D&D 5E [D&D 5e] Planescape- In Through the Out Door (Full)

It's based somewhat loosely on the Egyptian pantheons, yes. Perhaps an alternate-world version, or something similar.



I still remember sometimes, pieces of what used to be. But the pieces are jagged. Mismatched. My father was an architect; the son of a stonemason who went on to build great works in his mind, and then tell the masons where lay their bricks. We lived in the mountains, and I used to sit in the high pastures and watch the sun set...

...I sat at the Sun's right hand; his daughter, his spear-tip. When the people raised their voices in sinful revolt, I was the scourge that set the godborn back on their rightful thrones. Mine was the fury, and the fire! I was the Lion Who Roared at Noon, and none could abide my wrath!

I remember leaving home one night, but not why. It was something silly I think. I was going to go back. I always went back.

It was a battle like none before. All the hosts set out against the great black tear in the sky, like an endless sheet of liquid gold. I was at the vanguard, Lazshil screaming with all the fury of a summer storm in one hand, and my shield crafted from a single drop of my Father's blood shining like a miniature sun in the other. My armor was a second skin of gold, decorated in the unclean ichor of the poisonous swarm that poured out. My older brother, beloved to me as he was, had spoken with fear in his heart of this moment...but I knew only the fierce joy of war. I knew I would return victorious that day.

But something happened. Yes, something happened.

There was a light in the sky...deep within the absolute black within the tear. Like an eye. I heard a terrible sound. Like I imagined a dragon's roar might sound, only worse. A shrill, nightmarish sound that split the air, sliced flesh, shivered the mountains to dust.

I was struck.

I don't know what has happened. I only know...things are missing. If I find them, maybe I can make sense again. The jagged missing pieces will fill in, and I can be...

Whole.

[sblock=Shard]
Shard
Neutral Good Human Cleric 5
Background: Hermit
- Discovery: Something terrible is coming.
- Personality: I experience odd, sometimes extreme mood swings
- Personality: I sometimes seem to think I'm someone else, somewhere else.
- Bond: I must find the other fragments of this crystal, and restore what was broken
- Flaw: Powerful entities have powerful foes, and many might covet what I carry

Str 10
Dex 14
Con 14
Int 8
Wis 18
Cha 12

HP 4d8+18
AC 18 (14 + 2 dex + 2 shield)
Prof Bonus +3
Init +2
Exp: 0

Race
-------
Human
- +1 to Wis and Dex
- Bonus Feat
- Bonus Skill proficiency

Class
-------
Cleric
Spellcasting
Channel Divinity (1/rest)
- Turn Undead
- Radiance (2d10+5 radiant damage within 30')
Destroy Undead (CR1/2)
Divine Domain: Light
- Spells:
Light
Burning Hands
Faerie Fire
Flaming Sphere
Scorching Ray
Fireball
Daylight
Warding Light: Cause attacker you can see within 30' to atk you at disad 3/long rest as reaction

Proficiencies
--------------
Weapons: Simple
Armor: Light, Medium, Shields
Tools: Herbalism Kit
Saves: Wisdom, Charisma

Feats
------
1 Elemental Adept (Fire)
4 Attribute boost (Wis)

Skills
-------
Medicine +7
Persuasion +4
Perception +7
Survival +7
Religion +2

Languages
----------
Common, Celestial, Draconic

Spellcasting
Spell attack +7, Difficulty 15

Spell Slots:
1 - 4
2 - 3
3 - 2

Spell Prepared (9)
0 - Guidence, Thaumaturgy, Resistance, Sacred Flame, Light
1 - Bless, Cure Wounds, Guiding Bolt, Healing Word, Shield of Faith
2 - Lesser Restoration, Spiritual Weapon
3 - Dispel Magic, Mass Healing Word

Equipment
-------------
Cash: 5gp

Weapons
--------
Spear, +3 vs ac, 1d6 piercing (1d8 2H), thrown 20/60

Armor
------
Scale mail AC 14+Dex
Shield AC+2, 10gp

Gear
-----
Explorer Pack
- Backpack
- Bedroll
- Mess Kit
- Tinderbox
- 10 torches
- Rations (10)
- Rope (50')
- Waterskin

