We’ve already got #1, the human known only as The Voice of Telos, but who are the other twelve?
Let’s start small and count backwards, working up from #13.
EDIT: JOB FINISHED! Thank you to all who participated. But, we're not done! Please read through this thread to find out lots more community created information about the Warlock Knights. Much good stuff for Realms DMs and players to be found here!
Here is a link to the Warlock Knights of Vaasa preview, for those who don’t own the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting book and so may not know about the Warlock Knights and the Vindicators of the Ironfell Council.
Here are the names (with links) to each of the council members. Good job everyone!
#13: Ivor Chernin (see below)
#12 Lishkah Ehravic
#11 Eranthis Falcata
#10 Skagi
#9 Tan Mu Rong
#8 Vasilii Ivanov Gubin
#7 Jonmarc “The Limper” Hathsin
#6 Telvorn Ironspade
#5 Varshyl
#4 Calex Interthorn
#3 Ariados Rakhuras
#2 Mansard Kanaoth (as detailed in the Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, page 189)
#1 The Voice of Telos (sic)
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Here’s my offering:
#13: Ivor Chernin
Called The Grinder by those he leads and simply "Madman" by those wise enough to whisper it, Ivor Chernin is the thirteenth member of the Ironfell Council and marshal of its monstrous armies.
Possessed of an intense fanaticism and burning desire to wreak havoc and destruction on whomever the Voice of Telos wills it, Ivor Chernin maintains absolute control over a cadre of loyal felthanes who oversee his lands and holdings along the western edge of the Galena Mountains.
It is on these lands that the most vicious and predatory humanoids that make up Vaasa’s armies are bred and trained for battle. Here Ivor keeps all manner of orc, hobgoblin, ogre and worse, ever bent on creating an unstoppable killing horde that will one day wreak bloody slaughter on the faithless lands surrounding great and glorious Vaasa so that all are brought under the heel of the Voice of Telos.
Even by the ruthless standards of the Warlock Knights, Ivor Chernin is considered an overzealous fanatic. The other Vindicators who make up the Ironfell council take pains not to offend or give the least slight to the Voice of Telos in Chernin’s presence, lest the Voice should take offense and once again command his most loyal servant to overrun the lands of one of the council’s number.
By the will of the Voice, such tests of the battle-readiness of the forces under Ivor's control have brought swift and brutal change to the makeup of the Ironfell Council in the past.
The Grinder stands forever ready to test the mettle of his forces against any foe, within Vaasa or without.
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"By the will of the Voice." Hey, I kinda like that.
Origin
To the members of the Ironfell Council little is known of the spymaster Lishkah Ehravic. According to reports he was born and raised in a small village about a days march south of Dellhalls. He spent the first 30 years of his life in relative obscurity. When a harsh winter and savage orcs wiped out the rest of his village he traveled to Telos City to swear his pact and join the ranks of the Warlock Knights. This is all his peers know of him and every word of it is a lie.
The man known as Lishkah Ehravic was discovered by a pair of prospectors in a partially collapsed cave in the Galena mountains. He was unconscious in some sort of crystal alcove. When the prospectors entered they set of a ward, releasing him. He told them that he was a powerful wizard, and that if they helped him back to civilization they would be rewarded handsomely. He quizzed them incessantly as they traveled. He was concerned as he had no access to his arcane powers. That night he learned of the spellplague, and of the Warlock Knights. That night he cut his companions throats as they slept, gathered what weapons and gold they had and set off for Telos City under a false name, seeing the Knights as a convenient path to power.
His rise through the ranks of the Warlock Knights was meteoric. He was a natural manipulator who often tricked his rivals into eliminating each other, leaving him to seize their power for himself. He amassed a web of contacts and spies stretching to every corner of Vaasa. He used this network to gather information while he sought out arcane secrets and forbidden knowledge.
Just 5 years after swearing his pact, he had risen to the rank of Vindicator and was serving directly under Kurol Steelmace, a member of the Ironfell council known for his paranoia. It was a small matter to convince Kurol of a plot to assassinate him. When Kurol was killed making a preemptive strike against the two Councilors he (wrongly) thought were plotting against him, Lishkah Ehravic took his place at the council.
The man known as Lishkah Ehravic was discovered by a pair of prospectors in a partially collapsed cave in the Galena mountains. He was unconscious in some sort of crystal alcove. When the prospectors entered they set of a ward, releasing him. He told them that he was a powerful wizard, and that if they helped him back to civilization they would be rewarded handsomely. He quizzed them incessantly as they traveled. He was concerned as he had no access to his arcane powers. That night he learned of the spellplague, and of the Warlock Knights. That night he cut his companions throats as they slept, gathered what weapons and gold they had and set off for Telos City under a false name, seeing the Knights as a convenient path to power.
His rise through the ranks of the Warlock Knights was meteoric. He was a natural manipulator who often tricked his rivals into eliminating each other, leaving him to seize their power for himself. He amassed a web of contacts and spies stretching to every corner of Vaasa. He used this network to gather information while he sought out arcane secrets and forbidden knowledge.
Just 5 years after swearing his pact, he had risen to the rank of Vindicator and was serving directly under Kurol Steelmace, a member of the Ironfell council known for his paranoia. It was a small matter to convince Kurol of a plot to assassinate him. When Kurol was killed making a preemptive strike against the two Councilors he (wrongly) thought were plotting against him, Lishkah Ehravic took his place at the council.
#11 Eranthis Falcata
This honey-tongued, epicene man is quite skilled those who know him poorly into thinking he's far less of a threat than he actually is--including some of his fellow council members. Much of the time, he comes off as preening, soft-voiced hedonist, but in truth he has a nasty and unpredictable temper. Eranthis controls most of his followers with fear (those who displease him risk winding up in his entensive, underground garden wherein he raises plants that feed on human--or humanoid--flesh), but he is not incapable of growing attached to things. He loves his companion rage drake, Borion, and is known to speak soothingly to it when he's not exhorting it to kill someone.
WotC pretty much lifted this right from WoW, and it would make sense, since Gareth is Arthaus' FR equivalent - a fallen Paladin corrupted by powerful evil forces.
I'm assuming the leader is either King Gareth... or Kale.
WotC pretty much lifted this right from WoW, and it would make sense, since Gareth is Arthaus' FR equivalent - a fallen Paladin corrupted by powerful evil forces.
-Road of the Patriarch seemingly was trying it's hardest to paint the Paladin-King as a bastard, so...Maybe something was going on that, at the time, we didn't understand.
As I am no DM I will sit back and let your other worldly wisdom be imparted to me. I'll make quiet tally's to myself though.
# 12 Lishkah Ehravic
Dude, that was awesome.
I read Lishkah's description the one time only and I'm already afraid of him.
More please!
:D
Skagi has no allies within the Ironfell Council. Several times he openly showed animosity towards other lords of Vaasa. What has kept him in position despite the harsh demeanor are the war forces under his stony fist, which the Voice of Telos considers quite invaluable. Some vindicators have noticed that Skagi knows when to stop his outbursts of hate and not to push too far. Skagi, like Ivor Chernin in western Galenas, knows that the real potential for amassing armies lies in the mountains, with nonhuman population greatly outnumbering the inhabitants of Vaasa. That's why he has taken control of his ancestral lands in the southwestern Earthspur mountains.
From a bowshot distance Skagi could be mistaken for a typical stone giant. Except for the Ironfell grafts that were put to replace parts of his undead skin. The grafts are fused with the body in a way that it appears like an iron armor. His eyes that glow like molten stone and elongated canines reveal the otherworldy aspect of Skagi. He wears a huge ancestral warhammer. The head of the weapon was later carved with ram-skull looking runes. These ornaments were placed more than a century ago by his father to simbolize the union with the Witch-king. Skagi was born from the union of the giant king, Skalkong, and one of the lilitus of Orcus brought to ''serve'' him. Among the stone giant tribes Skagi is known only as Skalson, which means ''son of the Skull''.
In the Year of the Serpent Skalkong was slain along with other Zhengyi's forces. Skagi's mother fled to Thanatos only to be destroyed by the servants of Kiaransalee. Skagi doesn't know whether she is alive, but hates her for abandoning him. This passion rivals the feeling he has for humans who are the usual target of his curses and blames. The cooperation of Skagi and other warlock knights is often impossible. The Voice of Telos is particularly abhorring, what a nerve this little creature has. Skagi finds blasphemous that a human serves as the Voice of the primordial when he is such an obvious, perfect candidate. He intended to crush his petty skull every time he was in the Temple-city. He's not sure why he didn't, his memory is confusing. Certainly not out of fear. There is always the next time, if not, humans are very short-lived.
Decades before Spellplague Skagi lived as an outcast among the desolate crags of the northern Earthspur mountains. Today that region borders the Marches of Tan Mu Rong. Due to his demonic nature Skulson was banished from the huslyder (family, clan). If he had refused he would be stoned to death. The remaining foul servants of Orcus suffered that fate. Skulson was forced to forget his lineage all the way to Annam, which is a very important aspect of giant's indentity and pride. First years of the exile were the most harsh, often being on the brink of survival. Skagi developed his hunting skills and a particular taste for the humans of the White Worm tribe. In the Year of Blue Fire, during the night when a star fell in the wilderness of Vaasa, a barbarian champion known as the Spirit-hunter battled the giant. Skagi was knocked unconscious and would surely be finished off by the warrior of Tempos. In his dreams the giant heard the primordial calling and made a pact for his life. He destroyed the surprised human with a blast of starfire. Intangible spirit in the shape of a remorhaz detached from the dead barbarian's body and flew in the direction of the Great Glacier.
Skagi searched for the source that spoke in his dreams. Upon reaching the site he found that humans had already defiled the place by their presence. He furiously attacked them but was forced to retreat before numerous eldritch blasts. In the next several years he continued the attacks and was repelled each time. He discovered that he could gather small armies of his kin and goblinoids with relative ease. The Temple-city grew became more stronger after every assault.
One day he came with the biggest force assembled since the days of Zhengyi. Their bodies were enhanced with Ironfell. Then you could find Ironfell scattered throughout the plains of Vaasa. Warlocks seemed doomed. Surprisingly, Skagi bowed to the Voice of Telos and became a member of the Ironfell Council. The giant was different, cold and calculating, very rarely showing his true emotions.
In his quest for gaining an edge over warlocks Skagi was ready to make all the neccessary sacrifices. He made other pacts. In the end the cost was his soul. Biela Rogha, a hag inhabitating one of the bottomless, icy bogs in the south of Vaasa, offered to fulfill his dreams and in return she claimed his soul. She devoured it, except for a part that holds the connection to Telos. Occasionally, when she needs it or not, Skagi's old personality resurfaces in rage. The wounds of the soul transformed his body into a cairn, an undead giant. The enemies of Skagi find his mind impossible to read. The hag replaced slow and stony parts of his body with the flesh of Telos which made him more perilous. The same process is performed in the creation of soldiers.
One time Skagi and his forces were passing through the lands of Vasilii Ivanov Gubin and the giant had one of the moments of madness after seeing a human village. They compensated the slaughtered village with the equal amount of soldiers. But Vasilii still holds a grudge complaining that he needed them alive. Fat ****.
Skagi's realm is located in southwestern Vaasa, covering Earthspur mountains and a few dozen miles of swampland towards the interior of the country. The inhabitants, mostly giants, goblinoids and similar monsters, call this realm Skalheim. Skalson's immense fortress (a.k.a. Skalfesting) is so high in the mountains that no mortal army would ever dare to reach it. Most of Skalheim is quite isolated and Skagi allows himself many things that other vindicators, being closer to the Voice of Telos, do not. When he conquered the land, he made sure that all sacred stone cairns built in honor of Skoraeus, King of Rock, are twisted and defiled. Skalson never forgot his exile. Priests of Skoraeus died in terrible tortures. As a replacement Skagi introduced the Cult of White Death. The cult that mostly revolves around funeral rites is enforced by the dodmazîn (giant deathpriests). Those who are about to die are taken to the bog, where they die peacefully by freezing in their sleep. Then their spirits unite with the primordial spirit of Telos. Well, that's just propaganda. What really happens is that the souls are taken to fiendish worlds, where Biela Rogha uses them as currency. That is all she cares for, the fresh flow of souls. Bloodstone profit may be useful in this world, mainly for taking care of Tan Mu Rong's collectors, but it's nothing compared to the traffic of souls. Eventually she plans to expand to the whole country and supplant the warlocks with her own covey of thirteen. She is very careful and able to wait for centuries. Souless bodies are transformed beyond recognition and animated by the living iron of Telos into Skagi's soldiers.
Biela Rogha's main concerns are keeping Skagi's temper in check and masking the eyes of spies and occassional visiting luminaries, religious fanatics who would certainly object against the practices of the Cult. Sometimes she allows Skagi to carry out his plan. He united with Tan Mu Rong against the White Worm barbarians, his ancient enemies. Before the attack the easterner wanted to check if it's possible to tax them. Skagi ate the Tan's messenger after hearing the suggestion leaving the matter unresolved. Skalson intended to invade the lands of Thar and beyond into the human lands of Moonsea. Armies were ready to descend down the mountains. However the hag's divinations had revealed possible unfavorable consequences involving Lishakah Ehravic and the war was postponed.
Tan Mu Rong is not Vassa-born; in fact, he wasn’t born in Faerûn at all. He hails from far-off Shou-Lung, and claims to have been a Mandarin there. He does not speak of his past except to say he left willingly, hearing the call of Telos, but others guess that he was driven from the lands of the Celestial Empire for some wretched misdeed. Whatever the case, he has demonstrated his bureaucratic skills and keen analytical mind to his fellow knights time and again, and was put in-charge of the Kingdom’s finances since soon after his arrival. He considers taxes and their procurement his life’s work, and takes great pleasure in squeezing every red copper from the peasants, who simply call him “The Collector”.
