Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 WanderingBard Mar 22, 2015 12:45:57	Is there any cool character concepts people can think of? I'm in a bit of a stump on what kind of character I want to create next. (I made an illusion wizard in a session my friend ran, but I got put on trial and executed at the end of the session b/c I fireballed the building, (and two of my allies who were next to the basilisks) with all the mining tools the underground town used for survival (its a post apocalyptic setting).) I want to create a memorable character that has flavor. I feel like i've been too caught up in metagaming, and although I enjoyed vaporizing 8 bandits with one fireball, or KOing the basilisk attackers my melee friends had so much trouble with, I really felt like they didn't appreciate the fact they literally got to do nothing in the fights, and the dm didnt appreciate that I literally murdered all his encounters without even trying. So I want a character I can view as iconic, someone I would enjoy roleplaying as, and with a greater focus on adding flavor to the game. I want to be able to make the game come to life, and not just a hack and slash, or cast a spell kill everything class. I'm good at talking, arbiting, and roleplaying. I want to use my qualities as a person to improve the sessions while I'm a player, so its not just bland talking, or speechless combat etc. I know a lot of this is just good backstory, but I need inspiration. An intresting character concept so that I can build on it. If not a concept, any ideas on how to create a "memorable, iconic character?"
#2 daviebo666 Mar 22, 2015 13:03:54	One of my favorite character that a friend of mine made was a bard who did very little in combat, but when they got back to town he was the one who told the tales of how the team won and he painted some brilliant battles where he was the hero
#3 fullm3talOptimus Mar 22, 2015 13:16:37	This is just something that kind of popped into my mind, but:  choose Cleric as your class and Criminal as your back ground, you could be a person with a shady past in the middle of being reformed after something scared you straight, or maybe even were chosen by a diety so you are reluctant but have little choice, and maybe eventually you come to accept it or even embrace it.
#4 fullm3talOptimus Mar 22, 2015 13:21:37	I'm also a big fan of the local hero archtype, start with a character that is young, maybe they grew up on a farm or is the blacksmiths apprentice, and ends up going on some quest/adventure/etc and becomes a hero of great renown. So many people want to start as a badass but I would rather have fun gettting to that point, and then playing that bad ass for awhile of course
#5 LordKaen Mar 22, 2015 13:53:33	I love theming in my campaigns. I have a post on trying to make a sword-wielding noble Fighter with a rapier. Though theming goes with most things. I've been working on a Half Orc Warlock of the Fiend, who wields a demonic axe granted to him by Grummsh or a servant of him. Pact of the Blade is sure fun.
#6 BoldItalic Mar 22, 2015 14:17:21	There's a whole bunch of cool character concepts in the Pre-Generated Character Repository. Don't any of those appeal?
#7 WanderingBard Mar 22, 2015 16:23:55	I've checked out some of it. But its a bit specific for my liking. I'm looking for intresting themes or concepts that i could create an iconic character with.I will look through all of it just in case. But any suggestions are still extremly welcome.
#8 BRJN Mar 22, 2015 16:32:29	A tiefling who normally looks and acts mostly commoner / human.  But like Dr Banner, "Don't make me angry.  You won't like me when I'm angry."  Because his skin turns red, horns grow out of his forehead, a tail shows up behind him, his Racial abilities come on-line, and he starts using Class powers.  Continues until the situation is resolved such that he can be happy again.
(Reply to #8) WanderingBard	BRJN wrote:
#10 SterlingRat Mar 22, 2015 17:51:13	I have an unassuming sage who discovered the secrets of mystical tattoo ink that contained Demon Blood. He played using the monk rules, but looks like a pudgy, nearsighted, balding, middle-aged academic. The inks and tattoos allowed him to call upon some of the demon's powers... Increased stamina and dex, breathing fire, roaring that actually causes damage, flying... that kind of thing. I haven't been able to actually play him much yet.   I also made a dwarf that was famous in his home city for being a superb Tunnel-Ball player (basically 3 dwarf per side Rugby) but was banned and disgraced for the use of PEMs (Performance Enhancing Magics). I haven't decided if the spell was done with his knowledge or not. Or maybe it was a lie and no spell was actually cast on him. I don't know yet.   The last character I have is a holy priest with a strange theory. He believes that a cleric's use of magic is a constant drain on the power of the gods, so he believes that avoiding divine magic while still worshiping is the way to show true devotion. As such, he has taught himself arcane magic; so it's a wizard that in most ways acts as a cleric.
