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NOW LIVE! Into the Woods--new character species, eerie monsters, and haunting villains to populate the woodlands of your D&D games.
Call to the Four Lands
- Thread starter J. Alexander
- Start date
Dracomeander
First Post
I'll try to get my character up soon. Haven't gotten all the way through the world info yet, but I have one question I might have missed in the magic department. How is bardic spellcasting viewed?
J. Alexander
First Post
Bardic Magic
Good Question and the answer is ( Your considered a heretic and will be burned at the stake if found out) Kidding..of course...well maybe a little serious you know how small minded some people can be
Actually bardic magic is considerd by in large as being a gift from the light to a particualr person, The light gifted an individual with such talent of voice or instrument that is is considered speciall and thus acess the magic as a divine mark of favor.
Good Question and the answer is ( Your considered a heretic and will be burned at the stake if found out) Kidding..of course...well maybe a little serious you know how small minded some people can be
Actually bardic magic is considerd by in large as being a gift from the light to a particualr person, The light gifted an individual with such talent of voice or instrument that is is considered speciall and thus acess the magic as a divine mark of favor.
J. Alexander
First Post
?
What game would that be?
What game would that be?
J. Alexander
First Post
Characters to Date
Just your dm putting them together so he can plan mischief...
Fenris - Modjan Ravensblight
[sblock]Name: Modjan Ravensblight
Class: Fighter
Race: Human, Westmarch
Size: Medium
Gender: Male
Alignment: NG
Deity: Old Religion (Njord)
Str: 18 +4 (XXp.) Level: 8 XP: XXXX
Dex: 16 +3 (XXp.) BAB: +10/+5 HP: 105 (10d10+30)
Con: 16 +3 (XXp.) Grapple: +10 Dmg Red: XX/XXXX
Int: 14 +2 (XXp.) Speed: 30' Spell Res: XX
Wis: 14 +2 (XXp.) Init: +3 Spell Save: +X
Cha: 11 +0 (XXp.) ACP: -0 Spell Fail: XX%
Base Armor Shld Dex Size Nat Misc Total
Armor: 10 +5 +x +3 +X +X +X XX
Touch: XX Flatfooted: XX
Base Mod Misc Total
Fort: 7 +3 +10
Ref: 3 +3 +6
Will: 3 +2 +5
Weapon Attack Damage Critical
Longspear +15/+10 1d8+8 20x3
Shortsword +15/+10 1d6+8 19-20x2
Shortbow, Comp +13/+8 1d6+2 20x3
Rapid Shot +11/+11/+6 1d6+2 20x3
Languages: Trade Language, Northern Gaullic, Old Toungue, Southern Gaullic, Northern Illum.
Abilities: XXXX
Feats: Simple and Martial Weapons, All Armors and Shields, Weapon Focus (longspear), Power Attack, Cleave,
Combat Reflexes, Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Weapon Specilization (longspear), Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (shortsword), Weapon Specialization (Shortsword)
Skill Points: 55 Max Ranks: 11/5
Skills Ranks Mod Misc Total
Climb 5 +4 +9 (+11 with a rope)
Intimidate 10 +0 +10
Jump 5 +4 +0 +9
Kn: Geography cc 5 +2 +7
Profession (Sailor)cc 5 +2 +7
Ride 4 +3 +7
Swim 7 +4 +11
Use Rope cc 5 +3 +8
Equipment: Cost Weight
Mithral breastplate XXcp XXlb
Large wooden shield XXsp XXlb
Longspear XXgp XXlb
Shortsword
Shortbow Comp (Mighty+2) XXgp XXlb
Total Weight:XXlb Money: 27,000gp XXsp XXcp
Lgt Med Hvy Lift Push
Max Weight: XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX
Age: 32
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 220lb
Eyes: Green
Hair: Blond
Skin: Fair[/sblock]
Canan - Jaroth Urkas
[sblock]STR 10
DEX 13
CON 13
INT 13+1@4th=14
WIS 16
CHA 17+1@8th=18
hitpoints: 40
Skills: 65 total (+synergies, feats and ability mods) (My earlier calculation was wrong because I didn't include skill points for being human)
Bluff: 5 (9)
Concentration: 6 (9)
Diplomacy: 5 (15)
Gather Information: 1 (4)
Knowledge, Arcana: 10 (12)
Knowledge, History: 5 (10)
Knowledge, Nature: 5 (7)
Search: 5 (7)
Sense Motive: 5 (8)
Spellcraft: 10 (14)
Survival: 2 (7)
Feats:
[1] Eschew Materials
[1] Improved Initiative
[3] Negotiator
[6] Skill Focus: Knowledge, History
[9] Extend Spell
Special Abilities:
Communication: At 1st level, the Elder Druid can invoke tongues and comprehend languages on himself as the spells of the same name, at will. This is a spell-like ability.
