The Audience (Visitor's Comments)

[Gralhruk]

Since this game has picked up considerably, I figured we might as well see if anybody is reading along. If you are out there, please say hi :).

[itches]

Hi, long time reader, first time poster. I would have to say. Itches is the best.

[Gralhruk]

How did I know you'd be the first one to post here? :fun:

[Cadrius]

Itches seems awful fond of posting in vistor's threads. Hell he likes posting in the OOC threads of games he isn't even in.

[itches]

Hey i only did that like ... 4 times. And one of them was by mistake!!

[LonePaladin]

Is that mistake post one of the four, or did it not count? :)

[itches]

One of the 4 was the mistake. I thought i was in the visiters thread when i posted it :KO:

[SponkleofInfini]

Well for a visitors thread which has people posting in it I am the first visitor to well actually post. I am going to start the epic task of reading through the game and then possibly joining. Get back to you soon about that :)

[LeeCHeSSS]

Hey there, I have this urge to join. Can I, can I, can I???

Oh right, my concept: A dwarven rogue. He's a mercenary really. I can't tell you much more or I'll ruin a nice plot twist (Itches knows about it and feels it offers good roleplaying opportunities).

[itches]

*looks at your credentials*

hmm, you can deleate this forum, AND ban us all?

Well you have my vote for getting in.

Seriously, I like his character idea

[SponkleofInfini]

Uncle Moe's Family Feedbag.......I like it :)

[EnigmaPrime]

read rules. replying here as requested.

[SponkleofInfini]

I think it was mentioned somewhere most likely the OOC, you need to put forward a character concept and some history.

[Gralhruk]

Actually, we don't need to see a character. You are not accepted into the game.

[SponkleofInfini]

Well there you go

[Black Plauge]

Sorry, Enigma, but given what happened with Nestro(sa), you'll have to forgive us for blanketly rejecting applications from those connected with him/her.

[stealthbanana]

I wanna join! I was thinking, since this is more of a roleplaying environment, of playing a Psion. Who doesn't know he is a Psion. That would be cool, I think. He could be like, level 2 or 3 in another class (since he doesn't know he is a Psion, and can't very well practice something he doesn't know about) and then have a level or two in Psion.

[Gralhruk]

Well, you get points for reading the rules and posting in the correct thread :).

Nothing wrong with psions, so I don't see that as a problem. It probably wouldn't hurt for you to come up with a short background and post it here, this way we can see what your writing is like. Nothing too long, just something to give us an idea of your style.

[itches]

*whispers to the other players and looks at stealthbanana*

[stealthbanana]

Background Information:

James, Human Male Paladin of Pelor
Pal3/Psn1

James was born in the city of Greyhawk. His parents were addicts, and they more or less ignored him. He took to petty theivery, and became quite good at it. He used his psionic abilities subconciuosly, without ever knowing what they truly were. Shadows were just a bit darker when he was around, and his hands seemed to move quicker when he was stealing. Eventually, he was caught by a priest of Pelor while trying to steal a golden chalice from the Sunroom in the local temple. The priest was too kind to punish him, and let him go with a warning. James arrived home to find his parents dead, sprawled out on the floor, pipes still in their mouths and smoking. James went berserk, and took it out on the city. He burned down buldings, destroyed merchandise, and killed pets. Again, he was caught. This time he would not get off so easy. He would have been sentenced to prison, or worse, had the same priest of Pelor not saved him.

The priest took him back to the temple of Pelor and made him an offer. James would be allowed to live in the temple in exchange for his service. He would learn to cook, clean, and most importantly, he would learn the tenets of Pelor. James agreed, and was put to work at once. He quickly learned how to cook and clean, and took to fighting like a fish took to water. The one thing he couldn't stand were his lessons. Everyday, during the classes he had to attend, he would get in trouble in some way. The priests had no reason to really punish him, because somehow he still learned just as much as the others.

This went on for 10 years, until James was 20. The priest, now old and frail, told James to go out and explore the world. He knew that James was not fit for the life of a priest. He gave James his old sword and armor, telling him his story. He explained to James that he was orphaned as a child, and was brought into this temple just like James was. The sword was his fathers, the armor was crafted by his best friend, one of the finest Dwarven smiths in all the realm. James accepted the old mans heirlooms, and stood by him until he passed away.

James was given all the supplies he needed by the clerical order, and the head priest gave him a golden holy symbol as a memento of his time in the temple. James left that night, and traveled far away, seeing many things and becoming somewhat of a hero in the lands surrounding Greyhawk. His powers of the mind grew, though he did not know it. He can now consciously use his powers, though he thinks they are gifts of Pelor. He finds himself back at Greyhawk, and is eager to vist the temple of Pelor to visit his 'family'.

[stealthbanana]

If I spelled something wrong or there seem to be plotholes, keep in mind that I was eating a very nice cup of ramen at the time. Eating distracts me :P.

[Gralhruk]

Okay, there doesn't seem to be any objection to you joining eventually. However, at the present time we've got characters scattered all over the place. Basically, I think it's best if you wait until we all get to part 3 (the new thread) before you start posting. Hopefully it won't be too long, but it could take a little while.

Other than that, just two things I wanted to mention about your character. First, we've already got a paladin and a fallen paladin. There isn't a problem having a third, but I just wanted to make sure you were aware that we already had two in case it mattered to you.

The other thing is about equipment. We're starting with half of second level funds - that is, a total of 450 gp. It doesn't seem like any of your equipment is out of the ordinary, but I thought I'd mention it anyway. Basically, standard PHB equipment and DMG magic (not that you can afford much of this) - no firearms or anything like that.

Any questions?

[stealthbanana]

The Paladin was more of an example. It would be fun to play him, but since we've already got several paladins, I think I'll play a druid or a bard then, if that's okay. You don't mind me switching, do you? The druid is my favorite class, and I could create a super cool background for him.

Oh, and I don't mind waiting til the next thread starts. I'll have my character done by then.

[BigRedRod]

no firearms?
dammit
there goes my shotgun ninja idea for a comeback

[Gralhruk]

Yes, it's true. Sadly, I had to ditch my AK-47 wielding halfling.

[Gralhruk]

The Paladin was more of an example. It would be fun to play him, but since we've already got several paladins, I think I'll play a druid or a bard then, if that's okay. You don't mind me switching, do you?
No problem, it's really up to you. When you are ready, just post the sheet and background to the Characters thread, and everyone can pick it apart in the OOC :).

The druid is my favorite class, and I could create a super cool background for him.
Druid would be fine, especially since we are really lacking in the healing department.

[stealthbanana]

Woowoo! I'll make my character right now.

Which edition are we using? 3.0 or 3.5?

[Black Plauge]

Hmm... We never did discuss that. Hold on a minute while we have a discussion in the OOC.

[Black Plauge]

Okay, it seems the concensus is 3.0. It doesn't make that much of a diffrence anyway during the course of game play since this is a freeform anyway, but since all the current characters were created under 3.0 rules it make sense to continue making new character that way.

[stealthbanana]

So, I am in right? For some reason, I'm not sure. My character is done. so just give me the go ahead and tell me how to fit my character in.

[Black Plauge]

Post your character in the Cast thread so that we have a chance to check it over. Once its determined that everything is kosher you'll be ready to start posting IC.

Oh, and you can post in the OOC thread once your character is up.

[red_dr4g0n94]

Wow, not a lot of people have posted here in a while. But, I've (sort of) been following along with this game, and am rather intrigued by it. I'll toss in an idea and see if it’s accepted. I have a whole slew of other ideas if it isn't.

Ben
Lv 4 Fighter
23 years old

Born into an unknown family, Ben has always been a wanderer, traveling with a group of mercenaries whose names have long been forgotten. They were his family for all intents and purposes, but then something happened, an incident that took all he had known in the world away from him. The group had been hired to rid a small town of a pack of goblins that lay within the nearby woods. Ben was the only survivor of whatever it was that happened, the only one to walk out of the woods two ten-day later. Apparently it was so terrible that Ben is unable to remember what happened, for he claims no memory of what transpired within the woods. Now at the age of 15, he was given what little was recovered of the mercenary group and was suddenly on his own for the first time ever.

In truth, Ben knows exactly what transpired that within the woods, knows exactly what it was that killed off every last person Ben had ever known. It was Ben himself, though he can think of no reason why he would do such a thing. After the group had killed the goblins, Ben suddenly fled into the woods, unable to stop himself from doing so. Over the course of several nights, he observed himself as if from a distance silently approach the group and kill one of their members before silently disappearing again. Within a few nights, the entire group was dead, and Ben, stunned beyond belief, was lying near a clearing, only barely remember what had transpired. He felt for sure that it could not have been true, that it was only a dream, but at the exact spots he remembered, he found the corpses of the only family Ben had ever known. For many days he was in the woods, hardly eating, barely thinking, too stunned by what he had done, what he had no control over, to even speak. Eventually recovering himself, he made his way to the town, and swore that he would make up for whatever it was that caused him to kill off his family and friends.

Unknown to Ben, a small portion of a demon servant's blood courses in his veins, from far back in his family line. This allowed a demon, who had been thwarted by the group Ben was living with, to more easily gain control of him, essentially ordering him to slay the group, and Ben had no way of disobeying, even though he was not aware of the command. Regardless, Ben now travels the world, trying to do the most good to make up for the terrible deed that he has no idea why he committed.


So, hows it look? I can change it if desired, or come up with an entirely different character if this one won't work.

[itches]

*whispers to the other players and looks at red_dr4g0n94*

[Gralhruk]

So far there isn't any objection to you joining. There are some concerns about the character. Basically, from a racial standpoint, he needs to be one of the standard PHB races. That means no tieflings or anything like that. Aside from that, the whole "taken over by a demon" thing really needs to be in his past. I don't think anyone wants to see that happen in-game as an excuse for him to go on a killing spree.

Outside of that, I'd say read as much of the story as you can - at the very least, I think you should read all of Chapter 5.

[itches]

I don't think anyone wants to see that happen in-game as an excuse for him to go on a killing spree.

I do! There hasn't been enough slaughter in this game recently.

[Gralhruk]

In that case, be sure to start by killing the one armed bard.

[itches]

I've already had a character killed of. So have you, though for different reasons.

It's someone else's turn, dang nab it

[Cadrius]

I'd concur. Tortured pasts are what basically all of our characters are about. I wouldn't discourage exploring this, just be careful how it's done. The only thing I'd advise for the future is to not give so much away.

Oh doesn't a character in our game have a deceased brother named Ben? That'll be fun.

And yes, we haven't had indescriminate slaughter since the incident in Karkas, which I may or may not have been responsible for.

[Cadrius]

Originally posted by itches
I've already had a character killed of. So have you, though for different reasons.

It's someone else's turn, dang nab it

Would you prefer that Cadrius eat it?

[itches]

Well with Cadogan out of play, I think you're next in line ;)

[Cadrius]

Fair enough. I have no idea what character I'd introduce after that though. If he gets axed prepare for a lengthy absence.

[itches]

Well Cadrius has been axed before. And stabed, and beaten.

That guy must be one big walking scar.

[Gralhruk]

If he gets axed prepare for a lengthy absence.

Unacceptable. It's not that hard, just think back to your angsty teenage years and pick something.

[Cadrius]

Please. I'm still in my angsty teenage years.

And yeah, he does have an awful lot of scars given the lack of magical healing throughout the game. Somehow though, they always manage to miss his face so he doesn't turn into the "I'm horribly scarred, tough-as-nails warrior" cliche.

[itches]

He managed to keep all his limbs though, so good for him!

And Gral, not everyone remembers the great depression :)

[Gralhruk]

Great depression indeed. I'm hardly that old.

Well, I'm off to listen to my 8-track collection.

[Cadrius]

It was brought to my attention that I totally and completely misread your background. I'm not sure how that happened. I'll blame the early onset of Alzheimer's and move right along. It looks good to me.

[itches]

You did make one good point though.

Saying that he woke up, and was covered in blood keeps us in the dark slightly, and when you bring it out later on in the game we, the other players, would be more open to the idea.

I know that when i read the word demon, i cringed and had visions of ghost-liches.

[Gralhruk]

Yes, I think we are all still having ghost-lich nightmares. I know I am. Of course, I've been having those since before I knew who Nestro was so maybe I don't count.

[itches]

Ah yes, people who faught in the great wars oftern suffer from conditions like that.