When he first came to Vassa, through Narfell and across the northern tundra of the Hordelands, he went straight to Tomb of Telos located beneath the Temple-city. The guards – for whatever reason – simply allowed him to pass, but the few Council Members present stood to bar his way… until the Voice of Telos spoke, and told them to stand down. Kneeling before the alter, he renounced all former ties and swore his allegiance to the Primordial, and to the shock of the attending members the Voice of Telos knighted him on the spot! No explanantion was ever given, and none dare to question the will of Telos.
The Collector’s unprecedented rise to power is not the only mystery surrounding this strangely calm man from the east. The right side of his face is covered with a mask in the style of the Samurai of the Island Kingdoms of Kara-Tur. Although its frightening Demonic visage has not changed since his arrival, the material it is constructed from has – what was once the apparently broken half of a normal mask is now a cleanly wrought one made from Ironfell. Aside from its composition, the only other change apparent from the original is an earring – a loop of dark, crystalline Iron and the symbol of his devotion to Telos. He has taken to wearing the style of armor of the West (and that of the other Warlock Knights), but retains one other piece of regalia from his Eastern heritage – A katana sword he wears upon his back with a strange, black blade. Although he still doffs the accepted weapons of a Warlock Knight – an Ironfell shortsword on his left hip and a Baton (mace) of authority on his right – he almost never draws them, preferring to rely on his own, ancestral weapon. Once, while trying to pry money from a village mayor that the man simply did not have, Tan Mu Rong drew the sword and severed the man’s head in a single stroke, saying only that he would “take this in payment”. Rumors abound concerning the swords powers, and some say it can cut through ANYTHING, even energy.
Upon acceptance, and aside from his financial duties, he was granted the undesirable position of ‘Lord of the Western Marches’. As with everything else the man does, he calmly took to his new role and carved out a large swath of land for himself and Vassa in the Frozen wastes bordering The Ride and The Tortured land, around Tóu Lóng Lake – named for it’s shape (literally ‘Dragon’s Head’). His Magnificent Citadel sits on an island near the western shore, connected by a narrow land-bridge during the frigid winter months, but becomes a swampy ford during the brief Vassan summer. The keep houses one of the finest collections of Art and Literature in the northeast – another reason for his nickname, “The Collector” - but very few people have ever gotten to see his private museum and library, for he entertains few visitors, keeping mostly to himself and saying very little, except to issue commands to his underlings. The one visitor he does see often, however, is the enigmatic “Mistress of the Great Glacier”, Iyraclea, with whom he’s reached an amicable accord and mutually beneficial relationship, between her realm and that of Vassa. Whispered rumors are exchanged around the council about this unlikely ‘friendship’, but most just laugh-off any that the two are amorous, given the cold, dour personalities of both.
Tan Mu Rong takes to his position of March Warden as seriously as he does overseeing Vassa’s wealth, and has twice repelled incursions by Ride Barbarians trying to retake the lands surrounding the lake. The only time anyone has seen him smile is during one such battle, wherein he drew his exotic sword and waded through the barbarians like a peasant threshing wheat. As for his past, even Lishkah Ehravic has trouble finding out anything substantial about the man – all forms of scrying have failed, and he has found it nearly impossible to place any spies in Tan Rong’s Duchy, due to the man’s keen, discerning mind. He has sent two of his best operatives into the east, along separate paths, in hopes of uncovering something he can use against the enigmatic foreigner, but he has thus-far not received word from either of the two, and now fears them lost. As for the other Warlock Knights – they tend to just ignore Tan Mu Rong, even when he is present, and the man’s unnerving silence during most meetings further enforces this situation. Most of them would rather not be bothered with running what they feel is the ‘drudge work’ of the kingdom, and they are more then happy to leave the Easterner to his methodical bookkeeping.
This weak chinned and pale watery-eyed mass of corpulent flesh clad in fine dark velvets and sable façade hides a hideous aspect that is known only within the Ironfell Council.
Underneath the perfumed fineries there is more to Vasilii than meets the public eye, that being his partially developed vestigal sibling Ivanov. While Vasilii is the public face it is Ivanov who is the master as he rides his twin torso like a foul malignant tumor. Masters of extracting information under the most vile of methods and with appetites even more so, Vasilii Ivanov Gubin is the bogeyman of the hushed whispers told around the campfires and hearths of Vaasa. A devil in the skin of a man some whisper, his obscene fleshy mass the result of dark cannibalistic orgies frequented by infernal beings.
Rumored to be a practitioner of the darkest Art with the ability to break even the most iron willed hero, it is to Tower Gubin that those who have failed or displeased the Voice are sent, never again to be seen. The villagers who live in the shadow of the stark white tower exist in an agony of constant fear and despair that their young daughters and sons will catch the eye of Vasilii and his ‘appetite’ and be brought to serve the Warlock Knight. There are fewer and fewer children in the countryside that surrounds Tower Gubin of late and fearful families try to hide their newborns or flee the region if they can.
When children go missing from their beds in the still of the night rest assured that somewhere in Tower Gubin their screams are still echoing in the dark.
One of a few of the denziens of Tower of Gubin.
The Children of Vasilli
The Brood Swarm
Level 26 Skirmisher
Large natural animate (undead/swarm)
XP 9000
Initiative +24 Senses Perception +20; dark vision
HP 238; Bloodied 119
AC 26; Fortitude 36, Reflex 38, Will 32
Resist half damage from melee and ranged attacks. Vulnerable 10 against close and area attacks.
Speed 6
Swarm of Teeth (standard; at-will)
+31 vs. AC; 2d6 + 10 damage (crit 2d6 + 22) plus an extra 2d6 damage if the brood swarm has knocked the target prone.
Drag down screaming (standard; at-will)
+26 vs. Reflex; The brood swarm latches on to the target with its mass of tiny clawed hands and drags it to the ground.
Howl of the Damned (standard; encounter; recharges when first bloodied) Necrotic
Ranged 10; +25 vs. Will; 3d8 +12 necrotic damage, and the target is immobilized (save ends).
Alignment Evil
Languages Common
Skills Endurance +24, Intimidate +21, Stealth +27
Str 30 (+23)
Dex 28 (+22)
Wis 8 (+3)
Con 22 (+19)
Int 18 (+17)
Cha 3 (-3)
Nothing goes to waste within Tower Gubin and if it is not later used for food or other resources it ends up on the work tables in laboratories of Vasilii Ivanov Gubin. Here is where Ivanov gets to treat himself to a few of his appetites, the creation of life. The children of the surrounding land and those that are bred within the pristine white walls of Tower Gubin are a favorite of Ivanov and he cares for them as only a father can.
Several creations lurk within the tower, rarely seen outside of its confines unless requested by The Voice of Telos or in an isolated village in a test of abilities. Many of the creations are prepared to serve the Voice of Telos while others exist to continue to serve Tower Gubin.
The powerful scent of preservative fluids and spices with a hint of rot is all one usually notices before the Brood Swarm comes crawling and scrabbling from the shadows, that and the reflected light in the green catlike eyes of the multitude. Small forms teeming over each other in a wave of horror that moves along the floor, walls and ceiling pour forth intent on devouring its prey. Its hunger the blessing of the father, one that can never be filled only sated for a time.
I was going to go for the fat, greasy child-molestor type myself, but this vestigal twin thing takes it to whole 'nother (grosser) level.
Well Done.
Hey Misc - The Voice of Telos IS #13 (they already counted their number backwards); it says so under 'Vassa lore' and 'DC 30'. We can just assume you're guy is #1, I guess.
EDIT: 9's done. :D
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Dude, we've not even done half of them yet and already I'm getting a bigger picture in my mind of what Vaasa is like under the rule of the Warlock Knights.
Fricking awesome. Thank you to everyone who has (and who will) participate.
This stuff is canon in my 4E FR game.
#7 Jonmarc “The Limper” Hathsin
Jonmarc is a charismatic and strikingly handsome figure, made more so by the ever apparent smile on his face and probably one, if not the most recognizable member of Ironfells infamous 13. This is not because he is the most powerful, nor even the most cruel (though he is by no means merciful).; it is merely the fact that he is the most flamboyant and showy of the bunch. This is achieved by his habit of strolling to most all public meetings of the council, where he is easily spotted by his distinctive color changing ironrfell chainmail, and his even more characteristic hobble, the source of his nickname. The cause of Jonmarc’s uneven gait is the well of never ending gossip through a lot of Warlock circles. This is goaded on by Jonmarc telling a different story every time a green Warlock Knight asks of it’s making. The story ranges from an everlasting battle scare given to him by an Angel on the celestial plane itself, a Yochol’s acid which stained him in the palace of a Matron mother herself, or a very, very rough romp with one of the prettier Lasses in Silvermoon, only Telos and the Voice themselves know the truth. His entire bearing and mannerism seems more befit to a courtly prince of Waterdeep then that of a Vassa Warlock Knight.
The Limper makes his money in various locations but most of his coin comes from commissions. The commissions in question is because he is also known as the “Ambassador” of Vassa’s goods. When there is a great deal of importance riding on any trade agreement, Jonmarc is sent to help make it happen. His undeniable charm, wit and manners assure his acquaintances they are in the presence of royalty. Not only this but for all his Jovialness and manners, The Limper is not as intimidating as any of the other 12 members of Ironfell’s council. Being underestimated helps the Non-Vassa end of the transaction feel safe, let them think they are getting the better end of the deal, that the oh so scary Warlock Knight’s are no more than an overblown rumor. All his other funds come from his independently run trading corporation. That is, he is a peddler of flesh. He sells the majority of his battle earned livestock (humans, elves, Halflings, dwarves, etc.) to fellow Knights, the Shade Enclave, Thay’s wizards, and underdark contacts. Slave trade is always a face to face business, and Face to face is where Jonmarc excels.
Contrary to many of his Brethren he keeps no standing army, but instead spreads his resources through the Vassa population in sleeper cells. Each cell has a permissible business front, and a work force numbering from half a dozen to a score of well trained and well disciplined men. For every 5,000 people in the area he keeps about seven of these cells active. Each cell can contact every other single cell under Jonmarc Hathsin’s control via a specially made Ironfell ring of connecting, but doesn’t know the actual whereabouts, and/or physical description of anybody outside their own cell. This is for security purposes. No cell can flag another cell if ousted.
Jonmarc is known to always have two hidden tails/bodyguards at all times, but has an additional four that have never been noticed, all for security sake. The reason for hiding his bodyguards is another thing that makes him so well known. All the lowly peasants who spot him in pubic assume him alone, even though he is always to be in constant danger, that falls to him by his Council seat. Always more posturing.
Jonmarc’s rise to power is a well known one. And one he still flaunts about. His life before the council was that of assassination. He was a wanderer who gained prestige in his stylized manner of killing. He was always known to his mark before there death. He would meet with them, use his charm to thrust himself into their life in some way and from their killed them via poison, or slipping a feral animal into their room, and more ways to prove that he didn’t have to do it. The Limper let them think he a friend right to the very end. Before ascending to the council though he was given the names of thirteen people by the Voice of Telos himself. Thirteen people who had to die before he took his seat. Thirteen clerics, each of a different god, each to end their days in Jonmarc Hathsin’s chosen way. Supposedly he sat through an entire service to Corellon next to a mark and her lover, before he slipped a dead magic pellet into the latter’s belt pouch and watched them as they were beaten to death down the street by hired thugs, helpless without their magic. Another rumor stats he somehow started a house war in a drow city just to see his Mark, the matron mother of one house, dead.
A funny side note; Jonmarc has no land to his name and therefore may be classified as an Executioner. A point which he is mocked by the other Council members for, even if he has some of his most secret and well trained sleeper cells in their innermost garrisons and guard houses.
Well, except for: NEXT!
I was thinking Drow, but that might be too over-done for FR, so maybe something unlikely, like a Halfling. We already have an assassin though... Hmmmm... Genasi?
A Tiefling would be a little too easy...
I'd do another, but I'd rather each one be done by a different person. Also, as I do the map (yes, I am working on one for this region, considering how much work is going into these write-ups), I'll be outlining the various Lords domains, so something to that efect will help.
One last thing - I have learned that Iyraclea DIED during the Rage of Dragons. Assume for now that for all intents-and-purposes she still looks exactly the same - alive and well - but probably isn't. Ice is an amazing preservative. ;)
I have it on good word that she is indeed making a comeback, so I wasn't far off, after all.
Oh and I guess a shade wouldn't be bad. That would be starting pretty early though. 4e for the realms isn't even out yet and we would be getting started on the favorite protaganist (Is it just me or are the Shades going to become the 4e conterparts of the 3.x Drow?).
We need at least one female...
Mine is a bit feminine, does that count?:P
IOne last thing - I have learned that Iyraclea DIED during the Rage of Dragons. Assume for now that for all intents-and-purposes she still looks exactly the same - alive and well - but probably isn't. Ice is an amazing preservative. ;)
I have it on good word that she is indeed making a comeback, so I wasn't far off, after all.
I saw your post on CK and left a response there.;)
#10 is done
Excellent... :D
Now we just need a female - perhaps a Crinti (Half-Drow?) abandoned by both Lolth and Loviatar (maybe she was one of those Betrayer-priests, and she was burning the candle at both ends?)
I might do another - this place does need a Torturer's Guild.
And who better to extract information from 'detractors' then someone who really enjoys her work?
@Rinon - I was actually surprised that you didn't create a woman NPC (despite yours being a bit flamboyent). ;)
@ everyone - I'm getting a really good picture of this cesspool of corruption now, but until we get the FRCG its going to be hard to give any detail to the 'southern Lords' (especially the ones bordering Damara- we have no clue whats going on there).
Maybe we could get BRJ to write one up, since he knows whats going on, he can 'tap dance' around whatever we are not supposed to know without violating 4e canon.
