help with concept: changeling follower of Silver Flame [Archive] - Wizards Community

help with concept: changeling follower of Silver Flame [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
naturax
08-29-07, 10:45 AM I've been wanting to play a changeling paladin or cleric of the Silver Flame for a long time but I am looking for some suggestions on how to make the concept work fluidly.

The appeal of the character is that he would stay in true form all the time, seeing his ability to change his appearance as willfully deceiving people. (I'm not saying this always the case [I've read the "changing clothes" arguments too], I'm just saying that's what the character believes.) This would put him in a lot of situations, like the typical paladin or LG character, where he has skills (like minor change shape) that would be extremely useful but he won't use them because they are immoral.

I also really like the idea of a reformed criminal, someone who has a mischievious nature but (for whatever reason) has found a higher calling and needs to reform.

I'm having trouble coming up with a background for the character that I can really feel, something that I can use to describe the character in my head so that I know how he'd react and deal with any given situation. This is what I have so far and I'd sincerely appreciate any suggestions, thoughts or comments anyone has:

Quip
- born on streets of Sharn
- worked for Tyrants
- took role as Priest of the CotSF as part of job for Tyrants
- became a true believer of the CotSF, betrayed the Tyrants, botched the mission
- fled to Thrane to escape Tyrants, asked for asylum, became Templar
- sent back to Sharn to a) reveal Tyrants and b) rid CotSF in Sharn of corruption
naturax
08-29-07, 10:49 AM You know, on second thought, it might complicate things too much to say that he's necessarily a follower of the Silver Flame. A LG follower of the Sovereign Host might work just as well or better, given the events of his past (whatever they turn out to be). Any thoughts on that issue in particular?
Rekko
08-29-07, 11:09 AM I don't get the complications being a Flamer instead of a follower of the Host (probably Dol Arrah)

And, what do you not feel in your background, seems pretty well to me.

Rekko
naturax
08-29-07, 11:31 AM I don't get the complications being a Flamer instead of a follower of the Host (probably Dol Arrah)

And, what do you not feel in your background, seems pretty well to me.

Well, why go back to Sharn? What could his goals be? "Ridding CotSF in Sharn of corruption" doesn't seem like something a real individual would try to do, they'd have more concrete goals that were more related to that'd individual's life. There could be specific members of the Tyrants, for example, that he wants to see arrested, or maybe there is a particular goal that the Church of the Silver Flame has in Sharn that he can participate in.

I'm looking for more ideas so that I can flesh it out and make it come alive. All I have are those points above and I'd like some inspiration to add detail.

Essentially, you have this real person with a life BEFORE they find the calling of the Flame. How does it change them? What do they do with themselves now? I think part of my problem is that I'm having trouble understanding the mindset of a true believer of the Silver Flame and how it would affect their motivations and personality.

So I'm tossing it out into the void, looking for feedback.
Rekko
08-29-07, 11:59 AM And what sort of campaign your DM is going to make you play? It can shape your character to know that.

Maybe your changeling was trying hard to become a member of the Cabinet of Faces and was having great time changing form for various purposes. Then he got enlightened by the Silver Flame, and decided to stop using his shapechanging abilities for moral reasons. Then, he became either cleric or paladin and is working hard in politics to either put some laws on restricting changeling and shapeshifters to alter their appearance, and some other laws to reinforce the right to use true seeing for obvious reasons. Both laws would force changellings to either take on their true form or conceal themselves with greater skills (nondetection or other divination blocking spells). This goal be a good campaign arc, similar to the Lycanthropic Purge, the next to be dealt with are now the changellings and other shapeshifters. Moreover, your chaangelling character knows to well that the stereotype of the changelling rogue is true and tries to put a stop on organisation that relies on shapechanging abilities to perform their crimes (stealing, spying, murder, controlling events, etc.)

Rekko
naturax
08-29-07, 12:19 PM And what sort of campaign your DM is going to make you play? It can shape your character to know that.

There isn't a campaign going yet, but I want to get the character ready for next time a campaign starts. So right now I'm aiming for something I'm going to enjoy and I'll modify it if necessary.

...Then, he became either cleric or paladin and is working hard in politics to either put some laws on restricting changeling and shapeshifters to alter their appearance, and some other laws to reinforce the right to use true seeing for obvious reasons. Both laws would force changellings to either take on their true form or conceal themselves with greater skills (nondetection or other divination blocking spells). This goal be a good campaign arc, similar to the Lycanthropic Purge, the next to be dealt with are now the changellings and other shapeshifters.

That's an awesome idea! And just the sort of thing I'm looking for! I'm thinking it'd be fun to make him sort of a specialist in hunting down changelings and other shapechangers for the Forces of Good. THAT gives him a purpose and something to do - stop others of his kind from pulling off the sort of stuff that he did once upon a time. And it provides all sorts of tension - who's going to trust someone that turns on his own kind? The other changelings must really hate him too. I really like that idea, thanks!
Rekko
08-29-07, 12:26 PM Moreover, he can say that it is okay to use his shapechanging abilities against changellings other shapechangers, so your character can use the abilities core to the changelling.