[Black Plauge]

Since everyone else has already voiced their opinion, I'll chime in here too.

While the background itself is interesting and certianly fits into the angst ridden dark climate we have going here, you'll have to remember to keep the power level on the down low. The setting thus far has been extremely low magic, with the exception of the anomolous blip when Nestro tried to join. We ended up booting him/her out (we never did straighten out the whole identity issue) and deleting several of his/her posts.

As long as you use the background you've written to torture your character's concious, and not to grant him immense powers at unusual times, I think he'll fit in quite well in our band of misfits.

[Gralhruk]

Well said.

[Cadrius]

Cadrius isn't a misfit; he just doesn't belong anywhere else.

[Gralhruk]

We are all individuals!

[Cadrius]

I am a unique snowflake, just like you!

[red_dr4g0n94]

That's okay, I was pretty much keeping it as background info anyway, since the demon himself has already accomplished what he wanted (namely, the killing of the group). And he isn't a tiefling, but a regular human with a small (read 1% of 1% or something) so there really shouldn't be a worry about that. As for the utter slaughtering of others, party members included, Ben is REALLY determined not to let something like that happen again. Though he may still be susceptable to such a command, he could probably surpress the compulsion to do so, though it would be incredibly taxing on him.

I know this wasn't really asked, but i'll answer it now before it does get asked. He isn't a paladin becuase 1) we already have a paladin (a fallen one at that) so there probably wouldn't be too much good blood between them if he was and 2) I myself just don't feel any kinship twards paladins. Sure all the cool abilities are nic, and the rightous ideals are refreshing, but it really hampers what they can do. It just feel too restrictive in most cases, though my paladin Valdis is pretty fun to play as.

Okay, so pending anything drastic completely disallowing my character from joining play, I'll read up what we have so far, try to figure out an appropriate time to come in at, and post my character, not necessarily in that order.

[Black Plauge]

Well, in terms of appropriate entrance point, find a reason for your character to be a guest at a hidden citadel of a arcane brotherhood and all he'll have to do is pop his head out of his door.

Still, you should post your character first so that we have a chance to nitpick it. Don't forget the rather stringent limit on character wealth (1/2 2nd level or 450gp).

[Gralhruk]

To help me rest easier, can you explain a bit more how you envision this demon blood working? Is there some demon trying to influence Ben, and Ben is susceptible because he has demon blood? Or is it just a weird compulsion that came over him because he has demon blood?

As far as joining, it's convenient we happen to be at the Citadel. I think it offers a few hooks for us meeting Ben without disrupting the story.

[red_dr4g0n94]

I don't really have a concrete idea on how the blood should work, but then again, that may be a plus huh? anyway, here is what I pretty much have in mind:

It's there, and its really, really small. It doesn't affect Ben in any way, physically at least. Mentally, it would probably make him more susecptable to magical compulsion affects from demons. The blood is of a type of demon who is incredibly low on the food chain, meant only to take orders form higher level demons and do their bidding. But, becuase of the diluted nature of the blood makes it so that Ben is not necessarily incabable of disobeying demons and follow their every whims, but makes it an incredibly powerful compulsion that he feels and incredible urge to follow. Its still Ben persay when he is doing whatever it is he's doing, but he isn't doing it becuase he wants to, but becuase he feels an incredible NEED to do what the demon tells him to do. He probably gets -5 or something to any will save rolls against refusing a demons orders. Combined with the fact that the demon has to find out that Ben has this blood running through him, and the actual likleyhood of it coming into play is actually quite small. The only reason the other demon found out, is becuase of his near constant scrying of the group Ben was living with.

So, yes it may cause Ben to do things he doesn't like, but if we're facing a demon then we are really in a lot of trouble anyways. Most of the time, it probably won't even matter, but it does sound really cool when Ben is beating himself up about something that he really didn't have a choice in doing...

[Gralhruk]

Fair enough. I'll just say that if you are planning on having a demon pop in to compel Ben, please run it by the group in the OOC before you do it. And yeah, post your character first.

[red_dr4g0n94]

Fair enough. I doubt I'd be like that, tossing a demon in the path of a 4th-5th level party, but yes, if I think it would be appropriate for one to show up, then i'll run it through there first.

[Gralhruk]

Good. You can post in the OOC from now on.

[CTrunks]

So, hello everybody. I haven't read much so far, but I was thinking of joining in. Do you guys need a Cleric, possibly one of St Cuthbert or Heironeous? Because I'll totally be one as soon as I finish reading everything and post my idea for a character. :)

[Gralhruk]

Hi and thanks for the interest. After you read up on the game, read the rules. Then (if you're still interested :)) post a character idea here and we'll figure out if the character will fit in the game.

[CTrunks]

OK, OK, I've taken the time and liberty to read everything to the best of my abilities...which does not translate to "I read the first two topics, got bored and skipped to the current chapter"...so, I was thinking this.

[Please note that this is VERY basic, so it may not answer all immediate questions. I apologize in advance and direct the blame to my cat, who is insane. As a side note, if this looks to be in the same format as stealthbanana's, well...it is. God I'm tired/lazy/homicidal right now.]

Super Happy Fun Background Go!
"CT", Human Male Cleric of Heironeous
Clr3/Fgt1

Christopher Tancred, known by many as "CTrunks" or "CT", is an enigma to those who have worked with him in the past. Born on the edge of a mountain range called the Devil Head, he had been exposed to the art of combat almost from birth. Minotaurs, surprisingly organized despite their alleged lack of 'intelligence', had been a common sight in his village for many years before he was born and many years afterward, raiding and killing off peasants. By the age of seven, he was already training to become a fighter, so that he could protect his family from the Minotaur threat. He had no idea what was really going on...

...at the age of seventeen, 'CT' was coming home from another training session with his fellow fighters when he heard the sound of a Minotaur arguing vehemently with someone else, their words barely noticeable to any except for him. He turned to see what was going on and stood in shock as his father and the minotaur argued back in forth, speaking in a combination of Giant and Common. From what he heard, 'CT' gathered that his parents had been working with the Bullmen for many years, and that the Minotaur wanted to attack that night and finish the village off. Enraged, CT attacked the Minotaur, driving his Longsword into the base of the creature's skull, then turned on his father. His enraged state ended as his father died and, confused, the fighter left town without another word.

At the age of twenty, still wandering aimlessly across the world, CT bumped into a cleric of Heironeous who had been lost in thought as he wandered. The cleric volunteered to tend to the fighters' wounds in exchange for some information about a town that was apparently being plagued by Minotaurs. He quickly agreed and launched directly into his life story, explaining that his father had been working with the dreaded creatures (or they were working for him), and that in his shock - because his father had been adamant in the destruction of the horned monsters - he had slain both the Minotaur and his fafther and left. The cleric did not seem surprised at all and began to explain that Heironeous had possibly set this meeting up so that CT would recognize his future as a Cleric in his service. He also pointed out that CT used the same weapon that his god used, and that many clerics considered it an honour to wield their deity's favored weapon. He handed CT a roll of parchment that gave directions to the nearest temple of Heironeous and departed, stating that he really had to be going.

Eventually, after several weeks of travel, CT found the temple and was struck down by the sheer grandeur of the imposing structure. He quickly (and by quickly, I mean he was in front of a priest so quickly the priest almost had a heart attack) joined the clergy and begged to be trained in the divine arts. And trained he was, locked in a room in the basement for several weeks to focus the divine powers granted by Heironeous to help those who walked in the light and destroy the corrupt (Read: Undead.) After six years of serving as a priest-in-training, he was finally sent out by a High Priest to find a sect of Hextor worshippers, but not before being given a symbol of Heironeous made of steel, as well as a map to where the Hextor clerics were believed to be located. Determined to prove himself in the eyes of his deity, he set out...

[As I said, it probably doesn't answer any questions and is probably quite bad, but...meh, please gimme a chance! As a side note, because I should know this and yet...I don't, is this done in 3.0 or 3.5e? Because I've only got the latter...]

[Black Plauge]

Not bad. Heck, given our group of misfits, justified patricide is a rather tame background.:D

I should warn you that we have a wanted ex-paladin of Heironious in the group already. That's not to say that you can't play a cleric of Heironious, just that its most certinaly going to create some interparty tension.

As for the edition, we decided to stick with 3.0 because all the current characters were created using those rules. Given that this is a freeform game the actual edition doesn't matter too much in play, only in character creation.

[CTrunks]

Heh, I didn't even have that in mind when I did this...well, on the other hand, CT is incredibly naive...and he doesn't know anything about an ex-paladin, so it's all good. :) I'll prolly get to work on an actual character sheet later today...

[itches]

He might not know of the ex-paladin, but Cadrius' reactions to the cleric should be interesting to say the least.

[red_dr4g0n94]

Considering his reaction to the other paladin of Hierenious, a cleric of Hierenious should definetly create some dramatic tension.

[Gralhruk]

Please note that I have vanquished the "character name = board name" rule, so don't feel compelled to call your poor cleric "CTrunks". If anyone objects to my autonomous decision, too bad ;).

[itches]

One day we will rise up against your rule! One day!

[Gralhruk]

Beware, would be revolutionary, lest I disable signatures from every thread in this forum.

[itches]

Yeah, but then I would need to compensate by being more actively annoying, instead of counting my sig to do the work for me ;)

[Gralhruk]

You mean you haven't been actively trying to be annoying?

Oh, and I suppose I should comment on the submission:
I pretty much agree with the comments thus far. The only thing that struck me as odd was your ability to kill a minotaur so easily. Aren't they pretty bad-ass?

[itches]

Minotaur? I supose i should actually read the post.

Edit: Okay read and checked. Minotaur
Large Monstrous Humanoid
Hit Dice: 6d8+12 (39 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 14 (-1 size, +5 natural)
Attacks: Huge greataxe +9/+4 melee, gore +4 melee
Damage: Huge greataxe 2d8+6, gore 1d8+2
Face/Reach: 5 ft. by 5 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Charge 4d6+6
Special Qualities: Scent, natural cunning
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +5
Abilities: Str 19, Dex 10, Con 15, Int 7, Wis 10, Cha_8
Skills: Intimidate +5, Jump +8, Listen +8, Search +6, Spot +8
Feats: Great Fortitude, Power Attack
Climate/Terrain: Any underground
Organization: Solitary or gang (2-4)
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Usually chaotic evil
Advancement: By character class
Minotaurs speak Giant.


Tough, but not unbeatable.

[Gralhruk]

Right, but his character was 1st level at the time.

[itches]

Maybe it was just a villiager dressed up as a Minotaur. Maybe It was a suprise party, did you think of that? huh?

Okay, I'm stretching, but it could have been possible!

[Gralhruk]

Yeah, I'm not terribly bothered about it. It just seems inconsistent to me, but it doesn't really need to be changed.

[CTrunks]

...yeah, well...uh...it was a lucky blow...and not me forgetting the CR of a Minotaur or anything. >_>;

AMNESIA DUST IN THE FACE! *runs*

[CTrunks]

...well, after some considerable thought, I was thinking of maybe using a different deity. And maybe a different race, like Dwarf or Elf. I'm not sure yet...

[Cadrius]

A minotaur could be slain at first level, but not in straight-up combat. A bear trap followed by some longspears or arrows might do the trick. A few of his warrior buddies could work as well.

So yes, he could beat the minotaur, but not casually. It'd take some planning, patience, and a whole lotta luck.

[red_dr4g0n94]

Maybe he got a critical roll or something. I mean, my 15 year old, not quite fighter guy was able to defeat an entire Mercenary company (though I never did say how many where part of it at the time) by himself. Of course, he was under the compulsion of a Demon, so that may have something to do with it...

I don't see anything WRONG with the idea persay, but you may want to just mention that he snuck up on the Minatour (downwind or something?) and was able to kill him by attacking him from behind. Or something.

[itches]

It could have already been wounded. Or it might have had the flu ... do mythical creatres get the flu?

[LeeCHeSSS]

They do get mummierot...

And killing a minotaur at 1st level is quite possible; luck is often with those who do not count on it.

Me and Paul once killed 4 nasty duergar when we were relatively low level in just 3 rounds - all a result of not counting on luck...

[Cadrius]

Is we go strictly by the rules is it possible? Yes, technically it is, but it's also bloody unlikely. Barring multiple critical misses on the minotaur's part, he's probably going to hit and doing 2d8+6 is fairly unpleasant. Heaven forbid he hits twice because then it's over for our hero.

