AGoT - House Steadfast

[Widowmaker]

Jdvn1 - I am glad you have read a little bit it helps with the world. (Makes my life a little easier.) The series is quite good, but I can understand with the books. I am a very picky reader.

lissilambe - Character Concept overall looks good. I have a few questions.

1) Not that Artisan's cannot not be a nobles and such, they can be stewards and such, but have you considered taking Noble as your first level? I was asking because in your history it sounds like her parents are formal and want her in a dress and such.

2) I understand the Hunter classes, but not the raider? A solution may have been that on her way to find her grandfather she fell in with some pirates/raiders with the Borrells of Sweetwater (located on the Fingers in the Vale.) Hence where she also learned some fighting skills.

3)If she was trained by her grandfather why doesn't she have levels in Man-At-Arms?

4)Her mother could be from the Egen's a very minor house in the Vale.

I am not trying to be critical, just making sure I understand.

And actually as I was reading about Viviene's grandfather, Harrik Grove, I was thinking he would be a good Master of Arms. When I saw your note on the bottom, I had to laugh. So House Steadfast has a Master of Arms named Ser Harrik Grove.

 

[Waylander the Slayer]

Still working on the character. Background is taking a little longer than i thought.

 

[Enforcer]

I've almost finished all my stats (need to place my Influence points and Reputation bonuses) and still need to flesh out my background. Otherwise Jonas Sand is pretty much done. He's a Man-at-Arms 1/Noble 1/Knave 3 and while he's no Syrio Forel, he's fairly handy with a Braavosi blade (Weapon Focus, Finesse for both Attack and Defense, Parry). He's also got a lot of skills, though none are especially high (greater than +6 total bonus) except for Balance. His Bastard defect (3BP) lowers his Minor House Status 2 to Status 1, so his ECL is only +1. His other defects are Stigma (3BP) and Ignoble (1BP). Until his return from Braavos, Jonas has had a tumultuous relationship with House Steadfast.

 

[Widowmaker]

Waylander - No problem.

Enforcer - It is looking good. Cannot wait to see him.

 

[Jdvn1]

What's a hedge knight? A knight without a house? And a sworn sword? Just a guy devoted to his House?

So, keeping in line with not knowing much about the world, I'm considering playing a younger character (16/18 years old, so still "Adult"), who's been wanting to join the House's force, but was held back for one reason or another (maybe his parents didn't want him to go about fighting, or maybe he came from a poor family and couldn't afford the equipment... I'm not sure what fits the world the best). I, however, have a strong sense of wanderlust and am drawn to exploring the world under the banner of his House. Maybe he just started to work for the House tending the horses or maybe he hasn't quite landed the job yet. He's a good rider and likes swordplay, and shows promise in that regard.

I'd appreciate some feedback on the concept (to help it fit AGoT). And, some mechanical points... would I be social rank 0? I'll probably have a mix of Knave and Man-At-Arms.

 

[Enforcer]

A hedge knight is a knight (he's taken a vow to the Seven) without lands of his own. He travels to and fro, serving under various lords in return for food and shelter (and pay).

A sworn sword is a soldier devoted to a house, yes.

 

[Widowmaker]

Enforcer beat me to it.

Jdvn1 - Yes a hedge knight is a knight who has not sworn fealty to a particular house. They often travel around finding work, food, and service to small houses. They may stay for a few months and then move on. Many also take there oath very seriously and protect the smallfolk.

Hedge Knights are looked down upon because they serve no house. Many are quite poor and may not even have a complete set of armor. Many attempt to make a living by travelling to tournaments and winning there. They may also gain some fame and finally attach to a house.

A hedge knight might be best described as a Ronin from Feudal Japan. This is the closest assiocation I can think of.

One of the most famous Hedge Knights became Commander of the Kingsguard (Seven bodyguards who protect the king). The one thing to remember a Hedge Knight is still a Knight. (Meaning he has the Knight Prestige Class)

A Sworn Sword is usually a member of a house. In return for room, board, and equipment he protects the house. Basically a guard. Some move up to Master at Arms or Captain of the Guards or some other important position.

Some others leave there house and become mercanaries. These men become what are called sellswords. Rare

If you are looking for someone who has wonderlust and such. A hedge knight would not be a bad choice. He could have attached himself to House Steadfast recently. Part of your character history or goals maybe to eventually swear yourself to a house. Nothing says you cannot be a newly raised knight. I would advise an age of eighteen.

