Welcome to Hero Craftsmen #21, where you make a character and get it voted on according to all its facets by our judges; a challenge to see who can make the best character!
This time, the chosen theme is Detectives. Your goal for this Hero Craftsman contest is to make a character associated in some way with detective work. He could be a town guardsman, a sherlock, a noirish PI, or anything else. Finding information is what he's best at. All great detectives need a wide array of skills and talents to draw upon, though, so here's an extra catch - your entry must be multiclassed. He or she must have at least two base classes or one base class and two prestige classes.
The required level for this competition is 12th level, with 88,000 gp to spend on magic items and equipment, though no more than 29333 gp can be spent on any one item.
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 Craftsmen 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
Effective Character Level (ECL): 12th
Ability Score Generation: 28 pt. buy (DMG p.169)
Character Wealth: 88000 gp
Max. Value of any single item: 29333 gp
Must multiclass - a minimum of two base classes or one base class and two prestige classes.
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, special abilities 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) After submitting an entry, a 30-minute grace period is allowed to edit your work, in the case of mechanical or formatting errors, typos, and the like. Editing your work after 30 minutes is considered breaking the rules. Hence, we urge you to revise your entry thoroughly prior to submitting it, to save hassle. Making use of the preview button in the post window will help you catch most errors before posting.
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) There are other restrictions, however. Material in the three core books is allowed. Any material found in the following books is also permitted: Expanded Psionics Handbook, Players Handbook II, Complete Adventurer, Complete Arcane, Complete Divine, Complete Warrior, Complete Mage, Complete Scoundrel, Complete Champion, Complete Psionic, Magic Item Compendium, Spell Compendium, Tome of Battle, and the Eberron Campaign Setting. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. No other rules sources -- including any variant Unearthed Arcana rules available on non-official SRD sites -- are permitted for use in this round of the contest.
7) Additionally, the character must be created with the wealth parameters discussed above, with average hit points per hit die (eg-2.5hp for d4, 3.5hp for d6, 4.5hp for d8, 5.5hp for d10, 6.5hp for d12; Max hit points at 1st level), using the 28 point-buy system, as discussed in the DMG pg169.
For those who do not have access to the DMG, the following sample arrays of scores have been set up for your convenience:
18, 14, 12, 10, 8, 8
15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10
8) One special rule regarding Crafting: When crafting a magic item from your character, you may pay the 50% gp cost and ignore the XP cost. However, your character must still meet all prerequisites in spells, minimum level requirements, etc., or account for the cost of hiring a spell caster to cast the spells for you.
9) Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow the above rules, as they see fit.
The following are rules for the Hero Craftsmen 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
Effective Character Level (ECL): 12th
Ability Score Generation: 28 pt. buy (DMG p.169)
Character Wealth: 88000 gp
Max. Value of any single item: 29333 gp
Must multiclass - a minimum of two base classes or one base class and two prestige classes.
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, special abilities 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) After submitting an entry, a 30-minute grace period is allowed to edit your work, in the case of mechanical or formatting errors, typos, and the like. Editing your work after 30 minutes is considered breaking the rules. Hence, we urge you to revise your entry thoroughly prior to submitting it, to save hassle. Making use of the preview button in the post window will help you catch most errors before posting.
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) There are other restrictions, however. Material in the three core books is allowed. Any material found in the following books is also permitted: Expanded Psionics Handbook, Players Handbook II, Complete Adventurer, Complete Arcane, Complete Divine, Complete Warrior, Complete Mage, Complete Scoundrel, Complete Champion, Complete Psionic, Magic Item Compendium, Spell Compendium, Tome of Battle, and the Eberron Campaign Setting. The use of Psionics, Item Creation rules, Epic Characters, and anything else in the Official SRD is permitted. No other rules sources -- including any variant Unearthed Arcana rules available on non-official SRD sites -- are permitted for use in this round of the contest.
7) Additionally, the character must be created with the wealth parameters discussed above, with average hit points per hit die (eg-2.5hp for d4, 3.5hp for d6, 4.5hp for d8, 5.5hp for d10, 6.5hp for d12; Max hit points at 1st level), using the 28 point-buy system, as discussed in the DMG pg169.
For those who do not have access to the DMG, the following sample arrays of scores have been set up for your convenience:
18, 14, 12, 10, 8, 8
15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10
8) One special rule regarding Crafting: When crafting a magic item from your character, you may pay the 50% gp cost and ignore the XP cost. However, your character must still meet all prerequisites in spells, minimum level requirements, etc., or account for the cost of hiring a spell caster to cast the spells for you.
9) Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not follow the above rules, as they see fit.
1. Mesinok - Herrod Kithenger
2. Koradzi - Special Investigator Delacroix
3. Eldritch_Lord - Maximilian, Eberron Investigator Extraordinaire
4. shinobicow - Cosimo d’ Tharashk, The Book-Keeper, The Dragonne
5. CheeseMan - Emmett Rothschild
6. dawnbringer - Nalferin Thade
7. Jonathan_Vagabond - Lara Fluier
8. Heros_Backpack - Gann Rocktusk, Voice of the Unspeaking
Q: Can I post a scan of my character sheet?
A: We'd really rather you entered everything into the post, as a typed entry. It makes importing it out of the website and into a text-editor much easier. There's plenty of examples in prior contests.
Q: What Eberron-related books are you allowing?
A: Just the main Eberron Campaign Setting book. Every book allowed is typed out clearly in the list.
Q: Can I use the Class variants from Unearthed Arcana, that are located on d20srd.org?
A: No. Unearthed Arcana is not an allowed resource, and d20srd.org is not the official SRD. The official SRD does not contain variant classes.
Q: Can I use an item that appeared in an earlier book (say, Complete Divine), but use a later revision of it (say, from the Magic Item Compendium)?
A: As long as the item is in an allowed rulebook, you may use it. If you don't have the MIC, but do have Complete Divine, feel free to use it from there. If you have both, use whichever suits your needs, following all the rules as they appear in the book you're using. If an item/rule/etc was reprinted in a book that is not on the allowed list (like a Races of... book), you may not use the item as it appears there.
Let the entries begin!
Edit: Wait, Eberron Campaign Setting is allowed? Awesome, I was thinking of using that, but thought it wouldn't be allowed.
Would I be able to post a picture of the official 3.5 character sheet with my character's stats, or would that not be allowed by WotC?
I'll be writing up an entry as well. Just a quick question though.
Would I be able to post a picture of the official 3.5 character sheet with my character's stats, or would that not be allowed by WotC?
I don't think that'd be disallowed, but I can definitely say that I'd appreciate it typed instead of posted as a .jpg. It's much easier to import character sheets into a word processing document for grading when they're presented as a normal post. I recommend looking through prior competitions and checking out entrants if you're concerned about format. If you want to provide a picture of your character sheet as well, that's fine, but I'd definitely recommend against solely doing that.
The other judges may feel differently, however.
I don't think that'd be disallowed, but I can definitely say that I'd appreciate it typed instead of posted as a .jpg. It's much easier to import character sheets into a word processing document for grading when they're presented as a normal post. I recommend looking through prior competitions and checking out entrants if you're concerned about format. If you want to provide a picture of your character sheet as well, that's fine, but I'd definitely recommend against solely doing that.
The other judges may feel differently, however.
I'm going to definitely agree with that. I like to just sort of go through and make notes right next to any errors I find, and it would be hard to do on a .jpg.
Glad everyone seems to be enjoying the competition! As a note though: Mercurius and I will be out of town this weekend, so if you ask a question and we don't answer, it's not because we don't like you.*
*Not to say we do like you. It's just not the reason for the lack of response. :D
B) Even if it's in one of those sources, check the text carefully. Generally the variant classes have text that says you can't multiclass with the standard class.
I'm not a judge this time around, but... if the class is in one of the allowed sources and it doesn't include a multiclass restriction, then I'd say you'd be permitted to take the combo - from a Rules as Written perspective.
A) Is the urban ranger found in one of the permitted sources? I thought it was in Unearthed Arcana...
It's on the official SRD.
B) Even if it's in one of those sources, check the text carefully. Generally the variant classes have text that says you can't multiclass with the standard class.
It does not restrict multiclassing between the variant and the standard version.
Yet I will wait for an answer from one of the contest judges before applying it.
It's on the official SRD.
No, it's not. It's on d20srd.org. Follow the link in the rules and you'll get the actual, official SRD.
No, it's not. It's on d20srd.org. Follow the link in the rules and you'll get the actual, official SRD.
Ah, gottcha; thank you.
It's a common problem, and one that irks me for no real good reason. So if I came across at all as testy, I apologize.
I didn't get that vibe at all. It's all good.
Herrod endured the vigorus two year training of the guild. During the final trials, Herrods parents were murdered during a botched robbery. However, Herrod did not find out until after his trials where completed. He soon became obsesed with finding his parents murders and began investigating the robbery. After a few short months he discovered that a small group of regade guild members had done the robbery. The serch for the culperits took Herrod out into the wilderness sourrounding the city. Herrod; being a city boy and not spending much time the local woods; soon found himself lost, hungery, thirsty and tired. After many days of stumbling through the wilderness, Herrod found himself in a small grove, exhausted and starving he fell asleep. A few days later, he awoke the sweet smell of cooking meat and through bleary eyes he saw a hulking, grizzled man and a large brown bear sitting opposite him on the other side of small fire. The hairy beast of a man chuckeled at Herrod "I bet you are hungery, no?" he asked, and introduced himself as Karl Mossbeater, and the bear as Killgrowl.
Karl nursed Herrod back to heal over the next few days. Herrod was astounded at how a man could survive so deftly in the brutal wilderness, and even more astounded at how a man could befriend such a beast as Killgrowl. During this time Harrod told his story to Karl. After a few days Karl said to Herrod "I can help you find these men, and I can teach how track men such as these and how to survive in the wild as well, if you will accept my instruction." Herrod agreed, and Karl wasted no time in begining his tutalige.
Over the next few weeks Harrod learned many things about the ways of the wilderness, Karl was very pleased at how fast Herrod was learning. Many months passed, Herrod became quite good at tracking the animals which would be thier dinner, and learned quickly the plants which were safe to eat and those which were deathly poisonous. After seven months of searching they finaly found the hiding place of the men they where looking for. Herrod found himself at a crossroads of dicisions. He could take vengence on these men for murdering his parents or he take them back the guild, where he knew they would torchered to death for thier betrayal to the guild; or he take them prisioner and turn them over to the authorities, ensuring that the guild would forever close it's doors to him. Karl recognized the the termoil within Herrod, "The rage of the angry bear is our strength in a fight, the guild of the fox is our witt and cunning, the great cat brings use silently and siftly to our enemies, the eye of the majestic eagle makes our arrow fly true, and wise old owl is our temperment. Now sleep we will need our rest when we confront these men in the morning, sleep with the wilderness, let it guide your thoughts. Your instincts will guide you true my friend. Rest now."
Herrod, Karl and Killgrowl stuck fast just as the sun was cresting the horizion. Herrod's anger burned hot as he fought, yet Karl was astonished that Herrod never went for a death blow. The fight was over quickly, the culprits where subdued and tied up. Afterwards Karl asked Herrod what he intened to do now, "Now, now I'm going to take them back to Bolderhelm where they will face the penalities for their crimes." After turning the criminals over the authorities of Bolderhelm, Herrod returned to the wilderness and spent six years adventuring the wilds with Karl and Killgrowl. During that time Herrod's understanding and mastery of the wilderness grew. He found a young wolf in a hunters trap and after rescueing it, he befreinded the wolf and named him Traper. Through out his adventures Herrod found that the skills he learned as thief where beneficial to him and his friends, and continued to hone them as learned more about the wilds under Karl.
Soon though, Herrod heard another calling, a tugging at his soul to return home. He said his goodbyes to Karl and Killgrowl, and along with Traper he returned to Bolderhelm. When Herrod returned to Bolderhelm he found that city had grown, and with it his former guild. Crime was rampant, and the local magistrate was undermaned and corrupt. Herrod new what had called home, justice. Herrod began striking back at the crime guilds and at the corruption in the magistrate. For years he was hunted by the many enemies he made, the guilds and the corrupt leaders of the magistrate all wanted him dead. Herrods greatest vicorty was exposing the corruption in the magistrate the Lordship of Bolderhelm. The sherif and fourteen deputies where tired and executed for crimes against the Lordship and the city. Herrod was offered the job of sherif, but declined. For last three years Herrod and Traper have been working closely with newly reformed magistrate as a freelance tracking team, hunting down and bringing to justice criminals the magistate can not find on their own.
Herrod Kithenger
Human
Rogue 4, Ranger 8
Hit Dice: d6/d8 - 60
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft.
Armor Class: 16 = 10, +4(fortified studded leath of shadows +1), +1(DEX), +1(ring of protection) or 19 = 10, +4(fortified studded leath of shadows +1), +1(DEX), +1(ring of protection), +3(full enhancement bonus of defending rapier).
Base Attack/Grapple: +11/+11
Attack: +12 [Keen, Defending Rapier +1](1d6+1/[+5/humanoids, +3/goblinoids]16-20x2) or +15 [Merciful Shortbow of Distance](1d6+2/[+6/humanoids, +4/goblinoids]x3) *Attack and damage bonuses derived from +1 shortbow and +5 attack/ +1 damage from greater bracers of archery* or +9 *manyshot*[Merciful Shortbow or Distance][(1d6+2 x3)x3]
Full Attack: +12/+7/+2 [Keen, Defending Rapier +1](1d6+1/[+5/human, +3/goblinoids]16-20x2) or +13/+13/+8/+3 *rapid shot*[Merciful Shortbow of Distance](1d6+2[+6/human, +4/goblinoids]x3).
Space/Reach: 5ft./5ft.
Abilities -
Str: 10 [0]
Dex: 12 [+1]
Con: 12 [+1]
Int: 17 [+3]
Wis: 16 [+3]
Cha: 16 [+3]
Increases to Wisdom at levels 4 and 8, increase Intellenge at 12.
Rogue 4, Ranger 8
Hit Dice: d6/d8 - 60
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 ft.
Armor Class: 16 = 10, +4(fortified studded leath of shadows +1), +1(DEX), +1(ring of protection) or 19 = 10, +4(fortified studded leath of shadows +1), +1(DEX), +1(ring of protection), +3(full enhancement bonus of defending rapier).
Base Attack/Grapple: +11/+11
Attack: +12 [Keen, Defending Rapier +1](1d6+1/[+5/humanoids, +3/goblinoids]16-20x2) or +15 [Merciful Shortbow of Distance](1d6+2/[+6/humanoids, +4/goblinoids]x3) *Attack and damage bonuses derived from +1 shortbow and +5 attack/ +1 damage from greater bracers of archery* or +9 *manyshot*[Merciful Shortbow or Distance][(1d6+2 x3)x3]
Full Attack: +12/+7/+2 [Keen, Defending Rapier +1](1d6+1/[+5/human, +3/goblinoids]16-20x2) or +13/+13/+8/+3 *rapid shot*[Merciful Shortbow of Distance](1d6+2[+6/human, +4/goblinoids]x3).
Space/Reach: 5ft./5ft.
Abilities -
Str: 10 [0]
Dex: 12 [+1]
Con: 12 [+1]
Int: 17 [+3]
Wis: 16 [+3]
Cha: 16 [+3]
Increases to Wisdom at levels 4 and 8, increase Intellenge at 12.
For example, in the Complete Divine there are relics, and in the Magic Item Compendium they are updated, and are much cheaper than in the Complete Divine.
When crimes bear the mark of Evil, the City Guard calls for Special Investigator Delacroix: a mysterious agent of the Church, sworn to root out and destroy dark cultists. Cold-hearted, ruthlessly efficient, and fascinated by the occult, Delacroix is no less sinister than his quarry...
Last Rites
It was a bad day for Marcus DeLeon, Constable of the City Watch. A cemetery was a bad place to have to hold a homicide investigation, and he'd been in a sour and morbid mood ever since he'd been called to the scene. He'd been forced to move the body after the inevitable crowd of onlookers had arrived, and now his deputies were fighting a losing battle to keep the throng on the right side of the barricade. And now, just when he'd allowed himself to think that things couldn't get any worse, he'd been given the news that a "Special Investigator" was on the scene, courtesy of the Church.
The Investigator seemed to be making himself at home in the crematorium, where Marcus had ordered the body to be stored. Like most of his kind, the man bore the unmistakable look of a fanatic; pale skin, eyes that probed erratically at his surroundings, black robes embroidered with what Marcus could only assume were holy symbols. The Investigator seemed to be in the process of unpacking an equally bizarre assortment of ritual implements, ranging from reeking incense to painted bones; at the moment, he was pouring what appeared to be holy water into a large silver font.
"This is perfect," Marcus muttered to himself. "This is just what I need."
***
Shuffling his lecture notes into order, Gythram Togman turned his eyes upward at last, looking out upon the sea of eager faces before him. Where many of his colleagues would have quailed at the sight of so many first-year students in attendance, Gythram found himself smiling, despite himself. These were eager young minds, not yet so jaded with the world of academia as to think themselves wiser than their elders. He sensed potential in this lot - and perhaps, somewhere amongst them, something more precious by far.
***
The Investigator finished his preparations before bothering to acknowledge Marcus, a fact that irritated the Constable to no small degree. Only after all had been made ready did the two meet in a cold, formal handshake.
"Special Investigator Delacroix," the robed man rasped, his voice every bit as cheerful as his surroundings. "I will require a briefing."
Rankling at the Investigator's terse introduction, Marcus struggled to maintain a professional attitude.
"The body was found this morning," he began. "Apparently the caretaker discovered a number of graves on plots that were marked as vacant in the registry, and took it upon himself to exhume this one. He called for the Watch immediately after opening the casket. I've got my men digging up the rest of the unregistered plots; if they're all like this one, then we're looking at a half dozen probable homicides."
Marcus removed the lid of the casket, and was disappointed by Delacroix's unflinching reaction.
"Victim is unidentified Human male," Marcus continued. "Judging from the state of decomposition, he's been dead a few months. Ligature marks around the ankles indicate that he was hanged upside-down and allowed to exsanguinate by way of the puncture wounds on the wrists... that'd be probable cause of death. Eyelids and mouth were most likely sown shut post-mortem."
Delacroix spent a moment staring at the body before speaking.
"A ritual killing," the Investigator remarked. "The Church ought to have been notified immediately."
"Lets not jump to conclusions," growled Marcus. "There's no reason to think that this is anything more than the work of a disturbed individual."
"Untrue," Delacroix retorted coolly, his voice betraying no hint of uncertainty. "You suspected from the beginning, and deliberately withheld information out of distrust towards the Church. Your failure to report this incident to the proper authorities will be reported to your superiors."
Surprising even himself, Marcus found himself snapping at the Investigator.
"Listen here, pal. I've got over twenty years on the Watch under my belt. Believe me, I've followed protocol to the letter."
For the first time, Delacroix broke into a shark-like grin.
"Indeed?" he purred. "Then you have, of course, already questioned the victim?"
***
Anhariel found her mind drifting again, despite herself; despairing, she realized that she hadn't been taking notes for at least five minutes. Not that the lecture wasn't interesting - anything from it - but something seemed to keep taking her mind off of Professor Togman's esoteric musings. Perhaps it was the rich mahogany of his eyes, that probing look she saw in them whenever she managed to catch them. He glanced in her direction again, and she felt her belly filling with warmth. For a Professor of Comparative Theology, she was forced to admit, the man was quite handsome. Perhaps he would be willing to help her complete her notes later. In private.
***
Marcus found himself gawking as Delacroix sprinkled a pungent selection of herbs over the corpse, chanting in a language that the Constable was glad not to understand. At last, whatever strange ritual was being performed ended; drawing a small dagger, the Investigator slit through the fine cords sealing the corpse's lips. Returning the weapon to the folds of his robe, Delacroix spoke a single firm, clear word.
Marcus shrieked. The corpse had risen in its coffin, howling curses. Delacroix, nonplussed, began speaking to the cadaver, his voice raised above the screaming.
"State your name and occupation," the Investigator demanded.
"Laurence Beaumont!" the corpse exclaimed. "I'm a student at the academy. What's going on? Where am I? I remember falling... ah..."
Delacroix nodded curtly.
"Who did this to you, Laurence?" the Investigator probed, no hint of pity revealing itself in his voice.
"How could you?" screamed the body. "I trusted you! I trusted you, and you murdered me! How could you?"
The corpse began sobbing, wracked with spasms of grief. Shaking his head, Delacroix extended a hand, allowing it to rest palm-down on the victim's forehead.
"I require no more of you," the Investigator murmured. "Be at peace."
With a sigh, the body slumped back into the coffin. After a short pause, Delacroix turned his back on the corpse. Marcus was in the corner, retching.
***
Anhariel could hardly believe her luck; here she was, alone with Professor Togman in his office. It looked every bit the sanctuary of an academic; arcana of every possible kind, ranging from the merely unusual to the truly bizarre, stared down at her from every shelf. The Professor - he'd insisted that she call him Gythram - was speaking now. His voice was warm, soothing.
"It's not exactly an official study group; more of a private forum, in a more private setting. I only ask my most promising students to attend, of course. I wouldn't normally consider inviting a new student, but I'm sure that the others will be in full agreement once they've read your latest thesis. You'll keep it a secret, of course? I wouldn't want my other students to feel left out."
Gythram chuckled, and Anhariel found herself grinning. Really, this had to be her lucky day.
***
Marcus had composed himself somewhat. Delacroix had spent the last ten minutes engaged in some sort of meditation; the pungent odor of a burnt offering mingled with the scent of incense in the stuffy confines of the crematorium. Suddenly, with a violent start, Delacroix leaped to his feet.
"There was a struggle," the Investigator announced. "He fought back. I have what I need."
Marcus found himself standing at Delacroix's side as the Investigator once again drew his dagger, this time using it to probe under the corpse's fingernails. The tip came back red, and Delacroix laughed hollowly.
"The murderer's blood," crooned Delacroix, a dark note of triumph in his voice. "The Gods have revealed it to me. The nails were the key."
Marcus followed, as if in a dream, as the Investigator crossed the room to his silver font. The waters began to swirl and cloud as Delacroix dipped the dagger's tip beneath their surface, chanting in that strange language, either holy or profane. For almost an hour, Marcus stared into that pool, watching the shifting shapes begin to take form beneath its surface. Delacroix spoke
only once in the Common tongue, his voice cold with a terrible hunger.
"Show him to me," he whispered.
Suddenly, as if a veil had been parted, the font's waters parted to reveal an image - a face.
For a moment, the two stared in silence. At last, clearing his throat, Delacroix spoke.
"Your services are no longer required, Constable," said Delacroix; his voice had returned to its former cool and businesslike tone. "The Church will see this man brought to justice. Your cooperation - and your discretion - are, of course, appreciated."
Marcus found himself rushing from the crematorium without so much as a murmur of objection. He turned to look back only once, as he stood at the threshold between the clear world beyond and the madness within. Delacroix was leaning over the coffin, a decanter of holy water in hand, his harsh voice echoing from the stone walls.
"Into the hands of the Gods almighty do I commend thy spirit," the Investigator was reciting. "May their judgment be both just and merciful..."
Last rites, Marcus thought, almost too numb to be shocked. He left, then, closing the door behind him.
***
Gythram Togman, Professor of Comparative Theology, stood in the doorway of the secret sanctum, his mouth agape. The torches had been extinguished, as had his co-conspirators; they lay strewn about the floor, utterly still, dark pools forming on the floor beneath them. The girl was nowhere to be seen.
Before he could scream, a hand grasped his shoulder. A cold, stiff sensation spread from where it rested, paralyzing Togman completely. His could only stand staring, his mouth still hanging open in mid-exclamation, as the black-robed figure strode around from behind him to lock him in a frigid stare.
Togman was an expert in his field, and he recognized the markings on the figure's robes. Nevertheless, he could do no more than watch as his attacker reached into his robes, producing a decanter of holy water in one hand and a small silver dagger in the other. After a moment's contemplation, the figure began to speak, its voice frigid.
"Into the hands of the Gods almighty do I commend thy spirit," the voice began.
Stats
Special Investigator Delacroix
Human Male Level 3 Cleric / Level 5 Church Inquisitor / Level 4 Divine Oracle
AL: Lawful Neutral
Languages: Common, Celestial, Infernal
ECL 12
HD: 8d8 + 8 plus 4d6 +4
HP: 65
Medium Humanoid
Speed: 20 (Base 30, -10 Full Plate)
Str 10 (+0), Dex 12 (+1), Con 12 (+1), Int 14 (+2), Wis 21 (+5), Cha 10 (+0)
Initiative: +1 (1 Dex)
AC: 26 (10 Fullplate +2, 5 Heavy Steel Shield +3, 1 Dex)
Flat Footed: 25
Touch: 11
Fort 6, Reflex 4, Will 16
Base Attack: +7/1
Grapple: +7
Attacks: Dagger +9/2 (+7/1 BAB, +0 Str, +2 Magic Weapon); d4+2 (+0 Str, +2 Magic Weapon); 19-20/x2
Special Attacks: Turn Undead 7/d, Smite 1/d
Special Qualities: Aura of Law, Destruction Domain, Inquisition Domain, Law Domain, Oracle Domain, Detect Evil, Immune to Charms, Pierce Illusion, Pierce Disguise, Immune to Compulsions, Scry Bonus, Prescient Sense, Trap Sense +1, Divination Enhancement, Uncanny Dodge
Feats: Combat Casting, Spell Focus: Divination, Greater Spell Focus: Divination, Skill Focus: Religion, Divine Spell Power, Extra Turning
Skills: Appraise +2, Balance -5, Bluff +0, Climb -6, Concentration +11, Diplomacy +2, Disguise +0, Escape Artist -5, Forgery +2, Gather Information +10, Heal +5, Hide -5, Intimidate +0, Jump -6, Knowledge: Arcana + 12, Knowledge: Religion + 20, Knowledge: The Planes + 7, Listen +5, Move Silently +5, Ride +1, Search +17, Sense Motive +15, Spellcraft +14, Spot +5, Survival +5, Swim -12, Use Rope +1
Equipment: +2 Glamered Fullplate of Improved Silent Moves, +3 Heavy Steel Shield, +2 Dagger of Spell Storing (Hold Person loaded), Periapt of Wisdom + 2, Helm of Telepathy, Goggles of Minute Seeing, Type I Bag of Holding, 1200gp value Spell Components (Augury x4, Scrying x4, True Seeing x4), Foci (Scrying, Augury)
Spells: 6 / 7+1 / 5+1 / 5+1 / 4+1 / 4+1 / 2+1
Save DC: 15 + Spell Level
Spells Readied:
1st:
-Comprehend Languages x2
-Protection from Evil x3
-Sanctuary
-Shield of Faith
-Domain: Detect Chaos
2nd:
-Consecrate
-Gentle Repose
-Hold Person x2
-Zone of Truth
-Domain: Augury
3rd:
-Bestow Curse
-Blindness/Deafness
-Dispel Magic
-Speak with Dead
-Locate Object
-Domain: Divination
4th:
-Discern Lies x2
-Sending
-Spell Immunity
-Domain: Scrying
5th:
-Greater Command
-Break Enchantment
-Slay Living
-True Seeing
-Domain: Commune
6th:
-Find the Path
-Harm
-Domain: Quest
Turn Undead (Su): Delacroix turns undead 7 times per day (3 Base + 0 Cha + 4 Extra Turning) as a third level Cleric. He gets a +2 bonus to turning checks as a Synergy bonus from Knowledge: Religion.
Smite (Su): Once per day, Delacroix may a single melee attack roll with a +4 to hit and +3 to damage. This power is granted by the Destruction Domain.
Aura of Law (Ex): Delacroix radiates a Lawful aura.
Inquisition Domain: +4 to all Dispel checks.
Law Domain: Law spells are cast at +1 caster level.
Oracle Domain: Divination spells are cast at +2 caster levels.
Detect Evil (Sp): Delacroix may cast Detect Evil at will as a spell like ability.
Immune to Charms (Ex): Immune to all Charm (Enchantment) spells and spell like abilities.
Pierce Illusion (Su): Whenever Delacroix sees an Illusion or disguise spell of any kind, he may make an immediate Will save to see through it.