I'm not arguing that it isn't theoretically possible. Instead I was merely suggesting that there are a few other ways one could go about killing it, preferably without having to deal with its reach or huge greataxe.

[CTrunks]

<.<

I'll be a Drow Priestess of Corellon Larethian. I actually have a better idea for this character...very awesome...involves lots of love...and chaos. It's perfect. =D

*finishes off a bottle of Windex and goes to work writing*

[itches]

I've got dibs on killing CT

[Gralhruk]

As far as the minotaur thing, I was just saying it was unlikely. Not impossible, just implausible.

And we only use PHB races. Sorry, no drow.

[itches]

I called dibs!

[CTrunks]

Curses...time to fall on Plan C...Half-Elf Sorcerer...

[itches]

Hi Arius. :)

[Arius]

Eh? Well, bless me for being an idiot if I haven't gone and forgotten me manners! Hello to you too... I'm just reading up on the story right now, before I decide on what sort of character to submit. Wouldn't want to turn up with something completely intrusive...

[CTrunks]

...holy hats made of ass, I sounded like an idiot way back when. And while I was gone, I discovered that the only race that I'm good at RPing as is a Dwarf. So, just throwing out ideas, are there any Dwarven Barbarians in the group? Because if there isn't, I'll fill that prestigious role...

[red_dr4g0n94]

Dwarven barbarian eh? Kinda unlikely combo, since dwarves tend towards the lawful spectrum of the alignment chart usually...

Well, I know the first thing you have to do: you have to give a background or something on him first, before we can evaluate it. I think it says that in the rules somewhere...

[itches]

What he said. How a Dwarf fell from civilisation can make an interesting tale.

[CTrunks]

Torgan Stonesmasher, Dwarf Bbn4

Torgan's past is one of hardship and sadness, and yet this hardship is what drives him in life. His original clan, Clan Ungart, was driven from their ancestral home by a clan of duergar when he was a 'young' twenty years old, forcing the 500 dwarves that had survived into the killing cold of the northlands. It was fate that his family and friends ran into a tribe of barbarians, ranging from human to halfling to a couple half-ogres. His clan found acceptance amongst those nomads, but many of the dwarves, trained to be disciplined in battle, could not fight alongside the more wild and voracious barbarians, and soon the clan left to find another dwarven community. All of them, that is, except Torgan Stonesmasher. His parents were obviously upset but knew they couldn't change his mind. As a final gift, Torgan's father gave him his waraxe and told him to one day seek them out...

...for the next thirty years, Torgan traveled across the northlands with his adopted clan, whose actual purpose was the destruction of the orc and goblin tribes that harrassed nearby villages. It was during one of these battles against a bugbear tribe that a second disaster struck, as a small tribe of ogres attacked the barbarian tribe from behind, catching the raging warriors offguard. The battle quickly became a massacre as Torgan's friends were felled, the bugbears and their allies outnumbering the barbarians four to one. Knowing that the fight was lost, Torgan did the only thing he could; he ran, the screams of his dying comrades ringing in his ears. Now alone, Torgan has begun to search for his clan, not knowing where they may have gone, but not caring either. He doesn't want to face his parents, but he knows that he can't stay in the north, where he would easily be singled out...

-End-

So, comments? Opinions? WTF's?

[red_dr4g0n94]

Certaintly different from the Dwarven norm. The fact that he WANTED to stay with the barbarians is interesting though.

What's his outlook on civilization for the most part? I know that some barbarians consider "civilized" folk little more than cattle, others actually care about their neighbors, most either aren't aware or don't give a damn about the more civilized folk. There are bound to be more views than that, and having come from a VERY structured dwarven community to a chaotic barbarian one is bound to affect one's view on things.

I ask cause your character has as much potential to be an ally as an enemy. :\

[CTrunks]

His view on civilization is more of the 'don't give a flying sack of shit' barbarian, because he never dealt with the civilized people that his tribe was protecting at the time. And while I didn't explain it in the backstory, he never liked the strict discipline that was enforced in dwarven society, so when it came to him joining a tribe of warriors that weren't concerned about discipline, he couldn't resist and stayed for that reason. After all, he respects the chaotic life more than the lawful style, and if he ever finds his clan, you can be sure he'll "train" a squad of barbarians, just to mock the lawful structure. Provided he finds them, of course.

Does that help any? ^.^

[Black Plauge]

A bit. Perhaps a synopsis of his personality would be in order though...

[CTrunks]

Torgan is...interesting, I suppose. In terms of personality, he's your stereotypical dwarf, minus all the caution when it comes to battle and the love of shiny things, with a slight anger problem (well, duh, he's a Barbarian) and a deep loathing of goblinoids and giants. He tolerates orcs and half-orcs (though he's suspicious of those whom he has never met), and doesn't mind the company of humans, elves (including half-elves), halflings and gnomes. Seeing as he hasn't seen any other dwarves in thirty years, he's afraid of how his kin might react when they see him. He isn't much for idle chatter, preferring to get right down to business, and dislikes talking about his past.


Good synopsis?

(Edited to remove those non-existant african-american elves)

[Gralhruk]

Imagine a world where nobody has ever seen a drow, and dark elves are just a rumour. Now imagine that same world minus the drow, where they are just a myth. Now imagaine a world where there aren't even any legends about drow. That's pretty much this world.

[CTrunks]

...oh, now see, that would have been useful information. Heh...time to edit some posts...

[red_dr4g0n94]

Well, I'll chime in first one this. I don't see anything wrong with Torgan, and his leaving of dwarven society is a rather interesting twist. I'm the new guy here, I'm still kinda learning the general ropes of the game, so I'm not terribly sure wether or not the other's think your character will fit or not.

I'll leave that up to them, but I'd be willing to give Torgan a try.

[Cadrius]

One important thing to remember: this isn't just about playing a character. When you take part in the game you're agreeing to be an equal partner in the maintenance and expansion of this world. Freeform can be beautiful, but it does require more work (and sometimes maturity) than your average game. I'm not attempting to discourage you from applying, I just wanted to make sure you understood what you're getting after.

Then again, most of our plot lines suck, so take my advice for what it's worth.

[itches]

Hey! The gnoll plot was brilliant!

[Gralhruk]

Was there a plot there? I thought it was just a series of random encounters.

More on topic, the game has been rather slow of late. To be perfectly honest, I'm a bit concerned that adding a new player right now might serve exacerbate the problem.

[CTrunks]

I always thought the entire plot of "Rock'em Sock'em Gnolls" was to rescue poor Cadrius (and Cadogen) from any 'activities' the Gnolls may have had planned.

Cadrius: ...seriously, I knew that I would probably have to contribute to the plot, otherwise I would have never bothered to show interest. Or something.

Gralhruk: No idea what exacerbate means, but I think I'm insulted...

[Gralhruk]

No insult intended (plus, you spelled my name right so that earns you bonus points). All I was trying to say was that the general trend seems to be:

more players = slower game

And we're moving pretty slowly right now.

[CTrunks]

Well, it IS pretty darn slow right now, isn't it? But hey, who knows, a new face might help? It probably won't, but I'm optimistic, so nyah.

[Cadrius]

...seriously, I knew that I would probably have to contribute to the plot, otherwise I would have never bothered to show interest. Or something.

Some people who have played in this game haven't understood that. We've deviated from what this game originally was: chaos. Every man and woman was for themselves and their plot, and screwing others seemed almost encouraged. From those ashes we've got a cooperative thing going on. Some don't work well with that, some do. I just wanted to make certain you knew what we're about here.

Let me reread your dwarf's background, I might have a few friendly suggestions.

[CTrunks]

Suggestions are definitely welcome...I'm always looking for advice on how to improve. ^.^

[Cadrius]

...for the next thirty years, Torgan traveled across the northlands with his adopted clan, whose actual purpose was the destruction of the orc and goblin tribes that harrassed nearby villages.

He spent thirty years fighting orcs and goblins and is only level four? You might want to reign in the sheer amount of time he's spent with these people. It needn't be too short, but thirty years of combat is a long time and one would imagine he'd be far more experienced.

It was during one of these battles against a bugbear tribe that a second disaster struck, as a small tribe of ogres attacked the barbarian tribe from behind, catching the raging warriors offguard.

Here's a hook if I've ever seen one. Why did the ogres catch them unawares? They aren't exactly known for their tactical minds, so how did they manage a flanking maneuver? Could someone have been pulling the strings? Could the barbarians, in their chaotic way, have finally started to do a little damage on the population? Something to consider.

Torgan did the only thing he could; he ran, the screams of his dying comrades ringing in his ears.

So his solution is to flee from things when they become difficult? I'm trying to get a feel for this dwarf's personality and approach to life. Clearly he ran because they were routed, but afterward he decides to go look for his old clan instead of seeking out another barbaric tribe?

He doesn't want to face his parents, but he knows that he can't stay in the north, where he would easily be singled out...

Easily singled out? By who? Or is it that he's alone in the north and thus doesn't have the safety of numbers?

His view on civilization is more of the 'don't give a flying sack of ' barbarian, because he never dealt with the civilized people that his tribe was protecting at the time.

Here's my biggest worry. It's very, very difficult to pull off the barbarian who doesn't care about society without straying into the realm of Extreme Annoyance. If you want to play that angle, I wouldn't stop you, but these abrasive kinds of characters require a very fine touch to avoid irritating the rest of the players.

he never liked the strict discipline that was enforced in dwarven society, so when it came to him joining a tribe of warriors that weren't concerned about discipline, he couldn't resist and stayed for that reason.

Did they really lack discipline? Is that the word you want? If so, they would've been slaughtered long before the ogres took them in the rear (oh, that sounds dirty). I would imagine that while they might be wild, their actual fighting would be anything but undisciplined. They might not march in formation, but something tells me they had more in their playbook than "Charge!"

So it's really their philosophy that appeals to him. It's the fact that they live under the open sky, are closer to nature, and most importantly, are all free men. We haven't dealt much with dwarven society, so this is rather unfamiliar ground, but I could imagine them having a very rigid civilization (with perhaps even castes).

you can be sure he'll "train" a squad of barbarians, just to mock the lawful structure. Provided he finds them, of course.

Well, that all depends on how we eventually deal with typical dwarves. If it is indeed a caste society, I think you'd be very hard pressed to find enough chaotic dwarves to form a squad. Although I could see one or two rare kindred spirits.

Torgan is...interesting, I suppose. In terms of personality, he's your stereotypical dwarf, minus all the caution when it comes to battle and the love of shiny things, with a slight anger problem

This is fine, sort of, except he isn't your stereotypical dwarf. Chaotic is more than just rebelling, it's an entirely different outlook. The lawful dwarves, obviously, respect law and order (and not the tv show, but I bet they'd like that too). Those they hold in high honor would be the ones who sacrifice their life to save others. This isn't to say that the chaotic tribes would disdain such things, but I imagine they'd love the warrior who falls to save his tribe for his bravery and courage, not for saving the many over the few. But perhaps I'm wrong.

If you're going to push this chaotic dwarf, really make him unique. He lived with barbarians roaming the cold plains of the north. That's something most dwarves probably aren't down with. What if he loves nature? What if he loves sleeping under the stars? What if he doesn't like being in caves? Or even in enclosed areas? I want to hear more about what he likes and dislikes. What he thinks about things in life. We know he doesn't like goblins or talking about his past. How much experience has he had with other races? Ever met an elf? What about religion? What's his favorite food? Favorite song? Favorite tale? What's his weakness, his soft spot? I'm not speaking physically, but emotionally.

Obviously you don't need to explore every minute detail of him, that's part of the fun in freeform: the discovery. Yet if you can answer a few of those, it might add volumes to his personality.

He isn't much for idle chatter, preferring to get right down to business, and dislikes talking about his past.

I like the no nonsense thing, but remember our game can move a bit slowly at times. If he's not much of a chatter, it could make things a little dull for you.

Seeing as he hasn't seen any other dwarves in thirty years, he's afraid of how his kin might react when they see him.

What's the compulsion for seeing them again? Does he really want to return to that strict society? If you stick with thirty years, that's a long time, even for a dwarf. Would others even remember him? Would his parents even recognize the grizzled, unkempt barbarian before them? Just some things to consider.

Anyway, this was just what came to me as I went over his background. Take it for what it's worth.