A katana sword he wears upon his back with a strange, black blade.
How does he draw that?
The Katana is drawn using the Iaidō technique. Part of this NPC's mystique is that although he professes to be from Kara-Tur and an ex-Mandarin, he shows several signs of actually coming from (and being trained in) the Island nations off the coast.
A person who was once soley a bureaucrat should not be so good at handling weapons. ;)
How does he draw that?
As any sword would be drawn from the back. Up and out. The scabbard would be cut along one side, to clear the scabbard at arms length.
-RW
I was toying with the idea of updating mine with a bit more background about his dynamic with the others. Also stats, I was thinking high end paragon tier (17-20) Warlock multiclassed into Rogue, but im not sure If I build him like a monster or go the big time NPC route and give him a full set of feats and powers. Any thoughts?
The 4e rules do not lend themselves very well to NPCs having previous levels in something, does it?
Hmmmm...
Further fleshing out each entry is a great idea - I plan to provide Iyraclea's new history as well, and maybe a few others from Tan Mu Rong's personal 'circle'.
If you're doing a female, I don't think I'll go the Crinti route then (too bad, because I had her fully formed in my mind). Maybe have her as just another operative, working just beneath Lishkah Ehravic, but not a full member of the Council (just a high-ranking vindicator).
Also thinking about a Calimshan ex-patriot who left during Memnon's Reign of Fire. A guy in a Turbin duel-wielding Scimitars is just so Capt. Nemo/League of Extraordinary gentleman. Maybe I'll just make him one of my underlings.
The magic iai technique that allows you to draw a sword without getting all of it out of the scabbard? I hope he either has very, very long arms or a short, short sword. Sorry, pet peeves.
Did I mention the sword was magic? :P
And yes, you can draw a sword from your back and strike with it in one fluid move - I have seen it done in demonstartions - VERY impressive.
And its the scabbard thats shorter, not the sword. ;)
Edit: Shorter, or otherwise alrtered for the purpose, as RW has explained.
I always thought we could have a pair of siblings on the Council. Maybe twins; a boy and a girl. Kind of twisted in there own ways. Sis could be the evil pladin type who gets her kicks from tyranny and total dommination and the brother a flurishin sorcerer with an effinity for Cold magic. They could also be close to each other. Not that they aren't super evil and caniving, or that they have any merciful feelings for each other, but you know.. close enough that spectators may wonder if they aren't having a incestic like get togethers.. Adding more to the Gross-nasty factor. Nothing like evil twins who have a thing for each other.
-Like the Von Strucker twins from Marvel Comics? :evillaugh
18DELTA ;)
Really thinking of Cruel Intention on crack. Manipulative, hurtful, spice with the D&D flavor, and no happy ending. The goal is to make people feel uncomfortable around them. Even the really twisted at heart. An edge is an edge no matter what shade it turns.
maybe even give them some sort of power, but only when they are in proximity to each other (something small, like telepathy).
Anyhow, while hunting down some references in a Dragonlance tome earlier (thanks LK), I came across a great pic here in the art section of the DLCS book -
I figured I'd post it because it has the sort of flavor we are going for here - they are called the Knights of Neraka.
The Map Galllery is down ATM, so it was a real pain in the butt backwards-engineering the link I had to a different pic in the same book just to post that, but I think it was worth the effort. I'm liking that guy on the right as the Voice of Telos.
@Rinon - I was actually surprised that you didn't create a woman NPC (despite yours being a bit flamboyent). ;)
I'm surprised too.;) But Eranthis was the first one who popped into my head, and I liked him, so...
I'm liking that guy on the right as the Voice of Telos.
-What? Emperor Palpatine?
The death of their goddess left many of the Gray Dwarves lost and bereft of faith. Telvorn was one of those who's clan was splintered after that tragedy, as the priests that had led the clan lost their powers, new factions evolved, and Telvorn found himself on the side of one of the less successful groups. Forced to flee his clans home, he wandered the north, making his way as a mercenary.
Travelling through the northern regions of Vaasa, he came across a small band of humans in a fight with a pair of giants. Thinking to make a profit by rescuing the humans, he waded into the fray. His assistance proved to be the deciding factor in the battle, and most of the humans managed to survive. Unfortunately the band turned on him immediately afterwords, claiming he was a dwarven spy, sent from one of the clans on the Great Glacier. He managed to not only hold the humans off, but took a few out. The leader of the humans realized that they could only win this battle at too great a cost, and called for a truce. After a bit of tense negotiations Telvorn convinced the humans that he was no spy, and they convinced him to come back with them to their headquarters, after all why waste such a competent warrior.
He met with the one they call the Voice of Telos, and was shown that the warlock knights were a perfect replacement for his lost clan. He devoted himself to service, and soon became the head of the Voices personal gaurd. A ruthless warrior, who wears a suit of spiked scale mail and wields a mace and shield. Scars crisscross his grayish skin, and he is missing his left ear and the tip of his nose (which has been broken many times). His beard is gathered up by an Iron ring, and he has tattooed the Sigil of the Knights on his bald head. He is a living weapon, existing just to do battle with those who would attempt to harm his adopted clan.
Lord Karsus...?
Red Wizard...?
18 Delta...?
Anybody!?!?!
"and now the waiting game begins..."
:D
Lord Karsus...?
-Nope. No interest whatsoever.
#5 Varshyl
Only her orange eyes and too-pointed teeth betray Varshyl's mixed heritage. Born the daughter of a human wizard and his orc slave-wife, Varshyl was given the best possible education, trained both in magic and in the skills of a human noble: she's an accomplished dancer and musician and quite capable of holding her own at any gathering of nobles in Waterdeep or Suzail - or in any festhall in Calimport.
Until her 14th year she believed that her father nurtured her talents out of parental love and duty: her world was shattered when, visiting a mage fair with him, she was presented to an old rival as fulfillment of a wager. Her father's proof that a half-orc could be as accomplished as a human. His rival, a Red Wizard, handed over the book of spells he had risked and was to take possession of his new slave that night.
Unfortunately for the two mages, her mother had not neglected to teach her darker, bloodier skills. She slit both their throats that night as they drunkenly taunted her.
Escaping with some treasure and the spell book, she spent a decade with assorted adventuring bands before pledging herself to the Pact of the Iron Ring.
In her middle years, she is a very handsome, strong boned, highly sensual woman with dark hair and startling orange eyes. Normally clad in fashionable court gowns carefully chosen to accentuate her charms, in battle she wears a intricately engraved suit of ironfell plate armour. She is a powerful wizard, preferring either enchantments when subtlety is called for and impressive spells that deal massive damage in battle when it's not.
She used a mixture of charm and precise cruelty to rise in the ranks and now rules a substantial fiefdom in the south of Vaasa. She despises the pointless brutality of many of her peers, preferring not to waste resources unnecessarily and dispensing justice harshly but fairly - to her way of thinking anyway. On the other hand, she will do whatever is necessary to achieve her aims. A few years ago she decimated a village who persistently failed to make their quotas, sold the survivors into slavery and resettled the land with half-orcs. The impaled corpses of men, women and children still decorate the fields in the region.
Varshyl is the Vindicator most likely to be called upon when the rulers of Vaasa require diplomacy rather than outright intimidation. She is an effective, disciplined operative capable of reaching agreements with groups who deeply dislike the Warlock Knights and capable of insisting that those agreements are upheld by the Vindicators.
Her four children - two sons and two daughters, all by different anonymous fathers - act as her elite bodyguard and advisors. All are Warlock Knights in their own right and rule their own domains as fellthanes in fief to her.
Though few people are able to resist an invitation to dally with her, few survive the experience for long: she considers ex-lovers to be unacceptable risks to her safety.
(Personal assassins and spies of the Voice)
Twin girls born in the Cormyr to a peasant family. They are not beautiful, handsome would be the nicest someone thing someone would say, with brown eyes, lank brown hair and rodent-like noses. But what they lack in looks they make up for in personality. They learned at a young age to manipulate others, especially young men, into doing what the two wanted. They also learned that they liked to play rough with their toys, fortunately no one notices a few young adventurers gone missing. They soon left their village for bigger horizons, but when they killed a war wizard in Suzail things got a bit hot for them in their homeland, and they ended up fleeing to the north. At first they tried Zhentil Keep, thinking they could do well in such a dark city, and that their "fun" would go unnoticed. But constant run-ins with slavers made them again begin to look for a new home. While travelling to Phlan, they were captured by a group of Warlock Knights looking for slaves of their own. They performed their duties well, but soon had the knight who held them dancing to their tune instead of the reverse.
After a few years of this, the situation was noticed by one of the knights fellows, who thought to use it to his own advantage. So he reported it to his superiors. Fortunately one of them saw talent in these two women and recruited them, playing to their fear of growing old and losing what little looks they had. They swore the pact, the same as any other knight, though there weapons were not swords and axes, but rather seduction and poisoned daggers. The powers they gained from the pact made their already formidable skills even more deadly. They soon rose to the attention of the Voice himself, and began to work directly for him. Now they are sent deep into enemy lands to gain intelligence or remove some perceived threat when armed men just won't work. They have an uncanny ability to sense what the other is thinking and feeling and where the other is, even at over extended distances, which allows them to work together effortlessly. They are now called the Voice's Fangs, jokingly it is said that they are the bite to his bark. They have a small cadre of spies and assassins of their own, and can call upon whatever Knights that are available at need. They also have a few agents spread throughout the Moonsea lands and Cormyr and Sembia, mostly their favorite toys, the ones that are too good to break.
They like to share men, both often taking part in the pleasure together, sometimes enjoying each other even without a man present. Most of the time all that is left of their toy is scraps that they are more than happy to feed to the wolfhounds they have begun to take an interest in breeding.
I'm thinking maybe a chaos dwarf? they are there in my homebrew
Two many are now being different just for the sake of being different... what are we? FR designers? :P
One non-human in the High council makes sense, as does one female - anything else and you are not representing a realistic cross-section of the population.
Also, how do two people share one council seat? And why are so many of them now Not Warlock Knights? The high council should be a little more uniform then I'm seeing at this point.
A pair of prominent underlings, at best.
First one I wouldn't use.
Two many are now being different just for the sake of being different... what are we? FR designers? :P
One non-human in the High council makes sense, as does one female - anything else and you are not representing a realistic cross-section of the population.
Also, how do two people share one council seat? And why are so many of them now Not Warlock Knights? The high council should be a little more uniform then I'm seeing at this point.
A pair of prominent underlings, at best.
They are twins with a strong telepathic link... They tend to act as a single entity, so one seat.
Wasn't Vaasa pretty strongly non-human? There's talk of half-orc cities and halflings on war-pigs in "The Bloodstone Lands".
not counting other monsters in the mountains
18DELTA
One non-human in the High council makes sense, as does one female - anything else and you are not representing a realistic cross-section of the population.
Well, females are 50% of the population.;)
Well, females are 50% of the population.;)
A little higher than 50% in most cases, since women tend to have better survivability rates, not being as likely to do stupid dangerous things to prove themselves.
A little higher than 50% in most cases, since women tend to have better survivability rates, not being as likely to do stupid dangerous things to prove themselves.
For example, my wife had cereal and orange juice for breakfast. I had 4 microwave taquitos and coffe.
Lets not forget that the Ironfell Council are all Star Pact Warlocks!
For example, my wife had cereal and orange juice for breakfast. I had 4 microwave taquitos and coffe.
Lets not forget that the Ironfell Council are all Star Pact Warlocks!
No,that is not stated anywhere in the article, and none of the npcs provided say Star pact anywhere on them. This may be what the intent was, but at the moment not how it was done. All that you can be sure of is that the Warlocks (and remember that was a term used long before there was a class - Warlock's crypt for instance) make a pact to serve and are given additional power for it. That could imply clerics as well. Also all of the characters above either are warlocks or have the Pact Initiate multi-class feat (at least mine do).
For example, my wife had cereal and orange juice for breakfast. I had 4 microwave taquitos and coffe.
-What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Well, females are 50% of the population.;)
VERY true, but men are, historically, more likely to become despotic monsters. ;)
I didn't mean the last couple were bad - they make excellent Vassan NPCs - I'm just not feeling them as being part of the High Council.
I have three I intend to write up, but only one is fitting for a council member IMHO, and he is actually the least-powerful of the three. However, since I want to stick with one council-seat per contributor, I will not make the one I think fits the mold a council-member.
Remember, we can write-up and unlimited number of Vindicators - not everyone is going to be a 'star', and sometimes underlings can be even more interesting. ;)
naex -there's really no point in them being in the High Council if their write-up does not fit with what little we know. You didn't write-up High Council members, you wrote-up interesting NPCs. Granted, we never made any rules here, but I would suspect that the Warlock Knights of Vassa would all be... Warlocks.
VERY true, but men are, historically, more likely to become despotic monsters. ;)
-Behind every great man...How does that go?
In the "Ironfell" sidebar on the Warlock Knights excerpt it states that the pact with Telos is a star pact.
The bonus radiant damage from Ironfell is only applicable if you have a star pact with telos.
Since the Warlock Knights that were statted all have this bonus damage with their Ironfell weapons, it stands to reason that they are star pact warlocks.
The Warlock Knights have a pact with Telos.
In the "Ironfell" sidebar on the Warlock Knights excerpt it states that the pact with Telos is a star pact.
The bonus radiant damage from Ironfell is only applicable if you have a star pact with telos.
Since the Warlock Knights that were statted all have this bonus damage with their Ironfell weapons, it stands to reason that they are star pact warlocks.
-
-By the way are you 'paper' or 'plastic'? :D
18DELTA ;)
But as to my NPCs, Like I said they have warlock as their multi-class feat, nowhere does it say they have to be full on warlocks, otherwise it would be far easier just to create a template, and then customize it a bit. It stands to reason that the council would not be made up of run of the mill warlocks, but rather those that have that something extra, or have served the voice in a more personal manner, which is where I was coming from with mine. I agree Illiana and Adriana were questionable for their seat, but the cry was for twins, and that is what I came up with.