Glad to help, I'll even put him into my own campaign.

Rekko
Vharuck
08-29-07, 02:04 PM What about a scar? I know scars have become trite and old-hat, but a changeling with a scar? Given that changelings can cover up such deformities at will, you'd be a rarity. Not only would somebody on the street be amazed that they get to see a changeling's true face, but that the changeling won't even cover up his scar.

I know, it was done in the Heirs of Ash books, but it's still a good idea.
Alex_
08-29-07, 02:34 PM Essentially, you have this real person with a life BEFORE they find the calling of the Flame. How does it change them? What do they do with themselves now? I think part of my problem is that I'm having trouble understanding the mindset of a true believer of the Silver Flame and how it would affect their motivations and personality.

I think a good way to look at the CotSF and their followers would be to look at the Jedi in Star Wars. Here you also have an order that teaches us to purge the darkness in our hearts, seek out the light, and has a heavy influence on politics, as well as an order of trained warriors who participate in wars, and engage in campaigns against the dark.

Although some of the warriors and authorities who are not always the best people and make mistakes (Vrook, Anakin, Luke, Kyle, Quinlan) and bad things can happen as a result, they still in general try to do what they think is appropriate and right.

I think your character should, in simplest terms, try to make the world into a better place, and themselves into a better person. Also, being a Templar, they know they not only have the personal discipline and compassion try and guide people towards the light, but also that they have the powers to defend people from greater Evils (corrupt politicians, Evil monsters, dangerous planar outsiders, etc). You know that it's a tough road that there will be many battle stop fight with not only swords, but words, and ideas, but it's a battle you have to fight to keep Evil from taking over.
naturax
09-11-07, 11:48 AM Ok, I've found a campaign for this guy! The only catch is that we start out in Xen'drik. So I'm looking for ideas for why he would end up in there - either to further his personal cause to root out shapechangers or on behalf of the Silver Flame for some reason. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
Alex_
09-11-07, 04:13 PM Ok, I've found a campaign for this guy! The only catch is that we start out in Xen'drik. So I'm looking for ideas for why he would end up in there - either to further his personal cause to root out shapechangers or on behalf of the Silver Flame for some reason. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

There's a temple of the Silver Flame in Stormreach. He's there on mundane business, delivering a message/package, escorting an important individual, or something forgettable like that.
SQuigley316
09-11-07, 04:48 PM Just my two cents, I only just saw this topic and like the idea that popped into my head about this I may use it myself.

So your Cleric of the Silver Flame, he is against shapeshifters now and also may want to rid the church of some it's corruption. How does this sound, when he was younger before becoming a cleric, he worked for a cleric of the Silver Flame who would have him use his shape change ability to mimc that of a lycanthrope scaring villagers into paying the Silver Flame cleric to purge the unholy lycanthrope from their village. During this time he has spent with the tainted cleric he comes to fully believe in the teachings of the Silver Flame so much so that he became a cleric and exposed his "teacher". Now firmly rooted in his beliefs as a member of the Church of the Silver Flame as well as in those against using his shape change ability he learns this former teacher/cleric is over in Xen'drik bilking those settlers over there in the same ruse your PC was a part of years before, maybe with another Changeling. Your PC goes over to find and bring to justice once more this vile representative of the faith he loves so much, maybe even using his abilities on occassion to smoke out the cleric who would know what his true form would look like. I am sure your DM could work something in the campaign for you on those lines.
naturax
09-11-07, 04:53 PM Just my two cents, I only just saw this topic and like the idea that popped into my head about this I may use it myself.

So your Cleric of the Silver Flame, he is against shapeshifters now and also may want to rid the church of some it's corruption. How does this sound, when he was younger before becoming a cleric, he worked for a cleric of the Silver Flame who would have him use his shape change ability to mimc that of a lycanthrope scaring villagers into paying the Silver Flame cleric to purge the unholy lycanthrope from their village. During this time he has spent with the tainted cleric he comes to fully believe in the teachings of the Silver Flame so much so that he became a cleric and exposed his "teacher". Now firmly rooted in his beliefs as a member of the Church of the Silver Flame as well as in those against using his shape change ability he learns this former teacher/cleric is over in Xen'drik bilking those settlers over there in the same ruse your PC was a part of years before, maybe with another Changeling. Your PC goes over to find and bring to justice once more this vile representative of the faith he loves so much, maybe even using his abilities on occassion to smoke out the cleric who would know what his true form would look like. I am sure your DM could work something in the campaign for you on those lines.