Druid Fire: Once per day per two Elder Druid class levels, as a standard action, the Elder Druid can summon forth a plane of white hot flames similar to a burning hands spell. This attack takes the form of a 40-foot-long semi-circular burst of fire that deals damage equal to 1d6 per Elder Druid class level plus the Elder Druid's Wisdom modifier. Creatures in the area of effect can make a Reflex save (DC 20 + Elder Druid's Wisdom modifer) to take half damage. The fire can affect incorporeal and ethereal creatures, and spell resistance does not apply. This is a supernatural ability.
Sense Magic: At 3rd level, the Elder Druid can detect magic and read magic as the spells of the same name, at will. This is a spell-like ability.
Spells Known: 9/5/4/3/2/1
0-6/day amanuensis, arcane mark, launch item, mage hand, prestidigitation, resistance, light, disrupt undead, message [DC 14]; 1st-7/day detect secret doors, ebon eyes, identify, magic missile, shield [DC 15]; 2nd-7/day protection from arrows, detect thoughts, see invisibility, darkvision, false life [DC 16]; 3rd-7/day greater mage armor, protection from energy, dispel magic [DC 17]; 4th-6/day ice storm, invisibility greater [DC 18]; 5th-3/day telekinesis [DC 19]
Possessions:
Jaroth carries a heavy mace and wears a hip satchel with a shoulder strap. In the satchel he carries 3 flasks of acid, 4 flasks of alchemist's fire, 4 sunrods, 2 tanglefoot bags, 4 thunderstones and 3 tindertwigs. He made these alchemical items using the lore of the old ways, combining the elemental powers of the earth (basically crude science). This is part of the lore he learned among his order. He also wears soft leather boots. He carries a waterskin and trail rations and flint and steel, several pieces of parchment and ink and quill. He also carries a rosewood box.
Brief History:
Jaroth Urkas was orphaned as a toddler. He was too young to remember what had happened exactly. All he remembers is flames and his mother screaming for help. His first real memories are those from his childhood growing up in an Eastland village, raised in a dwarven orphanage. Being human, and tall for his kind to boot, despite the warmth the dwarves gave him, he never truly felt like he belonged there. On his 14th birthday, he struck out on his own, guided by his intuition. Lost and alone in the wilderness, he met a hermit and became fast friends with him. Grothe the hermit taught him the secrets of the natural world. But there was always something different about Jaroth. He had the spark of magic. And it soon manifested itself.
During a terrible hail storm, he and Grothe were caught outdoors. Soon they were being pelted with apple sized hailstones. Running for cover, Grothe fell and twisted his ankle. Jaroth came to his rescue, putting his arms above his head to shield off the hailstones, a shimmer appeared in the air just above his head and the hailstones were smashed onto it. Jaroth picked up Grothe and carried him all the way back to their cottage. Grothe was very thankful and supportive of his magical friend thereafter.
Shortly after that incident, Grothe send a message to someone he told Jaroth was "an old friend." Two weeks later, a dark enigmatic man arrived, draped in a billowing black cowled cloak and black robes. "This man is Cirrus Oakwand. Go with him Jaroth. He will teach you more of the natural ways than I could possibly and he will teach you to hone your natural gifts."
Jaroth was skeptical at first, but over the two weeks that Cirrus stayed with them, he learned to like the man. He was a kind man and very knowledgeable about the old ways and the natural world. He spoke of healing the rifts between the races and safeguarding the old ways for future generations. At the end of the visit, Jaroth went with him. After years of study, Jaroth has become a new member of Cirrus Oakwand's order and has donned his own billowing black cowled cloak and robe.
