Across the sandy dunes a warm breeze blows, picking up the tiny grains and depositing them elsewhere. The sun beats down upon the backs of scuttling scorpions, sand-colors serpents, leering lizards, cranky camels, and most important of all, a hero. From the dry, burning world in which water is precious as gold and life worth less you have emerged for that great deed which will carve your name in the shifting sands of time.
Welcome to Hero Artisan #5a, the 4e contest where you make a character and get it voted on according to all its facets by our judges, to see who can make the best character! This time our chosen theme is Desert. The required level for this competition is 8th level. You're permitted to spend 12,800gp on your equipment; you may purchase any combination of items you wish, though you may not purchase any items above level 9. This competition will allow entry material from the PHB I & II, DMG, MM I & II, MP, DP, PP, and AP. As per page 143 of the DMG, you're permitted whatever standard adventuring gear you'd like without having to purchase it from your net worth. So, for example, if you want a backpack or bedroll, just write it on your character sheet and don't worry about the cost. The following section contains the specific rules of the competition, as well as the standards for how the characters will be scored, and general tips to consider when creating a submission.
Contest Rules: The following are rules for the Hero Artisan competition, and are subject to change at any time between competition periods. Do note that the Code of Conduct is in effect for all aspects of this contest, and those who break it will be disqualified, and their post will be reported.
Character Creation Parameters
Character Level: 8th
Ability Score Generation: Customized Scores Method (found on pages 17-18 of the PHB)Character Wealth: 12,800 gp
Max. Value of any single item: 9th level
1) All entries must be submitted with a complete stat block of any format or length, (so long as the stat block is complete, including content like equipment, skills, powers, etc.) accompanied by a character background also of any format or length.
2) All entries must be submitted by the date and time given by the Coordinating Judge; any entries submitted late will not be judged but they are still allowed to be commented on by other users/judges, and may provide a valuable resource to other players out there. The time given for any competition is likely to be within 2-3 weeks; the exact times and dates will be stated by the Coordinating Judge during the contest's start.
3) Caveat Auctoris: You may edit your entry as you wish, but be wary. The judges are allowed to score it from the moment it hits the thread.
4) One entry per contestant, and that creator must be the submitter (meaning that all work has to be original, and not stolen from someone else.) Also, do not post an entry if you do not want it to be officially judged.
5) At the start of each competition, the coordinating judge will state a single theme around which to base your entry. There are no restrictions based on the character theme itself; it is merely a suggested guideline, but following it in a creative and interesting way will give merit to your entry.
6) Any material from the following sources is permitted for this contest:
- Player's Handbook
- Monster Manual
- Monster Manual 2
- Dungeon Master's Guide
- Player's Handbook 2
- Martial Power
- Arcane Power
- Divine Power
- Primal Power
You are allowed to build characters with non-standard races, including monster races from the MM. Any other sources -- including other DDI, free web enhancements, and third party material -- are not permitted this time around. In addition, you are welcome to use any homebrew material - anything from inventing a city or country name to reflavoring an existing power and even, should you choose, writing your own class or race. A few things to keep in mind on this point, though. First and foremost, you must be the creator of this material. Please do not use homebrewed material invented by others (for example, using a race that somebody else posted to the forums). Doing so will result in your entry being disqualified from the content. Second, your entire entry will be judged. So, for example, if you create a new paragon path for your rogue to follow, that path will be judged along with your character -- both the flavor and mechanics. If the judges find your paragon path to be poorly balanced, you'll receive a lower Rules Use score.
7) Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow the above rules, as they see fit.