Scroll case
Herbalism Kit

CASH:
MAGIC[/sblock]


[sblock=Iconography: The Lion Who Roars at Noon]


[/sblock]

[MENTION=11146]CanadienneBacon[/MENTION] Fantastic. I appreciate your efforts to balance Picayune by limiting his powers. I see you dropped the effigy's resistance to fire, added Sunlight Sensitivity, and limited vicious mockery to [CHA mod] uses per day. As long as you're happy with those limitations, they work for me, though I could see replacing his sensitivity to sunlight with something else. Not to be callous, but running water would make sense, given where and when he died.

Based on what you've mentioned in the thread, am I right in thinking that your intention was that Picayune be a unique case? He's not quite a ghost or someone who's passed on to their intended afterlife, but something else, something of a mystery. There might not be others like him, and if there are, not many people would know about them. Does that fit with what you were thinking?

From context I assume Perception and Performance are starred because they're your Expertise skills? If you're upping his Bard level to 3, then you'll also have two more known spells, and four spell slots per day for 1st level, two for 2nd. Other than that, Picayune looks ready for prime time.
[MENTION=4936]Shayuri[/MENTION] Love it.

On the Outer Planes, all faiths are real-- if someone believes in it, then it exists somewhere, and if a lot of people believe(d) in all kinds of different gods in our world, many more still do elsewhere. Worship of many pantheons has spread across multiple mortal worlds, giving those deities great influence on the planes. The 'Egyptian' gods are among the most prominent, along with the Greco-Roman Olympians and Norse Aesir, the Tuatha de Danaan of the Celts and the Chinese Celestial Bureaucracy.

Mention the Egyptian gods by name if you want to, or don't if you'd rather create something new. Let me know if you'd rather not use real-world mythology as part of Shard's background. If you do want to use the Egyptian gods, you don't need to go researching the way they appear in Planescape (unless you want to)-- based on the quality of Shard's introduction here, I think I'd prefer to adapt them to you, rather than the other way around. And there's a nice bit of ambiguity to Shard. Plenty of time to explore.

I can't see a thing wrong with Shard. Very nicely done.

CanadienneBacon said:

Generally, the less rolling I have to do, the happier I am. I view Performance as a skill almost purely tied to the bardic tradition; very few classes outside of Bard are going to make use of Performance. Performance, in my mind, indicates how well the character plays her instrument, dances, or delivers his oratory. It's an indicator of technical skill that is simultaneously aesthetically pleasing to the listener.

Conversely, Persuasion is a skill that tends to be used by a broader assortment of characters. Persuasion is "diplomacy," for lack of a better word. It's a social skill relied on when attempting to sway another to one's point of view.

Is there an element of persuasion to a good performance? Sure. And there's an element of performance in any good persuasive tactic (packaging, argument, strategery in presentation of idea/s). Regardless, Performance and Persuasion are two separate skills, at least in my mind. I think you should keep them separate proficiencies.

That said, I don't feel particularly strongly about this issue. It's fine with me if you choose to conflate Performance and Persuasion into one skill we call Persuasion.

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You make a persuasive (ha-ha) case. I don't mind keeping Performance for those specific situations you're mentioning. I also don't mind instrument proficiencies simply being a measure of what you can use your Performance roll for.

It's just that, with tool or weapon proficiencies, you don't also need a skill on top of them. Then again, if you can use your Performance proficiency with any instrument you're proficient with, and you can have Expertise in Performance, maybe that justifies it all on its own.

As stated the enlarge spell says I can only go from tiny to small, like halfling size I guess? Is there a way I could get to medium size, aka a human or elf size person? I'm not looking to fight like that or anything, just want to be able to walk around like a big person lol.

Unsung said:

I could see replacing his sensitivity to sunlight with something else. Not to be callous, but running water would make sense, given where and when he died.

Click to expand...

Given that Picayune died in a gas explosion (fire) during Katrina (flood), a phobia to either fire or running water would make sense. I slapped Sensitivity to Sunlight on him because it jives with his Undead-ness. I'll ponder and return to edit after a day or two.