Jaroth is tall, perhaps 6'3" and leanly built. Not thin. Rather, athletic. He has a short cropped beard and deep blue, penetrating eyes. He wears the weight of his 32 years heavily.[/sblock]
Rath Lorien - Anniston Van Aalorn
[sblock]Anniston Van Aalorn, LG Male Human Paladin[10]
http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=679254
STR 18
DEX 11
CON 13+1@4th=14
INT 14
WIS 13+1@8th=14
CHA 16
hitpoints: 73 + 19 = 92
http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=679312
http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=684517
Skills: 65 total
Animal Handling: 5+3=8
Diplomacy: 13+7=20
Heal: 3+2=5
Knowledge, Nobility: 8+2=10
Knowledge, Religion: 7+2=9
Profession, Lawyer: 3+2=5
Ride: 13+2=15
Sense Motive: 13+2=15
Languages: Illum, Northern Illum, Northern Gaullic
Feats:
[1] Combat Expertise
[1] Endurance
[3] Mounted Combat
[6] Improved Disarm
[9] ?
History:
Anniston Van Aalorn is of noble birth, the second son of an honorable family in the Northwarden famous for its powerful knights. He grew up with all of the advantages, but was spared the familial responsibilities that fell primarily to his older brother, Robert, a preeminent ranger knight of the Brotherhood.
He always felt a connection to the Church of the Light and in his heart he knew he was destined to serve the faith. As a boy he felt called to an ordained life, but his body was built for combat and his father pushed his "saintly" son into the Order of the Light, rather than allow him to enter the priesthood. His early career was brilliant. His skills as a paladin were identified early and encouraged by both the priesthood and the Order of the Light.
While still a young man he was sent south to the Valley of Light so that his religious formation could be properly maintained. Eventually he was accepted into the Order of the Defenders of the Faith. In addition to his martial duties, Anniston was trained and participated in various diplomatic missions of the Church.
Anniston Van Aalorn was on a promising career path with the Defenders of the Faith due to both his ability and the political influence that could be brought to bear on his behalf by various Borderlords. For over three years he was considered to be an eventual contender for the Preceptorship of the order itself which caused much grumbling and discontent among the various factions of the valley in the southern lands. Assigned to escort a senior prelate to an important meeting, Anniston and Primate Korlon, were ambushed by unknown parties. As the guards fell defending the Primate, Anniston successfully won free and fought his way back to the Primate’s side just before a figure struck from the shadows laying the Primate on death's door. Seeing their prey fallen, the attackers quickly vanished rather than face the wrath of a Paladin in fury.
Giving what aid he could to the Primate, Anniston proved unable to save his life, despite calling forth his own healing powers. With the death of the Primate, a huge outcry was raised by Anniston’s foes from within and without the church. A trial was held but despite obviously biased and manufactured evidence the ecclesiastical court ruled that while the Knight Anniston did fail in his charge of protecting the Primate, dereliction of duty and malfeasance could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Having failed his charge, the court further ruled, the Knight Anniston was to be suspended from the order and charged with presenting proof of his innocence by either proof of divine favor or bringing the individual responsible for the Primate’s death to justice.
Many pressed for Anniston to be forcibly released from his vows and remanded to the civil courts for prosecution but this movement failed. Unwilling to return to his family in disgrace, Anniston was left to make his way as best he could.
Anniston was forced to relinquish his sword as a symbol that he no longer had the right to bear arms in the name of the Defenders of the Faith. Furthermore, his tabard was confiscated and his shield was ceremoniously stripped of the coat of arms that signified a full member of the order in good standing. Thus he no longer enjoyed the rights and privileges he might have had while serving under that banner. As he was still technically a member of the order he was allowed to keep his signet ring which attested that his vows were intact.
Before leaving, Anniston went to visit his mentor and friend, the Monsignor Nicolai d’Varlier in his lavish apartments overlooking the city.
Nicolai received him, saying, “Anni, you are like a son to me. If I could execute the atonement myself you know I would do it. But the Archbishop himself has signed the order and none may release this sentence save His Grace.”
“I know you would, Father. Do not trouble yourself so.” Anniston said gently, taking the old man’s hands in his own.
