Can anyone offer any useful tips for roleplaying this? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Can anyone offer any useful tips for roleplaying this? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
myusernameis
10-29-06, 09:38 PM Heyah. I was wondering if anyone has any useful tips for roleplaying a female elven fighter swordsage gestalt with the following stats: str 14, dex 18, con 14, int 10, wis 14, cha 8. The character is a duelist (not the class) specializing in the use of the desert wind and diamond disciplines. If anymore information is needed I'd be glad to give it.
theotherdraxen
10-29-06, 10:21 PM Wrong forum. Try down in the Character Development boards. You'll probably get help here anyway, but you'll get much more focused and much better help in the right forum.

Plus, it's off-topic, so WizO may move you anyway.
Thubby
10-30-06, 07:04 PM tom boy. or (and im sure someone is going to take offense to this) feminist

low cha, you arent exactly attractive (iether in the physical or personality sense), if you wanna mess with people, be a beauty, with a boyish attitude!
the strong physical stats fit both.
you might be out to prove that you (a female) are better, or on par with men conterparts.
you understand battle, very well, with perceptions that would boggle lesser minds, your art is the sword, and none can rival you there (double ftr classes)
myusernameis
10-30-06, 11:41 PM Interesting tips, anyone else got some?
JasonOrlandoHawk
10-30-06, 11:51 PM Your stats imply a life made through the hardships of travel & war, not in the arena of the social elite. You have a low Charisma and Intelligence which is very odd for an elf, particularly a "lady." However, you have a high Wisdom, and a very nice Constitution for an Elf. Your lessons were harsh, brutal, and the type of thing you only get one chance to learn.

I'd say, one way or another, your character is probably an exile or refugee from her (original) home community, and she was forced to take shelter anywhere she could (read: under the instruction & care of the swordsages). You definately weren't raised normally for an elf. (Then again, double "fighter" build while gestalt, w/ no Arcane talents would say the same thing.)

I don't have the Book of Nine Swords, nor will I be able to acquire it any time in the near future, so I can't help you much there. However, judging from your stats alone, your mentor may very well be the only father you remember.
myusernameis
10-31-06, 12:23 AM If it aids anyone in offering advice the character is lawful good, I forgot to mention that.
Orchomenos
10-31-06, 09:02 AM Then I suggest you to take a look at the Knight (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=2) class from PHII. While the paladin must follow a loose code of conduct, the knight has mechanics to challenge foes in a duel. I'm not telling you to play a knight, but to inspire yourself from the description of the special abilities.

Beside this... I always saw the elves as being the most egalitarian race regarding genders. I mean, we're even not sure if Corellon is male or female... So long that your character was in her native town in the trees, it was normal for her to be a fighter and to be feminine. But in contact with more or less patriarcal societies, she would, by necessity, become feminist...
Thubby
10-31-06, 10:42 PM another thaught comes to mind, you could be very sagely, a natural elf attitude (in my xp), that and the high wis. the low cha means you dont express them well. think hermit, a pain in the ass, but when someone comes to listen, they find you think far beyond the normal scope. with much to offer to any who are willing to wait.
old woman of the mountain.
albinomonkeyking
11-01-06, 12:35 AM Well, you obviously have stats allocated for fighting, so it would be fairly easy to base a character around that. Although, that kinda screams more barbarian than fighter, and kinda goes against the mentallity of a duelist.

If you like duelist though, a recent character of mine has a code he follows. If he is challenged to a duel he accepts, if a teammate were to interfere he would forfeit the duel and try to stop his teammate (he wouldn't attack them as they are all good friends) He is high on the honor, as duelists probably are, winning is everything. He is an AC character, so he will test his skills, always trusting them in a situation.

For example: A cavalier had decimated our team, it was only myself and one member left alive. My character could have stepped aside to allow the last member to handle it, but he held his ground and took a full defensive, if the cavalier hit him then he had failed in his training. He was hit and killed, after his ressurection he gave up all stat enhancing items, swearing only to personal strength, he would never rely on anything but himself again.

As for the low charisma, you could play it rude, which could be amusing, you say what is on your mind, what everyone else has the tact not to, "Hey what the hell is that thing on your face?" etc., or, your character could just be kind of odd, enough to be off-putting to others:

While in the chambers of the king: "And so I ask that you take up this quest-" Your character whispers or says aloud, "You think he has pants on under that robe?" When people look at you odd you are confused. Could be a lot of fun.

