(Recruiting) Kiss of Darkness--Adventure in my Homebrew Setting

[Rystil Arden]

I told you about the warmage idea, but I could easily think of something else. Should I expand on my warmage idea or should I think of something else?

Sure, go ahead and give it a try.

 

[Rystil Arden]

The third draft of Kelloran's character profile is up (under the original post).

When I've finished fiddling I'll post it again.

'Nock

Okay, cool. Thanks

 

[Manzanita]

Julian Hemlock

I've decided on an elven bard as my submission. I am considering changing him to a half elf to give him more class flexibility. Currently, I see him aspiring to Arcane Archer. It's possible the half elf might fit his background better as well.

I see him as a diplomat, or ex-diplomat. Would there be an elven nation that would have diplomats in Sundaria? Or would a Sundarian diplomat be an elf (or halfelf?)? Would being an active diplomat make participating in the adventure a problem? Could he be assigned to be involved by his superiors? He would take speak language ranks in the languages he would be dealing in. These might include other human languages. Do you have any suggestions here? Any other feedback welcome as well.


non-confidential Stats: [sblock]

[B]Name:[/B]Julian Hemlock  
[B]Class:[/B] Bard 160 gp
[B]Race:[/B] High Elf
[B]Size:[/B] Medium
[B]Gender:[/B] Male
[B]Alignment:[/B] Neutral Good
[B]Deity:[/B] 

[B]Str:[/B] 14 +2      [B]Level:[/B] 1        [B]XP:[/B] 0
[B]Dex:[/B] 17 +3      [B]BAB:[/B] +0         [B]HP:[/B] 7 (1d6+1)
[B]Con:[/B] 13 +1      [B]Grapple:[/B] +2     [B]Dmg Red:[/B] 0/0
[B]Int:[/B] 14 +2      [B]Speed:[/B] 30'      [B]Spell Res:[/B] 0
[B]Wis:[/B] 12 +1      [B]Init:[/B] +3        [B]Spell Save:[/B] +0
[B]Cha:[/B] 13 +1      [B]ACP:[/B] -2         [B]Spell Fail:[/B] 0%

                   [B]Base  Armor Shld   Dex  Size   Nat  Misc  

Total[/B]
[B]Armor:[/B]              10    +3    +0    +3    +0    +0    +0    16
[B]Touch:[/B] 12              [B]Flatfooted:[/B] 14

                         [B]Base   Mod  Misc  Total[/B]
[B]Fort:[/B]                      0    +1          +1
[B]Ref:[/B]                       2    +3          +5
[B]Will:[/B]                      2    +1          +3

[B]Weapon                  Attack   Damage     Critical[/B]
Long bow                  +3     1d8       20x3   100'
Long sword                +2     1d8+3     19-20x2


[B]Languages:[/B] Common, elven, Sylvan, Dwarven, Gnome, Halfilng, orc, 

goblin

[B]Abilities:[/B] Bardic music, bardic knowledge, countersong, 

fascinate, inspire courage +1

[B]Feats:[/B] Point Blank Shot

[B]Skill Points:[/B] 32       [B]Max Ranks:[/B] 4/2
[B]Skills                   Ranks  Mod  Misc  Total[/B]
Balance                         2    +3             +5
Bluff                           4    +1             +5
Diplomacy                       2    +1             +3
Gather Information              2    +1       -     +3
Hide                            2    +3       -     +5
Knowledge (Geography)           1    +2             +3
Knowledge (History)             4    +2             +6
Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty)  4    +2             +6
Listen                          1    +1       +2    +4
Perform (sing)                  4    +1             +5
Sense Motive                    4    +1             +5
Speak Languages(4)              4    NA


[B]Equipment:               Cost(gp)  Weight(lbs)[/B]
Studded Leather          25       20
Long Bow                 75        3
20 arrows in quiver       1        3
Long sword               15        4
backpack                  2        2
waterskin                 1        4 
signal whistle             .8      0
3 days rations            1.5      3
empty sack                 .5      .1
50 feet silk rope        10        5 

[B]Total Weight:[/B]44.5lb      [B]Money:[/B] 28gp 6sp 0cp

                           [B]Lgt   Med   Hvy  Lift  Push[/B]
[B]Max Weight:[/B]               58   XXX   XXX   XXX   XXX

[b]Spells known[/b] (2 spells/day) Dancing Lights, message, Know Direction, Flare

[B]Age:[/B] 125
[B]Height:[/B] 5'7"
[B]Weight:[/B] 145lb
[B]Eyes:[/B] Green
[B]Hair:[/B] Wavy dark brown, down to his shoulders
[B]Skin:[/B] light brown, smooth and clear

Appearance: Julian smiles easily. He has a job to do, sure, but

what's the hurry? He likes to talk and ask questions. His calm, open

demeanor, as well as his hansome face, make most people willing to

answer. He always wears his sword, and takes up his armor and bow

whenever he expects danger.

Background: As the son of Aramil Amakiir Hemlock, Julian was grew up as a

diplomat. He had accompanied his father for decades in his diplomatic

posts for Sil'derr'an, ever since his mother died in an unfortutate

accident when Julian was still a child.

