Q'Barra: Facing Truth (New Campaign Recruitment)

Iliana, Headmaster Goludov’s assistant, approaches you in the halls of Ven ir’Kesslan Academy. She hands you a sealed letter, and informs you that it should be read immediately. Before you can ask questions, she is gone.

When you read the letter, it simply says that your presence is requested in the Headmaster’s office during the lunch break, and that you are not to share this message with the other students.

You understand what this means. You have been selected for a special mission as an emissary for the school.


Ven ir’Kesslan Academy was founded twenty-nine years ago, in the wake of the vicious assault by the Cold Sun lizardfolk. The Academy started as a boarding house and training center for children orphaned in the attacks, but has since become a joined military academy and orphanage.

The academy’s mission statement is simple: to provide training in valuable skills to ensure the future of Q’Barra.

The orphanage is run by the Church of the Sovereign Host, and accepts both orphans and children who are given over to its care for whatever reason. Children who are given up must be given up before they reach puberty, whatever puberty may be for their race. Warforged who find their way to the Academy are accepted for training if they didn’t see combat. If they are seasoned soldiers, they are welcomed as teachers and guardians for the children.

The academy provides all manner of training for its students, leading many to seek a life in Q’Barra’s official military once their training is complete.

Officially, the Academy is a completely autonomous entity, separate from the government. It has its own rules and governs itself.

Q’Barra: Facing Truth is a campaign for 6 4th level characters. The characters are students at the Academy, and as such should be barely adults, by whatever standard their race uses. For example, a human character should be between 17 and 19, a half-elf should be between 21 and 23.

The Character Creation guidelines are a bit strict, and I recognize that. Please read all three posts carefully. However, this is not simply a "role-playing" or a "smash and grab" campaign. It is both.

You must be willing to commit at least one post a day to this campaign. I realize that Real Life comes first, but in most circumstances you should be able to shoot me a quick message that you will be gone. If you disappear for more than a week without letting me know, your character is forfeit, and you will be replaced.

In selecting characters for this campaign, I will be looking for the following in rough order of importance:
Interesting character, background, and description
Quality of writing
Filling useful niche within party
Familiarity with Eberron setting (as reflected in background)

I plan to keep submissions open until Friday, 2/09/07. It may run longer, if I don't feel all party slots have been filled. I’ll post a notice 24-hours before closing submissions.

Note that no characters will be selected until after submissions are closed, so there’s no point in posting “save a spot for my shifter ranger 2/fighter1/cleric1” or whatever. I will select from completed characters only. Of course, if you wish to inquire if a particular concept is a viable candidate before working up the complete character, please feel free to do so.

Once all members of the party have been chosen, we’ll work on integrating their backgrounds here before the in-character thread starts. All characters must know each other, whether they have a positive relationship or negative relationship. This will be your first exercise in teamwork.

Sources: Core books, Eberron books, Expanded Psionics Handbook, Complete Series, Miniatures Handbook, and others may be acceptable with permission.

Edited at noon 02/10/07:
Here are the submissions I am choosing from. I am only choosing from competed submissions.

EvolutionKB: Kaelan Tahlinali (Jin), Changling (Elf) Ranger/Fighter
Yeoman: Catherine Valeska, Human Healer/Knight/Fighter/Marshal
Ethandrew: Lucien Wildrose, Human Ranger
Shayuri: Trebuchet, Warforged Warmage
Rolzup: Darrick ir'Davven, Human Knight/Marshal
Brother Allard: Swift, Shifter Ranger
Rookseye: Sepoto, Shifter Monk of the Closed Fist (Ninja)
Ivellious: Lam (Lucia), Changling Fighter/Rogue
Craw Hammerfist: Rheklyn de Syb, Human Diviner
BRP2: Charles Feyheart, Human Scout

Character Creation Guidelines

Alignment: This story is about heroes and striving to overcome obstacles. Character quirks and flaws make fine roleplaying, but all characters must be Good or Neutral.

Ability Scores: 34 point buy (and don’t forget to add in your 4th level attribute bonus!)

Races: All common races from the Eberron handbook are acceptable, except for Elves and Kalashtar. The Elves long life-span seem out of place in this setting, and with their ties to Reidra, Kalashtar are not going to fit, either.

Classes: This is a bit tricky. Because of the school setting, I have had to omit some classes. Below is the list of acceptable classes.
PHB: Bard, Cleric, Fighter, Monk (called Monk of the Open Palm), Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Wizard
From Eberron HB: Artificer
PHB2: Duskblade, Knight
Expanded Psionics: all base classes
Complete Psionic: all base classes
Miniature’s Handbook: all base classes
Unearthed Arcana: Any Racial Paragon Class
Complete Adventurer: Ninja (called Monk of the Closed Fist), Spellthief, Scout
Complete Warrior: Swashbuckler (called Fencer), Samurai (called Dragon Warrior)
Complete Divine: Favored Soul

Feats, Spells, Powers: In general Core, Expanded Psionics Handbook, Eberron sourcebooks, stuff from the Complete series, Unearthed Arcana, and Miniature’s Handbook is fine. Anything else is unlikely, to say the least.

Multiclassing: Multiclassing is acceptable, however it must be written in to the character’s backstory. There must be a reason for multiclassing.

Prestige classes: All prestige classes must be cleared with me. In general Core, Expanded Psionics Handbook, Eberron sourcebooks, stuff from the Complete series, Unearthed Arcana, and Miniature’s Handbook will be fine, however I still like to know what I’m up against so I can work it in.