Scoring: Scoring Points will be awarded for how well the judges think the character is made and expanded on. Entries from each of the judges will be added up to give a final score. The highest-scoring entry will win gold, second-highest silver, third-highest bronze. The judges may also give a single entry each one bonus point for whatever reason; this bonus point is merely to make out an 'honorable mention' of the competition, and is not likely to make an impact on the results themselves. The judges are expected to be very stingy about their bonus point, meaning that it is possible for no entries to get one in a competition. Special awards will be given to the entry that performs the best in each of the four categories (detailed below), determined by a majority nomination among the judges and/or the highest average score in that category. These awards will have no effect on the total score of each entry. Additionally, the judges reserve the right to post comments on entries, and any contestant may ask to have their scoring (and/or comments) sent to them via PM. Each entry will be scored according to four categories: Thematic Creativity (10 points), Background Content (10 marks), Rules Use (10 points), and Clarity (5 points), for a total of 35 points.
-Thematic Creativity is a measure of how well the entry fits with the theme of the contest, decided by the coordinating judge at the start of the competition. It is also a measure of how creative the entry is when fitting in with the theme, meaning that taking the most obvious class for the theme may or may not be the best idea.
-Background Content measures how well-written the background of the entry is, and how creative it is. Including plot points, events that shaped your character, and so on, will earn you high points here.
-Rules Use is based on how well your character is made mechanically, as well as for how well your entry follows the rules. Is his attack bonus correct? Has she spent all her skill points? Is all the gold in the sheet accounted for? And the like. Powerful characters will earn at least some points in this category.
-Clarity is a measure of how well we can read everything. This includes correct grammar (No leet über txt), and legibility of the entry's stat block. We want to be able to find what we need to judge the entry. Small typos and minor grammar errors aren't a problem; we understand that typos happen, and that not everybody speaks English as a first language. However, please do your best to make your entry readable. For those who choose to make use of the DDI, just posting the printable statblock might not get you the full Clarity score.
Hints: This is not a competition to see who can make the most optimized character. It is a competition to find who can create the most creative and interesting character; one that you would love to see played in a gaming group. Of course, optimized characters can still be creative and interesting, but optimization is not the sole focus of the competition. Please consider your format before submitting an entry. As judges, we want to know exactly where you got that +3 in Acrobatics, or how you've laid out your ability scores. If we are helped in this endeavor, it reduces the chances of us (as well as you) making mistakes, and points may be earned for Clarity. Backgrounds are very important in this competition, worth at least 10 points. While your entry's background doesn't have to be literary genius, you are advised to cover at least the basic stuff, like parents, friends, homeland, motivation, behavior, and at least one plot point that a DM can latch onto, such as a probable antagonist for your character. In this case, covering most or all of the aspects of a character is more advisable than simply focusing on one or two aspects in great detail. Don't worry about length; it's usually not an issue for us judges. However, it's always best to cite your sources. This makes it easier for judges to locate material, which should help your clarity score. Citing sources outside the "core" three books goes a long way to helping the judges verify your information, and is likely to help your clarity score, at least a little bit.
Our list of Eligible Judges for Hero Artisan are Batshido, Eldritch_Lord, lordduskblade, Obsidianjaerc, Johnathan_Vagabond, Nani?, SaintKeeleon, tylara67, and Dragoncat.
The gold-medal winner of each Hero Artisan competition will be added to this list as a prize. Additionally, contestants who win multiple silver and bronze medals can also earn judge status. A contestant who earns 6 points worth of medals will also be added to the eligible judges list as a prize. (Medal point values: Gold: 6, Silver: 3, Bronze: 1.5) After each competition, we will seek volunteers for the next contest from the list until we have at least three judges. It is a voluntary thing, so if you (as a recent gold-medal winner) feel uncomfortable with judging, or just don't have the time, that's fine with us.
Our judges for this contest will be Johnathan_Vagabond, tylara67, and Dragoncat. Johnathan_Vagabond will be serving as coordinator.
This contest starts when this post is posted, and is due to end at 11:59pm GMT on Tuesday, November 24th, giving you 3 weeks to enter your characters. If you have any concerns or suggestions to consider for the next Hero Artisan competition, don't hesitate to post your comments in This Thread. Finally, best of luck to all entries.