Julian had proved an able learner, picking up languages quickly, and

acquainting himself with the customs of different lands. He did not

neglect his training in the bow and blade, either. For the last 30

years, his father has been the ambassador to Sundaria. Julian came of

age during this time, and has taken a job as one of his fathers clerks.

His father is an exacting man, but also a patient one. He evidently

feels allowing Julian free time to explore the lands and pursue his own

interests, as long as they in some way further the interests of

Sil'derr'an, is acceptable. As the youngest son, Julian has always

been given more freedom and forgiveness than his older siblings.

Julian has taken particular interst in demonic uprising that occured

soon after he arrived in Sundaria. It was a scary time, but also a

heady one. His father had been active in recruiting help for the

kingdom, and was acquainted with the elven wizard who was so key in

defeating the cult. Julian has taken it upon himself to research this

cult more closely, in order to prevent other such uprisings in the

future. This is a long term project, and just the sort of thing his

father is willing to let him do.

Julian is a gifted singer by human standards, though he hasn't

practiced much. He is naturally gifted with the beautiful elven voice

that inspires his friends. His spells, minor things, also seem to come

naturally. His archery is serious business, though, and he practices

daily.

[/sblock]

 

[Rystil Arden]

I've decided on an elven bard as my submission. I am considering changing him to a half elf to give him more class flexibility. Currently, I see him aspiring to Arcane Archer. It's possible the half elf might fit his background better as well.

I see him as a diplomat, or ex-diplomat. Would there be an elven nation that would have diplomats in Sundaria? Or would a Sundarian diplomat be an elf (or halfelf?)? Would being an active diplomat make participating in the adventure a problem? Could he be assigned to be involved by his superiors? He would take speak language ranks in the languages he would be dealing in. These might include other human languages. Do you have any suggestions here? Any other feedback welcome as well.


non-confidential Stats:

[sblock]

[B]Name:[/B]Julian Hemlock  
[B]Class:[/B] Bard 160 gp
[B]Race:[/B] High Elf
[B]Size:[/B] Medium
[B]Gender:[/B] Male
[B]Alignment:[/B] Neutral Good
[B]Deity:[/B] 

[B]Str:[/B] 14 +2      [B]Level:[/B] 1        [B]XP:[/B] 0
[B]Dex:[/B] 17 +3      [B]BAB:[/B] +0         [B]HP:[/B] 7 (1d6+1)
[B]Con:[/B] 13 +1      [B]Grapple:[/B] +2     [B]Dmg Red:[/B] 0/0
[B]Int:[/B] 14 +2      [B]Speed:[/B] 30'      [B]Spell Res:[/B] 0
[B]Wis:[/B] 12 +1      [B]Init:[/B] +3        [B]Spell Save:[/B] +0
[B]Cha:[/B] 13 +1      [B]ACP:[/B] -2         [B]Spell Fail:[/B] 0%

                   [B]Base  Armor Shld   Dex  Size   Nat  Misc  Total[/B]
[B]Armor:[/B]              10    +4    +0    +2    +0    +0    +0    16
[B]Touch:[/B] 12              [B]Flatfooted:[/B] 14

                         [B]Base   Mod  Misc  Total[/B]
[B]Fort:[/B]                      0    +1          +1
[B]Ref:[/B]                       2    +3          +5
[B]Will:[/B]                      2    +1          +3

[B]Weapon                  Attack   Damage     Critical[/B]
Long bow                  +3     1d8       20x3   100'
Long sword                +2     1d8+3     19-20x2


[B]Languages:[/B] Common, elven, Sylvan, Dwarven, Gnome, Halfilng, orc, goblin

[B]Abilities:[/B] Bardic music, bardic knowledge, countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +1

[B]Feats:[/B] Point Blank Shot

[B]Skill Points:[/B] 32       [B]Max Ranks:[/B] 4/2
[B]Skills                   Ranks  Mod  Misc  Total[/B]
Balance                         2    +3             +5
Bluff                           4    +1             +5
Diplomacy                       2    +1             +3
Gather Information              2    +1       -     +3
Hide                            2    +3       -     +5
Knowledge (Geography)           1    +2             +3
Knowledge (History)             4    +2             +6
Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty)  4    +2             +6
Listen                          1    +1       +2    +4
Perform                         4    +1             +5
Sense Motive                    4    +1             +5
Speak Languages(4)              4    NA


[B]Equipment:               Cost(gp)  Weight(lbs)[/B]
Studded Leather          25       20
Long Bow                 75        3
20 arrows in quiver       1        3
Long sword               15        4
backpack                  2        2
waterskin                 1        4 
signal whistle             .8      0
3 days rations            1.5      3
empty sack                 .5      .1
50 feet silk rope        10        5 

[B]Total Weight:[/B]44.5lb      [B]Money:[/B] 28gp 6sp 0cp

                           [B]Lgt   Med   Hvy  Lift  Push[/B]
[B]Max Weight:[/B]               58   XXX   XXX   XXX   XXX

[B]Age:[/B] 
[B]Heig
ht:[/B] X'XX"
[B]Weight:[/B] XXXlb
[B]Eyes:[/B] XXXX
[B]Hair:[/B] XXXX
[B]Skin:[/B] XXXX