Hope any of that helped, if not, any particular area you are looking for help with?
myusernameis
11-01-06, 12:47 AM Just some refinements to personality and possible history, so far my character is a very sarcastic, dry and all too often cold duelist with an obsession on her own code of honor which she gained from her mentor (an area I could really use some aid with, I have no idea what to do for a formalized code of honor). History, well I don't know enough about the world I'm into doing anything too specific but I could seriously use some help on that. Suggestions for some habits/manerisms would also be appreciated (currently for quirks all I really have is that each time she beats an opponent in a duel she get's her ear pierced with a gold earring if the combat was "honorable" silver if it wasn't, however she has to learn their name before she'll put the earring in.)
albinomonkeyking
11-01-06, 02:06 AM Don't force yourself into a niche, your entire concept need not revolve around your code and fighting. My duelist-type for example is incredibly odd and plays practical joke, one time bike gang leader, and future casino owner, he is kind of an oddball.

I like the earpiece thing, my character carried a pad around with him writing down everything he defeated, and later he turned a portable hole into a trophy room. Any opponent (had to use a weapon) he beat he would take the weapon and mount it in the lavishly adorned trophy room with plaques describing each opponent.

Mannerisms....mmm. Well, you could show respect to strength, not status. For example: The captain of the guards is probably more powerful than the mayor, although he may have less say you show him more respect. You could look down on people who rely on money or friends for status. Maybe you are obsessive about your weapon? Cleaning it constantly, polishing it, going into mental breakdowns should it be filthied in any way (used to cut something you don't think it should be used on)

As for a formalized code, well, since it is more of a 'duelist' than 'paladin' or 'knight' I think it will revolve much more strongly around combat than out of, although you could easily put in something where you will not show a weak person the 'honor' of killing them, or in some cases, fighting them. Another quirk, you could allow especially good fighters their lives, telling them to get better, hone their skills, whatever.

Cold and sarcastic seem pretty good traits, I would say work from there. If you ever did show a caring side you could make sure no one would find out about it, like, "If you tell anyone about this I will kill you." Those are always amusing...I'm kinda dead on thinking for now, maybe some new things will sprout up later.
myusernameis
11-01-06, 03:47 AM Thank you for the help, I appreciate it greatly, if you or anyone else has anything of interest they'd like to add I'm more than happy to hear it.
pinkbunny
11-01-06, 04:46 AM I think a low cha can be played as a bit combatative and unwilling to comprimise(already a characteristic of Lawful :p)