Nicolai continued, “Of course you still have your family armor, but I see they have stripped your shield. Do not fear, my boy, there remain many here who know your heart is true and will remember this day as an injustice. The Light will ensure that you find friends when you need them. Take this.” Nicolai hands Anniston a sealed leather sleeve used to transport and protect important documents. “It is a letter written in my own hand bearing my personal seal. Use it if you need help.”
“Thank you, my friend. But I cannot accept it. If this letter should fall into the wrong hands you would suffer.”
A well-tended fire begins to reveal itself in Nicolai’s voice, “Nonsense, I can take care of myself. I insist that you take it. It will bring me some measure of peace and I could not bear it if you left with nothing.”
“Very well, I will take it,” replied Anniston , pushing the envelope deep into his pack.
“What else can I do for you, my son?” asked the priest.
“I ask only your blessing,” Anniston said as he kneels before the monsignor.
“Of course you will have my blessing, and my prayers, but there must be something more I can do. You have only to name it and you will have it if it is in my power to give.”
Anniston pauses in thought, then says, “I have no sword. You have spoken to me often of your journeys as a mendicant priest in your youth. I ask for your walking stick, which according to your stories has served you faithfully and perhaps will serve me as well. In any case it will remind me of you and the reason for this journey that I must make.”
Nicolai steps back in surprise, “All these years I have kept it to remind me of my younger days. But it does not wish to sit in a corner gathering dust. I can see that it was meant for greater things.”
Nicolai retrieves the walking stick which is too short to be a proper quarterstaff and perhaps a bit too heavy as well. It is a heavy wooden cudgel, able to be wielded with one hand or two. Its age is shown clearly by its darkened color and by its handle worn smooth from countless hands, but it is still sturdy and hard as iron, carved with religious symbols of Saint Cuthburt and of the Light. It is a rugged walking stick of the sort that a poor pilgrim might use on his journey. Nicolai continues, “You know from my stories that this cudgel is special. It is said that this is a finger bone from Saint Cuthburt.” He points to a light-colored bump in the wood, no longer recognizable as bone or anything else for that matter; it might just as well be a knot in the wood. “I have tried, but it resists any attempt to accept an enchantment, nor is any information obtained through arcane identification. It is said that miracles have been attributed to this relic, though in my experience I know of only one power: when the Light is channeled through it, the cudgel is endowed by the spirit of Saint Cuthbert. Take it, with my blessing. And now you must go, my friend. Go in the Light; may it ever show you the way through the darkness.”
Special Equipment:
Signet Ring, The Eternal Order of the Defenders of the Faith
Letter from Monsignor Nicolai d’Varlier
Large Steel Shield +2 (4159gp)
Cudgel of Saint Cuthburt (relic, value unknown)
-- Non-magical, 1d8 damage, x2 crit, can be used one-handed or two-handed.
-- Special power: As a swift action, the wielder can expend one turn undead attempt to cause the weapon to be under the effect of a Bless Weapon spell (as per the 1st level Paladin spell) for 1 minute per divine spellcasting level of the user.
Armor of the Hand (family heirloom item)
-- Full Plate Armor (1650gp)
-- Enhancement +3 (9000gp)
-- Mithral (9000gp)
-- Glamered (2700gp)
-- Silent Moves (3750gp)
-- Total cost: 26,100gp
History of the Armor of the Hand:
Primate Porton, in his wisdom, drew upon the might and resources of the lands under the Light and beyond. From the province of Northwarden in the warring and schismatic Borderlands, in the year of the Light 812, he called Freyadin Van Aalorn, now known as Freyadin the Hand, to serve the Light. Freyadin become known by all to be completely loyal to the Primate. In the fullness of time, Primate Porton recognized the selfless service of Freyadin. Their relationship was an enigma. Though Freyadin did not take the holy orders he continued to serve as body guard, diplomat, and trusted councilor of Primate Porton. So unusual was his role and so trusted their relationship, that eventually the primate created a title for Freyadin that had never been used before and has not been used since: The Hand. As The Hand, Freyadin was allowed to carry out personal directives from the Primate and had considerable latitude with respect to executing this office. When speaking as The Hand, ex cathedra, it was understood that Freyadin represented the office of the Primacy. It is widely considered among ecclesiastical historians that as a result of this influence, the primacy of Porton was known to be more secular in its precedent.