(My girlfriend in RW is a twin, just not as evil as the ones above)
The merciless lords of Vaasa, ..., practice the dark arcane arts to suppliement other talents.
Multi-classed Warlocks, in my book.
-Wait...I thought you can't multiclass. Well, wait, at least in the traditional sense (Wor 3 / Wiz 10).
Yes, but there is a multiclass feat (in this case Pact Initiate) that provide you with a very minor benefit from the class, and the ability to select feats, PrPs, and magic items from the class you multiclass with. You can take additional feats to select powers from the class as well. The main difference is that now you are still a member of your original class and still gain the benefit of leveling up in that class, you never gain levels in your second class, and can't choose any additional classes to multiclass with.
-So, basically, you stay the class that you are (Let's say, Worlock), but with this multiclass feat, in addition to and/or instead of the normal abilities you gain from leveling up, you can also gain abilities from the class stated in the multiclass feat?
Not quite, you can swap out powers from your primary class with those from your multiclass, but you have to use feats to do so (You can change 1 of each encounter, daily and utility powers at the cost of three feats, but that is it - except for one of the Epic Paths which lets you choose powers from any class list when you level up).
-What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Or if you've recently seen The Dark Knight; What doesn't kill you makes you.. Stranger.
And though it doesn't specificly say it in his write up, Jonmarc the Limper is a Starpack Warlock, with a very high charisma, making him quiet gifted with magic as well.
Having everybody on the conciol atleast multiclass into the class would probably be the best thing. Then you can take it's paragon path and your half way there as a class as is.
4E characters define themselves mostly by their powers, all classes get some class features at level 1. An example would be the wizards cantrips, the rogues sneak attack and the clerics channel divinity (new better turn Undead).
After level 1 you now longer get new class features after level 1, you get new abilities from your paragon path (new name for prestige class, and everyone gets just one) and from your epic destiny (epic prestige class essentially).
So essentially your class identity and fighting style are represented by your powers, and things that used to be feats like Spring Attack, Rapid Shot, and Two Weapon Fighting are now represented by powers.
Now multiclassing works like this:
.
1.You take an entry feat for your multiclass choice, you can only multiclass into 1 other class, and you can´t multiclass into your own class.
Your average muticlass entry feat is quite nice, you get skill training in a skill from your secondary class skill list and a limited use of one of the other classes powers, like sneak attack once per encounter. The interresting part is that these powers scale wth you level just like they do on the original class.
2.The 3 power swap feats allow you to exchange one of your daily,utility and encouter powers from your class with a power of the same level or lower from your multiclass class. You can change this selection every time you level up, which essentiall means that your most powerfull powers could come from you multiclass choice, so the Figher/Wizard could have meteor swarm without while still beeing mostly a Fighter.
3.Once you take all 4 feats you can take the Paragon multiclass option instead of chosing a paragon path. This choice allows you to exchange one of your at-will powers from a power from your multiclass. And you get some an additional daily, utility and encounter power from your multiclass choice.
Unless you really want that at-will I would advise to take a paragon path designed for your multiclass, since after taking the entry multiclass feat you count as a member of your second class for feat and paragon path (and maybe epic destiny ) access. So if you are Ranger with multiclass rogue you can take the rogue paragon path Daggermaster.
Now how does this affect our Vindicators?
Well basicly the way the Warlock multiclass works you chose a pact (Star pact for the warlock Knights) and get the fitting level 1 at-will attack once per encounter. Most warlock power can benefit from Charisma, Intelligence and Constitution, but since Charisma seems to be the theme with the Warlock Knights it´s likely that most Vindicators will have decent to great charisma scores.
I guess if a bit of a mix for the council is desired, several of them should be warlocks maybe with some multiclass, but others could very well be from other classes. My suggestions regarding class compositions (well NPCs are desigend differently, but essentially it´s using the NPC class option with another class templated added on, maybe add some unique power to make Telos Warlocks special) would be:
#13: Ivor Chernin: Charisma based Warlord with Warlock multiclass to emphasise the his role as leader - or Charisma based Paladin with Warlock multiclass to better reflect his role as a brutal slayer (I remember CE paladins were called paladins of slaughter) giving him heavy armor and an axe seems to be a fitting representation.
# 12 Lishkah Ehravic: Charisma rogue with warlock multiclass with Shadow Asssasin and Master Infiltrator Paragon path or Warlock with Rogue multiclass and same paragon path. He seems more like a pupped master than assasin so main class warlock seems a better fit, and a Pact Blade Rapier seems like a nice choice for a Weapon.
#11 Eranthis Falcata: Warlock seems like a good fit for him, maybe (really don´t know it it fits) cleric multiclass to capitalize on fear powers.. This is a character, that really could benefit from the Ritual Caster feat, since it will cover Alchemy and is essential for the use of their pacts without resorting to a scroll - but well I guess almost everyone of them needs the feats.
#10 Skagi (S-kah-ghee): Tough one, but taking stone giant stats and mixing them with flesh golem, adding undead immunities, a vulnerability to radiant damage (that is taken away again by grafting Telos flesh into his body ) enhance it´s speed and dexterity a bit and add warlock template.
#9 Tan Mu Rong:OK I really like that writeup even if all are pretty good. He seems like pencil pusher at first, but that immage is replaced quickly by the immage of a samurai. To replicate the feel of I would suggest Warlock/Swordmage - just reflavour his swordmage powers a bit to be less lightshow and a bit more mystic. This character could actually be very playable if you somehow get a katana like blade that counts as light blade so it can be pact blade and warlock implement at the same time.
# 8 Vasilii Ivanov Gubin: Creepy, good job. For this one Warlock with wizard multiclass and bloodmage Paragon Path. Making extensive use of rituals using the blood and souls of his victims to create new horrors like blood golems and the dreaded Brood Swarms als well as summoning infernals horrors. Seems more like an infernal pact worlock from the writeup.
#7 Jonmarc “The Limper” Hathsin: Like the writeup, the character cries Rogue/Warlock with maxed out Charisma and Intelligence, as well as feats and powers to boost his Diplomacy and Bluff checks.
#6. Telvorn Ironspade A.K.A. the Fist of Telos:The writeup says fighter, and I really don´t see why he gets a spot on the council, maybe add some multiclass into warlord or maybe ranger.
#5 Varshyl: Tough, writeup says it´s a mix of Wizard/Warlock/Rogue, with a healthy dose of charisma skills. In a pinch Warlock/Rogue might be the closest you can get to the concept.
#4. Illiana and Adriana, they sound like rogues with warlock pact, and great social skills. I am not shure why they should be on the council they seem more suited to be favoured servants of the voice, but if the voice wants them in the council...
If you feel the need to add one to growing council I'm sure we would all love to see it.
Sorry if I came off as a bit of a rules lawyer earlier. I try to avoid it, but sometimes when the moon is full I roam the countryside explaining the grappling rules to people.
What level range have people got in mind? I was thinking 20 - 25 for Lishkah.
But they still get every Magic Item they could ever want.
Illiana and Adriana are 16th and Telvorn 18th.
#11 Eranthis Falcata: Warlock seems like a good fit for him, maybe (really don´t know it it fits) cleric multiclass to capitalize on fear powers.. This is a character, that really could benefit from the Ritual Caster feat, since it will cover Alchemy and is essential for the use of their pacts without resorting to a scroll - but well I guess almost everyone of them needs the feats.
That's a great idea, I think.
I'm not going to stat him up, but if someone wanted to make him a Warlock multiclassed to a cleric I think that'd be fine. Not sure what faith he would be, though.I added in the part about him forswearing all old allegiances so that he could be a straight-up warlock now. I like the bit about the swordmage - good call! I didn't realize that it needed to be light... so now that is one of the swords (its a legacy weapon) abilites: its magic enhances its speed while its construction (material) makes its lighter then usual (so mechanics-wise it counts as a light weapon).
There's also a bit of a conflict now between the blade and his new Radiant abilities... almost as if they were old enemies...
(My girlfriend in RW is a twin, just not as evil as the ones above)
Now I understand where this came from...
You have a 'twin fixation'. :P
I was thinking more along the lines of Fenris from Marvel Comics (the Von Strucker twins). I'll just use them as-is - they are perfect, except I'll change the 'White Supremacist' thing into 'Human Supremacist' and have done with it.
I might go as far as saying their bio-energy (Eldritch Blast) can only be done while they are in contact, just like Fenris.
I'm going to be doing Iyraclea for 4e as an ally of the WKoV (sounds like a radio station), and two NPC Vindicators - one as leader of a group of 'information extractors', and the other as just an enforcer stationed on the (small) Narfellian border. His name's going to be Mikhail Ursovitch, and if anyone gets the reference, you'll know where I'm going with him. ;)
By the way - I've decided to move this entire group off-world for my game (whatever it turns out to be). I just can't abide FR any longer.
The Limper actually wears chainmail that is forever changing colors. I'm sure Ariados could have made that.
I do like the potion notion, it's very.. restrictive but always unique.
I would hope Telos. That is their god isn't it?
Telos is a primordial, IIRC. I don't know if being a cleric of him is possible, but if so, yes--Telos is what I'd choose.
That's style.
The Limper actually wears chainmail that is forever changing colors. I'm sure Ariados could have made that.
I do like the potion notion, it's very.. restrictive but always unique.
Well this was result oriented writing, I wanted him to end up in the golem armor, and I really liked the ideo to make him really old. Of course if you have the money (several millions IIRC after a calculation done in 3.5 times) which Ariados had not you can get the real deal.
Well back to the armor, I guess everything heavy fits the bill, but there are also this options:
-every vindicator has a plate armor of office that covers the wearers features, not unlike the lords of Waterdeep, but with less magic involved
-Enchant their ironfell rings to add a command word activated effect taht transforms their clothing into identical suits of palte armour -so the game effects change
-Same as the second option, but the effect is only an illusion
As for magic effects on the armour - the description is quite evocative so:
Prismatic Armor Level 5+
The links in this armor glow in ever changing prismatic colours.
Lvl 5 +1 1,000 gp Lvl 20 +4 125,000 gp
Lvl 10 +2 5,000 gp Lvl 25 +5 625,000 gp
Lvl 15 +3 25,000 gp Lvl 30 +6 3,125,000 gp
Armor: Chain
Enhancement: AC
Power (2 Healing Surges - Encounter): Immediate reaction. After taking fire, thunder, cold, necrotic, radiant or lightning damage, you now gain resistance 5 to one of the damage types you just suffered until the end of the encounter.
Level 15 or 20: Resist 10 chosen damage type
Level 25 or 30: Resist 15 chosen damage type.
or
Prismatic Armor Level 5+
The links in this armor glow in ever changing prismatic colours.
Lvl 5 +1 1,000 gp Lvl 20 +4 125,000 gp
Lvl 10 +2 5,000 gp Lvl 25 +5 625,000 gp
Lvl 15 +3 25,000 gp Lvl 30 +6 3,125,000 gp
Armor: Chain
Enhancement: AC
Power (Healing Surge): Immediate interrupt. Gain resistance 10 against fire, cold, thunder, lightning, necrotic or radiant until the end of your next turn.
Level 15 or 20: Resist 15 chosen damage type
Level 25 or 30: Resist 20 chosen damage type.
of course in the case of ironfell armor resist radiant is built in for warlocks.
But then again he's just a carefull guy.
I never thought of why it changed colors. But the prismatic does make sense. The latter one seems the most likely fit. I guess Jonmarc would have double and tripple checked to make sure there was no harmful enchantment or lingering curse on there that would cause him undo stress. Alls fair in love and war, and chain mail that is cursed to make it's wearer a drooling idiot on comand is no fun at all..
But then again he's just a carefull guy.
Well the first one is better if you have several encounters a day, but on the short run the second one is better, especially if Jonmarc likes to look untouchable.
And well an armor that makes the wearer a drooling idot can be tremendous fun, you just have to make shure that you are not in it. But don´t worry that would not be Ariados style.
Okay I think I can dare to try myself on Jonmarc “The Limper” Hathsin
Human Rogue Level 18 Paragon Multiclass Warlock
Starting Ability Scores
STR:10 DEX:17 WIS:10
CON:13 INT:13 CHA:15
Scores at Level 18
STR:11 DEX:22 WIS:11
CON:14 INT:14 CHA:20
Feats:
Backstabber
Armor prof. Hide
Skill Focus Diplomacy
Pact Innate(Star:Telos)
Adept Power
Acolyte Power
Novice Power
Skill Focus Bluff
Armor prof. Chain
Armor Specialization Chain
Ritual Caster
Weapon prof. Rapier
Trained Skills:
Stealth
Thievery
Bluff
Insight
Streetwise
Perception
Arcana
Diplomacy
Class Features:
First Strike
Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger
Rogue Weapon Talent
Sneak Attack 3d8
Powers:
Level 1 At-Will
Sly Flourish
Eyebite
Piercing Strike
Encounter Powers
Dire Radiance
Rogues Luck
Tornado Strike
Strand of Fate
Mire the Mind
Utility Powers
Master of Deceit
Chamaleon
Certain Freedom
Infuriating Elusiveness
Beguilers Tongue
Daily Powers
Clever Riposte
Curse of the Black Frost
Slaying Strike
Possessions: +4 Pact Blade Rapier, +4 Prismatic Armor (Forgemail), Bracers of Defense, Catstep Boots, Gloves of Piercing, Circlet of Authority, Ironfell Amulet, Ironfell Ring (enchanted as Ring of Protection) Dynamic Belt. As a high ranking Warlock Knight he can given time access almost any non-epic item.