Unsung said:

Based on what you've mentioned in the thread, am I right in thinking that your intention was that Picayune be a unique case? He's not quite a ghost or someone who's passed on to their intended afterlife, but something else, something of a mystery. There might not be others like him, and if there are, not many people would know about them. Does that fit with what you were thinking?

Click to expand...

Yes, you've got it. He's stuck in the in-between. That's why I gave him both Undead and Augmented Humanoid. Leaving the door open to an eventual return to corporeality, if it works out during play. I have to admit, though, that right now I'm liking his Undead-ness. His being Undead and Dark and Incorporeal and Weird is filling this needy little hole in my heart, so I'm content with him staying Undead for the time being.

Unsung said:

From context I assume Perception and Performance are starred because they're your Expertise skills?

Click to expand...

Yes, Expertise on Perception and Performance.

Unsung said:

If you're upping his Bard level to 3, then you'll also have two more known spells, and four spell slots per day for 1st level, two for 2nd.

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Done. Added Detect Thoughts and Phantasmal Force. I plan to have fun with Legilimency, to borrow from Harry Potter.

Queenie said:

As stated the enlarge spell says I can only go from tiny to small, like halfling size I guess? Is there a way I could get to medium size, aka a human or elf size person? I'm not looking to fight like that or anything, just want to be able to walk around like a big person lol.

Click to expand...

There might be... What would you be willing to give up for it?

Ok, here is a fairly complete satyr.

Ozymandias (OZ)


Height 5’ 9”; Weight 170# ; Hair: Copper; Age 100; Patron Deity:
Sex: Male Race: Satyr Class: Bard (College of Lore) Level:3
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Size: Medium Type: Fey
Init +4; Passive Wisdom ( Perception) 12
Languages : Common, Sylvan

AC 16
HP X (8 +2d8 + 3 Con)
Saves: Dexterity and Charisma
Death Saves:
Speed 40ft.
Proficiency Bonus: +2
Special Actions
Combat gear: None

Abilities Str 11, Dex 18, Con 13 , Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 16
STR 10, DEX 15, CON 13, INT 13, WIS 10, CHA 14
Combat Stats: Short sword +6/ 1d6+4
Short bow +6/ 1d6+4
Ram: +2 2d4 bludgeoning
Racial Traits: Str +1, Dex +3, Int+1, Cha +2. Magic resistance: advantages on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Background: Entertainer
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics and Performance
Tool Proficiencies: Disguise Kit, one musical instrument
Equipment: A musical instrument, favor of an admirer, a costume, belt pouch with 15 gp
Feature: By Popular Demand
Personality Trait: I know a good story relevant to almost every situation
Ideal: Creativity: The world is in need of new ideas and bold action
Bond: I idolize a hero of the old tales and measure my deeds against that person
Flaw: I am a sucker for a pretty face

Class Features:
Proficiencies:
Armor: Light armor
Weapons: Simple Weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, short swords
Tools: 3 musical instruments
Saving Throws: Dexterity and Charisma
Skills: Choose any three.
Spellcasting
Bardic Inspiration (d6)
Jack of All Trades
Song of Rest (d6)
Bard College (Lore)
Expertise: Two skills use double proficiency bonus
Bonus Proficiencies: Three skills of choice
Cutting Words

Skills : P Proficient; E Expertise
+6 Acrobatics P
+1 Animal Handling
+3 Arcana
+1 Athletics
+5 Deception P
+4 History P
+1 Insight
+4 Intimidation
+3 Investigation
+1 Medicine
+3 Nature
+3 Perception P
+7 Performance PE
+7 Persuasion PE
+3 Religion
+6 Sleight of Hand P
+6 Stealth P
+1 Survival

Musical Instruments:
Pan pipes
Drum
Flute
Lute

Spell Slots:
1st : 4
2nd: 2

Cantrips: 2 Prestidigitation, Vicious Mockery,
1st 4 Comprehend Languages, Cure Wounds, Dissonant Whispers, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter,
2nd 2 Invisibility, Shatter

Equipment:
Short sword
Shortbow and quiver of 20 arrows
Studded Leather armor
Two daggers
Entertainers Pack
Pan pipes
Drum