In gratitude of this service, Primate Porton commissioned an exquisite suit of full plate armor, made primarily of mithral. This suit was fashioned with enchantments such that the wearer could change the appearance of the armor. The armor was further enchanted to not make any sound when moving. Thus the wearer could appear to be and sound as if he were wearing simple robes or even the finest of courtly dress and remain protected.
As a gift from his father upon being accepted into the Eternal Order of the Defenders of the Faith, Anniston Van Aalorn, Freyadin's great-grandson, now wears the armor.[/sblock]
Just your dm putting them together so he can plan mischief...
Fenris - Modjan Ravensblight
[sblock]Name: Modjan Ravensblight
Class: Fighter
Race: Human, Westmarch
Size: Medium
Gender: Male
Alignment: NG
Deity: Old Religion (Njord)
Str: 18 +4 (XXp.) Level: 8 XP: XXXX
Dex: 16 +3 (XXp.) BAB: +10/+5 HP: 105 (10d10+30)
Con: 16 +3 (XXp.) Grapple: +10 Dmg Red: XX/XXXX
Int: 14 +2 (XXp.) Speed: 30' Spell Res: XX
Wis: 14 +2 (XXp.) Init: +3 Spell Save: +X
Cha: 11 +0 (XXp.) ACP: -0 Spell Fail: XX%
Base Armor Shld Dex Size Nat Misc Total
Armor: 10 +5 +x +3 +X +X +X XX
Touch: XX Flatfooted: XX
Base Mod Misc Total
Fort: 7 +3 +10
Ref: 3 +3 +6
Will: 3 +2 +5
Weapon Attack Damage Critical
Longspear +15/+10 1d8+8 20x3
Shortsword +15/+10 1d6+8 19-20x2
Shortbow, Comp +13/+8 1d6+2 20x3
Rapid Shot +11/+11/+6 1d6+2 20x3
Languages: Trade Language, Northern Gaullic, Old Toungue, Southern Gaullic, Northern Illum.
Abilities: XXXX
Feats: Simple and Martial Weapons, All Armors and Shields, Weapon Focus (longspear), Power Attack, Cleave,
Combat Reflexes, Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Weapon Specilization (longspear), Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (shortsword), Weapon Specialization (Shortsword)
Skill Points: 55 Max Ranks: 11/5
Skills Ranks Mod Misc Total
Climb 5 +4 +9 (+11 with a rope)
Intimidate 10 +0 +10
Jump 5 +4 +0 +9
Kn: Geography cc 5 +2 +7
Profession (Sailor)cc 5 +2 +7
Ride 4 +3 +7
Swim 7 +4 +11
Use Rope cc 5 +3 +8
Equipment: Cost Weight
Mithral breastplate XXcp XXlb
Large wooden shield XXsp XXlb
Longspear XXgp XXlb
Shortsword
Shortbow Comp (Mighty+2) XXgp XXlb
Total Weight:XXlb Money: 27,000gp XXsp XXcp
Lgt Med Hvy Lift Push
Max Weight: XXX XXX XXX XXX XXX
Age: 32
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 220lb
Eyes: Green
Hair: Blond
Skin: Fair[/sblock]
Canan - Jaroth Urkas
[sblock]STR 10
DEX 13
CON 13
INT 13+1@4th=14
WIS 16
CHA 17+1@8th=18
hitpoints: 40
Skills: 65 total (+synergies, feats and ability mods) (My earlier calculation was wrong because I didn't include skill points for being human)
Bluff: 5 (9)
Concentration: 6 (9)
Diplomacy: 5 (15)
Gather Information: 1 (4)
Knowledge, Arcana: 10 (12)
Knowledge, History: 5 (10)
Knowledge, Nature: 5 (7)
Search: 5 (7)
Sense Motive: 5 (8)
Spellcraft: 10 (14)
Survival: 2 (7)
Feats:
[1] Eschew Materials
[1] Improved Initiative
[3] Negotiator
[6] Skill Focus: Knowledge, History
[9] Extend Spell
Special Abilities:
Communication: At 1st level, the Elder Druid can invoke tongues and comprehend languages on himself as the spells of the same name, at will. This is a spell-like ability.
Druid Fire: Once per day per two Elder Druid class levels, as a standard action, the Elder Druid can summon forth a plane of white hot flames similar to a burning hands spell. This attack takes the form of a 40-foot-long semi-circular burst of fire that deals damage equal to 1d6 per Elder Druid class level plus the Elder Druid's Wisdom modifier. Creatures in the area of effect can make a Reflex save (DC 20 + Elder Druid's Wisdom modifer) to take half damage. The fire can affect incorporeal and ethereal creatures, and spell resistance does not apply. This is a supernatural ability.
Sense Magic: At 3rd level, the Elder Druid can detect magic and read magic as the spells of the same name, at will. This is a spell-like ability.
Spells Known: 9/5/4/3/2/1
0-6/day amanuensis, arcane mark, launch item, mage hand, prestidigitation, resistance, light, disrupt undead, message [DC 14]; 1st-7/day detect secret doors, ebon eyes, identify, magic missile, shield [DC 15]; 2nd-7/day protection from arrows, detect thoughts, see invisibility, darkvision, false life [DC 16]; 3rd-7/day greater mage armor, protection from energy, dispel magic [DC 17]; 4th-6/day ice storm, invisibility greater [DC 18]; 5th-3/day telekinesis [DC 19]
Possessions:
Jaroth carries a heavy mace and wears a hip satchel with a shoulder strap. In the satchel he carries 3 flasks of acid, 4 flasks of alchemist's fire, 4 sunrods, 2 tanglefoot bags, 4 thunderstones and 3 tindertwigs. He made these alchemical items using the lore of the old ways, combining the elemental powers of the earth (basically crude science). This is part of the lore he learned among his order. He also wears soft leather boots. He carries a waterskin and trail rations and flint and steel, several pieces of parchment and ink and quill. He also carries a rosewood box.
Brief History:
Jaroth Urkas was orphaned as a toddler. He was too young to remember what had happened exactly. All he remembers is flames and his mother screaming for help. His first real memories are those from his childhood growing up in an Eastland village, raised in a dwarven orphanage. Being human, and tall for his kind to boot, despite the warmth the dwarves gave him, he never truly felt like he belonged there. On his 14th birthday, he struck out on his own, guided by his intuition. Lost and alone in the wilderness, he met a hermit and became fast friends with him. Grothe the hermit taught him the secrets of the natural world. But there was always something different about Jaroth. He had the spark of magic. And it soon manifested itself.
During a terrible hail storm, he and Grothe were caught outdoors. Soon they were being pelted with apple sized hailstones. Running for cover, Grothe fell and twisted his ankle. Jaroth came to his rescue, putting his arms above his head to shield off the hailstones, a shimmer appeared in the air just above his head and the hailstones were smashed onto it. Jaroth picked up Grothe and carried him all the way back to their cottage. Grothe was very thankful and supportive of his magical friend thereafter.
Shortly after that incident, Grothe send a message to someone he told Jaroth was "an old friend." Two weeks later, a dark enigmatic man arrived, draped in a billowing black cowled cloak and black robes. "This man is Cirrus Oakwand. Go with him Jaroth. He will teach you more of the natural ways than I could possibly and he will teach you to hone your natural gifts."
Jaroth was skeptical at first, but over the two weeks that Cirrus stayed with them, he learned to like the man. He was a kind man and very knowledgeable about the old ways and the natural world. He spoke of healing the rifts between the races and safeguarding the old ways for future generations. At the end of the visit, Jaroth went with him. After years of study, Jaroth has become a new member of Cirrus Oakwand's order and has donned his own billowing black cowled cloak and robe.
Jaroth is tall, perhaps 6'3" and leanly built. Not thin. Rather, athletic. He has a short cropped beard and deep blue, penetrating eyes. He wears the weight of his 32 years heavily.[/sblock]
Rath Lorien - Anniston Van Aalorn
[sblock]Anniston Van Aalorn, LG Male Human Paladin[10]
http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=679254
STR 18
DEX 11
CON 13+1@4th=14
INT 14
WIS 13+1@8th=14
CHA 16
hitpoints: 73 + 19 = 92
http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=679312
http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=684517
Skills: 65 total
Animal Handling: 5+3=8
Diplomacy: 13+7=20
Heal: 3+2=5
Knowledge, Nobility: 8+2=10
Knowledge, Religion: 7+2=9
Profession, Lawyer: 3+2=5
Ride: 13+2=15
Sense Motive: 13+2=15
Languages: Illum, Northern Illum, Northern Gaullic
Feats:
[1] Combat Expertise
[1] Endurance
[3] Mounted Combat
[6] Improved Disarm
[9] ?
History:
Anniston Van Aalorn is of noble birth, the second son of an honorable family in the Northwarden famous for its powerful knights. He grew up with all of the advantages, but was spared the familial responsibilities that fell primarily to his older brother, Robert, a preeminent ranger knight of the Brotherhood.
He always felt a connection to the Church of the Light and in his heart he knew he was destined to serve the faith. As a boy he felt called to an ordained life, but his body was built for combat and his father pushed his "saintly" son into the Order of the Light, rather than allow him to enter the priesthood. His early career was brilliant. His skills as a paladin were identified early and encouraged by both the priesthood and the Order of the Light.
While still a young man he was sent south to the Valley of Light so that his religious formation could be properly maintained. Eventually he was accepted into the Order of the Defenders of the Faith. In addition to his martial duties, Anniston was trained and participated in various diplomatic missions of the Church.
Anniston Van Aalorn was on a promising career path with the Defenders of the Faith due to both his ability and the political influence that could be brought to bear on his behalf by various Borderlords. For over three years he was considered to be an eventual contender for the Preceptorship of the order itself which caused much grumbling and discontent among the various factions of the valley in the southern lands. Assigned to escort a senior prelate to an important meeting, Anniston and Primate Korlon, were ambushed by unknown parties. As the guards fell defending the Primate, Anniston successfully won free and fought his way back to the Primate’s side just before a figure struck from the shadows laying the Primate on death's door. Seeing their prey fallen, the attackers quickly vanished rather than face the wrath of a Paladin in fury.
Giving what aid he could to the Primate, Anniston proved unable to save his life, despite calling forth his own healing powers. With the death of the Primate, a huge outcry was raised by Anniston’s foes from within and without the church. A trial was held but despite obviously biased and manufactured evidence the ecclesiastical court ruled that while the Knight Anniston did fail in his charge of protecting the Primate, dereliction of duty and malfeasance could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Having failed his charge, the court further ruled, the Knight Anniston was to be suspended from the order and charged with presenting proof of his innocence by either proof of divine favor or bringing the individual responsible for the Primate’s death to justice.
Many pressed for Anniston to be forcibly released from his vows and remanded to the civil courts for prosecution but this movement failed. Unwilling to return to his family in disgrace, Anniston was left to make his way as best he could.
Anniston was forced to relinquish his sword as a symbol that he no longer had the right to bear arms in the name of the Defenders of the Faith. Furthermore, his tabard was confiscated and his shield was ceremoniously stripped of the coat of arms that signified a full member of the order in good standing. Thus he no longer enjoyed the rights and privileges he might have had while serving under that banner. As he was still technically a member of the order he was allowed to keep his signet ring which attested that his vows were intact.
Before leaving, Anniston went to visit his mentor and friend, the Monsignor Nicolai d’Varlier in his lavish apartments overlooking the city.
Nicolai received him, saying, “Anni, you are like a son to me. If I could execute the atonement myself you know I would do it. But the Archbishop himself has signed the order and none may release this sentence save His Grace.”
“I know you would, Father. Do not trouble yourself so.” Anniston said gently, taking the old man’s hands in his own.
Nicolai continued, “Of course you still have your family armor, but I see they have stripped your shield. Do not fear, my boy, there remain many here who know your heart is true and will remember this day as an injustice. The Light will ensure that you find friends when you need them. Take this.” Nicolai hands Anniston a sealed leather sleeve used to transport and protect important documents. “It is a letter written in my own hand bearing my personal seal. Use it if you need help.”
“Thank you, my friend. But I cannot accept it. If this letter should fall into the wrong hands you would suffer.”
A well-tended fire begins to reveal itself in Nicolai’s voice, “Nonsense, I can take care of myself. I insist that you take it. It will bring me some measure of peace and I could not bear it if you left with nothing.”
“Very well, I will take it,” replied Anniston , pushing the envelope deep into his pack.
“What else can I do for you, my son?” asked the priest.
“I ask only your blessing,” Anniston said as he kneels before the monsignor.
“Of course you will have my blessing, and my prayers, but there must be something more I can do. You have only to name it and you will have it if it is in my power to give.”
Anniston pauses in thought, then says, “I have no sword. You have spoken to me often of your journeys as a mendicant priest in your youth. I ask for your walking stick, which according to your stories has served you faithfully and perhaps will serve me as well. In any case it will remind me of you and the reason for this journey that I must make.”
Nicolai steps back in surprise, “All these years I have kept it to remind me of my younger days. But it does not wish to sit in a corner gathering dust. I can see that it was meant for greater things.”
Nicolai retrieves the walking stick which is too short to be a proper quarterstaff and perhaps a bit too heavy as well. It is a heavy wooden cudgel, able to be wielded with one hand or two. Its age is shown clearly by its darkened color and by its handle worn smooth from countless hands, but it is still sturdy and hard as iron, carved with religious symbols of Saint Cuthburt and of the Light. It is a rugged walking stick of the sort that a poor pilgrim might use on his journey. Nicolai continues, “You know from my stories that this cudgel is special. It is said that this is a finger bone from Saint Cuthburt.” He points to a light-colored bump in the wood, no longer recognizable as bone or anything else for that matter; it might just as well be a knot in the wood. “I have tried, but it resists any attempt to accept an enchantment, nor is any information obtained through arcane identification. It is said that miracles have been attributed to this relic, though in my experience I know of only one power: when the Light is channeled through it, the cudgel is endowed by the spirit of Saint Cuthbert. Take it, with my blessing. And now you must go, my friend. Go in the Light; may it ever show you the way through the darkness.”
Special Equipment:
Signet Ring, The Eternal Order of the Defenders of the Faith
Letter from Monsignor Nicolai d’Varlier
Large Steel Shield +2 (4159gp)
Cudgel of Saint Cuthburt (relic, value unknown)
-- Non-magical, 1d8 damage, x2 crit, can be used one-handed or two-handed.
-- Special power: As a swift action, the wielder can expend one turn undead attempt to cause the weapon to be under the effect of a Bless Weapon spell (as per the 1st level Paladin spell) for 1 minute per divine spellcasting level of the user.
Armor of the Hand (family heirloom item)
-- Full Plate Armor (1650gp)
-- Enhancement +3 (9000gp)
-- Mithral (9000gp)
-- Glamered (2700gp)
-- Silent Moves (3750gp)
-- Total cost: 26,100gp
History of the Armor of the Hand:
Primate Porton, in his wisdom, drew upon the might and resources of the lands under the Light and beyond. From the province of Northwarden in the warring and schismatic Borderlands, in the year of the Light 812, he called Freyadin Van Aalorn, now known as Freyadin the Hand, to serve the Light. Freyadin become known by all to be completely loyal to the Primate. In the fullness of time, Primate Porton recognized the selfless service of Freyadin. Their relationship was an enigma. Though Freyadin did not take the holy orders he continued to serve as body guard, diplomat, and trusted councilor of Primate Porton. So unusual was his role and so trusted their relationship, that eventually the primate created a title for Freyadin that had never been used before and has not been used since: The Hand. As The Hand, Freyadin was allowed to carry out personal directives from the Primate and had considerable latitude with respect to executing this office. When speaking as The Hand, ex cathedra, it was understood that Freyadin represented the office of the Primacy. It is widely considered among ecclesiastical historians that as a result of this influence, the primacy of Porton was known to be more secular in its precedent.
In gratitude of this service, Primate Porton commissioned an exquisite suit of full plate armor, made primarily of mithral. This suit was fashioned with enchantments such that the wearer could change the appearance of the armor. The armor was further enchanted to not make any sound when moving. Thus the wearer could appear to be and sound as if he were wearing simple robes or even the finest of courtly dress and remain protected.
As a gift from his father upon being accepted into the Eternal Order of the Defenders of the Faith, Anniston Van Aalorn, Freyadin's great-grandson, now wears the armor.[/sblock]
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Rath Lorien
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What is the game year? and season?
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