#11 Saithor Mar 22, 2015 18:41:21	An assassin who believes herself to be a demi-god of murder.    A wizard who only communicates through her familiar (Assuming that their are talking familiars).   I'll post more if I can think of any. Trying to keep it broad.
#12 Greenstone.Walker Mar 22, 2015 18:42:00	There are online concept generators of differing quality.   My favourite is this one. Warning! Bad language!
(Reply to #12) WanderingBard	Greenstone.Walker wrote:
#14 Pirate79 Mar 22, 2015 20:49:30	I've been toying with the idea of a teifling warlock who uses mask of many faces to appear as an elf to avoid prejudice. Resenting their demonic heritage, they avoid even fire-based damage spells until backed into a corner and releasing all hell upon their foes.
#15 Arrew Mar 22, 2015 20:58:47	Man that generator is funny and good!
#16 WanderingBard Mar 22, 2015 21:45:16	Hm, I'm toying with this idea using some of the parts I liked from some of the suggestions you guys made   Split personality: Normally Muyeong is a kind character soul who tries to reason with even his enemies. He never kills and avoids fights when they occur. In his normal state he knows the basic of martial arts, which he uses to dodge his opponents while trying to reason with them. But when he is backed into a corner with no other option then fighting, he shrouds himself with darkness to activate the Dark Reversal Threshold. This causes a sharp reverse in his personality and a sharp increase in his combat prowess, at the expense of his reason.   Demonic Markings: Muyeong has to repeatedly cut markings onto his body every day in order to maintain the Dark Reversal Threshold. This requires a blade, and does 1d10 slashing damage no save. If this is not done the restrainsts will unwravel and he will go berserk, until subdued, and the marks are reapplied. Basically I’m going to ask the DM if I could do one of three things. 1. Create an Monk Archetype to fit the backstory (more animalistic destruction, but still “martial arts” w/ki) 2. Play a lower point buy monk character that has no access to monk archetypes and instead switches to a Berserker (while using his fists as a weapon with strength bonus) when he activates the alternate state with Darkness. 3. Be able to switch between classes, i.e Monk 10 à Berserker 10 when going into the state but losing control of the character (DM controls him) while he goes on a rampage until subdued or everyone is dead. If I can do neither I will just multiclass monk and berserker, or just go straight berserker and role-play as a monk, and only use my berserk abilities when I do the Dark Reversal Threshold etc. Preferably Option 1 will work out. Backstory: Born into an isolated (Kind of like Shaolin Monks) monastery in the mountains, Muyeong was exposed to martial arts at a young age. However, he expressed an interest instead for philosophy and a nonviolent approach to life. He grew up following this path with his monk mentors, until one day a great natural disaster created a chasm underneath Muyeong and his fellow trainees while they were out gathering herbs deep in the mountains. Trapped in the chasm and in almost complete darkness, something snapped in Muyeong. When the monks found them a week later, they discovered that only Muyeong remained in the chasm in a beastlike state, standing over the torn remains of his fellow trainees, some of which had been training in martial arts all their lives. Upon return Muyeong was shunned by the other monks, and was summoned by the head monk who had recently emerged from his century of meditation. The head monk told Muyeong that he had a dark ki inside him, that would only grow to be more uncontrollable as he grew older. However, the head monk could teach Muyeong the Dark Reversal Technique, which he could use to restrain the darkness inside him. The head monk taught Muyeong the technique and then tasked him to go on a pilgrimage around the world in order to learn for himself how to rein in the darkness within him. (Might not be called Dark Reversal Technique, any name suggestions? Lol) Dark Restraint Threshold? Black Restraint Threshold? etc etc. Any feedback on this idea? Unique? Enough flavor?
#17 Pirate79 Mar 23, 2015 5:59:02	I like it. Monks and Barbarians seem like opposite sides of the same coin, ultimate control vs unbridled rage, but with some similar class features.   An interesting way to advance this character would be to try to track xp separately based on which personality is in control and increase monk or barbarian levels based on who is contributing more to the whole. Maybe if the monk personality contributes 40% xp and the barbarian is 60% then maintain a 2/3 level split, locking certain class features out based on who it running the show. Not optimal by any means, but fits with the character design.   Your control feature is good, but I'm not a fan of the name. Penance seems more apt IMO.   Your background seems good as well. Someone who delved the depths of their soul in order to survive a terrible situation and now struggles to contain that darkness within. "When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."