If you want to work in the stables that is more of a specialized postion as the House Stablemaster or something to that effect. Same with the master of the hunt or houndmaster. They usually have some fighting ability but nothing like a sworn sword. As a hedge knight that might be some of your additonal duties to work with the horses and such.

A hedge knight would be Social Status 0. A sworn sword a 1.

I would say one or two levels of knave to represent your youth. Then a at least three levels of man-at-arms. And then one level of knight. This would allow you to be a newly sworn Hedge Knight.

If this sounds like something you want. I can help you work with it and give you some more info.

 

[Enforcer]

Jonas Sand

Noble 1/Knave 3/Man-at-Arms 1 (+1 ECL from Social Status, Man-at-Arms was level 1, eventual Water Dancer--I need another +3 BAB and Weapon Spec. and I'm there.)
Background: Dorne
House Affiliation: Steadfast (Minor House)
Social Status: 2 (Bastard Scion of a Minor House)
Wealth: Rank 2
Reputations: undecided
Influences: (26 unspent)

Hit Points: 20
Shock: 6
Initiative: +3
Movement: 30 ft.
Armor Class: 11 (+3 Defense Bonus, +3 Dex, +5 Braavosi blade (Finesse +3, Parry +2))
Armor: 2 (2 leather)
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+4
Attack: Braavosi Blade +7 (1d6+1/18-20/x2)
Full Attack: Braavosi Blade +7 (1d6+1/18-20/x2)

Saves: Fort +4 (+6 vs. harsh climates), Ref +6, Will +3
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12 (Dex was 15 at level 1, +1 from level 4 bonus)

Skills:
-Balance (slippery surfaces; 8+3) +11
-Bluff (gambling; 4+1) +5
-Climb (ropes; 4+1) +5
-Heal (Physic; 1+0) +1
-Intimidate (combat; 4+1) +5
-Knowledge: Foreign Culture–Braavos (customs; 2+2) +4
-Knowledge: History (military; 2+2) +4
-Knowledge: Navigation (stars; 3+2) +5
-Knowledge: Nobility (heraldry; 3+2) +5
-Knowledge: Stewardship (finances; 2+2) +4
-Knowledge: Underworld (contacts; 3+2) +5
-Move Silently (soft step; 3+3) +6
-Perform: Dance (Tavern Dancing; 2+1) +3
-Profession (Sailor; 4+0) +4
-Ride (sand steed; 1+5) +6
-Sense Motive (body language; 5+0) +5
-Speak Language: Free Cities Valyrian (1 rank)
-Spot (ambush; 5+0) +5
-Survival (tracking; 4+0) +4
-Swim (endurance; 4+1) +5
-Tumble (combat; 5+3) +8

Feats: Armor Proficiency (light, medium), Combat Expertise, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (braavosi blade), Finesse (attack and defense, braavosi blade), Literacy, Parry (braavosi blade), Shield Proficiency, Weapon Focus (braavosi blade), Weapon Proficiency (simple, martial)

Special Abilities: Bonus Class Skills (Knowledge: Navigation, Heal), Noble Education, Illicit Barter, Fortune’s Favor 1/day, Sneak Attack +1d6, +1 to hit from horseback, +2 Fort Saves vs. Harsh environments

Defects: Bastard 3BP, Ignoble 1BP, Stigma 3BP (These bought both Finesse feats and some skill points that I haven't spent yet)

Possessions: a plain Braavosi blade, leather armor, light horse, "Loyalty"--a better (masterwork if that's okay, Widowmaker) Braavosi blade that is being held for Jonas by Ser Simon's heir.

Background: Born to a serving girl in Sunspear castle after she spent a night with the visiting Ser Simon, Jonas Sand was raised along the docks of Sunspear. There, he learned much about seamanship, swimming, and even about the Free Cities from the merchants who travelled there.

As Jonas grew older, he began to work on ships, first as a cabin boy, later as a deckhand. After narrowly escaping severe injury due to a falling sail, Jonas's quick reflexes netted him training as a fighter from his Braavosi captain, Zephon Seran, an accomplished if aging Water Dancer. On leave at Sunspear at the age of 15 (where Jonas did visit his mother, Elena), Ser Vyncent, noticed him while both were relaxing in the same tavern--Jonas is the spitting image of his father (Ser Vyncent's brother), Ser Simon, now the deceased Lord Steadfast.