Pierce Disguise (Ex): +4 to Spot checks versus disguises.
Immune to Compulsions (Ex): Immune to all compulsion spells and effects.
Scry Bonus (Su): +1 Sacred bonus to the save DCs of all Divination (Scrying) spells.
Prescient Sense (Ex): When a Reflex save is made for half damage, Delacroix takes no damage instead.
Trap Sense +1 (Ex): +1 to Reflex and AC versus traps.
Divination Enhancement (Ex): When a Divination spell calls for a roll, Delacroix may roll twice and take the better result.
Uncanny Dodge (Ex): Dex bonus to AC retained while Flat Footed.
Divine Spell Power (Complete Divine 80): Delacroix may expend a turning attempt as a free action, using the result of his turning check as a bonus to caster level for the next spell cast in the same round.
Background Information
From the Desk of the High Inquisitor .............. Background Check: Inquisitor General Delacrox .............. Status: Active
1152 SE : Born second son of a minor nobleman.
1158 SE : Parents killed in apparent ritual slaying. Child becomes ward of the Church.
1158 - 1164 SE : Delacroix raised in Church orphanage. Described by tutors as "gifted, but antisocial." Expresses interest in the Clergy; proficiency scores adequate.
1164 - 1169 SE : Admitted into Minor Seminary, where he proves a diligent student. Displays a particular interest in Divination and the Occult.
1169 SE : Placed under custody by Office of the Inquisition after complaining of prescient visions to an instructor.
1169 - 1171 SE : Investigated on charges of Heresy and Witchcraft by Office of the Inquisition.
1171 SE : Charges dropped without official explanation. Delacroix immediately transferred to active service within Office of the Inquisition, Intelligence Division.
1173 SE : Promoted to Lieutenant Inquisitor after exposing a Church Elder of accepting bribes from agents of the Adversary. Reassigned to active field duty.
1173 - 1175 SE : Details classified.
1175 SE : Returns from field duty in state of trance-like delirium. Psychotic break diagnosed. Sent to Church Sanitarium for monitoring and treatment.
1176 SE : Examined by High Inquisitor Fairfax, who affirms Delacroix's ravings as prophecy. Special Investigative Unit of the Inquisition assigned to Delacroix.
1176 - 1178 SE : While Delacroix remains insane, Special Investigative Unit learns to interpret his rantings. Information garnered from Delacroix during this period leads to resolution of sixteen separate closed cases, including murder of Delacroix's parents.
1178 SE : Delacroix becomes suddenly lucid, having no memory of the past two years. Immediately inducted into Order of Saint Anthony for meritorious service, promoted to Inquisitor First Class, transferred to Special Investigative Unit.
1178-1183 SE : Active field duty. Details classified.
1183 SE : Promoted to Inquisitor General. Accepts posting as liaison to the City Watch under title "Special Investigator."
Notes:
General:
Setting-specific information, including God worshiped, is intentionally left vague, for the purpose of allowing the character to fit into a variety of campaign settings.
Information regarding the Church Inquisitor and Divine Oracle prestige classes may be found in Complete Divine, pages 26-28 and 34-36.
Delacroix meets the following requirements for the Church Inquisitor prestige class as of Level 3, and begins taking levels in the class at level 4.
Alignment: LG or LN
Base Save Bonus: Will +3
Skills: Knowledge (Arcana) 4 Ranks; Knowledge (Religion) 4 Ranks; Spellcraft 4 Ranks
Spells: Able to cast Zone of Truth as a Divine spell
Special: Must be a member of a Lawful Good church or religious order, and must have already uncovered some corruption within that organization.
Delacroix meets the following requirements for the Divine Oracle prestige class as of Level 6, and begins taking levels in the class at level 9.
Skill: Knowledge (Religion) 8 Ranks
Feat: Skill Focus: Knowledge (Religion)
Spells: Able to cast at least 2 Divination spells
Ability Scores:
Starting:
Str 10 (2pt), Dex 12 (4pt), Con 12 (4pt), Int 14 (6pt), Wis 16 (10pt), Cha 10 (2pt); Total 28
Ability Boosts at 4, 8, and 12 are into Wis, bumping it from 16 to 19; Periapt of Wisdom +2 increases Wis to 21.
Hit Points:
Both Cleric and Inquisitor levels use d8 HP, while Oracle uses d6. Hence:
8 (First Level) + 7 x 4.5 (Levels 2-8) + 4 x 3.5 (Levels 9-12) + 12 (Con) = 65.5 HP, rounded down (?) to 65.
Base Attack Bonus:
2 (Cl) + 3 (In) + 2 (Or) = +7/+1
Saves:
........ Fort .... Ref .... Will
Cl: ...... 3 ........ 1 ....... 3
In: ...... 1 ........ 1 ....... 4
Or: ...... 1 ........ 1 ....... 4
Stat: ... 1 ........ 1 ....... 5
Total: .. 6 ........ 4 ...... 16
Domains:
The Inquisition and Oracle Domains are granted by the Church Inquisitor and Divine Oracle prestige classes respectively, giving Delacroix access to four Domans, total.
Feats:
First: Combat Casting, Spell Focus: Divination (Bonus: Human)
Third: Greater Spell Focus: Divination
Sixth: Skill Focus: Knowledge (Religion)
Ninth: Divine Spell Power (Complete Divine pg 80)
Twelfth: Extra Turning
Skills:
All Skill points are spent on Class skills.
At level 1, Delacroix gains 20 Skill points: (2 Base + 2 Int) x 4 + 4 (Human). At second and third levels he gains 5 Skill points: 2 Base + 2 Int + 1 (Human). Total Skill points for Cleric Levels: 30.
Delacroix gains 7 Skill points for each of his 5 Inquisitor levels: 4 Base + 2 Int + 1 (Human). Total Skill points for Inquisitor levels: 35.
Delacroix gains 5 Skill points for each of his 4 Oracle levels: 2 Base + 2 Int + 1 (Human). Total Skill points for Oracle levels: 20.
Total Skill points: 85. Since Gather Information, Search, and Sense Motive do not become Class skill until Delacroix enters the Church Inquisitor prestige class at level 4, at least 30 Skill points must be spent on Cleric class Skills. This requirement is met.
Ranks:
Knowledge (Arcana): 10
Knowledge (Religion): 15
Knowledge (The Planes): 5
Spellcraft: 10
Concentration: 10
Gather Information: 10
Search: 15
Sense Motive: 10
Total: 85
Skill Chart:
Appraise: 0 Ranks + 2 Int = 2
Balance: 0 Ranks + 1 Dex - 6 ACP = -5
Bluff: 0 Ranks + 0 Cha = 0
Climb: 0 Ranks +0 Str - 6 ACP = -6
Concentration: 10 Ranks + 1 Con = 11
Diplomacy: 0 Ranks + 0 Cha + 2 Synergy (Sense Motive) = 2
Disguise: 0 Ranks + 0 Cha = 0
Escape Artist: 0 Ranks + 1 Dex -6 ACP = -5
Forge: 0 Ranks + 2 Int = 2
Gather Information: 10 Ranks + 0 Cha = 10
Heal: 0 Ranks + 5 Wis = 5
Hide: 0 Ranks + 1 Dex - 6 ACP = -5
Intimidate: 0 Ranks + 0 Cha = 0
Jump: 0 Ranks +0 Str - 6 ACP = -6
Knowledge (Arcana): 10 Ranks + 2 Int = 12
Knowledge (Religion): 15 Ranks + 2 Int + 3 (Skill Focus) = 20
Knowledge (The Planes): 5 Ranks + 2 Int = 7
Listen: 0 Ranks + 5 Wis = 5
Move Silently: 0 Ranks + 1 Dex - 6 ACP + 10 (Improved Silent Moves) = 5
Ride: 0 Ranks + 1 Dex = 1
Search: 15 Ranks + 2 Int = 17
Sense Motive: 10 Ranks + 5 Wis = 15
Spellcraft: 10 Ranks + 2 Int + 2 Syergy (Arcana) = 14
Spot: 0 Ranks + 5 Wis = 5
Survival: 0 Ranks + 5 Wis = 5
Swim: 0 Ranks + 0 Str - 6 ACP - 6 ACP (Special) = -12
Use Rope: 0 Ranks + 1 Dex = 1
Equipment:
+2 Glamered Fullplate of Improved Silent Moves: 23,350g
+3 Heavy Steel Shield: 9170g
+2 Dagger of Spell Storing: 18,302g
Helm of Telepathy: 27,000g
Goggles of Minute Seeing: 1250g
Periapt of Wisdom + 2: 4000g
Type I Bag of Holding: 2500g
Components: Total 1200g
4 x Augury @ 25g ea: 100g
4 x Divination @ 25g ea: 100g
4 x True Seeing @ 250g ea: 1000g
Foci:
Augury: 25g
Scrying: 100g
Holy Water x 8 @ 25g ea: 200g
Total: 87,097g
Remainder of gold allocated to clothing and other miscellany.
Would it be ok to use magic items from the books allowed, but use the most up to date 3.5 versions of them, even if they are in another book?
For example, in the Complete Divine there are relics, and in the Magic Item Compendium they are updated, and are much cheaper than in the Complete Divine.
Magic Item Compendium is an allowed source.
Thanks for fielding questions while the wife and I were out of town, Zherog.
Black Kitten, I'm sorry that you don't find the competition compelling. We were hoping to challenge entrants by requiring the multiclass approach - I especially wanted to see what kind of entries came about because I've recently been arguing against restricting multiclassing over on the Paizo boards. Some folks don't like it and want to ruin everyone's fun.
Thanks for fielding questions while the wife and I were out of town, Zherog.
Black Kitten, I'm sorry that you don't find the competition compelling. We were hoping to challenge entrants by requiring the multiclass approach - I especially wanted to see what kind of entries came about because I've recently been arguing against restricting multiclassing over on the Paizo boards. Some folks don't like it and want to ruin everyone's fun.
In my game, I've removed "favored class" from the rules. If you want to make (for example) a gnome rogue with a few levels of swashbuckler, I'm OK with that, and see no reason to punish you for finding some synergy mixed into all the material in all those books.
However, if you come to me and tell me you want to build a rogue 3/swashbucker 3/fighter 2/prestige class X 4/prestige class Y 3/prestige class Z 5, then we're going to have a talk about what you really want from your character. Then, we'll build a brand new class to cover what you want your character to do. For example, in my current game, I have a player who is a level 6 "elven archer." It was much easier to homogenize abilities from ranger, fighter, rogue, deepwood sniper, arcane archer (sort of), and order of the bow initiate. Her save and BAB progression are both smoother now; she doesn't have to deal with any abilities she doesn't want (such as Wild Empathy, an animal companion, or the Endurance feat). Instead, she gets what she wants -- an archer with a tinge of magical ability who's good at tracking down her query and delivering debilitating shots.
Anyway, your mileage may vary and all that. But that's what works for me.
I will admit, I'm hitting a mental block thus far. I'm glad there's a longer than normal deadline for this competition, b/c I just haven't hit the right spark for this competition yet.
I have a vague idea; I just need to get it into a set of stats to see if I can live with it, since it's a class combo my powergaming side isn't going to like very much. From there, I can figure out a back story easily enough. If only I could get a few extra hours in a day...
I have a vague idea; I just need to get it into a set of stats to see if I can live with it, since it's a class combo my powergaming side isn't going to like very much. From there, I can figure out a back story easily enough. If only I could get a few extra hours in a day...
I, too, and fighting my power-hungery beast. It keeps screaming "No! No! Are you really going to do that? They don't synergize, the compeltely don't synergize. They anti-synergize, look, there's a cleric over here, why don't you just go with that and 'reflavor' the pain?"
I was thinking of rolling Batman up as a character, but that idea went out the window when a stroke of moderate silliness struck me in the head. Hope you'll enjoy this one.
Homebrewing magic items is a lot trickier. It falls to the judges to determine if you've priced them appropriately for their abilities, and you can get points counted off if it seems too cheap. We've had one or two items in the past that suffered from this problem, but most of the time it works out okay. I really hate Magic Item creation rules...
Flavor
The tall, handsome human looked up from the papers he was writing as he heard a light knock on his office door. “Come in,” he called, and willed the door to open. An elf lady stood in the doorway with a cloth in one hand, evidence of recent tears staining her face, her hand reaching for the knob as if to open it. Looking surprised at the door's opening, she hesitated, then slowly shuffled into the room.
“Is this Detective Marlowe, with the city watch?” she asked tremulously. “I wanted to speak with him about a...an incident.”
I took a good look at her as she walked through the door. Straight-backed, stone-faced; she's grieving, but she's faced this sort of thing before. My guess is that there's a murder, or maybe a death in the family and a squabble over finances. Definitely high-class, maybe in a House. Knows her way around.
“Good evening, ma'am,” the man responded smoothly. “Detective Marlowe d'Orien here, at your service. What can I help you with?”
The lady dabbed at her cheeks with her cloth. “My name is Alessavra Silverwind, and, well...you see...well, sir, it's my brother. He went on an adventure with some of his friends, and he hasn't come back. The others returned, but I think he's gone missing.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. So it's a suspected death, not one that's happened yet. Eh, I was close enough. Wonder why they came back without him, though?
“And you wish me to find him, is that it?” The human swiveled in his chair to gather some papers, revealing the Mark of Passage on his neck, between his fedora and his trenchcoat. “You've certainly come to the right man; I can get there, take a look around, and tell you what's what. Might take a couple of days—you know the deal with dragonmarks, my dear, I'm sure—but I'll find out what I can.”
The lady clasped her hands over her purse and dipped her head slightly. “It's all I can really expect, sir. If you can't find him, at least find out who detained him.”
The human raised an eyebrow. “Two things. One, there is the matter of payment...”
“Of course, of course,” she said hurriedly, digging coins out of her purse. “I believe your advance fee is 10 platinum per day?”
Well, she certainly did her research. Bit suspicious there...but mayhap she's just the meticulous sort. I guess we'll find out. If she wants to know whodunnit, she's probably got other friends who could do them in.
“Indeed. Two...you want I should remove the folks who did it, or just let you know?”
A fire came into the elf's eyes. “Sir, if you can determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that they did it,” she proclaimed, “kill them.”
“Will do, ma'am. I guarantee you I'll do that, and I'm a man of my word. I'll be off, then. If you could give me an indication of where he was last seen, his name, his effects, any other pertinent information....”
------------------------------------------------------------------------
About an hour later I escorted her out and used my dragonmark to teleport to the indicated area: Sharn, in the deep portions. It's—
Technically, sir, you do not actually have a dragonmark, being a changeling. The mark on your skin is simply a minor illusion which—
Dammit, Arthur, I'm telling this story!
But sir, if you wish to maintain accuracy—
Look, drama and excitement are more important than accuracy. If I'm going to sell this story, it has to be exciting! Psicrystals should be seen and not heard; if you don't want to record this, I'll ask Emery to take over.
Well, you are not technically hearing me, per se, as this conversation is being conducted entirely through telepathy.
Arthur....
Yes, sir. I will forget this conversation and continue memorizing.
Damn right you will.
Anyway. I got one of my contacts to teleport me to the indicated area: Sharn, in the deep portions. Nasty place. It's as foreign as the Mournlands to most folks who live in Sharn, but I know my way around. I've done more missing-person gigs there than anywhere else. Normally you can't really teleport there thanks to some paranoid gangs with some hired arcanists, but fortunately I know some folks who know some folks, so this elf shouldn't be so hard to find.
The “human” walked through Sharn's underbelly, now appearing as an elf wrapped in dark, form-fitting garments with the Mark of Shadow encircling his bare left forearm. The street urchins that looked ready to rob passersby decided that he wasn't going to be such an easy mark, and disappeared back into the shadows. At one particular point, the “elf” stopped, rapped on the wall, and pushed. He walksd through the secret door and closed it silently behind him.
I walked into the bar, which hadn't changed a bit since the last time. Mac was behind the counter as usual, patrons were sitting in the shadows as usual. It's a really seedy dig, but I like it. Mac looked at me funny, don't know why—
You have not used this particular form when entering this establishment before, sir.
Okay, guess I do know why. But anyway, when I sent him my order, he recognized me and passed it on over. I decided I'd sidle up and asked him about my target.
“So,” the elf said softly. “I'm hear looking for someone. A...dear estranged cousin of mine.” The elf motioned at his garb and the barkeep nodded slowly, understanding the reason for the outfit, then gave the elf a hard glance.
So he gets the Phiarlan connection, and it looks like he's seen someone like that here recently.
'Ey, boss?
Yeah?
Two elves in the corner, lookin' shifty-like at your getup. Guessin' they're here on the same business.
Thanks, Emery. Anything else?
Two more in the opposite corner, crossbows out under the table. Watch yerself, boss.
Will do.
As Maximilian slowly nursed his drink, the elves left one by one. As the last one left, he slid out of his chair and followed; with a quick furrowing of his brow, every patron in the bar forgot, one by one, that there had ever been a son of Phiarlan with them that day.
Mighty convenient for staking out a place, I must say; I show up looking for someone and they're already there? Either our little miss Aerenal got really lucky, or there's something fishy going on here.
Sir, the likelyhood of marine animals becoming involved—
Shut up.
Sir.
The half-elf—for that was the form he now wore—slipped silently out of the doorway, maintaining his hold on the minds of nearby humanoids. The trail the elves made was easy to follow, which most likely meant they weren't afraid of any tails...or possibly that they had some sort of trap prepared.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Several hours later, the elves slipped into a warehouse towards the edge of town, if a dilapidated shack built into the side of a tower could be called a warehouse. Marlowe rubbed his hands together and grinned. This was his favorite part.
Emery? Arthur?
Right anxious, boss.
Prepared, sir.
Good. Emery, give me a read on the auras here. Arthur, I want a layout of the building, as well as you can tell from out here.
That could take some time, sir—
The reason you're in that rock instead of inside my head is so you can take that time while I do something else. Get to it! I don't just pay you for stenography, you know!
You do not technically pay me at all, sir.
Entirely beside the point. Now get to it!
Over the course of a few hours, Maximilian studied the structure; to avoid suspicion, he changed forms and disguises frequently during this time. Finally, both of his personality fragments gave him the all-clear and his own mental probing revealed nothing amiss, so he stepped inside.
I was worried that the warehouse seemed so badly defended. Looked like a setup to me. Still, best way to disarm a trap is to walk right in and spring it, so I headed on inside. I was expecting a blunt object to the back of the head, but I had a plan for that. Also had a plan for magic-suppressing fields, but I doubted I'd have to use it.
As his foot crossed the threshold, figures moved in the shadows and a sharp pain raced across the back of his leg. He fell into a net held by another lurker in the shadows, and he felt the spell component pouch and false wands of his latest disguise stripped from his belt.
Looks like it's going to be plan C. You know what to do, boys.
Right-o, boss.
At that moment, another thug stepped up with a club and bashed Maximilian in the back of the head, and he knew no more.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As he came to, Maximilian did a quick check of his surroundings without opening his eyes, simply feeling the vibrations in the room on his skin.
Report.
There's a bloke in the corner what looks like our man, boss. They took us right to 'im.
A bit cliché, but somewhat expected. Arthur?
There are two crossbowmen positioned such that they cut off escape routes to the door, there is one robed figure, female, slight of build, next to our missing person, and there is a rather overlarge brute of a half-orc next to her.
Great. Showtime, then.
Maximilian swallowed and then twitched, attempting to appear as if he had just awoken and was trying to hide it. The crossbowmen's weapons snapped up to point at him, and the female figure pulled back her hood, revealing herself to be Alessavra, his client.
Whoops. Didn't see that one coming. Not really surprising, though, what with her strange behavior.
“What business have you snooping around my property, wizard?” the elf sneered. “I should have you executed for that. No one trusts gnomes in these parts, so I wouldn't expect any mercy from them!”
“Very well, thank you. And you?” Maximilian matched her sneer with a knowing grin. “Wonderful, wonderful. Now, since you're holding the two of us under duress and have no legal authority in this district, you can let us both go and I won't press charges.”
The elf's eyes widened, and she blinked slowly, before assuming an incredulous expression. “You taunt me? In my base of operations, while you are powerless?” She lifted the false wand hilts and the pouch. “What can you do without these?”
Aw, man, she's really askin' for it with that line. C'mon, boss...
Of course. How could I resist?
“This, actually,” he said, as he reached out with his mind and crushed the mind of the thug across the room. As the half-orc collapsed with a gurgle, blood flowing from his eyes, the crossbowmen snapped their weapons to the other end of the room—not realizing their mistake. Marlowe winked at Alessavra, and he was suddenly across the room, unbound, behind one of the crossbowmen. Disarming him, Marlowe shot the other one and blinked behind Alessavra; the whole ordeal took only a few seconds.
That'll show 'er!
“Now, ma'am, I believe your exact words were...”
Arthur?
“If you can determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that they did it, kill them.”
“...if you can determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that they did it, kill them.”
The elf's eyes widened at the words, and she spun around to see Marlowe resuming his customary human shape. As she stared in horror, his tattoo reformed into the shape of a Mark of Passage. He smiled at her, dropped the crossbow, reached out a hand, and whispered: “I don't see a shadow of a doubt here, but being a Phiarlan, you'd know better than I.”
Well, sir, you certainly do have a flair for the dramatic.
Cute. Now Arthur, start questioning dear brother while I tie her up. Then Emery, you get to think up some fun thing to do to...persuade her to tell us everything that's been going on.
My favorite part, boss.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
One week later, a well-known publisher stopped by Maximilian's office in the afternoon. A well-dressed female half-elf opened the door and ushered him in. The publisher promptly handed her a Kundarak letter of credit and plopped down into a nearby chair. “I hope the fee meets your satisfaction, Ms. Ilien,” he mumbled around the pipe in his mouth as he lit it, “because your story certainly met mine!”
Now, that is a refreshingly large number of zeros. And who says crime doesn't pay? I know, I know: “They are usually referring to the criminals themselves, sir.”
They are usually referring to the—
...yes, Arthur?
You are learning, sir.
“My girl, it's marvelous! Your story is selling like mad! That twist at the end, where the sorceress crime lord plots to capture Phiarlan agents one by one to make them report to her and help her set up a Khorvaire-spanning spy network? Brilliant! Sheer genius! By Aureon, woman, how do you do it?”
“It's nothing, really,” said the half-elf, gesturing modestly. “You just have to take advantage of the gifts life gives you. I just happen to be a creative sort.”
So getting yourself into trouble is “creative” now, sir?
So I'm “nothing” now, am I, boss?
Oh, shut up.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
Watch Detective Marlowe d'Orien, also known as expert infiltrator Vorelan d'Phiarlan, also known as prolific novelist Seneca Ilien, also known as rich and eccentric adventurer Karrack Thundershield, also known as several other names and faces across Khorvaire, is in actuality a changeling by the name of Maximilian. Based out of Sharn, he works as a private investigator to support himself; he lives for action and adventure, so he wouldn't be satisfied with a normal job, and he makes quite a bit of money on the side by selling accounts of his adventures (suitably changed to obfuscate the actual events) under his Seneca Ilien identity.
Maximilian keeps offices in a variety of places, with different identities for each. In Sharn he is an elven private detective, but in other cities he might be a detective with the watch, or a medium, or a diviner, or many other things. He has contacts in every city, but only one of them knows his true identity: Mac, the bartender of the hidden Bar None tavern in the depths of Sharn, which lies directly below Maximilian's Sharn office and a few dozen stories down.
Maximilian is aided in his efforts by his psicrystal. Maximilian's father was a seer from the lower classes of Sharn and his mother was a paladin of the Silver Flame, and at an early age Maximilian inherited his father's psionic talents an his mother's zeal to help others and do good. His psicrystal, when he manifested it, thus gain a split personality. Arthur is the more refined fragment, who keeps track of Maximilian's activities and reminds him of the local regulations, and Emery is the more down-to-earth fragment with uncanny awareness of Maximilian's surroundings; Arthur takes dictation from Maximilian to allow him to write his novelettes, and Emery has saved his life more times than he can count.
Friends and Foes
Maximilian has few allies besides Mac, as he keeps all of his identities separate and tries not to let anyone get too close to him, and few enemies...that he knows of. There are many enemies who would love to get their hands on him after they escape from prison, get raised by their allies, or otherwise return to society, as Maximilian has a rather unfortunate habit of revealing himself to his targets—whether revealing himself to be a changeling or just showing them multiple identities—in order to indulge his desire for drama and suspense. That'll probably get him killed one of these days, but so far he's been lucky, and though he'd love to die of old age, he doesn't think that's going to happen.
“Is this Detective Marlowe, with the city watch?” she asked tremulously. “I wanted to speak with him about a...an incident.”
I took a good look at her as she walked through the door. Straight-backed, stone-faced; she's grieving, but she's faced this sort of thing before. My guess is that there's a murder, or maybe a death in the family and a squabble over finances. Definitely high-class, maybe in a House. Knows her way around.
“Good evening, ma'am,” the man responded smoothly. “Detective Marlowe d'Orien here, at your service. What can I help you with?”
The lady dabbed at her cheeks with her cloth. “My name is Alessavra Silverwind, and, well...you see...well, sir, it's my brother. He went on an adventure with some of his friends, and he hasn't come back. The others returned, but I think he's gone missing.”
I raised an eyebrow at that. So it's a suspected death, not one that's happened yet. Eh, I was close enough. Wonder why they came back without him, though?
“And you wish me to find him, is that it?” The human swiveled in his chair to gather some papers, revealing the Mark of Passage on his neck, between his fedora and his trenchcoat. “You've certainly come to the right man; I can get there, take a look around, and tell you what's what. Might take a couple of days—you know the deal with dragonmarks, my dear, I'm sure—but I'll find out what I can.”
The lady clasped her hands over her purse and dipped her head slightly. “It's all I can really expect, sir. If you can't find him, at least find out who detained him.”
The human raised an eyebrow. “Two things. One, there is the matter of payment...”
“Of course, of course,” she said hurriedly, digging coins out of her purse. “I believe your advance fee is 10 platinum per day?”
Well, she certainly did her research. Bit suspicious there...but mayhap she's just the meticulous sort. I guess we'll find out. If she wants to know whodunnit, she's probably got other friends who could do them in.
“Indeed. Two...you want I should remove the folks who did it, or just let you know?”
A fire came into the elf's eyes. “Sir, if you can determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that they did it,” she proclaimed, “kill them.”
“Will do, ma'am. I guarantee you I'll do that, and I'm a man of my word. I'll be off, then. If you could give me an indication of where he was last seen, his name, his effects, any other pertinent information....”
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About an hour later I escorted her out and used my dragonmark to teleport to the indicated area: Sharn, in the deep portions. It's—
Technically, sir, you do not actually have a dragonmark, being a changeling. The mark on your skin is simply a minor illusion which—
Dammit, Arthur, I'm telling this story!
But sir, if you wish to maintain accuracy—
Look, drama and excitement are more important than accuracy. If I'm going to sell this story, it has to be exciting! Psicrystals should be seen and not heard; if you don't want to record this, I'll ask Emery to take over.
Well, you are not technically hearing me, per se, as this conversation is being conducted entirely through telepathy.
Arthur....
Yes, sir. I will forget this conversation and continue memorizing.
Damn right you will.
Anyway. I got one of my contacts to teleport me to the indicated area: Sharn, in the deep portions. Nasty place. It's as foreign as the Mournlands to most folks who live in Sharn, but I know my way around. I've done more missing-person gigs there than anywhere else. Normally you can't really teleport there thanks to some paranoid gangs with some hired arcanists, but fortunately I know some folks who know some folks, so this elf shouldn't be so hard to find.
The “human” walked through Sharn's underbelly, now appearing as an elf wrapped in dark, form-fitting garments with the Mark of Shadow encircling his bare left forearm. The street urchins that looked ready to rob passersby decided that he wasn't going to be such an easy mark, and disappeared back into the shadows. At one particular point, the “elf” stopped, rapped on the wall, and pushed. He walksd through the secret door and closed it silently behind him.