Ironfell Amulet Level 15+
These 13 edged amulets made from Ironfell are given only to the 13 Vindicators
Lvl 15 +3 25,000 gp Lvl 25 +5 625,000 gp
Lvl 20 +4 125,000 gp Lvl 30 +6 3,125,000 gp
Item Slot: Neck
Enhancement: Fortitude, Reflex, and Will
Power (At-Will): Standard Action. Until the end of your next
turn, the wearer can be heard
by either all, several chosen or just one wearer of the other
12 amulets as though he or she were
standing in the other amulet’s place. You have to have touched an amulet at least once to contact it without contacting all amulets.
Special: Adding another amulet to the set fails and the new amulet is destroyed immediately in an explosion.
NPC version
It didn´t take the standart ability array for him, I think mine fits better:
Jonmarc “The Limper” Hathsin Level 18 Elite Skirmisher
Medium natural humanoid, human XP4000
Initiative +1 Senses Perception +14
HP 316; Bloodied 158
AC 36; Fortitude 30, Reflex 35, Will 34
Saving Throws +2
Speed 5
Action Point 1
m Sly Flourish (standard; at-will) ✦ Radiant, Weapon
+24 vs. AC; 1d6+ 19 damage plus 5 radiant damage
other Rogue Powers:
-Hounding Strike
-Rogues Luck
-Slaying Strike
-Knockout
-Master of Deceit
-Raise the Stakes
r Dire Radiance (standard; at-will) ✦ Radiant, Implement
+20 vs. Fort; 1d6+ 10 damage plus 5 radiant damage, secondary
if comes closer1d6 + 10 damage plus 5 radiant damage
r Eldritch Blast (standard; at-will) ✦ Radiant, Implement
+20 vs. Ref; 1d10+ 13 damage plus 5 radiant damage
other Warlock powers:
-Strand of Fate
-Mire the Mind
-Thief of Five Fates
-Curse of Golden Mist
-Shroud of Black Steel (fits perfectly!!!)
-Beguiling Tongue
Class features:
Eldritch Pact:Star(Telos)
Prime Shot
Warlocks Curse
First Strike
Rogue Weapon Mastery
Sneak Attack
Alignment It´s a secret Languages Common, DamaranPG
Skills Arcana +16. Bluff +19, Diplomacy +19, Thievery +20
Str 11 (+9) Dex 22 (+15) Wis 11 (+9)
Con 14 (+11) Int 14 (+11) Cha 20 (+14)
Equipment: Iron Ring, +4 Prismatic Armor (Forgemail), +4 Pact Blade Short Sword
I would have statted them all, but I guess thats not allowed under forum rules so I statted only the at-wills, if I am wrong correct me and I will add the other powers. I followed the rules for this completely except the stats( still22 pts. point buy). Hope you like it even if there seems to be a lot missing since I did not write the power descriptions.
-I have a "creepy" NPC that could sort of fit, if anyone wants to Faerûnify him.
-Judges are pretty awesome, visually, anyway. I certainly kicked all of their asses.
-I have a "creepy" NPC that could sort of fit, if anyone wants to Faerûnify him.
Well the Judge Magisters and Warlock Knights seem to have very similar authority, and some of them had manufactured magicite in their bodies - and the judge that killed the Grand Kilitas is looks like I immagine our Vincicator no.13
Bring him in, by all means
Jonmarc will have a custome ring made with a simular, albeit lesser, enchantment of the Ironfell Amulet, to connect with his hidden groups of rogues and warlocks spread through Vassa and surrounding countries.
And LK, faerunying things for me is a way of life. That's why I'd take pride in working one over on your unfaeruned character ;) .
-I have a "creepy" NPC that could sort of fit, if anyone wants to Faerûnify him.
Do it! Do it!
It makes me tingly all over. I'm going to copy/paste this over to my 4e character thread (making a few template changes) so I can admire him all day.
Jonmarc will have a custome ring made with a simular, albeit lesser, enchantment of the Ironfell Amulet, to connect with his hidden groups of rogues and warlocks spread through Vassa and surrounding countries.
And LK, faerunying things for me is a way of life. That's why I'd take pride in working one over on your unfaeruned character ;) .
Glad you like it. I searched for a template so the character would look good, but didn´t find a good one yet. I hope I did hit the spot, but I have to say that the Chainmail armor actually makes the character worse. If you get him in a hide armor (stat wise) and call it chainshirt, his AC would stay the same and you would save a feat -for that you could get Quick draw, Alertness or Astral Fire, Nimble Blade and Press the Advantage would fit too.
The NPC version turned out to be really tough even if it does not look like it bechause of the way it´s presented, so I am quite happy with it for the moment.
I´ll try to do another one tomorrow.
-Like I said, I cut a lot out because it was mainly about plots and such that the NPC was involved in in my own setting. It really wouldn't translate well into Faerûn. I have it in that character's NPC sheet story, though, like I have with Ali and all of the others, if you ever want to read the whole thing.
#4. Calex Interthorn
No one is sure where the half-elf who names himself Calex comes from. He arrived over 15 years ago, claiming he was called, and took the Ironfell pact. He has been a model Knight, working his way up to a position on the council, using guile, and a few opponents to his rise artfully removed. He is an exceptional wizard, but some say he uses elven variations of spells, and rumors persist that he was trained in Myth Drannor, or some other elven city. He is an impatient man, often appearing displeased, or angry. This keeps those around him a little off balance, as does his habit of occasionally mumbling to himself when thinking over a problem or about some bit of arcane lore, with no regard to who is around.
He stays mostly in his tower keep, allowing a few well watched lieutenants direct his knights. His lands are in the southwest of Vaasa and his personal company of Knights are called the Moon Watch, since they are often pitted against forces from Zhentil Keeps holdings on the Moonsea. The Moon Watch is a light company that uses guerrilla tactics as often as possible.
Calex stands a little over 6 ft, and is if not athletic, at least does not appear overly pampered. He has the standard half-elven ears, which he does not bother to hide, though he does wear several earrings in either (2 in the right, and 5 in the left). He has long black hair, worn in a top knot, that falls to the middle of his back. A small dark green gemstone rests on his brow. He has gray eyes, and fair skin, he is clean shaven.
Here are his stats
--- Thanks
I'm going to have to study the 4e rules in order to do any mechanics... they aren't really my forté.
I do have some idea for my guy, and I have to see what is do-able within the 4e rules (although the sword will allow me to bend a few). ;)
Suggestion:
I like your NPC, LK, and I would suggest exchanging the Genie for Telos - that would pretty much take care of most anomalies. Also, he should probably be from nearby Damara... depending on what that country is even looking like these days.
I should have at least one more NPC Vindicator by the end of today done.
I just want to let you guys know that this thread is the only connection I'm feeling with FR right now - all ties to the old setting are gone, and I'm really not liking about 90% of the new one.
Thanks for that (especially you, Misc, for starting this thread).
18DELTA :D
@Banpai - is there any way you could shrink-up that pic? Its playing havoc with my screen, and even posting is a problem. If you want, I'm willing to shrink it for you (don't get rid of it, its a VERY cool visual reference), or you could just sblock it.
--- Thanks
I'm going to have to study the 4e rules in order to do any mechanics... they aren't really my forté.
I do have some idea for my guy, and I have to see what is do-able within the 4e rules (although the sword will allow me to bend a few). ;)
Suggestion:
I like your NPC, LK, and I would suggest exchanging the Genie for Telos - that would pretty much take care of most anomalies. Also, he should probably be from nearby Damara... depending on what that country is even looking like these days.
I should have at least one more NPC Vindicator by the end of today done.
I just want to let you guys know that this thread is the only connection I'm feeling with FR right now - all tioes to the old setting are gone, and I'm really not liking about 90% of the new one.
Thanks for that (especially you, Misc, for starting this thread).
I am currently working on no 13, but if inspiration strikes me I´ll hit the sword - do you have some fluff for it already?
Fixed the pic sorry for the incovenience.
Although the sword was already a minor artifact when Doin Sanehiro first 'liberated' it, it did not become a Legacy Weapon until after his death, when his spirit was joined with the weapon (in order for him to continue controlling it's negative influence). Because of that, it is now considered the ancestral Katana of Tan Mu Rong's clan. Its original ability (aside from the weight and swiftness thing) was to be able to sever ANYTHING - it basically ignores armor and bypasses all forms of damage reduction (except, I guess, Umbral/Shadow).
I had in mind that it would be akin to the ax used by The Persuader, but now I think that might be a bit much (although I love the idea that he could literally 'cut-off' a magic user from his arcane source). I also thought it would have received a new legacy power with each owner/inheritor, and perhaps one of them would be like Entreri's sword that is able to exude shadow-stuff like smoke.
Anyhow, Tan Mu Rong sided with Shou-Lung when it took official control of Kozakura back in 1455. He had done so originally in order to protect his people from a nasty civil war, but later was reviled as a traitor. He served as Daimyo and official Governor of kozakura for twenty years, and was granted the title of 'Mandarin' within the Shou-Lung Empire.
Through his efforts, the Rebellion against Shou was finally able to oust the foreigners controlling their land, but his people still did not trust him. Disgraced, and being a twice-betrayer, he left Kozakura and travelled across Kara-Tur, persued by Imperial Shou Deathsquads. He had intended to kill himself (commit Sepuku) in the cave of a Thousand Gods, a holy place to his religion, and ask for forgiveness of the celestial Court. However, once he entered the Taan (the Hordelands), he felt a powerful presence.. something that whispered to him of his destiny.
He followed the calling and found his way to Vassa, where he swore alleginace before Holy Telos.
Tan Mu Rong is not your typical villain - he believes in dicipline and order, not because he enjoys being brutal, but because he thinks it is the best way to serve the people's interest (whom he does not believe are educated enough to "know whats good for them"). Because he feels he is misunderstood, he is a bitter soul, and keeps council only with himself. On the rare occassions that he draws the sword, he allows his ancestor, Doin Sanehiro, to possess him, and that is how he is still able to access all of his Samurai abilities (he himself is a Warlock, but I like the Swordsage angle for him a LOT). The spirit of Sanehiro protects the lands of Vassa, just as he did his own Kanazaki prvince, through his sense of duty, but he is discouraged by Tan Mu Rongs current path. For his own part, the Warlock Knight feels deep shame after his 'possessions', and spends about a week recovering (staying in his room, consuming large quantities of saki).
He has found something of a kindred spirit in Iyraclea - she hides from her own, dark past, and Tan Mu Rong is the only one she allows to see her in her true form. She is a Lich, and survives by taking the bodies of others - a gift given her by Auril.
A gift... and a curse...
As for the Demonic half-mask... thats an open plothook for DMs to use. ;)
Stay tuned for Darra'pol Vistuulis, betrayer-priestess of Loviatar, and official High Torturer of the Realm.
And no, she's not on the High Council... just a Vindicator.
Thank you everyone!
:D
Human Warlord 18 with Paragon Multiclass Warlock
STR:22 (+15) CON:16 (+12) DEX:9 (+8) INT:12 (+10) CHA:20 (+14) WIS:11 (+9)
Defenses: AC:35 REF:24 FORT: 30 WILL:29 INI:+13 (Combat Leader)
HP 113 Bloddied 56 Healing Surges 10 Surge Value 28
Feats: Pact Initiate, Novice Power, Adept Power, Acolyte Power, Inspired Recovery, Combat Commander, Armor Proficiency Scale, Armor Proficiency Plate, Armor Specialization Plate, Weapon Proficiency Execution Axe, Weapon Focus Execution Axe, Ritual Caster,
Trained Skills:Endurance, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Heal, Arcana, Athletics
Powers with custom flavor text:
At-Will: -Furious Smash:With savage fury Ivor smashes his armored body into the enemy to inspire his his troops with savage ferocity.
-Vipers Strike: A powerful swing brings his target in a position from which there will be no escape.
-Eldritch Blast:Ivor releases the power granted to him by Telos, in this dark blast.
Encounter:-Howl of Doom:Releasing a the fury inside him, in a Howl of dark power, Ivor shatters his foes flesh as well as their resolve to stand in his path.
Lions Roar:Like a roaring demon Ivor swings his Axe at the enemy sending his troops into a bloodthirsty rage that lets them forget their injuries
Beat them into the Ground:With one mighty swing of of his trusty weapon Ivor hammers his enemy into the ground and his troops follow his example.
Strand of Fate:Telos granted Ivor one of his greatest gifts: The power to impose his will upon his foes fate
Daily :-Villains Nightmare:Once Igor sinks its teeth into an enemy, he wills not stop until he or his enemy are dead.
-Thief of Five Fates:With Telos Power Ivor can wrestle the control over their destiny from his foes in a fierce battle of wills.
-Make them Bleed:With a wide slash Ivor causes a wound that will wont stop bleeding
-Dire Radiance:The power of Telos punishes your enemies.
Utility: -Shake it off: His flesh may falter, but with his iron will he forces his body to function.
-Stand Tough: Where other commanders give inspiring speeches Ivor prefers just along bloodboiling scream to bring his troops ready his troops for battle.
-Shielding Shades: Ivor calls upon the power of Telos to ward himself in a shield of liquid ironfell.
- Warlord´s Banner: Ivor rallies his troops, inspiring them to rips his enemies apart.
- Shroud of Black Steel: Ivor cloaks himself in a skin of Ironfell
Equipment: +4 Berserker Execution Axe(This Ironfell Axe has a curse put on it, so that when someone other than Ivor tries to wield it, the grip seems to bite it wielder every round dealing it´s weapon damage, until he drops it or is dead). +3 Pact blade Ironfell Short sword (the blade has many nicks, and scratches on it – and has reportedly been used by Ivor to hack off captures enemies arms and legs and throw them to his troops for food) +3 Black Iron Ironfell plate armor, +3 Rod of Corruption, Bracers of Mighty Striking +4, Dwarven Greaves, +3 Ironfell Amulet, Horned Helm, Iron Ring(enchanted as Ring of Dwarf Lords) and several other items looted from his enemies corpses.