FAN. TASTIC. That's exactly the sort of thing I was looking for! And it really fits the character concept! I tip my hat to you, SQuigley316!

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
naturax 08-29-07, 10:45 AM	I've been wanting to play a changeling paladin or cleric of the Silver Flame for a long time but I am looking for some suggestions on how to make the concept work fluidly. The appeal of the character is that he would stay in true form all the time, seeing his ability to change his appearance as willfully deceiving people. (I'm not saying this always the case [I've read the "changing clothes" arguments too], I'm just saying that's what the character believes.) This would put him in a lot of situations, like the typical paladin or LG character, where he has skills (like minor change shape) that would be extremely useful but he won't use them because they are immoral. I also really like the idea of a reformed criminal, someone who has a mischievious nature but (for whatever reason) has found a higher calling and needs to reform. I'm having trouble coming up with a background for the character that I can really feel, something that I can use to describe the character in my head so that I know how he'd react and deal with any given situation. This is what I have so far and I'd sincerely appreciate any suggestions, thoughts or comments anyone has: Quip - born on streets of Sharn - worked for Tyrants - took role as Priest of the CotSF as part of job for Tyrants - became a true believer of the CotSF, betrayed the Tyrants, botched the mission - fled to Thrane to escape Tyrants, asked for asylum, became Templar - sent back to Sharn to a) reveal Tyrants and b) rid CotSF in Sharn of corruption
naturax 08-29-07, 10:49 AM	You know, on second thought, it might complicate things too much to say that he's necessarily a follower of the Silver Flame. A LG follower of the Sovereign Host might work just as well or better, given the events of his past (whatever they turn out to be). Any thoughts on that issue in particular?
Rekko 08-29-07, 11:09 AM	I don't get the complications being a Flamer instead of a follower of the Host (probably Dol Arrah) And, what do you not feel in your background, seems pretty well to me. Rekko
naturax 08-29-07, 11:31 AM	I don't get the complications being a Flamer instead of a follower of the Host (probably Dol Arrah) And, what do you not feel in your background, seems pretty well to me. Well, why go back to Sharn? What could his goals be? "Ridding CotSF in Sharn of corruption" doesn't seem like something a real individual would try to do, they'd have more concrete goals that were more related to that'd individual's life. There could be specific members of the Tyrants, for example, that he wants to see arrested, or maybe there is a particular goal that the Church of the Silver Flame has in Sharn that he can participate in. I'm looking for more ideas so that I can flesh it out and make it come alive. All I have are those points above and I'd like some inspiration to add detail. Essentially, you have this real person with a life BEFORE they find the calling of the Flame. How does it change them? What do they do with themselves now? I think part of my problem is that I'm having trouble understanding the mindset of a true believer of the Silver Flame and how it would affect their motivations and personality. So I'm tossing it out into the void, looking for feedback.
Rekko 08-29-07, 11:59 AM	And what sort of campaign your DM is going to make you play? It can shape your character to know that. Maybe your changeling was trying hard to become a member of the Cabinet of Faces and was having great time changing form for various purposes. Then he got enlightened by the Silver Flame, and decided to stop using his shapechanging abilities for moral reasons. Then, he became either cleric or paladin and is working hard in politics to either put some laws on restricting changeling and shapeshifters to alter their appearance, and some other laws to reinforce the right to use true seeing for obvious reasons. Both laws would force changellings to either take on their true form or conceal themselves with greater skills (nondetection or other divination blocking spells). This goal be a good campaign arc, similar to the Lycanthropic Purge, the next to be dealt with are now the changellings and other shapeshifters. Moreover, your chaangelling character knows to well that the stereotype of the changelling rogue is true and tries to put a stop on organisation that relies on shapechanging abilities to perform their crimes (stealing, spying, murder, controlling events, etc.) Rekko
naturax 08-29-07, 12:19 PM	And what sort of campaign your DM is going to make you play? It can shape your character to know that. There isn't a campaign going yet, but I want to get the character ready for next time a campaign starts. So right now I'm aiming for something I'm going to enjoy and I'll modify it if necessary. ...Then, he became either cleric or paladin and is working hard in politics to either put some laws on restricting changeling and shapeshifters to alter their appearance, and some other laws to reinforce the right to use true seeing for obvious reasons. Both laws would force changellings to either take on their true form or conceal themselves with greater skills (nondetection or other divination blocking spells). This goal be a good campaign arc, similar to the Lycanthropic Purge, the next to be dealt with are now the changellings and other shapeshifters. That's an awesome idea! And just the sort of thing I'm looking for! I'm thinking it'd be fun to make him sort of a specialist in hunting down changelings and other shapechangers for the Forces of Good. THAT gives him a purpose and something to do - stop others of his kind from pulling off the sort of stuff that he did once upon a time. And it provides all sorts of tension - who's going to trust someone that turns on his own kind? The other changelings must really hate him too. I really like that idea, thanks!