I walked into the bar, which hadn't changed a bit since the last time. Mac was behind the counter as usual, patrons were sitting in the shadows as usual. It's a really seedy dig, but I like it. Mac looked at me funny, don't know why—
You have not used this particular form when entering this establishment before, sir.
Okay, guess I do know why. But anyway, when I sent him my order, he recognized me and passed it on over. I decided I'd sidle up and asked him about my target.
“So,” the elf said softly. “I'm hear looking for someone. A...dear estranged cousin of mine.” The elf motioned at his garb and the barkeep nodded slowly, understanding the reason for the outfit, then gave the elf a hard glance.
So he gets the Phiarlan connection, and it looks like he's seen someone like that here recently.
'Ey, boss?
Yeah?
Two elves in the corner, lookin' shifty-like at your getup. Guessin' they're here on the same business.
Thanks, Emery. Anything else?
Two more in the opposite corner, crossbows out under the table. Watch yerself, boss.
Will do.
As Maximilian slowly nursed his drink, the elves left one by one. As the last one left, he slid out of his chair and followed; with a quick furrowing of his brow, every patron in the bar forgot, one by one, that there had ever been a son of Phiarlan with them that day.
Mighty convenient for staking out a place, I must say; I show up looking for someone and they're already there? Either our little miss Aerenal got really lucky, or there's something fishy going on here.
Sir, the likelyhood of marine animals becoming involved—
Shut up.
Sir.
The half-elf—for that was the form he now wore—slipped silently out of the doorway, maintaining his hold on the minds of nearby humanoids. The trail the elves made was easy to follow, which most likely meant they weren't afraid of any tails...or possibly that they had some sort of trap prepared.
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Several hours later, the elves slipped into a warehouse towards the edge of town, if a dilapidated shack built into the side of a tower could be called a warehouse. Marlowe rubbed his hands together and grinned. This was his favorite part.
Emery? Arthur?
Right anxious, boss.
Prepared, sir.
Good. Emery, give me a read on the auras here. Arthur, I want a layout of the building, as well as you can tell from out here.
That could take some time, sir—
The reason you're in that rock instead of inside my head is so you can take that time while I do something else. Get to it! I don't just pay you for stenography, you know!
You do not technically pay me at all, sir.
Entirely beside the point. Now get to it!
Over the course of a few hours, Maximilian studied the structure; to avoid suspicion, he changed forms and disguises frequently during this time. Finally, both of his personality fragments gave him the all-clear and his own mental probing revealed nothing amiss, so he stepped inside.
I was worried that the warehouse seemed so badly defended. Looked like a setup to me. Still, best way to disarm a trap is to walk right in and spring it, so I headed on inside. I was expecting a blunt object to the back of the head, but I had a plan for that. Also had a plan for magic-suppressing fields, but I doubted I'd have to use it.
As his foot crossed the threshold, figures moved in the shadows and a sharp pain raced across the back of his leg. He fell into a net held by another lurker in the shadows, and he felt the spell component pouch and false wands of his latest disguise stripped from his belt.
Looks like it's going to be plan C. You know what to do, boys.
Right-o, boss.
At that moment, another thug stepped up with a club and bashed Maximilian in the back of the head, and he knew no more.
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As he came to, Maximilian did a quick check of his surroundings without opening his eyes, simply feeling the vibrations in the room on his skin.
Report.
There's a bloke in the corner what looks like our man, boss. They took us right to 'im.
A bit cliché, but somewhat expected. Arthur?
There are two crossbowmen positioned such that they cut off escape routes to the door, there is one robed figure, female, slight of build, next to our missing person, and there is a rather overlarge brute of a half-orc next to her.
Great. Showtime, then.
Maximilian swallowed and then twitched, attempting to appear as if he had just awoken and was trying to hide it. The crossbowmen's weapons snapped up to point at him, and the female figure pulled back her hood, revealing herself to be Alessavra, his client.
Whoops. Didn't see that one coming. Not really surprising, though, what with her strange behavior.
“What business have you snooping around my property, wizard?” the elf sneered. “I should have you executed for that. No one trusts gnomes in these parts, so I wouldn't expect any mercy from them!”
“Very well, thank you. And you?” Maximilian matched her sneer with a knowing grin. “Wonderful, wonderful. Now, since you're holding the two of us under duress and have no legal authority in this district, you can let us both go and I won't press charges.”
The elf's eyes widened, and she blinked slowly, before assuming an incredulous expression. “You taunt me? In my base of operations, while you are powerless?” She lifted the false wand hilts and the pouch. “What can you do without these?”
Aw, man, she's really askin' for it with that line. C'mon, boss...
Of course. How could I resist?
“This, actually,” he said, as he reached out with his mind and crushed the mind of the thug across the room. As the half-orc collapsed with a gurgle, blood flowing from his eyes, the crossbowmen snapped their weapons to the other end of the room—not realizing their mistake. Marlowe winked at Alessavra, and he was suddenly across the room, unbound, behind one of the crossbowmen. Disarming him, Marlowe shot the other one and blinked behind Alessavra; the whole ordeal took only a few seconds.
That'll show 'er!
“Now, ma'am, I believe your exact words were...”
Arthur?
“If you can determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that they did it, kill them.”
“...if you can determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that they did it, kill them.”
The elf's eyes widened at the words, and she spun around to see Marlowe resuming his customary human shape. As she stared in horror, his tattoo reformed into the shape of a Mark of Passage. He smiled at her, dropped the crossbow, reached out a hand, and whispered: “I don't see a shadow of a doubt here, but being a Phiarlan, you'd know better than I.”
Well, sir, you certainly do have a flair for the dramatic.
Cute. Now Arthur, start questioning dear brother while I tie her up. Then Emery, you get to think up some fun thing to do to...persuade her to tell us everything that's been going on.
My favorite part, boss.
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One week later, a well-known publisher stopped by Maximilian's office in the afternoon. A well-dressed female half-elf opened the door and ushered him in. The publisher promptly handed her a Kundarak letter of credit and plopped down into a nearby chair. “I hope the fee meets your satisfaction, Ms. Ilien,” he mumbled around the pipe in his mouth as he lit it, “because your story certainly met mine!”
Now, that is a refreshingly large number of zeros. And who says crime doesn't pay? I know, I know: “They are usually referring to the criminals themselves, sir.”
They are usually referring to the—
...yes, Arthur?
You are learning, sir.
“My girl, it's marvelous! Your story is selling like mad! That twist at the end, where the sorceress crime lord plots to capture Phiarlan agents one by one to make them report to her and help her set up a Khorvaire-spanning spy network? Brilliant! Sheer genius! By Aureon, woman, how do you do it?”
“It's nothing, really,” said the half-elf, gesturing modestly. “You just have to take advantage of the gifts life gives you. I just happen to be a creative sort.”
So getting yourself into trouble is “creative” now, sir?
So I'm “nothing” now, am I, boss?
Oh, shut up.
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Description
Watch Detective Marlowe d'Orien, also known as expert infiltrator Vorelan d'Phiarlan, also known as prolific novelist Seneca Ilien, also known as rich and eccentric adventurer Karrack Thundershield, also known as several other names and faces across Khorvaire, is in actuality a changeling by the name of Maximilian. Based out of Sharn, he works as a private investigator to support himself; he lives for action and adventure, so he wouldn't be satisfied with a normal job, and he makes quite a bit of money on the side by selling accounts of his adventures (suitably changed to obfuscate the actual events) under his Seneca Ilien identity.
Maximilian keeps offices in a variety of places, with different identities for each. In Sharn he is an elven private detective, but in other cities he might be a detective with the watch, or a medium, or a diviner, or many other things. He has contacts in every city, but only one of them knows his true identity: Mac, the bartender of the hidden Bar None tavern in the depths of Sharn, which lies directly below Maximilian's Sharn office and a few dozen stories down.
Maximilian is aided in his efforts by his psicrystal. Maximilian's father was a seer from the lower classes of Sharn and his mother was a paladin of the Silver Flame, and at an early age Maximilian inherited his father's psionic talents an his mother's zeal to help others and do good. His psicrystal, when he manifested it, thus gain a split personality. Arthur is the more refined fragment, who keeps track of Maximilian's activities and reminds him of the local regulations, and Emery is the more down-to-earth fragment with uncanny awareness of Maximilian's surroundings; Arthur takes dictation from Maximilian to allow him to write his novelettes, and Emery has saved his life more times than he can count.
Friends and Foes
Maximilian has few allies besides Mac, as he keeps all of his identities separate and tries not to let anyone get too close to him, and few enemies...that he knows of. There are many enemies who would love to get their hands on him after they escape from prison, get raised by their allies, or otherwise return to society, as Maximilian has a rather unfortunate habit of revealing himself to his targets—whether revealing himself to be a changeling or just showing them multiple identities—in order to indulge his desire for drama and suspense. That'll probably get him killed one of these days, but so far he's been lucky, and though he'd love to die of old age, he doesn't think that's going to happen.
I confess Eldritch Lord, you reminded me a little of Dan O'Brien's noire stories. Do you read Cracked? Certainly original, but the style is similar. (Quote "Things are about to get Noirey up in here").
Nope, but then again most noire stuff has a lot in common.
Hey EL. Did you know your guy is gonna take an XP penalty for that build? :angelhide
Well, if you had actually read the mechanics sblock, you'd note the following right at the top:
CG Changeling Bard 4/Psion (Erudite) 6/Duelist 2 *
*Yes, I know he takes XP penalties from uneven levels. I think it's a stupid rule, and I'm doing it anyway, so you don't need to point it out.
;)
Yes, I saw that. That's why I chose the smiley I used. And also why I worded it the way I did. You said you didn't need it pointed out, so I pointed it out. And now that I've had to explain the joke, it sucks even more than before. ;)
Well, I seem to recall in a prior HC that someone else put up a build that took an XP penalty accidentally, and one of the other contestants used the same smiley when pointing out the XP penalty. Plus, at least one judge is always quick to point out an XP penalty a post or two after it's submitted. So basically it would have been a better joke if it didn't resemble the more serious comments the judges always make.
Yay for drawing out every ounce of humor that might possibly have had!
I'm pretty happy that Pathfinder got rid of the XP penalty, honestly. Favored classes now give you something, rather than taking away (1 hp or skill point, if you're curious), and I like that solution much better.
“I fly over Sharn, protecting those who need protecting, serving those who need serving, and returning property to those to whom it rightfully belongs…and I read a lot in my spare time.” – Cosimo d’Tharashk.
Throughout the land of Khorvair, few men have had the privilege to the open knowledge of the Library of Korranberg, or the University of Morgrave, or the Universities of Wynarn. Few men have studied at the magic school known as Arcanix. But, there is a man who has spent half a lifetime and accomplished all of these things. He has clerked for the Library of Korranberg with the gnomes of Zarlago, has taught lessons to eager students at the University of Wynarn, and has journeyed with the arheological expeditions of Morgrave into the depths of Xen’drik. This man is…
But this was only the beginning for Cosimo, after several years as a private detective, the man who once spent hours alone each day in the library, became the legend…
Cosimo became a masked crime fighting detective, keeping watch over the people of Khorvair, returning missing people to their loved ones, and returning stolen property to their rightful owners.
“ 963 YK, SUL, 1st of Barrakas
This will be the first of many journal entries to come I’m sure. Today is my 13th birthday. My father game me this diary and told me that I should write in it every day so that I can reflect back on it later in life. I am sure that it will be a valuable tool for me in the future. My hand is shaking with every quill stroke and I can hardly believe that I am finally old enough to go with my father into the mines. He told me that it is time I start contributing to the work of the house and that if I so wish it, I will have a mine of my own one day. I will be hard pressed to sleep tonight, knowing that in the morning, I set out into my real life. I wonder how I shall find working in the mines alongside the diggers.” – Cosimo d’Tharashk
Cosimo d’THarashk began his life, the son Benjamin d’Tharashk, an officer of the Dragonmarked house of Finding, located in the Shadow Marches. There, his father was responsible for several different mining operations that were looking for the all important Eberron Shards that fuel the house’s trade. Cosimo was young when he first manifested his Dragonmark, it was said that because of his auspicious birth on the first day of the month of Barrakas, the month of Finding, that he would be a strong child and serve the house in fantastic ways.
“963 YK, WIR, 4th of Barrakas
I can take it no more. I will not be bound to these cursed mines. I hate the work. I hate the smell. I can’t stand these foul orcs! They do not bathe, they do not eat with any sense of hygiene or taste; they are always filthy. I feel as though I will never be clean again, despite having sat in the bath for the last two hours. If this will be my fate, to be bound to these mines as my father was, then I will flee from my home and never return. I hope he will forgive me for choosing a different path than he has chosen.”
Cosimo quickly learned to hate the prospecting ways of The House of Finding, but he was not doomed to that life as he feared, the following day, he pleaded with his father to give him something else to do. His father obliged, being the doting parent that he was; he informed Cosimo that he was to learn the ways of divination under the tutelage of Francis d’ Tharashk, one of the finders, bounty hunters, of the guild. This relationship would prove to be incredibly valuable to Cosimo in the future. He began as a simple wizard’s apprentice, scribing scrolls for his master and doing research regarding items that the finders were sent to locate. Francis began to train him in the art of divination almost as soon as they met. Francis, being a diviner of the house, and very well resepected for it, had much to teach his young apprentice about the ways of seeing with other people’s eyes. Francis felt that it was too dangerous for Cosimo to actually venture out with the other finders, so Cosimo spent hours upon hours a day combing Francis’s moderate library. He quickly taught himself a number of spells, methods for crafting wands and and began developing his own spell book. It didn’t take long for Cosimo to surpass Francis in magical competence; the boy was far smarter than his master and Francis knew it.
“967 YK, SAR, 7th day of Vult
Today, I found something truly interesting within one of Francis’s texts. I found a book containing inscriptions found in the land to the far south, south of even Sharn, in the land they call Xen’drik. I have read tales of this place; full of Drow and primordial beasts they say, but these inscriptions puzzle me. They seem to be of a magical nature, though I cannot yet decipher their meaning. They do not seem to be a language at all, but rather some type of blueprint for the foundation of magic, a geometric code if you will. I must know what they mean. I cannot leave this mystery unsolved. I will tell Francis tomorrow my intent to join an archeological team of inquisitives that is scheduled to set out from Morgrave University at the beginning of Zarantyr. Though the season may prove to be harsh, with the cold stormy winds of the sea, I will bare this burden in the hopes that I might discover the meaning of these symbols.”
Using the little pull he had from the Guild of Finding, as well as a simple demonstration of his wizarding skill, Cosimo managed to join the team of adventurers setting out into the ruins of Xen’drik. The seas were rough on this crossing, but the crew and passengers made it across without loss of life. When the arrived on the jungle continent, they immediately supplied and set off to find whatever relics awaited them in the temples of the Drow. Cosimo stayed with the group for over a year traveling the jungles. Together, they fought off numbers all manner of monstrous creatures before finding what all of them had been looking for.
“968 YK, ZOL, 23rd day of Eyre
I have done it! I have conquered this magical language. Doubtless no other individual but me will be able to read my writing now, for I have found the power behind this mystical geometry. I have cracked this code. I will be famous for this discovery! Each of these massive symbols is a geometric magical alphabet, or plan mind you, for a spell. I managed to find, within the ruins of Xen’drik, a mystic cipher, translating the spells from the symbol form which they are written into undercommon, the language of the dark elves. I have been able to extrapolate from this, the workings of this code language and now I have more power than I ever dreamed of. These codes are far more efficient than writing out entire spells, some of which will go on for pages and pages. I can write a spell now within a single page then, by tracing these symbols, I need not even speak to cast my spells. I can protect my magical texts against others who would look to steal them and destroy any that dare to try. I must inform the world of my discovery. I will be famous for this!”
Cosimo’s discovery was fantastic in nature, but it didn’t earn him nearly as much fame as he had hoped. Although his discovery held meaning within the magical community and his translation of the Geometric Cipher became well known in the academic world, it didn’t make him rich and he wasn’t hoisted up and praised as a hero; however, during the expedition into Xen’drik, he did manage to make a hefty sum of money and news of his discovery trickled back to the House of Finding, where it earned him favor among the house leaders. He used this money and power to open a small business crafting magic items for would be adventure seekers that were setting out into the jungles just as he had. After years at this job, he grew tired of it, and began to long for adventure once again.
“981 YK, FAR, 27th day of Rhaan
It has been nearly 13 years since I opened up the pages of this journal, odd that I still keep it so close to me it at all times. I recall the last days I wrote in it; when I professed my discoveries out to the world, only to be met with a deafening silence. It is amusing to me now, that 13 years later, my discovery may actually draw me out of the rut that I have found myself in.
A man came to me today, well, a gnome to be exact, by the name of Chief Librarian Artebil, stating that he had a job for me at the Library of Korrenberg. He told me that he had read my translation of the cipher and that at the library, they too had made similar discoveries, but from different continents and by different races; they had found similar ciphers in Draconic on the continent of Argonessan as well as in Riedra, the land of the dream folk! I am puzzled by this information, perhaps there is far more to this geometric language of magic than I had previously believed. The gnome has offered me free access to the library to continue my research as well as a very highly paid clerking position in exchange for a favor. He wants me to track down a thief, of some magical prowess, who has stolen a relic from the library. He claims that he has already hired a small group of mercenaries and enforcers for me from the Blademarks guild of House Denneth. I am to lead them in the investigation. They have also apparently brought in a specialist, a dwarf from House Kundarak, who is already at work, trying to discover how the magical defenses that protected the relic were penetrated.
I have decided to take the job. I may not be the best investigator, but should my help prove valuable in locating the relic, I would have access to knowledge that the members of Tharashk only dream of. I may yet have a chance to make my mark on the face of Eberron.
Cosimo’s help in locating the Tome of the Maker was a massive success. They were able to track the culprit, a wizard who had been insulted by the House of Making and decided to take his revenge by stealing the tome that contained instructions for creating all manner of terrifying magical contraptions. During the investigation, Cosimo became good friends with Keenaxe d’Kundarak, the dwarf specialist brought in to investigate how the break in had been accomplished and how the magical seals had been bypassed. From him, Cosimo learned the skills needed to be an investigator. Cosimo’s rewards for his help were many; he was given access to the Library of Korranberg, a favor from the House of Making, and a permanent new career and title: “The Book Keeper.”
“984 YK, SUL, 1st of Barrakas
Today is my 34th birthday and I decided to make myself a birthday present. I spend so much time alone in the library or out investigating that I have had little time for making friends or finding a wife; I can’t say that I find that life appealing to be honest, but it does get lonely in the library some times. I began researching the magical instructions needed to make myself a pet a few weeks ago and today I finally completed the crafting spell needed to make myself an “Onyx Dog” or so they call them in the House of Making. When I first summoned him, the Dog had a look of surprise on his canine face, as if I had pulled him into being from a life he already had possessed, but then, we spoke for the first time. He seems a bit more intelligent than I had imagined that he would be; he has a taste for telling bad limericks, which I find very amusing. His senses are quite acute, which may make him a valuable tool when I am on the job, but as a companion, I guess it really is true what they say, ‘An onyx dog is a wizard’s best friend.’ I think I’ll name him Blood”
Cosimo’s life of private investigative work, although rewarding, left him some what of a grumpy middle aged man, but through his skills at magical creation, he was able to create a number of companions which keep him company and aid in his detective efforts. The first of his creations was the aforementioned Blood, his Onyx Dog. Cosimo views blood with the utmost regard as a loyal pet and companion.
“996 YK, SUL, 8th of Dravago
I keep telling the other wizards at Arcanix that they can’t leave their spellbooks just lying around. They need to be more diligent with protecting them. One of the students pilfered a spell book off of his instructor’s desk and now they have asked me to track it down and bring it back; they also don’t want me to kill the student who took it either. What a hassle. I could practically do this without my glasses on. I guess I’ll have Blood go look around the scene first and see what he thinks about the situation…my pipe needs smoking.”
It was many years after Cosimo’s first foray into the world of detective work that he began to be a bit bored by the mundane crimes which he usually faced. He had taken on jobs as a professor at both the Universities of Wynarn and Arcanix, both located in Aundair. These jobs however were simply a means toward an end. He used them to further his magical talents and continue researching the magical geometric language that he encountered in the jungles of Xen’drik. His real profession was that of a private detective. His clients varied, but his contracts with all of the schools to which he was affiliated as well as the Library kept him very busy with their chores. Although these contracts helped him along his career as a private detective, they mostly just bored him. Whenever an item of importance goes missing from one of these places, he was sent to find it and get it back. Most of the time, these “items of importance” were not quite as powerful or world shattering as he wished they would be. He was always most excited when an independent source would come to him for help in tracking down a rogue wizard that had kidnapped a loved one or stolen some mystical artifact, but these cases were few and far between.
“997 YK, MOL, 2nd of Nymm
I spent the day complaining to Blood about how much I hate this pathetic job of finding stolen property. I told him I couldn’t take it much longer. If I don’t become a lunger from all the smoking, I will throw myself of the cliffs of sharn and won’t bother to prepare a feather fall spell. I’m already half way through my life and practically all I do is chase after un-returned library books. My research into the mystic geometry, while coming along smoothly, isn’t amounting to anything Eberron shattering.
After I related all this to my canine companion, Blood said something to me that I think may have changed my life. He said, ‘What, you want to be some kind of super-hero or something?!’ I pondered his statement for a bit, the nature of this ‘super-hero’ that he mentioned. Stories are always told about the heroes of yore; I’ve read countless ones about heroes who fought to defend the defenseless or fight in great battles, or conquer mighty evil tyrants, but…. a ‘super-hero’ that I have not read about. I can only imagine the tales that they would tell of a hero so profound in action and in character that they would give him the preface of ‘super.’ I think now I know my destiny; I know that I am bound for greatness. I know that I am capable of great things for when it comes to magic I am powerful. Through the might of my spells, I will create a new me. I will conceal my identity, that of a hapless old university professor, and become a ‘super-hero’…no, a ‘super-detective! I will strike fear into the hearts of villains everywhere!”
Last year, at Blood’s suggestion, Cosimo decided to try his hand at something a little big bigger in scope and effect. He decided to make himself into a great hero of the people and go on crazy adventures, solving fantastic mysteries, fighting crime, and destroying the criminal element in Khorvaire. To this end, Cosimo prepared himself a new identity, that of a masked adventuring warrior. He took on the persona of the Dragonne, the mascot of House Tharashk. In order to make the disguise complete, he crafted a pair of Golden lions with a slight magical twist in order to look like the beasts born on the crest of the House of Finding. The pair of lions (while functioning in game terms exactly as depicted in the DMG) has skin made of gold and brass flakes and a pair of wings, which exist simply for decoration. The lions, Siegfried and Marth, obey Cosimo’s every command, but aren’t nearly as fun to have around, so Cosimo generally brings them out only when he is in character.
“998 YK, FAR, 27th Day of Nymm
It’s been a little over a year since I became the hero who I hope will be told of in legends. I have retained all of my former connections, as I have kept the Alias, Cosimo d’Tharashk alive and well, but now, I have become THE DRAGONNE! Let my golden might strike fear into the hearts of those who will appose goodness in the world. I will find all enemies of the light, track them down, and destroy them. Let it be a warning to all that wish to do evil in this world, I am no longer a simple school teacher or librarian, or geometer… I am now a hunter, finding those people who would do ill will to others, finding loved ones lost, and returning artifacts to whom they belong; this is my solemn vow: You will get what you deserve, Knowledge is Power, and I am full of it."
Cosimo d’Tharashk is a middle aged man. He has some slight facial hair, mostly stubble, wears glasses and is usually found either smoking a pipe or tobacco that he rolls into cigarettes himself, though he has also been known to partake of other less reputable substances. He is medium in height and weight, but has a notable lack of muscle and a small pot belly derived mostly from his love of the grog, but he doesn’t look very overweight, despite thinking this himself. He has thinning brown hair, but isn’t bald yet, though he is getting that way. His skin is fairly pale from spending years and years in front of a desk or inside a library, and his eyes are brown.
When he is teaching or studying, he usually wears normal clothes, though he always wears his Belt of Many pockets in order to have all his resources available at a moments notice. Blood is usually seen at his side. The two converse on a regular basis.
Cosimo is perceived by most to be a very gruff and dumpy fellow. He never really has a desire to talk with anyone nor does he openly try to make friends. He values studying and spending time in the library. All of this has led him to be a very ordered individual; for Cosimo, everything has its place. Cosimo thinks of himself very poorly, as the real person that he is, which is part of the reason that he assumes his secret identity, The Dragonne, on a regular basis to go fight crime.
Tactics:
Cosimo doesn’t like fighting as his true self and therefore, he tries to stay out of combat as much as he can when he isn’t wearing his Dragonne uniform. When he is forced into combat, he uses whatever spells he has available and polymorphs himself, if necessary into something other than a Brass Dragon or a Dragonne in order to flee or fight. He resorts to casting from his wands at a distance if the fight seems like it will not tax him or if he decides that he needs to conserve energy.
As The Book Keeper though, Cosimo has vast libraries at his disposal through his many affiliations. He uses these resources in order to research enemies that he must face as The Dragonne, changing out of character if necessary and teleporting to the library in order to research the villain.
When Cosimo gets into character, he assumes his alter ego, The Dragonne. When in his crime fighting gear, Cosimo uses several spells to make himself look like a different person. He casts Disguise Self or Alter Self in order to change his appearance: He turns all his clothes into a shimmering goldish-brass color, he changes the headband he wears on his head into a mask that looks like a lions face, he changes his inquisitive goggles to look like golden lion eyes, and he changes his mundane cloak to look like a pair of golden dragon wings folded at his bakc. In the Dragonne persona, he makes himself look taller and more muscular, as well as generally younger. His eyes become a sparkling gold color and his skin gets tanner. He also talks in a different voice, deeper and more regal.
As The Dragonne, Cosimo feels like a regal master detectivewho is ready and willing to help anybody in need. He also feels like a true warrior, those he has read about in books, thus he prefers to get up close and personal in combat.
Tactics:
When Cosimo responds as The Dragonne to a crime or crime scene, he uses his investigative abilities to determine the culprit and find traces of the villain around the scene. He then uses his abilities of divination to find the fiend, and determine its surroundings. Using all his knowledge about the enemy, he likes to send them a nightmare on the day before they battle which hints of his coming and their downfall. This nightmare effect helps to ware enemy spell casters down. He has been using this trick for a number of years, even when he was simply The Book Keeper.
Before he gets into a battle, Cosimo uses the buffs he has available to improve his stats, casting spells such as Bear’s Endurance, Eagle’s Splendor, Greater Heroism, Shield, Magic Weapon, etc. When a battle begins, Cosimo first attempts to reason with the villain in question, if this fails, and he sees the combat doesn’t call for his full power, he brings forth his pair of Golden Lions, which he keeps stored in his gloves of storing before he engages the enemy head on in hand to hand combat, using Tenser’s Transformation if he feels that he can do them in through physical combat alone. If this doesn’t work, or if he thinks that the risk is too high to do this, he resorts to ranged attacks. If this fails, or if the Lions are on Hiatus, as they can only be used a certain number of times each week, Cosimo uses his wand of polymorph to change his shape into that of either a Dragonne or a Young Brass Dragon and fights as long as he can. There are also many instances when Cosimo will use non-harmful spells to get information out of people or to find clues to the whereabouts of a certain item or individual. He uses spells like transfix or other divinations or enhancements to do this.
As The Book Keeper, Cosimo d’Tharashk has many allies. He is a favored member of his house, having several different affiliations there. He is also on good standing with members of the University of Morgrave, as well as the members of his adventuring group, which are still alive, from when he was a youth and first setting out into Xen’drik. He is on very good terms with Arcanix and the Wynarn Universities, where he teaches; he is also on very good terms with the Library of Korrenberg having done so many things for them over the years. Other than his contacts throughout the world, Cosimo has very few actual friends, save for Keenaxe d’Kundarak as well his former teacher, Francis d’Tharashk, who is now very old in years. Blood is virtually his only lifelong companion, though Siegfried and Marth are also his loyal servants. Sometimes he summons unseen servant hordes to keep things lively. Cosimo also has very few enemies; those people that he interfered with long ago may still be alive and kicking, but so much time has passed, that there is little chance of them coming to call. His recent item re-acquisition business didn’t make him very many enemies, as he was fairly merciful when it came to punishment as long as the items in question were returned, often resorting to his contract of nepthas in order to magically guarantee the villain that he wouldn’t be hunted further as long as he gave them item back and stayed out of everyone’s lives from that point on.