Looks fun 
sigh, no primal power though
Looks fun
You don't need primal power. You can use any of the listed sources.
Also, I think this is the first time ever that the coordinator starting the contest was unable to get the posts for the FAQ and List of Entries up prior to somebody posting. ;)
This contest starts when this post is posted, and is due to end at 11:59pm GMT on Tuesday, November 17th, giving you 3 weeks to enter your characters. If you have any concerns or suggestions to consider for the next Hero Artisan competition, don't hesitate to post your comments in This Thread. Finally, best of luck to all entries.
Isn't November 17th 2 weeks?
Just checking on whether the 17th or the 3 weeks is in error.
Thanks
And then the fey warriors of Tultan, once and future rulers of the vast desert valley, fell upon the nomads like a sudden rain rushing down the hills. As the soldiers routed everything in their path, Saluka's people saw their way of life destroyed, and their families slain or scattered to the winds.
In the immediate wake of the elves' return, Saluka became separated from his kin, and wandered for days over hard and broken ground. The blowing sand bit at his lips and cheeks until his face welled with blood, and eventually he collapsed in the lee of a great dune. Suddenly, he saw before him what must only be one of the djinn of his grandfather's stories: a fierce and beautiful woman, seemingly made of nothing but air and fire, wearing the clothes of a nomad. She beckoned him forth, and he gathered the last of his strength to follow.
Hasat seldom speaks of what passed between the two of them over the next weeks, but the djinni hardened his heart against his enemies even as she taught him to bind the lesser spirits of the desert and to take the physical form of the ever-flowing sands.
Years later, all that remains of the proud nomads is a loosely-bound network of fighters, making their homes in secret camps and caves within the desert. Among the resisters to Tultan rule in an-Naqat, Hasat has become well-known for a long series of small but significant victories over the hated elves; with this hard-earned respect, he has begun to gather a close-knit group of other resisters who share his philosophies. Hasat is a dangerous and dedicated man, with years of experience fighting the enemies of his people; he is not cruel, but his heart is as worn and weathered as his scarred face. He knows that a subtle and uncertain road lies ahead for his people, and he can ill afford the luxury of mercy.
***
Physically, Saluka Hasat is well over six feet, with the lean body of one accustomed to walking long distances. He wears a jerkin and leggings of tanned horsehide dyed red under sand-colored robes. Among the few possessions he carries is a worn staff of gnarled, black wood, tipped with an unsharpened piece of red obsidian. He also wears a deep brown cloak with an ornate bronze clasp, taken from a slain Tultan scout.
Hasat prefers to fight from ambush whenever possible, and has no compunction about retreating in the face of a superior force. Whether leading a band of warriors or facing off against a single opponent, he prefers mobility and quick, disorienting strikes rather than allowing himself to be pinned down. In combat, he makes liberal use of his ability to transform into an animate storm of sand and warm winds; he never fails to capitalize on the surprise of his enemies when they find themselves fighting not a man, but seemingly the very desert itself.
***
Saluka Hasat, Level 8 Human Druid
Primal Aspect: Primal Swarm
Background: Geography - Desert (+2 to Nature)
Languages: Common, Primordial
Final Ability Scores
Str 11, Con 18 [+1 4th, +1 8th], Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 20 [+2 human, +1 4th, +1 8th], Cha 8.
Starting Ability Scores
Str 11, Con 16, Dex 13, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 8.
