Help me flesh out some potential Eberron PC Concepts! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Help me flesh out some potential Eberron PC Concepts! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Joshua Dyal
07-26-05, 12:52 PM So, we'll be starting an Age of Worms campaign in the near future, where I'll get to be a player (instead of GM) and I'm already getting excited about some potential character concepts. Help me flesh them out, please!

As background, it's possible (maybe even probable) that we'll place AoW in Eberron, so Eberron races and classes will probably be a go. For that matter, even if it's not in Eberron, some of the races and classes would probably be a go. Also, things like psionics, Complete this or that will probably also be available; although I haven't heard specifically on this campaign, in the past we've been fairly lenient on things like that, and we've specifically allowed many of them in the past. I haven't yet talked to the DM about the possibility of LA+1 races, though. All of these concepts use races and/or classes that are a bit ...less than standard. Here's some of my concepts:

Male Shifter Ranger/Barbarian: I played this concept in an earlier game that unfortunately went south when the DM's schedule froze up. I only got two levels of play in, and I had just levelled up to 3rd level when we quit. Frankly, I wasn't done with this character yet, so I might revive the same concept, if not exactly the same character. He's fairly bog-standard for a shifter personality-wise; a bit taciturn and stand-offish, feral, and he tends to shock people with his "savage" habits. Yes, CHA is his dump stat. ;) I played him with extremely high strength (16) last time, and the Longtooth trait (which bumps it to 18 when shifted) and gave him a greatsword as his primary weapon. That left me with a bit of an interesting tactical/strategic dilemma--the two-weapon fighting combat path wasn't likely to be useful to me, using a two-handed weapon, so I took the archery path, even though I was building him up to be a bit of a wilderness tank. After taking the level in barbarian, I was even more of a tank (I initially did it because I had some low hit point rolls, and wanted to see if I could bump that up--rolled an 11 for my first barbie hit point roll, so it paid off well)--I could rage and shift at the same time to do obscene amounts of damage, but only in short combats. I would tend to shoot a few arrows first (and let the spellcaster and warforged fighter also help) to soften up foes, shift and rage and then mop up the survivors, often "stealing" kills from the other combatants because their foes were softened and I did really nasty damage.

If I continue that same tactical streak, I might take a few levels of Scout too to get the skirmish ability. Combined with the barbarians increased move, I'd be tactically very interesting to play, but frankly, from a roleplaying standpoint, the guy's a bit of a dud. I need a good idea on what makes this guy tick, and what makes him really unique, and the well's coming up dry.

Female (or Male) Changeling Ninja (from Complete Adventurer): This one is interesting; using the Races of Eberron book, (s?)he'd be a Becomer who enjoyed impersonating folks for fun, but with a bit of a mean streak and early training towards being an assassin. She might even be in Diamond Lake to hide from Inquisitives in Sharn who were getting a little too close to fingering her for dabbling in ...certain activities. I think it'd be tons of fun to use my shapeshifting as a bit of a trikster--to cause mild (and generally amusing) practical jokes or other trouble for the other PCs--not kender-level disruptive, but just enough of a personality to make her unforgettable. I like the Ninja class--it's similar enough to rogue, but just a bit darker with its focus on poison and assassination. I'd almost certainly give this character ties to the criminal underground of Sharn, which could develop into interesting plot points later on down the road; my understanding of Age of Worms (I read about 25% of the first adventure before I knew we'd be playing it) is that it would actually have a chance of coming up again.

Female (or maybe Male) Inspired "Empty Vessel" Soulknife: The "Empty Vessels" are Inspired that have not yet been implanted/possessed by a quori spirit, and have most of the best features of both kalashtar and human (they are an LA+1 race.) In this case, the concept is a bit Jason Bourne-ish--she washes up on the beach, or is found in the woods, or whatever, without any memory of who she is, but quickly has to learn to keep a low profile as both agents of the Dreaming Dark and kalashtar both are unlikely to have much sympathy for such a character wandering around. Kalashtar'd be fine once they got to know her, I'd imagine, but getting to that point would be hard. Given the physical appearance of the Inspired, if female, this character would end up being an awful lot like ninja-babe Psylocke from the X-Men--she could even have the funky lavenderish hair; if male, I imagine him more like a fantasy jedi of sorts. Leaving most of the backstory up to the DM, I think that'd be fun to play, again, as a bit of Jason Bourne; finding stuff out (hopefully) just barely in time about her past.
Gishsarath
07-26-05, 02:56 PM So, we'll be starting an Age of Worms campaign in the near future, where I'll get to be a player (instead of GM) and I'm already getting excited about some potential character concepts. Help me flesh them out, please!