As The Dragonne, Cosimo has very few allies. He tries to keep everyone as far away from him as he can when he is in character, so nobody that knows him gets hurt, or discovers his secret identity (before he announces to the world who he is). He does however have many enemies… many, many enemies. Many evil-doers have borne the wrath of The Dragonne and would therefore like to see him fall; some of them know who he really is, most of them don’t. This means that as The Dragonne, Cosimo constantly has to watch his back to keep from getting a knife stuck in it.
NOTE: Who his enemies are is a good place to fill in your own information, to make Cosimo usable in virtually any campaign. Insert nemesis here so to speak.
With the massive Aurean Shard that Cosimo posseses and with the mystical resources of the Library of Korranberg at his disposal, he has amassed an amazing quantity of spells. In game terms, every spell, up to 6th level, from the Player’s Handbook can be found within his Aurean Shards as well as every spell that he has used to create an item, though he uses these spells very rarely, mostly just during item creation. In addition to the spells from the Player’s Handbook, he has a number of different spells that he also has recorded found below.
Complete Arcane Spells
Level 3:
Bands of Steel, Mage Armor (Greater), Discern Shapechanger,
Level 4:
Orb of Force, Anticipate Teleportation, Resist Energy (Mass), Assay Resistance, Unluck
Defenestrating Sphere,
Level 5:
Refusal, Dualward, Freezing Fog, Leomund’s Hidden Lodge, Servant Horde, Blink (Greater), Fly (Mass),
Level 6:
Transfix
Spell Compendium
Level 1
Dispel Ward, Instant Search, Master’s Touch, Spontaneous Search, Shawk and Awe, Light of Lunia, Luminous Gaze, Serene Visage, Accelerated Movement,
Level 2
Chain of Eyes, Marked Object, Entice Gift,
Level 3
Analyze Portal, Circle Dance, Telepathic Bond (Lesser), Chain Missile, Spectral Weapon, Dragonskin,
Level 4
Resistance (Greater), Translocation Trick, Know Vulnerabilities, Dragon Breath, Flight of the Dragon, Voice of the Dragon,
Level 5
Phantasmal Thief, Dimension Door (Greater), Draconic Polymorph, Draconic Might, Enlarge Person (Greater),
Level 6
Resistance Superior, Probe Thoughts,
Cosimo uses a great variety of spells and in his way of doing things, the best way to fight an enemy is to know as much about them as possible. To this end, Cosimo attempts to find out as much about his enemies as he possibly can before attempting to track them down. Because of this, the spells that Cosimo prepares each day vary greatly based on the type of enemy he is fighting against, the situation he believes he will find himself in, and the manner of his mission or quest. Regardless of these, he prepares a number of buffs for himself to be used when assuming the persona of Dragonne, as well as a number of Alter Self spells each day so that he can assume his persona at a moment’s notice. He always prepares at least one Polymorph spell or has his wand of Polymorph on him in case things get intense and he needs to take on his young dragon form.
Listed Below is an example of spells that Cosimo might prepare on the eve of battle assuming he has already found his enemies location and inflicted on them nightmare’s of his coming.
Level 1 – 6 spells + 1 divination
Instant Search, Spontaneous Search, Luminous Gaze, Shawk and Awe, Shield, Master’s Touch, + True Strike
Level 2 – 6 spells + 1 divination
Bull’s Strength, Bear’s Endurance, Eagle’s Splendor, Entice Gift, Locate Object, Chain of Eyes+ Detect Thoughts,
Level 3 – 5 spells + 1 divination
Circle Dance, Chain Missile, Dragon Skin, Mage Armor (Greater), Hold Person, +Clairaudiance / Clairvoyance
Level 4 – 4 spells + 1 divination
Orb of Force, Know Vulnerabilites, Flight of the Dragon, Voice of the Dragon, + Arcane Eye
Level 5 – 3 spells + 1 divination
Draconic Polymorph, Teleport, Dominate Person +Prying Eyes
Level 6 – 2 spells + 1 divination
Disintegrate, Greater Heroism, +True Seeing
It doesn't need to be made to fit Eberron; that's just one of the permitted sources. You can absolutely place your character in FR or Dark Sun or a homebrew. What you can't do, however, is use mechanics from those settings -- no feats, spells, etc.
To be fair, most of the spells in the 3.5 setttings will also be in the spell compendium.
The Eberron CS book is just a very good fit for the theme, and a pretty popular book with the judges in this competition.
You have until this Sunday to enter.
ONLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE A NAME BEGINNING WITH D CAN WIN BRONZE
Fixed that for ya.
“I have a terrible suspicion that our situation is about to become profoundly absurd very, very quickly”
-Emmett upon beginning their journey through the pocket realm
fluff
Born into the nomad Cascan tribe in 537 on the northern shore of Sala Oscae (Oscae Sea) to Mercullo and Uria, Emmett spent his early years in the typical nomad manner, drifting all throughout the wilderness. As he grew into adulthood, Emmett developed a reputation among the Cascans for being skilled at ‘finding things’. Information, people, items, places. When he turned 20 he received his ‘dog’ Shaiko and enchanted soft-soled boots in his Ratharma cerminony (a ritual all Cascan men go through at 20, the age at which they leave the tribe). He then set off on his own through the northlands to the frozen metropolis of Den Darro, where he set up shop as a local bounty hunter for a few years.
A few days after arriving at the city of ice, Emmett got his first job, a contract from the local authorities to capture a petty gnome wizard with a criminal streak named Bandenhauen the Spectacular. After a solid two weeks of investigation, he managed to hunt down and bring in the naughty spellflinger for the first of what would be several times.
For the next few months he continued bounty hunting in and around Den Darro, until one night while out hunting his latest paycheck, Yenaldese, a vicious dire wolverine, he encountered Nalrech, a towering samurai and fellow bounty hunter who’d traveled nearly a hundred miles from the south to slay the beast. Together they made quick work of Yenaldese, and after turning in the bounty in Den Darro, Emmett traveled back south with Nalrech to his homelands for the second bounty. There he rebased in Zinnefior City and continued bounty hunting, now partnered with Nalrech.
After another two years in Zinnefior, Nalrech introduced Emmett and Brundarg Brundarg (B.B.), a wandering bard who’d assisted Nalrech many years prior with a bounty. He had traveled to Zinnefior on his way toward the Athrok Isthmus just east of the city, and beyond to the ruined tower city of Aigrosk, which once housed a the world’s greatest bardic college. He’d been hired by Deya, anobleman of a land far to the southwest to find the secret meaning behind a strange mark all of his bloodline bore upon their backs, and hoped to find answers in the ruined bardic library. A man of honor, Nalrech felt compelled to return the assistance he’d received so many years prior, and soon enough Emmett set out along with them in search of the derelict tower-city. The college turned out to be a bust, and the trio spent another year investigating the noble’s mysterious mark until they finally uncovered its secret of latent lycanthropy (which Deya was not happy to hear about).Following their long quest for the secret of the mark, the three adventures decided to start an private investigation firm, and thus Emmett had returned to general ‘finding things’ after years in specializing in hunting criminals and dangerous creatures.
Deciding to name their new business venture “Red Roc Investigations” after a funny anecdote B.B. had told them, the group was first hired in Deya’s capital city of Thundermoore to find out what had happened to a woman’s mysteriously missing brother. After an arduous investigation, it turned out he’d joined and been killed by a small cult started by none other than Bandenhauen the Spectacular, who was again captured and turned over to local authorities. News of their success, spurred on by encouragement, spread quickly through the ranks of the Quiet Ones. Soon the Red Rocs were drifting all about the world solving cases. On the far side of the world, in the swamplands and bamboo stilt-villages of the vast Gaor Crater, while searching for the key to the enchanted Book of Twelve Worlds, they encountered a man of savant-level magical talent. His name was Remy, and while they went to him in search of the name of the ‘One-Armed Man’ said to possess the key, they were surprised to find it sitting on a shelf in Remy’s stilted cottage. Though noone bothered to ask, Remy aquired the key after the One-Armed Man tried to read Remy’s diary, which contained Explosive Runes. Despite an obvious and utter lack of morals, the trio took an immediate liking to the magician, and since he was wanting to travel the world, they decided to make Red Roc a four-man operation.
Continuing their wandering investigatory ways, the Red Rocs had a few notable cases, including behind hired by a Behir to find his sister, and competing with a Zelekhut to bring the murderer of Prince Rolo of Pelonia to justice. Roughly a year ago, they got their current case, a real doozy with a magnificent payout. A woman named Emily Pawsa from the County Metlochshir had lost the mystic Doorknob Scroll to a thief and desperately needed it back. After a long and arduous investigation, they came across the Medallion of Thur, which allegedly would reveal where the thief went. Though initially stumped by the seemingly nondescript metal disc, a Read Magic spell and a magnifying glass revealed a message along its rim.
Within the House of Höbel
seven suns shine upon the gate
locked by a distant imposter.
Dive into the sea of sky,
and beyond the blue slaad’s flowerbed
you’ll find far more riddle than this.
Höbel could have been one of two things: the famous architect from centuries ago, or the royal family of Ergolshur. B.B. pointed out that not only would Ergolshur castle be difficult to get into, but the architect Höbel had built a chapel, or “house of the gods”, for Heironeous near Zinnefior. After a long trek to the chapel, they found in its basement a large gallery. On the floor were eight stone discs, each bearing the symbol of a heavenly body: the sun, the three moons, the material plane, and three stars. They initially removed the material plane disc and moved the other seven into recesses in the floor set in a heptagon, but nothing happened. Remy then noted that each of the heavenly bodies was in fact a separate plane, and that from the different perspective of each one, other planes appeared as different objects in the sky. Emmett reasoned that Outland, however, due to its unique position, always appeared as a tiny star to the other planes. Upon replacing the Outland disc with that of the material plane, the heptagon erupted into a column of light and before they knew it, the four were freefalling from high up in the sky towards an unfamiliar land. Somehow their descent automagically slowed as they neared the ground, and upon landing they looked around, noone recognizing where they were. Over the next hill they saw a beautiful garden of colorful flowers, and a hunched figure with its back to them. The figure straightened and turned, revealing itself to be a blue slaad in a sun hat and gardening gloves. It waved to the troupe.
“Wasn’t expecting that part of the riddle to be literal,” said Emmett.
“Aye, you don’t see that every day,” Nalrech responded. Cautiously the four approached the creature.
“Hello there, my kitty runned away. You here find him?” it asked.
“I’m sorry, no, but we’ll keep an eye out for him. Could you tell us where we are?” questioned Emmett.
“This pocket realm, Gaelmyor make it long time ago. Lots of pretty flowers here.”
“Have you seen a tall, thin man with a magic staff?” asked Remy about the thief they sought.
“Ya ya, he go to see shoemaker,” the slaad answered, pointing south to a small village.
After being invited in for tea and some polite conversation, Emmett and the others set off for the village in search of their next lead.
Personality: Though he generally follows the law and is kind toward others, Emmett isn’t above cruelty or lawbreaking for the sake of an investigation. He got into adventuring both because he enjoys it, and for the profit, which he enjoys even more. He still keeps in contact with his tribe and visits from time to time, and even gives a portion of the money he earns to them. When asked why he continues to hand Bandenhauen over to guards and sheriffs instead of killing him, knowing he’ll escape eventually, Emmett responded “That wizard’s good for business.” He’s slow to anger, and generally friendly. While B.B. supplies a great deal of knowledge and facts used in their investigations, Emmett is the one who analyzes and pieces the bits of information together.
Battle Tactics: Emmett is fairly straightforward hack and slash in a fight, but he frequently needs his foe alive, and that is where he excels. He’ll disarm his opponent if he can, and activates the Merciful qualities of his weapons. Regardless of whether he needs to incapacitate or kill, he makes liberal use of Crippling Strike, and tends to keep Shaiko out of fights against monsters or opponents with class levels. His wolf does see action against low-level thugs and street urchins however.
Other Fluff Info:
Gaelmyor: Long-dead wizard who created the pocket realm over 800 years ago.
Emily Pawsa: Woman who hired RRI to retrieve the Doorknob Scroll from a thief, although unknown to them, she had stolen it as well.
Bandenhauen the Spectacular: A CE lvl 13 gnome wizard, with varied criminal plans ranging from small-time extortion to grand heists to schemes to overthrow a local baron. An arch-enemy of sorts to Emmett, who’s been repeatedly been hired to catch him. Both he and Emmett ‘keep score’, and they’re currently tied with Bandenhauen escaping four times, and being caught four times. Was level 3 when Emmett first captured him.
The Quiet Ones: A wide-spread network of wallflowers and alleged nobodies that spread information all across the land. It’s easy to find a member who can point you in the direction of a powerful cleric who’ll raise your dead, or what cities and taverns you can find a great Drunken Master to take you on as a student, but you don’t find a member who can tell you the secret password to the White Hand assassins’ guild hall or how to activate a powerful magic artifact. Those members find you.
Brundarg Brundarg: A CG 12th level Elf Bard. Prefers melee combat and uses Perform (Whistling) for Bardic Music. Mainly uses his spells for healing. Generally refered to as B.B.
Nalrech Dalaore: A LG 12th level Human Samurai. Strongman of Red Roc, if his friends can’t talk their way out of a fight, Nalrech can usually intimidate others into backing down.
Remy Jung: A NE Human 3rd level Cleric/4th level Sorceror/5th level Mystic Theurge. Not a malicious kind of evil, just utterly without morals, he does genuinely consider the other Red Roc members his friends and looks out for them. Cleric domains are Destruction and Fire, he usually prepares a few divine healing spells to back up B.B., but mainly is an offensive caster.
A few days after arriving at the city of ice, Emmett got his first job, a contract from the local authorities to capture a petty gnome wizard with a criminal streak named Bandenhauen the Spectacular. After a solid two weeks of investigation, he managed to hunt down and bring in the naughty spellflinger for the first of what would be several times.
For the next few months he continued bounty hunting in and around Den Darro, until one night while out hunting his latest paycheck, Yenaldese, a vicious dire wolverine, he encountered Nalrech, a towering samurai and fellow bounty hunter who’d traveled nearly a hundred miles from the south to slay the beast. Together they made quick work of Yenaldese, and after turning in the bounty in Den Darro, Emmett traveled back south with Nalrech to his homelands for the second bounty. There he rebased in Zinnefior City and continued bounty hunting, now partnered with Nalrech.
After another two years in Zinnefior, Nalrech introduced Emmett and Brundarg Brundarg (B.B.), a wandering bard who’d assisted Nalrech many years prior with a bounty. He had traveled to Zinnefior on his way toward the Athrok Isthmus just east of the city, and beyond to the ruined tower city of Aigrosk, which once housed a the world’s greatest bardic college. He’d been hired by Deya, anobleman of a land far to the southwest to find the secret meaning behind a strange mark all of his bloodline bore upon their backs, and hoped to find answers in the ruined bardic library. A man of honor, Nalrech felt compelled to return the assistance he’d received so many years prior, and soon enough Emmett set out along with them in search of the derelict tower-city. The college turned out to be a bust, and the trio spent another year investigating the noble’s mysterious mark until they finally uncovered its secret of latent lycanthropy (which Deya was not happy to hear about).Following their long quest for the secret of the mark, the three adventures decided to start an private investigation firm, and thus Emmett had returned to general ‘finding things’ after years in specializing in hunting criminals and dangerous creatures.
Deciding to name their new business venture “Red Roc Investigations” after a funny anecdote B.B. had told them, the group was first hired in Deya’s capital city of Thundermoore to find out what had happened to a woman’s mysteriously missing brother. After an arduous investigation, it turned out he’d joined and been killed by a small cult started by none other than Bandenhauen the Spectacular, who was again captured and turned over to local authorities. News of their success, spurred on by encouragement, spread quickly through the ranks of the Quiet Ones. Soon the Red Rocs were drifting all about the world solving cases. On the far side of the world, in the swamplands and bamboo stilt-villages of the vast Gaor Crater, while searching for the key to the enchanted Book of Twelve Worlds, they encountered a man of savant-level magical talent. His name was Remy, and while they went to him in search of the name of the ‘One-Armed Man’ said to possess the key, they were surprised to find it sitting on a shelf in Remy’s stilted cottage. Though noone bothered to ask, Remy aquired the key after the One-Armed Man tried to read Remy’s diary, which contained Explosive Runes. Despite an obvious and utter lack of morals, the trio took an immediate liking to the magician, and since he was wanting to travel the world, they decided to make Red Roc a four-man operation.
Continuing their wandering investigatory ways, the Red Rocs had a few notable cases, including behind hired by a Behir to find his sister, and competing with a Zelekhut to bring the murderer of Prince Rolo of Pelonia to justice. Roughly a year ago, they got their current case, a real doozy with a magnificent payout. A woman named Emily Pawsa from the County Metlochshir had lost the mystic Doorknob Scroll to a thief and desperately needed it back. After a long and arduous investigation, they came across the Medallion of Thur, which allegedly would reveal where the thief went. Though initially stumped by the seemingly nondescript metal disc, a Read Magic spell and a magnifying glass revealed a message along its rim.
Within the House of Höbel
seven suns shine upon the gate
locked by a distant imposter.
Dive into the sea of sky,
and beyond the blue slaad’s flowerbed
you’ll find far more riddle than this.
Höbel could have been one of two things: the famous architect from centuries ago, or the royal family of Ergolshur. B.B. pointed out that not only would Ergolshur castle be difficult to get into, but the architect Höbel had built a chapel, or “house of the gods”, for Heironeous near Zinnefior. After a long trek to the chapel, they found in its basement a large gallery. On the floor were eight stone discs, each bearing the symbol of a heavenly body: the sun, the three moons, the material plane, and three stars. They initially removed the material plane disc and moved the other seven into recesses in the floor set in a heptagon, but nothing happened. Remy then noted that each of the heavenly bodies was in fact a separate plane, and that from the different perspective of each one, other planes appeared as different objects in the sky. Emmett reasoned that Outland, however, due to its unique position, always appeared as a tiny star to the other planes. Upon replacing the Outland disc with that of the material plane, the heptagon erupted into a column of light and before they knew it, the four were freefalling from high up in the sky towards an unfamiliar land. Somehow their descent automagically slowed as they neared the ground, and upon landing they looked around, noone recognizing where they were. Over the next hill they saw a beautiful garden of colorful flowers, and a hunched figure with its back to them. The figure straightened and turned, revealing itself to be a blue slaad in a sun hat and gardening gloves. It waved to the troupe.
“Wasn’t expecting that part of the riddle to be literal,” said Emmett.
“Aye, you don’t see that every day,” Nalrech responded. Cautiously the four approached the creature.
“Hello there, my kitty runned away. You here find him?” it asked.
“I’m sorry, no, but we’ll keep an eye out for him. Could you tell us where we are?” questioned Emmett.
“This pocket realm, Gaelmyor make it long time ago. Lots of pretty flowers here.”
“Have you seen a tall, thin man with a magic staff?” asked Remy about the thief they sought.
“Ya ya, he go to see shoemaker,” the slaad answered, pointing south to a small village.
After being invited in for tea and some polite conversation, Emmett and the others set off for the village in search of their next lead.
Personality: Though he generally follows the law and is kind toward others, Emmett isn’t above cruelty or lawbreaking for the sake of an investigation. He got into adventuring both because he enjoys it, and for the profit, which he enjoys even more. He still keeps in contact with his tribe and visits from time to time, and even gives a portion of the money he earns to them. When asked why he continues to hand Bandenhauen over to guards and sheriffs instead of killing him, knowing he’ll escape eventually, Emmett responded “That wizard’s good for business.” He’s slow to anger, and generally friendly. While B.B. supplies a great deal of knowledge and facts used in their investigations, Emmett is the one who analyzes and pieces the bits of information together.
Battle Tactics: Emmett is fairly straightforward hack and slash in a fight, but he frequently needs his foe alive, and that is where he excels. He’ll disarm his opponent if he can, and activates the Merciful qualities of his weapons. Regardless of whether he needs to incapacitate or kill, he makes liberal use of Crippling Strike, and tends to keep Shaiko out of fights against monsters or opponents with class levels. His wolf does see action against low-level thugs and street urchins however.
Other Fluff Info:
Gaelmyor: Long-dead wizard who created the pocket realm over 800 years ago.
Emily Pawsa: Woman who hired RRI to retrieve the Doorknob Scroll from a thief, although unknown to them, she had stolen it as well.
Bandenhauen the Spectacular: A CE lvl 13 gnome wizard, with varied criminal plans ranging from small-time extortion to grand heists to schemes to overthrow a local baron. An arch-enemy of sorts to Emmett, who’s been repeatedly been hired to catch him. Both he and Emmett ‘keep score’, and they’re currently tied with Bandenhauen escaping four times, and being caught four times. Was level 3 when Emmett first captured him.
The Quiet Ones: A wide-spread network of wallflowers and alleged nobodies that spread information all across the land. It’s easy to find a member who can point you in the direction of a powerful cleric who’ll raise your dead, or what cities and taverns you can find a great Drunken Master to take you on as a student, but you don’t find a member who can tell you the secret password to the White Hand assassins’ guild hall or how to activate a powerful magic artifact. Those members find you.
Brundarg Brundarg: A CG 12th level Elf Bard. Prefers melee combat and uses Perform (Whistling) for Bardic Music. Mainly uses his spells for healing. Generally refered to as B.B.
Nalrech Dalaore: A LG 12th level Human Samurai. Strongman of Red Roc, if his friends can’t talk their way out of a fight, Nalrech can usually intimidate others into backing down.
Remy Jung: A NE Human 3rd level Cleric/4th level Sorceror/5th level Mystic Theurge. Not a malicious kind of evil, just utterly without morals, he does genuinely consider the other Red Roc members his friends and looks out for them. Cleric domains are Destruction and Fire, he usually prepares a few divine healing spells to back up B.B., but mainly is an offensive caster.
The City of Caristhum
The City of Caristhum, as it were, is a mostly human metropolis (The actual population is 73% human, 6% dwarf, 5% gnome, 5% Halfling, 4% elf, 2% half-elf, 1% half-orc and 4% other). Home to tens of thousands of people, it is a fairly major city on the map and is still a rich and powerful nation. The City of Caristhum is built for no other purpose than to be its nation’s capital. It is noted for its wealth, its good manufactories and beautiful architecture.
Persona
The people of The City of Caristhum know the importance of their city, and they can be arrogant and pompous as a result. Visitors often find them tiresome. Nevertheless, the population is quite cosmopolitan. Citizens view other races, unusual cultures, and strange magic with tolerance, if not outright welcome.
Crime in The City of Caristhum falls under the purview of several accredited thieves/assassin guilds, all of which have standing arrangements with the city guard and with the crown. So long as they keep a tight leash on their members and avoid robbing or assaulting anyone important, the criminal guilds operate with minimal interference. While many in power dislike this arrangement, they recognize would be a larger number of independent, unrestricted criminals. The guilds enforce the protection of individuals designated as off limits and eliminate competition by outside thieves, performing both functions far more efficiently than the city watch could manage. This situation perpetuates a belief, at least among the capitals wealthy, that this “ultimate city” is practically free of crime, while it alienates the poor who suffer the depredations of the guilds.
And thus enters Nalferin Thade...
Nalferin Thade Story
When he was younger and less experienced, Nalferin Thade was part of one of the thieves’ guilds in the city. He enjoyed his life at home, and did what the guild wanted, but was otherwise just an ordinary guild member. He had a wife who didn’t know about his lifestyle, but whom he loved very much. He wasn’t Evil like many guild members, he was robbing and occasionally assaulting members of the city because he and his wife were poor, and needed the extra cash.
Then one day, he got word that the boss wanted to see him.
Nalferin entered the bosses’ office. Everything here was expensive, from the windows, right down to the cigar the boss was smoking in his leather chair.
“Hey Kid” said the boss. “You’re doing pretty well for yourself these days I hear”.
“Yes, Sir” replied Nalferin.
“Well, Nalferin, how would you like to earn a bit more extra money?” asked the boss.
“Yes, Sir” replied Nalferin eagerly.
“Well Kid, I have a job for you” the boss said, leaning back in his leather chair, hands clasped together, eyebrows raised. “Interested?”
“What kind of job?” asked Nalferin, suddenly anxious.
The boss puffed out a ring of smoke and leaned forward. “I want you to kidnap somebody”
Nalferin felt his heart throb. “Who?” he asked faintly.
“Lady Elena’s Daughter”
Oh god, Nalferin thought, sweat appearing on his forehead. Not little children, I can’t do this.
“I…I can’t” Nalferin stammered, suddenly aware of the menace in the bosses eyes.
The boss sat in silence, staring at Nilferin, letting the tension build up. “What?”
“She’s just a little kid!” his voice cracked. “I do everything you tell me to, but this I can’t do, I’m sorry boss”.
The boss looked sad as he looked up and said “I see”.
Nalferin stood there for a full minute in silence before the boss dismissed him. His heart was pounding and he had the shakes. That was close, he thought. The boss could have just ripped into me.
Nalferin had a bad feeling about the rest of the day as he was walking home. Upon reaching his house, he noticed a window was broken. His heart thudded.
“Angela!” he cried, and rushed to the door.
When he opened it, he was stricken to see the place in a mess, lots of things knocked over. He rushed upstairs and found Angela lying on his bed, a note on her back and blood on the floor. He slowly turned Angela around, fearful of what he might see. Dead. She was dead.
“Angela! Please don’t leave me! I love you! Please! Nooooo!” he cried.
And he sobbed and sobbed for hours. Eventually he looked at the note. It read ‘NO ONE SAYS NO TO THE GUILD’. His hands curled into fists, crushing the note in them, his teeth clenched, and anger shone through his eyes.
“I will kill the lot of you! I will kill you all! You hear me!?” he shouted. “All of you!”
From that day forward, he made himself a better warrior, started to worship St. Cuthbert and started tracking down his former allies. He approached the temple of St. Cuthbert, asking for help in his task. Members of the church hated the current relationship with the criminals, and so decided to help Nalferin by giving him the Cudgel that Never Forgets, and allowing the church to be his haven.
Using fear as his weapon, he struck into the heart of the guild, breaching every location he knew. Of course, he couldn’t take them all on at the same time. He had to get them while they were few. Once he’d earned a name for himself and people came to fear him, the thieves’ and assassins’ guilds started moving their headquarters. The Militia doesn’t hinder him, in fact they are glad that he is rounding up all the criminals, but they don’t help him either.
Nalferin Thade Stats and Tactics
Nalferin is on a search for righteousness, a measure of punishment no court would dare impose. He has also earned a big reputation, and is the most feared man in The City of Caristhum. He hates the criminal guilds in his city with a passion, and will not stop till every last one of them is snuffed out. Whenever a crime is committed, Nalferin arrives on the scene and uses his investigate feat to fully examine the scene. After learning what he can from the scene, he will use his Urban Tracking feat to track them down and ambush them. He uses fear and stealth as his weapon, and if his prey manages to escape, he will track them down and ambush them repeatedly, inspiring even greater dread and panic with which to slowly tear it apart. If the person he is pursuing attempts to leave the city, he will use his Track feat to track them down outside of the city. If Nalferin needs to know something he will intimidate the information out of them, and then hand them over to the city watch. If that doesn’t work, he will torture them then kill them.
NALFERIN THADE
Rogue 2/Ranger1/Fighter 2/Avenging Executor 5/Vigilante 2
N Humanoid (Human), Worships St Cuthbert
Init +4 Senses Nothing Special
Languages Common, Halfling, Gnome
AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 18 (+6 armour, +3 shield, +2 dex). Increase all by 5 vs ranged attacks.
HP 81 (12 HD)
Fort +8, Ref +13, Will +10
Speed 20 ft (4 squares)
Melee 2 Cudgel that Never Forgets +13/+8 (1d8+4 (+2d6 vs chaotic) (+2 vs humans))
Ranged 2 Composite Longbow +11/+6 (1d8+2/x3 (+2 vs humans))
Space 5 ft. Reach 5 ft.