Defenses
AC: 23 [10 + 4 level + 4 Con + 3 hide + 2 enhancement]
Fort: 21 [10 + 4 level + 4 Con + 2 enhancement + 1 human]
Reflex: 19 [10 + 4 level + 1 Dex + 1 class + 2 enhancement + 1 human]
Will: 23 [10 + 4 level + 5 Wis + 1 class + 2 enhancement + 1 human]
HP: 65 [12 + 18 Con + 5x7] Surges: 11 [7 + 4 Con] Surge Value: 16
Trained Skills
History +9 [4 level + 5 trained], Nature +16 [4 level + 5 trained + 5 Wis + 2 background], Endurance +12 [4 level + 5 trained + 4 Con - 1 armor], Athletics +8 [4 level + 5 trained - 1 armor], Perception +14 [4 level + 5 trained + 5 Wis]
Untrained Skills [all (4 level + ability modifier), except where noted]
Acrobatics +4, Arcana +4, Bluff +3, Diplomacy +3, Dungeoneering +9, Heal +9, Insight +9, Intimidate +3, Religion +4, Stealth +6 [4 level + 2 item], Streetwise +3, Thievery +4 [4 level + 1 Dex - 1 armor]
Feats
- Druid: Ritual Caster [Player's Handbook]
- Human: Human Nature Lore [Primal Power]
- Level 1: Hide Armor Expertise [Primal Power]
- Level 2: Implement Expertise (staff) [Player's Handbook 2]
- Level 4: Wild Sage [Primal Power]
- Level 6: Stinging Swarm [Primal Power]
- Level 8: Ferocious Tiger Form [Player's Handbook 2]
Powers
- Bonus At-Will Power: Wadi Rush
- As "Pounce", At-will Druid Attack 1 [PH2], with the following flavor text: "Hasat strikes out at his foe with the deceptive speed of a flash flood."
- Druid at-will 1: Swarming Sands
- As "Swarming Locusts", At-will Druid Attack 1 [PP], except that the effect produces a minor sandstorm instead of a cloud of locusts.
- Druid at-will 1: Fire Hawk [PP]
- Druid at-will 1: Cresting Dune Strike
- As "Savage Rend", At-will Druid Attack 1 [PH2], with the following flavor text: "Hasat's fists slam down with the weight of a great dune behind his blows, forcing the opponent back.")
- Druid encounter 1: Scattered Form [PP]
- Alter the flavor text as follows: "Hasan's form scatters into a dozen tiny sandstorms, battering those who stand too near."
- Druid daily 1: Wind Prison [PH2]
- Druid utility 2: Warding Wind [PP]
- Druid encounter 3: Scirocco
- As "Flowing Swarm", Encounter Druid Attack 3 [PP], with the following flavor text: "Hasan disperses on a sudden, stinging wind, and coalesces several steps away."
- Druid daily 5: Shifting Sand
- As "Clinging Drones", Daily Druid Attack 5 [PP], except that the effect momentarily transmutes the ground in the area to sand rather than conjuring large insects.
- Druid utility 6: Swarm Dispersal [PP]
- Druid encounter 7: Breath of Cinders
- Based on "Plague of Locusts", Encounter Druid Attack 7 [PP]. Replace "poison" with "fire" throughout, and replace flavor text as follows: "With a gesture, a wind full of hot sand and burning ashes fills the mouths of your foes."
Items
Ritual Book, Staff of the War Mage +2 [PH; 3,400 gp], Bloodcut Hide Armor +2 [PH; 4,200 gp], Elven Cloak +2 [PH; 2,600 gp], Everlasting Provisions (heroic tier) [PH; 840 gp], Rare Herbs (ritual components) [700 gp], Backpack, Bedroll, Waterskin, Silk Rope (50 ft.), Flint and Steel, Everburning Torch
Rituals
Animal Messenger [PH; free at 1st level], Create Campsite [PH2; free at 1st level], Traveler's Camouflage [PP; free with Wild Sage feat], Portend Weather [PP; 50 gp], Endure Elements [PH; 100 gp], Animal Friendship [PH; 250 gp], Commune With Nature [PH; 360 gp], Ironwood [PH2; 360 gp]
(Total Gear Value: 12,760 gp)
EDIT, 12:32am ET 11/24/09: Added sources of magic items (all from the PH); corrected minor typo and made minor polish to background.