As background, it's possible (maybe even probable) that we'll place AoW in Eberron, so Eberron races and classes will probably be a go. For that matter, even if it's not in Eberron, some of the races and classes would probably be a go. Also, things like psionics, Complete this or that will probably also be available; although I haven't heard specifically on this campaign, in the past we've been fairly lenient on things like that, and we've specifically allowed many of them in the past. I haven't yet talked to the DM about the possibility of LA+1 races, though. All of these concepts use races and/or classes that are a bit ...less than standard. Here's some of my concepts:

Male Shifter Ranger/Barbarian: I played this concept in an earlier game that unfortunately went south when the DM's schedule froze up. I only got two levels of play in, and I had just levelled up to 3rd level when we quit. Frankly, I wasn't done with this character yet, so I might revive the same concept, if not exactly the same character. He's fairly bog-standard for a shifter personality-wise; a bit taciturn and stand-offish, feral, and he tends to shock people with his "savage" habits. Yes, CHA is his dump stat. ;) I played him with extremely high strength (16) last time, and the Longtooth trait (which bumps it to 18 when shifted) and gave him a greatsword as his primary weapon. That left me with a bit of an interesting tactical/strategic dilemma--the two-weapon fighting combat path wasn't likely to be useful to me, using a two-handed weapon, so I took the archery path, even though I was building him up to be a bit of a wilderness tank. After taking the level in barbarian, I was even more of a tank (I initially did it because I had some low hit point rolls, and wanted to see if I could bump that up--rolled an 11 for my first barbie hit point roll, so it paid off well)--I could rage and shift at the same time to do obscene amounts of damage, but only in short combats. I would tend to shoot a few arrows first (and let the spellcaster and warforged fighter also help) to soften up foes, shift and rage and then mop up the survivors, often "stealing" kills from the other combatants because their foes were softened and I did really nasty damage.

If I continue that same tactical streak, I might take a few levels of Scout too to get the skirmish ability. Combined with the barbarians increased move, I'd be tactically very interesting to play, but frankly, from a roleplaying standpoint, the guy's a bit of a dud. I need a good idea on what makes this guy tick, and what makes him really unique, and the well's coming up dry.

Female (or Male) Changeling Ninja (from Complete Adventurer): This one is interesting; using the Races of Eberron book, (s?)he'd be a Becomer who enjoyed impersonating folks for fun, but with a bit of a mean streak and early training towards being an assassin. She might even be in Diamond Lake to hide from Inquisitives in Sharn who were getting a little too close to fingering her for dabbling in ...certain activities. I think it'd be tons of fun to use my shapeshifting as a bit of a trikster--to cause mild (and generally amusing) practical jokes or other trouble for the other PCs--not kender-level disruptive, but just enough of a personality to make her unforgettable. I like the Ninja class--it's similar enough to rogue, but just a bit darker with its focus on poison and assassination. I'd almost certainly give this character ties to the criminal underground of Sharn, which could develop into interesting plot points later on down the road; my understanding of Age of Worms (I read about 25% of the first adventure before I knew we'd be playing it) is that it would actually have a chance of coming up again.

Female (or maybe Male) Inspired "Empty Vessel" Soulknife: The "Empty Vessels" are Inspired that have not yet been implanted/possessed by a quori spirit, and have most of the best features of both kalashtar and human (they are an LA+1 race.) In this case, the concept is a bit Jason Bourne-ish--she washes up on the beach, or is found in the woods, or whatever, without any memory of who she is, but quickly has to learn to keep a low profile as both agents of the Dreaming Dark and kalashtar both are unlikely to have much sympathy for such a character wandering around. Kalashtar'd be fine once they got to know her, I'd imagine, but getting to that point would be hard. Given the physical appearance of the Inspired, if female, this character would end up being an awful lot like ninja-babe Psylocke from the X-Men--she could even have the funky lavenderish hair; if male, I imagine him more like a fantasy jedi of sorts. Leaving most of the backstory up to the DM, I think that'd be fun to play, again, as a bit of Jason Bourne; finding stuff out (hopefully) just barely in time about her past.