#18 WanderingBard Mar 23, 2015 11:52:36	Pirate79 wrote:
#19 fullm3talOptimus Mar 23, 2015 12:40:08	I like your idea of the Monk/Barbarian hyybriding, and the backstory too, I would love to have one of my players do that, or you know, do a backstory and develop a character in general
(Reply to #18) Pirate79	WanderingBard wrote:
#21 BRJN Mar 24, 2015 17:55:32	Guild Member + Bad Reputation + Tiefling Warlock = the Godfather's chief "field work" henchman.  Now out adventuring because the authorities could not ignore a list of charges as long as your arm and mine and the next guy's and ...
#22 Monkow Mar 29, 2015 3:22:44	I created a Tiefling Wizard/Warlock with an Urchin background. He was trying to discover his ancesters sins that caused his bloodline to be cursed. His parents abandoned him in the slums of Waterdeep with only an amulet that beared his family crest. After he fought his way out of the slums, he found an old wizard that started teaching him the ways of magic so that he would eventually be able to call upon the Lower Planes. His teacher ended up tricking him and he was forced into a pact with Mephistopheles. He is now on a journey to find somebody that can break the pact while trying not to fall to the corruption of his patron.   My DM let me multiclass just for the purpose of role-playing. The only Wizard benefit I am using is a spellbook. I am limited to 1st-level wizard spells only. Alignment is CN so I have some freedom with my RP.
#23 Echamil Mar 29, 2015 14:57:59	An affluent Half-Orc Noble Bard with no sense of rhythm, who only enjoys playing new-age Polka Music.   An irritable Half-Elf Sailor Ranger who easily suffers from motion sickness.   A flirtacious Gnome Rogue who is as clumsy as he is charismatic.   A blissfully ignorant Drow Paladin whose only concern is when their next meal will be.   A selfish Half-orc Fighter from the grave diggers union who doesn't believe in hygiene.   A warm-hearted Gnome Cleric from a notorious dungeon who is downright racist towards living skeletons.   A flamboyant Tiefling Paladin from a poorly run orphanage who always needs to be the centre of attention.   An unstable Gnome Cleric from a wealthy vineyard who always takes first watch.   A prejudiced Half-orc Fighter from the city of lights who woke up in a bar with no memory and a sealed letter. (I might use this as a character)   A reluctant Human Bard from the royal catacombs who makes inappropriate jokes at the worst times.   A blunt Halfling Monk from the freelands who has no concept of personal space.   An enthusiastic Tiefling Rogue from a local street gang who doesn't understand sarcasm.   A pompous Elf Rogue from the most vile of swamps who lost two fingers in a training accident.   A wary Halfling Sorcerer from a free thinkers commune who just wants their money back.   A friendly Gnome Wizard from the black citadel who doesn't perceive gender differences.   A considerate Elf Warlock from a quiet woodland hut who had their lost legs replaced with enchanted wood.   An impulsive Human Druid from a company of sellswords who moonlights as a private investigator.   An uncharismatic Halfling bard who flirts with any girl he meets, and is tone-deaf.   An intolerant Elf Wizard from The shattered mountain range who in hindsight shouldn't have had the treasure map tattooed on themselves   A condescending Dwarven Fighter from the Icewind Dale Mines who suffers from claustrophobia
#24 FatherLiir Mar 30, 2015 17:15:44	So the Tiefling Orphan/Urchin story is pretty common much to my dismay.   My current character is a Tiefling Warlock grew up in an Orphanage in Baulder's Gate low city. The whole operation is underfunded and barely held together by a half elf woman named Sauriel who despite numerous pleas to the nobles and merchants who sponsor the orphanage on paper, refuse to fund it for some reason or another. To help cut costs, she has made deals with the fey and now the orphanage is home to a mushroom village of Sprites and Pixies who live in the basement. Sauriel took to my character like an adoptive daughter and taught her all about the fey. On my character's 18th birthday, when she no longer became a ward of the Oprhanage, was visited by Titania, Queen of the Summer court and as a present offered her magic and power with which to do as she will and in exchange serve as her "Summer Knight" (#DresdenFiles), making the deal out of a favor for Sauriel, and Kallista's kind treatment of the fairies.To help support her adoptive mother, she adventures around looking for work and gold where she can, sending as much of it home to support the orphanage. When she isn't adventuring, she wants to be a Fairy God Mother to all good little boys and girls, and devour all the nasty people who pick on them and make fun of her horns or green dress or their pet mouse named Robin Goodfellow.
#25 jaappleton Mar 30, 2015 18:33:10	A bard who only talks using real-life song titles. "Are you ready to go?" "Like a virgin!"