NPC version comes later.
Ivor Chernin Level 18 Elite Soldier (Leader)
Medium natural humanoid, human XP 4000
Initiative +10 Senses Perception +9
HP 320; Bloodied 160
AC 38; Fortitude 33, Reflex 29, Will 33
Saving Throws +2
Speed 5
Action Point 1
Damage Bonus (including magic item)
Executioners Axe 1d12+8
Pact Blade (implement use) +7
melee basic attack:+25vsAC 1d12+14 damage
Eldritch Blast +22vs AC,range 10; 1d10+12 damage
Powers:
At-will:
Furious Smash +25 Viper Strike +25 Eldritch Blast +22 Dire Radiance
Encounter:
Howl of Doom +19 Lions Roar +25 Beat them into the Ground +25 Strand of Fate +22
Daily:
Thief of Five Fates +22 Make them Bleed +25
Utility:
Shroud of Black Steel, Shielding Shades, Shake it off, Stand tough
Alignment Chaotic Evil Languages Common, Damaran
Skills Arcana +15 , Diplomacy+18, Intimidate +18, Athletics+17, Endurance +18
STR:22 (+15) CON:16 (+13) DEX:9 (+8) INT:12 (+10) CHA:20 (+14) WIS:11 (+9)
Equipment: Iron Ring, +4 Black Iron Ironfell plate armor, +3 Pact Blade Ironfell Short sword, +4 Berserker Execution Ironfell Axe
The sword is a legacy weapon. It belonged to his ancestor Doin Sanehiro (Hall of heroes), who won it while fighting Oni within the Shadoworld (4e's Shadowfel). It is comprised of pure Shadoestuff - which is why it reacts badly to Tan Mu Rong's Radiant Energy usage (he will never use his warlock abilities while the sword is drawn).
Although the sword was already a minor artifact when Doin Sanehiro first 'liberated' it, it did not become a Legacy Weapon until after his death, when his spirit was joined with the weapon (in order for him to continue controlling it's negative influence). Because of that, it is now considered the ancestral Katana of Tan Mu Rong's clan. Its original ability (aside from the weight and switness thing) was to be able to sever ANYTHING - it basically ignores armor and bypasses all forms of damage reduction (except, I guess, Umbral/Shadow).
I had it mind that it would be akin to the ax used by The Persuader, but now I think that might be a bit much (although I love the idea that he could literally 'cut-off' a magic user from his arcane source).
Anyhow, Tan Mu Rong sided with Shou-Lung when it took official control of Kozakura back in 1455. He had done so originally in order to protect his people from a nasty civil war, but later was reviled as a traitor. He served as Daimyo and official Governor of kozakura for twenty years, and was granted the title of 'Mandarin' within the Shou-Lung Empire.
Through his efforts, the Rebellion against Shou was finally able to oust the foreigners controlling their land, but his people still did not trust him. Disgraced, and being a twice-betrayer, he left Kozakura to and travelled across Kara-Tur, persued bi Imperial Shou Deathsquads. He had intended to kill himself (commit Sepuku) in the cave of a Thousand Gods, a holy place to his religion, and ask for forgiveness of the celestial Court. However, once he entered the Taan (the Hordelands), he felt a powerful presence.. something that whispered to him of his destiny.
He followed the calling and found his way to Vassa, where he swore alleginace before Holy Talos.
Tan Mu Rong is not your typical villain - he believes in dicipline and order, not because he enjoys being brutal, but because he thinks it is the best way to serve the people's inerest (whom he does not believe are educated enough to "know whats good for them"). Because he feels he is misunderstood, he is a bitter soul, and keeps council only with himself. On the rare occassions that he draws the sword, he allows his ancestor, Doin Sanehiro, to possess him, and that is how he is still able to access all of his Samurai abilities (he himself is a Warlock, but I like the Sworsage angle for him a LOT). The spirit of Sanehiro protects the lands of Vassa, just as he did his own Kanazaki prvince, through his sense of duty, but he is discouraged by Tan Mu Rongs current path. For his own part, the Warlock Knight feels deep shame after his 'possessions', and spends about a week recovering (staying in his room, consuminglarge quantities of saki).
He has found something of a kindred spirit in Iyraclea - she hides from her own, dark past, and Tan Mu Rong is the only one she allows to see her in her true form. She is a Lich, and survives by taking the bodies of others - a gift given her by Auril.
A gift... and a curse...
As for the Demonic half-mask... thats an open plothook for DMs to use. ;)
Stay tuned for Darra'pol Vistuulis, betrayer-priestess of Loviatar, and official High Torturer of the Realm.
And no, she's not on the council memebr... just a Vindicator.
.....stunning.... :D I´ll try myself on the artefact version of you don´t mind.
Thank you again!
Really excellent work Banpai. Just awesome.
Thank you again!
Thx once I have time I´ll a tactics section like"In the first round Ivor likes to charge into the enemy lines, then uses his action point to use howl of doom to chause chaos in the ranks of his enmies....."
But actually I´m not really happy with the NPC version - I mean it´s ok for a build not to state the power effect and damage but it´s esential to run a monster/npc but I am pretty shure thats against forum rules - so I would either have to write new powers or ....
This is all very good stuff. I wish I had another group of players to run a 4E game with because I could riff off of what's in this thread alone for months of play.
Thank you everyone!
:D
You're welcome!
Tomorrow, for sure. I got quite a bit of lore that extends beyond her personally to go with it.
The great part is they didn't flesh any of Vassa out, so whatever we do works (and what little they do include fits perfectly - like some Lords not having their own lands).
Darra'pol excerpt: She performs her duties in the Interrogatuum - a bleak Obelisk of Basalt that sits upon a floating Earthmote above the city. From its bottom hang cages with prisoners - some of whom died long ago, the vultures picking at their rotting carcasses. The moans and wails of despair from the still-living can be heard in the streets below...
18DELTA :lightbulb
:evillaugh 
Darra'pol excerpt: She performs her duties in the Interrogatuum - a bleak Obelisk of Basalt that sits upon a floating Earthmote above the city. From its bottom hang cages with prisoners - some of whom died long ago, the vultures picking at their rotting carcasses. The moans and wails of despair from the still-living can be heard in the streets below...
Great Idea, but a small nitpick... What about human waste products from the cages? Do they just rain down on the city at random? Seems... messy.
Great Idea, but a small nitpick... What about human waste products from the cages? Do they just rain down on the city at random? Seems... messy.
-Portals. Portals are a must.
Darra'pol Excerpt II: Darra'pol Vistuulis, Dark-Elven twice-betrayer of Loth, is the only being to kill a High Council member and remain among the living. In 1477 DR Aleksei Daalgauth, High Lord Councilor of the Eastern Reaches was found to be collaborating with Narfelli Rebels from his former homeland. He was quickly subdued by his fellow Councilmen, and although professing his innocence, was sentenced to 'adjustment' in the Interrogatuum. After three long weeks without a confession, Darra'pol was sorry to report that the client died during questioning. His adamant refusal to give confession right until the end she considers her greatest failure, although the council itself was unconcerned, and immediately bestowed his empty council seat on their newest member.
His Keep, Daalgauth Hall, lies in the northeastern corner of Vassa among the crags of the new moorlands uncovered by the receeding Glacier. As of yet, no one has made any claims on the keep, and it is said that at night strange lights are seen in its arched windows, and some have even claimed to have seen the High Lord himself walking about the battlements. Darra'pol has secretly been trying to arrange for a group of adventurers to investigate the Keep, but her efforts have so far proven fruitless.
Is she still seeking to extract information from the Aleksei's very soul, or does she fear that perhaps he is seeking retribution against her?
BTW the Streetwise 40 and the picture of the warlock knight with telos on the last two pages of the warlock knights part in the book are quite interresting, and I am not shure how much the knights serve Telos/ or use him.
If you take a look at the shardsouls, they seem a bit suicidal ( I guess they want to rejoin with big T) but their powers actually make me suspect that there is more to Telos than first expected. The picture of Telos is a bit weird, the purple light is most likely generated by himself (all the warlock knight radiant powers are purplish) but the runes arround him make it look a bit like he´s imprisoned or keept in sleep there. I guess we will have to ask Rich about it.
EDIT:I forgot to mention that there are some banite priests among the knights so I guess now I have a god to multiclass cleric in
I think we had a seat or two still open anyway, and we can still spin things to fit canon and our version.
The Voice of Telos is the real 'power behind the throne'. Being the first to arrive at the site of the fallen primordial, he has established himself as the person that "listens to Telos, and relays his orders to others". The truth is, he has bound the power of the Primordial to himself (is the thing even still alive?), so that he may subject everyone to HIS will in Telos' name.
As for 'being called'... that is a mystery. Is the Voice of Telos using the power of the Primordial to call out to other 'lost souls', or is it Telos himself trying to reach out and bring champions to him?
Or is it something else entirely? Could it possibly be Bane, or maybe some other power, hoping to attract enough strong individuals to the region to upset the current balance of power?
Staye tuned for As the Vassa Turns.
The first person that responded was the human now known as the voice of Telos (his past is something we could all do together, from evil bandid to disillusioned priest or even humble farmer everthing is possible), the voice became Telos defacto chosen destined to protect Telos in his vulnerable state.
I am not shure what criteria Telos uses to call others to him, but there is certanly an uncontrolled power inside him that the warlock knights and luminaries now use.
I guess the Voice of Telos is the defacto translator for Telos wishes since he can´t communicate them by himself, and only the voice and some powerfull warlock knights have so far been able to withstand his psychic presence to get a vague understanding of his will.
The city of Telos was build arround the place where Telos now fell to the ground. His body now resides in the inner chamber of the great temple in Telos, only a select few are allowed to see him, but his body is mined for new Ironfell as soon as he regenerates - but always under close guard from warlock knights - Telos may be able to regenerate from the mining but he is unconcious and can´t defend himself. The sanctum is protected with the help of several rituals preventing teleportation, scrying, and is the target for a sanctum ritual cast on the voice and several council members.
At any given time several shardsouls and shardsoul avatars are hidden inside ready to destroy any intruder who dares to enter.
After reading the ritual of the Iron ring and the associated magical disease..... well I am very happy that they stated to add countermeasures for rituals (and magic circle still needs one among others - though I guess knock could work) but if you have access to the ritual to ending the effect of the pact is really easy - but if you don´t it´s pretty impossbile since you dont do endurance rolls, but wisdom checks so it´s pretty impossible for unwise characters.
I would suggest rituals to detect pact breakers (active over the city of telos and several other key places for the knights), something that alerts the ritual caster that whoe broke the pact when they break it, and maybe a tougher version of the Ritual itself.
We should get WotC to let us distill our combined work down into a passable DDI article for Dragon Magazine.
Nice Idea, though we arent´t done yet (especially the stats) it would show much good will towards the community. Well and if they do we can even include the powers :D
After all it can´t be better/worse than the MTG cards the community designed Spiritmonger and Forgotten Ancient.
I think I see it as an on-going series for the DDi - to do it right, we would need more room then one article can handle. Perhaps do two Council Members per 'installment', so we could include stats and what their personal responsibilites/holdings are.
Then we can continue it with other Knight of note, and perhaps even an adventuring locale or two.
I'm working on a map for us, and the abandoned Keep I mentioned in the last excerpt is a perfect place for a dungeon-crawl style adventure. I already have a lot of history for that and the dead Councilman (Aleksei Daalgauth).
I'll be away for a couple of days (not near any sources), so I'll try to have the rest of Dara'pol up today.
I would be both proud and flattered to have anything added to offical canon. :embarrass
I think I see it as an on-going series for the DDi - to do it right, we would need more room then one article can handle. Perhaps do two Council Members per 'installment', so we could include stats and what their personal responsibilites/holdings are.
Then we can continue it with other Knight of note, and perhasps even an adventuring locale or two.
I'm working on a map for us, and the abandoned Keep I mentioned in the last excerpt is a perfect place for a dungeon-crawl style adventure. I already have a lot of history for that and the dead Councilman (Aleksei Daalgauth).
I'll be away for a couple of days (not near any sources), so I'll try to have the rest of Dara'pol up today.
Other than placed on maps :D ? I agree with your arguments though, it´s better to give it in bite sized chunks I guess.
Probably all in one shot and then they can put it out as they see fit. A lot like comic strips where one has to have a decent amount available.
You make a good point I waited about a year for the last half of a spiderman/black cat comic once. Well I´ll try to cough up some stats after work.
one more council member is mentioned in FRCG
could you please give us the page number please?
Palischuk was peaceful until the coming of the Warlock Knights. It is now the fortress city of Knight Vindicator Mansard Kanaoth, an influential member of the Ironfell Council who wishes to be Vaasa’s king. Claiming to be a direct descendant of the Red Wizard Zhengyi, Mansard has secretly broken ranks with the council and assumed the old title of Witch-King. This Witch-King has secretly gathered forces near Castle Perilous but he has had no better luck in gaining entry to the fortress than other Warlock Knights. Mansard vociferously speaks out against the Voice of Telos within the confines of his secret camp. Telos, according to Mansard, is a tool to be used, not a being whose unconscious dreams and whims should be followed. He is more circumspect when he ventures abroad, seeking other Warlock Knights to defect to the side of his “rightful” rule.
18DELTA :D
pg. 189
Thanks, I already mentioned him some posts above, but I am glad that I didnt miss another one - though we might get more in the players guide.
Anyone interrested in fleshing him out a little more?