Base Attack +8; Grapple +11
Atk Options Sneak Attack +1d6, Sudden Strike +3d6, Intimidating Strike (PHBII), Staggering Strike (CA), Hamstring (CW), Bloody Blade, Dread Blade, Bloody Murder, Smite the Guilty, Favoured Enemy (Humans), Helm of Wounding Sight, Fearsome Breastplate of Terror, Gauntlets of Destruction, Mask of Mastery, Cudgel that Never Forgets, Death’s Fear Bracers
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 2):
At will – Detect Evil 1/day – See Invisibility (3 minutes)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 18
Special Qualities Evasion, Trapfinding, Wild Empathy, Rapid Intimidation, Never Outnumbered, DR 2/-, True Believer, See Invisibility
Feats Track, Alertness, True Believer, Force of Personality, Intimidating Strike, Investigate, Staggering Strike, Urban Tracking, Hamstring
Skills (AC penalty -3 not included) Bluff +9*, Climb +9, Concentration +5, Diplomacy +8, Disable Device +9, Disguise +4, Gather Information +16**, Hide +14, Intimidate +27*, Jump +5, Knowledge (Local) +12, Listen +12*, Move Silently +14, Open Lock +14, Search +14, Sense Motive +10*, Spot +18*, Survival +5* and **, Swim +3
Spells 1st level – Disguise Self (DC 15), Expeditious Retreat (Swift), Critical Strike (spells per day – 2, casts as bard)
*+2 against favoured enemy (demoralise only for intimidate), **+2 when tracking (or urban tracking)
A 6 ft tall humanoid stands tall, bearing an adamantine breastplate with an emblem of a wide, staring eye that moves as you do, focusing on you, which is surrounded by raised rays of glittering mithral. On his hands are spiked steel gauntlets, also with an embossed image of an eye on its back. On his head, a steel helmet covers all but the face. A single huge eye with a crystal pupil is embossed on the helms forehead. A steel half mask covers the lower face, with an emblem depicting a large eye with a crystal pupil over the humanoids mouth, moving back and forth freely.
Possessions
Mask of Mastery (MIC) – Body Slot (Face), 3,500 gp
+5 competence bonus on intimidate, 1/day command spell (standard action), not language dependant, target only needs to hear.
Helm of wounding Sight (MIC) – Body Slot (Head), 6,500 gp
Light Spell at will from pupil of eye. 3/day 60 ft cone of light (standard action) dealing 2d6 fire and blind for 1 round. DC 20 Ref save for half damage and no blindness.
Dexterous (+2) Gauntlets of Destruction (MIC) – Body Slot (Hands) 10,610 gp
+2 Dex, +2 Str, 3/day next melee attack made as if adamantine (swift action)
Fearsome Breastplate of Terror (MIC) – Body Slot (Body) 28,200 gp
DR 2/-, +1 adamantine breastplate, Fearsome property attached (swift action to panic all in 20 ft radius for 1 round. DC 16 will save shaken instead.), 1/day frighten someone that wounded you (immediate action), DC 20 will save shaken instead.
Armour of the watching master collection benefits
+2 initiative, +5 competence spot, 1/day see invisibility (standard action) for 3 mins.
Cudgel that Never Forgets (MIC) – Weapon, 20,312 gp
Intelligent Weapon, Darkvision 60 ft, (LN; Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 16; Speech [Abyssal, Celestial, Common, Infernal], hearing, Intimidate +13, Cure Moderate Wounds 3/day (CL 20th)
Cloak of Charisma +2 MW hiding– 4,050 gp
Amulet of Health +2 4,000 gp
Masterwork Thieves Tools – 100 gp
Death’s Fear Bracers – Body Slot (Arms), 5,000 gp
Custom Made item. Based on Deathstrike Bracers (MIC page 93).
As a swift action 3/day, Death’s Fear Bracers make constructs, oozes, undead, and otherwise unintelligent creatures vulnerable to fear effects for one round. This does not work on creatures that have an immunity to fear that isn’t natural.
Mithral Heavy Steel Shield +1 – 2,170 gp
Least Crystal of Arrow Deflection (MIC) – 2,500 gp
Attaches to shield, +5 to AC vs ranged attacks.
Masterwork Shoulder Spikes, Human Skull atop each one, of Intimidation +2 – 50 gp
Composite Longbow +2 Strength – 300 gp
Climber’s Kit -80 gp
Masterwork Monocle (Spot) – 50 gp
Hubert’s guide on body language (Sense Motive) – 50 gp
Masterwork Magnifying Glass (Search) – 50 gp
50 ft of silk rope + grappling hook – 51 gp
Small Steel Mirror – 10 gp
Master Work soft shoe soles +2 move silently – 50 gp
377 gp
Before Combat
While trying his best to remember on his own, Nalferin also gets the Cudgel that Never Forgets to remember each and every alleyway, street and building they have been into, and generally the layout of the city. He also gets the Cudgel to remember targets that have gotten away or that they have seen. He also makes conversation with the Cudgel.
On occasion, he also uses his disguise self spell to disguise himself as an easily exploitable human to try to lure the criminals to try and rob him.
Combat
At the beginning of combat, Nalferin will try to ambush his target and sneak up on them from hiding (treating them as flat footed). He will then attack and use his staggering strike and hamstring feats on the target, preventing the target from getting too far if they run, letting his bloody blade ability go off, hoping to shaken the target. The Cudgel that never forgets will also attempt to demoralize the target, hopefully bringing an already shaken target to frightened. Then, as a move action, Nalferin will also attempt to demoralize the target, hopefully bringing the target from frightened to panicked. The then panicked target will stay panicked for 5 rounds, and the duration will be refreshed via the bloody blade ability if the target fails the save. He will always use his staggering strike feat on any attack he makes. He will rinse and repeat this tactic.
If sneaking up on the target fails, Nalferin will charge the target, and as a swift action, use the fearsome property of his armour. If the target fails the save, then Nalferin will use his bloody blade ability to extend the duration to 5 rounds and keep on doing so. If the target makes the save, then he will try to get the fear effect up to panicked.
If sneaking up on the target fails and Nalferin has already used his fearsome armour property, Nalferin will still charge, as in the first round of combat, the target will be flat footed and the bloody blade ability will work. He will then attempt to get the target to panicked.
If Nalferin is in a situation where his target is not flat footed (and he has already used his fearsome armour property), he will attempt to demoralize the opponent first (if in range), and if that fails (or the target is not in range), then he will get into position use his intimidating strike (charging if he can). Each round the target is not shaken or higher, Nalferin will attempt to demoralize the target and use intimidating strike.
If Nalferin ever gets hit, he will use his Breastplate of Terror’s ability to frighten the target as an immediate action (assuming he hasn’t used a swift action on his turn).
If Nalferin faces more than one opponent, he will use his fearsome armour ability to make all opponents (if in range) panicked. If they make their save, he will use his helm of wounding sight to blind as many as possible, and then take a 5 ft step towards the nearest foe. If they fail their save, he will charge or move to the nearest foe and attack them, hopefully letting bloody blade increase all of their panicked durations to 5 rounds. He will then focus on his other foe or foes.
If Nalferin faces more than one opponent and has already used his fearsome armour ability, he will use his Never Outnumbered skill trick to demoralize as many foes as possible, and proceed to attack the nearest target.
If a battle is ever going badly for Nalferin, he will use Swift Expeditious retreat to attempt an escape.
Against creatures he can’t fear, he will try his best to ambush them, and use his critical strike spell. He will attempt to use his sudden strike and sneak attack as much as possible.
Bloody Blade (Ex): Whenever Nalferin Thade deals sudden strike damage, the target and all opponents within 30 feet of him who can see the target are shaken for five rounds. A successful DC 19 will save negates this effect. Creatures who’s HD exceeds his are unaffected. This is a mind affecting, fear ability.
Rapid Intimidation (Ex): Nalferin Thade can attempt to demoralize an opponent as a move action, rather than a standard action. He also adds 2 to the check to demoralize humans.
Dread Blade (Ex): Nalferim Thade treats shaken, frightened, and panicked creatures as flat footed for the purpose of dealing sudden strike damage.
Bloody Murder (Ex): If Nalferin Thade deals enough damage with a melee attack to drop a creature, all enemies within 30 feet of him who can see the target become frightened for 1 round. A DC 19 Will save lessens the effect to shaken. Creatures whose HD exceeds his are not affected. This is a mind affecting fear ability.
Never Outnumbered Skill Trick (Ex): Once per encounter, when Nalferin Thade uses Intimidate to demoralize an opponent, he can affect all enemies within 10 feet that can see him, instead of only a single enemy he threatens. Each enemy separately opposes the Intimidate, but it otherwise works as normal.
Smite the Guilty (Su): Once per day, Nalferin Thade can attempt to smite someone whom he has personally witnessed committing a crime in his home city. He adds 4 to his melee attack roll and deals 2 extra damage. This attack must occur within three days of the crime; otherwise, the benefits of this ability no longer apply. Should he mistakenly try to punish someone who is not guilty of the crime witnessed, the benefits do not apply, but the attempt is still wasted.
Notes (Skill Bonuses, already included in the stats)
Climb: +2 from climbing gear.
Diplomacy: Synergy of 5 ranks in bluff and 5 ranks in sense motive for a total of +4 bonus.
Disable Device: +2 from MW thieves tools
Gather Information: Synergy of 5 ranks in Knowledge (Local) and +2 from Vigilante class feature for a total of +4 bonus.
Hide: +2 from MW item (cloak)
Intimidate: Synergy of 5 ranks in bluff, mask of mastery for +5, and MW shoulder things for +2, for a total of +9 bonus.
Knowledge (Local): +2 from Vigilante class feature.
Listen: +2 from Alertness feat
Move Silently: +2 from MW item.
Open Lock: +2 from MW thieves tools.
Search: +2 from MW item.
Sense Motive: +2 from MW item.
Spot: +5 from armour set collection benefits, +2 from alertness feat, +2 from MW item for a total of +9 bonus.
Hit Points: I rounded up the last die.
Spells: Nalferin picked critical strike and swift expeditious retreat because they have no somatic component and he can cast them without incurring arcane spell failure from his armour.
Physical
[indent]She looks like whoever she pleases.[/indent]
Backstory
[indent]Laria Fluier was normal birth, relative to the world of changelings. The midwife's terrified scream, the mother's struggle to cope with the deformity, the father's disappearance, and the neighborhood's marking of an ill omen, and the inevitable trip to the orphanage. She was no fool, this one, she discovered young how understaffed an orphanage and how underfed orphans are. Parting ways under cover of darkness, Laria entered the street life, where you went as full or as hungry as you stole for. Six years followed, six thieving, begging, hard-worked years.
She was twelve now, and had fallen in with a competent crowd of swindlers, cutpurses, and sneak thieves. She fed nightly, usually well, on lifted bread and cheese. Meat was for celebrations, though the salted pork was only tolerable. Then came the famine. It was relatively isolated to the city, but it was enough. Prices went up, food theft became a serious crime, competition amongst the most competent ne'er-do-wells was fierce. Starving, like most poor, Laria laid down in a dark alley to sleep off her hunger. One malnourished foot in the grave, Laria looked up to see the faces of ghosts and spectres haunting up and down the alley. She relaxed in the hands of death-like sleep and let her face down. Then they were on her, famine ghosts, grasping at her arms. "You come! You come! You come many-body! You come face-changer! You come be us! You come be us!" She flailed at the ghostly arms to no avail. A solemn few ghosts, hanging from the maddened crowd looked on and whispered over the maddened creatures. "You, many face, you do our bidding. You do our bidding and we do yours. You save us and we save you. Skin-mover, you be salvation. Say yes" the hoarse whispers rose above the screaming spectres, "Say yes, say yes, say yes, say yes." And she said it. The scrabbling famine ghosts scrambled away and she fell asleep, peaceful as death.
When she awoke there was a ring on her finger. Little more than an iron band, caked with dirt and grime. She was still hungry. The week's thievery did little good, but she held on. By the end of the week she was no longer hungry. That night she awoke in a cold sweat, listening to echos of voices, "You save us and we save you. You be salvation". She shut her eyes to close them out and instead saw them, the famine spirits, waiting patiently before her. There was a small bag of copper coins at her feet, covered in dirt and mildewed. They hovered before her, and one came forth, "Face-changer, my family starves, you come." Entranced Laria stood and followed the ghost, mildewed bag in hand, to the cemetary. It pointed to a wodden grave marker, a fresh one, that read Cyrus Jones. "This family starves. This family mine. You be salvation." She took the coins and bartered for food, with such skill as to turn the merchant green. Inquiries amongst the townsfolk found her Cyrus's house, where she entered without knocking. There, in the corner, a woman mended clothes and two children, toddlers, carried fixed clothes away and returned with more to mend. She chatted with them and fed them and left. Day in and day out for the next year she served the ghosts by 'being salvation', feeding their families with whatever they could supply her in the morning.
She saw them all the time now, everywhere she looked, the ghosts were there often looking lost or confused, often hurting or sad. The famine passed within another year and Laria was 14. She worked for the ghosts constantly now, no longer in need of food or much sleep. She awoke one morning to find a dagger caked in dry blood at her feet. Above her floated another ghost, one she'd not met before. "Face-changer! Help me! Follow!" Dozens of wounds caked in grimy blood covered her stomach. Laria followed her to her gravestone, Miriam Cornwall. She asked about the woman, both around the slums and to the ghosts she knew. After dropping some food at the Jones's little Eliza Jones popped out of an alley infront before Laria, a great bald man at her back.
"Your goin' t'stop askin' round about dear Mrs. Cornwall." he said, drawing a knife too similar to the one Laria carried. "Izat clear?" Miriam Cornwall began screaming bloody murder in Laria's ear. She drew the knife caked in Miriam's blood and he shrunk back a little at the sight of it. Little Eliza Jones tugged away from his grasp and fled. "Where'd you get that! It wos gon tossed inna river." Laria showed him where she got it, she re-faced into Miriam Cornwall, stab wounds and all. Terrified, he threw his dagger and fled. A spirit, one of the many she'd helped, rose up from the ground and stole the knife from the air. Laria-now-Miriam gave chase, calling a horrible famine spectre forth that caught and crippled the murderer. Then, in broad sight of everyone, 'Miriam Cornwall' returned his bloody favors.
Another year passed and Laria grew closer to the spirits. They were easier to understand and pointed out things that she missed. She took up languages from them, various dialects and slang. She practiced her singing with an ancient once-famous singer. They began to bring her gifts, unrelated to their families or their plights. There were more murders too, the deaths of villains and thugs at the hands of their 'victims'. There were dozens of investigations, indeed a constant guard was set up over the cemetary, but nothing was proven. It was just the dead come back to take revenge on their murderers.
In another year, around her 16th birthday, Laria met a handsome young merchant called Jocham that ran a cloth stall. With her singing, the ghost's gifts, and his income they rented a lovely room in a small tenement. Life was good for that year, though Laria spent money on potions to stave of childbirth rather than reveal her, and inevitably the child's, true nature to Jocham. Life was still ideal, for Jocham had come from as little as she and taken up the stall from a friend who'd moved on to bigger, brighter things. It was, therefore, the heaviest month in her life when Jocham fell ill. Filth fever, drawn from the slums, filled his body. As he was less and less able to work the stall their money dwindled til they could not afford healing nor magic. On his deathbed Laria came to him and revealed herself to him, dropping her face for the first time since her youth. "Ah my angel" he whispered taking her hand as he died. Looking down she saw it was not the dull grey of her past, though it was non-descript as ever, but a shimmery silver.
Jocham's spirit raised from his corpse, preparing for it's journey to the afterlife and saw Laria, silvery and angelic. He stayed for her and stayed with her.
She continued to serve the ghosts, looking in on their families, hunting down their murderers or precious heirlooms. They grew within her as well. She could call on them to half-possess others and influence their perception or, in a moment of danger, move her through the afterlife to somewhere else with a spectre in her place. She befriended nearly all the ghosts she came across, and they watched over her shoulder as well. The strength of her connection with them blossomed, she could speak to their descendants without words and hear them back. The ghosts also protected her from the divinations of others. She grew in her own skills as well, she became an accomplished singer and blossomed in her own talents for disguise and misdirection. Around her grew a network of ghosts and their descendants, friends that recognized her for her deeds or even the connection to their past.
At twenty-six she began something remarkable. She would sing to people through her mind. Communicating thoughts and ideas to grand or specific for words through their shared ancestries. The vocal melodies and tunes were mostly humming and gibberish mashed together from a dozen different languages, but the thoughts came through clearly in the mind. She earned quite a living that way. She moved out of the slums and bought a respectable house in the finer part of the city and a small podium out front, from where she could sing to their minds. This garnered her patronage from a few wealthy merchants and minor nobles that sometimes invite her to sing at their homes.
She never sold her tenement in the slums, where she did most of her ghost work. Instead she developed a second identity for her wealthy citizens. Ave Maria was 'born'. The fourth daughter of a well-to-do merchant, widowed before it was fair, who abandoned the old family estate to escape the memories of her late husband. Ave is a slight woman of medium height with auburn hair and dark eyes. The tiny scar on her left hand is from a childhood accident and the mole abover her left eyebrow is a family birthmark and good omen (a lot of good it's done her).
The house up town, where she never entertains guests, has a deep basement wherein she houses ghosts that wish to remain in the world or those descendants in need of a clean bed and warm hearth. The rest of the house is somewhat sparce, there is no jewelry there nor anything worth stealing (though that doesn't mean no one ever tries), save for a small collection of rare fabrics, which she gathers as 'gifts' for Jocham.
Currently she makes money singing and performing favors for the ghosts. Often when she is asked to recover heirlooms they are situated amongst other valuables. Tracking down murderer's and thieves (whom she makes an effort to dispatch in quiet places) sometimes yield heafty purses. Sometimes, the murderer was just a minion and she takes on their face to deliver justice to the mastermind.
[/indent]
Crunch
Lara Fluier
CN Female Changeling Urban Scout* 2/Warlock 6/Mindbender 1/Marshal 1/Exemplar 2
Init +1; Senses: See Invisible, Darkvision 60ft, Detect Magic; Listen +2, Spot +2
Languages: Abyssal, Aquan, Auran, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Gnome, Goblin, Gnoll, Halfling, Ignan, Infernal, Orc, Sylvan, Terran, and Undercommon.
-----------------------------------------
AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15.
HP 47.5 (12 HD)
Fort +11, Ref +9, Will +13
-----------------------------------------
Speed 30ft. (6 squares)
Melee
+1 Intelligent Dagger (+7/+2, 1d4 19-20x2)
Ranged
Eldritch Blast (+7 touch, 30ft range, 3d6)
Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Base Atk +7; Grp +6
Atk Options: Shiv +1d6
Special Actions: Door through the Afterlife*
-----------------------------------------
Abilities Str 8, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 20
SQ: Detect Magic, Battle Fortitude +1, Trapfinding, Uncanny Dodge, Damage Reduction 1/cold iron, Decieve Item, Telepathy 100ft, Skill Mastery (Bluff, Diplomacy, Disguise, Sense Motive, Gather Information), Minor Shape Change, +2 save vs Charm & Sleep effects, Face in the Crowd*
Feats: Undead EmpathyEb, Practiced Spellcaster: WarlockCArc, Craft Wonderous Item, Leadership, Skill Focus Diplomacy, Master ManipulatorPHB2
Skills: Bluff +32, Diplomacy +28, Disable Device +8, Disguise +40, Gather Information +20, Intimidate +20, Knowledge Local +9, Perform Song +18, Search +13, Sense Motive +22, Spellcraft +9, Spot +5, UMD +10
Skill Tricks: Assume Quirk
-----------------------------------------
Detect Magic (SA): Constant Detect Magic at will.
Battle Fortitude +1: +1 Initiative and Fortitude Saves
Uncanny Dodge: Cannot be caught flatfooted
Decieve Item: Take 10 on UMD checks.
Telepathy 100ft: Able to communicate with any living creature within 100ft that has a language.
Minor Shape Change: Disguise Self at will as a full round action Transmutation. +10 Competence bonus to Disguise. Permanent until next change.
Assume Quirk: One hour per day, deny familiarity bonus to creatures opposing your Disguise check with a Spot check.
Shank*: Deal 1d6 extra damage to targets whom you successfully used Face in the Crowd against on the previous round.
Face in the Crowd*: Use Disguise instead of Hide in an urban environment. Does not block line of sight, but causes you to appear an unimportant bystander.
Leadership
[indent] Lara's leadership feat is the combined group of ghosts' families that she has assisted in and ghosts she's helped. Her cohort is a was a particularly powerful wizard in life, from whom she gets her powers, that cannot use them himself in death.
Lara's Leadership score is:
12, Level
+3, base Charisma
+2, base of operations: Any of her living or dead follows can spend whatever time they need in her spacious furnished basement.
+1, fairness and generosity: She often pays the rent and provides meals for the ghosts' descendants.
+1, special power: Telepathy music, able to 'interact' with ancestors through See the Unseen.
=19. one 5th level, one 4th level, two 3rd level, four 2nd level, and forty 1st level followers. Most of these are peasants, but some a members of a church, arcane academy, city guard, etc.
[b]Math[b]
Gann Rocktusk, Voice of the Unspeaking
There are more witnesses in the world than most people imagine.
Stats
Gann Rocktusk
Middle-aged, male half-orc Barbarian 1/Druid 11
CN medium humanoid (orc)
Initiative +3 (-1 Dex, +4 feat), Senses: Listen +10, Spot +11, Darkvision 60'
Languages: Common, Orc, Druidic
Age 38, Height 6’ 9”, Weight 188 lb
Deity: Boccob for knowledge, Kord for strength, Gruumsh from habit
AC 17 (+6 armor, -1 dex, +1 insight, +1 deflection) Touch 11, Flatfooted 17
HP 73 (12 +11d8 + 12 Con)
Fort +12 (+2 Barb, + 7 Druid, +1 Con, +2 cloak)
Ref +4 (+ 3 Druid, -1 Dex, +2 cloak)
Will +15 (+7 Druid, +6 Wis, +2 cloak)
Speed 40’
Melee: +2 keen greatsword, +13/+8, Dam 2d6+5, 17-20 x2
Spear +11/+6, Dam 1d8+3, x3
Ranged: Javelin, +8/+3, Dam 1d6+2, x2
Spear, +8/+3, Dam 1d8+2, x3
BAB +9/+4 (+1 barb, +8 Druid) Grapple +11
Base Abilities (28 pt array - 15,14,13,12,11,10)
Str 14
Dex 10
Con 13
Int 12
Wis 15
Cha 11
Current Abilities (modifier)
Str 15 (+2) (-1 age, +2 race)
Dex 9 (-1) (-1 age)
Con 12 (+1) (-1 age)
Int 11 (+0) (+1 age, -2 race)
Wis 23 (+6) (+1 age, +3 level, +4 periapt)
Cha 10 (+0) (+1 age, -2 race)
Special Abilities
Animal companion - Harsk
Darkvision 60'
Fast movement
Illiteracy (cancelled)
Nature Sense
Rage 1/day
Resist Nature's Lure
Trackless step
Venom immunity
Wild empathy +13
Wild shape 4/day (Large, medium, small, tiny)
Woodland stride
Feats:
Eschew Materials
Improved Initiative
Mounted Combat
Natural Spell
Track
Skills:
Handle Animal +15 (15 ranks)
Heal +8 (+6 Wis, +2 circ (kit))
Jump +6 (+2 Str, +4 speed)
Knowledge (nature) +10 (6 ranks, +2 synergy, +2 nature sense)
Listen + 10 (+6 Wis, 4 ranks)
Ride +5 (-1 Dex, 4 ranks, +2 synergy)
Search +5 (+5 unnamed (lens))
Spellcraft +11 (11 ranks)
Spot +11 (+6 Wis, 5 ranks)
Survival +23 (+28 to track) (+6 wis, 15 ranks, +2 synergy, +2 nature sense (+5 unnamed (lens)))
Use Magic Device +0 (+2 for scrolls) (0 ranks (+2 synergy))
Use Rope +1 (-1 Dex, +2 circ (rope))
Spells commonly prepared
6th level (DC22) Silent Dispel Magic (Greater); Stone Tell
5th level (DC21) Commune with Nature; Cure Critical Wounds; Silent Death Ward
4th level (DC20) Silent Cure Serious Wounds; Dispel Magic; Flame Strike; Scrying
3rd level (DC 19) Cure Medium Wounds; Meld into Stone; Protection from Energy; Speak with Plants (x2)
2nd level (DC 18) Animal Messenger; Barkskin; Cat's Grace; Hold Animal; Lesser Restoration; Spider Climb
1st level (DC 17) Calm Animals; Cure Light Wounds; Detect Animals or Plants; Faerie Fire; Obscuring Mist; Speak with Animals (x2)
0th level (DC 16 Create Water; Detect Magic; Guidance (x2); Mending; Read Magic
Possessions (all prices in gp):
+4 Leather armor (16,160)
+2 Keen Greatsword (18,350)
Heward's Handy Haversack (2000)
Ring Protection + 1 (2000)
Ring Sustenance (2500)
Normal rod of metamagic (silent) (11,000)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds (750)
Wand of Charm Animal (750)
2 Quivers of Ehlonna (3600)
Periapt of Wisdom +4 (16,000)
Cloak of Resistance +2 (4000)
Dusty Rose Ioun stone (5000)
Lens of Detection (3500)
36 Javelins (36)
12 Spears (24)
2 Silversheen (500)
2 Potions of Barkskin (600)
2 potions Cure light wounds (100)
6 Oils of Magic Weapon (300)
Bedroll (0.1)
Flint and Steel (1)
9 pints of oil (0.9)
Belt pouch (1)
2 days rations (1)
Waterskin (1)
Tent (10)
50' silk rope (10)
Whetstone (0.02)
Bucket (0.5)
Signet ring (5)
4 flasks holy water (100)
2 vials antitoxin (100)
Healer's kit (50)
Travellers outfit (-)
8 days horse feed (0.4)
Military saddle (20)
Saddlebags (4)
Bit and bridle (2)
Hide barding (60)
Holly and mistletoe (-)
Whistle (8)
Amythyst fake wand (100)
Rock crystal fake wand (50)
Ivory fake wand (50)
Cash: 253gp 8cp
TOTAL OWNED: 88,000gp
Level breakdown
Level 1 - Barb 1
Skillpoints available: 16
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 4, Listen 4, Ride 4, Survival 4
Feat: Mounted Combat
Level 2 - Barb 1/ Druid 1
Stats adjusted for changing age
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Level 3 - Barb 1/ Druid 2
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Feat: Track
Level 4 - Barb 1/ Druid 3
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Ability imp: +1 Wis
Level 5 - Barb 1/ Druid 4
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Level 6 - Barb 1/ Druid 5
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Feat: Natural Spell
Level 7 - Barb 1/ Druid 6
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Level 8 - Barb 1/ Druid 7
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Ability imp: +1 Wis
Level 9 - Barb 1/ Druid 8
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Feat: Eschew Materials
Level 10 - Barb 1/ Druid 9
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Level 11 - Barb 1/ Druid 10
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Level 12 - Barb 1/ Druid 11
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Feat: Improved Initiative
Ability Imp: +1 Wis
Gann Rocktusk
Middle-aged, male half-orc Barbarian 1/Druid 11
CN medium humanoid (orc)
Initiative +3 (-1 Dex, +4 feat), Senses: Listen +10, Spot +11, Darkvision 60'
Languages: Common, Orc, Druidic
Age 38, Height 6’ 9”, Weight 188 lb
Deity: Boccob for knowledge, Kord for strength, Gruumsh from habit
AC 17 (+6 armor, -1 dex, +1 insight, +1 deflection) Touch 11, Flatfooted 17
HP 73 (12 +11d8 + 12 Con)
Fort +12 (+2 Barb, + 7 Druid, +1 Con, +2 cloak)
Ref +4 (+ 3 Druid, -1 Dex, +2 cloak)
Will +15 (+7 Druid, +6 Wis, +2 cloak)
Speed 40’
Melee: +2 keen greatsword, +13/+8, Dam 2d6+5, 17-20 x2
Spear +11/+6, Dam 1d8+3, x3
Ranged: Javelin, +8/+3, Dam 1d6+2, x2
Spear, +8/+3, Dam 1d8+2, x3
BAB +9/+4 (+1 barb, +8 Druid) Grapple +11
Base Abilities (28 pt array - 15,14,13,12,11,10)
Str 14
Dex 10
Con 13
Int 12
Wis 15
Cha 11
Current Abilities (modifier)
Str 15 (+2) (-1 age, +2 race)
Dex 9 (-1) (-1 age)
Con 12 (+1) (-1 age)
Int 11 (+0) (+1 age, -2 race)
Wis 23 (+6) (+1 age, +3 level, +4 periapt)
Cha 10 (+0) (+1 age, -2 race)
Special Abilities
Animal companion - Harsk
Darkvision 60'
Fast movement
Illiteracy (cancelled)
Nature Sense
Rage 1/day
Resist Nature's Lure
Trackless step
Venom immunity
Wild empathy +13
Wild shape 4/day (Large, medium, small, tiny)
Woodland stride
Feats:
Eschew Materials
Improved Initiative
Mounted Combat
Natural Spell
Track
Skills:
Handle Animal +15 (15 ranks)
Heal +8 (+6 Wis, +2 circ (kit))
Jump +6 (+2 Str, +4 speed)
Knowledge (nature) +10 (6 ranks, +2 synergy, +2 nature sense)
Listen + 10 (+6 Wis, 4 ranks)
Ride +5 (-1 Dex, 4 ranks, +2 synergy)
Search +5 (+5 unnamed (lens))
Spellcraft +11 (11 ranks)
Spot +11 (+6 Wis, 5 ranks)
Survival +23 (+28 to track) (+6 wis, 15 ranks, +2 synergy, +2 nature sense (+5 unnamed (lens)))
Use Magic Device +0 (+2 for scrolls) (0 ranks (+2 synergy))
Use Rope +1 (-1 Dex, +2 circ (rope))
Spells commonly prepared
6th level (DC22) Silent Dispel Magic (Greater); Stone Tell
5th level (DC21) Commune with Nature; Cure Critical Wounds; Silent Death Ward
4th level (DC20) Silent Cure Serious Wounds; Dispel Magic; Flame Strike; Scrying
3rd level (DC 19) Cure Medium Wounds; Meld into Stone; Protection from Energy; Speak with Plants (x2)
2nd level (DC 18) Animal Messenger; Barkskin; Cat's Grace; Hold Animal; Lesser Restoration; Spider Climb
1st level (DC 17) Calm Animals; Cure Light Wounds; Detect Animals or Plants; Faerie Fire; Obscuring Mist; Speak with Animals (x2)
0th level (DC 16 Create Water; Detect Magic; Guidance (x2); Mending; Read Magic
Possessions (all prices in gp):
+4 Leather armor (16,160)
+2 Keen Greatsword (18,350)
Heward's Handy Haversack (2000)
Ring Protection + 1 (2000)
Ring Sustenance (2500)
Normal rod of metamagic (silent) (11,000)
Wand of Cure Light Wounds (750)
Wand of Charm Animal (750)
2 Quivers of Ehlonna (3600)
Periapt of Wisdom +4 (16,000)
Cloak of Resistance +2 (4000)
Dusty Rose Ioun stone (5000)
Lens of Detection (3500)
36 Javelins (36)
12 Spears (24)
2 Silversheen (500)
2 Potions of Barkskin (600)
2 potions Cure light wounds (100)
6 Oils of Magic Weapon (300)
Bedroll (0.1)
Flint and Steel (1)
9 pints of oil (0.9)
Belt pouch (1)
2 days rations (1)
Waterskin (1)
Tent (10)
50' silk rope (10)
Whetstone (0.02)
Bucket (0.5)
Signet ring (5)
4 flasks holy water (100)
2 vials antitoxin (100)
Healer's kit (50)
Travellers outfit (-)
8 days horse feed (0.4)
Military saddle (20)
Saddlebags (4)
Bit and bridle (2)
Hide barding (60)
Holly and mistletoe (-)
Whistle (8)
Amythyst fake wand (100)
Rock crystal fake wand (50)
Ivory fake wand (50)
Cash: 253gp 8cp
TOTAL OWNED: 88,000gp
Level breakdown
Level 1 - Barb 1
Skillpoints available: 16
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 4, Listen 4, Ride 4, Survival 4
Feat: Mounted Combat
Level 2 - Barb 1/ Druid 1
Stats adjusted for changing age
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Level 3 - Barb 1/ Druid 2
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Feat: Track
Level 4 - Barb 1/ Druid 3
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Ability imp: +1 Wis
Level 5 - Barb 1/ Druid 4
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Level 6 - Barb 1/ Druid 5
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Feat: Natural Spell
Level 7 - Barb 1/ Druid 6
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Level 8 - Barb 1/ Druid 7
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Ability imp: +1 Wis
Level 9 - Barb 1/ Druid 8
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Feat: Eschew Materials
Level 10 - Barb 1/ Druid 9
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Level 11 - Barb 1/ Druid 10
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Spellcraft 1, Spot 1, Survival 1
Level 12 - Barb 1/ Druid 11
Skillpoints available: 4
Skill ranks bought: Handle Animal 1, Knowledge (nature) 1, Spellcraft 1, Survival 1
Feat: Improved Initiative
Ability Imp: +1 Wis
If an extension could be granted to like 11:59 PM EST rather than GMT, that would rock. If not, I'll just submit after the deadline.