Background:
Oz lead a carefree and capricious life in the Feywild. Laughing, dancing and drinking he whiled away the decades in spectacular sensual indulgence. His songs danced through the trees and his laughter was imitated by the merry brook as it wound its way to the sea. Oz’s heart was full of joy and life with no worries in the world. He traveled where he liked within the Feywild. His thirst for wine, women and song was matched by his curiosity about the world. He collected songs and stories from all manner of Fey. Such was the life of many satyrs.
This changed after one particular tryst Oz had. He had been pursuing a particularly beautiful nymph that lived in a secluded glade. After he had seduced her, the Queen of the Fairies grew angry. Apparently the nymph was only 100, practically a child. Oz plead ignorance and said she looked 118. Still the Queen was angry and decided to punish Oz for his indiscretion. She placed a geas on him to accompany her daughter as a guardian and guide as she explored the outer world as she prepared to lead her people. The timing of this did seem a little suspect after the fact. However, despite the onerous task, the succulent nymph had been well worth the price paid.

CanadienneBacon said:

Done. Added Detect Thoughts and Phantasmal Force. I plan to have fun with Legilimency, to borrow from Harry Potter.

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Interesting. I sense Psychonauts-esque mindscape escapades in the party's future... Don't ask me how I know that.
[MENTION=2820]Fenris[/MENTION] The Grecian ideal, and the pastoral idyll. Nice. Not for nothing do the faerie wilds of Arborea abut the foot of Mount Olympus. Just saying.

So if Oz is a guide to young Liliana, have his fairy revels carried him further afield, across the many worlds and the various heavens and hells? The feywild is a transitive plane, after all. Wander far enough, and they say all lands can be reached from within its boundaries.

I'm reluctant to tie myself too firmly to a historical mythology, because while I like having it as a springboard for ideas, I do want the freedom for myself and for you to go beyond those beginning ideas into other things without being 'wrong.'

The Lion is just an epithet...a fragment of a larger being. Like most gods, she wasn't just one thing...I am borrowing from Sekhmet, but also Bastet and maybe even a little Hathor. A goddess of war, but also of nurture...of wayfaring and trade, of protection and territory. As the needs of her followers changed, so did she. Another fragment might be the Good Mother Who Licks her Cubs, or The Lady of Crossroads.

But those are pieces that are still out there. And who can really say what they add up to? And more still, who can say what Shard will be?

Belief shapes the planes, and player beliefs count double.

The way Planescape always played it, all myths are true. If there was a discrepancy between in-game lore and real-world historicity, then the problem was with the real world. After all, even if we know what the the ancient Egyptians believed, how did they know how much of it was true? Their own beliefs changed and sometimes contradicted each other. In Planescape, that's partly because the priests only ever got a fragmentary, outsider's perspective on planar politics-- and partly because, given the ability to shape reality at a whim, even the past is multiple-choice. Not all the sacred truths are everything they're cracked up to be, and some heresies are truer than the powers above like to admit.

At least, that's the typical, jaded planar perspective. Hard to exalt the gods when they're your neighbours, or bosses. Or parents.

So I think reinterpretation of the old myths is all well and good, even if it flies in the face of what we know now. The old tales get told and told anew, and the Egyptians, like many ancient cultures, believed in the notion of the eternal return. All this has happened before, and it will happen again. The details may differ, but the song remains the same.

If it sounds like I'm trying to convince you, I sort of am. Even if The Lion Who Roars At Noon doesn't correlate exactly to any extant Egyptian god, finding her place among them or finding out why she's missing or forgotten, there's potential there.

Or maybe not. tl;dr Do what you like, but don't let the facts get in the way.

Shayuri said:

The Lion is just an epithet...a fragment of a larger being. Like most gods, she wasn't just one thing...I am borrowing from Sekhmet, but also Bastet and maybe even a little Hathor. A goddess of war, but also of nurture...of wayfaring and trade, of protection and territory. As the needs of her followers changed, so did she. Another fragment might be the Good Mother Who Licks her Cubs, or The Lady of Crossroads.

Click to expand...

Those are some pretty good epithets.