Thanks for that. ;)
yea, somewhat renegade tough
-I didn't know that. :lightbulb See the 4E Designer's aren't that stupid Markus. :P
18DELTA ;)
-I didn't know that. :lightbulb See the 4E Designer's aren't that stupid Markus. :P
18DELTA ;)
Well not everything is down the drain yet I guess :D
Human Warlock 18 with Paragon Multi-class Wizard
STR: 9 (+8) CON:11 (+9) DEX:15 (+11) INT:20 (+14) CHA:20 (+14) WIS:13 (+10)
Defenses: AC: 34 REF: 27 FORT: 25 WILL: 29 INI:+11
HP 108(half damage is taken by his armor se below) Bloddied 56
Healing Surges 6 Surge Value 27
Speed 6 (since his legs no longer obey him, he can only walk inside his armor), Fly 4 (Clumsy)
Feats: Astral Fire, Improved Fate of the Void, Ritual Caster, Skill Focus:Arcana, Arcane Initiate, Novice Power, Acolyte Power, Adept Power, Twofold Curse, Devastating Critical, Great Fortitude, Arcane Reach
Trained Skills: Arcana, Religion, History, Heal, Insight
Powers to lazy for custom flavor text:
At-Will: -Dire Radiance
-Eldritch Blast
-Scorching Burst
Encounter:-Magic Missile
-Lightning Bolt
-Sign of Ill Omen
-Prismatic Burst
-Strand of Fate
Daily: -Hunger of Hadar
-Thief of five Fates
- Otiluke´s Resilient Sphere
Utility: -Fiendish Resilience (daily)
-Shroud of Black Steel (daily)
-Resistance (daily)
- Infuriating Elusiveness (encounter)
-Dispel Magic
Equipment: +3 Ironfell Amulet, +4 Ironfell Warplate golem armor (see below), +4 Ironfell pact blade short sword, +4 Wand of Prismatic Burst, +4 Wand of Mesmeric Hold (usually stored in a wand sheat built into his armor), 10 Ironfell Rings (two are enchanted as Rings of Protection and Inisibility the other rings are not magical and Ariados prefers to use one of his own for the Ritual of the Iron Ring), Bracers of Defense lvl.17, Gloves of Piercing, Handy Haversack (usually carried by one of his guards) Ritual Candle
Radiant Horror Level 18 Elite Soldier
Medium elemental animate (construct) XP 4,000
Initiative +14 Senses Perception +14; darkvision, truesight 10
Shield Master aura 5; as long as its master is within the aura the
radiant horror takes half of its master’s damage until it is destroyed.
HP 400; Bloodied 200
Regeneration 10
AC 36; Fortitude 34, Reflex 31, Will 32
Immune charm, disease, fear, poison, sleep
Saving Throws +2
Speed 6, fl y 6 (see Air Walk)
Action Points 1
melee basic Radiant Rapier (standard; at-will) Weapon; Radiant
+24 vs. AC; 1d8 + 8 damage plus 1d10 radiant damage. On a
critical hit 3d6+18 damage plus 2d10 radiant damage.
Close Burst, Radiant Burst (standard; recharge 5 6 ) Radiant, Force
Close burst 5, enemies only; +20 vs. Reflex; 2d6 + 6 radiant damage
and the target is pushed back 5 squares.
Dire Radiance (standard, at-will) Radiant, Implement, Fear, Arcane
Range 10, +21 vs Fort, 2d6+6 if target moves closer to the
radiant horror additional 2d6+6. Critical hit 3d6+18 each time.
Disguise Self (standard, encounter) Arcane, Illusion
As the wizard power, but limited to changing the head and
armor design.
Air Walk
The Radiant Horror can walk on air as he can on ground,
he can reach a hight of no higher than 20 squares this way.
Alignment Unaligned Languages Common, Primordial, Damaran
Skills Arcana +17
Str 26 (+17) Dex 21 (+14) Wis 11 (+9)
Con 22 (+15) Int 16 (+12) Cha 18 (+13)
Equipment: +3 Pact Blade Rapier
When he created the first radiant horror (he created lesser versions later)
he used a simulacrum of himself and put his essence into his creation.
The simulacrum can no longer access any combat powers other than
the ones in his stat block, but he can still use and assist in rituals.
As long as Ariados is using the radiant horror as armor the horror
loses all actions, but Ariados can use his actions to use the armors abilities.
For example he could use his move action to move the armor, of use a standard action to use Radiant burst.
The attack bonus and damage bonus stay the same.
Good picture how I think Ariados would look like :
Ariados Rakhuras Level 18 Elite Skirmisher
Medium natural humanoid, human XP 4000
Initiative + Senses Perception +
HP 274 ; Bloodied 137
AC 37 ; Fortitude 30 , Reflex 34 , Will 38
Saving Throws +2
Speed 0/6 , 6 Fly (Air walk)
Action Point 1
Damage Bonus (including magic item)
Pact Blade Short Sword 1d6+8
Pact Blade (implement use) +8
melee basic attack::see radiant horror
Eldritch Blast +22vs AC,range 10; 1d10+13 damage
Powers:
At-will:Eldritch Blast, Dire Radiance, Glow of Telos, Scorching Burst
Encounter:Prismatic Burst, Strand of Fate, Lightning Bolt, Sign of Ill Omen
Daily: Thief of five Fates, Otiluke´s Resilient Sphere, Prismatic Burst (from wand), Mesmeric Hold (from wand)
Utility:Infuriating Elusiveness(encounter), Shroud of Black Steel (daily), Resistance, Stoneskin
Alignment Unaligned Languages Common, Damaran
Skills Arcana + 19 Religion +19 Insight+15 Heal+15 Diplomacy +19
STR: 9(+8) CON:11 (+9) DEX:15 (+11) INT:12 (+10) CHA:20 (+14) WIS:13 (+10)
Equipment: +3 Ironfell Amulet, +4 Ironfell Warplate radiant horror armor (see below), +4 Ironfell pact blade short sword, +4 Wand of Prismatic Burst, +4 Wand of Mesmeric Hold
Tactics: Ariados prefers to stay out of melee combat and attack his foes from the distance. If he thinks that his opponents have even a slim chance to beat him he uses Shroud of Black Steel, Resistance(depending on his opponents, though never radiant) and Stoneskin.
If too many of his enemies try to fight him in melee he uses Air walk to rise to a height of 10 squares.
Glow of Ulban....quite powerfull so lets steal it and make it Glow of Telos (Telos glows all the time anyways)
The paragon path is .... well there is no good reason not to take it, it gives criticals with radiant powers on 18-20, hell I would consider multiclassing into warlock for any paladin for the paragon patch access alone.
Finished Onimusha 4 again recently and there are certan inspiring elements that fit here, especially since the bad guys is the God of Light: well here´s a trailer it´s doesn´t really show what I want it to but just watch out für purple glow and the words god of light - the hero has some kind of dark power maybe it would be nice to give the warlock knights some kind of enemy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN9GyKGrAgw
some more judge pics, I call dibs on the first one though:
Show
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maybe luminaries?
maybe luminaries?
Just finished a major overhaul of Lishkah Ehravic, check it out and tell me what you guys think. (2nd post of the first page of the thread) I'm going to put stats up tomorrow night with some adventure hooks and tidy up the prose a little. I was split over whether to do the origin the way I did, but some of the people I play with love the cheesy "bwa ha ha " factor, so that clinched it.
Like it, there always has to be a "bha ha ha" and a " nih ha ha" on every successfull evil team, shame he doesn´t look like Heidegger
I guess I imagine it more like
btw (naruto ref.) way - special (design) ironfell rings (maybe special powers)?
We should get WotC to let us distill our combined work down into a passable DDI article for Dragon Magazine.
Well, if that came to pass, it'd be neat!
Providing some kind of visual reference (picture, description for everyone would help).
From the recent warlock article in Dragon stolen for the glory of Telos:
Glow of Telos Warlock (Star) Attack 1
You call upon Telos, whose purple radiance pierces the mind and interrupts the instinct for self-preservation in those caught in its otherworldly glow.
Encounter ✦ Arcane, Implement, Radiant
Standard Action Ranged 5
Target: One creature
Attack: Charisma vs. Will
Hit: 2d8 + Charisma modifier radiant damage.
Star Pact: If this attack hits, the target takes a –2 penalty to its next saving throw. This penalty to saving throws lasts until the end of combat. (The penalty lasts until the target rolls a saving throw, then it´s gone)
The student of Caiphon paragon path is easy to adapt to Telos since Caipohon is a purple star. If I have the time, I´ll change my Ariados to the paragon path (just to good not to take it) and will use it for every full warlock I stat afterwards.
The epic destiny Radiant seems a good fit for the Voice - are we doing the Voice ? Stats are no problem but backround....
Banpai, naex....do you want me to also link your stats and creations? I think they are very well written and are starting to form the core of an expanded community created lore/stats section for this part of the Realms.
Updated the opening post with links to the council members.
Banpai, naex....do you want me to also link your stats and creations? I think they are very well written and are starting to form the core of an expanded community created lore/stats section for this part of the Realms.
Well ...can I get a seat for my Ariados? Please?
The stats aren´t quite done yet (forget some things like the radiant resistance everyone has, the critical hit damage) but linking is ok already. Should I repost them as single posts so there is nothing to distract the viewer when they click on the link?
Jonmarc “The Limper” Hathsin level 18 rogue with warlock multiclass
STR:11(+9)DEX:22(+15)WIS:11(+9) CON:14(+11)INT:14(+11)CHA:20(+14)
Feats:
Backstabber, Armor prof. Hide, Skill Focus Diplomacy, Pact Innate(Star:Telos)
Adept Power, Acolyte Power, Novice Power, Skill Focus Bluff, Armor prof. Chain, Armor Specialization Chain, Ritual Caster, Weapon prof. Rapier
Trained Skills:
Stealth+20, Thievery+20, Bluff+19, Insight+14, Streetwise+19, Perception+14, Arcana+16 , Diplomacy+19
Class Features:
First Strike
Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger
Rogue Weapon Talent
Sneak Attack 3d8
Powers:
Level 1 At-Will:Sly Flourish, Eyebite, Piercing Strike
Encounter Powers:Dire Radiance, Rogues Luck, Tornado Strike, Strand of Fate
Mire the Mind
Utility Powers:Master of Deceit, Chamaleon, Certain Freedom, Infuriating Elusiveness, Beguilers Tongue
Daily Powers: Clever Riposte, Curse of the Black Frost, Slaying Strike
Possessions: +4 Pact Blade Rapier, +4 Prismatic Armor (Forgemail), Bracers of Defense, Catstep Boots, Gloves of Piercing, Circlet of Authority, Ironfell Amulet, Ironfell Ring (enchanted as Ring of Protection) Dynamic Belt. As a high ranking Warlock Knight he can given time access almost any non-epic item.
NPC version
It didn´t take the standart ability array for him, I think mine fits better:
Jonmarc “The Limper” Hathsin Level 18 Elite Skirmisher
Medium natural humanoid, human XP4000
Initiative +1 Senses Perception +14
HP 316; Bloodied 158
AC 36; Fortitude 30, Reflex 35, Will 34
Saving Throws +2
Speed 5
Action Point 1
melee: Sly Flourish (standard; at-will) ✦ Radiant, Weapon
+24 vs. AC; 1d6+ 19 damage plus 5 radiant damage, Critical Hit: 3d6+25 plus 5 radiant damage.
ranged Dire Radiance (standard; at-will) ✦ Radiant, Implement
+20 vs. Fort; 1d6+ 10 radiant damage , secondary
if comes closer 1d6 + 10 radiant damage. Critical hit: 3d6+16 radiant damage
ranged Eldritch Blast (standard; at-will) ✦ Implement
+20 vs. Ref; 1d10+ 13 damage. Critical hit 3d6+23 damage
Encounter powers:Rogue´s Luck, Hounding Strike, Strand Fate, Mire the Mind
Daily powers: Hounding Strike, Thief of five Fates,
Utility powers: Raise the Stakes(Daily), Master of Deceit(Encounter), Beguiling Tongue(Encounter), Shroud of Black Steel (Daily)
Class features:
Eldritch Pact:Star(Telos)
Prime Shot
Warlocks Curse: 2d6
First Strike
Rogue Weapon Mastery
Sneak Attack: 3d6
Alignment It´s a secret Languages Common, Damaran
Skills Arcana +16. Bluff +19, Diplomacy +19, Thievery +20
Str 11 (+9) Dex 22 (+15) Wis 11 (+9)
Con 14 (+11) Int 14 (+11) Cha 20 (+14)
Equipment: Iron Ring, +4 Prismatic Armor (Forgemail), +4 Pact Blade Short Sword
Ironfell Amulet Level 15+
These 13 amulets made from Ironfell are given only to the 13 Vindicators of the council
Lvl 15 +3 25,000 gp Lvl 25 +5 625,000 gp
Lvl 20 +4 125,000 gp Lvl 30 +6 3,125,000 gp
Item Slot: Neck
Enhancement: Fortitude, Reflex, and Will
Power (At-Will): Standard Action. Until the end of your next
turn, the wearer can be heard
by either all, several chosen or just one wearer of the other
12 amulets as though he or she were
standing in the other amulet’s place. You have to have touched an amulet at least once to contact it without contacting all amulets.
Special: Adding another amulet to the set fails and the new amulet is destroyed immediately in an explosion. Lost or destroyed amulets can be replaced, rendering a stolen amulet useless.
Prismatic Armor Level 5+
The links in this armor glow in ever changing prismatic colours.
Lvl 5 +1 1,000 gp Lvl 20 +4 125,000 gp
Lvl 10 +2 5,000 gp Lvl 25 +5 625,000 gp
Lvl 15 +3 25,000 gp Lvl 30 +6 3,125,000 gp
Armor: Chain
Enhancement: AC
Power (Healing Surge): Immediate interrupt. Gain resistance 10 against fire, cold, thunder, lightning, necrotic or radiant until the end of your next turn.
Level 15 or 20: Resist 15 chosen damage type
Level 25 or 30: Resist 20 chosen damage type.
Updated the opening post with links to the council members.