Appearance: XXXX

Background: diplomat
[/sblock]

Okay, let's see: Sil'derr'an has diplomats in Sundaria, and there is a small temple to the elven pantheon in the capital city for the visiting elves and the few who live in human lands. It is quite possible that a Sundarian diplomat would be a half-elf, though an elf would certainly be more unusual. Being an active diplomat would not be a problem so long as his active duty is loose enough that he wouldn't be upset going off on an adventure in the midst, and it would be particularly useful for him to have his own authority to pursue goals that he considers to be important, since while the threat is something everyone can agree on, it often takes nobles and diplomatic authorities a long time to agree that a threat exists, unfortunately. As for languages, I've gone crazy with lots of languages in my Spelljamming setting, and eveeryone is always running off to learn more thanks to my not giving a Common tongue but here, although there are indeed regional dialects and tongues among humans and racial dialects as well, the normal rule of automatic acquisition of Common makes Diplomacy much easier. However, later in the game there might be encounters with unknown languages where the ability to assign languages easily and for a low cost will serve you well

Looks like an interesting character concept--I have both heard and seen that bardic archers were more successful than melee bards, but I've actually never thought of using Bard to qualify for Arcane Archer before. Elf is a good choice as well, since it gives you the Longbow

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Note to Rystil:

Haven't forgotten about this game. Today was busy - entertained about a dozen people this evening for a few hours ... then had to take care of the games I DM first. Those always come first when I get online. But now I am on - checking up on things, and am going offline to type up my character history. When I get that all done ... I think that I'll be able to post a full character sheet and background - for your approval, of course.

And ... just a rant here ... anyone ever notice that druids who don't take the wolf animal companion really can get hosed in the combat thingy? I plan on not taking the wolf - as you probably guessed. My character's badger is really only good after it gets hit and rages!

 

[Rystil Arden]

Note to Rystil:

Haven't forgotten about this game. Today was busy - entertained about a dozen people this evening for a few hours ... then had to take care of the games I DM first. Those always come first when I get online. But now I am on - checking up on things, and am going offline to type up my character history. When I get that all done ... I think that I'll be able to post a full character sheet and background - for your approval, of course.

And ... just a rant here ... anyone ever notice that druids who don't take the wolf animal companion really can get hosed in the combat thingy? I plan on not taking the wolf - as you probably guessed. My character's badger is really only good after it gets hit and rages!

I usually take a young bear instead of a Wolf, if I can. That way, I can keep it longer as it grows up

 

[Manzanita]

I edited Julian to add spells, description and background. I may edit a bit more, and I'm still open to feedback from anyone, but I'm mostly done. Hope it all works out and he gets into a game.

 

[Rystil Arden]

I edited Julian to add spells, description and background. I may edit a bit more, and I'm still open to feedback from anyone, but I'm mostly done. Hope it all works out and he gets into a game.

Cool, looks like a nice background that incorporates the elements you wanted while still leaving him in an excellent position to adventure

 

[Boddynock]

RA,

On rereading the description of the world on page 1 of this thread, I see that Thuldyria is a city where "knowledge is the currency". That would appeal to Kelloran, so I would assume that he'll want to head that way at some stage - what better place to set up for research, after all? Does that seem a reasonable goal?

Given that our characters are most likely native Sundarians, what languages is Kel likely to have heard in the inn where he worked? I'm assuming that it's by listening in and asking questions of the visitors that he's picked up his bonus languages.

I also imagine him as illiterate - not through choice but through circumstance - so one of the roleplay aspects will be finding someone to teach him to read. Does that fit with your world?

Alternatively, I can have him learn the basics from a traveller who stays at the inn. After that, of course, he has to duck out at odd times to improve his skills at one of the local temples ... and keep out of Zaltan's way if the inkeeper notices his absences.

'Nock

 

[Rystil Arden]

Given that our characters are most likely native Sundarians, what languages is Kel likely to have heard in the inn where he worked? I'm assuming that it's by listening in and asking questions of the visitors that he's picked up his bonus languages.

He is most likely to have heard mainly Common, although Dwarven is the next most common, since Halflings are loath to share their language with others, and Elven might have come up a bit. The Gnome language is extremely unlikely to have come up in a tavern--you'd probably have to be a trader or diplomat to have a good chance to deal with the gnomes at all.

I also imagine him as illiterate - not through choice but through circumstance - so one of the roleplay aspects will be finding someone to teach him to read. Does that fit with your world?

That definitely works for a character with Kel's background--perhaps he's always wanted to learn read ever since he was an impressive-looking Wizard come to the inn, and he might have picked up Draconic or something else exotic and Wizardly there too

On rereading the description of the world on page 1 of this thread, I see that Thuldyria is a city where "knowledge is the currency". That would appeal to Kelloran, so I would assume that he'll want to head that way at some stage - what better place to set up for research, after all? Does that seem a reasonable goal?

Absolutely--Travel to Thuldyria became necessary for the characters in my face-to-face game to gain access to ancient knowledge, so this may well be a dream that can come true for Kel