you could take offense easily and skip diplomacy.
Thubby
11-01-06, 11:43 AM a code i used for an old duelist pc of mine:
never faught anyone he deamed significantly weaker than him
never used poison, or dirty tactics (its sneaky and dishonest)
never sneak attacked (if he couldnt beat you head on, he didnt deserve to win)
never harmed non combatants (no honor, and they are weak)
always respect your foe
and never respect aristocrats, spellcaster, sneak types (rog,ninja,etc/)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
myusernameis 10-29-06, 09:38 PM	Heyah. I was wondering if anyone has any useful tips for roleplaying a female elven fighter swordsage gestalt with the following stats: str 14, dex 18, con 14, int 10, wis 14, cha 8. The character is a duelist (not the class) specializing in the use of the desert wind and diamond disciplines. If anymore information is needed I'd be glad to give it.
theotherdraxen 10-29-06, 10:21 PM	Wrong forum. Try down in the Character Development boards. You'll probably get help here anyway, but you'll get much more focused and much better help in the right forum. Plus, it's off-topic, so WizO may move you anyway.
Thubby 10-30-06, 07:04 PM	tom boy. or (and im sure someone is going to take offense to this) feminist low cha, you arent exactly attractive (iether in the physical or personality sense), if you wanna mess with people, be a beauty, with a boyish attitude! the strong physical stats fit both. you might be out to prove that you (a female) are better, or on par with men conterparts. you understand battle, very well, with perceptions that would boggle lesser minds, your art is the sword, and none can rival you there (double ftr classes)
myusernameis 10-30-06, 11:41 PM	Interesting tips, anyone else got some?
JasonOrlandoHawk 10-30-06, 11:51 PM	Your stats imply a life made through the hardships of travel & war, not in the arena of the social elite. You have a low Charisma and Intelligence which is very odd for an elf, particularly a "lady." However, you have a high Wisdom, and a very nice Constitution for an Elf. Your lessons were harsh, brutal, and the type of thing you only get one chance to learn. I'd say, one way or another, your character is probably an exile or refugee from her (original) home community, and she was forced to take shelter anywhere she could (read: under the instruction & care of the swordsages). You definately weren't raised normally for an elf. (Then again, double "fighter" build while gestalt, w/ no Arcane talents would say the same thing.) I don't have the Book of Nine Swords, nor will I be able to acquire it any time in the near future, so I can't help you much there. However, judging from your stats alone, your mentor may very well be the only father you remember.
myusernameis 10-31-06, 12:23 AM	If it aids anyone in offering advice the character is lawful good, I forgot to mention that.
Orchomenos 10-31-06, 09:02 AM	Then I suggest you to take a look at the Knight (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060501a&page=2) class from PHII. While the paladin must follow a loose code of conduct, the knight has mechanics to challenge foes in a duel. I'm not telling you to play a knight, but to inspire yourself from the description of the special abilities. Beside this... I always saw the elves as being the most egalitarian race regarding genders. I mean, we're even not sure if Corellon is male or female... So long that your character was in her native town in the trees, it was normal for her to be a fighter and to be feminine. But in contact with more or less patriarcal societies, she would, by necessity, become feminist...
Thubby 10-31-06, 10:42 PM	another thaught comes to mind, you could be very sagely, a natural elf attitude (in my xp), that and the high wis. the low cha means you dont express them well. think hermit, a pain in the ass, but when someone comes to listen, they find you think far beyond the normal scope. with much to offer to any who are willing to wait. old woman of the mountain.
albinomonkeyking 11-01-06, 12:35 AM	Well, you obviously have stats allocated for fighting, so it would be fairly easy to base a character around that. Although, that kinda screams more barbarian than fighter, and kinda goes against the mentallity of a duelist. If you like duelist though, a recent character of mine has a code he follows. If he is challenged to a duel he accepts, if a teammate were to interfere he would forfeit the duel and try to stop his teammate (he wouldn't attack them as they are all good friends) He is high on the honor, as duelists probably are, winning is everything. He is an AC character, so he will test his skills, always trusting them in a situation. For example: A cavalier had decimated our team, it was only myself and one member left alive. My character could have stepped aside to allow the last member to handle it, but he held his ground and took a full defensive, if the cavalier hit him then he had failed in his training. He was hit and killed, after his ressurection he gave up all stat enhancing items, swearing only to personal strength, he would never rely on anything but himself again. As for the low charisma, you could play it rude, which could be amusing, you say what is on your mind, what everyone else has the tact not to, "Hey what the hell is that thing on your face?" etc., or, your character could just be kind of odd, enough to be off-putting to others: While in the chambers of the king: "And so I ask that you take up this quest-" Your character whispers or says aloud, "You think he has pants on under that robe?" When people look at you odd you are confused. Could be a lot of fun. Hope any of that helped, if not, any particular area you are looking for help with?
myusernameis 11-01-06, 12:47 AM	Just some refinements to personality and possible history, so far my character is a very sarcastic, dry and all too often cold duelist with an obsession on her own code of honor which she gained from her mentor (an area I could really use some aid with, I have no idea what to do for a formalized code of honor). History, well I don't know enough about the world I'm into doing anything too specific but I could seriously use some help on that. Suggestions for some habits/manerisms would also be appreciated (currently for quirks all I really have is that each time she beats an opponent in a duel she get's her ear pierced with a gold earring if the combat was "honorable" silver if it wasn't, however she has to learn their name before she'll put the earring in.)
albinomonkeyking 11-01-06, 02:06 AM	Don't force yourself into a niche, your entire concept need not revolve around your code and fighting. My duelist-type for example is incredibly odd and plays practical joke, one time bike gang leader, and future casino owner, he is kind of an oddball. I like the earpiece thing, my character carried a pad around with him writing down everything he defeated, and later he turned a portable hole into a trophy room. Any opponent (had to use a weapon) he beat he would take the weapon and mount it in the lavishly adorned trophy room with plaques describing each opponent. Mannerisms....mmm. Well, you could show respect to strength, not status. For example: The captain of the guards is probably more powerful than the mayor, although he may have less say you show him more respect. You could look down on people who rely on money or friends for status. Maybe you are obsessive about your weapon? Cleaning it constantly, polishing it, going into mental breakdowns should it be filthied in any way (used to cut something you don't think it should be used on) As for a formalized code, well, since it is more of a 'duelist' than 'paladin' or 'knight' I think it will revolve much more strongly around combat than out of, although you could easily put in something where you will not show a weak person the 'honor' of killing them, or in some cases, fighting them. Another quirk, you could allow especially good fighters their lives, telling them to get better, hone their skills, whatever. Cold and sarcastic seem pretty good traits, I would say work from there. If you ever did show a caring side you could make sure no one would find out about it, like, "If you tell anyone about this I will kill you." Those are always amusing...I'm kinda dead on thinking for now, maybe some new things will sprout up later.
myusernameis 11-01-06, 03:47 AM	Thank you for the help, I appreciate it greatly, if you or anyone else has anything of interest they'd like to add I'm more than happy to hear it.
pinkbunny 11-01-06, 04:46 AM	I think a low cha can be played as a bit combatative and unwilling to comprimise(already a characteristic of Lawful :p) you could take offense easily and skip diplomacy.
Thubby 11-01-06, 11:43 AM	a code i used for an old duelist pc of mine: never faught anyone he deamed significantly weaker than him never used poison, or dirty tactics (its sneaky and dishonest) never sneak attacked (if he couldnt beat you head on, he didnt deserve to win) never harmed non combatants (no honor, and they are weak) always respect your foe and never respect aristocrats, spellcaster, sneak types (rog,ninja,etc/)