Banpai, naex....do you want me to also link your stats and creations? I think they are very well written and are starting to form the core of an expanded community created lore/stats section for this part of the Realms.
Yeah, that would be great.
I may need to stat Illiana and Adriana
Well ...can I get a seat for my Ariados?
Crap...sorry.
[edit] ...hrmm...how come I can't find Ariados? I must be blind. Somebody shoot me a link.
Crap...sorry.
[edit] ...hrmm...how come I can't find Ariados? I must be blind. Somebody shoot me a link.
No problem, when I first posted it I wasn´t shure if he was council member material, he´s in post 81. I´ll repost and revise the stats I have done already and do more until I have done them all (of course I won´t do the ones already statted by the others) .
OK all done. I dropped Ariados in at #3 on the list.
:D
:embarrass
ZOMG totally wrong thead!
:embarrass
Well, with so many heads to manage it can happen to everyone.
I have been trying to find stats for Eranthis Falcata, but I am really not shure about him. I considered Cleric of Bane with warlock multiclass, and a paragon path. Not really shure from what angle to start from - devoted scholar or Sauron (plate and morningstar together with divine power and dvine armor).
Not shure which one I´ll try next, I am kinda sick at the moment, but Tan Mu Rong will have to wait till I get the players guide. Skagi will only get a monster writeupso it´s quick one I guess.
Yeah the Player's Guide kind of has me and my players in hesitant mode too.
They just made it to level 2 and were hesitant to level up because the Player's Guide to Faerûn isn't out yet.
I told them they could revise their 2nd level characters however they wanted once it was released. That got us back on track.
Yeah the Player's Guide kind of has me and my players in hesitant mode too.
They just made it to level 2 and were hesitant to level up because the Player's Guide to Faerûn isn't out yet.
I told them they could revise their 2nd level characters however they wanted once it was released. That got us back on track.
Well with all the books comming out, and the dragon stuff (warlock stuff) I´ll wait a bit to do more stuff or I´ll have to do so much more revising to do - the equipment guide even has pact swords....
Well on the other hand I want to get this finished.
Well, with so many heads to manage it can happen to everyone.
I have been trying to find stats for Eranthis Falcata, but I am really not shure about him. I considered Cleric of Bane with warlock multiclass, and a paragon path. Not really shure from what angle to start from - devoted scholar or Sauron (plate and morningstar together with divine power and dvine armor).
It could probably go either way, but remember that I do see him as having a feminine side. He'd most often be swanning around his keep in robes.
@MarkusTay63: You might want to revisit Tan Mu Rongs backround, since Iyraclea is gone according to FRCG. Some powers for the character the first one as his at-will and the second when the sword takes over was my intention:
[INDENT]
Rime Blade
Swordmage Attack 1
You channel the power of frost into your weapon.
At-will * Arcane, Weapon, Cold
Standard Action * Melee Weapon
TARGET: One creature
ATTACK: Intelligence vs. AC
HIT:1[W] + Intelligence modifier cold damage. If the target triggers your Aegis power it takes 1d6 + Charisma modifier cold damage.
[/INDENT]
[INDENT]
Void Blade
Swordmage Attack 1
You channel the destructive power of the void through your blade..
At-will * Arcane, Weapon, Necrotic
Standard Action * Melee
TARGET: One creature
ATTACK: Intelligence vs. Fort
Hit: 1[W] + Charisma modifier necrotic damage.
[/INDENT]
Not sure how balanced they are, but I wanted to make a cold calculating power for him, and a void flavoured one to fit the shadow theme of the blade. Hope you like them.
First version of it:
Shadow sword of Doin Saneshiro(+5) Level 25
This obsidian black Katana is made of pure shadowstuff and
leaves wisps of darkness in in the air when swung.
Damage:1d10, when used two-handed 1d8 when used in one hand
Enhancement Bonus: Attack rolls and damage rolls
Critical: +2d10 necrotic damage and gain 5d8 temporary hitpoints
Property: This weapon counts as heavy blade and light blade.
Property: While holding the weapon unsheated the user can´t use powers that deal radiant damage.
Property: While holding the weapon unsheated the user gains resist necrotic 10 but gains vulnerability radiant 10.
Property:The wielder can use the Void Blade power.
Property:Attacks with the blade ignore resistance to untyped damage.
Power (At-will • Necrotic): Free Action. All damage dealt
by this weapon is necrotic damage. Another free action
returns the damage to normal.
Quirks: The spirit of Doin Saneshiro resides inside this katana and can posses the wielder when the blade is drawn, it can posses the wielder. Attack vs Will +34, success: the target is dominated until the end of his next turn. The blade can try to dominate once per round. Doin Saneshiro doesn´t usually try to dominate his descendant, but will do so if he feels the need to do so. Possessing his decendant gives him far greater control over the body than controlling everyone else.
for those who may not have seen this thread.If you'd like to contribute, please do so! There's plenty more of Vaasa left to detail. Please feel free to add your own ideas on lore, customs, monsters, adventure locations, encounters and so on.
:D
Iyraclea isn't dead... it appears rumurs of her demise were greatly exagerrated. Being a Chosen of Auril, she has certain powers available to her...
Note that the FRCS specifically says she snatches young mages for some unknown reason... she's a Suel-Lich*, and has been for a long time.
I will be writing up a little 4e somethin-somethin for her, and finish my Crinti Torturor as well (I have a GREAT pic for her).
Thanks for bumping this Misc - it was a great thread and I hope folks add to it.
*Suel Liches originated in the Suel Empire thousands of years agon on the world of Oerth, but that ancient bit of magic has managed to travel to many other spheres since, and has been used on occassion on Toril before. Basically, it is a form of 'living' Lich that makes use of possession. The Lich exchanges it's consciousness for someone elses when its ready for a new body, either destroying that person in the process, or storing their essence elsewhere for future use.
http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=18568146&postcount=2581
Background: Originally an Imaskari Vengeance-Taker, his life was shattered by the Spellplague. Fleeing his ruined homeland, Ezekiel felt a calling in his dreams which brought him down a whole new path in life. Leaving his old life behind, he joined the Warlock Knights of Vaasa. Following the voices in his dreams, he traveled into the Far Realms, where he was trapped within the strange and alien world; his mind, body, and soul warped beyond mortal comprehension by the powers-that-be among the cold void of the stars, and the lurking depths below. During his imprisonment within the Far Realms, a deadly contagion known as the Spellplague ravaged the lands he called home, forcing his people into a semi-exile and destroying their beliefs and the gods they served. Upon his return to the Material Plane, Zeke discovered his people were not totally gone, though their lives would never be the same. In an effort to regain some semblance of the life he once knew, Zeke has bound his soul with those very powers who tortured and enslaved him to their will for a hundred years. His vengeance would be had, and the world will tremble at his fury.
Description: Dressed in form-fitting black armor and shrouded beneath a heavy hood, Ezekiel Cairo is a sight to behold. His athletic form betrays a powerhouse of raw, untapped eldritch forces; a fact evident by his haunting eyes. An ironfell ring encircles his ring finger, etched with sinister runes in some bizzare language. Wielding a crystalline iron glaive, the Imaskari-Vaasan Warlock Knight is a force to be reckoned with. Hanging from his neck is a pendant of bizarre design, the cultist openly displays his choice of worship of the entity known as Telos; a religion whose patron is partly believed to be the cause behind the world-shattering event that brought upon the Spellplague. Covered in vestaments bearing the symbols of the ancient being, Zeke's body is a living mural to the alien power that is Telos the Master of the Iron Sky.
Personality: Cold-hearted and merciless, Ezekiel will stop at nothing to bring upon the apocalyptic doom that is the Awakening of Telos. Zeke believes that through the awakening of his patron, Telos' wrath will be able to shatter the bonds of the magic that caused the Spellplague and perhaps reshape the world into a visage of Telos' own lost realm.
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Warlock-Knight, level 30
Human, Star Pact Warlock, Student of Caiphon, ????
Eldritch Blast/Strike: Eldritch Blast/Strike Charisma
Gritty Sergeant: Weapon Proficiency (Glaive)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 15, Con 16, Dex 16, Int 20, Wis 12, Cha 24
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 13, Con 14, Dex 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 14 (+2 HUM)
STATS
AC: 44 Fort: 40 Reflex: 40 Will: 42
HP: 173 Surges: 13 Surge Value: 43
SKILLS
Arcana +31, Diplomacy +33, Insight +21, Intimidate +33, Religion +25, Streetwise +27
FEATS
Human: Ritual Caster
Level 1: Soldier of the Faith
Level 2: Arcane Implement Proficiency (Heavy Blade)
Level 4: Armor Proficiency (Chainmail)
Level 6: Armor Proficiency (Scale)
Level 8: Reckless Curse
Level 10: Acolyte Power
Level 11: Called Shot
Level 12: Prime Punisher
Level 14: Paragon Defenses (retrained to Robust Defenses at Level 21)
Level 16: Human Perseverance
Level 18: Improved Fate of the Void
Level 20: Armor Specialization (Scale)
Level 21: Student of the Athanaeum
Level 22: Curse of Doom Ensured
Level 24: Triumphant Attack
Level 26: Font of Radiance
Level 28: Warding Curse
Level 30: Starfire Womb
POWERS
At-Will: Dire Radiance, Eldritch Blast, Eldritch Strike, Fate of the Void, Warlock's Curse
Encounter: Divine Challenge, Envoy of Nihal, Maddening Whispers, Strand of Fate, Trust in the Guide Star
Daily: Caiphon's Abominable Melody, Caiphon's Hungry Mercy, Dark Side of the Moon, Passionate Betrayal
Utility: Caiphon's Disquieting Liberty, Caiphon's Leap, Fey Switch, Steps on the Purple Stair, Walk of the Kantakaran, Wrath of the Gods
Power choices 1-30 (Change to whatever you'd like!)
Warlock encounter 1: Glow of Ulban
Warlock daily 1: Crown of Stars
Human: Eldritch Strike
Warlock utility 2: Caiphon's Leap
Warlock encounter 3: Otherwind Stride
Warlock daily 5: Hunger of Hadar
Warlock utility 6: Fey Switch
Warlock encounter 7: Far Realm Phantasm
Warlock daily 9: Curse of the Black Frost
Warlock utility 10: Shielding Shades (retrained to Wrath of the Gods at Acolyte Power)
Warlock encounter 13: Glow of Ulban (replaces Glow of Ulban)
Warlock daily 15: Visage of Zhudun (replaces Hunger of Hadar)
Warlock utility 16: Caiphon's Disquieting Liberty
Warlock encounter 17: Strand of Fate (replaces Far Realm Phantasm)
Warlock daily 19: Dark Side of the Moon (replaces Crown of Stars)
Warlock utility 22: Walk of the Kantakaran
Warlock encounter 23: Maddening Whispers (replaces Glow of Ulban)
Warlock daily 25: Passionate Betrayal (replaces Curse of the Black Frost)
Warlock encounter 27: Envoy of Nihal (replaces Otherwind Stride)
Warlock daily 29: Caiphon's Abominable Melody (replaces Visage of Zhudun)
ITEMS
Radiant Glaive +6
Agile Titanscale Armor +6
Choker of Eloquence +6
Warlock's Bracers (paragon tier)
Planestrider Boots (paragon tier)
Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier)
Iron of Spite (epic tier)
Ring of Dimensional Escape (paragon tier)
Ring of Tenacious Will (epic tier)
Girdle of the Umber Hulk (paragon tier)
Sapphire Scabbard (paragon tier)
RITUALS
Pact of the Iron Ring
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
If whom ever you are making this for is using this thread for cannon (which I would be rather taken with...) then you could tie him to one of the 13 Vindicators (My unbiassed opinion would point you toward The Limper ;) ). It would explain a great raise in power and position. You could make a subplot in which he is being hunted, overtly or openly by one or more of the seated Vindicators because he is seen as a threat. Just some thoughts.
CrimsonLancer and I have made him, he's actually my personal PC.
What do you think of him?
:D
I'm using the 13 Vindicators from this thread in my campaign (I hope that's OK...)
Ezekiel Cairo, as my PC is named, is aiming to become a Council member himself, though he's trying to find another to eliminate so that he may assume their position in the council. He'll be working in concert with the Limper probably, to take out a common enemy...
Well it all looks pretty well, just sprinkle in a few details that can be called on for specifics on a campaign. Sometimes they bite you in the ass but when they hit RPing perfect it's beautiful.
I'm tempted to finish my piece on Darra’pol Vistuulis, traitor-priestess of Lolth.
I'm leaning heavily toward declaring Lord Mansard Kanaoth a half-orc. Does that rub anyone the wrong way?
not me, unless the half orc doesnt rub the pcs thewrong way
I'm leaning heavily toward declaring Lord Mansard Kanaoth a half-orc. Does that rub anyone the wrong way?
Not in the slightest. I think I'd actually prefer it, in fact, but that's just me.
Along the way, a member of Spysong confronts the party sending them on a mission to kidnap Kaggen, but doesn't tell the party that he is the rightful heir to the throne of Damara. The players will have to choose whether to work with the Warlock Knights or against them. I expect them to choose to help Spysong and after a long campaign, end up aiding Kaggen to discover his heritage and retake the throne of Damara from Yarin Frostmantle. It will also involve a war with the Warlock Knights. I'm going to have fun with it, having Jarlaxle and Aretemis Entreri show up at some point to actually help Kaggen but not reveal until much later that Kaggen is actually Artemis' son. (This is my own creation I know).
If anyone here has any other suggestions for reading or other lore people have compiled that might help my campaign, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm returning to D&D after many years of absence, but have played NWN and other PC games along the way. I'm enjoying 4th edition and love the Bloodstone region. Thanks again for the good work and I hope to hear more!
(snip some stuff)
May I suggest starting a new thread as this thread is specific to the composition of the Ironfell Council.