Character Creation, need help with theme

[al_fredo]

Hey guys.

I'm taking for DM responsibilities for my group, and although I haven't done it in awhile - I found ZG and immediately got excited to run a campaign back at first level. Great work on the adventure and setting...really like it so far, and will be subscribing if my players like as much as I do.

We're starting the character building process (it's slow going, as we're all busy!). One of the players is playing an Eladrin Wizard. So we went over the whole deal with where Eladrins are at in this world. He sees it as an Eladrin who has basically 'given up' on his whole race. The goddess losing and them losing their land basically convinced him that in their time of need, the gods failed. So he wants to be assimilated in Risur/Human culture. He's got some roots, for sure (still doesn't like Teiflings)...and he might be swayed back during the campaign. But we're struggling with a theme.

The Vekeshi Mystic seems like an obvious choice for Eladrin, but since he's turned his back, not sure if it works. He's gone as far as saying that he'll pay lip service, or even spy on fellow Eladrin for Risur's sake. Can we still use this theme, and give him the Prestige? Or just rename it, define it as above, give the same power and leave out the prestige (or maybe give him something else).

Suggestions??
Thanks.

 

[RangerWickett]

The idea of a person joining a secret society in order to spy on it for his law enforcement bosses works for me. Maybe they even suspect he's not loyal, but they keep in touch because they hope to change his mind.

Or he could just pick a different theme. He seems a bit glum, so perhaps eschatologist might fit his philosophy better.

 

[al_fredo]

Ha...yeah, but man - being a wizard with that self damaging power is NOT a good combo! I kind of like the possible spy connecting here. Who knows...he might change sides after all. I just need him to really define how he feels about the Unseen Court, at least from a starting point, because it's going to be thrust in his face with the Duchess and Asrabey.

 

[d2OKC]

I think technologist would work as well. Since most of the Eladrin are connected to the Dreaming, it seems natural that an Eladrin that has given up might turn to technology. A wizard's powers could be pretty easily reskinned to be more tech-y if needed.

 

[al_fredo]

I thought about that too...but the player didn't see the fit. I think we're going with a 'Failed' Vekeshi Mystic sort of theme. Hopefully his story will develop.

My other player wanted to play a Genasi, thinking about having it be just some deranged wizard's arcane accident or something.

 

[rangda]

Fire genasi can easily be Tieflings as far as the world is concerned (a player in my game did this). Other elements get a bit harder.

 

[gideonpepys]

One character in my game became a genasi as a result of a schism on Axis Island. If your player is a Yerasol veteran (either in theme or just in background) that might be a possible explanation.

 

[d2OKC]

Or, perhaps they are a warehouse or factory worker that was involved in some sort of alchemical incident. The arcane chemicals might have messed up their physiology, prompting them to become a docker, working for better rights and conditions for the workers!

...I wish I could play in Zeitgeist. I've had a lot of great character concept ideas since I've been DMing.

 

[gideonpepys]

Or, perhaps they are a warehouse or factory worker that was involved in some sort of alchemical incident. The arcane chemicals might have messed up their physiology, prompting them to become a docker, working for better rights and conditions for the workers!

A genuine left-wing firebrand!

 

[al_fredo]

Wanted to update this thread with where my Characters are...might include in my campaign post, but I have a new specific question.

I have a 'dark' elf Rogue who is an non-ZG themed 'Black hearted knave' (Man, I wanted her to have a ZG theme, but she didn't see any she connected with). At any rate, I need to get her more connected to the world. She is a distrusting player (meaning, she thinks everything is a trap/trick)...and typically is a very independent PC (getting her to buy-in to the RHC was a bit tricky!). Not sure if this is her personality, or her character - but often, she'll want to say something intimidating to an NPC, and she has a zero in the skill!!!

So...I have our 'skeptical/failed/double agent' Vekeshi Mystic, a Yerasol vet and a Spirit Medium. All who have cool stuff to do in Dying Skyseer. I'm thinking there is something I can do with the Thief and either Kell or Cippiano/The Family. I don't want to ruin other parts of the story. Also...I don't want to give her much incentive to go her own way...if anything, I want to drive her closer to her constables/RHC. So maybe there is an offer from one organization to sell the other out? Maybe just a simple job request (side combat or something). Payoff? "Hold on" to a magic item in return for a favor (classic mafia style)? Your guys thoughts? It appears that Kell is a real jerk in that stage scene...so if she unifies the group against him, that could be good as well. Connection to either Kell or Family would be a good anchor to the world. Or maybe even Gale herself??? Our thief is an elf, after all. Here is her RHC dossier:

​Irieaga Dawntracker : Black Elf Rogue. Skill in stealth and covert operations is a sure way to get an RHC interview. Risur's next war will not be on the Yerasol Archipelago, but in the shadows at home and abroad. Irieaga is a rare breed...a unique dark-skinned elf, yet so comfortable in the public view in Risur. While some see her as a devil - most are enamored by her grace and calm demeanor. The RHC took a risk in signing this Black Hearted Knave up for service – but she checks out. She’s loyal to Risur – likely because we gave her a chance when no one else would.

Interested to hear your thoughts....