Jonas was taken back "home," acquainted with Ser Aaron Caron and Ser Simon's legitimate children, and given an education. While Jonas had the intellect to learn everything a well-born noble should learn, he saw little point mastering every subject and would soon grow bored with his tutors. Also, to Jonas's great disappointment, House Steadfast had no one who taught the Braavosi blade, even though Jonas made a decent swordsman with more "traditional" weapons. The only worthwhile thing Jonas found at Summerhall was Ser Vyncent, whom Jonas looked up to as a father-figure and so was willing to play what Jonas calls "the rich man's game." Ser Vyncent also took a liking to Jonas in return, and even gave him a proper steel Braavosi blade, called "Loyalty" to remind Jonas that he has a duty to House Steadfast, even if he is baseborn.

After Ser Vyncent's death, Jonas changed swiftly for the worse under the rulership of Ser Aaron. After Jonas incurred a moderately large gambling debt with some unsavory characters and deflowered several serving girls, Ser Aaron Caron had enough. It was bad enough that he had to take care of Ser Simon's real children, at least they could be molded into good little pawns of House Caron, but this insufferable bastard, conceived before Ser Simon was even made a lord, was intolerable. Ser Aaron paid off Jonas's debts and told him that "he might like to establish House Steadfast interests in the Free Cities." Jonas understood the true intent (the sword Ser Aaron was holding in the same hand on which he wrongfully wore Ser Simon's ring was a big clue) and honestly Jonas was happy to leave Summerhall behind--it was easier than to fight for what was rightfully his half-siblings' and would never be his own.

Jonas took a job on a Braavos-bound ship and spent the last five years under the Titan's watchful gaze. He earned a living as a gambler, a sell-sword who didn't ask too many questions, and duelling bravo. Any coin that didn't go into a cup of wine was spent on Water Dancer tutors. Now he's returned to Summerhall (ruined castle that it still is) and reunited with his now-older siblings. He so far seems genuinely interested in being a loyal sworn sword to House Steadfast and helping his siblings claim their rightful places as heirs. As a symbol of his desire, Jonas uses a plain Braavosi blade taken from a man he killed in a duel in Braavos, having vowed to only take up "Loyalty" once he has regained his honor. Jonas made this vow to Ser Simon's heir and has left the decision as to when his honor will be restored to him.

Jonas still nurses a deep, abiding hatred for Ser Aaron Caron, but hasn't opposed him openly. After all, Jonas is just a bastard.

 

[Voidrazor]

Lissilambe - As long as you're rearranging stuff, you may want to consider fitting in the Finesse feat as both the offensive and defensive versions will give you a better boost to combat skills than just about anything else. Also maybe just buy a 15 Dex and use the one point from levels to bring it back up to 16. That way you could bump your Con up to 12. An extra 6 HP could save you a lot of grief.

 

[Jdvn1]

Thanks guys!

Hedge Knights are looked down upon because they serve no house. Many are quite poor and may not even have a complete set of armor. Many attempt to make a living by travelling to tournaments and winning there. They may also gain some fame and finally attach to a house.

If you are looking for someone who has wonderlust and such. A hedge knight would not be a bad choice. He could have attached himself to House Steadfast recently. Part of your character history or goals maybe to eventually swear yourself to a house. Nothing says you cannot be a newly raised knight. I would advise an age of eighteen.

Well, I'd wonder, "If I wanted to attach myself to a house, why wouldn't I have done it earlier?" Or, is being looked down up as a hedge knight enough of a reason not to be accepted into a house?

If you want to work in the stables that is more of a specialized postion as the House Stablemaster or something to that effect. Same with the master of the hunt or houndmaster. They usually have some fighting ability but nothing like a sworn sword. As a hedge knight that might be some of your additonal duties to work with the horses and such.

I figured as a younger person, I'd be given more menial tasks.

A hedge knight would be Social Status 0. A sworn sword a 1.

I would say one or two levels of knave to represent your youth. Then a at least three levels of man-at-arms. And then one level of knight. This would allow you to be a newly sworn Hedge Knight.

That's about what I was thinking too. Ah, to be a young knave...

I think I'll go with that, then.