Kinda sad to see we didn't even break 10. Guess this theme wasn't as compelling as I'd hoped. That's a shame.
Well, now they're updated. I'm counting 8 entries. Please let me know if I've missed one.
Kinda sad to see we didn't even break 10. Guess this theme wasn't as compelling as I'd hoped. That's a shame.
Well, 8 and a half. Mine might not be judged officially, but be happy to get some opinions on it... and unofficial ratings if the judges are up for it. Uploading it now.
History & Description
"Why, Priestess Sona - it's a pleasure as always to see you," Matron Beliah said, her broad, fake smile as artificial as ever. "As always."
The high boots of the drow priestess echoed crisply through the large, extravagant halls of Menzoberranzan's 17th house, Vhaldis. She fixed Matron Beliah with a scrutinizing glance - one of her eyes highlighted by a clear, emerald patch. Rumor had it, she could use it to stare through anyone and see the lies in their soul.
Of course, no one had ever proven it.
At her side was her consort, General Xorsai - a tall male clad in full plate mail. At his side was a tin of snuff, a habit he utilized to Beliah's annoyance. He would dip his fingers into the powder and sniff heavily, especially during times of tension.
In another hand, she held what appeared to be a fruit from the overworld - there was no word for it in Undercommon, but Beliah believed it to be an apple. She fumed inwardly at the gall of the lower priestess, chomping away so casually in her presence.
"Thank you," Priestess Sona said, taking a bite from the apple, and flicking away some residue from the corner of her mouth. "As you know, I'm..."
"You're here investigating the fall of House Herilax - yes, yes... it was a terrible shame that Matron Frez'vik fell out of favor with Lloth - but, not all that surprising. Surely the Goddess told you why?"
"Mmm," Sona commented. "Well, actually - that's in question. We aren't entirely sure she lost favor with Lloth - hence the investigation."
"Indeed," observed Beliah. "Surely, the Goddess would have saved her, had she retained favor?"
"The Great Goddess does not save lives - merely souls," observed Sona casually. "Though she sends ones such as I to avenge lives." She scrutinized the Matron's face. "I couldn't help but notice, after House Herilax's demise, your ranking from 29th to 17th?"
Beliah feigned a sigh of distress. "That's somewhat misleading, Priestess. Upon seeing that house fall, two others have merged with ours... as a mutual defense." She smirked, ever so slightly. "Protection, from those who would seek to destroy us, as they did.... that house no longer worth mentioning."
"What's even more... distressing... to me were one of the fallen males I examined from the attacking house. It appears, one of their rank was a Priest of Vhaeraun, based on his holy insignia," Sona fixed her emerald lens upon Beliah. "The worship of Vhaeraun in Lloth's Most Holy City... is not only an affront to the Council, but an abomination to the Spider Queen."
Though Beliah's face remained calm and controlled, her mind took a startled jolt. She resisted the urge to glance at General Xorsai - he was supposed to have taken care of all the bodies. And none of the followers of Vhaeraun she had employed were supposed to have worn identifying symbols.
"That is appalling," Beliah said calmly. "If there is anything House Vhaldis can do to aid you in your investigation..."
"Actually... there is," She squinted, then looked point fully at Xorsai. She then began to weave a powerful spell, one which Beliah recognized on sight as one that would compel the general to tell the truth. Her blood froze. Even General Xorsai sensed the sudden spell wash over him - he dipped his fingers into snuff and furiously sniffed.
"I was wondering if you would stand before Lloth's judgment and answer a question for me: Which God do you serve, General Xorsai?"
Before Xorsai could speak the ultimately damning answer, Beliah stood forcefully. The petty magics of the lesser priestess would have no effect on her.
"Do not answer that. Any questions you have, Priestess, you may direct toward me. I will not have you prying whatever you wish to hear from the lips of the males of my house."
Priestess Sona glanced to Beliah. "Matron - by failing to cooperate fully with me, I will have to make a negative report to Matron Baenre."
Panic surged from Matron Beliah's chest. "You make whatever reports you deem necessary... but do not forget, you address a superior Priestess of the church, and the Matron Mother of a house with good report."
"So noted." As Priestess Sona turned to leave, however, she stopped in place. "Oh Matron - there's just one more thing..." She turned back and, with a flick of her wrist, tossed a thinly wrapped package to the Matron's feet. As it landed, a metallic object clattered forth from the rags - the purple eye of Vhaeraun. "That Holy Symbol of Vhaerun... I noticed it seems to have a little powder on it. Very much like your snuff. Yours, General?"
"Yes, Priestess," he blurted out, before the Matron could silence him, still under the impact of the spell.
Priestess Sona smirked, as Matron Beliah screeched. "Xorsai, you fool!" She then looked to where Sona. "Seize her!"
But, Sona was no longer standing before the audience hall. The momentary distraction had allowed her to slip away like a thief in the night. Furiously whipping her head about, Beliah screeched at the top of her voice.
“Find her! Do not let her escape the compound!”
The seconds ticked by as the chamber filled with guards. General Xorsai began to bark out orders, and, without delay, patrols began to filter from the chamber, seeking to end the Priestess before she could report their failure to destroy House Herilax... and not leave a trace.
That was Menzoberranzan justice. One could eliminate whatever house they chose by slaying the leaders... but if one was caught in the attempt... whether it ended in success or failure... it was the invaders who were slain instead.
But it wouldn’t come to that... the evidence of Xorsai’s confession would die with Priestess Sona, and no concrete proof would ever be found again. She would have the Audience Hall warded from all spells from now on - it was a precaution she had been loathe to take, as a Priestess of Lloth hereself, she would be ever at the mercy of her ambitious sisters and daughters as she sat in her own throne room.
Arcane spells had been strictly limited... but she had not expected another sister of Lloth would ever have reason to use such spells against her.
Not now. Not ever.
Before Beliah could curse once more, she turned her head just in time to notice the shadows behind her throne. It wasn’t that her room was ever with a lightsource - all of Menzoberrazan was bathed in darkness save for the tower of Narbondel. But this was unnatural darkness - the type drow powers conjured, and not even their keen night vision could penetrate.
Before Beliah could suddenly scream out for the guards she had dispatched, the thin razor of a kukri was slipped around her neck, from behind. It was too late.
"Long live House Vhaldis,” Priestess Sona whispered. She pulled the kukri across her neck.
A spray of blood covered the Throne of House Vhaldis a second later.
* * * * * *
Triel Baenre watched with satisfaction as the Armies of the Council, thousands in number, raided the hapless new House that Need Not Be Remembered. This pleased her greatly, as though the house was still relatively young and powerful, she had taken a dislike to Matron Beliah almost immediately.
Her unconventional attitude and sermons that preached more rights for Males, and in light of the recent losses after the War of the Spider Queen, she believed Menzoberranzan should allow more drow faiths to encourage members of other fallen cities to take up roots to repopulate their numbers.
All good ideas in theory, save that breathing them was an affront to the Spider Queen - and these trying times were but a challenge from Lloth, to see who remained loyal and strong through trying times.
Many other drow cities had fallen, but not Menzoberranzan. Never Menzoberranzan.
“You do exceptional work, Priestess Sona,” she said, glancing toward the younger woman. “One of these days, you shall have to accept my offer of adoption into House Baenre.”
Priestess Sona smirked once more, and held up her hand. “As always, your offer is as tempting as it is generous, Matron Mother... but...” She shrugged, smirked, and began to stroll away. “... I’m not interested in politics. Just the facts - nothing but the facts.”
Sketch
Priestess Sona Jabb’Hadar is one of the more unorthodox Priestess of Lloth in the drow community. She hails from the noble house of Jabb’Hadar, one of the lower ranking houses. For a drow, she is well-liked amongst her home, for she made the near-unprecedented move of allowing her younger sister, Shola, to succeed as Matron Mother, claiming she had no interest in pursuing such a life.
It was not the slimy web of politics that interested her, but the solving of puzzles. Despite her upbringing in the Temple of Lloth, Sona had developed a strong moral compass. It often disgusted her how often justice went unanswered in Menzoberrazan. It was senseless murders and naked ambition that kept the drow race beneath the surface, hiding in caves, while the surface elves enjoyed the freedom and beauty of the overworld.
Ever since her first raid to the surface, when she had attended Melee Magthere for the mandatory martial training all clerics of Lloth must undergo, she had remembered the ill talk of her fellows of the surface and it’s ugliness - but she had looked square at the moon and been enchanted by it.
Despite hearing the call of Eilistraee, as it was known by the drow who had slipped away for the surface, she loved her home, and longed to bring about changes - slowly, but surely.
When she became a priestess, she was laughed at by her superiors for her idea of a faction that would police the streets of Menzonberranzan - and even investigate murders thoroughly. It was accepted as drow law that if you were clever enough to kill one and escape unnoticed... it was the fault of the fool who was murdered for allowing themselves to be so weak and vulnerable.
Nonetheless, Triel Baenre was one of the few who did not laugh. Granted, she thought Sona a fool... but saw a chance for opportunity. If this ‘investigation guild’ took off, Triel Baenre would be the one who endorsed it. She would then have power over it, and use them as a weapon against her enemies. Anyone she wished eliminated, she could stick Sona or one of her investigators on them... and under the eye of such capable talent, there was no way a crime would not be observed.
Triel Baenre endorsed Sona’s proposal, and while she wasn’t allowed to train commoners or nobility to be investigators, she was excused from all duties to the Temple in order to pursue her agenda.
She learned the ways of the street, to slip into shadows - to eavesdrop without being heard, and even utilize her own spells to great impact. Eventually, her style emerged unique unto her in the Spider Queen’s city - an assassin, every bit as cunning as a rogue of Bregan D’aerth, but with the blessing and power of the Spider Queen herself.
Triel, quite interested, saw an opportunity when House Herilax was destroyed by House Vhaldis to put Sona to the test. Triel had believed the attack was perfect, and though all new House Vhaldis was behind it, based on their dramatic leap in ranking, everyone silently applauded them.
But, perhaps, it was time to stop applauding and put Sona to the test... how perfect was this invasion, after all. And when House Herilax fell after Sona proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Herilax was behind it, Triel knew the value of Sona and the services she could provide.
With Sona on a leash, to send at those who displeased her... Triel would have a powerful weapon to use against anyone she deemed worthwhile.
Yet, it’s not the politics that interest Sona as much as bringing stability to Menzoberrazan in her own way. With her, and those she hopes to eventually train... the assaults and annihilation of weaker houses would become a unique event, for she would prove who was responsible, every single time... and see justice done.
That was her promise to herself and the Spider Queen. Only be rebuilding Menzoberrazan to the glory it was would the Spider Queen be best served. What Triel Baenre fails to understand is that, when the chips are on the table... Sona will just as quickly prove her guilt, and call down the wrath of the Council on House Baenre.
Description
Sona is a small drow female with striking red eyes and a lithe, athletic build. She wears a mithril blackened breastplate, with two small kukris at her side. Her white mane of hair is cut short, like a tomboy, though long, opal earrings hang from each ear.
She wears an emerald patch over her left eye - and though it serves no magical purpose yet, she longs to imbue it with powers that will aide her in her investigation. It has become her trademark, and many have speculated as to what it does, though none are sure... as it does nothing.
A holy symbol of Lloth hangs from her neck, and though a snake-whip cannot be seen anywhere on her body, it’s clear that she caries herself with the nobility of an indoctrinated priestess. And yet, she looks more comfortable skulking in the shadows than standing in the open like one who has put her faith in Lloth and fears no harm.
Allies And Enemies
Allies
Triel Baenre and House Baenre. Within Menzoberranzan, Matron Baenre has granted her carte blanch to pursue her agenda of investigating crimes in Menzoberranzan. Believing her to be a tool that can be controlled, Triel continually offers to make her an honorary member of her house, which would bring her fully under her control. So far, Sona has rejected the offer - but politely enough each time where Triel believes she’s playing a game... and will join as soon as she runs into danger. And, no doubt, she would... and soon.
Matron Shola, and House Jabb’Hadar. Though a low ranking house in Menzoberranzan (33rd), her house carries the weight of nobility with it - and she enjoys a rather good relationship with her younger sister Shola. Shola will confide in Sona, for Sona has done what few drow matrons have... abdicated the throne to a younger sibling. Therefore, Shola knows she can trust her sister - as she obviously isn’t interested in plotting against her. Nonetheless, as good as their relationship is, Shola would be hard-pressed to aid her without promise of gain in return.
The Church of Eilistraee. Though this is more of a passive ally than an active one, word of her exploits and selflessness in pursuit of justice in Menzoberranzan has reached the ears of drow outside of Menzonberranzan. Many high priestesses have also dreamed and had visions of young Sona and her idealistic nature. It’s been decreed that the Church of Eilistraee will attempt to recruit her from the shadows - and guide her to a life where her ideals can truly make a difference. (Note: This is a plot hook that will get her out of the Underdark, if it’s needed for the campaign. She would eventually embrace this opportunity to experience the rest of the world, and find like-minded individuals who could eventually help clean up Menzoberranzan, after she applies her talents in the overworld).
Enemies
... Triel Baenre and House Baenre. It is now Triel’s desire to not only continue utilizing Sona, but gradually work her into such a state where her enemies begin making plays on her life. In fact, she is in the process of orchestrating one crime herself that will set Sona up to be killed. Should she die, Triel will not worry, as it only proves she was unworthy. Should she survive, the reality of the situation will catch up to the foolish young investigator, and she will seek the protection of House Baenre, swear her oath in blood to Triel, and forever become an implement of the House.
Bregan D’aerth. Before Sona, the only reliable source of justice and information was from the male mercenaries of Bregan D’aerth. With the destruction of House Vhalis, it marked the first time agents of Bregan D’aerth did not profit monetarily from the information they provided. It’s clear that Sona must either be made a partner of... or disposed of quickly, before she can cozy up to Matron Baenre any further.
General Xorsai, and the Exiles of the House Whose Name No One Remembers. Though few survived the destruction of House Vhalis, General Xorsai used his reasonable cunning to escape the walls before the siege, and took thirteen of his finest men. Before fleeing Menzoberranzan for good, they wish to repay the young investigator for bringing down Lloth’s Justice on their house.
The high boots of the drow priestess echoed crisply through the large, extravagant halls of Menzoberranzan's 17th house, Vhaldis. She fixed Matron Beliah with a scrutinizing glance - one of her eyes highlighted by a clear, emerald patch. Rumor had it, she could use it to stare through anyone and see the lies in their soul.
Of course, no one had ever proven it.
At her side was her consort, General Xorsai - a tall male clad in full plate mail. At his side was a tin of snuff, a habit he utilized to Beliah's annoyance. He would dip his fingers into the powder and sniff heavily, especially during times of tension.
In another hand, she held what appeared to be a fruit from the overworld - there was no word for it in Undercommon, but Beliah believed it to be an apple. She fumed inwardly at the gall of the lower priestess, chomping away so casually in her presence.
"Thank you," Priestess Sona said, taking a bite from the apple, and flicking away some residue from the corner of her mouth. "As you know, I'm..."
"You're here investigating the fall of House Herilax - yes, yes... it was a terrible shame that Matron Frez'vik fell out of favor with Lloth - but, not all that surprising. Surely the Goddess told you why?"
"Mmm," Sona commented. "Well, actually - that's in question. We aren't entirely sure she lost favor with Lloth - hence the investigation."
"Indeed," observed Beliah. "Surely, the Goddess would have saved her, had she retained favor?"
"The Great Goddess does not save lives - merely souls," observed Sona casually. "Though she sends ones such as I to avenge lives." She scrutinized the Matron's face. "I couldn't help but notice, after House Herilax's demise, your ranking from 29th to 17th?"
Beliah feigned a sigh of distress. "That's somewhat misleading, Priestess. Upon seeing that house fall, two others have merged with ours... as a mutual defense." She smirked, ever so slightly. "Protection, from those who would seek to destroy us, as they did.... that house no longer worth mentioning."
"What's even more... distressing... to me were one of the fallen males I examined from the attacking house. It appears, one of their rank was a Priest of Vhaeraun, based on his holy insignia," Sona fixed her emerald lens upon Beliah. "The worship of Vhaeraun in Lloth's Most Holy City... is not only an affront to the Council, but an abomination to the Spider Queen."
Though Beliah's face remained calm and controlled, her mind took a startled jolt. She resisted the urge to glance at General Xorsai - he was supposed to have taken care of all the bodies. And none of the followers of Vhaeraun she had employed were supposed to have worn identifying symbols.
"That is appalling," Beliah said calmly. "If there is anything House Vhaldis can do to aid you in your investigation..."
"Actually... there is," She squinted, then looked point fully at Xorsai. She then began to weave a powerful spell, one which Beliah recognized on sight as one that would compel the general to tell the truth. Her blood froze. Even General Xorsai sensed the sudden spell wash over him - he dipped his fingers into snuff and furiously sniffed.
"I was wondering if you would stand before Lloth's judgment and answer a question for me: Which God do you serve, General Xorsai?"
Before Xorsai could speak the ultimately damning answer, Beliah stood forcefully. The petty magics of the lesser priestess would have no effect on her.
"Do not answer that. Any questions you have, Priestess, you may direct toward me. I will not have you prying whatever you wish to hear from the lips of the males of my house."
Priestess Sona glanced to Beliah. "Matron - by failing to cooperate fully with me, I will have to make a negative report to Matron Baenre."
Panic surged from Matron Beliah's chest. "You make whatever reports you deem necessary... but do not forget, you address a superior Priestess of the church, and the Matron Mother of a house with good report."
"So noted." As Priestess Sona turned to leave, however, she stopped in place. "Oh Matron - there's just one more thing..." She turned back and, with a flick of her wrist, tossed a thinly wrapped package to the Matron's feet. As it landed, a metallic object clattered forth from the rags - the purple eye of Vhaeraun. "That Holy Symbol of Vhaerun... I noticed it seems to have a little powder on it. Very much like your snuff. Yours, General?"
"Yes, Priestess," he blurted out, before the Matron could silence him, still under the impact of the spell.
Priestess Sona smirked, as Matron Beliah screeched. "Xorsai, you fool!" She then looked to where Sona. "Seize her!"
But, Sona was no longer standing before the audience hall. The momentary distraction had allowed her to slip away like a thief in the night. Furiously whipping her head about, Beliah screeched at the top of her voice.
“Find her! Do not let her escape the compound!”
The seconds ticked by as the chamber filled with guards. General Xorsai began to bark out orders, and, without delay, patrols began to filter from the chamber, seeking to end the Priestess before she could report their failure to destroy House Herilax... and not leave a trace.
That was Menzoberranzan justice. One could eliminate whatever house they chose by slaying the leaders... but if one was caught in the attempt... whether it ended in success or failure... it was the invaders who were slain instead.
But it wouldn’t come to that... the evidence of Xorsai’s confession would die with Priestess Sona, and no concrete proof would ever be found again. She would have the Audience Hall warded from all spells from now on - it was a precaution she had been loathe to take, as a Priestess of Lloth hereself, she would be ever at the mercy of her ambitious sisters and daughters as she sat in her own throne room.
Arcane spells had been strictly limited... but she had not expected another sister of Lloth would ever have reason to use such spells against her.
Not now. Not ever.
Before Beliah could curse once more, she turned her head just in time to notice the shadows behind her throne. It wasn’t that her room was ever with a lightsource - all of Menzoberrazan was bathed in darkness save for the tower of Narbondel. But this was unnatural darkness - the type drow powers conjured, and not even their keen night vision could penetrate.
Before Beliah could suddenly scream out for the guards she had dispatched, the thin razor of a kukri was slipped around her neck, from behind. It was too late.
"Long live House Vhaldis,” Priestess Sona whispered. She pulled the kukri across her neck.
A spray of blood covered the Throne of House Vhaldis a second later.
* * * * * *
Triel Baenre watched with satisfaction as the Armies of the Council, thousands in number, raided the hapless new House that Need Not Be Remembered. This pleased her greatly, as though the house was still relatively young and powerful, she had taken a dislike to Matron Beliah almost immediately.
Her unconventional attitude and sermons that preached more rights for Males, and in light of the recent losses after the War of the Spider Queen, she believed Menzoberranzan should allow more drow faiths to encourage members of other fallen cities to take up roots to repopulate their numbers.
All good ideas in theory, save that breathing them was an affront to the Spider Queen - and these trying times were but a challenge from Lloth, to see who remained loyal and strong through trying times.
Many other drow cities had fallen, but not Menzoberranzan. Never Menzoberranzan.
“You do exceptional work, Priestess Sona,” she said, glancing toward the younger woman. “One of these days, you shall have to accept my offer of adoption into House Baenre.”
Priestess Sona smirked once more, and held up her hand. “As always, your offer is as tempting as it is generous, Matron Mother... but...” She shrugged, smirked, and began to stroll away. “... I’m not interested in politics. Just the facts - nothing but the facts.”
Sketch
Priestess Sona Jabb’Hadar is one of the more unorthodox Priestess of Lloth in the drow community. She hails from the noble house of Jabb’Hadar, one of the lower ranking houses. For a drow, she is well-liked amongst her home, for she made the near-unprecedented move of allowing her younger sister, Shola, to succeed as Matron Mother, claiming she had no interest in pursuing such a life.
It was not the slimy web of politics that interested her, but the solving of puzzles. Despite her upbringing in the Temple of Lloth, Sona had developed a strong moral compass. It often disgusted her how often justice went unanswered in Menzoberrazan. It was senseless murders and naked ambition that kept the drow race beneath the surface, hiding in caves, while the surface elves enjoyed the freedom and beauty of the overworld.
Ever since her first raid to the surface, when she had attended Melee Magthere for the mandatory martial training all clerics of Lloth must undergo, she had remembered the ill talk of her fellows of the surface and it’s ugliness - but she had looked square at the moon and been enchanted by it.
Despite hearing the call of Eilistraee, as it was known by the drow who had slipped away for the surface, she loved her home, and longed to bring about changes - slowly, but surely.
When she became a priestess, she was laughed at by her superiors for her idea of a faction that would police the streets of Menzonberranzan - and even investigate murders thoroughly. It was accepted as drow law that if you were clever enough to kill one and escape unnoticed... it was the fault of the fool who was murdered for allowing themselves to be so weak and vulnerable.
Nonetheless, Triel Baenre was one of the few who did not laugh. Granted, she thought Sona a fool... but saw a chance for opportunity. If this ‘investigation guild’ took off, Triel Baenre would be the one who endorsed it. She would then have power over it, and use them as a weapon against her enemies. Anyone she wished eliminated, she could stick Sona or one of her investigators on them... and under the eye of such capable talent, there was no way a crime would not be observed.
Triel Baenre endorsed Sona’s proposal, and while she wasn’t allowed to train commoners or nobility to be investigators, she was excused from all duties to the Temple in order to pursue her agenda.
She learned the ways of the street, to slip into shadows - to eavesdrop without being heard, and even utilize her own spells to great impact. Eventually, her style emerged unique unto her in the Spider Queen’s city - an assassin, every bit as cunning as a rogue of Bregan D’aerth, but with the blessing and power of the Spider Queen herself.
Triel, quite interested, saw an opportunity when House Herilax was destroyed by House Vhaldis to put Sona to the test. Triel had believed the attack was perfect, and though all new House Vhaldis was behind it, based on their dramatic leap in ranking, everyone silently applauded them.
But, perhaps, it was time to stop applauding and put Sona to the test... how perfect was this invasion, after all. And when House Herilax fell after Sona proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Herilax was behind it, Triel knew the value of Sona and the services she could provide.
With Sona on a leash, to send at those who displeased her... Triel would have a powerful weapon to use against anyone she deemed worthwhile.
Yet, it’s not the politics that interest Sona as much as bringing stability to Menzoberrazan in her own way. With her, and those she hopes to eventually train... the assaults and annihilation of weaker houses would become a unique event, for she would prove who was responsible, every single time... and see justice done.
That was her promise to herself and the Spider Queen. Only be rebuilding Menzoberrazan to the glory it was would the Spider Queen be best served. What Triel Baenre fails to understand is that, when the chips are on the table... Sona will just as quickly prove her guilt, and call down the wrath of the Council on House Baenre.
Description
Sona is a small drow female with striking red eyes and a lithe, athletic build. She wears a mithril blackened breastplate, with two small kukris at her side. Her white mane of hair is cut short, like a tomboy, though long, opal earrings hang from each ear.
She wears an emerald patch over her left eye - and though it serves no magical purpose yet, she longs to imbue it with powers that will aide her in her investigation. It has become her trademark, and many have speculated as to what it does, though none are sure... as it does nothing.
A holy symbol of Lloth hangs from her neck, and though a snake-whip cannot be seen anywhere on her body, it’s clear that she caries herself with the nobility of an indoctrinated priestess. And yet, she looks more comfortable skulking in the shadows than standing in the open like one who has put her faith in Lloth and fears no harm.
Allies And Enemies
Allies
Triel Baenre and House Baenre. Within Menzoberranzan, Matron Baenre has granted her carte blanch to pursue her agenda of investigating crimes in Menzoberranzan. Believing her to be a tool that can be controlled, Triel continually offers to make her an honorary member of her house, which would bring her fully under her control. So far, Sona has rejected the offer - but politely enough each time where Triel believes she’s playing a game... and will join as soon as she runs into danger. And, no doubt, she would... and soon.
Matron Shola, and House Jabb’Hadar. Though a low ranking house in Menzoberranzan (33rd), her house carries the weight of nobility with it - and she enjoys a rather good relationship with her younger sister Shola. Shola will confide in Sona, for Sona has done what few drow matrons have... abdicated the throne to a younger sibling. Therefore, Shola knows she can trust her sister - as she obviously isn’t interested in plotting against her. Nonetheless, as good as their relationship is, Shola would be hard-pressed to aid her without promise of gain in return.
The Church of Eilistraee. Though this is more of a passive ally than an active one, word of her exploits and selflessness in pursuit of justice in Menzoberranzan has reached the ears of drow outside of Menzonberranzan. Many high priestesses have also dreamed and had visions of young Sona and her idealistic nature. It’s been decreed that the Church of Eilistraee will attempt to recruit her from the shadows - and guide her to a life where her ideals can truly make a difference. (Note: This is a plot hook that will get her out of the Underdark, if it’s needed for the campaign. She would eventually embrace this opportunity to experience the rest of the world, and find like-minded individuals who could eventually help clean up Menzoberranzan, after she applies her talents in the overworld).
Enemies
... Triel Baenre and House Baenre. It is now Triel’s desire to not only continue utilizing Sona, but gradually work her into such a state where her enemies begin making plays on her life. In fact, she is in the process of orchestrating one crime herself that will set Sona up to be killed. Should she die, Triel will not worry, as it only proves she was unworthy. Should she survive, the reality of the situation will catch up to the foolish young investigator, and she will seek the protection of House Baenre, swear her oath in blood to Triel, and forever become an implement of the House.
Bregan D’aerth. Before Sona, the only reliable source of justice and information was from the male mercenaries of Bregan D’aerth. With the destruction of House Vhalis, it marked the first time agents of Bregan D’aerth did not profit monetarily from the information they provided. It’s clear that Sona must either be made a partner of... or disposed of quickly, before she can cozy up to Matron Baenre any further.
General Xorsai, and the Exiles of the House Whose Name No One Remembers. Though few survived the destruction of House Vhalis, General Xorsai used his reasonable cunning to escape the walls before the siege, and took thirteen of his finest men. Before fleeing Menzoberranzan for good, they wish to repay the young investigator for bringing down Lloth’s Justice on their house.
What?! You mean we're supposed to judge this thing?
Well, you don't have to judge it--you could just give me first place (it would save you some time)--but it would be nice of you to at least pretend the other entrants have a chance.
:D
Well, having finally gotten a chance to really transcribe entries into Word for full judging and note taking, I've gotta say - I hate {CODE} blocks in entries. I have to disassemble them half the time just so that I can correctly copy/paste them into a different file. Bleh.
So i get extra points for not doing that?
Any judges done yet? :D
Done? I thought about starting....does that count? :D
Of course, it is the mechanics check out that tends to take the most time. And that has hardly started.
Also, I really had a cool idea for a contest theme, but the other judges didn't like it much.
I was late... and the judging is late. ;)
bumpalumpagus
I'm surprised theres been 21 Hero Craftsmans. They must of been going on for years and years now.
I apologize to everyone about the lateness of this competition. I can't speak for Kit, but as for myself and jennibert, we had some problems getting started, and then have had some additional interruptions. These interruptions are in the form of our first visitation from old college friends to our new home, and then a visit by my mother, which is still ongoing. We had to take time out from judging to get our house into a presentable state before they arrived, and that took longer than we'd have liked. I *thought* I'd be faster at getting the entries done for this contest, but I had difficulty doing so. This is, admittedly, in part because I procrastinated, and because I just don't enjoy judging as much as competing.
Again, I'm sorry for the tardiness of the results. The HCs used to be rather tidy affairs, but lately have had complications and events conspire to make them take longer than anyone, judges or competitors, would like. I will try to get some judging done this week, but as I very rarely see my mother, I hope you can excuse me if I don't really accomplish it.
(And, for what it's worth, the HCs have been going on for years and years. The first one began over 3 years ago, I'd venture to say.)
(And, for what it's worth, the HCs have been going on for years and years. The first one began over 3 years ago, I'd venture to say.)
The first one began March 14th, 2006. So "over 3 years ago" would indeed be a correct statement. ;)
Mercurius, jennibert, Zherog have been around since the first contest. I showed up in HC #2. I know that Kit, Heros, and a few others are also long standing participants as well.
Come August, I will be ready to judge again... (why am I terrified to say that???)
But I make no promises.
I've got one more I'm going to try and finish tonight, or tomorrow morning before I head off to Origins if I can. There's been a lot of entries that I've had difficulty with, either due to formatting or complexity. And then there's been a little too much laziness/exhaustion from work, too. I really am sorry about the delay, folks. Wasn't my plan to take anywhere near this long.
So how long does judging usually take? :P
The goal is to complete judging in two weeks. Lately, however, for a variety of reasons, it's taken significantly longer than that to complete.
It's the Zeitgeist of the competition.
Still, the judging curse can be pretty severe. Once, my state was hit with a state of emergency mid-judging. It was a hurricane. I live... in Kentucky. The force of this curse truly defies logic.
Once there was a baby in the eyebrow with the mathematical equation to pull slime out of the truck in the car of the palace grounds systematically found in the eye of the storm travelling across Jupiter in the big red spot singing in the rain dancing off the thunderstorms.
I think Mercurius is about done as well....Kit, it's on you!
For what it's worth, I do apologize for the length of time it's taken. Every time we'd sit down and start to work, we'd get a couple of hours in, decide to adjourn to the next day, and something would come up to make "the next day" turn into "a week and a half later." But the end is in sight! And there is much rejoicing. Yay.
Did i win? :D
And, of course, judges aren't the only ones who can post commentary. If you have something to share about somebody else's character, please do.
How about some comments Jennibert?
I am very serious about my plans to finish by Wednesday night at the latest.
Sorry about this week. Jennibert and I were on vacation, AFK, and we won't be home until late Sunday evening. I have our scores via PMs, and I figured, since I wouldn't really be home and might not even have internet access (I'm borrowing a computer connection right now...) that I'd call it Sunday night, no matter what. Hopefully I'll get commentary posted Monday. I am truly sorry to everyone who has had to wait patiently for scores and comments to be posted. This was not supposed to take this long, but we kept having things interfere with our judging progress, and, for those of you who haven't actually judged a contest, you really need to build up some momentum - it can take several hours to judge an entry, especially if it's poorly formatted, incorrectly built, or just very complicated (and we've had some of all three this contest). It took me over four hours to judge one contestant, and it's hard to find four consecutive hours for one entry and then find that much again right after. Especially when guests arrive.
Like I've said, I'm not terribly fond of judging, for just this reason - it's a bit tedious, and it's time consuming, and there's a decent amount of pressure, and it's nowhere near as much fun as just entering the contests. But, if jennibert, Kit, and I hadn't volunteered, there wouldn't even be a contest, so hopefully we'll be wrapping this up and maybe having better performance for the next one (though, depending on when that kicks in, I may be running in to a lot of hold-ups if I am a judge, because college starts back up at the end of August, which means about two or three weeks of over 40 hours - at least one at 70+).
Thanks, Dawnbringer! That was helpful.
To play Devil's Advocate here... I think the entrants of this competition have earned the right to vent a little frustration, and to be honest, you have definitely *not* earned the right to get snippy about it.
OK, you can beat with a shovel or something now...
Gold Winner
Heros_Backpack for Gann Rocktusk!
Heros_Backpack for Gann Rocktusk! Lara Fluier - 24.5
It was that whole "I didn't write down my invocations known" thing, wasn't it. Bah, a pox on writing, and, and on writing things down!
In the past when we've had ties, we've still awarded all the medals. For example, HC6 had a tie for Silver and we still awarded a bronze. (actually, to pick nits, we awarded 2 bronze medals, since there was a tie for that as well.)
So, given the precedent, I've listed Johnathan_Vagabond as the Bronze Medal winner on the master list. Johnathan is now in the position that one more medal of any color adds his name to the list of eligible judges.
I'd love to see some feedback chatter, both from the judges as well as contestants. Talk about one another's characters.
I've been holding this in the whole time that judging has been going on, because I thought it had better wait until scores were posted. Here goes: I can't believe that I did my Base Attack Bonus wrong. :embarrass Noticed it about five minutes after my edit window closed; it's the only thing I messed up (as far as I know), and it doesn't really matter (since my guy is a caster), but it's still been driving me nuts. Feels good to have that off my chest.
Anyway... this was a really good competition, imo. I felt like I had a really solid entry, but still didn't take it for granted that I was gonna see a medal; lots of really interesting submissions for this one. Specifically, I feel great about tying with Maximilian, since he was probably my personal favorite in terms of flavor; I've got a soft spot for Noir, and the delivery there was very stylish, I think.
Overall, though, there wasn't a single entry in this competition that didn't wow me on some level. Here's hoping for as good a turnout in the next one!
Coordinator Note:
In the past when we've had ties, we've still awarded all the medals. For example, HC6 had a tie for Silver and we still awarded a bronze. (actually, to pick nits, we awarded 2 bronze medals, since there was a tie for that as well.)
So, given the precedent, I've listed Johnathan_Vagabond as the Bronze Medal winner on the master list. Johnathan is now in the position that one more medal of any color adds his name to the list of eligible judges.
I'd love to see some feedback chatter, both from the judges as well as contestants. Talk about one another's characters.
And the bronze by technical default! Hooray for precedent!
But gratz to all the medalists!
And i still had loads of fun making my entry.
I'll try and get commentary posted tonight, but I've gotta get dinner and go grocery shopping, too, and some friends may be coming over to borrow our back yard to bury their fish...
From jennibert: "I will try to get my comments up also, but the same issues apply."
Win? Me?
And there I was thinking I didn't have a good enough connection to the theme to do particularly well this time.
Congrats to everyone.
(tries to wake up enough to celebrate and fails through exhaustion)
It's a shame mine wasn't scored just for the fun of it - I was curious as to what I would have gotten and how it compares, as has been the case with afterhour entries in other competitions.
At very least, hopefully, the judges can find some time to at least comment.
Nonetheless, I had alot of fun doing Sona up. Look forward to the next competition.
Congrats to all the winners.
It's a shame mine wasn't scored just for the fun of it - I was curious as to what I would have gotten and how it compares, as has been the case with afterhour entries in other competitions.
At very least, hopefully, the judges can find some time to at least comment.
Nonetheless, I had alot of fun doing Sona up. Look forward to the next competition.
I have yours saved, and I was going to go over it and judge it and give you a virtual score... but I forgot about it, to be honest. I'll see what I can do this week - unlike the other judge, I don't have to go through a prepublished module and build up the enemies so that myself and the other PCs don't steamroll it.
But I do need to finish painting my paladin for the game that starts on Sunday... Eh, we'll see how it goes. I did find your background rather interesting. I'd have given you a good score there.
But, first, to go over how I judge categories:
Background: I score this based on how well your character's background reads - how interesting it is, whether or not it provides hooks for DMs, characters your entry interacts with, ties to the world, and, in general, how well rounded and fully fleshed out your character is. I also judge based on how easy it is to read - it doesn't have to be a novel, but it does have to read logically and also give me a good grasp of your character and his acquaintances. Lone wolves and antisocial warriors are a dime a dozen - we're looking for characters. I also look for whether or not your character's background justifies their level - a low level character did not single-handedly slay five 8-headed cryohydras, and a high level character didn't have a run-in with some ogres as the only notable incident in his career.
Theme: How well does your character fit into the theme of the contest? This is based in part on background, and how much I get the "vibe" of the contest from the entry. It's also based somewhat on mechanics - in particular, how well you surprised me with the mechanics for the theme. For example, in this contest, I'd expect feats like Investigator or Urban Tracking, or classes like rogue, so those entries that relied on those obvious mechanics didn't score as well as, say, druids, or fighters, or even clerics. Things that take the mechanics and build a more novel approach are what score highest here. It's all a manner of personal preference.
Rules Use: How well is your character put together? Did you remember all your feats? Did you overspend your skill points? Pull something crazy with magic items, or incorrect rules use? But, beyond technical prowess, I also look at whether your rules use represents the background provided accurately. If your character can't legally do what you describe him as doing, I count off for it. I also look at a level of practical optimization. Does your character stand a chance of surviving at the level their at? Low AC, low HP, or otherwise poor character building will be detrimental - your character is a hero, and he'll be fighting lots of monsters, ne'er do'ells, and other enemies, and he better be able to have survived to the level he's at. I'm not expecting CharOps entries, but I do expect a certain level of survivability.
Clarity: How easy it was to read the character's entry. If you didn't cite sources for non-core material, it was counted off. If your skills were a pain to figure out, or you left them in a paragraph format, or, in general, if it was a chore to get through your mechanics, it'll be counted off here.
Also, I'd like to apologize in advance for my commentary. It's never been as good as some other judges' incredibly well thought out and detailed criticism. So, without further ado, let's go to the entries!
Cosimo d'Tharashk
Background: Your background is very interesting. I have to say, based on how your character moves around, I expected a greater amount of multiclassing in your build, including some possible rogue or ranger levels. He certainly has the wide scope and feel of an Eberron character, and has the intriguing hook of the vigilante aspect. The problem is, the way you represent your character doesn’t entirely mesh with the mechanics of your character. I think he’d be an interesting addition to a party or campaign, but it seems like he’d find himself in trouble periodically.
Thematic Creativity: You’ve got an interesting twist here – you get the investigative idea across, and have the INT to really back it up. It’s a good choice – any party would be well served with you providing them information prematurely. Nice choice.
Rules Use: Not too many major issues with incorrectly done mechanics. You really make great use of the Aurean’s Spellshard and item crafting feats to save yourself a ton of money. The big problem in this area comes from your stats not really jiving entirely with your build, and with your issues of survivability. I presume that you intend on relying on polymorph based spells to get around your extremely physical attributes, but I have a hard time imagining the Dragonne really threatening a great deal of thug groups. Any chance they have to beat your initiative, you’re likely going to be dead, and you don’t do terribly well with initiative to begin with. Your low AC and HP are a serious liability, making Cosimo’s choice of hobby a very risky proposition. Beyond that, you applied your aging penalties and bonuses to yourself at level one, which makes no real sense, especially considering your escapades on Xendrik. I would have expected it around level 7 or 8, perhaps 6 at the earliest, but you spent years crafting magic items (presumably wondrous items, which you couldn’t do until 3rd level at the earliest) before you even became a scholarly individual. We don’t usually spell out the rules about how to obtain spells for a spellbook (and we probably should in the future, honestly), but having a free pass to every spell in the game seems a little bit off, even if the gnomes love you so much. Finally, I would expect the Dragonne to have some ranks in Intimidate to be a more menacing threat.
Clarity: This isn’t a terrible stat block, but it is a bear to sort through and find everything. It feels like everything is out of order, and portions of it are missing (such as standard attack routines with your greatsword or other considerations like modified stats that you might use more commonly). Beyond that, I’d recommend staying away from Code blocks in the future – they look nice on the boards, but are terribly poor to deal with in any other situation, and judges typically grade using a word processing program so that we can make notes easier. It’s a bit self-serving, but I recommend looking at the stat blocks of my prior entries, or those of Jennibert or other medal winners/judges from prior competitions to get an idea of what really makes a clear stat block. At least you didn’t put your stats in paragraph style, though. That’s the worst mess to sort out.
Thematic Creativity: You’ve got an interesting twist here – you get the investigative idea across, and have the INT to really back it up. It’s a good choice – any party would be well served with you providing them information prematurely. Nice choice.
Rules Use: Not too many major issues with incorrectly done mechanics. You really make great use of the Aurean’s Spellshard and item crafting feats to save yourself a ton of money. The big problem in this area comes from your stats not really jiving entirely with your build, and with your issues of survivability. I presume that you intend on relying on polymorph based spells to get around your extremely physical attributes, but I have a hard time imagining the Dragonne really threatening a great deal of thug groups. Any chance they have to beat your initiative, you’re likely going to be dead, and you don’t do terribly well with initiative to begin with. Your low AC and HP are a serious liability, making Cosimo’s choice of hobby a very risky proposition. Beyond that, you applied your aging penalties and bonuses to yourself at level one, which makes no real sense, especially considering your escapades on Xendrik. I would have expected it around level 7 or 8, perhaps 6 at the earliest, but you spent years crafting magic items (presumably wondrous items, which you couldn’t do until 3rd level at the earliest) before you even became a scholarly individual. We don’t usually spell out the rules about how to obtain spells for a spellbook (and we probably should in the future, honestly), but having a free pass to every spell in the game seems a little bit off, even if the gnomes love you so much. Finally, I would expect the Dragonne to have some ranks in Intimidate to be a more menacing threat.
Clarity: This isn’t a terrible stat block, but it is a bear to sort through and find everything. It feels like everything is out of order, and portions of it are missing (such as standard attack routines with your greatsword or other considerations like modified stats that you might use more commonly). Beyond that, I’d recommend staying away from Code blocks in the future – they look nice on the boards, but are terribly poor to deal with in any other situation, and judges typically grade using a word processing program so that we can make notes easier. It’s a bit self-serving, but I recommend looking at the stat blocks of my prior entries, or those of Jennibert or other medal winners/judges from prior competitions to get an idea of what really makes a clear stat block. At least you didn’t put your stats in paragraph style, though. That’s the worst mess to sort out.
Herrod Kithenger
Background: Your background is short, and doesn’t dwell on much. You lack any real key enemies or allies, and the deaths of your parents seem like they didn’t really affect your character too much. He has a bit of a moral compass thanks to the ranger (whose animal companion has an excellent name), but otherwise… You don’t have any explanation for your Favored Enemy [Goblinoid] choice. There are also very few real plot hooks a DM could utilize with this character. A few straight forward ones, perhaps, but nothing super special.
Thematic Creativity: Your character has the feats that’ll allow him to do the detective thing, but they feel more tacked on than fully justified. Your background doesn’t play up the detective angle, and your classes are very obvious for this purpose.
Rules Use: There are several errors in your calculations. Magical weapons and armor need to be masterwork, which you failed to account for. You seem to have had additional skill points to spend, and your attack bonuses and hit points are incorrectly calculated. In addition, the Defending property of your rapier isn’t nearly as useful to you – you’ll at best be able to get at best a +1 bonus to your AC from it (you use the enhancement bonus, not effective enhancement bonus, which is what the Defending and Keen properties are part of). This is a very important point – Defending is most useful to high static bonus items, not items with lots of special abilities. On the optimization side of things, your AC is very low for your level, and you could easily have raised it with your unspent gold. I suggest lowering your Ioun Stone to a straight Headband of INT, getting Gloves of DEX, and then pumping the rest into better, mithral chainshirt armor. Your AC will increase by at least 3 points just from that. If you’re fine with your attack bonuses for your shortbow (remember that you miscalculated them) you could downgrade your bracers of archery, which will get you a lot of gold as well.
Clarity: Your stat block is a bit of a difficulty to get through. Much of it works well with [code] blocks, but I recommend finding a better format for future entries. Spelling out your ability scores when you list them also makes it much easier on judges. Try checking out prior competitions and the entries for Best In Clarity winners and see what they did. It’s a little thing, but it really helps.
Thematic Creativity: Your character has the feats that’ll allow him to do the detective thing, but they feel more tacked on than fully justified. Your background doesn’t play up the detective angle, and your classes are very obvious for this purpose.
Rules Use: There are several errors in your calculations. Magical weapons and armor need to be masterwork, which you failed to account for. You seem to have had additional skill points to spend, and your attack bonuses and hit points are incorrectly calculated. In addition, the Defending property of your rapier isn’t nearly as useful to you – you’ll at best be able to get at best a +1 bonus to your AC from it (you use the enhancement bonus, not effective enhancement bonus, which is what the Defending and Keen properties are part of). This is a very important point – Defending is most useful to high static bonus items, not items with lots of special abilities. On the optimization side of things, your AC is very low for your level, and you could easily have raised it with your unspent gold. I suggest lowering your Ioun Stone to a straight Headband of INT, getting Gloves of DEX, and then pumping the rest into better, mithral chainshirt armor. Your AC will increase by at least 3 points just from that. If you’re fine with your attack bonuses for your shortbow (remember that you miscalculated them) you could downgrade your bracers of archery, which will get you a lot of gold as well.
Clarity: Your stat block is a bit of a difficulty to get through. Much of it works well with [code] blocks, but I recommend finding a better format for future entries. Spelling out your ability scores when you list them also makes it much easier on judges. Try checking out prior competitions and the entries for Best In Clarity winners and see what they did. It’s a little thing, but it really helps.
We don’t usually spell out the rules about how to obtain spells for a spellbook (and we probably should in the future, honestly), but having a free pass to every spell in the game seems a little bit off, even if the gnomes love you so much.
We don't have to spell them out; they're already in the core rules. First level wizards get 3 plus their Int mod in their spellbook. They then gain two spells a level for free. That's it; anything else has to be paid for from character wealth. There's two different ways in the core rules for that:
1) Buy a scroll then scribe it into your spellbook
2) Find a friendly wizard, pay him to allow access to his spellbook, then scribe it into your spellbook
Even if your flavor of your character says you were given the spells for free, you still have to account for the value of the spells in your net worth.
Beyond that, I’d recommend staying away from Code blocks in the future – they look nice on the boards, but are terribly poor to deal with in any other situation, and judges typically grade using a word processing program so that we can make notes easier.
I'm probably in a distinct minority for judges. As long as there's only a couple, I don't mind sblocks. And I don't copy entries out to a word processing program to read them; I read them on the forum. *shrug*
So, comments….I’m going to apologize in advance for anything that comes off sarcastic or irritable. After I’ve spent enough time judging, I sometimes get into those moods, and while I’m going to try and reword anything that can be construed as such to be constructive criticism instead, I may not catch everything.
Now, as for judging…here were the criteria I used
Theme: Did you multiclass? Were you detective-y? Expected classes (ranger, rogue, etc.) and such did not get as high a score as classes that were less expected, though how you wrote your background could help. Also, I looked to see how well your character plays with others.
Background: Pretty similar to Mercurius here. I want to see that you justified your level, that you took the time to note some allies and enemies, that your background made sense with your class and the contest theme.
Rules Use: This is my favorite part to judge. I take sadistic glee in noting that a spellcaster has forgotten his or her spell component pouch, or that someone has mis-spent their skill points. Basically, I’m just looking at how well you followed the rules as written…though if your AC or hit points or something else was abysmally low for your level, I might make note of it.
Clarity: Basically, how easy was it for me to find things and/or understand you entry. Someone who took the time to tell me that their Tumble bonus came from a +4 Dex mod, 9 ranks, and a +2 synergy from Jump got a higher score than someone who just said Tumble +15.
And now for the entries…in alphabetical order by character name. I may be repeating Mercurius’s comments, as I am basically just cutting and pasting and I know we noted some of the same things on some entries….
Cosimo d’Tharashk
Thematic Creativity: An interesting choice. The masked vigilante who made a life of finding things is a fun choice—and he certainly has an interesting cover story. Now, having said that, I’m not sure how well he’d play with others. He’d only be in combat as the Dragonne, and he’s not very viable there unless he uses all his buffs on himself.
Background Content: Honestly, you need to go either with the journal entries OR the summary. The combination made the story feel choppy and a little repetitive. I mean I’m the last person to complain about someone’s entry being a bit long, but you don’t want to end up repeating yourself either.
Now, having said that, your background was interesting, and did give at least a decent justification for his level—you definitely backed up the assertion that he’s been around for a while.
Also, I was annoyed by your note to “insert named villain here.” I appreciate your willingness to add villains to make the character fit better into the campaign, but when you don’t put in any named villains of your own, it comes off more like laziness even if that’s not the intention.
Rules Use: I refuse to believe that a 12th level character with a 10 AC and 31 hit points is viable in close combat alone with foes near his CR. I don’t care what his INT is or what spells he has cast on himself. Even polymorphed, it’s just kinda crazy. If he screws up even a little and the opponent gets too close, he’s dead, because everyone ever is going to hit that terrible AC and then annihilate him in no time flat.
By my count, you overspent your gold by 25 silver. I think I can live with that.
According to his back story, he built Blood on his 34th birthday. He couldn’t do that until he had Craft Wondrous Item, which he took at 5th level. Your chart adds his age bonus in before Level 1, but he obviously had some levels before he hit Middle Age at age 35. Thus, at levels 4 and 5 you spent more skill points than you should, as he should have had only a 19 at those levels. (Also, onyx dogs are only around for 6 hours a week….not much of a companion….)
His increased speed gives him an additional bonus to his jump checks.
He runs around naked all the time, ‘cause he owns no clothes. Or, actually, adventuring gear of any sort. Including a spell component pouch…meaning he can’t cast ANY spells with components…such as, for example, detect thoughts.
He can’t use a wand of silence. It’s not on the wizard spell list—only cleric and bard.
And, while I appreciate your intention of listing his spells per day without taking into account the item boosting his primary casting stat, it will be of more use to you to have them listed (even parenthetically) so that you can use them. After all, he is entitled to them.
Clarity: I think, if anything, you tried to be too clear and ended up making things too complicated. While I appreciate your attempt to make sure we know exactly where his stats (for example) came from, it’s really not necessary to give the full stat list at each level—it just makes the judges’ heads spin when we look at the massive amount of your stat block. (Also, I hate tables because they don’t copy well into my text editor, but that’s not really your fault.)
A couple of notes on your skill listings: 1. You don’t need to bother with anything where he has only his ability mod even if that’s not 0. Definitely include anything with synergy or item bonuses, but Appraise and Craft, for which he only has his insane INT bonus, aren’t really necessary. (No point deducted—just a note.) 2. Since research is a conditional modifier, I would suggest listing it in parentheses. That way, if he has to make a knowledge check in combat (ie, NOT at the library), you have both modifiers handy.
Thematic Creativity: An interesting choice. The masked vigilante who made a life of finding things is a fun choice—and he certainly has an interesting cover story. Now, having said that, I’m not sure how well he’d play with others. He’d only be in combat as the Dragonne, and he’s not very viable there unless he uses all his buffs on himself.
Background Content: Honestly, you need to go either with the journal entries OR the summary. The combination made the story feel choppy and a little repetitive. I mean I’m the last person to complain about someone’s entry being a bit long, but you don’t want to end up repeating yourself either.
Now, having said that, your background was interesting, and did give at least a decent justification for his level—you definitely backed up the assertion that he’s been around for a while.
Also, I was annoyed by your note to “insert named villain here.” I appreciate your willingness to add villains to make the character fit better into the campaign, but when you don’t put in any named villains of your own, it comes off more like laziness even if that’s not the intention.
Rules Use: I refuse to believe that a 12th level character with a 10 AC and 31 hit points is viable in close combat alone with foes near his CR. I don’t care what his INT is or what spells he has cast on himself. Even polymorphed, it’s just kinda crazy. If he screws up even a little and the opponent gets too close, he’s dead, because everyone ever is going to hit that terrible AC and then annihilate him in no time flat.
By my count, you overspent your gold by 25 silver. I think I can live with that.
According to his back story, he built Blood on his 34th birthday. He couldn’t do that until he had Craft Wondrous Item, which he took at 5th level. Your chart adds his age bonus in before Level 1, but he obviously had some levels before he hit Middle Age at age 35. Thus, at levels 4 and 5 you spent more skill points than you should, as he should have had only a 19 at those levels. (Also, onyx dogs are only around for 6 hours a week….not much of a companion….)
His increased speed gives him an additional bonus to his jump checks.
He runs around naked all the time, ‘cause he owns no clothes. Or, actually, adventuring gear of any sort. Including a spell component pouch…meaning he can’t cast ANY spells with components…such as, for example, detect thoughts.
He can’t use a wand of silence. It’s not on the wizard spell list—only cleric and bard.
And, while I appreciate your intention of listing his spells per day without taking into account the item boosting his primary casting stat, it will be of more use to you to have them listed (even parenthetically) so that you can use them. After all, he is entitled to them.
Clarity: I think, if anything, you tried to be too clear and ended up making things too complicated. While I appreciate your attempt to make sure we know exactly where his stats (for example) came from, it’s really not necessary to give the full stat list at each level—it just makes the judges’ heads spin when we look at the massive amount of your stat block. (Also, I hate tables because they don’t copy well into my text editor, but that’s not really your fault.)
A couple of notes on your skill listings: 1. You don’t need to bother with anything where he has only his ability mod even if that’s not 0. Definitely include anything with synergy or item bonuses, but Appraise and Craft, for which he only has his insane INT bonus, aren’t really necessary. (No point deducted—just a note.) 2. Since research is a conditional modifier, I would suggest listing it in parentheses. That way, if he has to make a knowledge check in combat (ie, NOT at the library), you have both modifiers handy.
Thank you to Jennibert and Mercurius for your excellent work and comments.
And congratulations to the medal winners and all the entrants.
Background: Your character’s background is interesting. It’s not every day that we get an entrant who is widowed, or who has had so much happen to them throughout their lives. You don’t have any real allies or enemies aside from your ghosts, which is a bit of an issue, but the way that ghosts pop up makes for a very readily available plot hook for DMs. Overall, this was an amusing and entertaining enough background, though you kept referring to her alternatively as Lara or Laria. I’m not sure which it was supposed to be. There are a couple of things to do with your background that have my head scratching though – the biggest being that it’s implied you were born to human parents, though you are a changeling. Presuming your character is from Eberron, this shouldn’t happen to my knowledge, and I’m vexed by it.
I don't actually think I wrote that both parents were human.
"The midwife's terrified scream, the mother's struggle to cope with the deformity, the father's disappearance, and the neighborhood's marking of an ill omen, and the inevitable trip to the orphanage."
The father's disappearance stems from the fact that he is a doppleganger passing for a human. When Lara is born it reveals his true nature (since that's how you get changelings), forcing him to flee or face the repercutions of being a 'monster' amongst humans. Eventually the mom gives her up because the baby isn't human.
Thematic Creativity: You’re a Ghost Whisperer. I wonder if you’ve been watching that show or some other show like it. It’s certainly different, though it seems like you aren’t necessarily a detective. Ghosts should be able to provide you with most of the details you’ll need to accomplish what they want, so it doesn’t seem like you’ll be doing a lot of investigating. However, you’ve got one of the most impressive and diverse multiclassing arrays I’ve ever seen, so I’ll say I’m impressed with that.
You know, I've seen the show once or twice, but it didn't really inspire me. I actually imagined Lara as a half-slave half-master to the ghosts. I agree that there isn't very much detectivity, at least not displayed in the background. She does have to do legwork for hunting folks and heirlooms down, as showed in the Gather Information, Knowledge Local, and Sense Motive skills (disguise is for everyday life and infiltraiting. I don't think being a changeling is enough to get you close to the Godfather).
That multiclass array, by the way, is why my rules use is so unbelievably abysmal. It went through nearly 50 iterations, running from arcane, to divine, to psychic, back to arcane, to arcane/psychic, to a flat out psion, to arcane/warshaper, to psionic/warshaper, to master spy, to mindspy, to... I just don't want to talk about it anymore.
Rules Use: I’m really sorry, but this character is all kinds of messed up.
Oh yes. Yes it is. Beyond All Recognition.
From a competition rules point of view, you’ve already hurt yourself because you’re using a class that’s not from an allowed book (the Marshal). You also lack large swathes of information in your stat block. In particular, your Marshal Auras, Warlock Invocations, and Exemplar abilities are all pretty thoroughly lacking. You certainly couldn’t have been paying 1 skill point to get a rank in Speak Language in most of those levels you took it, because it’s only a class skill for scouts, bards, and exemplars. It’d have cost you 2 skill points for each language in any other class. You don’t define what “Door through the Afterlife” is, but I suspect that it’s a reflavoring of Flee the Scene. That’s clever and all, but you couldn’t take Flee the Scene and still have a level of Mindbender – you need the Charm invocation, which is also a lesser invocation, and you only get one of those as a 6th level Warlock. You obviously have Beguiling Influence as well as See the Unseen, but what other least invocation you have I don’t know. I suspect your See the Unseen ability is how you see ghosts on the Ethereal plane.
And then there’s the item crafting. Warlock item crafting is a bit dodgy anyway, since there’s not much on how it’s done until they reach 12th level (and even then it’s rather odd). But I’m not terribly fond of your use of hired spellcasters. It seems to me that the spells that are prerequisites should also be cast at the caster level of the item (unless they have to be higher CLs to begin with) just on principle, and paying for a minimum caster level just strikes me as odd. I’ve abused the item crafting feats well enough throughout my tenure, but I think this is going a little bit further than I’m comfortable with. I don’t mind you reflavoring your item crafting, though – I did that with one of my entries. Other judges are prone to counting off for it, but I think it’s a clever way to explain it, though ghosts bringing you trinkets is rather odd. At least they’re a random assortment.
Your character is not much for a fight, though. Her AC is abysmal, while you’ve miscalculated her attack values (by my count, her BAB is only +6, which means you’ve only got a +6 to hit at 12th level). Your Will save is much higher than you calculated, though – excluding your scout levels, all your classes have a good Will save, which you seem to have missed in totaling your score. It’s difficult to believe that she’s managed to avenge many of the lost souls she’s had come to her for help.
You have levels in some classes that just don’t quite make sense. I’m not sure why you’ve got the Marshal level except to get Skill Focus (Diplomacy) and I’m not sure what reason you’ve taken Exemplar levels. I like the class and appreciate seeing it used, but you don’t seem to really be using it that much, and I’m honestly not sure why you aren’t just taking more warlock levels instead.
My bad on the Marshal, and the missing information. Like I said, I got frustrated and threw it up there, only realizing afterwards how much I left out. It had gotten to the point before posting that I actually knew each intimate detail about the build by memory, and three other iterations at any one time. It was quite nearly pathetic, I dreamed about Lara Fluier's build.
However, speak langauge is always a class skill for changelings, isn't it?
Yes, door through the afterlife was a holdover from when she took even more levels in warlock. It's ugly, it's falling out of the ugly tree ugly. And hitting every branch on the way down ugly (and the bumping her head on an exposed root ugly). It's also a holdover from when I had more levels in a caster progression PrC. The other Least Invocation was Entropic Shield (when the ghost stole the knife from the air, which had been thrown at her). And yes, See the Unseen is how she see's the ghosts.
I appreciate your appreciation of my take on the Item Crafting, since it is mechanically identical. However, as for hiring casters to do the casting for me I referred to item 8 in the Contest Rules section.
"8) One special rule regarding Crafting: When crafting a magic item from your character, you may pay the 50% gp cost and ignore the XP cost. However, your character must still meet all prerequisites in spells, minimum level requirements, etc., or account for the cost of hiring a spell caster to cast the spells for you."
Based on the last sentence, wherin you must account for the cost of hiring a spellcaster, I found the hiring of spellcasters to be a logical method for 'creating magical items'. I probably should have written more about that. My idea was that the 'hiring price' was represented by the additional amount of Progeny Services required by those who actually had paid for the item in their life. Or is the problem that the minimum caster level of the spell wasn't the same as the minimum caster level of the item. That I wasn't sure about, but I assumed the feat user needed the caster level, rather than the hirling.
I took the Marshal (mostly) for the Skill Focus: Diplomacy feat, but also because it would allow me to provide those families of the deceased some added benefits during my visits. I confess that I've forgotten what minor aura I took, but the main idea was that (through the ghosts magic) while tending to them they might have it a little easier (I think it was the fortitude one, to help the families fend off diseases. A +5 to save would be a huge benefit to sick little children and widows).
I took the exemplar levels because I couldn't get myself the changeling rogue build from Eberron. I figured that she had to spend so much time bluffing, disguising, 'diplomacing', lie-detecting, hard-talking, and gathering info that eventually she'd just bomb a check. I didn't know how to relate that in her background, the idea that her whole life is a lie that she fails at least once a day. So the exemplar feature that allowed me to take 10 on a large number of skills made sense for her.
Clarity: You cite where your feats come from, but you don’t cite your classes, your skill trick, or your magic items. Your stat block is a bit of a mess, though its [code] sections at least transferred over better than some. Overall, this stat block is a bit of a mess thanks to how your special abilities are sort of strewn about, and the asterisked items that aren’t actually foot-noted, as well as a few other problems. It’s fortunate that I know where all those classes come from, due to a pretty encyclopedic knowledge of where rules are (even if I don’t know what they all do).
Sorry about the classes and magic items. I didn't think skill tricks came from any other books but the Complete Scoundrel, so sorry for that too. I've no doubt that mine took the longest time to judge because you had to suffer through putting it back together. To be fair, the only asterixed item I didn't footnote was Door Through the Afterlife, which shouldn't have been there in the first place.
Thank you for taking the time not only to judge this blatant murdering of the rules and then going on to provide commentary about it! Holy crap that must have taking innumerable frustrated hours on end.
Thematic Creativity: Aside from the fact that you have the most classes, you’ve also got the most unique take on investigation. A PI for ghosts is an interesting idea, and you have a very interesting way of making it work. Awesome job.
Stop, I'm gonna blush!
Background Content: Her background is compelling and interesting. A few things to note though:
I would like to see more about villains. I mean, there are implied villains in so far as the watch looking for her as murderer, or possibly relatives of people she’s killed (who perhaps don’t realize and/or care that the dead deserved it), but I would have liked to see some sort of villain detailed.
I worry about how well she would work in a group. She would be incredible in a solo campaign or possibly with some ghost PCs, but Laria doesn’t exist. Hard to work with someone who doesn’t exist. Though I guess perhaps she could adventure in town as “Ave Maria….”
Also, some details on her cohorts and followers. Her cohort has no name, and I’m a little freaked out by the “getting her powers” from him thing…I guess it’s an in game explanation of some of her abilities, but mostly, I’m confused…
Yes, I'm aware that I forgot to put in an allies and enemies section, even so far as that I forgot to put any in the story whatsoever! Truthfully, I got so caught up I kind of forgot what needed to go in there. I considered enemy ghosts, but then decided that Lara has so many ghosts on her side, it'd be a little silly to have an attack from the afterlife that wasn't an actual level bearing monster class (like a wraith or a shadow). The ghosts aren't really "Ghosts", because those are pretty strong creatures, rather, they're just souls that haunt around. Those few ghosts that are "Ghosts" are lower level followers and her companion.
I don't think Lara would have trouble adventuring. She has saved up all kinds and numbers of cases that would take her halfway across the world to solve. So she has a perfectly good reason to travel anywhere. As for being in a party, she can still function quite well as a party member, dealing with those ghosts (even the mindless zombies!) that they come across. The party members would just have to accept that their 'Face' talks to ghosts and gets a little uncomfortable outside of a city.
Yes, I had meant to give her cohort a full write up, if not at least a description. But I got frustrated with the feeling that Lara would never end (I spent at least 2 weeks on her) and just posted her to stop myself from deleting her straight out! The gaining her powers from him thing I actually meant to take it, it was a silly idea leftover from my brainstorming process. Sort of an 'oops'.
Rules Use: There are some issues with her items. First—if you’re going to list houses and such, make sure to check out the prices as listed in the DMG. A small house is worth 1000 gp, so I doubt she could get an uptown house for 500 gp, and even a slum tenement seems like it should have more value than 5 gp…
Normally, I'd agree with you. However she made use of the Lyre of Building for her "Uptown House", and thus spent the money on only a plot of land and some raw materials. With her hearty +5 Charisma, I think she could manage at least 1 of the skill checks (which only have to be made after the 1st hour) each day. Also, she could hire a trained musician of 2nd level (included in the price of the house) to 'aid another', granting her a +2 to her check, making it a 50/50 chance. Either way, she got a free 600 man hours of labor out of it per day. Because it is spartanly furnished there's no big call for decorating (she never hosts guests). That's how I got away with such a cheap house. As for a tenement, you really only buy a room. And that's all it is, one tiny little rat infested room with a bed and maybe a table and fireplace (with a window if you're lucky). Since Lara has such tremendous Diplomacy, Bluff, and Intimidate, I think it's believable that she could 'own' a tenement room (meaning, not pay rent on it) for 5g.
Also, her noble’s outfit and royal outfit and such are worthless without accompanying jewelry, as she just looks like a poser…and I think that you overspent for the dust of dryness.
You know, that is something I never thought of. She has that medallion of thoughts, which must be worth something. I suppose she'd still have Jocham's wedding band (I doubt they could have afforded a wedding ring). And that ring of sustenance, but hard to explain. Huh! That's a thought to store for the future.
She seems to be missing some class features. She should have 4 invocations; she has none. I don’t see her aura from Marshal either.
And either I’m missing where she has a bonus feat, or she has one too many. She should have 1 at levels 1,3,6,9, and 12, and Skill Focus(Diplo) as a bonus feat for a total of 6. She has 7.
Yes, I messed up with the class features. However, I'm not sure what the 7th feat is. I count:
1: Undead Empathy
3: Practiced Spellcaster (Warlock)
6: Craft Wonderous Item
9: Leadership
Marshal: Skill Focus: Diplomacy
12: Master Manipulator
Her saves are a little screwy. Her fort save is only a +10, not +11 (+2 warlock +2 marshal +2 mindbender +4 vest), and I think you forgot to add the vest to her will save +5 warlock +3 exemplar +2 marshal +2 mindbender +4 vest +1 wis =+17)
I think you missed the +1 Battle Fortitude (from the Urban Scout. But that's largely my fault, as I should have spelled out where my bonuses came from, especially in 3.5). You're right about the vest though. Curse my addled brain.
She better hope she never actually gets into a fight with someone who beats her on initiative, because a 15 AC and 47 HP at 12th level means she’s going to die fast. (Heck, I have a 9th level barbarian PC in my group who could kill her in 1 round without breaking a sweat…)
I hope so too. But that's pretty much what a Con 10 Warlock would get (balanced between my varied classes). I kind of think it's a 3.5 damage to hitpoints/level problem.
Clarity: You did a decent job of citing, but your stat block was hard to follow. Partially this is because she has so very many classes, and partially because she has a homebrew class, but it’s just kinda hard to navigate. Not excessively so, but just…unwieldly, I guess.
Also, it is better to spell your character’s name the same everywhere, instead of randomly switching between Lara and Laria.
Yes, not only did I flip flop between class builds and feats, I flip flopped between Laria Fluier, Laria Fleur, Lara Fleur, Laria Fluier, and Mad Maggy. Just be glad I never called her Maggy. That would have thrown everything off.
However, speak langauge is always a class skill for changelings, isn't it?
Yep. I love that racial feature.
Yep. I love that racial feature.
I have this obsession with Polyglots. At some point, I always end up dipping a level into bard and buying every language I can manage. I never understood it, but it's important for me to be fluent in everything from common to Glrob'thg'agga-tak, the language of the Far Realms, Oozes, and madmen.
EDIT: And it has nothing to do with jokes about cunning [polyglots] or the gift of tongues.
Maybe next time things will be a bit more clear.
I don't use Common in my games.
I've thought about doing that, though I'd need a group first. I had considered trading common in for a lingua franca (called Trader), which restricted the speak to 3 word sentences, with no references to previous sentences or conjunctions (rule excludes proper names). So no "How much for the sword and the shield? Excellent, I'll buy it.", you get "What sword cost? What shield cost? I buy sword. I buy shield." or "Your highness, the orcs have sacked the Three Cities and moved on to raze Balinsburg and Hordenburg. They march for the castle even as we speak." you get "Orcs sack Three Cities. Orcs sack Balinsburg. Orcs sack Hordenburg. Orcs go castle!"
But, I'm an english major, those kinds of rules seem fun.
I also considered providing them a list of Franka words, which were the only words (plus proper names) they could use to make a sentence.
I'd almost completely forgotten about this, and when I decided to check in I discover I've made silver! Thanks, judges!Responses in the sblock:
Maximilian
This is true. I figured going along with a party would be a "deep cover" kind of thing; since he maintains so many offices in order to get lots of customers and support himself, an adventuring gig would earn him enough money to stay on the road during a long investigation or finance a small investigation farther afield.
You'll note the teleportation ended up being someone else's job, as his psicrystal rightly pointed out that he can't do it. ;)
Yeah...he originally had dimension door and a modify memory power stone; I forgot to edit the story after statting him out. I think I did the same thing last time--I should probably stat out entries before writing the stories....
I'll just say right now that most if not all of the errors are likely due to my rewriting him several times--he was originally a nomad/rogue, then a sorcerer/bard with Wild Talent, then an erudite/rogue, then the final build. Once again, same mistake as the last contest.
Yeah, most of those unspent points were supposed to go there. Maybe I just deleted a line...?
SYNERGY BONUSES, HOW I HATE YOU! Every single ****ing time...
Yeah, I think that except for citing my sources, everyone loves my Clarity and fluff portions and hates all my mechanical screwups. One of these days I'll get out from behind the DM screen and get back in the habit of remembering the fiddly details of character revision instead of just statting up a dozen characters from scratch as needed. ;)
Thanks for the feedback, and once again thanks for the medal!
My main concern would be that he might be difficult to work into a party, because he’d have so many different places he’d need to be at a time.
This is true. I figured going along with a party would be a "deep cover" kind of thing; since he maintains so many offices in order to get lots of customers and support himself, an adventuring gig would earn him enough money to stay on the road during a long investigation or finance a small investigation farther afield.
There’s also a few things that he does in his background that he actually can’t do, such as teleport
You'll note the teleportation ended up being someone else's job, as his psicrystal rightly pointed out that he can't do it. ;)
or make people forget they saw him (Cloud Mind only allows him to make people not perceive him now, not forget ever interacting with him, and he doesn’t know any kind of teleportation power that I can discern to allow for the “blinking” part of the story, fun as it is). I like him, but his background would be better for a higher level erudite.
Yeah...he originally had dimension door and a modify memory power stone; I forgot to edit the story after statting him out. I think I did the same thing last time--I should probably stat out entries before writing the stories....
Rules Use: Okay, here’s where your entry trips itself up a bit
I'll just say right now that most if not all of the errors are likely due to my rewriting him several times--he was originally a nomad/rogue, then a sorcerer/bard with Wild Talent, then an erudite/rogue, then the final build. Once again, same mistake as the last contest.
– you’ve got 16 unspent skill points from psion – 6 skill points per level, 6 levels, and you’ve only spent 20, even with the cross class skills. You don’t have any ranks in Psicraft, which you need to learn additional Erudite powers, so it’s safe to assume you’d probably have spent some extra points there if you’d thought about it.
Yeah, most of those unspent points were supposed to go there. Maybe I just deleted a line...?
Forgetfulness and minor issues abound - You forgot to add your WIS bonus to your WILL saves. Your rapier should do 1d6+1 damage, not 1d8. You have only 47 power points, not 49. Keep in mind that you’ve got synergy bonuses in your skills, (Bluff gives you a +2 to Diplomacy and Intimidate, Knowledge Local gives you a bonus to Gather Information, Sense Motive boosts your diplomacy as well…) These are things I tend to miss as well, but you’ve gotta catch ‘em, because it makes you even more effective at skills).
SYNERGY BONUSES, HOW I HATE YOU! Every single ****ing time...
Clarity: Your character was laid out exceedingly well. I could find almost everything where I needed it, and I didn’t have to dig through your entry to figure out why your stats were the way they were. You didn’t cite your sources, though. I’m a psionics junkie, so I knew where to find the Erudite and such, but I know I had to point at least one judge in the right direction. Remember to tell us what book something’s from if it’s non-core.
Yeah, I think that except for citing my sources, everyone loves my Clarity and fluff portions and hates all my mechanical screwups. One of these days I'll get out from behind the DM screen and get back in the habit of remembering the fiddly details of character revision instead of just statting up a dozen characters from scratch as needed. ;)
Thanks for the feedback, and once again thanks for the medal!
Background: You’ve got some enemies, a lost loved one, and a few other things going for you here, but there’s a lot of it that feels very rushed. I’m not sure how your character has managed to make it to 12th level preying on the criminals of the city without either eliminating the lot of them or running into conditions that could have killed him. The way your boss had your wife murdered for such a minor offense (especially when it seems he was acting against his own best interests by attacking a noble) seems unjustified unless he was extraordinarily bloodthirsty, so I’m having trouble entirely understanding his motivations. The fact that priests of St. Cuthbert haven’t already been leading a pogrom against the corrupt city is also strange. Finally, Nalferin seems like he might not fit in well with an adventuring party, since his focus is very limited.
Thematic Creativity: You’ve got the urban tracking and tracking feats that help you hunt down enemies, as well as investigate. But your character, as written, just doesn’t quite seem like a detective. I suppose he tends to follow criminals from the scene of a crime and ambush and murder them, but there’s just something about it that isn’t feeling quite right. You’ve got the bases covered, but it didn’t scream “detective” at me.
Rules Use: You seem to have underspent on stat buy points, by my best guess, with a single point. Your FORT and REF saves are one too high, while your WILL save should either be a 7 or 11, depending on whether your Force of Personality feat applies or not. You miscalculated the cost of your mithral shield, as you don’t have to pay the masterwork cost for mithral items (it’s already included in the base mithral cost), and you overcharged yourself for rope, as well. I’m leery of your masterwork tools, especially the one for sense motive, since you’d have to be reading your book while using the skill to benefit and it just doesn’t jive with me at all. You’ve got a typo in your AC line that lists your flat-footed armor as being lower than it should be, and you should always round fractions (HP) down in D&D. Your skill points are a bit of a mish-mash – to get into Vigilante you had to do some cross class spending, or at the very least taken your second level of rogue at 5th level, but the math looks like it probably works okay. Your character lacks clothes, since you didn’t mention the free set you get at low levels, and he doesn’t have any arrows, though you’ve got the gold to afford them. You also lack a way to carry your gear – no backpack, belt pouch, or anything else.
Clarity: I had to try and deconstruct your stats and skills, and the presentation of your stats was confusing and hard to figure out. The block looks like it’s something like the revised NPC format, but I hate that and it’s a chore to figure out in these contests. I recommend looking at “Best Clarity” winners and stealing their layouts in future competitions – the more you spell out your abilities, the better off you’ll be in this contest.
Background: To be fair, I understand your point. Thing is i've always wanted to create this character, and this contest allowed me to do so. Originally, the character wasn't intended as a detective at all. I had to modify him and his background to fit with the detective theme. As for fitting in with a party, it's the type of character who's background I would modify before showing it to my DM, so as to fit with what the party is currently doing.
Thematic Creativity: Again, i understand. But he does do all the work of a detective, he just takes the punishment of any criminals he locates into his own hands.
Rules Use: I thought clothes, backpack, belt pouches, etc would be a given. They are essentially free after all. But my mistake, in future entries I shall include them. And my bad on the other rules mistakes, I shall have to be more careful in the future. And as for the sense motive book, thats not how it works at all. He wouldn't have to read it while sensing motives. It's a book that teaches you how to tell what people are thinking using their body language and tone of voice etc (using pictures to demonstrate if necessary). For example, it would tell you that the eye looking up and right while speaking would mean you are lying, and left and up remembering, or the other way round. Nalferin would just have to go through it every once in a while in his spare time to refresh his memory.
Clarity: Point taken, thanks.
Thematic Creativity: Well, you certainly multiclassed, and you definitely have the sort of detective abilities, though he mostly comes off as search and destroy in his background rather than true detectiveness. But not bad….and the bracers you invented are very flavorful for his character!
Background Content: I liked the inclusion of info on the city. However, I would have liked to see a higher percentage of the “fluff” part of his background that was actually centered on him rather than on where he lives. His background mostly consists of “he was in the thieves’ guild, he said no once, they killed his wife, and now he hunts and kills them.” While that is perfectly valid as a background, it could stand to be a bit more fleshed out. And some specific allies and enemies would be nice; yes, the thieves’ guild dislikes him, and the militia helps him out from time to time, but does he have anyone in particular out to get him or upon whom he can call for help?
Rules Use: Assuming you took your levels in the order listed, you don’t qualify for Avenging Executioner when you took it because you only had a +4 BAB, and the class requires +5.
In D&D you always round down. He should have 80 hit points.
I count that he spent 123 skill points out of 132. I’m going to assume that some of them were spent cross class and that’s why they’re missing, but….Also, why did you list some skills (swim, disguise) where you had just your ability mod but not all of them? Looks odd…
Despite what it suggests in the description on the table, Force of Personality does NOT give you your Cha to all Will saves—just against mind-affecting spells and abilities. His Will save should be listed as +6 (+10). And by my count his Ref save should be +14, not +13.
I’m pretty sure you spent 30 points in your stat buy. Or possibly you underspent. I just noticed that he has a +2 Str item….
One of his feats is illegal. I’m not sure which, but he has exactly 1 feat that can be taken as a fighter bonus feat….and 2 levels of fighter.
Clarity: I detest that stat block. Everything so crammed together and hard to read *shudder*. But I didn’t really count off for that….just for the fact that you explained where pretty much NONE of your numbers came from. It’s a lot easier to tell if you spent your skill points right if you’ve got the info right there with the bonuses, and so on.
And, for what it’s worth, your “Possessions” list is a beautiful thing.
Thematic Creativity: Thanks, I couldn't find any item that allowed me to fear naturally immune to fear creatures, but I could find an item that allowed me to do the same with crits and sneak attacks. And I guess he is kinda search and destroy, but he does use all the detective work to get to the criminals.
Background: I will keep that in mind for future entries, thanks.
Rules Use: Yeah, some skills were spent cross class, thats why theres less skill points. And in games I play, I normally don't list skills where i have a negative or no modifier to them, bad habit I know. As for the illegal stuff, all i can say is, pretty poor entry from me
.Clarity: I will use a better stat block in the future. And for my possessions list, I thought so too
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