Character Progression: I would like for you to write out your character’s progression to 10th level. I realize this is anal, however I would like to know where the character is going so that I can better arrange details around the party. This progression needs to only include classes, powers and feats for each level.

Hit Points: All characters have 75% of their max HP per level (100% for 1st level), rounded down. So, d4=3, d6=4, d8=6, d10-7 and d12=9.

Starting Equipment: Characters start with the standard 5400 gp worth of equipment for 4th level characters. There is no limit on the value of any individual item you buy – if you want to blow it all on one thing, that’s your prerogative. There is one twist though – if you don’t use it, you lose it! No character can start the game with more than 10gp in cash. Anything beyond that not spent on equipment is lost. And no, gems are not equipment.

Artificer Note: If you want to play an Artificer, you can use up to 50% of your current level’s craft bonus (the rest can be used in-game) and no more than 35% of previous levels’ craft bonus on items you have created (the rest are assumed to have been used on items you’ve already used up). All of these items will be assumed to have been created successfully (but you’ll have to roll as normal for anything you want to create in-game).

Character Template

Please use the following template for your completed character. All characters submitted MUST follow this template. Do not bother submitting incomplete characters, they will not be considered.

Name
Gender
Race
Class First Class X Level / Second Class X Level, etc
Alignment
Patron Deity

Str ?? –(?? pts)<-- show pts
Dex ?? – (?? pts)
Con ?? -- (?? pts)
Int ?? -- (?? pts)
Wis ?? -- (?? pts)
Cha ?? -- (?? pts)

Hit Points ??
Action Points ??
AC ??, Touch ??, Flat ??
Init +??
BAB +??, Grap +??
Speed ?? (base ??, load 0/0, armor category)
Fort +??, Ref +??, Will +??

+?? Melee, weaponname, 1d6+??, 20/x2, Type
+??/+?? Melee, weaponname/weaponname, 1d6+??/1d6+??, 20/x2 10’, Type
+?? Ranged, weaponname, 1d6+??, 20/x2, 30'r , Type

Size category ??'??" tall, ?? wt, ?? yrs old
Color & type hair, color & type eyes, tone & type skin

Speaks language, language, and language

+?? Skillname (X Ranks + Y Attribute, +Z other)
+?? Skillname (4acp) add acp if susceptible to armor penalties
+?? Skillname (2cc) add cc if cross classed
+?? Skillname (4 + 2cc) show multiclass ranks separately
+0 Listen (0)
+0 Spot (0)

Feats
-featname (optional brief summary here)
-featname (optional brief summary here)

Racename Traits
-brief summary
-brief summary
-brief summary

Classname Abilities
-brief summary
-brief summary
-brief summary

Classname Abilities
-brief summary of second class' abilities

--delete this section unless wizard, cleric, or druid—
Spells Prepared
0th- Spell1, Spell2
1st- Spell1, Spell2 (D) if domain spell
2nd- Spell1, Spell2 (S) if specialization spell

--delete this section unless wizard—
Spellbook
0th- All cantrips
1st- Spell1, Spell2, Spell3

--delete this section unless sorcerer or bard--
Spells Per Day ??|??/??/??
0th- Spell1, Spell2
1st- Spell1, Spell2

--delete this section unless psion, wilder, or psychic warrior—
Power Points ??
1st- Power1, Power2 (D) if discipline power
2nd- Power1, Power2

--delete this section unless special things are listed--
Special
List any special abilities or miscellaneous information that doesn't fit anywhere else on this character sheet. You can include animal companion stats, familiar's benefits and stats, horse/steed statistics, etc.


Background


Personality


Appearance


Armor (worn, ??wt) ??gp optional
Robe (worn, ??wt) ??gp optionally continue for each item below
Outfitname (worn, ??wt)

Medium Weapon or item (belt left, ??wt)
Medium Weapon or item (belt right, ??wt)
Tiny Weapon or item (belt front, ??wt)
Tiny Weapon or item (belt rear, ??wt)
Other items attached to belt (location, ??wt)

Bow or Crossbow (left shoulder, ??wt)
Quiver or Javelin Tube (right shoulder, ??wt)
Backpack (center back, ??wt)
Bedroll (below backpack, ??wt)
Other items worn on back or shoulders (location, ??wt)

Headband, Hat, Helmet (head, ??wt)
Lenses or Goggles (eyes, ??wt)
Cloak, Cape, or Mantle (worn, ??wt)
Vest, Vestment, or Shirt (worn, ??wt)
Ring (left ??th finger, -wt)
Ring (right ??th finger, -wt)
Amulet, Brooch, Medallion, or Necklace (worn, ??wt)
Belt (worn, ??wt)
Gloves or Gauntlets (hands, ??wt)
Bracers or Bracelets (wrists, ??wt)
Boots or Slippers (feet, ??wt)
Other minor accessories (location, ??wt)

Waterskin- water (backpack, ??wt)
5 Torches (backpack, ??wt)
Flint & Steel (backpack, ??wt)
Trail Rations- 1 days (backpack, ??wt)
Other backpack contents (backpack, ??wt)

Coins- ??gp, ??sp, ??cp (pouch, ??wt)
Gemname- ??gp (pouch, -wt)
Gemname- ??gp (pouch, -wt)
Other pouch contents (pouch, ??wt)

Progression:
5th level class, feats
6th level class, feats
7th level class, feats
8th level class, feats
9th level class, feats
10th level class, feats

Remove any items from this sample list that the character doesn't have. Keep a blank line between the separate categories (main clothing, belt things, shoulders/back, accessories worn, jewelry, backpack contents, pouch contents) to help organize the character.