Rekko 08-29-07, 12:26 PM	Moreover, he can say that it is okay to use his shapechanging abilities against changellings other shapechangers, so your character can use the abilities core to the changelling. Glad to help, I'll even put him into my own campaign. Rekko
Vharuck 08-29-07, 02:04 PM	What about a scar? I know scars have become trite and old-hat, but a changeling with a scar? Given that changelings can cover up such deformities at will, you'd be a rarity. Not only would somebody on the street be amazed that they get to see a changeling's true face, but that the changeling won't even cover up his scar. I know, it was done in the Heirs of Ash books, but it's still a good idea.
Alex_ 08-29-07, 02:34 PM	Essentially, you have this real person with a life BEFORE they find the calling of the Flame. How does it change them? What do they do with themselves now? I think part of my problem is that I'm having trouble understanding the mindset of a true believer of the Silver Flame and how it would affect their motivations and personality. I think a good way to look at the CotSF and their followers would be to look at the Jedi in Star Wars. Here you also have an order that teaches us to purge the darkness in our hearts, seek out the light, and has a heavy influence on politics, as well as an order of trained warriors who participate in wars, and engage in campaigns against the dark. Although some of the warriors and authorities who are not always the best people and make mistakes (Vrook, Anakin, Luke, Kyle, Quinlan) and bad things can happen as a result, they still in general try to do what they think is appropriate and right. I think your character should, in simplest terms, try to make the world into a better place, and themselves into a better person. Also, being a Templar, they know they not only have the personal discipline and compassion try and guide people towards the light, but also that they have the powers to defend people from greater Evils (corrupt politicians, Evil monsters, dangerous planar outsiders, etc). You know that it's a tough road that there will be many battle stop fight with not only swords, but words, and ideas, but it's a battle you have to fight to keep Evil from taking over.
naturax 09-11-07, 11:48 AM	Ok, I've found a campaign for this guy! The only catch is that we start out in Xen'drik. So I'm looking for ideas for why he would end up in there - either to further his personal cause to root out shapechangers or on behalf of the Silver Flame for some reason. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
Alex_ 09-11-07, 04:13 PM	Ok, I've found a campaign for this guy! The only catch is that we start out in Xen'drik. So I'm looking for ideas for why he would end up in there - either to further his personal cause to root out shapechangers or on behalf of the Silver Flame for some reason. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks! There's a temple of the Silver Flame in Stormreach. He's there on mundane business, delivering a message/package, escorting an important individual, or something forgettable like that.
SQuigley316 09-11-07, 04:48 PM	Just my two cents, I only just saw this topic and like the idea that popped into my head about this I may use it myself. So your Cleric of the Silver Flame, he is against shapeshifters now and also may want to rid the church of some it's corruption. How does this sound, when he was younger before becoming a cleric, he worked for a cleric of the Silver Flame who would have him use his shape change ability to mimc that of a lycanthrope scaring villagers into paying the Silver Flame cleric to purge the unholy lycanthrope from their village. During this time he has spent with the tainted cleric he comes to fully believe in the teachings of the Silver Flame so much so that he became a cleric and exposed his "teacher". Now firmly rooted in his beliefs as a member of the Church of the Silver Flame as well as in those against using his shape change ability he learns this former teacher/cleric is over in Xen'drik bilking those settlers over there in the same ruse your PC was a part of years before, maybe with another Changeling. Your PC goes over to find and bring to justice once more this vile representative of the faith he loves so much, maybe even using his abilities on occassion to smoke out the cleric who would know what his true form would look like. I am sure your DM could work something in the campaign for you on those lines.
naturax 09-11-07, 04:53 PM	Just my two cents, I only just saw this topic and like the idea that popped into my head about this I may use it myself. So your Cleric of the Silver Flame, he is against shapeshifters now and also may want to rid the church of some it's corruption. How does this sound, when he was younger before becoming a cleric, he worked for a cleric of the Silver Flame who would have him use his shape change ability to mimc that of a lycanthrope scaring villagers into paying the Silver Flame cleric to purge the unholy lycanthrope from their village. During this time he has spent with the tainted cleric he comes to fully believe in the teachings of the Silver Flame so much so that he became a cleric and exposed his "teacher". Now firmly rooted in his beliefs as a member of the Church of the Silver Flame as well as in those against using his shape change ability he learns this former teacher/cleric is over in Xen'drik bilking those settlers over there in the same ruse your PC was a part of years before, maybe with another Changeling. Your PC goes over to find and bring to justice once more this vile representative of the faith he loves so much, maybe even using his abilities on occassion to smoke out the cleric who would know what his true form would look like. I am sure your DM could work something in the campaign for you on those lines. FAN. TASTIC. That's exactly the sort of thing I was looking for! And it really fits the character concept! I tip my hat to you, SQuigley316!