These all seem pretty good, except for the last one. Empty Vessels aren't meant as a PC race. The fact that they cannot resist possession from the Quori pretty much means that your character is boned whenever the GM feels like it.

Try a Kalashatar, or perhaps an Elan. The folks on these boards have some really interesting ideas for Elans.
DarkWarriorKarg
07-26-05, 03:10 PM I have to agree on the comments about the Empty Vessel. NOT a good choice. Your character con't even be on the run for more than a day or so until the Quori decides to take over.
MT-296 "Dagger"
07-26-05, 03:19 PM I think the Inspired would be the most fun. a question to ask yourself. does she still have her evil tendencies? or has she become more moderate ((LN))
MysticTheurge
07-26-05, 04:00 PM I'm currently playing an Elan Psion in our Age of Worms-Eberron campaign, using these (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/conversions-xph.html) conversions of the XPH races.

It's definitely a lot of fun.
Joshua Dyal
07-26-05, 04:03 PM These all seem pretty good, except for the last one. Empty Vessels aren't meant as a PC race.
So what?
The fact that they cannot resist possession from the Quori pretty much means that your character is boned whenever the GM feels like it.
Can't resist, or won't? I get the distinct impression after just reading the appropriate section of Races of Eberron that it's cultural conditioning that allows the quori to possess them so easily, not anything else. And if the EV doesn't have any memories, doesn't want to be possessed by some weirdo creature from Dal Quor, doesn't know about his heritage, is in Khorvaire rather than Riedra, etc. how would she be more vulnerable than any other person in the entire world of Eberron? Besides, exactly how the quori possess the Empty Vessels is not described in detail (that I'm aware), so I'm perfectly capable of believing that it requires a special ceremony; the EV being brought to a specific place in Riedra, etc. in order for possession to take place.
Try a Kalashatar, or perhaps an Elan. The folks on these boards have some really interesting ideas for Elans.
I have no interest in the kalashtar, and frankly, I don't see a place for the elan in Eberron.
MT-296 "Dagger"
07-26-05, 04:39 PM ROE isn't part of the Eberron line. So it doesn't count ;) and in the ECS there are no rules stating that the Inspired cannot resist possession. anyway for the Quori to possess him/her the victim has to be willing.
MysticTheurge
07-26-05, 04:45 PM and frankly, I don't see a place for the elan in Eberron.

In addition to the ones I've linked above there have been many other speculations on what Elan are in Eberron, including somehow being related to Xoriat and/or the Daelkyr, since they're aberrations.
Joshua Dyal
07-26-05, 04:46 PM ROE isn't part of the Eberron line. So it doesn't count ;)
:D
and in the ECS there are no rules stating that the Inspired cannot resist possession. anyway for the Quori to possess him/her the victim has to be willing.
That's what I read too--I don't know where this idea that the concept is impossible is coming from.
AntiSean
07-26-05, 08:18 PM Male Shifter Ranger/Barbarian: I played this concept in an earlier game that unfortunately went south when the DM's schedule froze up. I only got two levels of play in, and I had just levelled up to 3rd level when we quit. Frankly, I wasn't done with this character yet, so I might revive the same concept, if not exactly the same character. He's fairly bog-standard for a shifter personality-wise; a bit taciturn and stand-offish, feral, and he tends to shock people with his "savage" habits. Yes, CHA is his dump stat. ;) I played him with extremely high strength (16) last time, and the Longtooth trait (which bumps it to 18 when shifted) and gave him a greatsword as his primary weapon. That left me with a bit of an interesting tactical/strategic dilemma--the two-weapon fighting combat path wasn't likely to be useful to me, using a two-handed weapon, so I took the archery path, even though I was building him up to be a bit of a wilderness tank. After taking the level in barbarian, I was even more of a tank (I initially did it because I had some low hit point rolls, and wanted to see if I could bump that up--rolled an 11 for my first barbie hit point roll, so it paid off well)--I could rage and shift at the same time to do obscene amounts of damage, but only in short combats. I would tend to shoot a few arrows first (and let the spellcaster and warforged fighter also help) to soften up foes, shift and rage and then mop up the survivors, often "stealing" kills from the other combatants because their foes were softened and I did really nasty damage.