[itches]

He spent thirty years fighting orcs and goblins and is only level four? You might want to reign in the sheer amount of time he's spent with these people. It needn't be too short, but thirty years of combat is a long time and one would imagine he'd be far more experienced.

It rounds out at about 5 years of fighting, and 25 years of heavy drinking. And I stopped reading when I realised how long the post was, and that it didn't relate to me in anyway, so I have nothing constructive to add.

Well maybe one thing.
http://www.prosperitysecrets.com/products/constructive.jpg

[Gralhruk]

As usual, Cadrius asks questions that are difficult to answer. The stuff he asked me about the character I submitted to his game had me scratching my head for a few days.

My own concern is dwarves in general. We haven't really explored them at all (not even from the rear). Quite honestly, I started the game playing a dwarven barbarian and I think that's the only mention of dwarves we ever had in the game.

Anyway, without getting into a huge rant on what I dislike, I much prefer the dwaven personality portrayed by J.R.R. Tolkien (think Gimli from the books, not the movies) to the standard drunk, pick a fight, loud mouth that seems all too common in D&D.

[Gralhruk]

Oh, and the other thing is accents. I don't expect dwarves to be speaking the king's english, but they aren't freaking leprachauns either.

Ah cannae staun ta see a fookin' brogue oan every blootered dwarf oot there.

[Cadrius]

Blootered?

Cadrius: asking the hard-hitting questions since 2004.

[Gralhruk]

I think it has something to do with their behinds.

[CTrunks]

Hmmm...I've read the points that Cadrius brought up, and I think I'm going to change Torgan from a Barbarian to a Cleric. I have to admit, I'm using THREE dwarf barbarians in three seperate games already, so I'm going to try something new.

[itches]

We haven't really explored them at all (not even from the rear).

I move to have that remark stricken from the record.

[Black Plauge]

Your just jealous that you didn't think of it first.

[Cadrius]

Hmmm...I've read the points that Cadrius brought up, and I think I'm going to change Torgan from a Barbarian to a Cleric. I have to admit, I'm using THREE dwarf barbarians in three seperate games already, so I'm going to try something new.

And will be we be seeing the new and improved background?

As an aside, my intent wasn't to discourage the dwarven barbarian concept; I merely wanted to help explore Torgan's personality further.

In other news: Torgan Stonesmasher's name seems all too much like my own dwarf Jordan Shaleshaper. Maybe it's mandatory for all dwarves to have "or" in their first name and something involving rocks or weapons in their last.

[Gralhruk]

Mavikk Ironheart, my own sentimental dwarven rogue.

[Cadrius]

A dwarven rogue? Well he doesn't count. Everyone knows rogues can't be dwarves.

[itches]

Gral, of all the characters you've played, can you count the non-rogues on one hand?

[Gralhruk]

Rina! Rina isn't a rogue!

Even though I thought she was.

[Jade Sabre]

*poor newbie looks around in confusion*
Maybe if I read the storyline I'd know what was going on...oh, well, why bother? This thread is hilarious enough.:yum: but I'll go read the story anyway.

[Black Plauge]

If you can figure out the storyline, you'll be a step up on the rest of us here.

[Gralhruk]

*poor newbie looks around in confusion*
Actually, reading the story isn't a bad idea. Chapter 1 is very different than the other chapters though, so keep that in mind while reading. Things are alot less chaotic these days than they were back in the beginning.

And if you are curious about how this game works (as you seem to be, judging by your question in the Uncognative Cackling forum), you've come to the right place. You are in luck, because I just finished revising the game rules (and the rest of you all thought I was crazy).

Start here (http://www.online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1385). That should give you an idea about how the game is run. Reading the story with those rules in mind help you understand how things work. If you have any questions, post them here.

[CTrunks]

Alright, I'm finally on a stable computer that doesn't have Microsoft Word, which means I lost everything I had for a revised Torgan. So, I'm going to change my idea and go with a...half-elf cleric. Expect something awesome and such this month. o.o;

[Black Plauge]

Bets on how many ideas CT will go through before settling on a character? He's on his third now...

[CTrunks]

...hush, you. Despite my lack of pointing it out, I was kidding. I'm still going with a dwarf barbarian...I just need to redo everything.:?

[Gralhruk]

I need to know some things about 3.0, seeing as it's the only accepted style
I don't have aim but if you have specific 3.0 questions, just ask. In the meantime, here is a link (http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/) to some online SRDs. They have both 3.0 and 3.5.

Edit: There was a post that I was responding to. It was here a minute ago. Really.

[itches]

I saw it too, can you detect it's presence with your foul moderator powers?

Oh, and this (http://srd.pbemnexus.com/home.html) is the site I prefer, due to the html.

[CTrunks]

I was going to try and use the rules in the NWN (Neverwinter Nights) manual, but the SRD works, too. Thanks...

...and, uh, about that post. A high-level wizard did it.

[Gralhruk]

Oh, and this is the site I prefer, due to the html.
Very nice, except that he wants the 3.0 reference document. The site I linked has a number of SRD compilations for both 3.0 and 3.5. Additionally, if you had bothered to check, you would have noticed that some are downloadable, some are online, and some are both.

[itches]

Feck.

I too blame the wizard!

[Gralhruk]

Damn wizards and their secret Citadels!

[CTrunks]

And don't forgot those wizards who live in their towers, creating new undead creatures to throw at hapless adventurers who simply wanted to get a bottle of frickin' milk...

[itches]

I'm suddenly sized by a strange urge to take and post a picture the milk in our fridge.

[Cadrius]

Another good thing to keep in mind is that half of us don't really pay attention to the details and intricacies of the rules. Hell, the only time I touch Cadrius's sheet is when I need to level or update his equipment, that's it. The rest I just feel out and try to play as honestly to the situation as I can.

My point? Don't get too bogged down in the 3.0 rules. Focus more on the story and the RP and you'll be fine.

[CTrunks]

OK, new and improved Torgan...it isn't as "good" as the old one, but I actually like it more than I did the original.
Torgan Stonesmasher, Dwarf Bbn3/Clr1

Personality: Torgan is a wild, somewhat uncontrollable warrior. He hasn't had much contact with the other races, with the sole exception of gnomes, so he is wary and suspicious of pretty much everyone. He downright doesn't trust half-orcs, though he can work with them, and will gladly smash the skull of an orc, goblin or giant in without a second thought. However, he also has a peaceful side, preferring the open road over the cramped confines of the caves, and claims his wanderlust is a blessing from his deity, Hanseath.

History: Torgan is not what one would call a normal dwarf. At a young age, he was more violent than most, storming around the halls of Boulderstarg and generally raising a real stink. By the age of thirty, his parents were fed up and could only hope that time spent with the disciplined dwarf commanders. However, in a stark contrast to all those dwarves who were similarily being trained, he simply did not take to it. Compared to those who had spent their lives following rigid order, keeping themselves in battle formations that usually cause orcs, goblins and giants to wet their pants in fear, Torgan was still extremely volatile, throwing himself headlong into enemy ranks with his axe swinging, often hitting friends and foes alike. The clerics of Hanseath, dwarven god of festivities (drinking) and war grew interested in the young barbarian and drew him into their ranks, possibly turning him into an even more dangerous warrior than before. After one incident where he nearly decapitated one of his closest friends in his barbarian rage, the King of Boulderstarg exiled him. Not overly shocked, and looking for a reason to explore the surface (hopefully killing giants as he went), Torgan packed up his gear and set out into the surface realm...

[CTrunks]

*notices the zombies shuffling through the topic*

o.o; Weird...

[Cadrius]

I have some thoughts on your background again, but I'm a bit strapped for time at the moment. I hope to hook you up with some, hopefully, helpful comments today or tonight.

[Black Plauge]

It looks okay, I just wonder about the whole distrust of half-orcs thing considering we already have a half-orc in the game.

[Gralhruk]

I'm more concerned about the "hitting friends and foes alike" thing. Doesn't sound like the kind of guy anyone wants to be around.

[red_dr4g0n94]

Yeah, I've been busy lately too, but I got some time now so I'll give you my thoughts on it. I have two major qualms with this "revised" version of Torgan.

First off, his personality is really against organized teamwork of any kind. Granted most of our characters here aren't necessarily inclined to work together for the most part, they've mostly managed to find various reasons to work together. This Torgan is, quite frankly, more inclined to kill his teamates rather than work with them.

To put it quite frankly, this guy is too much barbarian and not enough dwarf.

And his background is kind of lackluster IMHO. For a generic dwarven barbarian (if you could ever have one of those) his background would be fairly sufficient. I'd probably even okay it for a game that was just getting started. But for this game, I'd say his previous background was better.

Really, you didn't need to change the character last time, so much as alter or add a few things in his background and personality. Other than those few minor things, it was actually fairly good. This new one isn't quite up to par IMO.

[Cadrius]

Okay, here are my thoughts in their typical long-winded and self-important format.

OK, new and improved Torgan...it isn't as "good" as the old one, but I actually like it more than I did the original.

I suppose that's fine as long as you're happy, but don't simply scrap a concept simply because some of it requires work to fit in.

Personality: Torgan is a wild, somewhat uncontrollable warrior. He hasn't had much contact with the other races, with the sole exception of gnomes...He downright doesn't trust half-orcs, though he can work with them, and will gladly smash the skull of an orc, goblin or giant in without a second thought.

My first, and most obvious question, is why? You start of by saying he hasn't had much contact with other races but especially distrusts half-orcs. Why? And why is he happy to work over the other goblinoid and giantkin? Was his home under constant threat? Did a half-orc interloper betray their trust? Having strong opinions about the various races isn't a problem, I'm just seeking motivation for them.

However, he also has a peaceful side, preferring the open road over the cramped confines of the caves, and claims his wanderlust is a blessing from his deity, Hanseath.

This much works reasonably well. A dwarf who actually likes the road runs fairly well against the typical grain of "Oy! I likes me dank caves!" (Editor's note: Ew.) Yet my questions stem once more to motivation. Why does he have this wanderlust? Was it actually given to him by Hanseath? Or is it simply an odd quirk? To build on those questions, how does travelling satisfy his wanderlust? Yes, he wants to walk down the road, but what gives him satisfaction from doing so? Does he like seeing foreign lands? Does he like meeting new people? If the latter is true, consider amending his suspicions of "pretty much everyone."

What does he think of Hanseath? The priests? Is he particularly religious? Does he have any rituals?

Torgan was still extremely volatile, throwing himself headlong into enemy ranks with his axe swinging, often hitting friends and foes alike.

Question: why would a military system based on order, from a society that's lawful no less, allow for a soldier to behave like this more than once? Unless the dwarves were in dire peril, I imagine they would outright ban any man from the field if there was a risk of him attacking his own. Yes, the clerics were interested in him, great, but consider exploring what happened in between his first fight and when they took him under his wing. Was he locked up for a time? I doubt dwarves would take the assault of a fellow soldier lightly.

After one incident where he nearly decapitated one of his closest friends in his barbarian rage, the King of Boulderstarg exiled him.

See above. How would they allow him anywhere near a military unit? If he was a member of a small group used as shock troopers I might buy it. Even then, if there's a risk of each member flipping out and attacking the others, wouldn't they send him on solo missions?

Not overly shocked, and looking for a reason to explore the surface (hopefully killing giants as he went), Torgan packed up his gear and set out into the surface realm...

Not overly shocked? Didn't he care he nearly killed one of his closest friends? More over, who are his closest friends? He seems quite difficult to befriend given that he's notoriously violent and can fall into a blind rage.

Killing giants along the way? That's wishful thinking, right?

In summation, I think Torgan has potential but needs some tweaking and some thought to make him work. I concur with the sentiments that he seems
too volitile to work with others. Some friction is great, too much is a hassle. Coming in and being overly belligerent against, say, half-orcs is a great way for the rest of the party to not accept him.

My suggestions are to go back and really think out the motivation for his actions and his personality traits. Consider moderation when it comes to his flaws and try to enhance his virtues. Try making him someone that others would risk their lives to be around. He needn't be a paragon of virtue, but he does need some sort of draw. Torgan doesn't have to be cuddly, but he does have to be at least partially malleable.

Oh, and no randomly attacking others, not without a great plot reason.

Edit: fixed a missing tag.

[CTrunks]

o.o Remember me telling Plague to hush up about no more ideas? Yeah, well...to be honest, I have three different dwarf barbarians running in three different settings off of here, and since it's basically the same idea on all sides, I'm going to go for something interesting and fun. Something that you guys don't have.

...no, not a bunny. Hush. That's right, I'm going to be...a half-elf psychic warrior! A character that I've never, EVER tried. EVER. Because I (still) don't know fecal matter about psionics.

EDIT: Forgot something...hold on...

(Kidding, I wouldn't change ideas AGAIN...that's just cruel, inhumane, evil and downright stupid. Besides, psionics is so complicated...I mean, come ON.)

[Cadrius]

Okay, here's the deal: pick a concept and stick with it. This is the second time I've thought over your character proposal, posted my thoughts to help you out, and then see you bail in lieu of another idea. So helping you with these previous dwarves has really been nothing more than a waste of time. Everyone knows I love to hear myself talk, or in this case see myself write, but I'm really not doing this for my own benefit here.

So if you want this psychic concept, great. Go for it. Yet stick to it. Don't have us post a critique of him or her only to have you swap out for yet another idea.

[Gralhruk]

*waits for CTrunks to change his character again*

[CTrunks]

<.<
>.>

Well, now that you mention it...

*runs like hell*

[CTrunks]

OK, I did more work on Torgan...and, well, just look at it.

Torgan Stonesmasher, Dwarf Bbn2/Rgr2

Personality: Torgan is a wild, somewhat uncontrollable warrior. He is surprisingly neutral about half-orcs, though how they were raised definitely carries weight in his opinions; half-orcs raised in humanity are simply odd-looking, while half-orcs raised by their orcish parents are viewed in the same light as their full-blooded parents. He doesn't have a real opinion of humans, finding that they're so diverse that they can be really effin' annoying, elves need to pull their heads out of various anal orifices, halflings are too nosy for their own goods and half-elves share the bad traits that their parents have. He gets along relatively well with gnomes, as his family spent most of their time using gnomes as traders for the items they crafted, and is naturally friendly with other dwarves. In terms of his attitude about life, Torgan prefers the great outdoors instead of being in some stupid cave where he'd probably end up buried under a good couple hundred pounds of rock, saying that his spirit can actually soar in the sky instead of "smackin' headfirst into the durned ceiling."

History: Born in the grand halls of Boulderstarg, one of the richest dwarven kingdoms in recent memory, Torgan was always as tough as the mithral his people mined, both physically and mentally. When he was twenty-five, he walked into one of the taverns in the kingdom, a rustic place called the Rusted Anvil, and proceeded to start one of the rowdiest fights that any of the taverns had ever seen. By the time it was over, two hundred dwarves had been laid out, with Torgan being one of the last ones to be dropped. For his amazing ability to start such a reckless brawl, he spent several weeks in lockdown, nursing a swollen eye, a broken nose and a pair of very sore fists. Of course, this only made him want to fight even more, and so the day he was released, he applied to join the kingdom's army. The current monarch, King Traubon Ungart, agreed, but only after making Torgan promise that he would keep a clear, level head. Reluctantly, he agreed, and began his training.

Long story short, nothing interesting happened except that he spent more time exploring the caves than actually learning battle formations and strategies. The

Thirty years later, his next 'stupid act of violence' occured, and is probably the one that will go down in Boulderstarg history as the bloodiest battle ever. During an attack by a raiding band of bugbears, Torgan was 'lucky' enough to see two of his kin get struck down by a particularily large and nasty specimen of goblinoid. Enraged, he snapped and tore into the enemy ranks, his vision literally blurred with a red fog. By the time he snapped out of it, several other dwarves sat with large, open wounds caused by a very large axe. Once again, Torgan was dragged into prison again and left to consider what had happened during the conflict. A week later, he was released and promptly set onto the surface road outside of Boulderstarg, with one of the soldiers telling him never to return. Horrified, Torgan spent time near the entrance, but eventually realized that they were serious and, shaken beyond belief, he wandered into the wilds...

[Shadowfane]

Hey there,

I'm very tempted to write a character and background and see if I can join in, but just a couple quick questions (sorry, I always seem to do this...)

1. The character creation post says characters have to be one level below the lowest posting character. Is that currently fourth? It'd be handy to know before I write a character up.. :)

2. Am thinking about an elf character, aint played one for ages... Any objections to drow on the run, or am I best sticking to standard elf? (I have to ask, dark elves are my favourite elves...)

Cheers!

(ps, been reading through the stuff, not all of it, would need to take months off for that, but the stuff I've seen is great!)

(pps. although flattery is supposed to get you everywhere, I am fairly certain it wont get me into the game, so rest assurred that the above is genuine ;) )

[Shadowfane]

Ooops, just read page 5 of this thread, about the "no drow!" bit.... standard elf it is then.....

[Gralhruk]

Hello, and fourth level it is. As far as class and race, we stick to the 3.0 PHB. Well, actually, as far as pretty much everything we stick to the 3.0 PHB.

[Shadowfane]

Fair enough, I'll get back to you probably tomorrow with character and background. Posted on here first, that right?

[Black Plauge]

Yes.

[Shadowfane]

Ok, first draft background.... Feel free to rip to shreds (I know you'll want to... :) )

Surayon Lauthelias - Ranger 4th level

Surayon Lauthelias was born in the reclusive forest village of Blackwood, a largely self-sufficient elven settlement. Growing up slowly in the elven manner, she was encouraged to find that place that best suited her temperament, and discovered a deep love of the forest and nature in general. Hoping to become a druid, she was tested, but found unsuited for the role. Disappointed, but undeterred, she instead became a hunter and pretector of the village, a position accorded much respect. Her love for the forest continued to grow, and in her free time spent hours exploring the forest, sharing in its secrets and finding spots of incredible natural beauty. One day, some six months after her 74th birth-date, Surayon was asked by the head ranger to check the outlying borders and trap lines. Surayon set off, but stopped on the way at her favourite glade for a few hours. When she finally arrived at the borders, she discovered signs that a substantial force had crossed into the forest just an hour previously. Filled with fear, she raced back to her village to discover it burning, a gutted ruin. Horror and rage consumed her as she stumbled from body to body, realising that her lapse in discipline had cost her her home, her friends and her family.
Although she had never been particularly religious, in that moment she rejected all gods, seeing tham as sadistic, capricious and cruel, forcing evryone she knew to pay the price for her mistake. Swearing revenge against the men who did this, she set out to hunt them down...

1 year later, and Surayon, whilst having tracked down and killed most of the raiders, is no closer to discovering who ordered the massacre of her home. Previously filled with both hatred and self-loathing, she has slowly become more and more detached from her emotions, a sense of tired self-hatred suffusing her life. Nowadays, she only feels truly alive in life or death situations, and though she realises that this leads down a road to becoming little more than a killer, her own sense of guilt drives her on her obsessive quest...

(hows that?)

[itches]

*whispers to the other players and looks at Shadowfane*

[Gralhruk]

Works for me. The only comment I have is on gods. If she was never particularly religious, why blame the gods for this massacre? It doesn't seem to follow. Not to mention, rangers cast divine spells which at least implies some sort of relationship with gods.

[itches]

Druids cast divine spells too, and I was always of the impression that Rangers got their spells from that regard.

[Shadowfane]

I wasn't actually planning on using any of the spells, i just think the ranger class works best... And even in the real world, people who have no particular views on god can change suddenly and violently because of a tragedy... why should roleplay be any different?

[Gralhruk]

*shrug*

It's not out of the realm of possibility. I was just saying it doesn't seem to follow from the other information in the background.

[Shadowfane]

Hmmmmm....... ok, fair point :) Well, in that case.... in response to both points, I could play her as a fighter, and head towards a ranger-type character with no spells, thus sorting out the divine spells thing. Also, i guess that the more time, she spent exploring the forest, the more she gradually came to believe in the presence of something greater. Hmmmm, that'd also make the massacre and subsequent hatred of said gods even more of a blow...

[Gralhruk]

Well, no reason to abandon the ranger concept - and no reason not to acquire spells either. The PHB says that even clerics don't need to worship a god, so long as they worship some ideal. So in that sense, there isn't really any conflict.

Let me expand my thought a bit. Strong hatred is usually a sign of strong feelings. Since she doesn't have strong feelings towards the gods it seems odd for her to suddenly develop such a strong hatred of them. Maybe there is a reason she decides to blame the gods and you just haven't shared it. Or maybe there is no real reason. That's fine too. It was just an observation intended as food for thought.

On the other hand, if she did believe strongly in a god and then felt like that god had betrayed her devotion . . . well, suddenly the hatred is a lot more plausible. Also interesting: when it comes time for her to be casting spells are they powered by her seemingly cast off diety or by her own new found ideals?

Edit: Just wanted to say that this is not intended as an edict that you change your character. It's more just discussion to help you figure out who your character is. And I'm not implying you need help :). I'm just trying to be helpful.

[Shadowfane]

Hmmmmmm...... ok, I see your point. Mind if I go away for a day or so and think about it? Maybe come up with background 2.0 :)

[Gralhruk]

No problem.

[Gralhruk]

Oh, and before you get started on the new version you might want to check back and see if Cadrius has any comments. He is very good at finding thought provoking questions to ask you about your background.

*notes the Cadrius ego swelling like a hot air balloon*

Down boy, DOWN!

[itches]

Now that's just disturbing.

[Cadrius]

I have arrived.

Hoping to become a druid, she was tested, but found unsuited for the role. Disappointed, but undeterred, she instead became a hunter and pretector of the village, a position accorded much respect.

Who were these druids? How important was it for her to become one. She loves nature, clearly, but why the path of the druid? What is it about the forest that makes her want to dedicate her life, setting aside personal feelings and goals, so that it might be preserved? Does she currently view her role as a ranger as a second choice? Does she still wish she had passed? In other words, does she have some sort of angst about where she ended up? Does she think the druids were blind for rejecting her?

Although she had never been particularly religious, in that moment she rejected all gods, seeing tham as sadistic, capricious and cruel, forcing evryone she knew to pay the price for her mistake.

Does she truly hold them accountable? Or is this just a defense mechanism because deep down, she knows that it's her and only her that bears the accountability. Dallying in the glade indirectly killed everyone she knew and loved. Admittedly even if she had discovered them there would've been little or no time to rally defenders and have the non-warriors flee to safety. Still, I'm curious what her motivation is about it.

Swearing revenge against the men who did this, she set out to hunt them down...1 year later, and Surayon, whilst having tracked down and killed most of the raiders, is no closer to discovering who ordered the massacre of her home.

How did she do this? I'm not interested in a rationalization of how a single elf killed all these brigands, instead I'm more curious as to her methods. It can tell an awful lot about the character. Did she seek help from other elves? Did she stalk them through cities, killing them individually in back alleys? Did she pose in a brothel nearby and slit their throats in the bedchambers? Did she hire other mercenaries to help deliver vengeance? How she handled this defines who she is as a character.

Out of curiosity, how did she not learn anything about who attacked her home? Was there a more sinister motive than simple rape and plunder? Who would bear a grudge against a simple self-sufficient elven community?

Nowadays, she only feels truly alive in life or death situations, and though she realises that this leads down a road to becoming little more than a killer, her own sense of guilt drives her on her obsessive quest...

A suitably dark hero. Here's a question: she only feels alive in life or death situations, yes? How does she feel out of them? Guilt drives her, so how does she feel then?

All in all, an interesting character. I'm curious to see where this all goes.

[itches]

Times like this I'm glad I never had to apply and subject Nicos to Cadrius' grillings. Though with Cadrius supplying the good character feedback, and left only with the responsibility of making glib remarks. :)

[Gralhruk]

does she have some sort of angst
I think if you are applying to this game, you damn well better make sure your character has some Angst (yes, that's a capital "a") :).

[Cadrius]

Times like this I'm glad I never had to apply and subject Nicos to Cadrius' grillings.

I honestly don't mean to grill. I just like to be thorough when it comes to the questions that spring to mind. Now, if only I subjected myself to the same rigors...

[red_dr4g0n94]

A hint to any and all future Newbies: You don't have to feel obligated to take all those questions Cadrius just made and answer them in your background. Actually, IMO, it's probably better if you don't, or if you only answer the most serious one. That way we can avoid another fiasco like CTrunks and you'll have some nice RPing to put in your post before oyu actually hook up with the party (Like me).

If you DO want to answer those questions though, and if we eventually accept you in, you can always bear those questions in mind and answer them all at once or one by one or however in your posts.

Just my 2 cents.

[Shadowfane]

Whoa, I come on for 5 minutes and everyones posted.... Scary... Ok, will take everyones comments on board, but probably wont answer more than one or two of Cadrius's Q's, as it'd be nice to explore some of those things at a later date

[Shadowfane]

Ok, the questions I'm going to answer...



[Does she truly hold them accountable? Or is this just a defense mechanism because deep down, she knows that it's her and only her that bears the accountability. Dallying in the glade indirectly killed everyone she knew and loved. Admittedly even if she had discovered them there would've been little or no time to rally defenders and have the non-warriors flee to safety. Still, I'm curious what her motivation is about it.]

She didn't really hold the Gods accountable at first, it was just denial about her own accountability, she needed it to not be her fault and that was the first thing she could seize on (That could also account for why she could go from not having a strong feelings about the gods to hating them with a passion - denials a powerful thing). As time went by, she slowly started believing it, until now, although she unconsciously knows it was her fault, she blames it on the gods anyway


[How did she do this? I'm not interested in a rationalization of how a single elf killed all these brigands, instead I'm more curious as to her methods. It can tell an awful lot about the character. Did she seek help from other elves? Did she stalk them through cities, killing them individually in back alleys? Did she pose in a brothel nearby and slit their throats in the bedchambers? Did she hire other mercenaries to help deliver vengeance? How she handled this defines who she is as a character.]

Stalking the bandits over a period of months - traps in the forest, an arrow from the dark, waylaying one by one in a city - makes more sense from both a training and practical point of view, plus it can start the downward slide from vengeance and hot-blooded justice to pure cold-blooded murder...

[Out of curiosity, how did she not learn anything about who attacked her home? Was there a more sinister motive than simple rape and plunder? Who would bear a grudge against a simple self-sufficient elven community?]

She doesnt know why it was done. Thats the whole point. She's punished the ones directly responsible but has no idea who gave the order or why, andit eats at her every day (plus it gives me something to explore through RP later on)

[A suitably dark hero. Here's a question: she only feels alive in life or death situations, yes? How does she feel out of them? Guilt drives her, so how does she feel then?]

Empty. I think thats the best word to describe it - feeling very little but guilt and self-loathing.

[itches]

She doesnt know why it was done. Thats the whole point. She's punished the ones directly responsible but has no idea who gave the order or why, andit eats at her every day (plus it gives me something to explore through RP later on)

But how did she know who they were? Were they still hanging around the village when she made it back? Or did she have to follow up clues she found at the scene? Like, one of them having a wooden leg, or something less pirate like?

Stuff like this doesn’t need to be answered now (or at all really), it’s just stuff to keep in mind. Even if you do have the answers to the really good stuff, you may want to keep it to yourself until you’re willing to reveal it later In-Game.

[Shadowfane]

Well, to be perfectly honest, I kinda assumed that she followed tracks, given she's supposed to be a hunter/ranger and all... :)

[Gralhruk]

I honestly don't mean to grill. I just like to be thorough when it comes to the questions that spring to mind.
I really do think you come up with some great questions about the "whys" in a background. Even if you don't answer them all, they definitely push you to think about who your character is. Honestly, it helped me immensely with Aleina and Rina.

[itches]

Well, to be perfectly honest, I kinda assumed that she followed tracks, given she's supposed to be a hunter/ranger and all... :)
I move to have my brain fart stricken from the record!

[Gralhruk]

If you strike it down it will become more powerful than you can imagine.

[itches]

Yeah, it'll hang around as a ghost long enough to provide some exposition, and advice no one will take.

[Gralhruk]

Yes, but it will continue to get royalties.

[itches]

http://www.brown.edu/Athletics/Fencing/songs/touche.jpg

[Shadowfane]

So, any other queries, questions, comments, etc etc? :)

[Gralhruk]

Plenty, but none related to your character ;).

For my part, I'd say post a character sheet in this thread so we can give it a once over.

[Shadowfane]

Ok, will do, will be a day or so, I won't have access to the internet for a couple days now... :evolved:

[Cadrius]

Interestingly enough, I don't think any of my questions ever actually need a direct response. They're just things that sprang to mind while reading it. I figure if they manage to find their way through my ultra-dense skull, then they might occur to others as well. So rather than answering for me, consider them yourself and answer/discard them as you will when it comes to writing the background or considering the character as a person. That's all.

Or answer them for me if you feel like typing it all out. Let's see the sheet and a completed background when you get access again.

[Shadowfane]

Ok, one character sheet plus updated background... Please make sure my character stats are right, im not entirely certain how many points ive spent on the attributes (got confused as to whether racial changes are made before or after buying values...)

Surayon Lauthelias was born in the reclusive forest village of Blackwood, a largely self-sufficient elven settlement. Growing up slowly in the elven manner, she was encouraged to find that place that best suited her temperament, and discovered a deep love of the forest and nature in general. Hoping to become a druid, she was tested, but found unsuited for the role. Disappointed, but undeterred, she instead became a hunter and pretector of the village, a position accorded much respect. Her love for the forest continued to grow, and in her free time spent hours exploring the forest, sharing in its secrets and finding spots of incredible natural beauty, slowly beginning to realise that the forest itself was a living thing. One day, some six months after her 74th birth-date, Surayon was asked by the head ranger to check the outlying borders and trap lines. Surayon set off, but stopped on the way at her favourite glade for a few hours, figuring that a delay wouldnt make any difference. When she finally arrived at the borders, she discovered signs that a substantial force had crossed into the forest just an hour previously. Filled with fear, she raced back to her village to discover it burning, a gutted ruin. Horror and rage consumed her as she stumbled from body to body, realising that her lapse in discipline had cost her her home, her friends and her family. Desperate for someone, anyone, to blame but herself, she came to the temple in the middle of the settlement, a building that still, miraculously still stood, charred but otherwise untouched. A wild rage filled her. How dare the gods allow all these people, her family, her friends, her whole life, to die simply because she had tarried for an hour or two in her favourite glade? In fury, she finished the job the raiders began, torching the temple till nothing remained. Although she knew that in reality she bore the blame for this destruction, she denied that knowledge, choosing instead to blame the gods as cruel, sadistic tyrants.
Although she had never been particularly religious, in that moment she rejected all gods, seeing tham as sadistic, capricious and cruel, forcing evryone she knew to pay the price for her mistake. Swearing revenge against the men who did this, she set out to hunt them down...
Over the course of the next year, the bandits who had destroyed her home began to die; some from traps set in forests, others from an arrow that knifed in from the dark night, still others waylayed in alleys and butchered. Although Surayon began the hunt filled with rage and a need for vengeace, the passion slowly died away until she was cold-bloodedly planning murder.

1 year later, and Surayon, whilst having tracked down and killed most of the raiders, is no closer to discovering who ordered the massacre of her home. Previously filled with both hatred and self-loathing, she has slowly become more and more detached from her emotions, a sense of tired self-hatred suffusing her life. Nowadays, she only feels truly alive in life or death situations, and though she realises that this leads down a road to becoming little more than a killer, her own sense of guilt drives her on her obsessive quest...

will put character on next post..

[Shadowfane]

Name: Surayon Lauthelias
Class: Ranger
Level: 4th
Race: Elf
Size: M
Age: 75
Gender: Female
Height: 5'6"

Str: 14(+2) Dex: 17(+3) Con: 10 Int: 13(+1) Wis: 13(+1) Cha: 10

Hit points: 32
Saving throws: Fort: +4 Ref: +4 (level + dex) Will: +2 (level +wis)
Armour class: 16 (10 +3 dex +3 armour)
Attacks:
Melee: Total Att Bon: +4/+4 (+4 base +2 str -2 for two weapons)
Ranged: +7 (+5/+5 when using rapid shot) - +4 base +3 dex
(+8 and +6/+6 respectively when within 30ft)
Speed: 30ft
Initiative: +3
Languages: Elven, Common, Slyvan
weapons
longsword: 1d8 +2 damage, crit 19/20, x2, slashing (left hand)
shortsword: 1d6 +1 damage, crit 19/20, x2, piercing (right hand, off hand)
+1 mighty composite longbow: 1d8+1 damage, crit x3, piercing

armour
masterwork studded leather: +3AC, +5 max dex, 0 armour check pen.

other equipment:
arrows, 20
backpack
bedroll (in backpack)
flint + steel (in backpack)
waterskin (in backpack)
1 torches (in backpack)
belt pouch
1 days trail rations

total equipment carried: 49lbs (light load)

skils: Heal, 7 ranks (TM +8), Intuit direction, 7 ranks (TM +8), Knowledge, nature, 7 ranks (TM +8), Move silently 7 ranks (TM+10), Wilderness Lore 7 ranks (TM +8)

Feats: Virtual Ambidexterity, Virtual two-weapon fighting (ranger feats), Track (ranger bonus feat), Point blank shot (1st level), Rapid shot (3rd level)

Spells: currently can use one 1st level spell per day due to Wis modifier
1st level spells: Alarm, Animal friendship, Delay poison, Detect animal or plants, Detect snares or pits, Entangle, Magic fang, Pass without trace, Read magic, Resist elements, Speak with animals, Summon natures ally 1.

Currently memorised: Pass without trace

Money: 41gp, 3sp, 6cp


Appearance: A slim, slightly smaller than average figure, Surayon doesnt seems particularly imposing, that is, until you get her angry. Then her violet eyes flare with rage, seeming almost to glow, her silver hair shines, and she starts moving very, very quickly... She is dressed in a suit of studded leather armour, dyed and stained in greens, browns and greys to provide some aid to camoflauge in the woods, and wears a hooded cloak in the same shades. A quiver and longbow extend over her shoulders, whilst quick glimpses of a longsword strapped to her hip can be seen under the cloak. An observant watcher would possibly notice a second sword hilt on the other side, this one belonging to a shorter, narrower blade

Well, hope thats ok... ;)

Additional: edited for two extra ability points I apparently forgot... oops...

[Gralhruk]

Racial modifiers are applied after point buy, so you have 2 more points to spend on abilities.

Otherwise it looks good to me.

[Shadowfane]

Two more points? That'll be dex 18 i guess then :)

[Gralhruk]

Well, not really. Before racial modifiers your dexterity was 14. It costs 2 points to raise it to 15. After racial modifiers that would leave you with 17.

[Cadrius]

Presuming, of course, that he's already used his bonus point for being 4th level.

Bah, point buy. I love it, but I hate it.

[Shadowfane]

dammit, i always hated point buy systems when i played d+d, mainly cos i never really got them...

[Shadowfane]

So, do I need to do anything else? I always aim to please... ;)

[itches]

Nothing I can think of. If I know my protocol (and I don't) you should move over to the OOC thread about now.

[Shadowfane]

ok.... is that ok with everyone? I'll give it a few days to make sure I dont have any loose ends that need tieing up, or snipping off, or anything that sounds more painful..

[Gralhruk]

One last thing: Cadrius mentioned your abiltity point for reaching fourth level. I had forgotten about that, so you can add it in.

That aside, I'd say post your character in the Cast thread and you can start posting in the OOC. Welcome aboard :).

[Shadowfane]

Thanks! I'll post later tonight, am currently typing very quickly so the people at work don't get me... ;)

[LonePaladin]

I'm working on a character submission to join in, a human rogue/sorcerer with a leaning toward the B&E activities adventurers are wont to do. (Not to mention a little cat-burglary, but he'd just deny it.) One thing I'd need for recent background info -- are there any cities or towns nearby that my persona would've left recently in a stinkin' hurry?

[Black Plauge]

Krakas?

Other than that we haven't established the location of any cities or towns. Only that we're relatively isolated at the moment.

[LonePaladin]

Okay, I'll just put another town about three days in an alternate direction (not necessarily the way the group's traveling).

[LonePaladin]

Xandir, Male Human Rog2/Sor2: CR 4; HD 2d4+2d6+4; hp 20; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (+2 Dex, +2 armor), FF 12, Touch 12; BAB/Grap +2/+2; Atk +4 melee (spiked chain, 2d4/reach; or dagger, 1d4/19-20) or +4 ranged (shortbow, 1d6/×3/60 ft.; or dagger, 1d4/19-20/10 ft.); Full Atk +4 melee (spiked chain, 2d4) or +4 ranged (shortbow, 1d6); SA Sneak attack +1d6; SQ Evasion, familiar; SV Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +4; Str 11, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16.

Weapon Notes: Spiked chain has reach with no minimum, can do trip attacks, and gets a +2 bonus on disarm attempts.

Skills and Feats: Alchemy +4, Balance +9, Bluff +8, Climb +5, Disable Device +6, Forgery +6, Hide +7, Jump +7, Knowledge (arcana) +4, Move Silently +9, Open Lock +7, Spellcraft +4, Tumble +9; Combat Reflexes, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (spiked chain), Weapon Finesse (spiked chain).

Spells Known (6/4): 0–detect magic, ghost sound, mage hand, open/close, prestidigitation; 1st–feather fall, spider climb. Armor worn gives 10% chance of spell failure.

Possessions: leather armor, spiked chain, shortbow, 40 arrows, dagger, backpack (contains bedroll, climber's kit, masterwork thieves' tools, sacks [2], silk rope [50 ft.], trail rations [4], traveler's outfit, waterskin), explorer's outfit, spell component pouch, 6 pp, 18 gp, 17 sp. Weight carried: 75 lb., 38 without pack. Carrying Limits: 38/76/115 lb.



Kahlan, Cat Familiar: CR —; Tiny Magical Beast; HD 2d8; hp 10; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (+2 size, +2 Dex, +1 natural), touch 12, flat-footed 13; BAB/Grap +1/–11; Atk +5 melee (claw, 1d2-4); Full Atk +5 melee (2 claws, 1d2-4) and +0 melee (bite, 1d3-4); SQ Familiar benefits, improved evasion; SV Fort +2, Ref +5, Will +4; Str 3, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 7.

Skills and Feats: Alchemy +1*, Balance +17, Bluff +3*, Climb +7, Disable Device +3*, Forgery +3*, Hide +19, Jump +3, Knowledge (arcana) +1, Move Silently +11, Open Lock +7*, Spellcraft +1, Spot +4, Tumble +9; Weapon Finesse (claw, bite). * May be physically unable to perform some or all of these skills’ functions.

Familiar Benefits: Grants Xandir the Alertness feat while within arms’ reach; any spell Xandir casts while Kahlan is within 5 ft. can also affect her; she and Xandir have an empathic link; she grants Xandir a +2 bonus to Move Silently checks while she is within 1 mile of him.



Recent Background

The militia of the town of Redmarch apparently weren’t a very hospitable lot. The guard who’d spotted Xandir climbing down from a third-story window wasn’t too keen on letting him go without a sound beating; was it his fault the window’s latch was easily accessed from the outside? Never mind that he’d had to use a slender metal rod to lift it – if the house’s owner hadn’t wanted him in, he’d’ve put a better lock on it.

The flight from the town was certainly close enough. One of the guardsmen had nearly barreled into him in an alley – it was Xandir’s quick reflexes, and a whip-chain around the ankles, that kept the man from dragging him off to rot in some gaol somewhere. But Xandir managed to get to the wall, scaling it with little effort, and he was a good distance from the town by midnight.

And he was totally, completely lost.

Figuring that if he just picked a direction, he was bound to end up somewhere, he started walking. The coins he’d found in a little lock-box under the merchant’s bed were going to do him no good if he didn’t find a place to use ‘em, and the wildlife wasn’t going to be cooperative and do some bartering with him. All he had to do was go until he saw some—

A growl, the stench of unwashed flesh, and a flash of rubbery green skin in the moonlight. Aw cripes, a TROLL! Xandir, never being one to enjoy a one-on-one confrontation, began running. The gangly beast was fast; he could barely keep ahead of its reaching claws, when it bothered getting off of all fours to swipe at him. Time to find a hiding—

The ground suddenly gave way, a sheer drop beneath him. Reflexively, he let out his breath in a sharp exhalation, and the power came naturally to him, slowing his fall enough to make the landing nothing more than a sharp jolt. As soon as his feet touched ground, he looked up to see the monstrous eating-machine staring down at him. Maybe pondering a quick jump down. Not an option.

Peering around the cliff-face, he spotted a large rock wedged into a corner, with a narrow space beneath. Scrambling across the sand, he shucked his pack and wedged himself into the crevice, dragging his pack behind. If the thing reached for him, his pack was worth far less than his skin… as long as he could get his cat out of it first.

[Cadrius]

We've only loosely set the geography of the region. As it stands we're on the outskirts of civilization. Karkas being one of those furthest west. Beyond that it's wilderness and orcs and other creatures who aren't exactly interested in social niceties.

There aren't any cities or towns to speak of, at least not where we are. Of course your rogue could always be out searching for something else instead of being on the run from the law. Although, I don't exactly remember how far we currently are from Karkas. I suppose a border town three days east might not be entirely unreasonable.

Much further south and east, as I recall, lay a series of kingdoms or duchies. I referenced it once in one of my bazillion posts and can't for the life of me remember when and where.

One thing I've been meaning to do is establish reasons for our border towns. There must be mining or logging or some reason to plop them down where they're obvious at risk.

[itches]

One thing I've been meaning to do is establish reasons for our border towns. There must be mining or logging or some reason to plop them down where they're obvious at risk.

Le sigh.

The town itself only arose due to the wealth of mining available in the hills and mountains.

[Cadrius]

Ah ha! My brilliance often emerges only to cloak itself seconds later. Thanks for exposing it.

[itches]

Yes ... brilliance.

[Black Plauge]

Well, if we assume that Xandir has been lost for a little longer than just a few hours, the story's completely reasonable. He could have been wandering for days before that encounter with the troll forced him into hiding.

[LonePaladin]

That works.

[CTrunks]

...uh, I want to try this again, if possible...I know I was a bit of a jackass, and I apologize...well, anyway...

Drake VonKat: Male half-elf Ftr4; CR 4; HD 10+3d10+8; hp 34; Init +2; Spd 20ft; AC 17 (+2 dex, +5 breastplate), touch 12, flat-footed 15; BAB/Grp +4/+7; Atk +8 melee (2d6+5/x3, greatsword) or +6 ranged (1d8/x3, composite longbow); Full Atk +8 melee (2d6+5/x3, greatsword) or +6 ranged (1d8/x3, longbow); SA -; SQ half-elf traits; AL NG; SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +1; Str 17, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 10

Skills and Feats: Climb +7, Intimidate +7, Jump +7, Swim +7; Blind-Fight, Cleave, Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (greatsword), Weapon Specialization (greatsword)

Half-Elf Traits (Ex): Immunity to magic sleep spells and effects; +2 racial bonus on saving throws against enchantment spells or effects; elven blood

Possessions: Greatsword, breastplate, composite longbow, forty arrows, backpack (with six days trail rations, bedroll, sledge, silk rope (50 ft), chain (10ft), grappling hook), 6 pp, 21 gp.

Total Weight of Items: 85lbs

Limits: 86/173/260

Lift: 520

Drag: 1300

Brief History: All his life, Drake wanted to follow in his father's footsteps as a great adventurer. He had never actually known his father, who had met his mother when they were in the same adventuring group, the Blue Knights, but from what she had told him, he was handsome, even for an elf. On his fifteenth birthday, his mom trained him in the basic combat skills, preparing him to fight orcs, goblins and other nasty creatures that plagued innocent people. When he turned seventeen, he joined the adventuring group known as the Lone Warriors (which was a silly name) and set out to make a name for himself.

He suceeded, alright. Because the other members of the Lone Warriors died in the blast radius of a fireball cast by their own wizard, leaving Drake badly burned. He stumbled into a small farming community, barely aware of his surroundings, and passed out.

When he came to several days later, he was obviously a changed man, and not just because of the burns that hadn't healed. As soon as he was able, he packed up what was left of his gear, sent a letter to his mother and head to the town to Karkas. He arrived about two days after Shade, Cadrius, and the others had escaped, and was somewhat startled by the arrival of his father's old adventuring gear. Touched (and surprised beyond belief), he left Karkas a day later, his dream of following in his father's footsteps fresh once more...

[Shadowbane]

Hello!

I am not accustomed to your rules-system, but I am very interested to start playing with you guys, and maybe one of you could make up an easy character to start with? Please let me know!

[Gralhruk]

Well, quite honestly, we use your character submission to sort of gauge your writing style and to help us figure out if you are a good fit for the game. Plus we've already got six active players and CTrunks sort of on the waiting list, so even if you submitted something we all like we might not be ready for another player at the moment.

[Dirigible]

Aloha, trained chimps and well-oiled Rocky Horror Picture Show extras.

Cad recomended I drop by and submit myself to your most stringent probings. I can see you already have a well-endowed cast (err... in numbers, that is),but if and when a space opens up...

[Dirigible]

Maldwyyn the Thief-Taker
Race : Human
Age : 28
Alignment : Lawful Good
Classes : Ranger [2], Paladin [2]

Str 11 (+0)
Con 14 (+2)
Dex 16 (+3)
Int 10 (+0)
Wis 16 (+3)
Cha 9 (-1)

HD : 4d10+8
hp : 32

Speed : 30ft

Fort : +8 (+6 class, +2 con)
Ref : +3 (+0 class, +3 dex)
Will : +3 (+0 class, +3 wis)

Combat
Init : +3
BAB : +4
Unarmed : +4 (d3 sub).
Heavy Flail : +4 (d10; 19-20/x2).
Heavy Crossbow : +7 (d10; 19-20/x2) RI 120'.

AC : 17 (scale mail +4, dex +3)
Flatfooted : 14
Touch : 13

Feats
Track, Bounty Hunter (+2 Use Rope and Wilderness Lore), Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot.

Skills
Craft: Trapmaking +2 (+2 ranks, +0 int)
Intuit Direction +5 (+2 ranks, +3 wis)
Knowledge: Religion +2 (+2 ranks, +0 int)
Listen +7 (+4 ranks, +3 wis)
Ride +8 (+5 ranks, +3 dex)
Search +3 (+3 ranks, +0 int)
Spot +7 (+4 ranks, +3 wis)
Use Rope +7 [cc] (+2 ranks, +3 dex, +2 feat)
Wilderness Lore +10 (+5 ranks, +3 wis, +2 feat)

Languages
Common (Southern Coast dialect)

Class Features :
Favoured Enemy (Shapechangers) +1
Two-Weapon Fighting (invalid because of armour)
Detect Evil (at will)
Divine Health (immue to mundane and magic diseases)
Aura of Courage (immune to fear; +4 to saves vs fear 10' radius)
Smite Evil (+2 damage)

Equipment
Heavy flail.
Heavy crossbow.
- Quiver of 10 bolts.
Scale mail.
Leather canteen
Lightning Fist medallion of Heironeous
Copper and red enamel pheonix pin.
Masterwork manacles.
Leather kit of pipeweed rolls (aka, cigars).
Broad brimmed hat, forest green cloak, riding boots, belt hook for flail.
6 tindertwigs.

Boxman, light warhorse.

In Pack or in Saddlebags
Bedroll.
Two quivers of 10 bolts.
One silver, masterwork bolt.
Manacles x2.
100' hemp rope.
City of Gullbay bouty hunter's license in waterproof scroll case.

Description

Mal is tall and rangy, and none too pretty. He just tops six feet, but under his much-smithed armour and billowing cloak his body is surprisingly spare; his body is built for agility, not power. A raw scar cuts across his face, from one cheek to the other across the bridge of his nose, which looks disjointed by the wound. His skin is weathered, leathery brown, his eyes black and hair a grimy, brownish-grey. He smells of hard travel, horse sweat and dirty clothes, and rides a brisk-looking chestnut charger that looks none to happy about being used as a palfrey.

A flanged flail hangs down his leg within easy reach, but the quiver on his hip is closer to hand. He wears a crossbow across his back, or carries it whenever danger seems near. Whenever he moves, the jingle of chains and locks makes criminals within earshot nervous, as does the holy symbol of the God of Justice (though Mal usually tucks this inside his shirt to avid giving too much away)

Background

Mal made his first Catch when he was about ten.

An orphan, raised by the thieves, whores and vagabonds of Gullbay's Nightside district with tender loving abuse and neglect, he grew up hard, fast and bent, always looking for a way to use his quick wits and nimble hands to get enough to eat for the day and avoid the lawmen and paladins that patrolled the streets from the sheriff's office. One rainy day, he returned to the sheltered alley he was sharing with a prostitute named Elyn, one of the few people who had been half-way decent to him, and found her raped and dead, with her meagre stash of coppers gone. Sick rage boiled within him, an abhorrence of the crime itself more than anything else, and Mal set off to find the vermin that had done this.

That appelation proved more accurate than he could have guessed. When questions to other street people got him nowhere, he discovered a talent for following tracks in the wet mud of the city paths. after some effort, he found the two men in the basement of a warehouse, covered in Elyn's blood and gibbering dimwitted prayers to some shadowy power. Mal realised he couldn't harm them on his own, but again inspiration struck, and he created a simple trap for them using an empty barrel and a pulley from the warehouse. Lured out by a noise outside, the first murderer got a face full of swinging wooden cask, and the second suffered from a wooden spar to the head. Standing over the two vile men, he felt the rage and desire for revenge seep out of him. Mal, to his confusion, found he did not want to kill them.

The wererat that emerged from the sewers behind him showed no such restraint.

Lacerating his back with one paw, the wererat chittered in annoyance that its two 'cultists' were incapacitated by a mere boy. It explained that it had offered them lycanthropic immortality, if only they would bring it enough money and sacrifice enough lives to its glory... but that Mal would make a suitable disciple in their place...

Racked with pain and swift-spreading sickness, Mal nevertheless did not cower. A hearbeat before his humanity was chewed out of him by the creature's gnawing teeth, and mighty figure in armour leaped down the stairs, broadsword shining with white fire. One blow annihilated the wererat instantly.

Ser Justinian studied the boy briefly with his Sight of Heironeous, and saw the golden flashes of the Calling in his aura. It was remarkable that one so young and so damged by the world could overpower two hardened villains... and then show them mercy. Justinian showed Mal how to bind them for the sheriff's gaolers, then invited the boy to accompany him. Awed by the paladin's presense, Mal agreed to go with him to the Citadel of Justice.

Training to be a paladin was the first thing that ever felt right in Mal's life. His agility made him a fleet-footed warrior and excellent shot, but he lacked the muscle to wield melee weapons well. Though not the keenest rapier in the sheath, he had a strong awareness of the world and unshakeable will. Unfortunatly, he lacked what most people look for in their holy knights: presense. Mal could never get his armour to shine right, his teeth to gleam just so, his hair to flow in the wind; worse, Heironeous witheld the gifts of the Blessed Touch and Holy Protection from the young man.

However, Mal's upbringing on the streets and gift for hunting, be the prey man or beast, made him useful to the order as a bounty hunter. Mal earned the appelation Thief-Taker as he prowled the streets, capturing and arresting any lawbreakers that crossed his path, and rooting out those that avoided him. Other paladins sometimes snicker behind his back, laughing at his lack of honor and machoism in the sparring ring. Mal, however, is quietly proud of his work and gifts, and believes a crossbow bolt in the back of the leg is as much an acme of skill as a challenge bellowed from the back of a holy charger.

Recently, the Preceptor of the order has given Mal a specific task. One that involves travelling far north from Gullbay, through the Blackwood and towards the town of Karkas...

[Gralhruk]

Gah!

Run away! Run away!

[red_dr4g0n94]

Why does this scream "Inquisitor" to me?

[Dirigible]

Yep. A lawman paladin. Won't he get on splendidly with, oooh, say, a ragtag band of theives, desperados and fallen paladins?

edit: Give me more credit than that. Mal is not all about showing up and saying "y'all 'r under arrest, y'hear?" I have a better sense of team play than that, thankyouverymuch.

[LonePaladin]

Methinks it would go over about as well as a fart in a diving bell. :O

[Gralhruk]

Two things:

1)
Bounty Hunter (+2 Use Rope and Wilderness Lore)
Technically, this isn't a 3.0 PHB feat. Since it's only skill bonuses I'm willing to let it slide but the others might take issue (especially since I've been ruthless about denying non-core material).

2)
A raw scar cuts across his face, from one cheek to the other across the bridge of his nose, which looks disjointed by the wound.


Sorry, that scar's already been taken:
Prettier than average, she could have been prettier than she is now but for the white scar runs across her face beneath her eyes. It starts wide on her right cheek and tapers to a fine brushstroke on the left.

[Gralhruk]

the Citadel of Justice.
Yet another Citadel for Shade to despise ;).

[itches]

I object to another Paladin turning up. It will send Cadrius into another spiral of angst, and just when it looked like he as going to get laid!

[itches]

Technically, this isn't a 3.0 PHB feat. Since it's only skill bonuses I'm willing to let it slide but the others might take issue (especially since I've been ruthless about denying non-core material).

Actually, if you look carefully at the NPC thread you'll find that I've slipped in a piece or two of non-core material.

[Gralhruk]

Yes, but those are NPCs and [therefore] not subject to the same rules.

[itches]

How much did his gear cost? I'm too lazy to check it, but that armourand horse seem expensive. And no food, or is the horse the food? I suppose that would be one way to save on some money. Or maybe it's the thing for Paladin's to not carry food with them, I seem to remember the last one turned up without a bite to eat.

[Cadrius]

I recall our decision to remain rabidly anti-non-core. I don't really remember why it is we vetoed 3.5. Although I suspect I did have a hand in it. Not that it matters much to me; I make up most of this as I go along anyway.

I'll try and post some comments later today.

[Gralhruk]

I don't really remember why it is we vetoed 3.5
I seem to remember the discussion going something like:

"Should we switch to 3.5?"

'"I'm too lazy"

"3.0 it is."

Oddly enough, this morning I was thinking about what Shade's stats would be in 3.5.

[itches]

Yep. A lawman paladin. Won't he get on splendidly with, oooh, say, a ragtag band of theives, desperados and fallen paladins?

I eventually get around to making posts that actually are on subject. I feel the need to defend Nicos from this statement. He is neither a theif, a desperado, nor a paladin of any shape or form!

[Gralhruk]

Nicos-ado, why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' wenches for so long now
Oh, you're a bard now
I know that you got your reasons
These things that are pleasin' you
Can cut off your arm

Don't you court Gemoud of the Citadel, boy
She'll beat you if she's able
You know the elf Sae-lyn was always your best bet

Now it seems to me, some fine things
Have been laid upon your table
But you only want the ones that you can't get

Nicos-ado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger
Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home
And freedom, oh freedom well, that's just some people talkin'
Your prison is walking through this world all alone

Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?
The sky won't snow and the sun won't shine
It's hard to tie your shoes with just one hand
You're losin' all your lies and hoes
Ain't it rough to be one armed in a band?

Nicos-ado, why don't you come to your senses?
Come out of the wastelands, find yourself a date
It may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above you
You better let somebody love you, before Shade stabs you to death

[itches]

That would make a mighty fine signature.

[Dirigible]

Technically, this isn't a 3.0 PHB feat

S'aright. I can swap it out for Weapon Focus. Man, I really wish Rapid Reload was a core feat right about now...

Sorry, that scar's already been taken:

Well, err... maybe they got it at the same body mod shop?

How much did his gear cost? I'm too lazy to check it, but that armourand horse seem expensive.

Scalemail's pretty cheap, but yeah, I may not have added the gear up right... I'll recheck. 450 gp, right?

And no food, or is the horse the food?

A man with a crossbow and a high wilderness lore skill seldom goes hungry.

Though huntin' fer game with a heavy crossbow is probably a bit like shooting rabits with a 0.50 cal rifle. That is, fun.

[itches]

Scalemail's pretty cheap, but yeah, I may not have added the gear up right... I'll recheck. 450 gp, right?

450gp sound about right, but just bare in mind that no one is ever going to sit down and make sure that you didn't sneak in an extra 50gp worth of gear or something.

[LonePaladin]

Oh, NOW you tell us.

[itches]

Well it's not an official thing, but no one has ever called me on how Nicos' character sheet keeps mysteriously changing ;)

Dirigible, any ideas on how to integrate your character?

[Cadrius]

Well, he is after someone or something. Either the temple hierarchy is interested in this mysterious subterranian manse (I'm avoiding using the term "dungeon"), or he's after one of the several fugitives that make up the party.

Let's just hope he doesn't get possessed by any Bloodwraiths...or 20th level wizard cohorts. *sigh*

[itches]

You know Dirigible, the more I see of you the more you look like Cadrius.

But yes, this item thing the Brotherhood is after sounds like just like the type of dooms-day device the temple would want. Or maybe they are looking into the hidden fortress of magicians?

[Dirigible]

You know Dirigible, the more I see of you the more you look like Cadrius.

Well, we were both cloned from Hitler's personal sex-midgets.

I know how to ntegrate my character. However, it seems that many of the cahracters are keeping secrets; thus, I'm not sure I should tell you why, rather than how.

[Black Plauge]

Well, besides the issue of paladins seeming to be more common in this world than horseflies, I think the character's okay.

[Cadrius]

I have my own suspicions as to why he's going to run into us, but his reasons need not be revealed. As to running into us, well, I suppose that's up to him. Just let us know if your introduction is going to involve a lot of firing of that crossbow.

And yes, we were cloned from those midgets. I miss Der Sexbot greatly.

[itches]

No one said no to your character, now might be a good time to shove it in the appropriate thread, and move yourself into the OOC thread.

Uh, Actually we're 3.5 now. That may or may not discredit what I just said.

[Gralhruk]

I'd say convert your character and post him in the character thread (no need to do it here). And feel free to post in OOC. Welcome aboard!

[Anoriand]

I'm new to this site, but I've been RPing for awhile. Anyways, I've been looking for a good D&D game (URL-REMOVED) to join, and this one seems pretty good, thus I was wondering if I could join with a 3.5 monk I've been toying around with. Of course, if your full, I understand, but It doesn't hurt to ask unless any of you are armed right now. *checks to see if others are armed*

Basically, its a dwarven monk, and he travels as an emissary of the church of Moradin, working as a missionary of sorts and fighting evil in all its forms. I don't have a character sheet at the moment, so for know all I can give you as that, but I'll whip one up and float it around by tommorow. Don't wanna do anything stupid by making it while tired, but basically I wanna know if theres room with this post before sending the character.

[itches]

The following errors occurred when this message was submitted:
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I dunno, doesn't sound very angsty.

[itches]

Wow, I was just being annoying by saying something pointless, but it seems that no one else cares enough to say something.

Then again, those lions are distracting.

[Gralhruk]

Ooops, I didn't notice that someone besides you had posted here. We are kind of full at the moment - I think we're up to 7 PCs with another slotted to drop in soonish. Keep an eye on this forum though to see if the numbers dwindle at all.

[Mad Martigan]

i have a idea for making a war mind possibly but it says start off at 1 level lower then the lowest leveld active character and i was wanting to know what level that would be i imagine 4 but just asking to make sure, because i would need 5 levels to be a war mind but i figured i would ask before such character was made so that i dont look like an idiot, and as for books could i use books like Book of Exalted Deeds, Book of Vile Darkness, Libris Mortis, they are all made by Wizards and are all hard back books if not then nevermind but just making sure cause they are great books to use in a game.

[Gralhruk]

You'd start at 4th level, if you got accepted into the game. We're only allowing stuff from the 3.5 SRD, though. The class/race details are in the Character Creation (http://www.online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3586) thread, but the long and short of it is "nothing unusual".

As far as joining, we're kind of full at the moment - six PCs, with a seventh about to be introduced. Not saying you can't post your idea here but even if everyone likes it I think it would be a while before you could join.

[cefias]

Hey all.

Just found online-RP.com and I'm kinda bumming around various forums until I feel comfortable enough to demand inclusion in a campaign. I found the current chapter of your escapades very entertaining, and decided to punish you all by reviving the audience thread.

I have an idea for a character that's gonna sit and percolate for a bit (if any of you would care to help develop it, I'd appreciate a private message), but right now he'd add little to the group save for comic relief. I'm assuming that the reason I've made him so impotent in my mind has something to do with the fact that I only just happened upon the site today, and I'm not comfortable enough to come up with a character concept that I'll actually have to invest in. Hence my bumming around (see paragraph 2, sentence 1).

Now that I've gone on too long about my impotence, I'm gonna take this here back seat and keep quiet for a bit. Have fun with the rest of the chapter...I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

[itches]

First question. Have you read this? (http://online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1385)

Second question. Do you agree that Nicos is the best character?

Third question. I don't really have a third question. Hopefully Gral will come along soon and say something official; if he doesn't then I may have to.

[Gralhruk]

Officially speaking, have you seen Jaws?