#26 Undrhil Mar 30, 2015 21:45:32	A Fighter who strove to become a Paladin but fell short.  (Give him/her the Acolyte background and make them follow the tenets of one of the Paladin's oaths.)   A Thief (Rogue archetype) who sings and dances as a way to get into the good taverns in town....   A Monk who spent time on the sea and has the language and reputation to prove it!   A Warlock who has made a pact with (insert choice of patron here) and takes the Pact of the Chain feature, believing his familiar is his patron.  He can bend over backwards trying to please his familiar and keep it safe and protected; meanwhile, the familiar is quite confused about why its master is being so weird.   A Fighter (Champion) who teaches the local militia how to be better fighters.  Maybe give him the Folk Hero background.   A Water Genasi Sorcerer who only uses Fire magic, because ... Fire!
#27 mcabre Mar 30, 2015 23:09:34	right now, i'm playing a fighter/rogue pirate who was raised a shipwright by an old retired pirate captain, trident and net, pistol shaped spell focus that casts firebolt, and an insatiable hunger for booty and debauchery.   a wizard artificer who is completely incapable of combat casting, but can imbue spells ritually into items, and invents items for use by the party.  (talk to your GM, this character is kinda unofficial)   a dwarven bard/druid who lived as a dancing bear in a circus after being forced out of his home by a large corporation   working on a ninja to be nemesis to my pirate character.   a friend came up with some awesome characters as well. an assassin rogue/bard who takes suggestion almost to the point of mind control.   a cleric who trapped a demon inside himself during an exorcism.  zap branagan~esque personality.  depending on mood, time, exhaustion, the demon must be appeased, restrained, etc.  At times the demon may attempt to wrest control of the body.   i find that as long as you come up with something imaginative, you won't be disappointed with your character
#28 spanglemaker Mar 31, 2015 14:54:50	I had a few ideas related to the theme of Tea. It started with the Half Elf Rogue, whose name is translated as Tealeaf, and is a Guild Merchant who blends and sells tea.   A noble Halfling who was adopted by a barbarian tribe, whose rages are powered by the spirit of Tea.   An exotic Human Noblewoman Bard, who refers to herself as a Geisha, she is the mistress of the mystical tea ceremony.   A  Dwarven Cleric who sailed the seas and discovered exotic teas, which are described as the brew of the gods, it was tea which enabled him to sail in the first place.   A Forest Gnome Diviner and Hermit, who reads tea leaves and has foreseen something horrific    I did template other tea related concepts.
#29 spanglemaker Mar 31, 2015 23:28:39	Now for some cool Ice Cream concepts.
#30 spanglemaker Apr 01, 2015 0:11:08	Apologies but here is another homage to Game of Thrones, plus some residents of a certain disc shaped world.   Bran Flakes Starkadder, Human or Gnome, Noble, (Diviner or Warlock Tome/Chain or Beastmaster or Druid). Most probably a Warlock, has an aversion to crunchy nuts, the exception being Hodor (Hulda means Crunchy Nut, in the ancient tongue)   Hodor Hordor Hulda, (Human or Half Orc or Goliath), Soldier or Outlander, Barbarian. Simple minded, yet highly compassionate Hodor carries and protects Bran Flakes from harm, Hulda can only say his name.    Granny Waneweather, Headologist and Witch. (Sage, Warlock, Fey or GOO Tome Pact)   Nanny Hogg,  lover and mother oh and a witch. (Noble (sheis related to most folk and is considered virtual nobility) Warlock, Fey or GOO Chain Pact)   Magrat Willow Garlic Star-blossom Spellweaver, High Priestess, Crystal Healer, Guardian of the Secrets of the Black Magic Box and the Milk Tray. Acolyte and (Fey Tome Warlock or Wizard).   Mincewind, the campest wizard in all the land. Mincewind was the youngest and  most fey of the brothers Camp, his older brothers started a Crime Syndicate, ran places of Ill repute where ladies and gentlemen of the night could experience exotic and forbidden delights. Mincewind is a Chain Fiend Pact Warlock with a criminal background, his familiar is the innocent looking but extremely deadly Luggage. Mincewind seemed to be an inept wizard, mostly because he was to busy entertaining gentlemen, sharing dark and forbidden secrets of magic and suchlike. It was when he met a certain gentleman, who gifted him with the Luggage, that his luck changed.    Oook the Librarian, Half Orc or Goliath cursed into the form of a gorilla, Sage Background and Arcane Trickster. Has a fondness for bananas. Gets angry when books are returned late.