The equipment listed should show where everything is usually carried during "hands-free" situations, such as when sitting in the tavern drinking an ale, or climbing up a rope in a dungeon, or carrying your unconscious companion's body back to town to be healed. Even though the character may typically carry certain equipment in his hands, writing your character sheet like this will help visualize where everything goes during any hands-free situations that come up

I am working on a submission to this right now-this game looks very neat and well-planned.


Name Ven
Gender Usually Male
Race Changeling
Cleric 4 of the Sovereign Host
NG
Patron Deity The Sovereign Host

Str 13 –(5 pts)
Dex 12 – (4 pts)
Con 13 -- (5 pts)
Int 14 -- (6 pts)
Wis 16 -- (8 pts+1 at 4th)
Cha 14 -- (6 pts)

Hit Points 30
Action Points 7
AC 20, Touch 11, Flat 19
Init +1
BAB +3, Grap +4
Speed 20 (base 30, heavy load 103.5/150, heavy armor)
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +7

+6 Melee, mw longsword, 1d8+1, 19-20/x2, Slashing
+4 Melee, light mace, 1d6+1, 20/x2, Bludgeoning
+4 Melee, dagger, 1d4+1, 19-20/x2, Piercing
+4 Ranged, dagger, 1d4+1, 19-20/x2, 10'r , Piercing

Medium 4'5"-6'5" tall, 139 lb., 17 yrs old
short-cropped grey hair, pale eyes, featureless grey skin skin

Speaks Common, Elven, Dwarven, and Orc

+4 Bluff (0 Ranks + 2 Cha, +2 racial)
+3 Craft (blacksmith) (1 ranks, +2 Int)
+10 Concentration (7 ranks, +1 Con, +2 Spell domain)
+9 Diplomacy (7 ranks, +2 Cha)
+12 Disguise (0 ranks, +2 Cha, +10 circumstance)
+4 Intimidate (0 ranks, +2 Cha, +2 racial)
+3 Listen (+3 Wis)
+4 Profession (Bartender) (1 rank, +3 Wis)
+4 Profession (Beggar) (1 rank, +3 Wis)
+4 Profession (Farmer) (1 rank, +3 Wis)
+4 Profession (Sailor) (1 ranks, +3 Wis)
+5 Sense Motive (0 ranks, +3 Wis, +2 racial)
+11 Spellcraft (7 ranks, +2 Int, +2 Spell Domain)
+3 Spot (+3 Wis)

Feats
-Persona Immersion (generate false divination results)
-Worldly Focus (Need no holy symbol to cast divine spells)
-Martial Weapon Proficiency (Longsword)
-Weapon Focus (Longsword)

Changeling Traits
-+2 racial bonus on saves vs. Sleep and Charm effects
-+2 Bluff, Intimidate, and Sense Motive
-Natural Linguist (languages as class skills)
-Minor Change Shape (full round action, as disguise self but physical features only)

Cleric Abilities
-Turn Undead 5/day
-Domain: War (Weapon Focus and Proficiency: Longsword)
-Domain: Spell (+2 Concentration and Spellcraft)

Spells Prepared
0th- Spell1, Spell2, Spell3, Spell4, Spell5
1st- Spell1, Spell2, Spell3, Spell4, Spell(D)
2nd- Spell1, Spell2, Spell3, Spell(D)

Background[sblock]
For all intents and purposes, the instructors at the Academy raised Ven. Before living there, he had lived a squalid and depressing life, so he very much appreciated the good folk of the Academy taking him in, nurturing him, and teaching him. He found himself drawn to religous studies, and he showed promise-eventually learning to perform the miracles of the Sovereign Host. Ven has a unique approach to worshiping the host, using his ability to mimic the shapes of others to help him take forms reflecting on each of the Sovereign, depending on the situation he is facing. By seeing the world by an array of eyes, he better understands the multi-faceted dogma of the Sovereign Host, and is able to access the many miracles it can provide. Over the years he has started to learn skills and professions from many walks of life, allowing him to truly immerse himself in his different viewpoints. He has lived for weeks at a time as any number of different people.[/sblock]

Personality[sblock]
Ven actually has roughly nine personalities that he cycles between, each one corresponding to the devotion and worship of one of the nine aspects of the Sovereign Host.
Venessa Stormweather:[Sblock]Venessa is Ven's embodiment of Arawai. She is very kind and nurturing. She claims to be the wife of an old merchant Captain who recently died, and occasionally looks for work as a sailor or adventurer. She tells people wondering why she is adventuring that she saw too much on the high seas, and learned too much to not make herself useful when she can.[/sblock]
Avendale the Mysterious:[sblock] Avendale, Ven's face of Aureon, likes to speak in riddles and clues, and refuses to come out and say anything in anything resembling a straightfoward manner. He is very fond of books-and seems practically in heaven when in a library. He adventures as a student of magic, using his magical learning to help uncover greater secrets to add to his power.[/sblock]
Raven's Wing:[sblock]Raven's Wing, Ven's face of Balinor, is very open, good-natured, and friendly. He'll drink with you all the night long and love to hear stories of adventures and travels. He's very kind to all animals, though, he enjoys a good hunt. That said, when someone crosses him and tries to get away with it, he does everything in his power to hunt them down and show them the error of their ways.[/sblock]
Goodwife Venalla: [sblock] Goody Venalla, Ven's face of Boldrei, is a kind midwife[/sblock]

[/sblock]

Appearance[sblock]
It depends on who he is.[/sblock]

Gear[sblock]
+1 glamered banded mail (worn, 35 lb.)
Outfitname (worn, ??wt)

mw Longsword (belt left, 4 lb.)
Medium Weapon or item (belt right, ??wt)
Tiny Weapon or item (belt front, ??wt)
Tiny Weapon or item (belt rear, ??wt)
Other items attached to belt (location, ??wt)

Bow or Crossbow (left shoulder, ??wt)
Quiver or Javelin Tube (right shoulder, ??wt)
Backpack (center back, ??wt)
Bedroll (below backpack, ??wt)
Other items worn on back or shoulders (location, ??wt)

Headband, Hat, Helmet (head, ??wt)
Lenses or Goggles (eyes, ??wt)
Cloak, Cape, or Mantle (worn, ??wt)
Vest, Vestment, or Shirt (worn, ??wt)
Ring (left ??th finger, -wt)
Ring (right ??th finger, -wt)
Amulet, Brooch, Medallion, or Necklace (worn, ??wt)
Belt (worn, ??wt)
Gloves or Gauntlets (hands, ??wt)
Bracers or Bracelets (wrists, ??wt)
Boots or Slippers (feet, ??wt)
Other minor accessories (location, ??wt)

Waterskin- water (backpack, ??wt)
5 Torches (backpack, ??wt)
Flint & Steel (backpack, ??wt)
Trail Rations- 1 days (backpack, ??wt)
Other backpack contents (backpack, ??wt)

Coins- ??gp, ??sp, ??cp (pouch, ??wt)
Gemname- ??gp (pouch, -wt)
Gemname- ??gp (pouch, -wt)
Other pouch contents (pouch, ??wt)[/sblock]

Progression:
5th level cleric
6th level Sovereign Speaker (Commerce Domain), Combat Casting
7th level Sovereign Speaker (Travel Domain)
8th level Sovereign Speaker (Magic Domain)
9th level Sovereign Speaker, Healing Luck (Life Domain)
10th level Sovereign Speaker (Protection Domain)

Still in progress. I need to type out descriptions of his 9 personalities, their appearences, and finish purchasing gear. Also, I need to work up some sample spell lists.

You mention feat allowance in the complete series, does this include the new ones, complete mage and complete scoudrel? What about allowances of variant class features/racial substitution levels? Here is my character.

Name: Jin or Kaelan Tahlinali
Gender: Male
Race: Changling(elf, shapechanger)
Class: Ranger2/Fighter2
Alignment: NG
Patron Diety: Ancestor Worship

Str 16 –(10 pts)
Dex 15 – (6 pts) + Level 4 Stat increase
Con 14 -- (6 pts)
Int 14 -- (6 pts)
Wis 14 -- (6 pts)
Cha 8 -- (0 pts)

Hit Points 36
Action Points 7
AC 17, Touch 12, Flatfooted 16
Init +2
BAB +4, Grap +7
Speed 30 (base 30, light load 71/76, light armor)
Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +3
+9 Melee, Masterwork Double Scimitar, 1d6+4, 18-20/x2, Slashing
+7/+7 Melee, Masterwork Double Scimitar, 1d6+3/1d6+1, 18-20/x2, Slashing
+7 Ranged, Masterwork Mighty Composite(+3)Longbow, 1d8+3, 20/x3, Piercing
+7 Melee, Dagger, 1d4+3, Piercing or Slashing

Size category: Medium 5'7" tall, 145lb, 19yrs old
Shoulder length brown hair, green eyes, tan skin

Speaks common, elven, and dwarven

Skills
+4 Bluff (3cc Ranks -1 Chr +2 Racial)
+5 Climb (2 Ranks +3 Str)
+12 Disguise (3 Ranks -1 Chr +10 circumstance)
+9 Hide (+10 in dark of shadowy illumination (5 Ranks +2cc Ranks +2 Dex +1 circumstance(maybe))
+5 Jump (2 Ranks +3 Str)
+4 Knowledge(History) (2cc Ranks +2 Int)
+4 Knowledge(Nature) (2 Ranks +2 Int)
+7 Listen (5 Ranks +2 Wis)
+9 Move Silently (5 Ranks +2cc Ranks +2 Dex)
+7 Sense Motive (3cc Ranks +2 Wis +2 Racial)
+5 Spellcraft (3cc Ranks +2 Int)
+7 Spot (5 Ranks +2 Wis)
+6 Survival (4 Ranks +2 Wis)

Feats
-Able Learner (cc skills cost only one skill point)
-Racial Emulation (gain subtype of form, qualify for feats PrCs, etc of form)
-Power Attack
-Weapon Focus (Double Scimitar)
-Track

Changeling Traits
-Shapechanger subtype
+2 bonus on saves vs sleep and charm effects
+2 racial bonus on Bluff, Intimidate, and Sense Motive
-Natural Linguist(Speak Language is always a class skill)
-Minor Change Shape(minor physical change, +10 on disguise checks)

Fighter Abilities
-Fighter Bonus feats: (Power attack and Weapon focus (double scimitar taken))

Ranger Abilities
-Favored Enemy: Humanoid(Reptilian) (+2 on bluff, sense motive, listen, spot, survival, and damage rolls involving Reptilian Humanoids)
-Wild Empathy(1d20+1 to influence the attitude of animals, works like diplomacy)
-Combat Style(gains two weapon fighting as a bonus feat, but only while wearing light or no armor)


Special
Due to being from the region of Valenar, Kaelan treats the Valenar Double Scimitar as a martial weapon


[sblock=Background]From the Journal of Kaelan Tahlinali
I don’t remember much of my childhood before I joined The Academy. What I do remember is from the stories my adoptive mother told my teacher, Argent. Argent told me the stories so I would have at least some understanding of where I came from. All they’ve left me is more questions though.
Apparently I was left in a birch bark cradle on the doorstep of a Valenar dwelling clutching a drawing of a Valenar woman with my name written on it. My adoptive mother, Amadethfel, took good care of me, but I don’t even think she knew. She was a weaver in our group. I didn’t see my father, Saebrar, much. He spent much of his time helping rebuilding ancient fortresses.
I remember being able to make minor physical changes to my body at a very young age. I realized then that I was not like the Valenar which I considered my family. I was an outsider, and I knew if they found out, they would shun me for it. I saw how they treated non-Valenar traveling through our territory. I was ashamed of my abilities and seldom spoke. My life changed shortly after my fourth birthday.
It was approaching sunset, and dinner was almost ready. I looked toward the horizon and so a mounted human silhouetted in the failing light. I knew it was a human because it sat much higher in the saddle than the Valenar. He waved, and several Valenar waved back on their way to approach him. I saw them shake hands with the man and welcome him to a seat next to a fire. My mother took his horse, it was a beautiful Valenar war horse! Who was this human that commanded the respect of the Valenar?
From my seat on the other side of the fire, I could see him talking to several of our group’s hunters. He was clad is a loose fitting white robe. I could hear the jingle of chain mail underneath it. A double scimitar was stored on his back. A longbow was over his shoulder. His hair was a silver color, and his eyes were a piercing blue. The Valenar called him Argent. I could barely hear them over the bubbling of the stew pot. At first it was casual conversation, talk of an Academy, how long it’s been since Argent was last here. It had been five years. Then the tone changed. Argent talked about how the lizardfold were growing more and more bold on attacking the citizens of Q’barra. At this point in the conversation, Argent gazed across the fire at me and stared directly into my eyes. Argent then leaned close to the hunter he was talking to and whispered into his ear. I could barely make out they said. Argent asked where I had come from. The hunter explained I was an orphan, dropped off in the night. Argent slowly nodded.
Argent went to talk to my mother. I couldn’t hear what they said, but they were both glancing at me, I could see the tears in my mother’s eyes. Had the stranger see through my disguise, did he tell my mother my secret?
The following morning my mother talked to me, she said I was going with Argent to the Academy. It would better for me there.

* * * * *

The lone elf walked slowly up to the Academy. He was dressed in dark colors, greens, browns, and black. Red splatterings were spread about his dress, like blood. A double scimitar hung on his back and a longbow was slung over his shoulder. A veil covered the lower half of his face. Elves didn’t seek training here, although there were a few elven trainers. A small crowd of teens had gathered to witness his arrival. “I don’t recognize many of them,” he thought. “I wonder if they’ll recognize me?”
No looks of recognition crossed the faces of the onlookers. Several had looks of bewilderment as the stranger raised his hand in greeting. The gathering looked back to see one of the trainers from the Academy, a silver-haired man with blue eyes. Argent raised his hand in greeting. The pair shook hands then embraced.
“Jin, it’s been months, where have you been, and where are the others? We feared you all dead.” At his words several in the group gasped. They had heard about Jin and his companions, they had departed almost two seasons ago to investigate some lizardfolk tracks that were to close to the Academy.
The elf removed his veil to reveal a trio of long scars tracing across his cheek. “My name is Kaelan now, I’ll tell you what happened.”
* * * * *
“The five of us had departed. Myself, Ilthas, Drogar, Karen, and Zislas. The cold sun lizardfold had been getting close to the Academy and the five of us had been sent to investigate and eliminate the threat if necessary. A day’s journey outside in the academy I found the tracks, they were deep and fresh. I thought is was probably a war party. We followed the tracks for several days, we just couldn’t catch up to them.”
“We were alert for any threats, but we never saw the Valenar melt out of brush. He wore shadowweave clothes and a double scimitar was in his hands. We nearly sprung into action, but he put a finger to his lips, silencing us. His name was Kaelan and he was stalking a war party of lizardfolk. Kaelan was going to attack them, but he needed to do more scouting, he asked us if we would like to join in the glory. Upon learning that I was skilled in the art of stealth, Kaelan asked if I like to accompany him on the scouting forays. I agreed.”
“We stalked the lizardfolk for about a month. We had seen their routines as predictable as they were. At the time, I didn’t know it, but we were getting farther and farther into the Cold Sun Tribes territory. Kaelan and I become close, we had many of the same skills, and the same outlook on life. He told me stories of his sacred ancestor, Feralasaliam. Feralasaliam gave him strength and skill in battle, and protected him from harm. While stalking the lizardfolk, I couldn’t help but stare at Kaelan, he was as silent as an owl and you could barely see him against the brush.”
“We were to attack the lizardfolk at dusk, but Kaelan had to do something first. He knew I wasn’t an elf, but he saw past that, to my skill as a hunter. His words echoed my feelings, we felt like brothers. He wanted to make it official, he drew his long knife and cut into his palm, all the while saying a prayer to Feralasaliam and the other ancestor sprits that guide the Valenar warriors. He took my hand in his and cut my palm as well, it hurt, but not as much as I thought. He placed our palms together. He said now I had true Valenar blood in my veins, I was one of them in body as well as mind. With that the 6 of us went into the brush to finish what we had started.”
“Zislas enchanted our weapons to make them more effective against the lizardfolk. Ilthas opened the battle with an illusionary fog, it would affect those lizardfolk who believed it was real, it had no effect on us. The rest of us charged into battle, Karen was there to heal the wounded, Drogar held his greataxe in both hands as he cut into the nearest foe.”
“Then I realized something was wrong, there were more tents, and they were larger. I saw the large footprints coming into the camp from the opposite direction. The source of those footprints then came out of one of the larger tents, blackscale lizardfolk.” The crowd gasped at this, blackscales were formidable foes, only a handful of trainers had even seen them.
It was a slaughter, Karen fell first, several blackscale javelins piercing her chest. Zislas was next, he got surrounded by Cold Sun lizardfolk and was pulled limb from limb. Drogar’s head was caved in by a blackscale greatclub. Ilthas tried to escape by going invisible but standing water gave him away. A blackscale tackled him to the earth, the only sign of Ilthas was the scream and the growing red puddle covering the ground. Kaelan fought on, his double scimitar was a blur as it cleaved off the arms several Cold Sun lizardfolk that had been near. There was too many though. I did something horrible then, I ran, I heard Kaelan’s death scream moments later. I was a coward, I left my brother to die.
I evaded Cold Sun patrols and war parties for the next two months. I thought about what I did. I honor my brother now, by mimicking his likeness, and undertaking the spiritual journey he had not completed. The goal was to have his and Feralasaliam souls becoming one. I hoped by mimicking him, I would be half the warrior he was. It is strange because I feel he is still with me. Like the feeling you get when you walk into a thin fog. I can feel him around me. I wish to return to my training Argent. Kaelan taught me a lot, but I feel like can learn much more.
*****
Kaelan groaned, stretching his back like a great jungle cat. Some training this is, he thought as he looked around at the training room he was in. This one was modeled like the inside of an bar. Hardwood floors, tables, chairs, not to mention the bar. He dipped his mop in the bucket of hot, soapy water at his feet. He had seeked to train, to further his combat ability, to honor his brother, Kaelan. Here he was mopping the floor, cleaning up the spilled water and sweat. The trainers prepared them for real life, the school wasn't just about standing in some plain featureless room mimicing one of the teachers. Here one could gain an advantage; the height of a table, the cover of the bar, spilled water to create unstable footing. Suspended, he thought again, he'd be doing dirty work like this for another month. As much as he hated it, it was the rules, he should have returned to the Academy after scouting, they had been in the wilderness way too long and way too deep into Cold Sun territory. He paused, and pulled out the picture from his belt pouch on the small of his back. It was the lovely Valenar woman and above it was scribbled "this is my son Jin, take care of him for me." He had wondered much about his real mother, was this her? Where was she, was she looking for him? Kaelan neatly folded the paper, and tucked back into his pouch.[/sblock]

[sblock=Personality] Jin, or Kaelan as he is called now, is withdrawn and still slightly ashamed of his actions in the lizardfolk camp. When he isolated himself from the rest of his Valenar family, it had an impact on his how outgoing he is as an adult. Kaelan still feels shame for leaving his brother, and getting his companions killed. Kaelan rarely speaks, he is a hunter first and foremost. However, he will not hesitate to give battle tactics to others. In the wilds, Kaelan eyes are always scanning the landscape for threats. If confronted about the happenings in the lizardfolk encampment, he insists he is a different person now. If his elf form is seen through, Kaelan, insists that he is Valenar, mind, body, and soul. When he is troubled and or alone, Kaelan will look at the picture of the Valenar woman.[/sblock]

[sblock=Appearance]Kaelan is 5’7” and 145lbs in his changeling form. In his Valenar form(which he is always in) he is a tall Valenar at 5’5” and about the same weight. Kaelan wears a dark green Darkweave explorers outfit, it is spotted with brown to mimic bloodstains. A veil covers the lower half of his face. With the veil up you can see a scar that runs horizontally under his eye. Concealed beneath the veil are two more scars parallel to the first. A longbow is on his right shoulder and a double scimitar is sheathed near it. A dagger is on his left hip, and a light mace on his right hip. A mithral shirt is concealed under his Darkweave clothes.[/sblock]

[sblock=Equipment]Mithral Chain shirt+1 (worn, 10 lb, 0 acp)
Dagger (belt, left hip, 1lb)
Light Mace(belt, right hip, 5lb)
Vest of Resistance +1 (worn, 1lb)
2 Belt Pouches (belt front and back, 1lb)
Darkweave Explorers Outfit(Worn, 8lb)

Backpack (center back, 2lb)
Bedroll (below backpack, 5lbwt)
MW Double Scimitar (sheathed over right shoulder, 15wt)
Masterwork Mighty Composite(+3) longbow (right shoulder, 3lb)
Quiver of arrows(20 arrows, left shoulder, 3lb)
2 Triple Weapon Capsule Retainers(one on each of end of double scimitar)

3 Sundrods (backpack, 3lb)
Waterskin- water (backpack, 4lb)
Flint & Steel (backpack)
Trail Rations- 2 days (backpack, 2lb)
Silk Rope, 50ft (backpack, 5lb)
Whetstone (backpack, 1lb)
Alchemist Fire (backpack, 1lb)
Wand of Cure light wounds 50 charges(backpack)
4 Quickflame weapon capsules(one on each end of double scimitar, others in backpack)
4 Quickfrost weapon capsules(one on each end of double scimitar, others in backpack)
4 Quickshock weapon capsules(one on each end of double scimitar, others in backpack)
4 Quicksilver weapon capsules(backpack)
4 Ghostblight weapon capsules(backpack)
2 Auran Masks(backpack, *lb)

Coins- 3gp, 6sp, 8cp ( belt pouch,back, ~.2lb)
Traveling Papers (belt pouch, front)
Identification Papers (belt pouch, front)
Keenear powder (belt pouch, front)
Fareye oil(belt pouch, front)
Picture of Valenar woman(belt pouch, back)[/sblock]

Progression:
5th Warshaper 1
6th Warshaper2, Bladebearer of the Valenar
7th Revenant Blade1
8th Revenant Blade2
9th Revenant Blade3, Improved two weapon fighting(if can get 17 dex) if not leap attack
10th Revenant Blade4

Goals:

Find the identity of the Valenar woman drawn on the piece of paper he carries.
Avenge his brother, Kaelan, and find his zaelshin tu.
Find Kaelan's family and tell them of how he was killed.
Find his real mother.
Become a great Valenar warrior.

Good point...I did notice warforged can get military training at the Academy...but that doesn't seem to include Warmage training...

I do have a hankering to play though. A Duskblade could be a lot of fun I think. Look in this spot for a sheet soon!

EvolutionKB said:

You mention feat allowance in the complete series, does this include the new ones, complete mage and complete scoudrel? What about allowances of variant class features/racial substitution levels? I'll update things here.

Click to expand...

Yes, feats from Complete Mage and Complete Scoundrel are acceptable.

I will not be allowing for the variant features from Complete Mage, if that is what you mean. I am also not allowing racial substitution levels.

I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

shayuri said:

Good point...I did notice warforged can get military training at the Academy...but that doesn't seem to include Warmage training...

I do have a hankering to play though. A Duskblade could be a lot of fun I think. Look in this spot for a sheet soon!

Click to expand...

The Warmage is featured in the Miniatures Handbook, and it is an acceptable class. Please note that Warforged can certainly get training, but make sure they were created at the end of the war, and so are not seasoned combatants.

Oh most definitely. That is very much part of the concept.

This sounds really interesting. So here's my submission.

Name: Catherine Valeska
Class: Healer 1 / Knight 1 / Fighter 1 / Marshal 1
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Alignment: Lawful Good
Patron Deity: Dol Arrah

Str 14 –- (6 pts)
Dex 12 –- (4 pts)
Con 14 -- (6 pts)
Int 14 -- (6 pts)
Wis 14 -- (6 pts)
Cha 15 -- (6 pts)

Hit Points 38
Action Points 7
Armor Class: 19 (+8 Dragonhide Full Plate, +1 Dexterity)
Touch: 11 (+1 Dexterity)
Flat Footed: 18 (+8 Dragonhide Full Plate)
Init +1
Base Attack Bonus: +2
Grapple Modifier: +4
Speed 20' (base 20', load 109.6/116, Heavy Armor, Medium Load)
Fort +8, Ref +1, Will +7

+6 Melee, Masterwork Halberd, 1d10+3, 20/x3, Piercing or Slashing
+4 Ranged, Masterwork Darkwood Composite Long Bow, 1d8+2, 20/x3, 110', Piercing
+4 Melee or +3 Ranged, Cold Iron Dagger, 1d4+2, 19-20/x2, 10', Piercing or Slashing
+4 Melee or +3 Ranged, Silver Dagger, 1d4+1, 19-20/x2, 10', Piercing or Slashing

Medium, 5'2" tall, 109 Lbs, 19 yrs old
Blonde hair, Blue eyes, Fair skin

Speaks Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, Halfling, Riedran

Concentration: +6 (4 Ranks, +2 Constitution)
Diplomacy: +12 (7 Ranks, +2 Charisma, +3 Skill Focus) (2cc - 5 Class)
Heal: +6 (4 Ranks, +2 Wisdom)
Knowledge (Nature): +9 (7 Ranks, +2 Intelligence)
Knowledge (Religion): +9 (7 Ranks, +2 Intelligence) (1cc - 6 class)
Listen: +2 (0 Ranks, +2 Wisdom)
Ride: +3 (2 Ranks, +1 Dexterity)
Speak Language: 4 Ranks (3cc - 1 class)
Spellcraft: +6 (4 Ranks, +2 Intelligence)
Spot: +2 (0 Ranks, +2 Wisdom)

Feats
Augmented Healing: Conjuration (Healing) spells heal an additional 2 points per spell level.
Daunting Presence: Standard Action, DC 14 Will Save or be shaken. Target must be within 30', have line of sight to Catherine, and be intelligent.
Practiced Spellcaster (Healer): +4 to Healer caster level, bonus capped at Hit Dice.
Weapon Focus (Halberd): +1 to hit when using a Halberd.

Human Traits
Humanoid (Human)
+1 Skill Point per level
Bonus Feat at 1st Level
Favored Class (Any)

Special Abilities
-Healing Hands, Catherine adds her Charisma bonus to all Conjuration (Healing) spells to determine the amount of damage healed.
-Fighting Challenge +1, Swift Action, Target must have an intelligence of 5 or higher, speak a language (Catherine does not need to share this language, and have a CR equal to or greater than Catherine's character level -2. If qualified, Catherine gains a +1 bonus to Will Saves, and attack and damage rolls against this target. This lasts for 5 + Catherine's Charisma bonus rounds. If Catherine's target reduces her to 0 or less hit points, she loses 2 uses of the Knight's Challenge ability for that day.
-Knight's Challenge, 3 uses per day.
-Knight's Code, Catherine will not strike a flat footed opponent, gains no attack roll bonus when flanking, and may not deal lethal damage to helpless foes.
-Minor Aura (Over the Top), Swift Action, All allies (including Catherine) within 60' gain a circumstance bonus equal to Catherine's charisma bonus on damage rolls when charging. This ability can be maintained indefinitely, and can be active outside of combat.

Magic
Type: Prepared Divine
Caster Level: 4
0 Level Spells Prepared: Cure Minor Wounds x3, Light
1st Level Spells Prepared: Cure Light Wounds x3, Protection from Evil
[sblock]
Background
Catherine’s earliest memory is of being handed over to a Warforged. She remembers her mother crying, and then running out the door. She remembers her father kissing her forehead and leaving her with his golden locket. Then he was gone, and she remembers the Warforged carrying her gently inside the orphanage.(The warforged she would learn later was named Sentinel and was purchased from House Cannith near the beginning of the battles with the lizardfolk nearly 30 years ago. The warforged purchased at that time serve as guards and caretakers of the children.)

It was difficult for her to fit in, at first. She wasn’t an orphan after all, she had been given up. Her parents weren’t dead, she was simply unwanted. And she didn’t understand. The other children didn’t understand, they assumed there must be something wrong with her, some reason she wasn’t wanted.

Catherine got over it. She was a very smart and quiet child. She was drawn to the religious services offered at the orphanage, and to Dol Arrah in particular.

As she got older and started classes at the Academy she began to take on the role of caretaker for younger children. She was especially drawn to other children who had been given up, searching them out and offering her shoulder to cry on. She threw herself in to her studies, becoming quite the teacher’s pet and earning more ire from some of the students.

She knows the Academy sees her as one of its success stories, and she strives to live up to that title. She knows that a fair number of the other students do not care for her, and she doesn’t care. She throws herself in to everything she does completely, with no room for anything else.

Catherine quietly reads from her prayer books with any free time she has. That was how she met Tristan. He sat beside her shortly after he came to the orphanage, and before she could even introduce herself he was crying. She learned that his parents had recently been killed by pirates, and that was why he was at the Academy.

She has quite the crush on Tristan, though she’s not sure if he knows. They have become best friends, however. He has taught her his native language, Riedran, and she has picked it up quickly.

Seeing how easily she picked up Riedran, she was quickly placed in a class to learn Draconic at the Academy, in order to better communicate with the lizardfolk in the area. Even as she picked that up, the instructors noted a natural talent for linguistics and trained her in Elven (to communicate with the Valenar elves to the west), and in the other common languages of the continent's races.

During her time at the academy, Catherine trained in the areas of healing and medical attention, honorable combat, and tactics and leadership.

Catherine continually pushes herself in all areas, and she takes on any assignment that the Academy offers her.

Personality
Catherine has a very motherly and empathic nature. She often breaks away in melee combat to heal injured allies. A natural leader, Catherine will often take charge of groups or situations, but if someone has already taken on the mantle of leadership, she follows readily.

Appearance
Short and slight of build, Catherine is quite strong for her size. Her hair is neatly trimmed and comes just short of the nape of her neck. Catherine's piercing blue eyes (inherited from her mother) are usually very friendly and welcoming, but when angered her gaze often unnerves her enemies.

Equipment
Masterwork Halberd, (On sling over left shoulder, 12 Lbs) 310gp
Masterwork Darkwood Composite Long Bow (Strength +2), (Right Shoulder next to quiver, 1.5 Lbs) 630gp
2 Cold Iron Daggers (Right and Left Hip, 2 Lbs) 8gp
2 Silver Daggers (Right and Left Boot, 2 Lbs) 44gp
Quiver of 40 Arrows (Right Shoulder, 6 Lbs) 2gp
Dragonhide Full Plate Armor (Worn, 50 Lbs) 3,300gp

Backpack (center back, 2 Lbs) 2gp
Waterskin (backpack, 4 Lbs) 1gp
Everburning Torch (backpack, 1 Lb) 110gp
Flint & Steel (backpack) 1gp
6 Days of Trail Rations (backpack, 6 Lbs) 3 gp
8 Potions of Cure Light Wounds (backpack, .6 Lbs) 400gp
Potion of Protection from Evil (backpack, .1 Lb) 50gp
2 Flasks of Alchemist's Fire (backpack, 1 Lb) 40gp
4 Flasks of Holy Water (backpack, 4 Lbs) 100gp
2 Healer's Kits (backpack, 2 Lbs) 100gp
2 Flasks of Antitoxin (backpack) 100gp
10 Blessed Bandages (backpack) 100gp
Golden Teardrop Pendant (Worn) 25gp
Silver Holy Symbol of Dol Arrah (Worn, 1 Lb) 25gp
Book of Scripture (Backpack, 3 Lbs) 10gp
Religious Text (Backpack, 3 Lbs) 10gp
Leather Bound Journal (Backpack, 1 Lb) 7gp
2 Vials of Ink (Backpack, .2 Lbs) 2 gp
10 Inkpens (Backpack) 1 gp
50' of Silken Rope (secured under backpack, 5 Lbs) 10gp
Traveler's Clothes (Backpack, 5 Lbs) 1gp
Belt Pouch (waist, .5 Lbs) 1gp
Traveling Papers (pouch) 2sp
Identification Papers (pouch) 2gp
Signal Whistle (pouch) 8sp

4 gp remaining.

Progression:
5th level Healer, Skill Focus (Heal) - Bonus
6th level Knight, Combat Focus, Mounted Combat - Bonus
7th level Fighter, Improved Toughness
8th level Marshal, -
9th level Human Paragon, Master Linguist
10th level Human Paragon, Combat Stability
[/sblock]

I added the couple items I asked about to her equipment list after all.

Yeoman: Catherine looks good. Thanks for asking about those items, and thanks for putting in the spoiler block.