If I continue that same tactical streak, I might take a few levels of Scout too to get the skirmish ability. Combined with the barbarians increased move, I'd be tactically very interesting to play, but frankly, from a roleplaying standpoint, the guy's a bit of a dud. I need a good idea on what makes this guy tick, and what makes him really unique, and the well's coming up dry.

Thankfully, Eberron provides us with the Last War as an easy trope for background generation (unless you're sick to death of the idea). Where was the shifter during the war? Was he a pacifist, a recluse, not caring about the war and tending to his own and his peoples business in the Eldeen Reaches? Was he conscripted into service in Aundair's military, or did he volunteer? How does he feel about the Eldeen Reaches breakaway from Aundair - proud of his homeland and its independence, or furious at his own people for betraying their country? Is he a zealous follower of the Silver Flame? Did he help persecute his own people for his religious cause? Did he lead a force of Puritans to his village, only to turn on them as he saw them laying waste to his kin? Has he fled from his homeland in shame, driven by a quest for revenge? Is he ashamed of his bestial nature, taking pains to avoid giving in to his fury, or does he revel in the birthright of his people? Is his low CHA a result of a surly attitude towards humans in response to persecution, or a bold assertion of racial pride? Is there any way to pick and choose some of these elements without hewing too closely to some of the stereotypes establishing themselves regarding the race and setting? Is that even a factor? Can I make a statement instead of asking yet another question? I hope these help!
Edymnion
07-26-05, 08:53 PM ROE isn't part of the Eberron line. So it doesn't count ;)Have a cookie :)

:cookie:

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Joshua Dyal 07-26-05, 12:52 PM	So, we'll be starting an Age of Worms campaign in the near future, where I'll get to be a player (instead of GM) and I'm already getting excited about some potential character concepts. Help me flesh them out, please! As background, it's possible (maybe even probable) that we'll place AoW in Eberron, so Eberron races and classes will probably be a go. For that matter, even if it's not in Eberron, some of the races and classes would probably be a go. Also, things like psionics, Complete this or that will probably also be available; although I haven't heard specifically on this campaign, in the past we've been fairly lenient on things like that, and we've specifically allowed many of them in the past. I haven't yet talked to the DM about the possibility of LA+1 races, though. All of these concepts use races and/or classes that are a bit ...less than standard. Here's some of my concepts: Male Shifter Ranger/Barbarian: I played this concept in an earlier game that unfortunately went south when the DM's schedule froze up. I only got two levels of play in, and I had just levelled up to 3rd level when we quit. Frankly, I wasn't done with this character yet, so I might revive the same concept, if not exactly the same character. He's fairly bog-standard for a shifter personality-wise; a bit taciturn and stand-offish, feral, and he tends to shock people with his "savage" habits. Yes, CHA is his dump stat. ;) I played him with extremely high strength (16) last time, and the Longtooth trait (which bumps it to 18 when shifted) and gave him a greatsword as his primary weapon. That left me with a bit of an interesting tactical/strategic dilemma--the two-weapon fighting combat path wasn't likely to be useful to me, using a two-handed weapon, so I took the archery path, even though I was building him up to be a bit of a wilderness tank. After taking the level in barbarian, I was even more of a tank (I initially did it because I had some low hit point rolls, and wanted to see if I could bump that up--rolled an 11 for my first barbie hit point roll, so it paid off well)--I could rage and shift at the same time to do obscene amounts of damage, but only in short combats. I would tend to shoot a few arrows first (and let the spellcaster and warforged fighter also help) to soften up foes, shift and rage and then mop up the survivors, often "stealing" kills from the other combatants because their foes were softened and I did really nasty damage. If I continue that same tactical streak, I might take a few levels of Scout too to get the skirmish ability. Combined with the barbarians increased move, I'd be tactically very interesting to play, but frankly, from a roleplaying standpoint, the guy's a bit of a dud. I need a good idea on what makes this guy tick, and what makes him really unique, and the well's coming up dry. Female (or Male) Changeling Ninja (from Complete Adventurer): This one is interesting; using the Races of Eberron book, (s?)he'd be a Becomer who enjoyed impersonating folks for fun, but with a bit of a mean streak and early training towards being an assassin. She might even be in Diamond Lake to hide from Inquisitives in Sharn who were getting a little too close to fingering her for dabbling in ...certain activities. I think it'd be tons of fun to use my shapeshifting as a bit of a trikster--to cause mild (and generally amusing) practical jokes or other trouble for the other PCs--not kender-level disruptive, but just enough of a personality to make her unforgettable. I like the Ninja class--it's similar enough to rogue, but just a bit darker with its focus on poison and assassination. I'd almost certainly give this character ties to the criminal underground of Sharn, which could develop into interesting plot points later on down the road; my understanding of Age of Worms (I read about 25% of the first adventure before I knew we'd be playing it) is that it would actually have a chance of coming up again. Female (or maybe Male) Inspired "Empty Vessel" Soulknife: The "Empty Vessels" are Inspired that have not yet been implanted/possessed by a quori spirit, and have most of the best features of both kalashtar and human (they are an LA+1 race.) In this case, the concept is a bit Jason Bourne-ish--she washes up on the beach, or is found in the woods, or whatever, without any memory of who she is, but quickly has to learn to keep a low profile as both agents of the Dreaming Dark and kalashtar both are unlikely to have much sympathy for such a character wandering around. Kalashtar'd be fine once they got to know her, I'd imagine, but getting to that point would be hard. Given the physical appearance of the Inspired, if female, this character would end up being an awful lot like ninja-babe Psylocke from the X-Men--she could even have the funky lavenderish hair; if male, I imagine him more like a fantasy jedi of sorts. Leaving most of the backstory up to the DM, I think that'd be fun to play, again, as a bit of Jason Bourne; finding stuff out (hopefully) just barely in time about her past.
