Hey, My character is a dwarf tooooo!! Don't forget good ole' Thorik. Peace, Konphujun :devil:
Morka 09-09-05, 02:40 PM	I just posted this character (http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=7201206&postcount=3) on another thread for someone else who needed characters for his novel. Basically, she grew up in a very patriarcal sultanat, where the women had no rights at all. His mother being an ambassador wife, she didn't want her daughter to live like that, so she disguised her as a boy. Another character I once played: a bard with some difformities, that will become a Dragon Disciple (copper dragon), but he doesn't know it yet. He is continually spending time at some tavern listening to adventurers and explorers' tales, or at some library trying to discover why he could have those difformities. He perform many little jobs to get some money. Take look at the Character Concepts Compilation (link in my sig). Take also a look at the various Master DM Competition (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=435826), some might help. Especially the 4th one (Create an NPC) and the 9th one (Create a Little Bad Evil Guy, the helper for a BBEG).
The all knowing pyro 09-10-05, 03:26 AM	i have a satyr sorceror whos abilities are str 13, dex 14, con 15, int 14, wis 13, cha 17. he always carries is pies with him. he is neutral chaotic and has a tendency to steal things. he wears cloaks of silk and he has a tatoo across his chest that is a serpent. he always carries his light crossbow and spear. his spells are lvl 0- acid splash- light-ray of frost-opem/close-mage hand lvl 1 - charm person- magic missle. familiar is a bat
Fithero 09-12-05, 02:55 AM	Ok, The order of the Silken Cloth (the information ring) will be *the* most powerfull organisation in the city. Blackmail and selling information to the highest bidder has allowed them to gain a permenant strangle hold on the city. Its for this reason that they have one of the greatest interests in defending the city. The order of the silken cloth has a collection of ***** house and brothels as fronts, and no small part of its revenue comes from these bussinesses. The actual order itself is made up of select members of these fronts, whom are paired off with some of the cities more wealthy and important patrons. The order of the Silken Cloth is Lawfull Evil and has male and female members of all the common races (and a few rare ones), children and those who are magically dominated are not allowed as members. Its members (aswell as its patrons) come from all walks of life, although members of the silken cloth tend to keep their affiliation a secret. The leader of the organisation is a woman whom always wears a mask. It is said that if anyone (male or female) sees her face, they are stuck dead by her beauty. So there we have it, the great mover and shaker of my city. Any comments? Later
Morka 09-12-05, 09:06 AM	The order of the silken cloth has a collection of ***** house and brothels as fronts, and no small part of its revenue comes from these bussinesses. The actual order itself is made up of select members of these fronts, whom are paired off with some of the cities more wealthy and important patrons. :confused: usually, those kind of business use a tavern or other shop as a cover, they aren't used themselve as cover... About the leader of the order, my first idea was a nymph, immediately followed by a medusa. I say all the high-ranking members should wear a mask to help protect their identity. What is the legitimate power in this city? What is their reaction toward this order?
Fithero 09-12-05, 06:14 PM	:confused: usually, those kind of business use a tavern or other shop as a cover, they aren't used themselve as cover... Ok this city is like... corrupt, vile.... im not even sure words can describe how horrible this place is. Its the knid of city where brothels are all over the palce, and hookers walk the streets freely. Not a nice place. The legitimate order of the city is the king (who is himself corrupt) and he doesnt really want to bother the order because he personally knows who their leader is, the queen. Offically he is the ruler of the city, but she has him blackmailed and scared for his life, so in reality she is the real ruller. I like the idea of the nymph though, but why a medusa? Later
Morka 09-13-05, 01:00 PM	I was thinking about your order, and an idea came to me. The order could include a large amount of people, but almost none of them have true interest in it. In fact, most of the members are there because someone else in the order knows something compromising. Unfortunately, I don't think it would work in your city, since everyone is already corrupted; it would work better in a city with a general neutral alignment. About the medusa, it's the description in the MM that made me think about your leader: A medusa is indistinguishable from a normal human at distances greater than 30 feet (or closer, if its face is concealed). The creature often wears garments that enhance its body while hiding its face behind a hood or veil. When you'll describe her mansion, take care to include many stone statues. This is what happen to those who disappoint her...
Fithero 09-13-05, 04:35 PM	When you'll describe her mansion, take care to include many stone statues. This is what happen to those who disappoint her... Oh... Very good, i like that, ill have to put that in somehow. Later
Fithero 09-14-05, 03:46 AM	This place just got a hell of alot darker, the queen will be a medusa who poses as a human. There will be lycanthrope cults all over the place (wolf and rats being the most powerfull) and there will be a powerfull vampire in the city who has his many children. The cities first king will wander the streets as a mummy at times, trying to accomplish some long forgotten goals. Basically this is full of some of the more questionalble, magical cretaures of ledgend. Any comments or ideas? Later
Harrow Blade 09-14-05, 05:04 AM	Sounds like a very interesting city in which live. I like the idea of the mummy king and the medusa queen. it seems to me that the average citizen would be increadibly fearful of being caught out in the night in this city. I could see that the night would belong to those who have power and those brave or fearful enough of other things to be out after dark. It may be that you may want to have a small faction of good and pious preists and warriors that are attempting to 'save' the city but end up being manipulated by the more powerful evil faction within the city. The pious group end up being weilded as a weapon against thier enemies but kept managable.
Fithero 09-14-05, 11:48 AM	It may be that you may want to have a small faction of good and pious preists and warriors that are attempting to 'save' the city but end up being manipulated by the more powerful evil faction within the city. The pious group end up being weilded as a weapon against thier enemies but kept managable. Great idea, i was acutally thinking of putting in a neutral group (such as an oriental faction eg. monks, ninja, samurai, shugenja and Wu jen). Who would basically try and stay out of the conflict, but would inevitably be drawn into it. There are just so many ideas for this place. Later
Morka 09-14-05, 11:58 AM	Add a handle of NG WereBull. During the night, they wander the streets and try to protect the innocents. Unfortunately, everybody mistake them for Minotaurs and they are attacked on site.
Echo2 09-14-05, 04:02 PM	I'm new to this, so bear with me. I was thinking maybe to add a small substory, have someone on the inside of the organization trying to take it down. Say, maybe a CG Human rogue who's father was killed by this order, and taking matters into his own hands, trying to get high enough in the order to topple it, and also quietly killing key people as he made his way up the line. Necessary skills would probably be bluff (definitely), diplomacy, hide, move silently, you get the picture. Someone who looks like he's supposed to belong, but is really taking as many people out as he can. High Cha and Dex? What do you think?
Fithero 09-14-05, 08:12 PM	Add a handle of NG WereBull. During the night, they wander the streets and try to protect the innocents. Unfortunately, everybody mistake them for Minotaurs and they are attacked on site. That is a cool idea, can they be werecows though? (still have horns) :P Hehehe.... udder slap :P I was thinking maybe to add a small substory, have someone on the inside of the organization trying to take it down. That is an awsome idea, i just need somebody to make up the character for me. Question is though, is he posing as a member of the Order of the Silken Cloth, or as a royal guard etc? It is a very good idea though.
Echo2 09-15-05, 12:11 AM	I was thinking he was posing, or even better actually was, part of the Order of the Silken Cloth, and he had joined to put a stop to their blackmailing and all of the other "evil" stuff they do, as well as avenge his father. Yes, he kills, but only the people who deserve it, such as the high officials in the Order of the Silken Cloth. Like I said, I'm new at this, so this'll probably be a really bad char build, but let's see what I can do. Also, note that I'm making this character so that it makes sense, not trying to make him particularly good at fighting etc, so if the choices seem a little weird, that's why. Here we go... Hayen Jaal Human Rogue lvl 5 CG Stats: Str 10 Con 11 Dex 18 Int 12 Wis 13 Cha 14 Feats Evasion (class) Uncanny Dodge (class) Weapon Finesse (Why? He's a ROGUE. That's why.) Deceitful (Obvious, I hope. That's what he's all about) Negotiator (He's talked his way up the ranks, he needs to be able to smooth talk people.) Skills: Bluff 10, Diplomacy 12, Disguise 12, Hide 12, Gather Info 10, Knowledge (local) 9, Listen 9, Move Silently 12, Open Lock 12, Sense Motive 11 Those are the skills that I actually put points into, I'm sure you could figure out the others if you wanted to. Needed Weapons: Hand Crossbow (good for quick, stealthy kills against the Order) garrotting wire (good to keep the victim quiet) Plus whatever weapons you want to give him, say, a dagger and rapier, or whatnot. I would do both, but it's your call. Thoughts?
Fithero 09-15-05, 12:30 AM	Very cool, i like it. We need more characters like this. It doesnt matter how simple they are, just throw them out there with a basic description and i will throw them in there someow. Later
Harrow Blade 09-15-05, 08:37 AM	Another character thought that has sprung to the fore is 'where is the muscle?' Where is the High strength low intellect character that is the minion of the evil ones that does his job because it is his job and not for a higher cause or base evil desire. well here he is Gorr (Hill Giant fighter/barbarian) Gorr is the muscle, he his exceptionally strong even for his race and takes a simple pride in his greatest attribute. He is a loyal meber of the guard who does not have the intellect to realise that the city and the king he works for is corrupt almost beyond redemption. He is not particulary evil nor does he aspire for good as so many higher concepts escape him. he does his job which is what ever he is told and is happy when it gets done. He has no real friends as his guards tease and mock him relentlessly and any other citizens are too afraid to approach the hulking giant. He wears his guard uniform with pride and gets upset when he spills food on it but can never remember where the twisted iron collar he wears came from but can never get it off despite trying and so has gotten used it. Gorr has been in the guard for almost 50 years and so none of the current guardsmen are old enough to remember when Gorr joined. the truth is that even Gorr cannot remember how he came to be part of the guard. It is all he remembers doing and so continue to do so. The truth behind Gorr's history is that he was once Gorath the youngest son of the previous king who despite all odds grew true and good who began to devote his life to the path of the paladin, his greatest drive a passion to free his people from the vile corruption that plauged his beloved city. His father had a soft spot for him and so long as his activies did not extend beyond feeding the odd beggar. It came that one day young Gorath confronted his father and was ready to dethrone his father for the sake of the people and for his impunity was changed. He was polymorphed into a hill giant but rather than sinking into the persona of the evil species he held strong to his personality and fought on using hightened strength. He was finally subdued but not killed however the king had a collar made that would keep his son plyable without killing him. The twisted black iron collar clamped down on Gorath's mind bringing him to the mental ability of a simpleton yet an effect that none had foreseen was that his strength was bolstered even further. Since that time Gorath now called Gorr has had no memory of his previous life and so exists as a simpleton in the employ of the royal guard. time has passed and the secret of Gorr's true heritige has been lost to all but a handful who still hold it to themselves. Is it possible that some one will discover this precious secret or will this life expire in the service of evil? Will Gorr become a weakness that allows the hero's to land a death blow on the evil that currently holds sway over the city? all this will only be discoved in the future. Fithero, take him and do as you will. His futre lies in your hands now.
Fithero 09-15-05, 09:02 AM	This dood will be playing a big part in the story... i think this is a cool character, very interesting. But i gotta ask, is he still a paladin? I know he was transformed into a giant, but does he still have his paladin abilities. If so, does he understand why he is never scared, or why sometimes when he hits a criminal, he hits alot harder than he should? Very interesting. Later
interpretivechaos 09-15-05, 11:43 PM	Morpheus Endrinder Str 12 Dex 16, Con 14, Int 18, wis 12, Cha 16 Rogue 5, Bard 1, Spymaster 5 Half-elf Chaotic (Neutral with a strong good streak) Deity- whatever god of trickery you have he plays a tip of the hat hommage to. Age 26, Male, 5' 6", 150" Grey eyes, Black hair, slightly tan skin From the earlies age, Morpheus found his half-elf heritage to be a curse. Although able to beat his friends in any contest in wits, they moved past such simple games, and he had to find new younger friends. Again. And Again. Then the worst thing happened to Morpheus possible, though he was not directly involved. The City of Faerdeep declared war on the Elven nation of Ghiestien, and anyone of elven blood was ordered to be rounded up and detained, lest they be traitors to the war. The half-elven contingent of the population, always on it's toes managed to go into hiding before all of the half-elves were detained. Still, life was rough for the half elves. Darting from shadow to shadow, living off the goodwill of sympathetic humans and the purses of unknowing ones. So it became that at age 16 Morpheus found himself well drilled in hiding and sneaking, and as well in the art of disguise. As the war drew on, with no end in sight, he proved the most adept pupil of disguise, taking on the apprenticeship of Johan Gaendrith, a carpenter and architect of some renown. As always a quick pupil, Morpheus quickly adopted the alias. When his journeyman time came, he found he enjoyed the process of learning more than the execution of the craft, leading him to create another alias, one that apprenticed himself of too Riestan Vandroth, a bard of fair renown as well. It was here that Morpheus was introduced to court life. The charismatic half-elf quickly managed to be taken into a position of authority, helping run domestic security, overtly with an Iron fist, yet with very few dissenters in jail. Still, the streets quieted down as funds for incognito guards were funneled to feed the hidden populace. Eventually his ruse was discovered by the betrayal of a human girl he had began to love, though he managed to elude capture. Fleeing the city Morpheus began a new life, several aliases gathering information. Very few know more about the streets then he does, and fewer yet knows that he knows. Although he is a complete actor, capable of showing whatever face he wishes, he is still young, and wary to involve himself any more than superficially with anyone, fearing another painful betrayal. He has know defining characteristics, as he changes them as he changes clothes. He is responsible for the humiliation of many wealthy merchants, and the blackmail of several others, but despite his growth in wealth, many half-elf children seem to eat better than they did before a house was purchased at 1473 Meadflower Way. (OK, more of a life story than a background, but hopefully you like it. Naturally depending on the story, the city theme of Morpheus may exempt him from too much, but enjoy.)
Fithero 09-16-05, 01:20 AM	Cool character, i already have a way to use him in the story. Chiers interpretivechaos Later
Harrow Blade 09-17-05, 07:59 AM	This dood will be playing a big part in the story... i think this is a cool character, very interesting. But i gotta ask, is he still a paladin? I know he was transformed into a giant, but does he still have his paladin abilities. If so, does he understand why he is never scared, or why sometimes when he hits a criminal, he hits alot harder than he should? Very interesting. Later The way I saw it was as long as he was under the influence he was unable to use any of his paladin abilities, like a fallen paladin but possibly with the option of restoring those levels if he has the collar removed. I thought that the collar itself is evil and thus tainting his soul. I think he should possibly do things because it feels like something he used to do, for example he might toss half a loaf of bread to a truly hungry beggar becuase for some reason he nolonger has an appetite for his lunch but not know why. I feel that there should be deep seated action that hark back to his life as a paladin but no true understanding. that is my take on this character. I came up with the Idea for him as I was reading the other submissions on the list.
Fithero 09-17-05, 08:31 AM	well i think he is a cool character, and at some point that collar will be comming off, even if he dies from it. There are alot of good characters here people, thanks a bunch, this is very helpfull. Later
jennibert 09-17-05, 12:40 PM	Minesta Darien Str 11, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 13, Cha 8 Half-orc ranger 6/barbarian 2/horizon walker 2. True Neutral, with occasional good tendencies. Style: Minesta is a ranged-based ranger, built towards Shot-on-the-Run, which she combines with her barbarian speed to great effect. Background: Minesta is the younger of her human mother's two children. Her elder brother, Lawton Woods, is a half-elf, and the result of her mother's rape at the hands of an evil elf (not a drow!). Minesta's father was a full-blood orc raised in a temple to (insert appropriate good diety here), and is a remarkably gentle, thoughtful orc, himself a priest of said diety. Her mother's family took great exception to their daughter's marrying an orc, however good and kind he might be, and disowned her. Minesta's parents then moved to another town, taking young Lawton with them, where Minesta herself was born. The locals were less than happy about an orc's taking up residence, but his position in the church kept them from running him and his family out of town. Minesta was the subject of much tormenting as a child, by local adults as well as children--tormenting her half-elven brother did not share. She bears him a certain amount of resentment for this. Eventually, Minesta gave up on people of all types and spent more and more time in the woods, making friends with animals instead (high ranks in Handle Animal). Bitter that her parents seemed to be making no efforts to stop the near constant tormenting she was enduring, Minesta had a screaming fight with her mother and left home for good. She now wanders the world. Minesta has little use for the humanoid races in general, though individuals might earn her respect. She has abosolutely no use for bullies, and will get involved into situations where anyone seems to be bullying someone else. Minesta's background seems a bit less interesting than some of the other ones you've got. Might be good for a side character, though:)
jennibert 09-17-05, 12:59 PM	Lawton Woods Str 8, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 18 half-elf bard 8/fighter 2. Neutral Good. Style: My original concept for Lawton actually has him wielding a gun, mostly for my own amusement. If that doesn't work for your setting, just give him a bow of some sort, or a rapier and Weapon Finesse. Background: Lawton is the result of his mother's rape at the hands of an evil elf. (Not a drow, just a regular elf who happens to be evil.) His mother later married an orc, and his half-sister Minesta was born of that union. Lawton lived a good life as a child. His mother and stepfather did their best to raise him and his sister well, and the townsfolk had no problem with a half-elven child, so he was spared the tormenting his sister endured. He was not insensitive to her fate, and did his best to stop the people of the town when they started in on her, usually by playing his flute and trying to distract them. This was not always successful, and those times it was, Minesta accused him of just trying to get attention. After Minesta ran away from home, Lawton decided he had to find her and bring her home again. Not being much of a woodsman himself, he has to this point had little success in his quest, but he hasn't given up hope. He is often found with a group, but he rarely stays with any party for too long, as they typically have goals that do not coincide with his own. Lawton, unlike his sister, is very much a city person. Knowing that he'll never find her on his own in the wild, and that she'll have to come into cities or towns for supplies eventually, his usual tactics for finding her involve checking with fletchers and magic item makers to see if they've dealt with anyone matching her description.
Fithero 09-18-05, 12:24 AM	They are both good characters, i really like sibling combo's....especially when they arent the same race... makes things interesting :P Oh, and as a warning to everybody...some of these characters might end up dead....when they actally enter the story. Sorry, its no insult to the character, but if it serves the story, then they will most likely be dead. Later
Fithero 09-19-05, 02:02 AM	Ok, im looking for some sort of demon/devil or other big bad ass who basically lives under this city. It should be from another plan of existance, and is actually held prisioner under the city but has been using its evil influence to corrupt. Anything would be cool, but it has to be *truly* horrific. Make it as detailed as you like (though, the more the better) Chiers ladies and gents. Later
bury_the_dwarf 09-19-05, 02:52 AM	'22' A Warforged Psion(Shaper) (not sure of the alignment) Something set 22 apart from the other warforged that were pressed into being, as he was being created he was seperated from the other mindless constructs, and taken to an alchemist(or was it a wizard) for special enhancing. What makes this memory particularly odd for 22 is the fact that he remembers this. He was built for one purpose: to summon astral constructs, and command them in battle. It might seem odd, but the king wanted to be able to keep a tight reign on his army(one which he would never need to maintain or pay). Something else was quite odd about 22, he felt very powerful emotions. He hated the man who kept him in the lab. The man was short, and always had a sadistic smile on his face. 'Forged felt no pain but 22 knew that what he was being put through was wrong. He was a special project for a king who needed an army, which would include all constructs and even some psionically powered ones. He also felt great sorrow at what he was pressed to do in the war. He and the mindless drones around him(whom he pitied greatly for not being aware as he was) were forced to slaughter villages of peasants who could not defend themselves. When the king died of 'mysterious' causes 22 and the rest of the construct army were decomissioned and were taken away to be reused. 22 was not going to allow himself to be uncreated when he had so many questions left to answer. The most powerful and painful of which happened to be: For what reason do I exist? Am I simply a puppet of those who hold authority over me? Do I have a say in what should happen to me? All these thoughts going through his head seemed a bit moot as he was being hauled off with the other soldiers of a war none had signed up for... No one ever did figure out why the cart that 22 had been in suddenly overturned. Or how the driver ended up dead. They all assumed that bandits had tried to rob the contents, they never realized that anything was missing from the wagon. But he did. You might think he would be vengeful towards his creators, however he is much more wrapped up in his search to find the meaning to his existance(although I would fear greatly for any whom he recognized from his service and particularly for that alchemist). Stats Str: 12 Dex: 10 Con: 14 Wis: 12 Int: 14 Cha: 8 This feels incomplete to me... so if you have any questions just ask :) edit: If you want to make him evil then by all means.
bury_the_dwarf 09-19-05, 02:59 AM	edit: er wrong topic
Morka 09-19-05, 11:53 AM	Ok, im looking for some sort of demon/devil or other big bad ass who basically lives under this city. It should be from another plan of existance, and is actually held prisioner under the city but has been using its evil influence to corrupt. Anything would be cool, but it has to be *truly* horrific. Make it as detailed as you like (though, the more the better) Chiers ladies and gents. Later What about an aboleth kept in an isolated bowl? After an earthquake, a small breach is open, and the aboleth send his minions (kobolds or goblins) in the sewers...
Harrow Blade 09-24-05, 04:42 AM	Here is an idea for the evil that lurks below In the times before the first stones were laid for the city of ******** (is there a name for this city yet?) there was a clan of Dwarves that carved tunnels below the surface and thrived making thier lives rich with the bounty of the earth. In thier delvings they came upon a perfectly round room with smooth walls that had no entrances other than the one they had made. The floors were covered in what seemed to hastily scrawled runes that still glowed and flickered with power despite the fact that no creature living or dead had entered the confines of the space for an eon. In the very centre of the chamber stood a twisted pillar of bone reaching to the ceiling that seemed to creak and groan as if something within struggled to break free. Blood, thick and black, oozing from between the strained bones. Curiosity over came the fear and good sense to combine with bad luck to scuff one of the runes fataly weakening the intricate web of magic holding the mystical prison. With a mighty groan the bones began to crack and break, blood boiling free pooling in a roiling mass on the floor. The terrified dwarves had less than a heart beat react before they were engulfed in seething acidic blood. What had inadvertantly been freed was a truly ancient and primordial evil that had been trapped by a cadre of mages who sacrificed thier lives to become an unliving prision for more than a millenia. Finally free it began to regather its form drawing on the bodies of the subsumed dwarves for substance. It took a few hours for the missing mining party to be missed and a search started. They too suffered a horrific death bar one who managed to escape back to the rest of the community. They had little more than day to prepare before the creature was upon them leaving death in its wake. Barricaded in the temple they realised that only devine intervention would save them. Morradin, greater god of the dwarves heard thier plea and infuriated by the creature intergating the corpses and souls of pious dwarves into its form sent his power to invest one of the greatest warrior priests in the clan with the power of his avitar to destroy the threat to his people. The battle raged for days before the dwarves finally prevailed but not without great cost. It's body destroyed the remaining dwarves gathered every last reminant of the creature and sealed it in a Solid stone tomb placed at the bottom of a deep pit. Unable to deal with the horror and loss they had experienced there the survivors abandonded the tunnels in search of a new life. Unknowing a city was raised over the site and they too delved into the earth for sewers and over time the tunnels breached the ancient dwarven homes. The discovery was kept secret in the hopes of discovering treasure. Instead the treasure hunters found a fate that would make death look appealing. Deep in it's tomb the vanquished creature was not truly defeated although it was greatly weakened. It had begun to bleed once more, oozing its malignant bile slowly filling the tomb and eventually the pit. No longer able to take a truly solid physical form the essence of the creature pervaded its blood filled pit. Creatures who came into contact with the blood were changed and warped by the vile fluid and it's malicious evil becoming either food or slave to the presence in the pit. Those that survived to become slaves developed oozing sores that would constantly weep puss and blood but with out killing them, the blood investing them with hideous appearance and power. A small tribe of goblins came to worship the pit and scour the tunnels for other souls to feed thier dark god. It came to the awareness of the godling that a city of souls existed above and it has begun to reach out into the lower levels, subverting and controling those it has a use for and consuming those it does not. Driven to be free of it's prison but unwilling to repeat the mistake to moving unprepared it has learned patience and will wait another thousand years if it means rising once more into a power beyond that which it weilded before.
Delvor 09-24-05, 12:01 PM	This is a really interesting thread actually. I'll tell you about the character i'm currently playing, he is a young human 3 rogue/4 sorc. Got in with a certain assassins guild, and became an undercover agent in the watch. His assignment was to gather info on a rival assassins guild and help take them down. He began play as true neutral but became evil after taking out a contract on an attacker of his party. He used an assumed name, his true name being Denith Heonad The hidden one, (anagram) but when his guild leader turned up dead he tightened his grip on his followers and reined in his underlings ( Leadership feat taken) being promoted in the his undercover position in the watch. Soon after the death of the assassins guild leader a mysterious figure came to Denith, the other member of the guild who knew of him. Dreth Nago The Dragon another agent for the guild a reserved and cool human kineticist (6)who likes to play with fire. Edit- Denith's assumed name is Jax, (On sig is quote)
Fithero 09-24-05, 01:26 PM	Harrow Blade.... where the heck did you get that story from? That is so cool i am going to use it. It just... so... *evil* :) Delvor, Your character can be used, but i need a little more info on him. Cheirs guys Later
Harrow Blade 09-25-05, 02:11 AM	Fithero, I am pleased to say that is a Harrow Blade original. It had been stewing for a few days until i had the time to put it down online. I am pleased to be a contributer to your story. But I don't want to dominate the submissions. I will be glad if you only use one of the submissions I've made.
Fithero 09-25-05, 03:42 AM	But I don't want to dominate the submissions. I will be glad if you only use one of the submissions I've made. It doesnt matter how often you add something to the story, its all good people. Harrow Blade, its good to see another Aussie online, im sure there are others, but i just cannot seem to find them. Later
Lady_Firehawk 09-25-05, 04:52 AM	Still taking characters and such? 'Cause I had a spiffy idea for an evil Dwarven Loremaster... :D This thing seems like it could use more baddies. ;)
Fithero 09-25-05, 05:26 AM	Im still taking characters.... im still taking everything. If you have *something* send it over, everything is welcome. Chiers again. Later
Tharien 09-25-05, 08:04 AM	Heres a character I've been fiddling around with, he's meant to be kind of antisocial, even shy, but when he goes into battle he goes beserk. Shiran Ikra Human Babarian lvl 6 Frienzied Bezerker lvl 4 CG Stats: Str 18 Con 16 Dex 16 Int 14 Wis 15 Cha 11 Feats Cleave, Destructive Rage, Intimidating Rage, Power attack, extra rage Skills: Climb 9, Craft (weapon smithing) 7, Handle Animal 7, Heal 8, Intimidate 7, Jump 9, listen 8, Ride 8, Survival 8, Swim 9, Tumble 8 Weapons: Great Sword (Must have for a beserker) Kukri (Nice and evil looking) Throwing axes (for a little range) Abused in his tribe, abondoned by his father and thought of as weak and spineless, he believed this himself until his tribe was destoyed by a group of fighters, when he lept into a beserk fury and slaughtered them all. He is now travelling to/because (insert reason here) I dunno if you want it but here you go, feel free to do what you will.
Fithero 09-25-05, 08:30 AM	Very cool character.... im a fan of anybody who just *snaps* and totally changes personality..... and frenzied berserkers are great at that, gotta love them. Later
Lady_Firehawk 09-27-05, 08:03 AM	Okey-diddly-dokies... I wasn't seeing very many arcane casters (or... um, any, really) so here's one for ya. :) Anyway, she's not exactly evil by alignment, but she still qualifies as an antagonist. Sometimes the best antagonists are the ones who aren't actually evil. ;) The Fluffy Bits: Edda Verdhandi ('Verdhandi' is an assumed name, and not her actual clan name-- she refuses to sully her clan name by association with the Silken Cloth. Plus it sounds more wizardy.) Female Dwarf, age 109 Wizard 7/Loremaster 3 (would probably finish the Loremaster progression before switching back to Wizard, or possibly go into Archmage) Alignment: Lawful Neutral, sometimes skirts the boundary of Lawful Evil-- very focused of mind and holds onto Dwarven values to some extent, but her allegiances and methods place her firmly out of the realm of Good. Specialty School: Universalist-- although Divination is her area of focus, she is not so devoted to it that she wishes to sacrifice another school. Appearance: Though not particularly strong, Edda is quite robust for a Dwarf and also rather agile. She has wild, dark auburn hair that she tries to tame but is constantly escaping its braids (she bemoans that nothing short of an Alter Self spell will take care of that), dark, intelligent eyes and a generally unassuming manner of dress. She rather dislikes sticking out more than a bookish Dwarf like her already does. Personality: Highly intelligent (DUH), cautious and circumspect in most things she does. She is incredibly curious and deeply dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, though, and true to her stubborn Dwarven nature she will not let anything stand in her way of that objective. Although she will not use outright illegal means of obtaining information, from years of experience at her job she has become rather well-acquainted with the local laws and how to circumvent them if need be. As a person she is rather more amicable than the average Dwarf, which generally makes dealing with others a lot easier for her-- well, that and a well-placed enchantment here or there. She also has a surprisingly well-developed sense of humour, which probably comes of hanging around with Gnomes a lot in her youth. Occupation: Edda is a Silken Cloth operative, and a very successful one at that. (Between her spells, some very creative uses of her familiar and her own gift with knowledge she has quite a capacity for learning things other people don't want her to know.) When not out information hunting she either runs an obscure little bookstore (frequented by members of the Order of the Silken Cloth and on occasion used as a meeting spot-- Edda's wards ensure that nobody can scry on them) or else indulging her crafting abilities by creating magic scrolls and items. A good number of these go to the Silken Cloth for use by other agents, and the rest she sells on the side to make some extra money. Background: Edda grew up within her clan oriented along the path of the Cleric-- though she was not much of a combatant physically, her elders saw considerable potential. However, Edda did not feel any particular call from Moradin; the bulk of her interest lay not in the religion but in the history. Such knowledge excited her and sparked her curiosity, leading her to find out all she possibly could about everything she possibly could and finally placing her in the company of nearby Gnomes. It was from them she learned of the outside world, of the great human cities, and of wizardry. As her previously hidden talents clicked into place, Edda proved a quick study-- she knew she had found her calling. The rest of her clan didn't exactly appreciate this turn of events, but Edda convinced them that she would be far more useful out in the surrounding area, gathering knowledge for the sake of her clan, rather than holed up with the rest of them. Perhaps, she argued, Moradin would use her in a different way than the elders might originally have envisioned. Although the elders were rightly dubious of that last part (and admittedly, so was Edda), they did admit that she had a very good point and after discussing matters they finally sent her off with their blessing and a stern admonishment to keep the clan name honourable. As indicated by Murphy's Law, Edda was in trouble right from the start. During her travels she came to in her neverending pursuit of knowledge, and she immediately picked up on it as a great source of information. However, the place was a den of iniquity, a far cry from the noble halls of her clan's home, and many a time she nearly drowned in the sordid undercurrents swirling about. Her common sense reasserted itself, though, and Edda quickly learned how to navigate these undercurrents as her gifts of knowledge quickly showed their usefulness. In return for the proper information, she found that she could gain access to just about any spell she wanted to research if she made friends with the right people. Eventually her activities drew the notice of the Order of the Silken Cloth, and the rest of that is basically history-- Edda gained membership into the Order, continued her never-ending search for spells and knowledge, eventually opened a book shop and eventually became quite successful. However, the very same benefits that keep her working for the Order have also prevented her from returning to or even contacting her clan. It is highly doubtful that the Order would simply allow her to go home; in a way, Edda finds herself trapped within the city. In order to take her mind off of this she has thrown herself utterly into her work-- honourless as it often may be-- and she has also taken to researching some of the more esoteric bits surrounding the city, and she is particularly interested in anything related to Dwarven history. Day by day she is developing a sharper picture of how the lines of power run. However, it remains to be seen whether Edda somehow manages to hold firm to her beliefs or the corruption of the city consumes her completely. The Crunchy Bits: Abilities: STR 10, DEX 14, CON 17, INT 20, WIS 15, CHA 14 BAB: +4 Saves: Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +8 Skills: Appraise +8, Concentration +16, Craft (book) +10, Decipher Script +15, Gather Information +8, Knowledge (arcana) +18, Knowledge (history) +18, Knowledge (local) +12, Knowledge (religion) +6, Spellcraft +18 (and I might be missing some ranks... if I am, stick 'em in Use Magic Device. :) ) Feats: Scribe Scroll, Skill Focus [Knowledge (local)], Still Spell, Silent Spell, Maximize Spell, Craft Wondrous Item Special Abilities: Summon Familiar, Secret Knowledge of Avoidance, Lore of True Stamina, Lore (+8 to checks) Languages: Common, Dwarven, Draconic, Undercommon, Goblin, Terran, Gnome (change as you feel appropriate :) ) Spells: Up to 5th level; again, as you feel appropriate. :) (Emphasis on Divination spells, though there will be a little bit of everything-- probably a good number of Illusion spells.) Items: Most likely a few 'helper items' she's crafted herself-- a Cloak of Charisma, perhaps, or Gloves of Dexterity. She would also have a good number of scrolls on hand. Apart from that, once again, use your discretion. Weapons: A crossbow, typically loaded with some kind of enchanted ammunition. She vastly prefers distance fighting to melee combat and will avoid melee if at all possible. Also, a wand or two with spells meant to subdue rather than harm opponents. Tactics and Assorted Dirty Tricks: Long years of surviving in the city have infused Edda with a healhy sense of paranoia. She keeps a wide variety of magical wards and traps up around her room, some of them kept in place with a [i]permanency spell (either cast by her or a higher-level wizard associate, as appropriate) and any notes she keeps are first encrypted in a cipher of her own devising and then sprinkled liberally throughout with explosive runes. Anyone who tries to snoop through her things is in for a very rude surprise. :smirk: (Also feel free to make up other dirty tricks-- Edda is sure to have plenty of them!) If forced into actual combat, Edda generally tries to subdue rather than kill with wands she carries specifically for that purpose. Barring that, she will use illusion spells to confuse the enemy until she can get away (typically via dimension door.) If it does come down to deadly combat she pulls out all stops, crippling her enemy in various ways and calling on the aid of allies to finish them off. (She doesn't like the idea of tossing Fireballs in the middle of town where bystanders can get scorched.) -------------------- Role and Ideas: I've intentionally left Edda as a pretty open-ended character-- lots and lots of possibilities for her. She is definitely a member of the Order of the Silken Cloth and is probably one of their more successful agents simply because of the nature of her class, and I might even go so far as to suggest that the Medusa might be one. (A Medusa with character levels-- AAAAAH! HORROR! :eek: ) Her degree of true loyalty to the Order is ultimately up to you, but it seems to me that she might have some serious conflict going-- caught between clan and Order, but the Order has the greater hold on her at the moment because she's probably been in town for at least a few decades. Not to mention she has some very profitable arrangements going. :D Anyway, I've gone and created the possibility of Edda's particular love of history and her heritage tying in with Dwarven history as related to that icky godling thingie underneath the city, and most especially with Moradin... perhaps some ancestors of her clan were involved? At any rate, she could find out some Very Bad Nasty Things and all sorts of hell could break loose in her life! Were she to find out some really really REALLY nasty horrible evil stuff, especially about the Order, then she could well end up in the camp of the Good Guys at the end. Or perhaps go completely the opposite way and have her slide forever into Evil just as she's about to reach awareness that she's headed in a very not-so-good direction, just before she gets a chance to make the Big Turnaround that saves her... turn her story into a tragedy. :) Zomg. Now I want to use her as a character in a campaign! :D
Fithero 09-27-05, 05:15 PM	Well, now i have the character that finds out about the pillar of bones under the city, chiers Lady_Firehawk, thats a really good character. Later
Harrow Blade 09-30-05, 12:35 AM	I have been rereading this thread and have had a thought concerning the organisation Order of the silken cloth. The Leader of this organisation you've said is a woman that keeps her face covered with a silken mask and the Medusa has been promoted to queen so who is in charge of this organisation that specialises in information gathering? I'll tell you who I think might be in charge Saralis Thradan, Illithid rogue. Many years ago unnoticed by any person of importance a young woman entered the city, at least that's what it looked like. Saralis was infact an Illithid cast out from her community for a birth defect that did not allow a telepathic connection with the elder brain. having grown to maturity as much a slave as any other of the lesser races in the illithid community she escaped and put to good use her knowledge and skills gathered from living with the assorted slaves. It did not take long to realise that the humans and other races of the city had very little likely hood of accepting this outcast in thier city anymore than they would any of her kin but a little patience and perseverance with very liberal makeup had her inside the city. Cautious, a trait learned early on as a slave, she did very little to draw attention to herself and barely enough to keep from starving but soon gathered a good understanding of the power structure of the city, realising there was something more to the power figure than would seem right for humans and so Saralis began to look for her niche. She found it in a small organisation of rogues and scoundrels with a penchant for turning up with interestig tid bits of gossip and information. Slowly Saralis infiltrated the group and began to insinuate her self there, using all of her powers and an illitid and wiles as a cunning rogue she swiftly elevated her self in the organisation. It did not take long before the opportunity presented it self and Saralis took it, disposing of the former leader and takin her place. From here Saralis worked tirelessly to make the order of the silken cloth an intricate web of devoted agents in every walk of life all funneling the information back to herself. With this information came power and with power riches, yet Saralis is not one to splash out and make herself a target, rather she has become a shadow, no one knows who or what she really is but they all know that some one is behind the scenes pulling strings. Hope you like it Harrow blade.
Fithero 09-30-05, 02:37 AM	Dood... that is just awsome...where do you keep comming up with this stuff? Im currently focusing on the enemy now, they are a multi-racial army with a high ranking (elderly) paladin as their general. The army has all the goodly races and im thinking (as a posibility) some celestial/angelic warriors aswell (they know something of the pillar of bones below). Any thoughts on this enemy? Harrow Blade, i sent you a pm. Later
Harrow Blade 09-30-05, 08:14 AM	To lay the setting out in its barest bones we have the city, corrupt and filled to the brim with evils of varying potencey, under seige or atleast under attack from the army of goodly people under the command of a paladin. There is a group of adventurers who some how end up caught up in the whole affair either intentionally or not. Am I on the right track? Some thoughts concerning the opposing force. How good are they, do they honestly hope to save or redeem the population or do they hope to destroy this festering pit of evil before it spreads? If citizens attempt to flee the city will they be helped by the army or will they be captured or killed. the reason i ask is with an organisation such as the order of the silken cloth it would be an opportunity for agents to sabotage the army by poisoning its food, spreading demoralising rumours amongst the troops etc. or perhaps they hope to forge an alliance with this army and guide thier efforts towards removing prominent powers in the city whilst assuring thier own survival, I certianly wouldn't put it past Saralis to try such a thing if she felt it would further her own power. As for your paladin general I just had an idea that he should be devoted to the cause but not in a blind devotion but in a real down to earth pragmatist, a real battle hardend warrior. i think that perhaps at some point in his life he had one or both of his arms cut off in the service of his celestial masters. in return they capped his arms at the elbows with magical, rune inscribed silver caps to which he can attach certain items, one being a hand holding a sword, the other a sheild. just what exactly these items do I am not sure yet but perhaps some sort of protection from magic. Any way thats my 2 coppers for today. Harrow Blade
Echo2 09-30-05, 04:30 PM	I came up with a few more characters, it sounded like you wanted some more bad guys. So, here's the first one: Katu Bamat Lawful Evil Human Monk 7/Reaping Mauler 3 Ever since he was a little kid, Katu was a bully. He grew up in the city, he had to be to survive. He often grappled the other children he knew and would pin them, only finally releasing them after 6 or 7 other children would pry him off. He was very interested in the martial arts at a young age, and over the years amassed knowledge of many different styles. In spite of his tendancy to pick on those smaller than him, he could also be very patient when he wanted to be, and such was the case when learning about the martial arts. Although never formally trained, he became a master of wrestling and throws. He did not punch or kick much, he rather preferred to grab on to his opponent and squeeze them until they begged for mercy or passed out. With these skills as an unarmed fighter, he got many jobs as hired muscle, be it simply an intimidation factor against someone who owed his hirer money, or or as an inconspicuous and unarmed bodyguard for important people, or those who deemed themselves likely targets, at least. When Katu was around 23, the Order of the Silken Cloth heard about him. In need of someone with his skills, they integrated him into their society as a body guard, hitman, and intimidation factor. Str 17 Con 14 Dex 13 Int 10 Wis 10 Cha 8 So I was thinking that this guy would be a hitman for the Silken Cloth, or perhaps a personal bodyguard of one of the higher ups. He doesn't really have any motivation to move anywhere from the spot he has, he's just doing the job that he has and that he's good at, nothing else. My reason for making him was really just for another idea for a bad guy, one more person the good guys have to take out. Like a boss battle, kind of. So, do what you will. Echo
Harrow Blade 10-01-05, 02:53 AM	Another thought about the good army outside, I was thinking that while the majority of the is holy and of good intentions there is a certain angel who advises the paladin general and is ultimately the reason for raising the army and the source of the knowledge of the pillar of bones. To all appearances this angel is bent on the destruction on the evil that inhabits the city but his hidden intention is to release the evil in order to force the higher planes of good to come in force to the material plane Any way got to go.
Lady_Firehawk 10-01-05, 11:58 PM	MY GOD that is awesome. Harrow Blade, I wish you were my DM. ;)
Fithero 10-02-05, 12:09 AM	MY GOD that is awesome. I know... here i am wracking my brain trying to come up with multi-layered plots and Harrow Blade just tosses out a doosey. Truly awsome. Harrow Blade, I wish you were my DM. ;) Oh so true. Later
Harrow Blade 10-02-05, 05:22 AM	Thank you both, Lady_Firehawk and Fithero both. I am really starting to get caught up in this whole thing and it is begining to evolve in my head and as new ideas are posted or come to me it seems that certain things just want to work in this setting and with these characters. However Fithero is the final creator and I am just pleased to be a part of this creative endevour. Lady_Firehawk, to tell the truth I have never Dm'ed a game in my life but thank you for your vote of confidence. :D I look forward to sharing in the creation of this story. Harrow Blade
Pagan Saint 10-02-05, 11:38 AM	Here's my idea. Not very playable, but she could be great in a story. Lady Laeylana Neveah, half-elf aristocrat 5, bard 2 (leveling with bard). Str 9 Dex 15 Con 10 Int 14 Wis 12 Cha 18 Appearance/Emotional Info: Laeylana Neveah is short and slender, with slightly tilted black eyes. She has beautiful black hair falling down past the waist in elaborate curls. She has fine, perfect features and full lips. Heads often turn when she passes, and Laeylana likes this. She is self-confident – verging on arrogance – and quite vain. While she is neutral and vain, Laeylana is not evil. She would rather play both sides against the other, but she would probably be more of a protagonist. Laeylana is intrigued by humans, having lived for her whole life with elves. She flirts shamelessly with males, as she finds their reactions amusing. She doesn't want any kind of permanent relationship, but hey, that could change. A perfect romantic character. Laeylana is not a combatant, and she detests combat. She is more adept in a battle of words, and will use her limited bardic talent to bolster her allies in combat. History/Story: Laeylana's mother was among the elite of elven society; one of the most respected elves. She was widow and had no children, nor did she want any. But she did not have any choice. While she travelled from her own forest home, she and her party were ambushed by bandits. Her guards were killed and she was raped, then left for dead. She stumbled back home, and tried to conceal the fact that she was pregnant with a half-elf. But when Laeylana was born it was impossible to hide. The elves cast Laeylana's mother out, but allowed the bastard half-elf to remain. She was raised by the Queen, and learned the ways of court well. But Laeylana grew up feeling alienated from the other elves, and tried to learn more of her mysterious birth. The elves were secretive, but her natural charisma and diplomatic skills prevailed, and she learned of her mother's rape and exile. Laeylana, always impulsive, bid her fairwells to the Queen and left to search for her mother. Statistics: Laeylana Neveah: Female half-elf aristocrat 5/ bard 2; CR 6; Medium humanoid; HD 5d8 + 2d6; hp 33; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 12, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +4; Grp +3; Full Atk +3 melee (1d4 +1 dagger); SQ bardic music, bardic knowledge, countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +1; AL CN; SV Fort +1, Ref +7, Will +8; Str 9, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 18. Skills and Feats: Bluff +14, Diplomacy +19, Disguise +14, Forgery +4, Gather Information +8, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) +12, Perform (drama) +14, Sense Motive +11; Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Spell Focus (enchantment). Well, there's Laeylana. Do what you like with her.
psudodevil 10-02-05, 12:32 PM	Ferin-Drin Contreve. Venerable Elf Spirit Shaman 8 Monk 2. Neutral Good Str: 8 Dex: 11 Con: 9 Int: 14 Wis: 21 Cha: 18 Base Attack: +7/+2 Melee: Quarterstaff +6/+1 1d6-1 Ranged: Longbow +7/+2 1d8-1 Unarmed strike +7/+2 1d6-1 AC: 19 10+4 (mithril studded leather)+5 (wisdom) Skills: knowledge (nature) +12 knowledge (religion) +15 concentration +14 spellcraft +12 Diplomacy +10 Spot +11 Appearence: Ferin-Drin Contreve is an ancient elf. He had silvery white hair that falls to his waist. It is braided into three sections and decorated with elborate colorful beads. He wears tanned hide clothing and looks every bit the hermit he is. His eyes are deep brown pools of knowledge. His eyes are filled with sorrow, regret and wisdom. He had a gaunt face, etched with centuries of hard living. His spirit guide is a grey owl who represents wisdom. History: Ferin-Drin Contreve was born in an small elf village, where he matured like every other elf child. He wandered the woods as a child, learning of nature from one of the town's guards, a ranger of some skill. When Ferin-Drin came of age he began to work at the local temple to Corellon Larethian, working to help the priests in every way that he could. But working at a temple for his entire life did not appeal to an adventurous young Ferin-Drin. He set off on his own to see the world. Ferin-Drin's rash decision to leave nearly brought his death. As the young elf was wandering the forest he was attacked by a group of goblins, from the goblin tribe that inhabited the hills nearby. Though Ferin-Drin fought valiantly against the goblins he was no warrior and was quickly overpowered. The goblins left him for dead, but it was not the end. Ferin-Drin was found by a priest of Ehlonna, the goddess of the woodlands. The cleric healed Ferin-Drin's wounds. Ferin-Drin, now healed, was ready to set off again but the cleric stopped him. Ferin-Drin owed his life to the cleric of Ehlonna, who was not about to let one of Ferin-Drin's potential slip away. The priest offered to train Ferin-Drin as his apprentice. The young elf accepted and spent the next hundred years of his life learning the divine power that flowed through the woods. Ferin-Drin and his master protected the woodlands around Ferin-Drin's village from the nearby goblins. As Ferin-Drin was meditating in a clearing he noticed smoke rising from the village. He grabbed his staff and ran at top speed towards the village. He got there in time to see the goblins carrying off the loot they had gathered from the destroyed elven town. Ferin-Drin blamed himself for not watching the goblins more closely. He traveled away from the area he had known all his life, determined to leave his grief behind him and see the world. Ferin-Drin wandered for hundreds of years. He learned the ways of a monk while training at a small temple. Ferin-Drin continued wandering for many more years until he settled down in a forest far from his homeland. He lives there now as a hermit, trying to perfect his body and mind. Ferin-Drin would almost certainly be a protaganist in your story. He would be willing to aid, guide and protect any sort of hero character.
interpretivechaos 10-02-05, 02:00 PM	Heres a little mad informant you could throw in. Jaspar Doubleseem Gnome Illusionist 16, Shadowcraft Mage 5 Str 11, Con 9, Dex 16, Int 28, Wisdom 7, Charisma 14 No one knows the story behind Jaspar, and no one likely will. Few know that he exists, but everyone has seen his effect, on the neighborhood he has claimed his own, the twisted quarter. The twisted quarter is riddled with so many shifting illusions that is considered one of the more sure hazards of the city- many a person has fled into it to become forever lost in it, dying of starvation and despair. It's a slower death than any of the monsters roving the street, but it is said you'd rather stand across the street from a werewolf than find yourself deep in the Twisted Quarter. Of course within this maze of illusions lies Jaspar himself. Raving and mad, but an assured genius Jaspar knows many of the secrets of the city lost to all but a few- if he can be reached past his insanity enough for him to answer a question. If any doubt was to his genius, or paranoia, one would merely have to be fool enough to think that a simple true seeing spell would penetrate the illusions of the Twisted Quarter. Jaspar believes that any who would come equipped with such a spell would naturally be trying to kill him, thus he devoted much study to developing a spell to negate it. But true seeing doesn't just not work, such is his spell that they see a different maze then their companions see, one that just as assuredly will trap them as their compatriots. However, there is a method to the maze. Much of the maze is supported with shadow magic, but gates exist where it is but a figment. If someone wants to reach Jaspar they need to find these gaps- taking the first one on the right, the next one on their left, the second gate to the right, the third to the left, the fifth to the right- a fibinaci sequence. Somehow that will lead anyone to Jaspar in the center of the maze. However, very few know this, for this sequence will not let any out, and for the few Jaspar gives the key out to, he places a magically binding agreement on- they will not reveal the secret, and in return he will tell them the way out, and often the answer to some question. Many of the more intelligent prominent members of the city got their power started this way, learning a secret or two from Jaspar and using that knowledge to gain power. The way in is only able to be figured out in the maze, but their is a little phrase that floats around the city 'Ware the Twisted Quarter well, For the cost its wares dearly sell, Few that enter do return, But those with wit to pass it does not spurn, Many lost secrets does its architect hold, For silence of the key these secrets sold, So dare the Twisted Quarter's ware- If for its wares your life you dare.
Harrow Blade 10-05-05, 03:11 AM	I was writing lesson plans when an idea came to me. In the army attacking the city there is a strike force made up of the most hardy and accomplished warriors either made up of adventurers from submission or celestial/angelic characters, possibly Gaurdinals (i think thats what they are called, the animalistic celestials) whose primary mission is to reach the pillar of bones once the walls are breached and an entry to the sewers can be held. They belive that they are to destroy or capture the 'artifact' (because thats what they belive it is) but in truth they are to be sacrificed to the entity in the pillar to turn the struggle in the favour of the plan of the corrupt angelic advisor. This then leaves it open for the agent of the order of the silken cloth to discover the plan either in whole or part and deduce that some how that they must stop the strike force getting to the pillar or convince them of the deciet of the advisor. This can be achived through use of any number charcters from within the city. If this is the way the story progresses I wonder if the comanding paladin is made aware of the situation and his reaction to the whole plot. Does he continue on with the assult in an attempt to forever destroy the entity or does he withdraw feeling that too many lives have been lost in this war. I think now there may be a need for a stike force for the forces of good. one member who is rising to the surface of my mind is Dwarven fighter/deepwarden (races of stone) of the same clan as the Lore master who resides within the city. A master of traveling underground he is responsible for getting the strike force to the pillar of bones in the shortest amount of time avoiding hazzards and the like. A no nonsense character he was called on to aid the army of good as he is stout of heart and fiercely loyal to clan and commander as well as being a fighter of high renown among his people. Any way thats another 2 coppers for you to drop into the piggy bank of story ideas. Harrow Blade
Fithero 10-05-05, 03:35 AM	Great ideas guys, keep them comming. interpretivechaos, your gnomish character is probably a bit to high a level to be in the story, i will use him, but i will probably lower him a bit. I like the idea that there would just be this part of town that *nobody* goes into at all for fear of never comming out. Its pretty cool. Again, this is great stuff guys. Later
Lyinginbedmon 10-08-05, 05:35 PM	R. Kriddir ECL 18 Warforged 8 Rogue/8 Assassin Alignment: Neutral Good Str 20 Dex 18 Con 13 Int 13 Wis 14 Cha 11 Base Attack: +12/+1 Melee: Slam 1d4+5 AC: 16 10+2 (Composite Plating)+4 (Dexterity) Feats: Combat Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, Quick Draw, Spring Attack, Whirlwind Attack Skills: Balance 11 ranks +4 (Dex), Bluff 11 ranks +0 (Cha), Climb 11 ranks +5 (Str), Decipher Script 11 ranks +1 (Int), Diplomacy +0 (Cha) +2 (Syn), Disable Device 11 ranks +1 (Int), Disguise 11 ranks +0 (Cha), Escape Artist 10 rank +4 (Dex), Gather Information 11 ranks +0 (Cha), Hide 11 ranks +4 (Dex), Intimidate 11 ranks +4 (Dex) +2 (Syn), Listen 11 ranks +2 (Wis), Move Silently 11 ranks +4 (Dex), Sleight of Hand 2 ranks +4 (Dex) +2 (Syn), Spot 11 ranks +2 (Wis), Survival 10 ranks +2 (Wis) A feminine ninja-esque warforged, Kriddir is often mistaken for a male because of her name, a mistake she often takes advantage of. She was at one time a killer for hire, but saw the darkest reaches of her profession, and has since made an alteration to her code: Kriddir may not harm an innocent or, through inaction, allow an innocent to come to harm. Kriddir is still for hire, but she only kills those who are due the icy grip of death, such as violent criminals, rapists, and generally evil characters. She will fight no-one else unless in self defence, and even then will not kill them. Those who do not know her well, will often mistake her for the crooks she kills, but they always know that there is something different to her, that there is something beyond the mindless emotion of a killer. Kriddir is left always the enigma, because she is very secretive and quiet, speaking only when it is absolutely required. This may hint at her deeply cut guilt at a prior event, which likely caused her conversion. Kriddir changed her programming when she was ordered to do something so inhuman that it violated all her remaining moral standings: She was hired to slaughter a pregnant mother and her 9-year old daughter. She killed the mother without hesitation, the blood and gray matter spraying across the wall behind her. But then she saw the girl coming home. She pranced along the dirt path as if nothing at all were wrong with the world, her mind simply focused on the twittering birds, the fluttering butterflies ahead of her, and the thought of what her mother would be making for dinner that night. Kriddir couldn't do anything in time to stop her from coming in, and she saw the lifeless body of her mother, and screamed. Oh! Her scream! Such a terrible noise she had never heard before, so Kriddir did what she was told: She killed the mother and her 9-year old daughter. But she saw now what she had not seen in her other victims: She saw humanity. She saw the playful, happy, care-free life of the little girl, and the wreched transformation that took place immediately after she saw Kriddir's work. This made her consider her previous actions in life, and she made sure she wasn't hired for the next 6 weeks, simply sitting in contemplation in her room at the local tavern. The guards had no leads, she was better than that, but she had given them a proper burial in a secluded spot that would take them months to find. In those 6 weeks, she had more than enough time to re-write her moral coding
Fithero 10-08-05, 09:05 PM	Cool, i was wondering when a warforged would show up, i like them alot. Ok, im looking for some sort of oriental-esque organisation that is present in the city. They dont usually take part in local events, but the threat of the city being wiped out has *kinda* forced them into action :P Not sure yet, but ill give them a name with some sort of flower in it, like "The withering blossom" or something. Im thinking they will be neutral, not sure yet. Any thoughts would be great. Later
feng the red dragon 10-09-05, 05:22 PM	feng ranger 9lv halforc/half red dragon chaotic evil tiamet large 88 years old male 9'7" 630 str 40 dex 18 con 18 int 12 wis 14 cha 10 ac 27 hp 120 ini 8 fort 10 ref10 will 5 bab +9/+4 speed 40 on foot 80 in air gaurgantuan greatsword +1 balanced 3d6+17 huge longsword+1 balanced 2d8+17 gaurgantuan bow of the grey marshes +1 balanced cone of fire skills handle animal 6 hide 10 knowledge dungeoneering 7 geography 7 nature 7 listen 8 move silently 10 search 7 spot 8 survival 8 possessions ring of protection hewers handy haversack 3 gloves of storing belt of giant strength feng was born in the mountains and raised by a band of orcs that was frequented by red dragons that like interracial. when feng came of age he went in search of his father which led him to a mind flayer known as restalfious and learned of a red dragon that was the only living red dragon at the time of fengs birth (unknown to him that his father is not this dragon but the mighty tiamet the dragon god) so feng found this dragon and began learning about his supposed father. About 3 years go bye and while feng was out collecting the monthly tribute he came apone a figure cloaked in black (tiamet)who told him the truth and that a group of adventurers was looking for the red dragon an elf blackgaurd a half fein/ half red dragon fein/ fengs sister, and a juaric sorcerer. the party then decide to pay the red dragon a visit an feng feeling betrayed by this dragon devises a play that would catch the dragon off gaurd so feng goes in first and tells the party to wait 1 min before entering so he goes in like he has for 3 years gives the dragon the tributes and in comes the party and the dragon orders feng to attack so he says ok grabs his greatsword and smacks the dragon inflickting a critical wound to the dragons head and gets smacked arouynd for it, when all is done feng removes the dragons scales and bones and turns the rest into jerky.
Fithero 10-14-05, 05:12 AM	A half orc/ half red dragon.... very cool. Well i know what side *this* guy will be on. I dont think i will make him a member of the Silken cloth, but they are after him as a member. I think he will be a tavern champion of sorts, though im not sure what type of tavern. feng the red dragon, where would this guy more likely be, a seedy dock-side tavern or an upper class tavern? Anyway, this stuff is comming along really well. Ive already got more characters than i had hoped for, keep it up guys, its really good stuff. Later
prozacman 10-14-05, 09:05 AM	Sylvester Cooperton III was raised amongst the nobility, his parents were very insistant on teaching him the proper ways to live in high society, including horseback riding, fencing, manners, and rubing elbows with the elite. But he was always different, he knew it, and his personal servent knew it (as this man (Cort) was more of a father to him than his father.) After an "accident" stole Corts life, Coop (only about 10 at the time) left his noble life behind, having grown fed up with the grandeur and deception. He spent the next few years on the streets scraping by with what he could to survive. Until he met a elven woman by the name of Xaria, who taught him the (ig)noble art of ledgermain. He took to it immediately, learning all he could from this woman before she was imprisoned for grand theft (possibly executed?). He took up the name Coop, and at the age of 17 has made himself quite a successful thief in his little town. His ability to scale any wall (up the walls) and skill with a lockpick has made him quite the scourge of the town guard, though he only steals from RICH RICH merchants and nobles (the people he left.) And will often feed the orphans and children of the city with what he steals. He keeps the riches he knows he can use to make himself a better theif (though magic and specialized equipment) and tends to give much away to those who need it. Coop thinks of himself as a thief, not a rogue. and only refers to himself as a "gambler, by trade." He's also quite a bit of a letcher.. he loves women.. as often as possible. and will often cop cheap feels on women in crowded rooms (by use of sleigh of hand of course) and sometimes pulls the same trick on wealthy nobles and takes their purse in the process. (i could see this being very interesting involving a certain man-fearing monk/wilder someone posted). In our game Coop was a soulknife 1/warlock 1/ rogue X (we houseruled that coops eldritch blast was actually a psychic blast, but he could just as easily be a soulknife 2/ rogue X) if you choose to go with the whole warlock thing, he's got devil sight (seeing in the dark= great for a theif) He also of course has the up the walls feat. Story wise, thats the only feat that really matters.. his other feats included: sneaky, imp sneak atk, quicker than the eye. His best skills were: bluff, hide/move silent, open locks, dis device, balance, tumble, and use rope. He distrusts magic, only trusting his own skills, so he doesnt have use magic device, he can run up walls and so never really learned to climb well.. is too lazy to jump across things.. prefering to use rope tricks to get across... Spot and listen were ignored because he IS still basically a kid, and tends to be easily distracted.. espeshily by gold. He WILL work for something he needs.. but only if he cannot aquire it dishonestly. He is Chaotic Good, He flat out refuses to kill a guard, but will sap them or use sleep poison to knock them out, His prefered method is catburglary.. but will pick pockets when he needs to, the urban Robin hood.. taking from the rich and giving to the needy, he takes a small percentage but he's not greedy (much) Um... that being said.. feel free to use him or not... Feel free to change the names of people in his past (PS, if anyone spotted it.. yes i ripped of the Dark Tower immensely... so if your gonna use him in a story.. i highly suggest changing the name of his trainer) Just character wise remember he is a youth.. and he falls into many of the trappings of youth, impetuousness, lust, unwillingness to "loose", always wanting to 'one-up' and opponent, various vices (cigarettes and alcohol amongst his favorites, and of course women). And He's yet to turn down a game of chance. He also very much enjoys playing darts. On the topic of games.. he is as likely to cheat at a game as he is to play fairly.. more likely to cheat if he's loosing a fair game. And espeshily likely to cheat if he can do it by talking the person into giving themself a disadvantage "i'll play backwards if you put this blindfold on the whole game". He even views getting through a dangerous dungeon as a bit of a game.. though a high stakes one. In any case... feel free to use him, his vice-laiden youthful humor can be uplifting... if you dont want to use him no biggie. IF you want an exact write up of his stats.. feel free to private message me.
Blakeman101 10-14-05, 06:02 PM	Wow it looks like we don't have a wizard. Vecosel-Grey Elf wizard 9/initiate of the sevenfold veil 1 CG STR11 (13 belt of giant strength +2) DEX16 (18 gloves of dex +2) CON14 INT22 (28 headband of intellect +6) WIS8 CHA14 weapons silverstar +1 longsword d20+6 1d8+2 19-20/X2 silvermoon +1 composite longbow d20+9 1D8+2 X2 other items: bag of holding, spellbook, medallion of thoughts, and ring of protection+3. appearance 5" and 105lbs. blonde hair, green eyes, skills:13 ranks in Concentration, craft alchemy, decipher script,knowledge arcana,nobility,nature,local, and spellcraft,. 7 ranks in knowledge history and proffesion scribe. 3 ranks in jump and bluff feats:scribe scroll,spell focus abjuration,magical aptitude,spell penetration,greater spell focus abjuration,craft wand, Brew potion spells.1st-mage armor,magic missle,charm person,enlarge person,identify 2nd-scorching ray,command undead,levitate,bulls strength 3rd-fireball,lightning bolt,,suggustion,Heroism 4th-polymorph,phantasmal killer,greater invisibility,stoneskin 5th-balefull polymorph,teleport,summon monster 5 Familiar-Carth the owl
Fithero 10-15-05, 05:25 AM	I think coop is a pretty cool character, i think he will be like that little kid in IWD2, he knows his way around the city streets and can fit in anywhere. Im thinking of making it that the lands where the city is currently located once belonged to some sort of tribe. Im not sure about it yet but i think they will have been the ones who defeated the pillar of skulls and imprisoned it. After which they stood watch over it for generations... that old story arc. Anyway, im thinking that these people will be the druids and rangers and are all of one race OR they are simply an organisation, so any class and race would be allowed. Still thinking on the details though.... i probably shouldnt make any big story decisions while i have a concussion :eek: Later
Harrow Blade 10-17-05, 06:56 AM	I have had another idea for your story :) I was thinking that if the Paladin Commander was to forge the two opposing forces into a single army to combat the threat of the Pillar of bones and it's minions i have seen possibility for a twist in the tail of the story. Imagine that the two armies are fighting thier way through the minions seeing thier comrades falling to blade, claw and fang in increasing numbers as they stuggle on to thier goal. however when the surviours of the final conflict survey the carnage they remaining soldiers and commanders of the forces of the good army find that they have borne the major brunt of the casualties and are now surrounded by hostile soldiers of the city inhabitants who may or may not slay them all for attacking the city in the first place. Any way thats the abreviated idea.
Fithero 10-17-05, 09:10 AM	Very good... that adds another angle to the final major battle. Currently though im trying to decide on what the minions of the pillar of skulls are? Demons, devils (Both?) undead, abberations??? Im not sure... heck maybe ill make make it all of the above, who knows. Im also still tossing up on the main party, if anybody has any ideas on who they would like to be part of it, id take all comments. Im thinking the party will be 3-5 people. Cheirs Later
feng the red dragon 10-17-05, 12:28 PM	feng the half dragon would more than likely be in the shady tavern on the bad side of town
feng the red dragon 10-17-05, 12:31 PM	Very good... that adds another angle to the final major battle. Currently though im trying to decide on what the minions of the pillar of skulls are? Demons, devils (Both?) undead, abberations??? Im not sure... heck maybe ill make make it all of the above, who knows. Im also still tossing up on the main party, if anybody has any ideas on who they would like to be part of it, id take all comments. Im thinking the party will be 3-5 people. Cheirs Later i would say mostly skeletons zombies and other undead creatures would be good since it would dignify the name
biggie343 10-17-05, 08:11 PM	Enter special unit 343, J.A.W.S., product of project J.oint A.rticulated W.eapons S.ystem J.A.W.S. has a mithral body covered in long blackened spikes. A large mithral hood rises from his shoulders to protect a set of actuators attached to an oversized, ridged mandible. With one oversized right hand and an awe inspiring aura of fear, he is an impressive force on the field of battle. J.A.W.S. was designed to wait in an inert mode while allied forces conducted a tactical retreat. Once the enemy lines crossed he hunted down the oppositions leaders and spellcasters and impaled them on his body spikes and used his powerful jaws of death to finish them, all the while instilling fear in the hearts of the rest of the meatbags. J.A.W.S. is a monk/artificer who strives for perfection, over time adapting his body to become a more complete weapon. The end of the last war did not fare well with JAWS, he is still set in his soldier mentality and dislikes other warforged who embrace thier personalities. He takes orders from his commander without question, and cannot be swayed by anyone warforged or meatbag.
biggie343 10-17-05, 09:14 PM	Meet Myriad a male personality changling rogue/chameleon Myriad's mother was a passer who wed a his human father and neglected to reveal her true nature to him. Well when out popped a gray oddity she had some explaining to do. This created friction in his family and his mother would not allow him to embrace his talent, because at heart he was a becomer, and he wanted to be everyone. A true troublemaker, when not under his mothers watchful eye he would steal pastries from the local baker disguised as one of his young friends. As Myriad matured so did his talents, he developed many personalities and the town where he grew up was subject to visitors from many distant lands, little did the townsfolk know this was all myriad's "practice sessions". His mother knew though and demanded that if Myriad was to continue this dangerous game it'd be best if he played it elsewhere. Sad as it sounds, his mother sent him away to protect herself. Now Myriad travels with a group of adventurers in the form of Stewart Turddlehed Dingledump Stinkbottom, a gnome whose skills in the removal of traps and the opening of portals are above average and the party members will attest to that. The truth of his current mission is report all information regarding his party to another source, said source knows him as a female half-elf rogue who is more talented in staying out of sight, and said source is amazed as to how detailed Myraid info is, "almost like she's right in the party". With Myriad's natural abilities and the extensive training he received at the School of Broad Horizons, or "Mimic Mansion" as the students more affectionately call it, he can imitate anyone of any class and any race. Speak softly the walls have ears.
Harrow Blade 10-18-05, 01:08 AM	Very good... that adds another angle to the final major battle. Currently though im trying to decide on what the minions of the pillar of skulls are? Demons, devils (Both?) undead, abberations??? Im not sure... heck maybe ill make make it all of the above, who knows. Im also still tossing up on the main party, if anybody has any ideas on who they would like to be part of it, id take all comments. Im thinking the party will be 3-5 people. Cheirs Later Minions of the Pillar of Bones in my opinion should be anything and everything and anythingthat has been tainted by it's influence. any decent mage who is overcome by the taint can be used to summon demons or raise undead to be in turn infused with the power of the pillar. Party wise i think the following characters would work well in a good aligned party. Xerin Xextor, Human Paladin. Submitted by Shiver the bard Rylanthil Losarin, Elven wereboar Cleric. Submitted by Harrow Blade (me :)) Minestra Darien, Half orc Ranger/Barbarian. Submitted by Jennibert Shiran Ikra, Human Barbairian/Frenzied Beserker. Submitted by Thanien Kriddir, Warforged Rogue/assasin. Submitted by Lyinginbedmon Vecosel, Grey Elf Wizard. Submitted by Blakeman101 There is some interesting characters here that can really play off each other. (p.s. i know six is not 3-5 :P )
Fithero 10-18-05, 08:44 AM	I think ive got an idea of what the pillars minions will be, but some feedback on it would be great. The towers minions will be those that it has "corrupted" over the many years. If they are living, they become trance like with glowing eyes (or some such telling effect) while if they have already died then they will be raised, but will be abberations instead of undead (since those that have died are absorbed into the pillar itself. Im not sure about this whole idea though. I just think it would be cool to see half of the defenders (those corrupted by the tower) turn on everybody else when the tower rises (thus further bringing doubt to the paladins army about joining forces with them... and just generally adding more chaos to the situation). Also, i dont want those who have died already to be freed from the battle, being corrupted by this thing means.. basically that it owns you for eternity. So im thinking that the dead (or aberation dead... again, im not sure of this one yet) just rip themselves from the tower and attack that way. Which also allows the defenders a solid place to force them back to in the battle... just surround the tower and fight your way towards it. Anyway, as always any comments would be great. Later
Blakeman101 10-22-05, 09:48 PM	:bump: Sorry i couldn't resist Blakeman101
Fithero 10-23-05, 05:58 AM	Chiers Blakeman101 Anythoughts on what the location should be? Green forested area, barren desert, rugged snowy mountain tops? I think all of these play a big part in the design and flavor of the city and its people. But thats just me. Later
Harrow Blade 10-24-05, 12:00 AM	Chiers Blakeman101 Anythoughts on what the location should be? Green forested area, barren desert, rugged snowy mountain tops? I think all of these play a big part in the design and flavor of the city and its people. But thats just me. Later An idea for the location: Perhaps located at the base of a mountain range, surrounded by fertile farm land and the remenants of an ancient forest, at the only location with a pass through the mountains between two wealthy countries. This way there will always be a reason for people to be traveling to and through the city. Lots of travelers, maybe a few disappearing, enough to give the city a reuptation. If the city is a den of corrupution on a wealthy trade route perhaps the merchants of the other lands are feeling the squeeze of the taxes they are charged to go through the city and in turn have funded part of the beseiging army in the hope that a new government will be favourable to them in the future. This political twist can see the merchants try to take charge of any of the mercenary units if things start to go bad. Add these 2 coppers t my account :) Harrow Blade
Fithero 10-24-05, 02:12 AM	Add these 2 coppers t my account :) Ok, im just going to convert all the money in your account into platinum's.... free up some room back there :P Anyway, yeah i was thinking of making it a hub of sorts.. a very multi-cultural city. Im just so transfixed by the Pillar of bones.... its just so damn... i cant even think of a word to describe how i feel about it. I picture this pillar of bones and think to myself "now there is an ultimate evil. Centuries old, totally corrupting and impossible to beat... demons, devils and evil gods... eat your rotten hearts out" This thought of taking on this thing would make even gods run away and cry like little school girls (no offense to any little school girls who roam these boards). Its a pity that a few mortals are to stupid to realise the danger that this thing poses :P "An omen of things to come"? :rolleyes: who knows Later
Stormheart 10-24-05, 01:42 PM	Ok, im looking for some sort of oriental-esque organisation that is present in the city. They dont usually take part in local events, but the threat of the city being wiped out has *kinda* forced them into action :P Ok, first thank everyone for coming up with some great ideas. they have helped me add to my campaign I am running. Second, if I read correctly, Fithero and Harrow Blade live 'Down Under'. I am moving from the States to be around such creative geniuses and fantastic players. Looking for oriental underground, hmmmm. You just gave me a fantastic idea for my own story (stuck in my head since 15 y.o) and a good hook for an adventure. Maybe I can drop my story into your world as a spin-off? Later and thanks, Stormheart
Fithero 10-24-05, 07:28 PM	Stormheart, if your comming to australia you need to learn the language. Just become really lazy in how you talk and blend and entire sentence into one word and you'll do fine. For example, the word/sentence you will most likely use the most is "owyagoinmate"? Pretty simple when it comes down to it. Anyway, im glad this thread was able to help you with your own game/story, and it would be great if i could use your material in my story. Hope yours goes well. Later (ps: we dont *actually* talk like that and if you walked up to somebody and said that, their respose would most likely be rather rude)
Harrow Blade 10-24-05, 11:12 PM	Stormheart, Thank you for your kind words and I also am glad we could help you out:) I am glad Fithero and myself were able to come together on this project, it has stimulated me to think and bouncing ideas off Fithero just keeps the creative jucies flowing. Perhaps it will inspire me to finish my own story that I started but never got round to finishing. Fithero, is there any chance I can cash some of those platinums back there for mention in the credits? ;) Keep us posted Harrow Blade
Fithero 10-25-05, 01:12 AM	Fithero, is there any chance I can cash some of those platinums back there for mention in the credits? ;) God no! Your already in there for free. Bad news though, im totally swamped with university assignments and study for the commings final exams so i wont be able to even touch this project for a while. Which really ticks me off to an unknowable level... but it has to be done sadly :( Keep posting characters and side plot ideas though, for i shall continue to read, and all shall be used. Chiers guys, for everything. Later
Fithero 10-26-05, 07:41 AM	Just a quick thought before i get back to my studies... should i use the gods already provided or should i make up my own pathenon? If so, is there like a random table i could roll on to make these guys up or do i have to do it the long hard way? Anyway, i think like, 5-8 gods is enough, with a general mix of alignments (hell maybe one of each alignment) not sure on their portfolio's yet... who knows... then there are the differant races god's!!! damn this is alot of work.. Owell, it must be done. Once again any help would be great. Thanks guys Later
Harrow Blade 10-27-05, 12:06 AM	In response to the pantheon question it comes back to the question of do you wan to set this in an existing DnD world or in one of your own devising. If it is a dnd world just grab thier pantheon cos they have done all the work for you in that department, if you want a world of your own then that is more work. how much more work depends on how much of an active role the gods have in your world, in my opinion the simpler the better. If you want to go for a home brew pantheonan idea that just came to me is that have just two greater powers, one completely evil and one completely good, but have them as inactive sources of power that have no sentience and thus are more like ideals than tangible gods. the rest of the pantheon could be made up of mortals who achived imortality and godhood by tapping into these powers in varying levels, eg neutral deities are equal parts good and evil while lawful god is probably the closest to the ideal of the pure good and visa versa. Fitting the pillar of bones into this sort of pantheon is easy, it was an ancient creature that achieved godhood and reveled in its all consuming evil, to the point where all other gods feared it and worked together to destroy it. As usually happens when you try to destroy a truly ancient evil it doesn't die it just gets subdued and altered. So long ago was it contained that even the gods think about it no more and so it has the freedom to work towards regaining it's place of old. I can hear you thinking, but Harrow Blade, what about angels and demons, celestials and devils? I answer you thus. The gods were once mortals and there are two things that dominate a mortal's life, the need/lust to procreate and the instinct/paranoia to survive. In this way gods have fornicated with each other and mortals over the eons to create less powerful creatures than themselves but ones imbued with thier ideals and so springs forth the children of the gods. And there you have it ladies and gentlemen, a complete system for the creation of an entire pantheon all done in one post. :D Enjoy, I hope this helps you Fithero in your endevours rather than create more work for you. Till the next installment Harrow Blade
M3 10-31-05, 09:16 AM	This tale like many other beginnings starts with a tragedy. Amongst the wild plains of Shaar it is not a unique site to see a woman astride a horse riding to battle amongst her tribesmen. Although the motivations for that woman to ride were unlike the other women that had ridden in the past, for she rode to avenge the father of her unborn child. This warrioress, unnamed as she is, rode whilst carrying an unborn child into battle a battle that would be her end and the beginning of another story. The battle and history behind it are just that, history. Unfortunately for this woman a history that no one survived to tell. So the story starts with a mortally wounded woman who fled a lost battle against some foe too strong to wreck her vengeance upon. As injured as she was, her horse was wounded as well. Yet this mount sacrificed its last moments of comfort before it too past, to carry his mistress to a place of safety. This place happened to be in the depths of the Shaarwood. Where she bore a child that was much too early for this world. Yet this child survived suckling at its mothers breast when his mother past from this world, proud that she had died from battle and gladdened that she had bore a son. The wail of this child had brought forth a Dryad named Oakmoss. Oakmoss had looked upon the child and thought briefly perhaps it would be more merciful to let this child die along with its mother. The thought flitted through its mind like a wayward summer’s breeze and was gone. Oakmoss gathered up the child and walked away to her home. The child grew quickly under the magical care of Oakmoss, nature’s blessing allowed it to survive where any other child in like circumstances would have died. Oakmoss along with many of her Fey sisters enjoyed this child for his spirit was unblemished by that of Man’s teachings. So it was that the child was named Child of Summer. Child of Summer stayed happily unaware of his heritage until he was of the age of seven seasons. On the year of his seventh season a pilgrim had come and spoke in great lengths with his surrogate mother Oakmoss. This did not trouble Child of Summer for it was Oakmoss’s way to speak at length with men that wonder so deep in the woods although most of these men would leave after a few months. This man Child of Summer was to learn was very different. For he was a devote follower of Ilmater. Through tears that Child of Summer had never witnessed before in Oakmoss’s eyes. He was told that he must travel with this man and learn the ways of his own kind. It was explained to him, that it was cruel to keep a child of man amongst those that were not of his own kind and to never learn of his heritage. Oakmoss reluctantly agreed and sent Child of Summer away with this man of Ilmater. This of course was beyond the ability of a child of seven to understand. Child of Summer in his mind had been cast out of his home into a strange and very cruel world. The first thing this stranger had done was to rename the Child of Summer to that of Saumer a name that would be used comfortably by men. Saumer traveled long with this man learning of the ways of man and was saddened by what he saw. Saumer witnessed men hurting other men and taking advantage of the weak. Although Saumer saw cruelty in the ways of the animals it was never done without the reason for survival. Animals did not exploit each other or kill what they could not eat. Saumer also learned that there were men like this stranger that traveled and tried to alleviate suffering. Saumer came to believe that there was much goodness in the world as well. Saumer witnessed great acts of charity and sacrifice and the smiles and dried tears of those who benefited from such kindness. On his nineteenth year of life Saumer dedicated himself to the ways of Ilmater, forsaking all else. At times when the challenge of this choice weighs heavy on Saumer, he dreams of treetops blowing in the wind, the smell of blossoming flowers and the sweet call of the woods as it once was for him long ago.
Fithero 10-31-05, 09:30 AM	Very cool character M3, very cool. Do you have any game mechanics for him? Class/level or stats? Just so i can get a rough idea about how to describe him. I like him though, interesting concept. Chiers (ps: Im still taking characters, so if you have any characters with a background around 10th lvl, throw them my way if you will :P) Later
M3 10-31-05, 03:57 PM	I envisioned him as a Monk of Ilmater with a connection with the Fey. Vow of Non-violence. Ilmater blessed him with some protection from Manufactured weapons. Once they spill blood from Saumer they have a chance to shatter. Saumer will only fight to incapcitate foes. Unless they are Outsiders or Undead...
Card_Wizard 11-01-05, 12:43 AM	While I do plan to read the entirety of this thread at a later date, I wish to divuldge a character I wouldn't mind even having a bit part as a side quest perhaps. Brilman Bileheart The last name was added by himself however, after his mind throughly snapped and he became the disease focused freak he is today. But before we get to that, he have to start at the begining... Brilman was a simple man, trained in the art of the physician and used to treating the woes of the common folk for pocket change compared to the prices the temples charged for their magical aid. However, when his homeland was forced into war, he was drafted and forced to heal the woes and wounds of the soliders fighting a bloody and hopeless battle. His mind was gradually chipped away by the horrors of war, and his relative uselessness in the grand scheme and flow of combat. He sometimes worked out his woes by fighting along side the men, but this often got him into trouble with his superiors and got him sent back to the backlines to heal the wounded and suffer mentally once more. In one particularly hopeless battle, he was chased into a section of forest by the enemy and narrowly escaped with his life, forced to remain hidden in a spider's nest for hours, constantly suffering the bite wounds and poison they inflicted upon his flesh. It was a miracle he survived, but he wishes he hadn't. The posion knocked him out for a long time, a few weeks to be precise, and he had succumed to a common yet nagging disease as well in his 'slumber' he returned to the battlefield he called home for so long only to find it in ruin, his side clearly defeated as the soilders he once patched up and called friends when they where not his patients dead and rotting around him. Driven udderly mad, he remained on the battlefield, seemingly fascinated by the rot and his own bodily afflictions. In his insanity, he ended up disfiguring his once average and plain face to a scarred visage of itself, and tore up his right hand into a functional but horribly ugly claw. Suprisngly, he somewhat managed to learn to control his diseased body in a mannerism unbefitting a normal healthy body, and formed himself a crude famailiar of sorts from a tumor that began to form on his chest. Driven beyond all reasoning, he seeks to taint the world with both his maddness and what he searches to discover. The ultimate plague. Statistical info in next post, which might be a while(heading to bed.) :zzz:
Fithero 11-01-05, 11:08 AM	While I do plan to read the entirety of this thread at a later date Well your in for a good read then, there has been alot of great ideas thrown around on this board. As for your character, it slots in rather well with the story, so as said at the very beginning of the thread, the character will be used, just like every other character. Chiers Card_Wizard (and everybody else) Later
Card_Wizard 11-05-05, 10:42 PM	I got say, I've read the thread and I'm impressed by the creativity I can find via the internet. Especially these boards. As for Brilman Bileheart in the grand scheme of things, I thought of a few things while purusing this thread that he might be after 1) He's come to this city to simply wallow in the corruption. After all, who's going to pay attention to a little diseased begger looking man when theres all this high level nonsense going around him :cool: 2) He's come searching for reganants for his 'ultimate plague', and has heard rumors of a bile that transforms whom it touches... This could lead into two different endings itself. 2)a) He's consumed like the rest in his madness, but perhaps being a pain in the ass to the main party for a bit before his self inflicted demise. OR 2)b) He is infact able to use the bile because of his disease host ability as a cancer mage and becomes a sort of 'avatar' to this bone tower. Of course, it controls him more often then not, but he believes he still has the power. :D I'll do the crunch for his fluff in a bit, I'm getting a bit of my headache from my own 'ultimate plauge' problems (damn lack of cancer mage levels! :mad: ) and don't feel up to the task. Edit: Smiley Typoish fixing dealie...yeah
Fithero 11-06-05, 12:37 AM	Cool, a cancer mage... that will be an interesting enemy, and with the sheer amount of rotting corpses that result from a siege... he will be right at home. Chiers Card_Wizard. Later
Harrow Blade 11-10-05, 12:33 AM	I thought I would throw another character hat into the ring. I have been thinking that the attacking army needs a few more characters with stature and personality. This one may or may not fit with your ideas Fithero but I will post any way. Stryker Cliffson (Half-Giant Psychic Warrior / Warmind) Stryker Cliffson, mercenary Captain, is know to his men as The Mountain, it is obvious why when you see him, seven and a half feet tall and broad enough accross the shoulders for any three men and muscle bound, every inch of him hard as stone, his eyes even more so. Green as emeralds and sharp as a dagger point he is imposing in every way, even more so when you see the enormous blade strapped accross his back. Foe Reaver is his gargantuan crystal blade, black as night and ever sharp, which most men could not even lift let alone weild with the deadly proficiency that Stryker does. He is a commander of men yet is most often at the front in the heaviest fighting massive blade swinging in great arcs, death following in his foot steps. He doesn't talk about his past and not even his closest friend knows where he came from but for as long as anyone can remember the man and his sword have never been seperated, the men under his command have come to see it as a symbol of good luck. Direct and to the point Stryker holds honour and truth in the highest regard, those who cheat him (crazy or brave enough to do so) do not often live to do it a second time. The men and women who fight for Stryker are all misfits and outcasts, talented fighters one and all, that have over the years been found by Stryker and joined his company. Each of them have a story of how the giant of a man has saved them in battle, of how he found them when they had nothing left and offered them a chance to live a life of honour and difference. Mercenaries the may be but every one knows that Stryker chooses the contracts with care, making decsions based on right rather than pay and each of his company are free to leave at any stage yet they are feircely loyal to their commander and he to them.
Fithero 11-10-05, 07:08 PM	Very cool idea Harrow Blade... once again. I think Stryker Cliffson and his uni will be the first of the celestial army to join forces with the besieged town. First of all because they are just mercs working for the army and second, their unique point of view allows them to see that, if they dont do something... everything will soon be over. (I dont know... its one of those reject things, i get the idea that these guys have faced prejudices(spelling?) all their lives and are willing to look past trivial things to get the job done.... correct me if im wrong Harrow Blade. Chiers Later
Harrow Blade 11-10-05, 10:11 PM	That is very much what i was thinking. Outcasts will always tend to see things differently. i tend to think you are right in the assumption that they will be better able to see the change and Stryker Cliffson is a leader who is aware of those sorts of issuse and not afraid to do what he sees as right. it may cause some trouble but Stryker and his unit are battle hardend warriors and are able to handle alot of things. You have hit the nail on the head but as always once I post a character or an idea here I place it under your control. I have really enjoyed watching this thread and the story that has started to come from it evolve. Thanks Fithero and every one else who has posted here. Keep it coming Harrow Blade
Fithero 11-11-05, 05:05 AM	Im thinking that i might need some sort of "guide" for the main party, ie: a person who was around when the pillar was encased under the earth the first time. Possibly a very old elf, or an immortal of another race (are their any prc's that grant immortality-age wise?) or i might just make him evil and be an undead... im not sure yet. This character wont be a direct player (for whatever reason, he took a vow of peace/ non violence after the first pillar if he was good.... or he is to scared to go back into battle if he is evil..again im not sure yet) But basically, this guy/gal will give the main party pointers from time to time, and is the character that just random *pops up* in the most unexpected (and most suspect) places and aides the party in some way. Any ideas of what this character should be? He/she can be pretty much anything... a dragon even... it doesnt matter. Chiers in advance Later
Morka 11-11-05, 12:43 PM	Im thinking that i might need some sort of "guide" for the main party, ie: a person who was around when the pillar was encased under the earth the first time. Possibly a very old elf, or an immortal of another race (are their any prc's that grant immortality-age wise?) or i might just make him evil and be an undead... im not sure yet. This character wont be a direct player (for whatever reason, he took a vow of peace/ non violence after the first pillar if he was good.... or he is to scared to go back into battle if he is evil..again im not sure yet) But basically, this guy/gal will give the main party pointers from time to time, and is the character that just random *pops up* in the most unexpected (and most suspect) places and aides the party in some way. Any ideas of what this character should be? He/she can be pretty much anything... a dragon even... it doesnt matter. Chiers in advance Later Hi there! I have been away from your thread for a while, and I missed a few part. Could you summarize what is the story with the Pillar and the two armies? Anyway, about the NPC popping up from times to times, what about an evil god of Stealth and Lies, a bit like Mask in FR? I kind of understood the pillar was so evil that even the evil gods feared it, if a tricky god could help some proud adventurers to fight it, his own influence could only increase... Ok, im looking for some sort of oriental-esque organisation that is present in the city. They dont usually take part in local events, but the threat of the city being wiped out has *kinda* forced them into action Here's a suggestion inspired by Cyrax, Sektor & Smoke from Mortal Kombat 3. Use an antic ninja clan with some "technological" or "magical" connection creating Warforged Ninjas and Assassins. Optionnally, you could have a "rogue ninja", turned toward the forces of good, who is hunted by those mechanical assassins (like Sub-Zero).
interpretivechaos 11-12-05, 01:39 AM	I like the idea of one of the lesser good dragons- except that would make them an ancient wyrm... So here's my little guide. Tar'it'taq Itaen'drak A twisted visage of a half-drow, Tar'it'taq was present long ago when the pillar of skulls was formed. The pillars were malign in the extreme, yet the young bard of little renown held little value to his life- in fact his stated goal in life was to live until he died, holding expectation that that would complete his miserable life. What a cruel sense of humor the pillar has. Tar'it'taq was not cursed hideously like the others whom the pillar touched, but instead granted immortality- in a horrific way. He would always feel the wounds compounded upon him, the scars, the burns, the daggers, all the wounds would compound and forever haunt him- yet his appearance and physical body would be forever perfect, a hideous caricature of what he felt. He had never been a virtous soul, but his constant sorrow lead him to a certain empathy with the dead. He grew in talent for music, but none called for his bids or his services. The only songs he song were of sorrow and pain- and only occasional he was called to sing for was funerals. So it came that Tar'it'taq came to affect the dead with his songs. He put souls to rest, and when he encountered undead, the hollow shells would listen to him. Eventually he learned to even to call to the souls of the departed. But Tar'it'taq, for all his grim familiarity with death, could not achieve it. He tried all manners of deeds, throwing himself into lava, drowning himself, freezing himself, paying to be disentegrated.... Always he would find himself awake, feeling the pain of his attempted suicide yet find his body unmarred by the pain. He cursed his life, yet he continued to live this mockery of the pillar, this hated immortality. So he lies, hating his life, the sorrow and pain he constantly wallows in but cursed to carry on for eternity. He's the master of his medium, the tragic song, the dirge. This qualifies him for one special position, he fears the pillar more than anything. He tried to face it once, to force it to kill him, but it merely tormented him and teased him. It broke him further than he was before, and now he is truly incapable of any emotion other than Grief. He's a pretty straight Bard/Dirge Singer progression, probably Neutral in Motivation and Neutral evil in actions. Gloomy, tormented, his capacity for sharing his sorrow is endless, he is focuse around the pain and the woe that is his life. He hates it, but to his credit he only hates his life, he cares nothing about other people living. So he consorts with the dead through his songs, sharing his eternal torment until the day the pillar releases him to his death.
Fithero 11-13-05, 07:47 AM	Very cool character interpretivechaos, he will be the character strange benefactor. I think this is a pretty effective way of getting the required rolls filled. Ill just throw out a position i need to have filled in the story and if people chuck up characters that they think suit then ill choose. Dont worry if yours doesnt get chosen for the role you put them up for, they will be in the story still.... :) Anyway, here are a couple of roles i need filled. *ANY* members of the withering blossum (the oriental style lawfull neutral organistaion that is made up of monks, nija, samuri, wu jen and shugenja) The head cleric/holy man for the cities most major faith (there are several, the most corrupt/corruptable being the most powerfull and the good aligned ones being the weakest/smallest) Finaly... that last role i need filled is... *anything*... throw me your character ideas people :P Ill use them all. Chiers again guys and girls. Later
Harrow Blade 11-14-05, 02:08 AM	One slightly off the wall monk coming right up! Tan Kandu No one knows why he is there or why each night Tan Kandu ventures out into the corrupt night. Know one knows what goes through his mind yet each morning just before dawn he returns, silence is his constant companion as he never speaks, the only sound he makes is the gentle swish of his course robe and cloth bound hands and feet and that is only when he allows it. To look at him one would see a large hunched humanoid shape. Cloaked in a coarse brown robe Tan Kandu conceals every inch of his skin from view, a deep hood and cloth mask keep all but his eyes from view and even then all that is seen is a keen glint. The only one to know Tan's story is himself and that's the way he likes it. Once he was a human monk, happy in his lot in life and at peace with the world and his place in it. Yet all that changed when his monastry was charged with gaurding a sacred object, one that had the power to warp magic. It was thought to be safe, housed in stone vaults far beneath the monastry but slowly the corrupting power of the object seeped into the water, food and bodies of the monks and began to twist them and change them into horrific monsters. Tan took it upon himself to destroy the object and sought the object, he succeeded in destroying it but in doing so released a blast of power that accelerated the changes taking place in all the monks. Very few survived and those who did blamed tan and his hasty action for the others death. Unable to stay under the hiddious gaze of the changed monks he fled, his own form twisted and changed. Tan found a place where even his sad existance could go unnoticed but his sense of purpose and loyalty to his training led him to join with the others in the order of the Withering Blossom. they do not question his need for secrecy and value his efforts as they align with thier own. Tan seeks to bring order to the disordered and peace to the violent even if it is one soul at a time. In game terms tan Kandu is a human polymorphed into a troll, slightly smaller than most trolls but even more deadly when combined with his monk training. He is hard and determined, making him a powerful ally and ferocious foe. Tan Kandu Troll (polymorphed human) monk
interpretivechaos 11-14-05, 04:51 PM	Do you have a pantheon yet? I hesitate before making any religous leaders without knowing what the gods will be like.
Fithero 11-14-05, 06:59 PM	Harrow Blade, Tan Kandu sounds like a very cool character, is he a half troll or a full troll (and what kind.... there are just so many these days, it seems we get 5 new ones with every monsters manual :confused: ) But i do like him, very cool concept. And interpretivechaos, i havent got a pantheon yet, but i will have to make up my own (since i dont want to use any pre-existing game material). So i guess thats another task to ad to my "to do" list :P Owell Later
Harrow Blade 11-14-05, 10:23 PM	As for the make up of full troll or half troll I would probably say full troll, and the type, well that I think would be your regular run of the mill troll. The thing that makes tan Kandu special is his adherance to his monk training and way of life even when he is so dramatically changed from his original form. The fact that a hardend monk with intelligence and will power in a powerful troll body just makes him cool. The reason he is cloaked and covered is that while his body is his weapon it is also his shame. Every minute of every day he is reminded that he lived even after causing the deaths of those close to him, the fact that it was in an attempt to save them is irrelevant to him. So he covers up to prevent others from seeing his shame. He is unafraid of nearly any foe as he has no fear of death, to him death would be a release yet his honor will not let him end his own life. Risking his life is an entirely different matter as he does that every night that he walks the streets of the city. This character is more of a concept than a hard and fast character, take it and shape it how you need it to be to fit the story. add a few more coppers to the werepiggy bank for me :) Harrow Blade
shadowsofwhite 11-14-05, 10:59 PM	I came up with this idea when I read the post asking for a guide to the Pillar of Bones. :lightbulb: It's pretty off the wall, but it could work. I will use an underscore in place of a name, because, not only can he not remember his own name, but he lacks the ability to say it. I'm a grammar freak, so I will put hyphens at the beginning of paragraphs, because tabs don't exist and spaces don't register. The nameless one. Insane chaos monk. -___ was born among a nomadic elven tribe, but a rather unfortunate event occured soon after his birth. A roving warband of orcs ransacked and slaughtered the tribe and left him for dead. The inhabitants of a nearby vilage saw the smoke rising and decided to investigate, in doing so, they found ___. -___'s adopted household was cruel and abusive toward him, as were his teachers. His classmates often bullied him for being the smallest in the class, which was consequently due to his elven heritage. Through this abuse, he learned to resent authority with a firey passion and swore revenge on all those who had wronged him. -When he came of age to strike out on his own, he traveled to the nearby mountaintop monestary with the goal of learning the illusive and powerful martial arts of the monks that called it home. ___ retained enough self control as to hide his inner hatred of the monks' way of life and was thus allowed to study at their sides. Through many years of training, he learned their style of fighting, but adapted everything he learned to be of his own; thus creating a strange and unique, yet powerful style of fighting. The monks eventually noticed his erratic ways and banished him from the monistary for his deception. ___ had fortunately learned enough to survive on his own, becoming a true chaos monk. -After being banished from the monistary, ___ took part in many quests across the lands, growing in power with every passingyear. Eventually, he returned to his surrogate hometown and destroyed its inhabitants. Upon witnessing this unfortunate event, the monks devised a punishment, for which they felt he was worthy. The entire order of the mountaintop swept down on the ravaged hamlet and aprehended ___, placing a cursed Faceless Mask (can be found here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/fw/20021228a)) that could never be removed. -He wandered the lands aimlessly for many decades, until he wandered into a city (your city) who's law enforcement determined insane (despite his quite lucid sense of mind). He was placed in the local asylum, on the bottom level, which happened to be underground. His cell lay directly over the Pillar of Bones, who's taint bled into ___'s mind. Now ___ writes prophecies of the destruction of the world on the floor and walls of the cell in his own blood, it also has a detailed map of how to reach it on the ceiling. The prophecies are written in Infernal and if read carefully, tell of how to destroy the Pillar, though this information is scattered throghout the room and remains rather illusive. He's pretty much been in the asylum for so long that he's lost a bit of memory, like his name, where he came from, etc. It is almost imossible to communicate with him because he cannot see, nor hear, but he can feel writing on parchment and paper. And can understand it. He himself cannot understand Infernal, but has an incredible compulsion to write what comes into his head, which comes from the insane whispers of the Pillar, therefore everything he writes on the walls are in Infernal (he doesn't know what he's writing, but it haunts him). Here's a little crunch to go along with that fluff. 300 year old High Elf Chaos Monk (whatever level you want) str: 17 dex: 20 con: 12 int: 16 wis: 8 cha: 18 as a chaos monk, his abilities rely on charisma rather than wisdom. Having been in an asylum for so long, his intellect remains remarkably intact, but he has lost touch with himself and the world (constituting his high intelligence and low wisdom). Quite the tragic character, driven to insanity over his three century lifespan by abuse ane misunderstanding. That's my platinum for the day, hope it helps.
Fithero 11-15-05, 11:07 AM	A chaos monk? very nice shadowsofwhite... very nice indeed. And i like the whole "underground assylum" idea, it adds to the overall story of the setting, a place for the party to travel too.... and it just seems so damn cool :P Anyway, these ideas a great guys, keep 'em comming, ill take whatever you got. Have we had any dwarven characters yet? Lizard folk or true giants? A raptorian perhaps? :P Chiers guys Later
Morka 11-15-05, 11:32 AM	Take a look at this thread (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?p=7759106#post7759106), someone on the What's a DM to do board posted a short description of his evil city, it'll perhaps help. Here's a good priest: Darreka was once a low-level cleric of Tyr. With her friends, she was fighting evil anywhere they could find it. Amongst all her friends, her favorite was Pasqual, a charming bard. They were almost lovers, but Darreka's moral code prevented her to fully involve herself in such a relationship. One day they were coming back from an adventure, they were ambushed by a few trolls, and Pasqual felt in the battle. The party rushed to the closest temple of Tyr, and tryed to have Paqual raised from death. Unfortunately, Paqual commited a few theft in this temple during the last year; the high priest of Tyr was willing to raise Pasqual, but secretly wanted to send him to jail. When his soul was contacted, Pasqual preferred to stay dead than go to jail. Darreka was devastated by the lost of her lover, and by the inhability of her god to raise him from death. She lost her faith, and started to study the arcane art. She became bitter and cynical, searching any way to bring her lover back. Velsharoon, god of undeads, witnessed her unbreakable will, and he contacted her: for a few services, he would give her the power to raise Pasqual from death. In order to keep her arcane powers, she became a Mystic Theurge of high skill. When she became a priest powerful enough to raise people from death, she was evil to the core. Pasqual, while a benign pick-pocket, was devoted to the good, and was disgusted of what Darreka became. For the second time, he refused to be raised from death. Darreka was devasted, but Velsharoon told her she will soon be powerful enough to bring him back. While intelligent, Darreka failed to notice the lie... Today, Darreka is a 50 years old woman. She is tall and thin. Her straight, shoulders-long black hair have many white hair. She has a very thin voice, but strangely enough, she can be heard clearly at long distances. She seems to be a chilly woman, and she always keep her ivory white weasel familiar curled around her neck. She has no problems creating any kind of undeads, but she keep Pasqual corpse well-preserved, until she has enough power to resurrect him... One of her typical tactic is to cast a Quickened Invisibility followed by a devastating touch spell (Slay Living or Harm). Right after, her familiar run away from her; if her invisibility is ever dispelled, few foes realise she no longer have her familiar around the neck, until the white weasel touch them at the leg...
Fithero 11-15-05, 08:38 PM	Here's a good priest Now when you said 'good' i assumed you were talking about the characters alignment... so i was rather shocked when i read she ended up following Velsharoon.... good character though (of course, ill have to change who she follows since ill eventually make my own pathenon, it will still be a god of death though) I have a plan for this character, she will see the rising of the pillar of bones as a chance for her to raise Pasqual. Chiers Morka Later
Morka 11-16-05, 10:17 AM	Now when you said 'good' i assumed you were talking about the characters alignment... so i was rather shocked when i read she ended up following Velsharoon.... good character though (of course, ill have to change who she follows since ill eventually make my own pathenon, it will still be a god of death though) I have a plan for this character, she will see the rising of the pillar of bones as a chance for her to raise Pasqual. Chiers Morka Later Yeah, in fact she was good. I meant she's a great character.
Morka 11-16-05, 12:00 PM	Here's another character concept, I'm not sure she (they?) will fit in your story though: Zikara and Jellaï, female Ettin Fighter 4. Zikara is very intelligent for an Ettin (read INT 10 instead of 6). She grew up in distant montains, near an hobgoblin tribe. With the frequent contacts she had with them, she learned to basic tactics that the most barbaric ettins wouldn't dare to consider. She also learned to use other weapons. An hobgoblin craftman forged her two scimitars which she use with great virtuosity. Most ettins usually respect raw strenght over strategy, and adopt the barbarian class. Zikara knows that the barbarian rage last only a few rounds, and she fight defensively all this time. As soon as her opponent is fatigued, she unleashes her slashing attacks, ending only when her opponent is dead. Unfortunately for her, Zikara twin head is Jellaï. If Zikara is more intelligent than most ettins, Jellaï is more stupid. While Zikara tryes to intimidate a foe, Jellaï would prefer to follow the movements of a butterfly or hummingbird, sometimes spoiling the effect. When facing multiple opponents, Jellaï doesn't always follow Zikara's indication, sometimes attacking a different foe, which greatly anger Zikara. This female ettin wear a giant-size half-plate which Zikara tryes to keep clean. She herself wear a knight helmet with a black feather on the top, while Jellaï wears a barbarian helmet with big horns on each side.
Eraleas 11-16-05, 01:11 PM	I must say the truth; this looks so darn interesting. I wouldn't wanna miss participating in it for the world! So here is one of my "Evil" characters I have recently used, surely Tainted, something which could work for your lil' story. My initial intentions were based on rp and not on power. She's a Necromancer but since I don't own Heroes of Horror, I cannot convert her into a "Dread Necromancer". Feel fee to use her as you like and do tell me if she pleases you. ---------- Dahlia De Vile A tall, pale-skinned, black-haired silhouette stands at a distance. Its features resemble those of a female human in her late 20s. She stares at you, whispers a few words. A scream… And all goes black… Noble of blood, Dahlia is the only child of the De Vile family. Her milky skin and jet black, silky hair never could have revealed what was growing inside her body since the moment of her birth; a lifeless organ, a mass of dead tissue, slowly developing along with Dahlia. She soon started hearing its whispers. The Cyst had awoken, filling her young mind with dark thoughts of necromantic prowess and unsurpassable power, imbuing her body with sorcerous, vile powers. She soon started experiencing surges of massive arcane energy the inborn gift the Cyst had decided to lay upon her. She decided to research the route of her unusual acts, finally resulting that she was “chosen” to become a servant of the Reaper. Slowly, she started embracing the darkness which according to her “Proves cruel only to the weak-minded”. Following the teachings of her vile God and adopting the arcane secrets the Mother Cyst revealed over the years, she was able to blend the two into one, unique necromantic whole. She was now a “True” necromancer able to conjure the most nightmarish beings into existence and scar her enemies with her corrupt, arcane magic. Dahlia now possesses enough power in order to blackmail other noble families, curse her opponents, and unleash furious, undead beasts upon her foes. However, her vilest of secrets lies into implanting them with the “Child” of her own Mother Cyst an undead embryo that would soon give Dahlia infinite control over its host. She has recently learned how to grafts undead parts onto living flesh changing her manor into a torture fortress, where her still living experiments taste the taint that has taken over her very existence. She has herself substituted her arm for this of a Mummy and her left eye for a Bodak eye, adding even more dreaded powers to her already deadly repertoire. --------- Female Human Sorcerer 4/Cleric 3/True Necromancer 4 (Domains: Death & Evil) 27 years old Str 09 Dex 15 Con 13 Int 14 Wis 18 Cha 18 Feats: Mother Cyst Tomb Tainted Soul Violate Spell Spell Focus (Necromancy) Graft Flesh Spells: Incapacitating spells such as Shivering Touch (Fb) and Ray of Enfeeblement, Summon Undead spells though she never says no to a Violated Fireball or Violated Magic Missiles.
Morka 11-17-05, 11:48 AM	My character Darreka and Eraleas' character Dahlia De Vile are very similar. I'm not sure if both builds could be combined together, or if one could be altered to be more "unique." Or perhaps Fitero could keep both, so they could be direct concurrent in similar spheres...
Eraleas 11-17-05, 05:26 PM	They could of course work together, probably because of their similar faith, as partners for a common goal... They are however different: Dahlia was corrupted from her very birth while Darreka changed. Dahlia could provide Darreka with a place to work and the funds to do so, as she respects skillful, like-minded persons, as long as she doesn't interfere with her "Art" of grafting. They could also pose as consulars (sp?) for the Queen/King -probably responsible for his mummification as well-, or even prepare a large army of undead creatures day by day, storing them into the catacombs of the manor, waiting to unleash them in the city streets.
interpretivechaos 11-17-05, 11:10 PM	An overground cult of sorts. The arbiter believes that only through law can people exist happily. The arbiter is a sort of vigilante who seems omnipresent and to his foes unbeatable. He seems to be the jack of all traits, one moment casting arcane spells, the next divine, another a powerful fighter. The Arbiter appears to be a tall muscular male wearing a mithral breastplate with a bright crimson scale emblazoned on it. He has deep blue eyes and brown hair, his skin showing signs of many long hours in the son. LN The secret of the Arbiter is he is not one but many. The Arbiter is actually a group of like minded changelings dedicated to establishing law on the street. The Arbiter has proclaimed the laws of the city, and the Arbiter arrests all who break them for any reason, dealing severe punishment for all infractions. The Arbiter is not powerful or far reaching enough to stop all crime, but his heavy hand and seemingly excellent timing is enough that most don't break the law without good reason- except at night. The arbiter wisely declares a curfew for all citizens, though more keep it from common sense than neccesarily The arbiter's decree. The Arbiter occasionally tries to met punishment to those that wander the street, but the band of 20 or so changelings is hardly enough to make anything but a dent in the goings on in the city. The original Arbiter is a changeling Cleric of Lawful Neutral Ideal 14 named Edraen Darmaku (Mostly retired) . The rest are a variety of spellcasters, rogues, fighters, and vigilantes ranging from 4th to 8th level (With the notable exception of the tenth level rogue 5 chameleon 5 named Jadiq Aeswan, who serves as Edraen's second in command) So due to the efforts of the Arbiter, crime is like speeding in the country. You'll probably get away with it, but best avoided unless you have a good reason, or far to commonly, your desperate. (In terms of your story, they'll probably run into The Arbiter metting out justice, perhaps impossibly seeming fast or after witnessing an Arbiter slain in duty, but it will have little effect on the lawfulness (or lack there of) for the rest of the city.
PaganZ 11-20-05, 03:40 PM	I played a rather interesting character recently, he was a young inccubus (a demon who corrupts mortals mostly women) , the country the campaign took place in was a theocracy completely controled by the Church of Law (Lawful Neutral). Magic and most of the 'good' and 'evil' churches were outlawed, and 'chaotic' churches were hunted with a passion. Mages had to be registered and many arcane spells were also outlawed totally. Backstory: Siege (who's real name is unpronounacable and he wouldn't tell his true name to anyone anyway) was different than most demons for the Abyss he was quite calculated and 'Lawful' instead of the 'chaoticly' aligned creatures who inhabited the plane. He decided to leave, and came to the material plane through a portal, it closed shortly after he came through it. That didn't matter to him though, he came to the 'mortals' world to study them out of curiosity, find out as much as he can and do what he was born to do, corrupt souls. He spent a brief 5 years of wandering the different nation and experiencing life as a mortal. He would observe mortals find out their desires then slowly twist their desires into obsessions so their do anything for what they want. He decided he needed to grow up as a mortal to understand them fully. So he killed a baby and took its place, slowly using his "polymorph" ability to grow up. He had a close friend named Grilith all through childhood they played together and when they were of age they entered the service of the church together. They were inquisitors conducting internal investigations throughout the country with a handful of other men and women with varied skills. His 'childhood' friend grew up to become a 'paladin' of the church. (we used a special variation of a lawful neutral paladin, they were forces for law and order with no regard for good of evil). Grilith gained control of a powerful 'Lawful good' intelligent sword that seemed to be slowly turning him good, instead of being a Blind warrior of law. Siege was starting to understand mortal emotions. But was facinated that mortals would risk their brief lives for fame and fortune. Siege's skills were comprised mostly of Tracking sneaking and some swordsplay, he never used his powers when being watched by his comrades. Working as an agent of the church with this party he truely saw the extend of corruption that is possible with these mortals. As he matured he started to act more like a mortal, He started using his powers for his own purposes. Finally he decided the mortals needed to be ruled with a truely iron fist, why should he have to hide in the shadows? Using his 'suggestion' and 'charm moster' abilities he gained control of a small but strong regiment of soldiers and a few hill giants and began a war against the church. His party discovered his treachery and were sent to kill him along with their own regiment of soldiers. There was a tearful arguement from Grilith toward Siege, but he simply laughted at his friend telling him, that he was nothing but a research subject. After the battle Siege was defeat, many party members unconcious or dead on both sides, Grilith and Siege did battle on the bloody battle field, Siege's army was defeated and being criticallly wounded he fled the scene. Now he intends to leave, find a new country, perhaps a new continent and start again, perhaps he'll return to that land one day but next time with an army large enough to crush it and Grilith... That was the actual Campaign I played him in, the paladin with a firned of mine's character. The fact I was a demon was a secret to the other players as well, no one figured it out till the end ^_^. Thats how it all happened it was a pretty interesting campaign but he'd be usable in anything you'd like, esspecially since he left that country. Description: In his standard human form he is a stunningly attractive young man looks to be around 20 years old with long dark hair. Often has a calming smile on his face, although he has unnearving red eyes, he always speaks politly and people seem to do what he askes them to do. In his true form he looks identical to his human for except for his demonic bat-like wings, the form looks much like a demonic angel, black wings, black hair and his red eyes. Level 11 (a little to high but I hope its alright) We used the Savage species inccubus class, he wasn't quite a full fledged one yet +4 LA 6HD inccubus Stats Str 18(20 +2 str) Dex 16(18 +2 dex) Con 18(20 +2 con) Int 20 Wis 16 Cha 30(32 +2 cha) HP=71 AC=33 Fly speed = 50 (average) When in demonic form Saves 13/12/11(19 against mind effecting spells) Flaming Greatsword +13/+8/2D6+9 +1d6 fire Longbow +11/+6/1D8+6 Items +2 Lightning Greatsword +1 (+5 mighty) Longbow +2 Mithral chain shirt +2 Ring of protection +2 Ring of natural armor +3 Vest of Resistance +2 cloak of charisma +2 belt of Str +2 Gloves of Dex +2 Bracers of Con Amulet of undetectable alignment Wand of lightning Bolt (18 charges) Wand of invisibility (35 charges) Wand of Glibness (27 charges) 3 vials of liquid pain Skills: Feats: Hide + 13 Darkspeech Move silent +13 (descibed in the book of vile darkness) Spot +20 Track Listen +20 Force of Personalty Bluff +20 (+50 with glibness) Leadership Diplomacy +26 Sense Motive +12 Gather Info +20 Open lock +9 Search +9 Disable Device +9 Survival +11 Disguise +20 (+30 while polymorphed) Knowledge (nobility) +10 Knowledge (Geography) +6 Knowledge (mortals) +14 Knowledge (Arcana) +6 Knowledge (Reliegon) +6 Knowledge (Nature) +6 Finally his freaky powers DR 10/Cold Iron or Good Spell Resistance 17 Telepathy 100ft Immunity to electricity and poison, resistances fire 10, cold 10, acid 10 Darkvision 60ft Continual 'tongues spell' activated Energy drain /at will (if Siege kisses someone.....always a girl..... they gain a negative level and must succeed on a will save DC 24 or want to kiss him again due to a suggestion spell, there is no save to negate the level lose but the saves to remove them is DC 24) Spell-like abilities Suggestion /At Will Detect Thoughts /At Will Detect Good /At Will Polymorph /At Will (unlimited duration) Greater Teleport 1/day Ethereal Jaunt 1/day Charm monster 1/day That was quite a bit, heh maybe I put alittle to much detail into his stats.. ahh well, hope you enjoy.
Fithero 11-20-05, 08:05 PM	Ok, ill give an update on what these characters will be doing in the story (ill go, bottom up) Siege: This guy will be new to the town when the war breaks out and will attempt to get the queen under his influence (he doesnt know about the whole underworld influence that she is mostly in control of) The Arbiter (or the Arbiter's, however you want to say it) will be a sort of vigilante group, not concerned with good, but with law (sorry to say stuff that is already been said, just makes it easier) These guys will sometimes fight along side another group im making (a chaotic good one) but will fight against them more often than not. Zikara and Jellaï: These two will be working at a tavern that is currently not connected to the order. Under constant "recruitment" attempts by the order, this ettin is the only thing standing between the last free tavern and just another brothel of the order. Dahlia De Vile and Darreka: These two work together, often raiding the cities strangely large graveyard for bodies (or just body parts). These two learn something of the pillar when the realise that alot of the graves they are digging up are empty. These roles arnt solid people, just a quick jot down so i can keep going. Hope these suit you all. As always, any more characters would be greatly appreciated. Chiers guys and gals Later
Morka 11-22-05, 03:50 PM	Check the current Master DM Competition (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=537990&page=1&pp=30), the subject is about... NPCs!
Harrow Blade 11-23-05, 01:22 AM	Has there been any further info or updates on the Order of the silken cloth? I was thinking that the order and it's agents would be a great tool for discovering the Pillar and working to position the two armies so that they see the need to work together.They could pull off such things as intercepting and changing orders so that a section of wall is left ungaurded and the gate un barred. Seeing that missleading maps find thier way into the good army general's maps so that he is directed towards the pillar instead of the palace or other goal. The leader of the Order Saralis the Illithid rogue, (assuming that is who Fithero chooses) would be an excellent candidate for manipulating events to her advantage.
Morka 11-23-05, 01:10 PM	OK, I've just quickly read all the thread and understood many things, and got some ideas. 1) The character afflicted controling his disease and wanting to fuse himself with the Pillar of Bones (forgot his name). There was a suggestion this character could become the Pillar's avatar, but I have another idea: this character hold so many diseases that the Pillar couldn't manage to fuse with him. The Pillar will use his minions to deal with him, but since the character is able to control diseases, he is able to control the minions for a short time. Then the Pillar send some minions to hire assassins to deal with the character; this one will think he is hunted down by the city guards, or the Order of the silken cloth, and will hide. Finally, the way to deal with the Pillar will be to open a breach for this sick character to reach the evil force, contaminating it with greater disease and having it crumble. However, the character won't want to cooperate with good-aligned heroes... 2) This last idea have the Pillar die of a greater disease than himself. However, I have a contradictory idea about the Pillar being suddenly defeated, and all the souls he ate being brutally released. 3) About the order of the Withering Blossom, I've been toying with an idea for while: a monastic temple haunted by a Xill. The Xill kidnaps an apprentice from time to time, but this lawful monster is fascinated by the order in this monastery, and train as a monk during the night. If something should happen to this monastery, the Xill should pop up and defend it, to the surprise of the attackers and defenders as well. 4) The other idea about the order of the Withering Blossom could be a wandering order, each member disguised as a commoner living in the slums. 5) Anyway, here are some members of this order: - Velemar Scoffen, an halfling monk/duelist using a Siangham as his main weapon. - Uffen Bo'tai, a monk/dervish dancing around his foes and using his hands as slashing weapons. - Buntaro Ko'an, a kensai fighter using an ancestral katana. Perhaps the katana was forged during the Pillar first emergence, and now that it is awaken once more, the katana force his wielder to fight it. 5) Go to the main WotC site and check the Creature Competition. Check the background for Sir Zeev, an Aasimar Paladin/Knight of the Chalice, and for Rhandis, a Dark Stalker Soulknife. Check also the Iron Golem/Brain in Jar combo for a nasty villain (unfortunately, he doesn't have background.)
Morka 11-23-05, 01:34 PM	Heh, I'm suddenly prolific, I have another idea! There was a suggestion (or request, I'm not sure) about some ancient tribe that were involved in the Pillar first apparition. What if they were Shifters? Their shamans could have been those who sacrificed themselves to create the Pillar. The Shifter could have remained in the area to take care none would awaken this evil thing. They could have fought alongside the dwarves when those ones awoke it the first time. When the city was created, the stuck in the area and they are now living half-criminal life in the city lower wards. Those barbarians could be some kind of thug guild who use to fight against the Order of the silken cloth, but now would fight against the same enemy. That would give a third army against the Pillar.
Fithero 11-24-05, 08:38 AM	Ok, the first person to learn of the Pillar of bones is the unfortunate person that is stuck in the insane assylum below ground, but the first to act apon the knowlegde is the order of the silken cloth. I like the idea that they manipulate both armies, it kinda implies that they have the greatest interest in keeping the city alive. I dont think the cancer mage will be able to control the pillar or its minions at all, this thing is actually a living creature that is centuries old and an ultimate evil. This thing has been around since the dawn of time in one form or another, manipulating everything and everyone it can from behind the scenes. The cancer mage might *think* he is in control, but most likely the tower just wants to let him think that, to increse the chaos or something. I like the idea that the tribals that lived in the area before are still there now, living as street ciminals. Although i dont know anything about these "shifters" where can i find some info on them, or could somebody give me the jist of them? Chiers for all you help guys and gals, keep it comming, every bit helps. Later
Morka 11-24-05, 08:58 AM	The Shifters are from Eberron (like warforges), they are some kind of lycanthrope descendants. They gain a little shapeshifting feature, some get claw attack, other bite attacks, other a bonus to speed, armor class or a climb speed. And everyone get a bonus to one ability. The stats are summarized in Crystal Keep (see link in my sig). About the Cancer Mage, I kind of remember he started as a good aligned cleric. He should be close friend or even brother to the paladin leading the sieging army. He could initially be the "idealist one", wanting to serve his god in battle, while the paladin appear to be more pragmatic. After the spiders episode and the defeat of his unit, the cleric remain idealist, but he drastically changes his ideals... About clerics... I would strongly encourage you to take a final decision about your Pantheon. I'm sure most of us are more than happy to create any kind of NPC, but it's hard to come up with a good background for a cleric, since we don't know what god he should worship.
Fithero 11-24-05, 09:33 PM	Ive been thinking about the gods a bit and ive come to a bit of a stand still. Should there be a whole range of gods that everybody of any race can follow or should there be set gods (or god) for each race? OR Should there just be three gods and each race follows their own interpritation of those gods? The gods are very important i believe since they colour so much of the story, if their not done right, the whole story can be thrown off. So... as i said, im a bit stuck at the moment. Any help would be great. Later
shadowsofwhite 11-25-05, 02:38 AM	I think this is a special situation. I believe that you don't have to make an entire pantheon; though, such information (however useless) can add flavour. I don't believe Tolkien ever mentioned much of gods, his stories were epic. If neccessary, just create a few select gods that will be mentioned as gods of certain clerics or such. This busiess with the pillar can sway all this, though. A battle of the gods could wind up being the climax of the story. It's all up to you, but you don't have to do all of it. It is your story.
Harrow Blade 11-25-05, 05:21 AM	I agree with Shadowsofwhite on the point that you don't need to create a whole pantheon to complement your story unless you choose to directly and fully involve some of the gods. There are a number of authors who write fantastic fantasy stories without detailing the pantheon. A hint here, a comment there and a curse over there is all you may need to indicate the presence of a pantheon and the personality of a handful of gods. You may want to say that the gods for reasons unknown are distant and impersonal and clerics still have spells but it is a battle of wills to draw on the power. the domains and alignments are a tradition carried over from the time when gods played a larger role in the mortal lives. this would tie in very nicely with the Celestial advisor to the Paladin commander who wants to free the Pillar in order to draw the gods back to the world. Don't make too much work for yourself, I would advise choosing 1-3 gods possible ones close to some major characters and then just give glimpses and hints to the reader rather than detail a history, personality and clergy for every one. Cash in two coppers :) Harrow Blade
Morka 11-25-05, 10:15 AM	the domains and alignments are a tradition carried over from the time when gods played a larger role in the mortal lives. this would tie in very nicely with the Celestial advisor to the Paladin commander who wants to free the Pillar in order to draw the gods back to the world. What if the time when gods played a larger role in the mortal lives suddenly stopped when the Pillar made its first apparition?
Card_Wizard 11-25-05, 04:17 PM	I kinda figured Brilman wouldn't be able to control the pillar, althought he might be a good way to spread its influence, if you do rule that he himself is immune to it's directly debilitating effects.
Sang-Drax 11-26-05, 10:41 AM	Is it too late to post 4 characters of mine? :P Here's one of them: Finnegan Xofdeofe (didn't give any thoughts on his name, actually) Half-Elf (the build comes afterwards) part I of II: Finnegan was born in a large human city. His family was a harmonious one: his father, an elf; his mother, a human. They used to get along pretty well, with no rapes, murderes or anything. Actually, Finnegan's childhood was pretty much ordinary. Of course, he was a half-elf, not a human, but the people of Gyettrahjdyeeas (insert the city name there) didn't really care. He was different, but elves are so cool... they're handsome, gracious, and gentle... why care? Sure, the pointy ear was strange... and the boy did grow slowly, compared to others of his age. Plus, Finnegan was a charming, easy-smiling boy. Their parents had a major breakout when he was 10, though... and they broke up. They agree that it was best if the elfather when away. He departed with bloodshot eyes and promises he'd be back someday to visit his son... other than that, he wasn't really needed. Human Mother was actually a very rich farmer before she met the elven jewelsmith. There was no pension benefit at that time (and I hope you know what I mean by that... I'm not sure if that's the term in English). Finnegan ended up in the army. Being son of a duchess and all, he had special training, as he would be a leader some day... and he acutally filled the role quite well. He was a natural leader, it seemed. All soldiers liked him, and, though he was only a sargeant, he had all the lower rank soldiers at his command. Soon people started to murmur in city about his deeds - how Finnegan the half-elf fought not with the strength of arms, but with heart and soul. His father, as promised, dropped by when he was 20. They got along pretty well, and the elf apologized for not coming earlier, but to him, time didn't pass *that* slowly. After that, he went on his away - again, no rapes, no tragedies... quite odd for a PC, huh? One year later, the city of Gyettrahjdyeeas formed an alliance with a the wide empire of Koolamentaligos (again, insert another decent city name here). Koolamentaligos was really rich and huge, and a military alliance meant more safety from the constant attacks from orcs/bugbears/goblins/whatever, and, of course, better trade deals. The problem is, Koolamentaligos had a problem with a nearby elven town. They were not at war or anything, but they had been quite some time ago and they truly hated elves. Finnegan was not a very important knight or anything... at that time, he was lieutenant. However, he was a celebrity in Gyettrahjdyeeas, and the Koolamentaligosian king's councelors knew that. They wouldn't accept a full commerce deal if they had an elven hero in their armies. Half-elf? Whatever, they wouldn't care - they looked all the sime to the eyes of a Koolamentaligosian [I've actually learned how to spell that]. So, the rulers of Gyettrahjdyeeas, which had a senate just like old Rome, were in a dead end: either they dropped the deal, which was a bad, bad idea (you guys have no idea of how important was the construction of the Gyettrahjdyeeas-Koolamentaligos *catches breath* Road); or they could banish their elven hero and make their people hate them - which was also a bad idea. Of course that the thought of how sad would the elven hero become never crossed their minds. Politicians are always the same, no matter the world they're in. So, one of the senators, Robert Jefferson, had this brilliant idea: why not make their hero fall from grace, and only then kick him out? Brilliant, brilliant. And so that's wha they did. At first, they only spread the gossip that he slept with prostitutes. Not the beautiful, ellegant ones: the fat, dirty, greasy prostitutes, which was far worse! Then, they accused him of murdering this politician, Robert Jefferson (actually an idea from a group of senators to get rid of a smartass colleague, eliminating the plot's creator, and keeping on with their plan). They didn't want the trial to occur anytime soon, because they had no proofs and, besides, he could sleep with harlot whales and he could kill a senator, but he was still the folk hero... they couldn't just burn him on a stake. But Finnegan continued to fight his heart off in the battlefields, and, because of that, maybe - just maybe - the hookers he slept with could be nice, actually. And that good for nuthin' Robby Jeff was never worth the ground he stepped on anyway. So, the senate had to act quick. Their last insidious move was to prepare an ambush, and killed Finnegan's whole unit, leaving only him alone. He came back to he city alone, defeated and battered. The rumours were spread: "Finn hasn't been the same since he started sleeping with fat hustlers. Have you heard exactly what they did in bed? On, it's gross... and did you know that he killed Robbie, oh poor old good Robbie, in the man's sleep? What a coward... you know, I always knew..." and so on. Joseph Dirceus, another senator, once asked, with his redneck accent, why the hell couldn't they just kill the man and leave it like that. But Caesar Maya the mad answered, "He would become a martyr. We don't want an elven martyr in the Gyettrahjdyeeas/Koolamentaligos empire, do we?". And then he catched his breath before he unleashed his dread laughter, joined by all the senator in the most cliché moment of this tale. Well. So Finn arrived, and then, they banned him. They told officially that he's been once a great hero, and would not burn him in honor of his past deeds - however, he was to leave the city honorless and in shame, to never come back. Soon, he would be forgotten.
Sang-Drax 11-26-05, 12:44 PM	part II/II Cast away from his beloved city, after so many battles in which he gave his soul, Finnegan was devastated. All he had was the army... his mother had died in the previous year from some random illness, and even if she were alive, there was nohing she could've done. He dedicated all his life for something that didn't exist anymore. He walked a few days carrying nothing but some rations, a few coins, and his weapons and armor. And then, he found the answer for all his troubles: alcohol. He found a village by the road, entered the tavern and drowned himself in ale... he had not enough money, so he worked by night as a guard and drank by morning. Eventually, he grew too fat and slow to be a guard, so, he was hired as the cleaning man (as opposed to cleaning lady; I don't know if that's correct). A few weeks later, he grew too drunk to do anything at all, so he was kicked out and became a beggar! Now those times of glory, with the clamour of his soldiers after the blow of his ivory-silver horn, were just the dreams of a half-elven drank beggar. Not too long after that, a caravan of pious men arrived the village, and went to the tavern, whose facade serve as Finn's home. The caravan leader, a cleric named Cleric, was quite curious about him... it's not everyday that one sees a beggar wearing chainmail. Too bad his tabard was so covered in filth that it was impossible to distinguish the herald sign. Cleric asked the barman (who, curiously, was named Barman) if he knew what the hell was that person snoring outside. Barman told Cleric that his name is Finn, and that he's a really nice man but now he's a drunk bastard. He could not employ him anymore in such a state, but he was sorry to kick him out, so he left him live outside. Cleric took Finnegan to his temple, and Finn became a paladin. I didn't develop this any further, but what's important is what happened until this moment. The rest is easy. Ok, now the build... I'm a COptimization regular, so, I think it's important to have a character that works decently mechanicwise. So, Finn's build is done in a way that Cha is usable for everything. Thus, you need high Cha, at least 13 Str. A good Con is always useful, and Int can be high or low, depending on the personality. I tend to think of Finn as a strategist, so, he'd need high Int. Marshal 1/Fighter 2/Paladin 4/Outcast Champion 5/Warrior Skald 1 The build above is all that matters. You get Cha to hit (snowflake wardance), damage (divine might), saves (divine grace), smites (Paladin and Outcast Champion). You also have lots of stuff to improve your party in battle (bardic music, using a horn; marshal aura, outcast champion goodies). After this, I'd pick Warchanter to get more usages of bardic music.
Fithero 11-26-05, 07:17 PM	Thats a pretty cool character, although how does warrior skald fit into the story? I think he will be used in the attacking army and like the mercenary, half giant, he will be one of the first to side with the defenders against the pillar. Any help with the pathenon would be awsome guys, im drawing a blank here. I figure there will be a full pathenon but only 3-5 gods will be in any sort of detail. Chiers guys and gals. Later
Sang-Drax 11-26-05, 08:55 PM	Thats a pretty cool character, although how does warrior skald fit into the story? It doesn't - but hey, the build is illegal anyway: you need 1st level spells to qualify to Arcane Duelist. Thus, I've come with this: Bard 2/Marshal 1/Fighter 2/Paladin 4/Outcast Champion 5/Arcane Duelist 2/Warchanter 4
Fithero 11-26-05, 11:41 PM	It doesn't - but hey, the build is illegal anyway Well its still illegal since bards have to be chaotic and paladins have to be lawfull. But hey, builds dont really count here since its a story and not a game :P Still, as i said... cool character. One question though, can i have a physical description of him? Later
Sang-Drax 11-27-05, 07:14 AM	Well its still illegal since bards have to be chaotic and paladins have to be lawfull. Actually, bards just can't be lawful, but don't need to be chaotic... you can just start as neutral good and change to lawful when you become a paladin. After all, he changes from a drunken bum to a valiant knight! There's also the Devoted Performer feat, but it's not wort it for this build. Still, as i said... cool character. One question though, can i have a physical description of him? Later Thanks! I posted the description in the Character Concept Compilation thread, along with another character of mine. Important topics would be that he's not too strong or tall, but he's very handsome for human standards because of his elven heritage. More details in the said thread. I'd appreciate some feedback on the other character as well... he's one of my favorites. :)
Harrow Blade 11-28-05, 12:16 AM	I have been giving some thought to the issue of a pantheon and a few gods, it is difficult to come up with something that is original and not a blatant rip off of the FR pantheon. This is what I have come up with. Kathosar, the Corrupter, The Soul Twister and the Black Father Kothosar is the major god of Corruption, decay, lies, disease, darkness and bad luck. (and politicians) Kathosar is the vile presence that lurks in the darkness, seeking to twist all that is good and pure into his own malevolent tool, corrupting souls and bodies alike. He is the source of bad luck and the bringer of plauges. A primevil deity he has proven to extermly resiliant, able to survive the many attempts to destroy him, permanantly scarring those who dare try, godhood not withstanding. Worshiped by a covert yet suprisingly large order called by outsiders the Festering ones. These perverse clerics all bear some disease or deformity, yet it does not seem to hinder thier effectiveness. they place themselves in positions where they are best able to spread thier corrupting influence such as money lenders, prostitutes, politicians, clerics of other orders and many more. The places of worship are often announced by the putrid smells of rotting flesh and garbage. As covert as they are this preisthood is often sought out by those of few or no morals as the clergy's influence is far reaching and powerful and the members are always open to new ways of spreading thier influence. Hope that helps you Fithero, as 2 more coppers roll into the room out back.
Fithero 11-28-05, 07:29 AM	Hope that helps you Fithero, as 2 more coppers roll into the room out back. Damn it all, im converting all your stored wealth into gems... the state is asking me for their coins back! :P Thats an awsome idea for the head god of evil-dom... perhaps this god is actually tied to the tower (which is what i assumed he was to be anyway) As for a good aligned deity, i believe... something unique, something that hasnt been done before. Im thinking that the good aligned deity will be chaotic good, not some high and might paladin like god concerned with with law and order, but some god who is more concerned with the overall good, and is not affraid to break the rules to do the right thing. To sucky? Been done before? I dunno... something new would be good. Sang-Drax, i cant actually take anything from other threads, it just makes things hard if i have to go and grab info from all over the place. So if you have something that youd like included, just throw it in here for simplicity, chiers mate. Again, thanks again guys! Later
Sang-Drax 11-28-05, 08:30 AM	Basic Character Concept Name: Kiriff Umgathol of Katnazarshakkan Race/ Gender/ Age: Drow/Male/13X Alignment: LG Religion: Pelor Single Defining Class: Gish Description: Straight gray hair up to the middle of his back, dark gray skin and red eyes. His smile is sad, almost melancolic. He's always discrete in his mithril chain shirt and black cloak. Greatest Strength: Versatility. Excellent warrior and spellcaster. Greatest Weakness: Too fanatic. He'll eventually die in his endless quest of hunting demons. Traits and Mannerisms: Kiriff is a doomed hero, burdened by his guilt. His goal is to become the more virtuous than any paladin, to offset the harm he caused when he was younger. Modus Operandi: Kiriff willingly takes sunbath, welcoming the stinging pain from the searing gaze of his sun-god. He believes his soul will only be pure when the sunlight doesn't hurt his eyes anymore. He willingly talks about his past, in an attempt to purify his dark soul. Kiriff hates demons above anything else, but can share his hatred for devils as well. He wishes to die in the battlefield, defending the innocent if possible. Background: Oddly enough, Kiriff showed signs of being a brilliant spellcaster even though he hadn't joined the wizard guild yet. Envious of their talent, his 2 elder wizard brothers sent him to the warrior guild instead, so that he would become a mediocre warrior and never outfight them. Even more odd, he continued to display his magical skills. One day, he was in mission outside Katnazarshakkan, and a major earthquake collapsed the ceiling on the city. When he came back, nothing was alive, but him and 2 other soldiers. He ended up killing them and went to the surface - he wasn't a fan of the drow way of life, specially House Umgathol, that replenished their source of power from the suffering of angels, whom Kiriff helped torturing once in a while. On the surface world, Kiriff realized that it was pretty much different from the underdark. Later, he discovered that his nightmares seemed to become more real each night. Eventually, he was dominated by a demon, and he found out that his soul actually belonged to a Pit Fiend. He was the son of a drow with a demon, a grotesque magical experiment that went wrong. It was the church of Pelor that released him, and he became a knight of virtue, using his sorcerous powers from his demonic heritage to fight evil. The epitome of evil (a demonic drow) housing a soul of purest good. Quote: None exactly. Basic Character Mechanics Possible Class Arrangement(s): Fighter 2/Sorcerer 4/Spellsword 3/EK 5/Sacred Exorcist 6 or any variations of the sort. Essential Abilities: Charisma, 13 Str. Essential Skills: None. Essential Feats: Otherwordly. Though illegal, it fits perfectly with the character's concept. Power Atack, Divine Might. Do *not* take Daylight Adaption - he'll stop his quest when this day arrives! :) Essential Spells: Polymorph. Kiriff always fights polymorphed into a celestial of some sort. Before the exorcism, he could only polymorph into demons, and his spells were evil-like in nature, usning fire, acid, and necromantic spells. After the exorcism, he's got good spells in his repertoir as well, such as Wages of Sin. Essential Equipment: none Signature Combat Maneuvers: Wraithstrike + Power Attack + Divine Might. His charisma should be high enough to use Divine Might as needed. Note: I've actually played with this character and it's really interesting, as long as you either play with lesser drow or LA buyoff. I got a little sick of polymorphing, but, undeniably, you could not possibly find a better excuse to abuse polymorph and Sacred Exorcist in the same build in a way that it makes sense.
Morka 11-28-05, 01:52 PM	A few gods: Phezakh is the LN deity of self-knowledge, strength and healing. He is depicted as an old but strong man, usually calm but able to react with a blinding speed. He is patron of many monks. He teaches that one should search the means to improve himself. His servant will usually help someone who is actively searching to improve himself, but will not bother long with someone waiting that someone else do all the work for him. His favoured weapon is his fist. He grants domains of Strength, Healing, Knowledge, Travel and Law. Like her name indicate, The Queen of Justice favour the justice above everything else. She is represented as a tall and young woman, wearing a silver full-plate with spikes. She is a goddess of action, she never let an injustice unpunished. She is the one who will defend the weak ones, as long as they don’t try to take advantage of the system. She is the patroness of the paladins and knights. The Queen of Justice is a young god. In the last godwar, she was just an archangel; when everything seemed to be lost for the forces of goodness, she rose and reunited the Army of Good, and she herself confronted the general of the forces of evilness. With her example, the Army of Good was able to beat off their foes. Her favoured weapon is the scimitar. She grants her worshippers the domains of Law, Good, War, Retribution, Glory and Nobility. Golden Mouth is the LE god of greed and bureaucrats. He is the best diplomat someone could meet. Everyone trying to turn the laws at his advantage worship Golden Mouth. He is usually depicted as a mid-aged man wearing outrageously rich clothing and garments. His right hand always wear an enormous golden ring with a ruby; this golden ring represent his mouth, while the ruby take for his tong. In combat, he prefers to let other ones fight in its place; but if given the opportunity, he will not hesitate to finish weakened opponent with his punching dagger. His vision of the laws make him an adversary of both Phezakh and The Queen of Justice. His domains are Law, Evil, Charm, Hatred, and Domination. The Memory Singer is True Neutral. The patron of bards, artists, seekers, scholars and historians teaches that all event should be noted in some way, and song must be made. While learning the past, you can understand the present and control the future. For his love of knowledge, Phezakh deeply respect him; but his joyful songs often disturb the old god. The Queen of Justice often consult the Memory Singer before some battles, and she enjoy that her feats are made into songs. The Memory Singer sees Golden Mouth either as a god corrupting his own charisma, or a hero winning non-violent battles. His favoured weapon is the staff. He grants the domains of Knowledge, Planning, Travel and Nobility. Before the last godwar, Kotharghent was an evil god of destruction and havoc. During the war, he was redeemed by The Queen of Justice, and became a demon hunter, tracking his former allies and slaying them. The older gods of goodness don't totally trust him, but he is close friend to The Queen of Justice and other younger gods. Kotharghent is Lawful Good. His favoured weapon is the GreatAxe, and he grants the domains of Law, Good, War and Destruction. The Three Roses: The Three Roses are all daughter of the God of Light (don't have name yet, should be somewhat NG) and the Queen of the Feys; the couple has more than three daughters, but those ones are the most known. The older one, the Yellow Rose, is a charming woman who takes great deals to please everyone. She devotes herself to the arts, and especially the dance. She is Neutral Good. The younger one, the Red Rose, is the passion incarnate. She loves to seduce men of any race, and abandon them when the passion fade, which is never really long. Those men are rarely bitter at her and consider it an honor to have been the Red Rose's consort. She is Chaotic Good. The Black Rose never found her place in this familly. At first she was jealous of the Yellow Rose, because her various talents always take all the attention. She then became jealous of the Red Rose for the love every man put into her. It was not long before she attracted the Lord of Darkness' attention (could be Harrow Blade's Kathosar). He offered her to become his own consort if she would be the goddess of Lies and Jealousy. She accepted, and became Neutral Evil. The Yellow wolf is an evil wolf spirit, preying on lone travelers. His first worshippers were orcish wolf riders, and his influence grew larger after Kotharghent turned to good. There are rumors that he might be the origin of the werewolves. His favor weapon is the punching dagger or claws. His domains are Animal, Destruction, Strenght, Chaos, Evil. Cavirang is known as the General or the Blademaster. This Lawful Evil god loves to lead his troups in war and is himself a great swordman. Since the last godwar, he is sworn enemy of The Queen of Justice, who defeated him in a one-on-one fight, and Kotharghent, whom he considers a traitor. Edit: Ok, all those one could be random minor gods of your Pantheon. I just saw you wanted the leader of the Good Gods be some kind of Chaotic Good. Perhaps my Queen of Justice would be correct? She is Lawful, but she is young and prefers action.
Fithero 11-29-05, 04:19 AM	Those are some cool/interesting gods there, and im liking the relationships between them. Ok, weve got a hell of alot of npcs, some great organisations and a home city (along with its location) what else do we need? Does anybody think there should be more organisations? What about artifacts or powerful magic items of note? Does anybody want to write up an interesting item (since i cant use pre-existing ones) Im not really sure, what else do we need here? Anybody got any ideas? Later
Morka 11-29-05, 08:52 AM	Does anybody think there should be more organisations? I think we have plenty of them. We have the Order of the Withering Blossom, the Order of the Silken Cloth, the invading LG army, the city's watch (the defenders), the Shifters or other barbarian gang, plus the adventurer group. What about artifacts or powerful magic items of note? Does anybody want to write up an interesting item (since i cant use pre-existing ones) Im not really sure, what else do we need here? Anybody got any ideas? Later FOr the Order of the Withering Blossom, I had this character concept about a kensai using an ancestral katana. I'm not sure if it should be an artifact or just an intelligent item? How do you plan to get rid of the Pillar? Do you want to use some kind of artifact?
Fithero 11-29-05, 10:13 AM	How do you plan to get rid of the Pillar? Do you want to use some kind of artifact? Yes... the tower will be destoryed :looloo: Remember how at the very start of the topic i said it would be a dark and gritty story... well nothing says dark and gritty like the bad guy winning the battle. Im currently thinking that the tower will be defeated, but not destroyed. This is the most realistic outcome (i believe so anyway) and allows for a second story afterwards (if i ever get around to it :P) But i like the idea of a kensai with the sword. But possibly any more western weapons of might, such as a morning star of light or some such tripe... i dunno. :P As i always say "Just wing it" Later
Sang-Drax 11-29-05, 12:10 PM	(...)it seems to me that the average citizen would be increadibly fearful of being caught out in the night in this city. I could see that the night would belong to those who have power and those brave or fearful enough of other things to be out after dark. You know, it does ring a bell to me. Oh yes, Rio, that's right :P
Harrow Blade 11-29-05, 11:05 PM	The cry goes out into the night, an Artifact, we must have an Artifact. Silence ensues only to be broken by an answer sailing out of the misty dark to land with a thud at your feet. Huzzah the masses shout, we have an answer.... now what exactly is it? The Blood Hammer Eons ago in the height of the very first God War mortals of types were forced into service of the gods, massive battles on the plains of the earthbound were fought as the deities battled in the heavens. Blood soaked the earth until it could hold no more then ran into rivers of red, weaving amongst islands of corpses whilst the living fought on till they too joined the dead. Such was the ferocious power of these battles that the gods themselves, locked in combat, felt the course of thier own way altered by the mortals so many held in disdain. Seeing this some of the warlike gods attempted to manifest physically on the battle feild in an attempt to gain an advantage on oth earthly and heavenly plains of battle. These attempts were foiled by others all bar one that is. A primordial evil managed to manifest in the mortal plane by channeling itself into the body of a mortal, its power unable to be contained by the human flesh it began to change to become a horrific amalgum of god and mortal. This Evil power then took the feild and with every life it took it's power grew, unable to fully contain the energy it had taken the power bega to leech out of the God-thing infusing the corpses around it which began to stir in a semblance of life, rising up to march behind thier creator in an ever growing army of dead. Those gods not entirely consumed by the battle watched on in growing horror as the evil one's power grew at a phenominal rate. They tried to intervene but in fusing itself with a mortal the other had put it self out of thier direct reach, changing itself irrevocably. They knew then that only a mortal could be the tool of its destruction but what mortal could match iits power? It was in the midst of dispair that one among the gods aliance of good noticed a warrior of great skill, battling the corpse army as he scrambled for purchase, thigh deep in a river of blood. Reaching out the godling found not a slave to the will of the gods but willing servant of good who fought a loosing battle to hold the back the tide of evil. The war hammer he weilded was slick with gore and his arm burned with fatigue as the numerous small cuts and scratches were begining to take a toll on his body. Unwilling to risk becoming like the evil they needed to combat the godling took a different tack and began to channel her power into the hammer, imbuing it with a measure of her power. Sensing the presence of another god on the material plane the evil sought to trap it in the phsyical in the hopes of reaping the life force of a deity. This forced the good godling into a fateful decision, pull away and escape the evil but leave the good gods with no mortal weapons or continue and risk being fodder for an unchained evil. The decision was made in an instant and the sacrifice made, the godling gave her power not into the mortal flesh but into his weapon. the decision was not without regret and that regret tainted the transfer. The momnet the power was invested into the weapon it changed, golden flame burst from the head of the hammer catching alight every corpse it touched with holy flames. Healing energy rushed through the body of the warrior closing his wounds and restoring his vigor but with a final twist spines grew from the handle peircing the hand that held it. Some how the man knew that true power can not be weilded by the good without sacrifice and thus he had no fear his blood dripped on to the head of the hammer as he swung it, feeding the flames with his zeal. Suddenly bolstered by the divine intervention he struck out for the greatest of his foes laying waste to anything that stood in his way. Yet the evil one was ready for him, able to feel the divine presence but unable to pin point its location. The warrior seemed almost to grow in stature as he charged the enemy his body bathed in holy flames where every his blood ran. They met in a titanic clash, blades, claws, fangs and hammer all ablaze in a flurry of strikes and parries. The warrior felt his body cut in a dozen places as the weapons of his foe passed his defence yet the god come mortal paid for it as the flames took hold his own body searing the unholy flesh. Everything stopped, both mortal and godly to watch what could be a defining battle for all. Seeing that the mortal was begining to fail the primordial evil shrugged off the pain and made an all out assult on the body of his foe, leaving himself open in the process. The gamble paid off and the mortal warrior suffered several fatal wounds that could not be healed fast enough but with his final strength and dying gasp the warrior changed the future. His body peirced with claw and steel the warrior knew what must be done and so offered up his life to finish his quest. The hammer now charged with the life of both a goddess and mortal warrior struck a great blow sundering the enemy, leaving it stunned and weakened unable to react to the defeat. It was still in this weakened state when the last surviving cadre of mages from the armies of good found the scene of the battle. They worked quickly to secure the creature that held the essesnce and power of the evil god. they also took the hammer which now lay still and dormant and hid it in a place of great honor should it be needed again. These mages knew also that sacrifice was needed to hold the powerful evil and so it was that they took it deep underground to a secret chamber and filled the place with protective and holding runes then bound it physically in a prison of bone formed from thier own flesh in the hope that it would hold this vile power into eternity. That is the history and legend of the creation of the Blood Hammer (and also another player in this story if you get the links ;) ) mechanics wise there is the holy fire, healing of weilder and general butt kickingness of the hammer. The sacrifice i am not sure about, maybe 1 hp /round or something but that is a start. this entry is a 3 copper post I think. Harrow Blade
shadowsofwhite 11-30-05, 03:31 AM	That is the history and legend of the creation of the Blood Hammer (and also another player in this story if you get the links ;) ) You are a friggin goddess! That explains the creation of not only the hammer, but the pillar too. I was going to suggest something to the sort of a hammer of the ancients, but you beat me to it. I'll probably come up with something else.
Fithero 11-30-05, 08:25 AM	Good lord Harrow Blade... you are creativity incarnate! There is no stopping you :P Truly that is an awsome story... and an equally awsome artifact. One question remains though, is the artifact intelligent? :) Later
Harrow Blade 11-30-05, 09:55 PM	You are a friggin goddess! That explains the creation of not only the hammer, but the pillar too. I was going to suggest something to the sort of a hammer of the ancients, but you beat me to it. I'll probably come up with something else. Thank you Shadowsofwhite, I am honnored you think I have some sort of divinity however goddess isn't quite accurate. I know that the stuff I write is gender non-specific but my wife may have something to say about me being a godess. Good lord Harrow Blade... you are creativity incarnate! There is no stopping you Truly that is an awsome story... and an equally awsome artifact. One question remains though, is the artifact intelligent? Thank you, thank you. You are too kind. :D Concerning the artifact I think it is most definitly intelligent. It contains the essence of a goddess and a fallen hero. I Think that the existance of the hammer should be tied to the pillar of bones and that each time the weilder dies holding the hammer thier soul joins the others, adding thier memories and knowledge to a collective pool. However I don't think there should be any direct communication between the hammer and it's weilder, sometimes they will just 'know' something with no explanation of how or why. Harrow Blade
Blakeman101 11-30-05, 11:07 PM	Thank you Shadowsofwhite, I am honnored you think I have some sort of divinity however goddess isn't quite accurate. I know that the stuff I write is gender non-specific but my wife may have something to say about me being a godess. Harrow Blade Awkward. (takes five foot step) Anyway I was bored so i created a god. You said that you wanted a CG god well here you go. Leoimar (Lee-oh-ih-mar) Leomiar is a CG deity of freedom and healing . On the battlefield however he is a great fighter cutting enemies with his longsword. He is worshiped by good bards, good barbarians, and all who cherish freedom. He is a young god but extremely powerful. He is sometimes known as he who walks by moonlight because he travels among the planes when the sun is down. He has many healing abilities and is always ready to use them to help his followers. He always has one high cleric who is known as the divine healer of Leoimar. The divine healer knows a few of Leoimar's healing secrets which he learns from dreams in which Leoimar appears and shares some of his healing power. He grants the domains of good, chaos, healing, and travel. His favored weapon is the longsword. Hope you like him.
Fithero 11-30-05, 11:15 PM	Very cool god Blakeman101, very cool. I think the clerics of Leoimar will secretly support any sort of rebel organisation that exists in the city. Later
Harrow Blade 12-01-05, 02:00 AM	"Tread warily those of you with evil in your heart for this place is the haunt of Lochandris the Great hunter. No place is safe once you have raised his ire, you cannot run fast enough nor hide well enough to escape his razor claws. Laugh if you will if you think your good deeds will spare you his attention for you may very well feel his breath on the back of your neck as he tests your mettle." Dunpell the guide as he leads a band of adventurers deep into the forrest. Lochandris (pronounced lok-an-dris, usually with a growl in the throat of his followers) Aka the Great Hunter, Beast Lord, Moon Runner and Tiger of Twilight Neutral Good god of Hunters, Beasts (includes animals), Good and Neutral Lycanthropes, shifters, Druids, Nature, the Moon and Travel. Lochandris has stalked the heavens and the lands since beast have walked the earth, maintaining his domain in all it's wild glory. He takes the form of a variety of predetory animals, dependant on the surrounds, or that of a lycanthrope or mortal hunter clad all in natural leathers and furs. As old as any other god who manifests a presence in this realm he has the respect of many who value his wisdom or fear his ferocious battle prowess. unseen until he wants to be he is an enemy to be fearful of, yet this has not stopped The Yellow Wolf from making himself an enemy. Worshiped by many of those who spend a great deal of time in the wild and those who have the wild in thier blood (eg, barbarians, druids, rangers, Lycanthropes and shifters). These various groups often form loosley knit groups who meet under the full moon out of respect for the greatest of hunters. Priests of Lochandris will often be multiclassed with druid or ranger and call them selves 'Shadows on the path of The Beast Lord' or exchange The Beast Lord with one of his other names. Whilst it is rare some neutral aligned assasins name him thier patron in honour of his perfection of the hunt. "Do you hear that? No not a sound other than the rustle of leaves. The Tiger of Twilight could be amoungst you as we stand here and you wouldn't know it but for the feel of a hunters breath on your neck." Dunpell the guide speaking to a band of adventurers around enlarged canines as the sun sets.
Fithero 12-01-05, 08:35 AM	Lochandris sounds like a very interesting god, and one that will be a major player in the story (since the shifters and lycanthropes play a pretty big part in the story). Im thinking that might be differant aspects of this god, that kinda show what his intentions are. For example, bears often attributed with protection, so if this god manifested an avatar to protect somebody, the avatar would be a bear (or a hybrid bear). Wolves are often linked with hunting, so if the avatar is hunting something, it would be a wolf... etc etc Yes? No? Im not sure, i just think that alot can be done with this god. Mainly because there is a were-creature in the main party. Any comments? Later
Morka 12-01-05, 10:10 AM	The Blood Hammer I love this. It complements well with many aspects of my little pantheon. For instance, The Queen of Justice background is based on the fact the head god of the Alliance of Good had been destroyed, leaving the Alliance leaderless. Turning this leader into the Blood Hammer is a more elegant end for a Champion God. mechanics wise there is the holy fire, healing of weilder and general butt kickingness of the hammer. The sacrifice i am not sure about, maybe 1 hp /round or something but that is a start. this entry is a 3 copper post I think. Harrow Blade Mechanics wise, I would suggest a permanent aura of Heal, since this spell helps living and harm undeads. Lochandris sounds like a very interesting god, and one that will be a major player in the story (since the shifters and lycanthropes play a pretty big part in the story). Im thinking that might be differant aspects of this god, that kinda show what his intentions are. For example, bears often attributed with protection, so if this god manifested an avatar to protect somebody, the avatar would be a bear (or a hybrid bear). Wolves are often linked with hunting, so if the avatar is hunting something, it would be a wolf... etc etc Yes? No? Im not sure, i just think that alot can be done with this god. Mainly because there is a were-creature in the main party. Any comments? Later I love this too. That makes him looking like the FR god Malar, but a good Malar. About the Kensai with his Katana, I wasn't thinking about something that could be worth defeating the Pillar. More a partially intelligent weapon, allowing the souls of all the ancestors to manifest through it, but only if the current wielder is of their blood. Perhaps is there two lineage in this familly tree, the current owner is of the good side, but there is always a nemesis of the evil side who try to get the weapon to manifest the souls of all his evil ancestors. This should be more an artefact of Law than an artefact of Good.
Fithero 12-01-05, 10:50 AM	About the whole katana thing... there has *got* to be another weapon that was used in the orient. The katana has been done to death, raised, then done to death again so many times it wouldnt supprise me if more people thought everybody in Japan owned one. Im all for a kensai using an oriental styled weapon, but it has to be something unique... something that hasnt been done before. When you think about it, what would be more intimidating. "Oh, its some guy dressed in black with a sword" OR "Woah, its some guy dressed in black with a.... what the hell is that thing?" I dont know, possibly a Lajatang from oriental adventures (its a staff with a U shaped blade on each end) Im not sure yet, but i just think something unique is required. If nothing suitable can be found the i guess its cool if we go with the Katana. Later
Morka 12-01-05, 11:41 AM	I dont know, possibly a Lajatang from oriental adventures (its a staff with a U shaped blade on each end) I was thinking about a glaive or other haft-weapon, this is popular in orient and mildly exotic. But I prefer the lajatang thing... Actually, the Lajatang idea rocks! Being a double-weapon, you could have an head keeping the good souls, and another head keeping the evil souls. I don't know what might be the power though, Holy/Unholy sounds good but would be unusable. Perhaps the "Good" side could be Flaming, Ghost Touch & Merciful, while the "Evil" side would be Frost & Wounding; both heads would be Axiomatic. Or another idea: it could be an Holy/Unholy double weapon, but if the current owner is good, then the Unholy enhancement becomes still, and vice-versa if the current owner is evil... This whole idea rest on the assumption the kensai would have a cousin nemesis. Do you have a current NPC that could play this role?
Fithero 12-01-05, 08:22 PM	Or another idea: it could be an Holy/Unholy double weapon, but if the current owner is good, then the Unholy enhancement becomes still, and vice-versa if the current owner is evil... Thats a pretty cool idea, the weapon takes on the alignment of the user (or both sides try and persuade them if they are neutral). Kinda the whole "light and dark side" thing going on.... cool. This whole idea rest on the assumption the kensai would have a cousin nemesis. Do you have a current NPC that could play this role? I think it would just be easier to make another character to fit the role of the nemesis. I think the kensai would stay with the order of the withering blossum while the nemesis left that order and joined the order of the silken cloth. I dont know, these characters are you show Morka, what do you think? Later
Harrow Blade 12-01-05, 10:24 PM	I like the way you are going with the good/evil weapon and the split family line. An idea that came to me while I was reading was that perhaps the Kensai is only using half the weapon as it was broken when the family line split. The Kensai now uses the good broken half of his ancestral weapon and his cousin/ other half of family use the evil half. the orginal weapon may have been neutral, a balance between but somehow was broken. It would add flavour to have him weild a broken weapon and battle his opposing family member who also weilds the other half. Each believing that if they can defeat the other the weapon can be made whole and it's true power restored. But that is just an idea. Harrow Blade
shadowsofwhite 12-02-05, 02:06 AM	Thank you Shadowsofwhite, I am honnored you think I have some sort of divinity however goddess isn't quite accurate. I know that the stuff I write is gender non-specific but my wife may have something to say about me being a godess. I sincerely appoligize. I laughed for five minutes after I read this. Allow me to right what I said. You are an all powerful deity. As for artifacts, how about the "Soul Reaper." A sickle that consumes the soul of every being it has cut down, which in turn grants the weilder special abilities; however if the weilder dies while the weapon is in his possession, his soul is taken. Consider this a +5 brilliant energy sickle of soul stealing. Maybe I'll come up with more details tonight.
Fithero 12-02-05, 08:23 AM	As for artifacts, how about the "Soul Reaper." A sickle that consumes the soul of every being it has cut down, which in turn grants the weilder special abilities; however if the weilder dies while the weapon is in his possession, his soul is taken. Again, im all for a weapon of death/undeath, but what about something different from a sickle or scythe (since they are always associated with death) perhaps a spear or an axe.... a halberd even... something unique. Im looking for differant.... old stuff has been done before, the old stuff is good, but do it differently. Later
Morka 12-02-05, 11:33 AM	Ok, the general consensus seems to be there once was a great godwar between Good & Evil. During this war, many things did happen: 1) From the merging of an evil god and evil mortal, an unkillable entity was created, that became the Pillar of Bones. 2) From the merging of a good god and good mortal into a weapon, the Blood Hammer was created. 3) Many major gods were killed; some minor gods took their place. 4) There was a suggestion that the connection between the Gods and Mortals was cut. Mortal priest are still able to use divine energy for magical spells. For more direct instruction, outsiders like angels, demons and devils are used. That could be the reason why the Celestial leading the good army would betray the mortals: to keep his influence. (Note that the meaning of the word "Angel" is "Messenger.") About the Kensai and his Lajatang, I have many ideas, but nothing solid yet. I don't want the Lajatang to be broken in two, I prefer the Kensai to have the complete weapon and enjoy the power of the Good head, while being tempted by the Evil head from times to times. Perhaps by accepting the power of Good & Evil would the wielder unleash the weapon's complete power. But in the Wide World, there should be more character who are LN than LG & LE together, so why any of these average, moderate characters couldn't unleash the complete power? Perhaps the Order of the Withering Blossum strictly command their member to adopt a "Good" behavior, while the opposing order (I don't want this to be the Order of the Silken Cloth, that would completely change their goal in the history) command their member to be "Evil"? But why?
Harrow Blade 12-02-05, 09:02 PM	Is it too early in the peice for a progress report Fithero? Or are you keeping it under your hat until its finished? I am interested to see how you are going to weave together all these individual threads into a story. I will continue to offer up ideas, I just can't help my self. This thread has captured my imagination like no other. Harrow Blade
Blakeman101 12-02-05, 10:34 PM	I also wonder if it is to soon for a progress report. This thread rocks!
Fithero 12-03-05, 05:29 AM	Is it too early in the peice for a progress report Fithero? I also wonder if it is to soon for a progress report. Not yet... im still working on the planning stage at the moment, i want to get everything (or as much as i can) in order before i start putting pen to paper. Im sort of working out teams at the moment, alot of the characters here will belong to the major organisations in the city, while others will just be adventuring parties that are stuck inside (or with the force waiting outside). Now... this may come as a shock to some of you, but id actually like to get this story (or some form of it) published at some stage or another. Im doing creative writing at university and by the end of the course, your major works are actually able to be published. This is the outcome that im hoping for this story. I know its a big (not just big... but *BIG* big) goal, but i know ill be able to pull it off. I will continue to offer up ideas, I just can't help my self. This thread has captured my imagination like no other. This thread rocks! Chiers guys, its with the continued support form people such as yourselves that such a great collection of characters and ideas have come together. Once again guys and gals, chiers. This wouldnt have been at all possible without you all. Later
Blakeman101 12-03-05, 10:51 AM	In case you want it here is what I have been thinking about for the divine healer of Leoimar. Leon Devius CG Elf favored soul13 Leon hated pain and suffering as a child. He learned how to make herbal medicines from his mother even though other kids thought it was "wimpy". However as he grew in knowledge he began to learn more and more powerful remedies. He even saved a few children that had fallen ill. In a dream one night he was visited by Leoimar who told him how to become an even greater healer. Leon will have all the healing spells he can have at his level (I dont have my copy of complete divine because my friend is borrowing it) and raise dead, ressurection (if he is high enough in level). His essential spells are Heal and raise dead. He fights with a magical longsword with the words "Leoimar's might" engraved on the side in elven. He has earned the title of the divine healer of Leoimar by becomeing the greatest healer in the realm. He came to the city with his friend Vecosel* who is also a follower of Leoimar. He has short brown hair and is a little taller than most elves. He carries his longsword and a heavy steel sheild. He carries the holy symbol of Leoimar which is a teardrop of healing. He wears full plate armor. He is motivated by his god so anything you think Leoimar would do Leon would do. Upon arriving in the city he found the temple of Leoimar and the few clerics inside. He seeks to help Vecosel and any others who want to free the city. *Vecosel the wizard is the first character I submitted in case you forgot. There you go.
interpretivechaos 12-03-05, 11:25 AM	Based on the theory you have more than enough characters... To the City!- (I can't remember if you've done much with it but...) (I've segmented the different aspects so you can pick and choose) Location and Layout- Like most major cities, the city was chosen for it's defensible location and centralness to trading. Overlooking a bay, it was originally a walled city high above a sheltered harbor, with towers overlooking the harbor. Now this area is reserved for the palace and the houses of rich and prominent forces (As a side note the military fortifications reach deep into the hill, and the dungeons even deeper. Presuming we're sticking with the insane character in the insane asylum being corrupted by the pillar, that means the pillar would be under the hill). Like all large cities, the sprall has swept down the hill the original settlers placed, and now is a jumpled mismash of streets placed whichever way the buildings were. There has never been any ordnances for creating buildings, so their are some impromptu col-de-sacs and courtyards created by buildings on what was once a road. The famous Gate of the Damned (On the north side) was named as such because you can't get to the heart of the city because none of the roads lead passed. Ironically, it's also one of the safest neighberhoods in the city due to it's relative isolation. That and it is the most present area of the Archivist (Whose headquarters are one of the buildings that have enterances on both side of the area. The major bonus of its chaotic layout, that some believed planned by an ancient king, is that only natives to the city can get anywhere fast. An invading army, without wings, is bound to get lost without a guide. A small bit of irony is that the rooftops are a much easier to navigate the city by, providing you aren't adverse to jumping 7 or 8 feet from time to time and know how to tell a direlect building that can't support your weight. Neighberhoods- Besides the Hill with the wealthy and the Quarter of the Damned (led into by the gate of the damned), their are several other neighberhoods. The Hallowed Quarter- A priest long ago decided to ward against the increasing incursions of evil by blessing a portion of the city and warding it from evil. He was mildly sucessful, but time (And a fair dose of targetted dispel magic) destroyed all but one or two of his wardings. However, the runes and blessings writen all over the neighberhood still remain, holy symbols litter the area. In the center of the neighborhood is an old abandoned church (In the catacombs below it meet clerics of a neutral good god). On the church is a small charred area on a sign where there was once a warding. The cleric had trapped the warding so that any who vandalized it would recieve a large blast of fire and force. Since then, no one dares to vandalize the wardings, figuring that since their purpose is gone their is no practical intent. A side effect of the priests blessings, combined with the good construction of the buildings is that all of the buildings are in good shape The Twisted Quarter- By far the most dangerous of any neighberhood, it is direlect. Home to a half mad Gnome illusionist, entering the area of mazes and illusions means death from thirst or starvation 999 out of a thousand times. Still, there is a pattern to the maze (That changes every once and a while), and if you get it you'll find the gnome, you'll barter some of his many secrets and knowledge about the city for your silence. Magically inforced by a rod of binding. More can be seen on my post about the illusionist a fair bit back. The Dark quarter- Home to a fallen druid/ necromancer of old, the dark quarter is completely covered with globes of darkness (The necromancer had a circlet that granted him true seeing, so this was an ideal defense). Now it's home to vermin and several colonies of dire bats and several other evil creatures with blindsight. The most powerful creature their now is a Chaotic Evil Awakened Dire Bat Sorceror The Allies- The biggest slum, somehow the hordes of vagrants manage to survive the nights. The city has a habbit of lacking beggars and homeless people from the roving monsters, but here the skilled vagrants that manage to stay lucky enough spent their nights and days. There is a large sense of comradery, and murder is quickly condemned to death- it is intolerable to weaken the overall strength of The Allies by killing a member. Still, outsiders are fair game, and many venture out during the days to ply their less than respectable trade in the rest of the city. Climate- The City as mentioned was placed on the sea. Originally the climate was almost mediteranean, yet despite the normal and warm climate mere miles outside the city, the city follows a pattern of extremes due to the pillar- a mockery of nature. In the spring (the start of the callender year), is a season of growth. Naturally, what grows is an annual tide of vermin and poisonous ivy's, and with the vermin comes disease. It's the rainy season as well, and a veritable torrent of rain descends on the city whenever it rains, flooding houses and dungeons (a risk to be arrested is one spring you might drown), washing up streets, and an array of other hazards. The natives of the city know that when winter ends you better make your house as sturdy as you can, and enough buildings are built with the floor raised four or five feet over the ground that the raining represents a nuisance at best. The rain is slightly acidic, but not to the point of extreme danger (They long ago learned not to make anything of Limestone, so most everything is from nearby granite quarries. Summer marks the ending of the rains. Of any precipitation for that matter until winter. At this point, it is hotter than it's surrounding warm climates. Heat stroke is a common danger during summer, and only the richest can keep gardens through the summer by hauling up water from the river Fall is not that much distinct from Summer except that the drough becomes even more pronounced. Food spoils faster in the fall, but the temperature slowly decreases, become more bearable. It would be the best season if not for the amount of sudden unexplained diseases that left their victim dead in an hour. Still, they're rare enough, though their randomness is enough to put everyone on edge. Winter starts just getting colder and colder. Finally when it gets to below freezing, the precipitation starts that lasts to spring it starts to snow. Their is a blizzard every two or three weeks before spring comes, and due to falls spoiling, you have to be really careful that you have enough food on hand. On the plus side, it kills a fair bit of vermin (just in time for spring). This weather is the most obvious indicator that something supernatural is effecting the weather, because 15 miles away from the city is still temperate.
Fithero 12-04-05, 02:11 AM	Thats some pretty heavy stuff there interpretivechaos, ill use that in the planning of the city. Although ive had this idea for a truly epic city that ive wanted to try for a very long time. Basically there are these massive cliffs standing over the ocean right, but there is this great (im talking a *massive*... miles across) valley in the land that leads out to the ocean. At its highest points the valley is about 2 miles above sea level, with a sharp drop downwards (to such an extent that it looks like a semi circle at its opening, then slowly gets higher and less wide as it travels away from the ocean) There is a waterfall at the valleys smallest point (furtherest point from the ocean) that drops into a great lake, which in turn leads to the ocean. The people of the city live on the sides of the great valley and on the floor. The richest people of the city live close the waterfall or around the great lake while the poorest people live near the docks at the valley's end. Basically the plan for the pillar is that it will rise up out of the lake (its burried far under the lake) but when its at its highest point, it will rise up above the valleys walls. This type of city plan makes it interesting for defence because although the enemy have control of the high ground.. they have no way of getting the troops down there to attack. Im not that great on town planning though so they may be alot of holes in this defence, any help here would be great. I just think it would make for a truly epic city, one people would remember. I always picture the view from one of the richer homes up near the waterfall. This awsome view of this great valley that leads out to the ocean, and the town covers almost every inch of teh valley floor, even its walls. It has this epic fantasty feel about it... well for me it does. Plus it would just be damn scary to walk out onto your veranda and see this tower raising from the floor way below, and shooting up in the sky miles above you.... scary stuff indeed. Any comments on the plan for the city? Next i should try and figure out the races, cos im not sure id be allowed to use WotC specific races if i ever get this story off the ground. Later
shadowsofwhite 12-04-05, 02:46 AM	I personally didn't picture the pillar as being that big, maybe fourty feet or so in height, and if it rises out of the lake, unless the asylum is placed in the center of the lake, my character would not have the same effect and people wouldn't be able to even access the pillar, due to flooding of the passages that would lead to it. As for my weapon, I've decided it will be a light mace. The haft of the weapon will be a human femur, while the head will be an iron skull. Smoke will rise from the eyes and nose of the skull. (I'm having writer's block and I am having difficult with coming up with a name or story. Will do so promptly.)
Fithero 12-04-05, 03:19 AM	Yeah, im still a bit unsure about the size of the pillar aswell, but im thinking that as soon as people start dying about it, it begins to grow larger. Its a god like force of evil... so its not exactly going to be small is it now? :P
interpretivechaos 12-04-05, 11:40 AM	The big defensive problem that would need fixing is just that in a siege, they could launch siege weapons all day from a height with nothing in the way of retribution. The easiest way I'm thinking is just have the pillar corrupt the siege engines. Rotting wood doesn't launch stones that well (Or acidic rain, termites or other vermin, surpise attacks from tunnels under the ridge, truly awesome magical dome of force (Godlike (pillarlike) power to create, unless slowly done with permanent Wall of Forces). But yeah, definately pick and choose what you plan on keeping. I just threw them all out their for you to look at. As for the pillar, I had been under the impresion that it was ancient, and the catalyst for the story wasn't it so much growing any faster but the fact that the war between the angels etc. and the city was coming to pass, with the oppurtunity being taken for the pillar to take even more abrupt control of everything. Why is it suddenly growing fast enough to come out the lake? I'm slightly unclear what the Pillar is doing during the story.
Fithero 12-04-05, 07:22 PM	Well, at the moment, the idea is that it has kinda been charging up over the many years that its been burried down there. Its had to break though the magical defences that were trapping it below ground. By the time the story has come to pass, its just about free (and at the moment, it is the one who has instigated the corruption in the city, which in turn started the war.. ie:more souls/power for it) When it actually gets enough power (for lack of a better word) it shoots up out of the ground and takes a much more direct approach to gaining more power (sending out minions to kill) I dont think it will be as big as i said earlier, most likey only 40ft. It has the possibility of growing to truly epic proportions if it gets powerfull enough, but its not there yet. As for the siege machines, perhaps they have no defence against them. They dont arrive for the firs few days/weeks where there are just troops. BUt eventually they do arrive and everybody is like "yeah, now were f#cked". Although i think with the amount of magic users in the town that they would be able to have a pretty good defence against siege machines. Turn the ground below them into mud, warp the wood, or just good old blast the opperators to pieces. Later
interpretivechaos 12-04-05, 11:38 PM	I'm not sure how much the level of corruption is extending to the natural world (or if its just the condition of the city), but if it does, it would be well advised to make the invaders fight against the corrupted nature. Dangerous rapid animals, food spoilage, poisonous plants, contaminated water makes the invaders have to battles to fight (At least for the non-outsiders). Faulty supply lines and disease may be as large a hurdle as the defenders of the city itself. Just an element for consideration
Fithero 12-05-05, 01:20 AM	Hmmm, i always thought the pillar would try and manipulate it so that the city was destoryed, but now i have a new idea. Instead of playing one side agaisnt another, it attacks both sides (hell it attacks everybody it can). I think it might have had enough of being all manipulative and subtle from when it was trapped, now it just wants carnage and what not. So, while the tower is wrecking havok of the city, its also doing the same thing to the invading army, which in a way is helping the city and hindering it at the same time. Since the invaders probably think the cities defenders are respobsible for the attrocties befalling them, instead of the tower. And the angelic host could use that to try and get their full force down into the fight.... Exelent... its all falling into place:plotting: Later
Harrow Blade 12-05-05, 03:18 AM	About the lay out of the city I have had a few ideas. Fithero, you said you want a semi circular shape (sort of) with cliffs surrounding the city and a waterfall at the far end from the sea and a lake in the middle. Buildings scaling the cliffs etc. About the lake and having the Pillar rise from the lake, and also having the character of Shadowsofwhite who is in an asylum over the Pillar. Solution, have the Asylum on an island in the middle of the lake, fill the lake with a particularly ravenous fish (think 3 foot long pirahna (spelling?) possibly mutated from normal fish by the pillar long ago) that just happen to be a delicacy purchased by the rich and powerful. I imagine a high risk fishing industry ensueing. About the idea of having the invading army get above the city and rain boulders/spells/general destruction down on the city. you can't do that if there is a rugged mountain range behind the city with snow capped peaks that run down to the edge of the city making it highly defensible. A flood plain that starts out side the city walls and runs out to the ocean would provide a place for the invaders to land and start a seige but with unlimited water coming into the city it is not likely to be effective forcing an assult. It would also put them in a position that if the city sends out a large enough force they have no where to retreat to. Patroling ships would effectively blockade the port however. Another idea that came to me is the possibility of a smoke haze generated by the poorer areas and the industrial areas (blacksmiths etc) may cloud the city adding to the dirty feel while the rich build higher to get above the haze. They way you describe it Fithero, lends itself to a pristene beautiful image in my mind where as most of the people/creatures/inhabitants tend to be dirty of body if not soul. But thats my take on the current discussion.
Fithero 12-05-05, 08:02 AM	Harrow Blade... once again you have provided numerous solutions in a single post. Chiers man. I think the more nature loving people (the druids, barbarians, rangers, shifters will live in the mountains above the city. The dwarves will mine in the mountains (although, they dont dig down below where the city begins... because of a very old law... though nobody can remember the reason why......hmmmm :P) Im not likeing the idea that there are any forest loving elves (the standard) in the city, but perhaps there are high/moon elves living in many of the upper class parts of town. But apart from that, they live just as humans do. Haflings and gnomes live all over the place aswell. Half-races can live anywhere, nobody really pays them any mind. Pretty much, im not wanting to create any sort or "racial districts" where only a ceratin race live. Sure the dwarves mine the most, but if you look hard enough youll find a half orc and a gnome or some such thing down there aswell. This is a very multi-cultural city, and although it is undeniably evil, there is a certain freedom to it aswell. As for the *size* of the city... it has to be the largest one indicated in the DMG, are there any bigger than that though? I want this place to be truly epic... something people will remember.
interpretivechaos 12-05-05, 10:06 AM	The Shade-Downs A relic of some ancient civilization, the bowl that surrounds the city (by the way, does it have a name yet?) is littered with tunnels, some even going under the city. The Dwarves have long since learned to plug a whole to any tunnels they find in the proximity to the City. It is full of abberations, oozes, long dead wardings that only let through people long dead. It is said that it would take an army to clear out the tunnels- but their are a group of people who make their home in the tunnels. Remnants of the long dead civilization, a society of Warforged lives among the Shade-downs, eternally pragmatic, but recognizing more than most (especially due to the proximity of the under tunnels and the great abberations their, mutated dragons with 7 eyes, Giant snakes whose skin left a deadly poison (That the warforge ignore- the wardings also ignore them). They know the layout of the Shadedowns intimately, with every member owning a painstakingly copied set of maps of the upper Shadedowns (No one dares go to the lower shade downs). The maps are confusing, and deadly to those who don't now how to get past. Still the Warforged aren't adverse to guiding a band of adventurers into the city during a siege, or even a contingent of the invading army. Of course, The pillar only wants a contingent of the army in the city so that the attricious city fighting can begin, throwing attackers and defenders into dissoray and it can emmerge on top. As a twist, you could have your guid twisted enough by the pillar that he can walk through the lower Shade-downs without fear, and eventually perhaps from practice lead other through the safe parts (everchanging)
Blakeman101 12-05-05, 07:35 PM	okay so what do you think about Leon Devius. Good, Bad, cool, sucky?
Harrow Blade 12-05-05, 09:30 PM	More ideas concerning the city. The geography of the city lends itself to a highly effective aqueduct system, with water from the mountains channeled throughout the city and out into the sea. I imagine that the higher, richer areas have marbled channels feeding gardens and fountains but the water then runs down into the city proper taking with it the refuse and garbage of the higher levels, gathering filth and debris and more than the occasional corpse as it flows down into the port and out to sea. What starts at the top as crystal clear pure water becomes a fetid slick that dirties the sea for miles. Rumour has it that some sailors, under the influence of a heady local wine, had missed the city only to find the slick reaching miles out to sea and followed it back to port. Cloud Breaker district This district is the play ground of the cities elite. Only the most rich and powerful Manage to secure residence here. The district was named thus as it sits either side of the God's Tears water fall (the main waterfall at the end of the valley) above the perpetual cloud of mist generated by the falls themselves. Some of the mansions and palaces that sit wthin the cloud claim to be a part of the exulted Cloud breaker district but those who live above them take every opportunity to remind them that only those above the cloud are in the prime district. Extravagance and opulence are everywhere in the Cloud Breaker District, wrought iron gates and tall walls keep out the lesser beings whilst personal gaurds patrol at all hours. This is possibly the only district where some one might walk unaffraid at night along the streets, but then they would be stupid to think so. Political intrigue is thick in the air and not one thing goes unnoticed as spies populate every house. A common pass time for the owners of Cloud Breaker homes is to buy off, blackmail, threaten, charm and dominate the staff of other cloud breaker homes whilst trying to keep thier own staff loyal. Little do they know that for every spy on thier pay roll the same spy is passing more information onto the Order of the Silken Cloth. It is a lucritive job to be a spy but one with a short life expectancy. Personal compounds carved into the rock of the cliff face is the only way to build so far up the cliff. Magic augmented building has proveded ability to produce impossible balconies, spires and arches as each compound tries to out shine it's neighbour. Hand carved cobble stones mark the steep streets that climb to these lofty fortresses of the rich. I was thinking that some of the names of places in and around the city should be in reference to the god wars and the pillar's past rampage/s eg God's Tears waterfall in reference to the gods who died and the morning done by those who remain. Harrow Blade (who definitely does not live in the Cloud Breaker District.)
Fithero 12-05-05, 10:23 PM	okay so what do you think about Leon Devius. Good, Bad, cool, sucky? Its a cool concept for a character, but i still need more info on him, physical appearance, gear, motivations, likely actions etc. Once again Harrow Blade you have taken what i had invisioned and improved apon it. The Cloud Breaker District is exactly what i had invisioned for that part of the city. As for one final aspect of the city, where will the king and queen live? I dont really see it possible for there to be a castle anywhere. Although perhaps (if there was to be a castle) it could be amid the mountains above cloud breaker district. So that when the poor look up, they see their betters... and when they look up again they see their better's better's. Any thoughts? Later
Blakeman101 12-05-05, 10:48 PM	I eddited Leon.
Blakeman101 12-05-05, 10:48 PM	I edited Leon. sorry double post
Harrow Blade 12-05-05, 11:07 PM	I have been thinking about the palace as well. I think that the palace should be as old as the city itself. built on the highest point on the valley floor the place was once an ancient temple to a long forgotten god that has been added to, built on and around until it became palace that is there today. Originally looking out over the lake towards the island in the centre of the lake it has been altered to face more of the city itself. While the mansions of the Cloud breaker district are opulent and extravagant none of them come close to the Eternal Palace. Covering more land than any other building and some smaller districts the Eternal Palace is an amazing amalgum of architecture as every generation or two adds another towering spire or awe inspiring arch or the occasional entire wing. from any direction it impressive, oppressive and dominates the city. It is said that no part of the city cannot be seen from the great spire that rises from the palace. Beneath the palace is a maze of catacombs, cellars and dungeons that house secrets, corpses and treasures both new and old. Many passages have not heard footsteps on decades if not ceturies and some doors have been sealed to keep whatever is on the other side there. Secret doors and passages abound but no one person knows them all as years and secrets have kept many from being discovered. A maze of corridors link all the different extensions and it is not uncommon for new staff to get lost and spen a day or two finding thier way out again, that is if they ever make it out at all. Harrow Blade.
Fithero 12-06-05, 07:52 AM	Ok so the palace is at the very back of the valley, at its base(but since the valley slopes down to the ocean gradually... its still well above the slums and other districts). Im thining that it will be in a sort of U or V shape looking out over the lake with the island at its core. Perhaps the castle was once used as a defensive point since the valley is the one route to reach the lands above. So the castle has a very... how do you put it... "military" feel about it, but its been sprused up and decorated. Ofcourse then there are all the catacombs below... the city is mighty old and the castle is even older... alot of stuff has occoured there. The place has a dark... dark history to it. I may have to look into that some more. Later
Morka 12-06-05, 10:45 AM	Perhaps is there a castle, but I prefer the Palace as described by Harrow Blade. IMHO, the city began with said castle, a stern and monolithic construction. It quickly spanned with many districts. As the city grew in importance and population, the nobility, guildmasters and clergy began to decorate their respective buildings; however, the castle was still a stern and monolithic construction, now surrounded by an anarchy of buildings of all kind. Jealous, the king decided to leave the caste and keep it for the garrison. For the new and somptuous king's residence, I like Harrow Blade's idea of converting a beautiful temple, perhaps a temple for a chaotic or good deity, whom the king declared to be a bad influence for the citizen. It could be a nature deity, worshipped by everyone (there is a reason why the temple is beautiful), but mainly by Shifters, considered to be lesser beings by the king.
Harrow Blade 12-06-05, 09:37 PM	I may not have made it clear in my previous post but I intended for the orginal temple to be that of a good god set there to look over the place where the Pillar was imprisoned. then either abandonded or taken over as the city started to grow and converted into the palace. It may be possible that the Blood Hammer is buried beneath the section of palace that was once the temple. But thats just an idea.
Harrow Blade 12-07-05, 12:36 AM	Huzah! post # 200 will be mine! Congrats everyone who has posted and helped Fithero in his mighty endevour. I just wanted to throw a few more brief area descriptions out for comment and consideration. Silk Parade This imfamous street has become almost as well known as the Cloud Breaker district but far more accessable. In this area is the highest concentration of brothels and Ladies (and Gentlemen and Gentle Creatures) of the night. Here those with money to spare and an itch that needs that special type of scratching go. Many young and pretty things find their way here in search of work, some actually make a reputaion for themselves and a very handsome living.
Morka 12-07-05, 02:37 PM	It may be possible that the Blood Hammer is buried beneath the section of palace that was once the temple. But thats just an idea. Good idea. It will not be enough for the adventurers to find out there is an artefact that can help them, they will have to find where in the city was it hidden and what that building became. And it would be surprising if the royal guards would let enter some adventurers babbling something about a Blood Hammer being burried under the palace... About the city itself, I think it's near the seashore? Do we have any dock district?
shadowsofwhite 12-07-05, 03:59 PM	ok, I just typed up the whole artifac thingy that I was telling you guys about and when I tried to enter it onto the forum, I found that I was no longer logged in. This has happened three times now and I am annoyed because this thing was so long that I don't really want to type it again. I might post it later today or sometime tomorrow. I'm just annoyed.
shadowsofwhite 12-07-05, 05:27 PM	Okay, I have finally finished it and typed it on here with success. Woot. This could possibly be a weapon that could be used for or against then pillar and likely rivals the Bloodhammer in power. Soulbreaker Many years after its defeat by the Blood hammer, the pillar decided to make a similar venture. A dwarven cult dwelled around the pillar and worshiped it in secrecy. The pillar contacted this cult and called forth their greatest smith. This smith was also the most wicked being in the cult and strode forth with pride. The pillar told of it’s desires to create a weapon of deific power, though this was not the whole truth. The smith accepted under two conditions, the first being that he shall be the one to wield it in battle, the second being that he be allowed to take a single bone from the pillar itself. The pillar accepted these conditions. The dwarven smith took his time and carefully selected a human femur from the pillar (it is a pillar of bones after all). The pillar secretly placed a curse on the bone to take the smith’s soul upon the completion of the weapon; however, the smith had other plans, using the femur as the handle of the weapon itself. When presented with the weapon, the pillar was shocked, not only did the dwarf retain his soul, but IT was part of the weapon. The infuriated pillar cursed the entire cult to blindness, then imbued the weapon with powers to fulfill its agenda. Any being slain by the mace would lose its soul to the pillar and all who wielded it would also lose their soul to the pillar. The warriors who would wield the cursed mace would not die at the loss of their souls, they would become undead and only die when struck down. The cult went on a short-lived crusade in the name of the pillar and the pillar reveled in the harvest of souls, but the dwarven smith retained his soul somehow. One warrior struck down the smith, the last of the cult standing in battle. The smith’s soul finally passed through the weapon, but being a cleric of the pillar and having gained so much personal power, the soul resisted. His soul shattered upon passage through the mace, merging with the weapon and never reaching the pillar. The warrior who felled the dwarf took up the cursed mace and lost his soul to it, but not even this soul passed to the pillar, it was utterly destroyed and its remaining essence merged with the weapon. Every soul to pass through the mace suffered a similar fate. The pillar felt part of its essence rip away when the weapon had separated itself from it. Every soul that was felled by the mace was shattered and assimilated by the mace, effectively destroying the souls. The wielders gained from this power, becoming immortal, though tainted, and gaining even more mysterious and strange powers. This power of destroying souls earned the weapon its name, “Soulbreaker.” Many a people have been destroyed by Soulbreaker, but it has since been hidden or lost throughout the eons. Truly an artifact of immeasurable power. Soulbreaker is in effect a +5 light mace with additional, albeit strange powers. The handle is a human femur of unnatural strength, for it is actually the femur of the Pillar’s original avatar. The head is an iron skull about the size of a normal mace head. that's my two coppers for the day :twocents:
The_Spleen-Splitter 12-07-05, 07:28 PM	I think I might be a little late for the character thing, but I just now stubled upon this thread :/ (insert appropriatly oriental sounding name here) Shegenja (Water) 17, Viod Disciple 13 (scale down to appropriat level) half-elf, male Selûne worshipper CG age 18 Cha 24 Dex 16 Con 16 Int 12 Wis 10 Str 10 Forgotten Realms campaign setting Immigrated from Kara-tur. Grew up in a racist town of humans (meaning that I was some "unholy offspring"). When I was about 12, I got sent to a not-so nearby shrine where I could train as a Shugenja. Shortly after, something happened to make the villagers finally boil over... my parents were killed. When I heard, I ran away from the shrine and eventually ended up somewhere in Rashemen. Although I am powerful enough to ressurect my parents, but I decided not to; they seem happy enough. Currently spend my time as basically the benevolent healer (from BoED). Sorry for my mangling of the english language. Leen, but not that musclar. Only slightly taller than average. Deep bue eyes, with completely white, spikey hair. Wears a labcoat like thing over a tanktop thingy, shoes have large soles that narrow at the end (like the Newman Force from Phantasy Star Online), and gloves that almost make it to my elbow. Much of my clothes are white with simple black designs running across them.
Fithero 12-07-05, 08:52 PM	About the city itself, I think it's near the seashore? Do we have any dock district? There is a dock district in the city, its probably the largest in the city in that it spans the entire end of the valley (aswell as the end of the river inlet) Shadowsofwhite, the Soulbreaker is an awsome weapon, one that will be around the city somewhere. It wont be hidden in a known location, just lost... im currently thinkng that its lost somewhere in the twisted quarter. Possibly wielded by some sort of... insane gnomish wizard :P Dunno... its just a thought at the moment. Anyway, if you guys have more characters like The_Spleen-Splitter here, do post them up, the more the better. Have a good one guys, thanks again. Later
Morka 12-08-05, 03:57 PM	Buntaro Ko’an story Before you stand a short human with slanting eyes and a skin with the colour of honey. He bears a short and sparse beard, and his long and thick hair are tied up in a chignon. He wears a white kimono and obi, and hold a strange shafted weapon, with an half-moon blade each end. One end is bluish, and the other end is reddish… It’s been twenty years. Twenty years that I live in this strange city. Twenty years that my father died. Twenty years that I commit my first murder. It’s like if it was yesterday. No longer a child, but not yet a man, I was at a troubled age. Everyone around considered my father to be an hero, but I knew this man was harsh and ruthless. Of course, he was willing to break his routine and pick up his well-loved lajatang to slay a monster or to capture some brigands. The problem was with his routine: training me. He said this task was important, but he wouldn’t explain why. He trained me with all kind of weapons, even with my bare fists, for few results. He was desperate that I would ever understand what was this “ki” thing. In short, it seems to make few difference if I was actually listening to him or not. Beside my two parents, I didn’t know my family. I knew my clan was powerful and respected in the Oriental Kingdoms, but for some reason, we had few links with them. So it was quite a surprise when one of my uncles came to visit us with his suite. I was equally surprised when I saw the look on my father's face, I think even in my worse days he wasn’t more desperate. He simply told me to play with my cousin Inkato, and entered the house with my uncle. Inkato was a bit more aged than myself; he was also lofty and full of himself. After discussing with him of horses, dogs and weapons, he quickly annoyed me, so I decided to sneak in the house to see what my father was doing. It wasn’t the first time I disobeyed him, but I didn’t know it would be the last time. I said my cousin I was hungry, and entered the kitchen. Once there, I heard my father and my uncle arguing with each other in the next room. My uncle was saying he was perhaps younger, but his son was older than me. My father replied he would keep the lajatang until his death. He then uttered a scream like I never heard before. I ran into the room and saw my uncle stabbing my father with a dagger. I jumped and reached my father’s lajatang before my uncle could see me, and him. This weapon was surprisingly easy to wield, and I inflicted several wound to my treacherous uncle, while dodging all his blows. By the look on his face, he was truly scared. Screaming in pain, he tried to flee, but the lajatang severed his neck. My uncle’s head felt on my feet. I just committed my first murder. But it wasn’t time to trouble myself: the battle noises had attracted his samurais. I returned to the kitchen, and jumped into the well, the bodyguards after me. For having explored it in the past, I knew the well was connected to a large cavern complex. I ran in those tunnels, and hid in a cave for the night. That night, I dreamed of my father, and of many of my ancestors. My father explained me the Lajatang of Equilibrium was a vessel to manifest our ancestor’s souls, and that it was extremely powerful in the hands of a Ko’an. Unfortunately, there was two branches in the Ko’an family, a good and an evil. Despite his coldness, I knew my father was of the former, while my uncle was of the later. He asked me to forgive his impatience; he told me it was imperative that I learn how to defend myself from my uncle. He haven’t realise that I was ready since long. Then I heard my ancestors. Their voices urged me to leave my home and travel toward the sunset, until a strange city, in an half-moon plain, between a cliff and the ocean. They showed me a flower like the ones we see in Autumn, but I didn’t understand why. Thinking I would be safe in this city, I began my journey. I was so wrong. The journey was long and dangerous, but the lajatang was a powerful weapon, and I finally found the place. This city was a den of corruption and violence. When a ruffian wasn’t trying to con me, I had to defend myself from barbaric thugs. I was desperate of finding some friendly figures, when I saw a faded flower painted on a door. The same as in my dream. It is this day that I joined the Order of the Withering Blossom, that was more needing me than I was needing it. Lately, my ancestors began to speak me again. It’s difficult, because only the older ones are talking, and their language is archaic. I don’t understand what they mean, they are showing me a large ivory tower, but I don’t know why. But one thing is sure: I’m truly afraid of this tower.
Morka 12-08-05, 04:05 PM	Inkato Ko’an story Before you stand a human, obviously from an oriental area. A long face with a long noise, the skull completely shaved save a long black braid, he has an intense stare, which force most people to lower the eyes before him. Despite the chill temperature, he wears only a grey loincloth, displaying a nervous body covered with many tattoos. At his side, a beautiful woman wearing a long robe of earth tones, her long hairs held in a complicated hairstyle, with two long spindles. Behind them, a man wearing an exotic armour, including a dragon mask. He seems very calm, but you guess he could quickly reach his katana at his side or the composite longbow in his back. There is another man you’re unsure if he’s with them; he wears common clothes and has a desperately common face. You’re unsure why, but you’re sure this man is more dangerous than he seems… I finally found where the renegade is hiding. It took me long, but I’m now sure he is in a far, occidental city, between a cliff and the ocean. There is many powerful sorcerers in this city, that’s why our magic was unable to detect him. I had to travel myself to this country to find him; making investigations was not easy. I knew very little of him: I met my cousin only once, the day he killed my father and stole me the Lajatang of Equilibrium. Buntaro Ko’an was young and unruly. He is obviously still unruly; otherwise, he would have already handed me the Lajatang. Every Ko’an knows this ancestral weapon falls to the eldest heir by right, so he can defend the ancestors’ lands from the demons. And currently, I am the eldest heir, and the Lajatang of Equilibrium is as far from our ancestors’ lands as possible. It’s a long tradition. A long time ago, our ancestors’ lands were invaded by demons. It was hard to fight them. The Lajatang of Equilibrium was crafted by our shugenjas to oppose them. Many Ko’an warriors sacrificed their lives, and let their souls merge with the magical weapon; all their conflict were forgotten while their forces were added together. Only the best warrior of the clan, Tanoko Ko’an, was let to live; he began the Ko’an champion, and the only one allowed to wield the Lajatang. The champion valiantly fought the demons, and repelled them. He saved the land, but he was the only clan survivor. He got married, and had two children: a daughter and a son. Naturally, he donated his weapon to his son, known as the True Heir. But the daughter was older, and she claimed the weapon for her own son, who became the Renegade Heir. The Renegade was weak; he lacked the will to execute the guilty, searching to give them a second chance. Seeing the whole clan was endangered by his attitude, his cousin of the True Branch defied him; they fought for a long time before the True one subdued the Renegade one. The True one honourably spare the Renegade’s life, and let him a part of the clan’s land. Since that time, only the eldest of the True or Renegade branch was allowed to wield the Lajatang of Equilibrium. It’s about at that time the Lajatang became polarised. The old quarrels that were forgotten when the members of the clan merged their souls in the weapon reappeared. The legend says it was possible for the living ones to hear the dead ones arguing into the weapon. Finally, it appears the souls took an arrangement, they divided themselves in two: the souls who were with the True ones remained in one head, the souls who were with the Renegade ones, in the other head. The True ones’ head adopted a bluish taint, and was colder to the touch, while the head holding the Renegade ones souls became reddish, and was warmer to the touch. It was hard for me to find where the Renegade one was hiding. I had to torture many barbarians to have them give me frustratingly few information. (note: Inkato and his followers consider anyone who’s not “Japanese” to be a barbarian, be it a noble human paladin or a shifter barbarian.) I know some of them knew something about a man using a lajatang, this kind of weapon is very rare in the area; most of them foolishly die without giving me any information. But some of them muttered something about a fanned blossom, or a withering flower. Fortunately, I had followers and bodyguards to help me. First of all my wife, Akira. She is a shugenja of great power, drawing power from the Earth element. Then the samurai Takeo, my personal bodyguard. He is as quick with his blades than with his bow, and he is able to intimidate many untrained foes. I can also count on Shirejo, but my other followers don’t trust him. Master of disguise and deception, this ninja thwarted many traps before I could even be threatened. My long travel led me to a strange city, between a cliff and the ocean, in a valley. I know I will find him. It is my duty. He will have to give me the weapon. Otherwise, he will die. Comments: I imagine the Order of the Withering Blossum as some kind of Shaolin Temple, with an occidental and multicultural taint, and where everyone is free to pursue personal advancement as he wishes. OTOH, Inkato and his followers are typically "medieval japanese" style. About the classes, Buntaro is a typical monk, Inkato a tattooed monk, Akira a shugenja, Takeo a samurai (a quick fighter specialised in longsword and longbow) and Shirejo a ninja. I imagine Inkato being right when he pretend to be the wielder of the Lajatang by right; after some interaction, he should get the Lajatang and prepare to return to his homeland to protect it from eventual demon invasion. However, he would quickly realise he has to fight the Pillar first... Buntaro could be killed in a fight against his cousin, or he could sepuku himself, or even join him.
shadowsofwhite 12-08-05, 10:53 PM	This is a basic character concept. Though it lacks in details, it has just enough for incorperation and adjustment. You may use any other name, but Daleth just popped into my head. Human Cleric Daleth, wielder of the Soulbreaker, lives in the ____district, preying on innocent souls. Many have taken these deaths to be random, hard hitting diseases or plagues (as noted in an earlier post). Daleth is a wreched, twisted man who thirsts for nothing more than the betterment of his power. Being the last descendant of the cult of the pillar, Daleth loathes the pillar for the curse placed on his forefathers (this is actually a point of view placed upon him by the soulbreaker). Daleth is missing his right eye. This missing eye has been replaced with a blood red ruby that glows in the gloom of night. Strangely, this loss of an eye doesn’t hamper his vision at all. Legend has it that people have died by gazing into this eye (this is merely a farse, it is his use of the soulbreaker that kills them, but it generally keeps them averting their eyes, making them easier targets). A tall, thin man who wears armour that is seemingly drenched with blood, Daleth is an intimidating foe of unnatural prowess. Using divine powers alongside his prowess with the soulbreaker, his enemies crumble under the powerful blows. Many believe Daleth to be immortal, this is one of the true rumors, for he is actually long dead (like a vampire or lich, more accurately a lich). His strength is twice that of any normal man and he is lightning fast, he is never caught off guard. All of these abilities have been granted by the soulbreaker. yup, very basic. that's my two coppers...
Fithero 12-09-05, 05:59 PM	Morka... that is truly an awsome story, both of those characters are great, alot of info, alot to work on. Thanks. Is there any chance that these two characters would work together if they were to both use the weapon? Say it was broken, would they both be happy to wield their respected ends or would the both try and wield the whole weapon? I just think it would be interesting to see these two people, great fighters in their own respect, battling each other. The pillar rises, the weapon breaks, and they put aside all that to defeat the pillar (which would make sense, since the weapon was created to defeat demons....) it would be a mor focused verison of what is happening with the two armies. When the two armies put aside their differances and battle the towers minions, so to do these two kick-ass monks :P Chier again Morka shadowsofwhite, Daleth will most likely be fighting his own siege while this whole battle is happening. A lich of such power, wielding an item as powerfull as that has no doubt attracted the attention of alot of powerfull people, good and bad. Im thinking that he is actually trapped in that district (allowed to run free there though) but several groups who want to obtain the weapon. They just can get it, because anybody they send in, doesnt come back out :P Later
shadowsofwhite 12-10-05, 04:21 PM	even on short posts, it logs me out. The twisted quarter: The twisted quarter is a labrynth of streets and buildings, confounding to any who do not dwell in this dark sector. The twisted sector is actually a sort of prison, any residents of the quarter are cursed to never leave. Visitors are free to come and go, though they are usually lost to the residents or vanish in the skein. The residents of the twisted quarter consist mostly of wicked souls, ranging from common street scum to dangerous murderers. Sunlight rarely reaches the streets of the twisted quarter, constantly shrouded by the smoke and haze from the rest of the great city, making it a great haven for creatures of the night. That's where Daleth could live, cursed to be there for eternity. My two coppers.
Morka 12-12-05, 10:50 AM	Morka... that is truly an awsome story, both of those characters are great, alot of info, alot to work on. Thanks. Is there any chance that these two characters would work together if they were to both use the weapon? Say it was broken, would they both be happy to wield their respected ends or would the both try and wield the whole weapon? I just think it would be interesting to see these two people, great fighters in their own respect, battling each other. The pillar rises, the weapon breaks, and they put aside all that to defeat the pillar (which would make sense, since the weapon was created to defeat demons....) it would be a mor focused verison of what is happening with the two armies. When the two armies put aside their differances and battle the towers minions, so to do these two kick-ass monks :P Chier again Morka Well, it's your story! But symbolically, I wouldn't break the lajatang in two. I see two ends for those guys: 1) Inkato is a patient, courageous and cold-blooded character. His only goal is to recover the lajatang and go back to his lands to protect it against an eventual demons attack. In order to represent his mind, I would have his followers being killed one after the other; if his wife somewhat fail a mission, he would even order her to suicide herself. He thinks he will have some times to get accustomed to the weapon before actually fighting demons, since there is no signs of them in his homeland. So imagine his reaction when he finally put the hand on his lajatang, and suddenly realise he has to fight demons now... Imagine the panic of this merciless warrior... 2) Buntaro somewhat convince Inkato they both have to fight the Pillar now. They kind of agree they should join their forces, but which one would wield the lajatang? Well, neither. They replicate the antic ritual and join their both souls in the weapon with the help of Inkato's wife (who loose her husband but doesn't tear a drop - she's LE). But now, who would wield this powerful weapon? Who would be better than them to wield it? Perhaps one of the adventurers. Perhaps the mysterious ninja, who might be Buntaro's brother...
Fithero 12-12-05, 06:08 PM	So imagine his reaction when he finally put the hand on his lajatang, and suddenly realise he has to fight demons now... Imagine the panic of this merciless warrior... I was going to go for the who "join forces" approach, but *that* just seems so much cooler. I can just see Inkato defeating Buntaro, taking up the lajatang, letting out a cry of victory, then suddenly being swamped by a massive horde of demons (demons, undead, abberations... not quite sure yet). Im sure he'd kick some serious butt.... for a few moments atleast:P Chiers again, thats another little side story down pat. Later
Harrow Blade 12-12-05, 10:57 PM	Just a thought on Inkato and Buntaro, I likr the idea that they both give thier souls to power the weapon but that leaves no one of thier blood to weild the weapon, perhaps as the two realise the need they manifest as a ghostly form of the two melded, sort of a ying and yang, together as one weilding the Lajatang to great effect but only for as long as there is need. It would make for a great scene for the both of them to be holding the weapon and giving up thier souls in the ultimate gesture of co-operation and sacrifice to have the bodies dissapear and the weapon to fall to the ground, only to rise up in the hands of a ghostly amalgum of the two weilding the weapon to devistating effect. The weapons of the corporeal enemies passing through the incorporeal warrior. But that just an idea I had. Any more parts of the story need some attention? Harrow Blade
Fithero 12-13-05, 03:14 AM	Hmmm... just thinking if i should shut off the character submissions now and make the final dicision on who is in the main party. There are alot of great characters here, alot of good material for us to choose from. As far as i can see, all is going really well. I think its time to start sorting through all this info :P Thats always a fun process :) Later
Tibs 12-13-05, 03:53 AM	Well, seeing as you haven't got one yet (curse this angst-ridden malaise left over from the nineties, curse it I say!) hows about someone with a sense of humor? Meet Oloster Zantual Belven Ravaatra del'Artoros: musician, world traveller, occasional thief, teller of tales and singer of songs. Oloster ("Ollie" to some of his non-Gnomish friends) comes from a large, warm-hearted (still-living) family, from the hidden, underground Gnome community known as The Burrow, all of whom he gets along with (his cousin Dimble, in particular, as he's Oloster's best friend). Oloster's a joker; cocky, sharp-witted, and (surprisingly enough) an inherently good guy. He's never one to let the odds get in the way, and a romantic to boot; he's bluntly honest, and always ready with a joke, comeback, or wisecrack (touched with healthy dose of cynicism, especially where humans are concerned), and adventures to slake his wanderlust, and for the pure fun and ...well, adventure of it all. Oloster is a believer doing what's right, despite the consequences, and has a near-completely open mind. He's 52 years old (still a young whippersnapper of a gnome) 3'5", 45 lbs., with intense green eyes. Slim as a blade, medium-brown skin, coarse black hair cut short and swept away from the face, a neatly trimmed goatee, and (like all gnomes) a tuft of dark hair on the tip of each longly pointed ear (not exactly true to the PHB, but whatever). Wears bright clothes (a red tunic belted at the waist and crossed by a wide leather baldric over his right shoulder); green travelling pants, and bright yellow boots with pointed toes and folded over at the knee. Also tends to wear a pair of leather bracers and a short cape clasped at the throat. He generally avoids violence when he can, preferring to use his considerable charm, wit, or Gnomish spells and abilities to get out of trouble, but when he has to, he fights with either a short sword or twin daggers hidden in his bracers. Whew, there, that's better. Hopefully, he can lighten the mood a little...
Tibs 12-13-05, 03:54 AM	Hmmm... just thinking if i should shut off the character submissions now and make the final dicision on who is in the main party. Oh foo. And right as I submit, too.
Fithero 12-13-05, 07:20 AM	Whew, there, that's better. Hopefully, he can lighten the mood a little... Hmmm.... as i said he will be in the story.... but dont expect him to lighten the mood too much... its pretty much the end of the world (as far as the towns people are concerned)... and i doubt a gnomish bard's music will do much good. Oh yeah... what does he play? Or does he sing/dance (basically, whats his bardic music ability based apon?) Oh foo. And right as I submit, too. It was just a thought since people dont seem to be posting as often these days (which isnt a problem... you all have already blown my expectations out of the water). Also, i think its pretty important that we get the main party down, that way i can go to the characters origional creators (and anybody else who wants in) and really detail them out. Anyway, as i said earlier... if you have something you want included, post it up. Chiers again. Later
Morka 12-13-05, 11:26 AM	Hmmm.... as i said he will be in the story.... but dont expect him to lighten the mood too much... its pretty much the end of the world (as far as the towns people are concerned)... and i doubt a gnomish bard's music will do much good. After the two (or three, or more, I dunno) armies clash together, after the heroes attack the Pillar, after an earthquake destroy the whole city, all that remains is ruins and deads, and a little gnome sitting on top of that, playing a funeral oration on his broken luth...
Tibs 12-13-05, 11:08 PM	Oh yeah... what does he play? Or does he sing/dance (basically, whats his bardic music ability based apon?) Pan-flute.
Fithero 12-14-05, 09:35 AM	Pan-flute. Sweet.... i can just see this guy hopping and prancing around the decimated city... playing his pan-flute.... completly unawares (or unaffected) by the death and destruction surrounding him. Also, i like the idea of the two eastern characters kinda melding toghether and using the weapon at the same time in spirit (i was going to say that another way... but the creators of dragon ball z would sue the pants off of me :P) It seems to be a pretty cool idea, as i think the two personalities would still clash alot. But... like alot of the characters in this story... i dont think their part will be easy. (Im still a fan of the Inkato getting the weapon... crying out in victory... then being swamped. It just shows how insignificant his victory and subsequent story is in the grand scheme of the pillar) Chiers again guys. Later
shadowsofwhite 12-14-05, 02:34 PM	I was wondering what you thought of The Twisted Sector. I't a great place to keep the wielder of the Soulbreaker. Alterations can be made if necessary.
Fithero 12-14-05, 08:11 PM	Its a solid idea, but there is also another sector that is kinda cursed, once you go in, your trapped in this maze with very little chance of getting out....also, there is this crazie gnome running around who you gotta watch out for. Nasty stuff. But as i said, the twisted quater is a good idea, it will be in there. Later
Fithero 12-17-05, 09:01 AM	Well guys, id just like to thank you all for your input over the last few weeks, this idea would not have even gotten off the ground without you. But like all good things, this part of the project has come to an end. Im going to get all of this info sorted and start planning out whats going to happen, where and when. I havent the slightest idea of how long this is going to take me, or where ill even find the time to do it.. But ill manage it. There are alot of great characters here, and weve pieced together the building blocks for a great story. Once again, id just like to thank you all. :clap: Later
interpretivechaos 12-17-05, 11:17 PM	It was my pleasure to work with you and everyone else and coming up with some pretty neat ideas. Just keep us informed on the status of the book (especially if it gets published, I'll be sure to buy it :D )
Harrow Blade 12-18-05, 08:00 AM	I too have really enjoyed being a part of the whole process. I have said it before but this thread really captured my imagination and fueled a host of ideas. Fithero, if you need any further aid you know where to find us :) Harrow Blade P.S. I still have a few more coppers
Blakeman101 12-19-05, 09:50 AM	I think Harrow Blade really said it all. It has been a pleasure to work with you guys and I think that the book will be great. Right now this is screaming SEQUEL!!!!!lol. Keep us updated Fithero
Lo77o 12-26-05, 08:43 AM	Name: Jackelby Bartholomew (Jack for short) Whisper Gnome: Illusionist 5 / Shadowcraft Mage 5 Jack is a free spirit in every sense of the word, with a zest for life like no one else. He is a family man with a loving wife and 2 young kids. However he is allso an adventure and balances it as best he can. If you run into Jack in your travles it will most likely happen like this. "Your walking in a hostile forrest filled with all kind of dangers, but most notecibly there is a banshee in the forrest. But as you walk slowly in the dead of night you see a small building up ahead. A sign is over the door saying (Jackelby's adventuring Inn) and a mat infront of the door with the word Wellcome imprinted on it. Smoke is comming out of the chimny and you can smell freshly baked bread. As you muster up your nerve and moves up to the door you can hear subtle music inside. After knocking on the door a short gnome with a big smile opens the door for you. Wellcome stranger he says, please come inside and enjoy a meal and a warm bed" Jack uses teleport to travel the world, and uses illusionary Secure Shelters to set up small inns were ever he travels. Having several Field Provision Boxes with him for food and using illusions to mask the taste and flavor to what ever food his patrons desire. Jack allways "sets up shop" in the least likely places, such as deep forests, deep below ground, and ancient ruins. He keeps in contct with his family by using Sending spells, and should they ever need him he is only 1-2 teleports away. ________________________________________ _____________________ STR 8 DEX 18 CON 15 INT 20 WIS 16 CHA 7 Feats/Flaws 1st Flaw [Shaky] 1st Flaw [Murky Eyed] 1st Spell Focus Illusion 1st Earth Sense 1st Heighten Spell 3rd Earth Spell 5th Easy Metamagic [Heighten Spell] 6th Enhanced Shadow Reality 9th Greater Spell Focus Illusion Note: My barred schools are Evocation and Necromancy. First level I’ve taken the Gnome Illusionist Substitution level from ROS page 149. I cast spells from the transmutation school as if I was one level lower. Skills: Bluff : 2 Hide : 37 Disguise : 2 Spellcraft : 20 Concentration : 11 Knowledge [Arcana] : 13 Move Silently : 23 Spot : 18 Craft [Calligraphy] : 13 Tumble : 10 Saves Fort 4 Ref 8 Will 11 BAB 4 Class and Racial Feats/Abilities: Whisper Gnome: +2 DEX +2 CON -2 STR -2 CHA Small Size [+1 size bonus to ac, +1 size bonus to attacks, +4 size bonus to hide] Land speed 30 feet. Low-Light Vision. Darkvision. +1 racial attack bonus against kobolds and goblinoids. Weapon Familiarity [Gnome Hooked Hammer]. +4 dodge bonus against giants. +4 racial bonus to hide and move silently. +2 racial bonus to listen and spot. Spell-Like Abilities: 1/day silence [must be centred on gnomes own body] Shadowcraft Mage: Cloak of Shadows (SU), Cloak the gnome in magic shadows that provide a miss chance against the gnome equal to 15 + 5/class level. 40% at level 5. Silent Illusion (EX), All illusion spelled is silenced. Shadow illusion (SU), Page 122 of ROS. Makes silent image and others into shadow spells that can mimic other spells. Extend Illusion (EX). Illusions last twice as long. Powerful Shadow Magic (SU). 20% more real shadows. Magic Items: Ring of Chameleon: Ring of Mind Shielding: Boots of Levitation: Handy Haversack: Gloves of Dexterity +4: Field Provision Box Mundane Items: Disguise Kit, Hourglass, Merchants Scale, Spell Components Pouch x 3, Travellers Outfit x 2, Nobles Outfit, Caltrops, Candle x 3, Scroll Case x 7, Flint and Steel, Ink x 10, Inkpen, Amazing Lock, Masterworked Manacles, Paper x 25, Silk Rope 50ft, Signal Whistle, Signet Ring, Shovel, Waterskin x 2, Flask of Acid x 2, Alchemist fire x 3, Smokestick x 2, Sunrod x 5, Thunderstone x 2, Spellbook, Book [Karsus, the curse of a great nation.], Book [Theoretic application of enigmatic theories], Book [Twilight, Ascension of the draconic race], Book [Mighty Pen, Real world applications of Calligraphy], Book [Moradins Smile, Dwarven Dogmatic Lore], Book [Azuth Dogma], Book [Jack the Giant Slayer, Gnome Short Stories], Book [Time Essential Vol 3, Self Help guide], Book [The complete guide to all things magical, By Professor Edward Greyhound of Waterdeep], Notebook [150 Pages] Spells: Barred Schools is Necromancy and Evocation. And there is a -1 caster level in Transmutation. Spell DC for Abjuration, Transmutation, Divination, Enchantment, Conjuration and Universal is 15+Spell level. Spell DC for Illusion is 17+Spell level. Spells Known: 0th All [Silent Image, Ventriloquism] 1st Minor Image, Shield, Identify, Charm Person, Dead End, Endure Elements, Alarm, Expeditious Retreat, True Strike, Protection from Evil. 2nd Major Image, Mirror Image, See Invisibility, Hideous Laughter. 3rd Illusory Wall, Water Breathing, Dispel Magic, Invisibility Sphere. 4th Persistent Image, Polymorph, Arcane Eye, Dimension Door. 5th Programmed Image, Baleful Polymorph, Mirage Arcana, Teleport. A silent image that’s heightened gets the following. 1st: +2 caster level. Mimic level 2 Evocation, Conjuration [Creation] and Conjuration [Summoning]. And lower. It is 70% Real. 2nd: +3 caster level. Mimic level 3 Evocation, Conjuration [Creation] and Conjuration [Summoning]. And lower. It is 80% Real. 3rd: +4 caster level. Mimic level 4 Evocation, Conjuration [Creation] and Conjuration [Summoning]. And lower. It is 90% Real. 4th: +5 caster level. Mimic level 5 Evocation, Conjuration [Creation] and Conjuration [Summoning]. And lower. It is 100% Real. 5th: +6 caster level. Mimic level 6 Evocation, Conjuration [Creation] and Conjuration [Summoning]. And lower. It is 110% Real.
Grizzled Gryphon 12-26-05, 09:33 AM	Are you still looking for Characters? Alas, I have some warforged taht make a party together, and while they are still only level one, they have a very interesting back story. They are from my homebrew world, not Ebberon. On this world, Warforged are not much liked at all. Think Tiefling. They are throw backs to an ancient war between Elves and Dwarves. Thus, those races don't like them at all, and this has bled over to the other races with time. While shunnned by society, they still hold to being good. They are Factious, the Wizard, and healer of the party (via the repair damage spells). Maximus, the Ranger. Praxius, the fighter. and Parsinius, the rogue. All are CG, but are bitter due to their treatment at the hands of other humaniods. Factious and Parsinius are Warforged Scouts, the small version of that race. If these would prove useful, let me know, and I can add to there story, or whatever you may need. Perhaps the fact that they are terribly lonely could be of use? They desprately would like to have some friends, and unscrupulous types could take advantage of this.
Fox Lee 12-26-05, 09:23 PM	I beg of you, plese put in a female character who is a dedicated combatant (rather than a pretty little mage/rogue/cleric) and not a *****y ice-queen. The biggest problem with most fantasy novels is the dichotomy of love-interest-good girl-spellcaster vs. evil-villainess-bad-girl-warrior-ice-queen (or evil-villainess-bad-girl-*****-manipulator). Spice it up! Character I'd suggest: Khaira Smashfist (nee Swanwing) Chaotic Good Elf Barbarian Background: Khaira was a freak right from the start. Way too large for her age and race, and utterly inept with the magic that her elven parents wanted her to learn, she was forever a problem child, more interested in blunt trauma weapons than fancy longswords. After a little too much depression and despair on her parents' part, the young elf ran away from home, seeking somebody willing to teach her something other than how to yell mangled latin at her opponents. As a result, she was eventually found by, of all things, a tribe of half-orcish outcasts who had sworn off Gruumsh and turned to Corellon Larethian. The elven child was seen by this unlikely group as a gift from their deity, a symbol of his approval, and was readily adopted as a sort of communal child to the entire tribe. Since she aged much, much slower than the other members of her tribe, Khaira became something of a fixture for them, generation after generation. When she did finally become an adult, however, she chose to set out on a journey of self-discovery just as her half-orc peers did - hence her current "adventurer" lifestyle. Visual: She's an extremely muscular 6'6", bearing very little resemblance to her genetic heritage but for long ears set with numerous bone piercings. She wears her rusty red hair long, tied in a braid and bound with leather strips so as not to get in her way. Her eyes are green, and her body covered with countless battle scars. While she goes with the basic "tribal" look, Khaira is not the type of woman to have any truck with skimpy leathers or fur bikinis. She wears sensible deerskin pants, solid leather boots, and a tight undershort under studded leather armour which covers her entire chest and cleavage area, my goodness. Motivations/Personality: Khaira is a simple woman of simple motives - she wants to enjoy herself. Something of a hedonist, she's always interested in drinking and wenching (wenches of either gender, as the case were - she doesn't care what gender her partners are, so long as she's undeniably "on top"), and loves a good brawl. She is uncompromisingly good-aligned, though - while she doesn't give a scrote about societal laws, regulations or traditions (and rather enjoys giving them the finger when she has the chance), she does believe in doing the right thing - protecting those weaker than herself, beating the crap out of the wicked, being honest and staying true to your word - and is easy to motivate if somebody needs her help. She's also quick to forgive and forget - believing life is too short to hold grudges - but this doesn't mean she's stupid about giving people second chances. Combat style: Much like her nature, Khaira's combat style is simple - she wades into melee with her gigantic spiked greatclub (the dubiously-named "Piecemaker", crafted by her tribesmen from a tyrannosaurus femur), and decimates everything in her path. She also carries a (mighty composite) longbow from when she can't close, but doesn't generally enjoy using it - she very much lacks the finesse and dexterity of the elven people, making up for it with her prodigious strength and endurance. And for the villains: Coin (Koinu) Lawful Evil Drow Ninja (just make him a rogue if you don't want ninja in) Background: Unlike every male drow that ever makes it to the surface, Coin is exactly the kind of male one would expect from a female-dominated society where men are supposed to be harem slaves. An extremely talented concubine, Coin (a surface-accented version of his Mistress' pet name for him, "Koinu") served as an assassin for his drow Mistress, who would make a gift of him to her political rivals, then have him kill them in the bedchamber and return to her side. He served well in this capacity - remarkable for one so young - for quite a while, until his Mistress was finally killed in turn by one of her rivals. Having no choice but to flee, Coin took to the surface world, hoping to buy enough time to ingratiate himself with a being or group powerful enough to protect him from his pursuers. In the mean time, he's doing what he does best - working as a courtesan, building up money and favours to support his cause. Visual: Coin is a slight, slender young male whose beautiful appearance contradicts his rather vicious modus operandi. His short, slim and shapely form, and androgynous voice and mannerisms, means he can easily pass for girl - he'd probably have more trouble convincing people he was male - so he spend most of his time disguised as an elven female with pale skin, black hair and purple eyes (use a magical item for this if appropriate - the dark elves in his world natively have stark white skin instead of black, and purple eyes, but this can be altered to fit whatever setting you're writing in). Coin change his look frequently - under the pretense of enjoying fashion, but truthfully to avoid leaving a distinct trail - so he might be wearing just about anything. He prefers costumes which are visually appealing, but also don't get in his way. Motivations/Personality: Coin's motivations are straightforward - to find a person or group strong enough to protect him from his pursuers, then make himself so invaluable to them (or make them owe him so many favours) that they will have to stand by him even if they don't approve of him morally. This does make him a little bit overeager to make himself useful, but in his disguise he simply comes across as a talented neophyte who wants to prove herself. Coin's major quirk is a fear of females - not in a screaming frenzy way, but in a "deer in the headlights" way. He's generally obedient to anybody more poerful than himself, but the viciously-enforced status of women as superior in drow society has given him the particular tendency to obey the commands of females almost as a reflex, thinking about what has been said only afterwards. He also, for all of his experience in bed, has no concept of love or romance - it's all work for him, either to set up a hit or to earn money. In turn, he has never had to deal with being emotionally attracted to somebody, which would obviously be the most interestiong point to play on, narratively. As might be evident, Coin is a person who is evil out of necessity, rather than any inherent malevolence - the same goes for his promiscuity. While he still commits evil acts because it's what he knows, seeing more of the surface world is gradually making him realise that there are other ways. His lawfulness is more of an ingrained quality, a combination of discipline, obedience and cowardice beaten into him over the years. Particularly in the case of morality, Coin is likely to be influenced by those around him - probably in spite of his own wishes - so he's probably the sort of character who wouldn't stay a villain all the way to the end. Combat Style: Coin is fragile, and knows it. He avoids combat wherever possible - whether it's through wits, wiles or being a quick runner - and if he ever starts a fight it's with a quick sneak attack from the nearest shadow. He carries most popular assassin tools, but favours poisoned blowpipe darts (and shuriken, if gimpy mechanics don't come into it ;p) which can make use of his deadly accuracy rather than his poor strength. In melee he fights defensively, escaping from close range as soon as possible to hide and regroup.
shadowsofwhite 12-27-05, 12:53 AM	I suppose you haven't been reading. Fithero has said she has finished this part of the develpment and probably is no longer accepting any more. I think there is some sort of warrior girl in there somewhere, but i haven't the time to look. There is no point in raving about it.
Fox Lee 12-27-05, 01:47 AM	I suppose you haven't been reading. Fithero has said she has finished this part of the develpment and probably is no longer accepting any more. I think there is some sort of warrior girl in there somewhere, but i haven't the time to look. There is no point in raving about it. One paragraph equals "raving about it"? Jeez, you need to lighten up something severe. Actually, I kinda assumed that after that many pages it was probably over with, or at least past the point of character selection, but I felt it couldn't hurt to throw in some input anyway. Do you have some kind of problem with that?
Fithero 12-27-05, 06:53 AM	Chill guys, its all good aye. Ill take these characters just the same as I took all the other characters, at the moment im just cutting and pasting all the individual posts and putting them into word, so i have my own copy of this thread. Im not the most computer savy person in the world, so there are probably a million easier ways of getting all this info onto my computer. If anybody knows how to, or would be willing to do it for me, id be greatly apprecative. I would prefer it if this topic didnt crumble into an argument, nothing good ever comes of that outcome. Keep the peace and keep it real guys. Later
Gworraent 12-27-05, 07:06 PM	Simone Daniels "The Dramatic" Gryphon Appearance Human 5ft 11in Long wavy black hair. Goatee, long curved mustache Moderate built, yet suprisingly lithe He wears a huge flamboyant hat with a phoenix feather in it*. This is his lucky hat and is never seen without it. His surcoat is a deep crimson with pure white bunch of lace at his neck. His has leather boots that stop just before his knee. Under his shirt is a mithril chain shirt. In both of his boots he keeps a drik (long scottish knife). As for pants, well he prefers kilts :D. He has an elven thinblade or a rapier at his side. Personality Simone with his hearty laugh is very foreward when it comes to voicing his opinions. Once an opinion is formed he is adamant about his opinion. He is very much a trickster at heart and loves card tricks, and playing practical jokes. Even during the most dire of situations Simone is very dramatic and can always find something clever to say. In fact, he likes to brag about his greatest exploit. According to stories told by Simone once he was at the mercy of a savage barbarian tribe . He was captured by their leader and was about to be boiled alive in a pot to make a stew when he told the tribal leader that he would taste much better if he only had a herring. The tribe wanted to know what these herrings were and was allowed to take the tribe on a quest for a herring. During the expedition while the rest of the tribe were fetching water, he tricked his gaurds into thinking that he was stuck vines of a bush. While the gaurds came close to investigate Simone strangled his gaurds with the vines and somehow managed to capture and ride a wildbeast. Whether or not you believe this story doesnt prevent Simone from repeating it to anyone who cares to listen However, Simone finds time during his flamboyant and fickle lifestyle for seriousness. He is a loyal ally who will stick with his friends through good times and bad. History Simone was raised in the bustling metropolis of <insert the name of a bustling metropolis in your campaign world here> He's the son of a wealthy merchant from a foreign land. His father worked very hard to build his family a good name and reputation in <insert the name of a bustling metropolis in your campaign world here>. Simone had access to a good education. However, he found studying boring and prefered to challenge commoner boys to fights and duels with sticks. He played practical jokes on anyone who he thought he could trick and get away with it. This audacity and ambition did not make him a scholar but instead this suited him well as his musical talents with the traditional instrument of his heritage, the bagpipe. His natural talent for bluffing and practical jokes made him a superberb duelist. Many of his opponents say that the passionate gleam that Simone maintains in his eyes even in the deadliest of fights is unnerving. Once you start to pay attention to his eyes you lose focus, and lose the duel. Such skill and ambition sent Simone down the path to adventurer from the beginning. The day that he left his father gave him a phoenix feather to put in his cap. This was worn and passed down by all the Gryphon men. It is a symbol of the undying spirit of their people. Simone's disregard for most law and dislike to rigidity makes him most likely CG or CN. As for classes, some sort of combination of Swashbuckler and bard. As for PrC's, well maybe the DMG's Deulist PrC would work out. Stats str13 dex17 con12 int14 wis10 cha17 Bardic Instrument: Bagpipe Weapon: masterwork Elven thinblade or quickblade and masterwork dirk ( ,use shorsword stats) Waddya think ?
Blakeman101 01-19-06, 07:07 PM	:bump:
Blakeman101 04-14-06, 09:36 AM	Is Fithiro still working on this?
Need_A_Life 04-14-06, 05:05 PM	Old character. Here it is, it has high stats but avoids combat if at all necessary. She sneaks around, disables traps and opens locks and that's what she's been doing from level one. If encountered alone, she's either gathering information or pickpocketing. If faced with combat, she either uses her deadly precision shortsword +1 [+2d6 sneak attack] or her crossbow (being the only weapons avaliable) until she sees an opportunity to escape. If faced with superior force, she'll cower and surrender, offering gold in exchange for her life. Name: Xia Thynioll Race: Halfling Class: Rogue 4/Spellthief 2 Abilities: Strength 10 Dexterity 21 Constitution 10 Intelligence 18 Wisdom 12 Charisma 10 Feats: 1st: Skill Focus (Disable Device) 3rd: Nimble Fingers 6th: Leadership She is True Neutral and intends to become a crime lord [hence leadership], she has gotten her Spellthief abilities recently after her first brush with supernatural powers. She will later head into Assassin to compliment her sneaky backstabbing attacks on enemies, but she won't become a "hired blade" but rather a politician with rogue abilities.