Gishsarath 07-26-05, 02:56 PM	So, we'll be starting an Age of Worms campaign in the near future, where I'll get to be a player (instead of GM) and I'm already getting excited about some potential character concepts. Help me flesh them out, please! As background, it's possible (maybe even probable) that we'll place AoW in Eberron, so Eberron races and classes will probably be a go. For that matter, even if it's not in Eberron, some of the races and classes would probably be a go. Also, things like psionics, Complete this or that will probably also be available; although I haven't heard specifically on this campaign, in the past we've been fairly lenient on things like that, and we've specifically allowed many of them in the past. I haven't yet talked to the DM about the possibility of LA+1 races, though. All of these concepts use races and/or classes that are a bit ...less than standard. Here's some of my concepts: Male Shifter Ranger/Barbarian: I played this concept in an earlier game that unfortunately went south when the DM's schedule froze up. I only got two levels of play in, and I had just levelled up to 3rd level when we quit. Frankly, I wasn't done with this character yet, so I might revive the same concept, if not exactly the same character. He's fairly bog-standard for a shifter personality-wise; a bit taciturn and stand-offish, feral, and he tends to shock people with his "savage" habits. Yes, CHA is his dump stat. ;) I played him with extremely high strength (16) last time, and the Longtooth trait (which bumps it to 18 when shifted) and gave him a greatsword as his primary weapon. That left me with a bit of an interesting tactical/strategic dilemma--the two-weapon fighting combat path wasn't likely to be useful to me, using a two-handed weapon, so I took the archery path, even though I was building him up to be a bit of a wilderness tank. After taking the level in barbarian, I was even more of a tank (I initially did it because I had some low hit point rolls, and wanted to see if I could bump that up--rolled an 11 for my first barbie hit point roll, so it paid off well)--I could rage and shift at the same time to do obscene amounts of damage, but only in short combats. I would tend to shoot a few arrows first (and let the spellcaster and warforged fighter also help) to soften up foes, shift and rage and then mop up the survivors, often "stealing" kills from the other combatants because their foes were softened and I did really nasty damage. If I continue that same tactical streak, I might take a few levels of Scout too to get the skirmish ability. Combined with the barbarians increased move, I'd be tactically very interesting to play, but frankly, from a roleplaying standpoint, the guy's a bit of a dud. I need a good idea on what makes this guy tick, and what makes him really unique, and the well's coming up dry. Female (or Male) Changeling Ninja (from Complete Adventurer): This one is interesting; using the Races of Eberron book, (s?)he'd be a Becomer who enjoyed impersonating folks for fun, but with a bit of a mean streak and early training towards being an assassin. She might even be in Diamond Lake to hide from Inquisitives in Sharn who were getting a little too close to fingering her for dabbling in ...certain activities. I think it'd be tons of fun to use my shapeshifting as a bit of a trikster--to cause mild (and generally amusing) practical jokes or other trouble for the other PCs--not kender-level disruptive, but just enough of a personality to make her unforgettable. I like the Ninja class--it's similar enough to rogue, but just a bit darker with its focus on poison and assassination. I'd almost certainly give this character ties to the criminal underground of Sharn, which could develop into interesting plot points later on down the road; my understanding of Age of Worms (I read about 25% of the first adventure before I knew we'd be playing it) is that it would actually have a chance of coming up again. Female (or maybe Male) Inspired "Empty Vessel" Soulknife: The "Empty Vessels" are Inspired that have not yet been implanted/possessed by a quori spirit, and have most of the best features of both kalashtar and human (they are an LA+1 race.) In this case, the concept is a bit Jason Bourne-ish--she washes up on the beach, or is found in the woods, or whatever, without any memory of who she is, but quickly has to learn to keep a low profile as both agents of the Dreaming Dark and kalashtar both are unlikely to have much sympathy for such a character wandering around. Kalashtar'd be fine once they got to know her, I'd imagine, but getting to that point would be hard. Given the physical appearance of the Inspired, if female, this character would end up being an awful lot like ninja-babe Psylocke from the X-Men--she could even have the funky lavenderish hair; if male, I imagine him more like a fantasy jedi of sorts. Leaving most of the backstory up to the DM, I think that'd be fun to play, again, as a bit of Jason Bourne; finding stuff out (hopefully) just barely in time about her past. These all seem pretty good, except for the last one. Empty Vessels aren't meant as a PC race. The fact that they cannot resist possession from the Quori pretty much means that your character is boned whenever the GM feels like it. Try a Kalashatar, or perhaps an Elan. The folks on these boards have some really interesting ideas for Elans.
DarkWarriorKarg 07-26-05, 03:10 PM	I have to agree on the comments about the Empty Vessel. NOT a good choice. Your character con't even be on the run for more than a day or so until the Quori decides to take over.
MT-296 "Dagger" 07-26-05, 03:19 PM	I think the Inspired would be the most fun. a question to ask yourself. does she still have her evil tendencies? or has she become more moderate ((LN))
MysticTheurge 07-26-05, 04:00 PM	I'm currently playing an Elan Psion in our Age of Worms-Eberron campaign, using these (http://www.coveworld.net/eberron/conversions-xph.html) conversions of the XPH races. It's definitely a lot of fun.
Joshua Dyal 07-26-05, 04:03 PM	These all seem pretty good, except for the last one. Empty Vessels aren't meant as a PC race. So what? The fact that they cannot resist possession from the Quori pretty much means that your character is boned whenever the GM feels like it. Can't resist, or won't? I get the distinct impression after just reading the appropriate section of Races of Eberron that it's cultural conditioning that allows the quori to possess them so easily, not anything else. And if the EV doesn't have any memories, doesn't want to be possessed by some weirdo creature from Dal Quor, doesn't know about his heritage, is in Khorvaire rather than Riedra, etc. how would she be more vulnerable than any other person in the entire world of Eberron? Besides, exactly how the quori possess the Empty Vessels is not described in detail (that I'm aware), so I'm perfectly capable of believing that it requires a special ceremony; the EV being brought to a specific place in Riedra, etc. in order for possession to take place. Try a Kalashatar, or perhaps an Elan. The folks on these boards have some really interesting ideas for Elans. I have no interest in the kalashtar, and frankly, I don't see a place for the elan in Eberron.
MT-296 "Dagger" 07-26-05, 04:39 PM	ROE isn't part of the Eberron line. So it doesn't count ;) and in the ECS there are no rules stating that the Inspired cannot resist possession. anyway for the Quori to possess him/her the victim has to be willing.
MysticTheurge 07-26-05, 04:45 PM	and frankly, I don't see a place for the elan in Eberron. In addition to the ones I've linked above there have been many other speculations on what Elan are in Eberron, including somehow being related to Xoriat and/or the Daelkyr, since they're aberrations.
Joshua Dyal 07-26-05, 04:46 PM	ROE isn't part of the Eberron line. So it doesn't count ;) :D and in the ECS there are no rules stating that the Inspired cannot resist possession. anyway for the Quori to possess him/her the victim has to be willing. That's what I read too--I don't know where this idea that the concept is impossible is coming from.
AntiSean 07-26-05, 08:18 PM	Male Shifter Ranger/Barbarian: I played this concept in an earlier game that unfortunately went south when the DM's schedule froze up. I only got two levels of play in, and I had just levelled up to 3rd level when we quit. Frankly, I wasn't done with this character yet, so I might revive the same concept, if not exactly the same character. He's fairly bog-standard for a shifter personality-wise; a bit taciturn and stand-offish, feral, and he tends to shock people with his "savage" habits. Yes, CHA is his dump stat. ;) I played him with extremely high strength (16) last time, and the Longtooth trait (which bumps it to 18 when shifted) and gave him a greatsword as his primary weapon. That left me with a bit of an interesting tactical/strategic dilemma--the two-weapon fighting combat path wasn't likely to be useful to me, using a two-handed weapon, so I took the archery path, even though I was building him up to be a bit of a wilderness tank. After taking the level in barbarian, I was even more of a tank (I initially did it because I had some low hit point rolls, and wanted to see if I could bump that up--rolled an 11 for my first barbie hit point roll, so it paid off well)--I could rage and shift at the same time to do obscene amounts of damage, but only in short combats. I would tend to shoot a few arrows first (and let the spellcaster and warforged fighter also help) to soften up foes, shift and rage and then mop up the survivors, often "stealing" kills from the other combatants because their foes were softened and I did really nasty damage. If I continue that same tactical streak, I might take a few levels of Scout too to get the skirmish ability. Combined with the barbarians increased move, I'd be tactically very interesting to play, but frankly, from a roleplaying standpoint, the guy's a bit of a dud. I need a good idea on what makes this guy tick, and what makes him really unique, and the well's coming up dry. Thankfully, Eberron provides us with the Last War as an easy trope for background generation (unless you're sick to death of the idea). Where was the shifter during the war? Was he a pacifist, a recluse, not caring about the war and tending to his own and his peoples business in the Eldeen Reaches? Was he conscripted into service in Aundair's military, or did he volunteer? How does he feel about the Eldeen Reaches breakaway from Aundair - proud of his homeland and its independence, or furious at his own people for betraying their country? Is he a zealous follower of the Silver Flame? Did he help persecute his own people for his religious cause? Did he lead a force of Puritans to his village, only to turn on them as he saw them laying waste to his kin? Has he fled from his homeland in shame, driven by a quest for revenge? Is he ashamed of his bestial nature, taking pains to avoid giving in to his fury, or does he revel in the birthright of his people? Is his low CHA a result of a surly attitude towards humans in response to persecution, or a bold assertion of racial pride? Is there any way to pick and choose some of these elements without hewing too closely to some of the stereotypes establishing themselves regarding the race and setting? Is that even a factor? Can I make a statement instead of asking yet another question? I hope these help!
Edymnion 07-26-05, 08:53 PM	ROE isn't part of the Eberron line. So it doesn't count ;)Have a cookie :) :cookie: