Legend Seeker
All of his life, the legend seeker has heard the bards’ tales of the daring deeds of heroic warriors. That was the life - slay the monster, find the treasure, and rescue the princess. Now, the legend seeker is all grown up and has only one thing on his mind - what the story tellers will say about him.
Life is about the legend seeker and the legend seeker only. He does realize that he needs the adoration of the crowds, and nothing makes his day more than to hear the whispers as he walks into a crowded tavern or inn. But to him, other people fall into three categories: a fan; a patron; or, someone to be used to impress a member of the other two groups.
Adventures: The Legend seeker adventures as much as possible. He rushes from the lost treasure hunt to the slaying of an incredible beast, taking time only to work the crowds. The greater the challenge, the greater the opportunity to make a name for himself. Adventuring is how he stacks one amazing story on another, building his reputation. The more stories, the better. The legend seeker takes unwarranted risks if he believes the outcome will result in a good tale, especially if there is an audience. He does not give a second thought to exposing his followers and fellow adventurers to these risks. Adventuring with a legend seeker is a double-edged sword - benefit from his fighting prowess and fame, but beware the legend seeker himself.
Characteristics: The Legend seeker is an adrenaline junky and an attention seeker. He lives his life to be in the spotlight. If he is not receiving the adoration of the common folk, then he is performing some deed guaranteed to be talked about for some time to come. A legend seeker does not form long term attachments, unless it is with a particularly useful sponsor or lackey, and then only as long as that person proves useful to the legend seeker’s cause. He is a selfish individual and does not consider the thoughts or feelings of others. Outside of the fight, legend seekers also tend to be lazy and petty.
Alignment: Legend seekers are of any non-lawful alignment. They do not have tendencies toward either good or evil, but instead follow the path that best serves their hunt for glory.
Religion: Legend seekers are not religious individuals. To recognize a higher being would be to admit that they are not in control of their own destiny, that someone other than themselves decides their place in history. In addition, the tenets of most religions are too restrictive, and may prevent the legend seeker from completing that one impossible feat that carves his name into stone for all eternity.
Background: Legend Seekers grow up in small villages and hamlets. Typically, they are from an agrarian societies that see little excitement and little change. The legend seeker is usually the offspring of a farmer, laborer, tradesman, or other mundane and boring profession. Legend seekers leave home as soon as they are able to take care of themselves - usually by running away. Legend seekers often do not take any valuable knowledge from their upbringing with them, since it was this very existence they loathed and tried to ignore.
Races: Legend seekers tend to be human, but to a lesser extent may be half-eleven or halfling. Dwarves, elves, gnomes and half-orcs are not legend seekers. These races do not have either the desire or characteristics necessary for a full time pursuit of fame.
Other Classes: Legend seeker’s adventure with any other class of character. They have no biases against other classes, as long as everyone understands who the show is all about. At lower levels, legend seekers seek out other famous adventures of any class, looking to start their own careers by association. Legend seekers have the greatest affinity with bards, since it is these fine fellows who can immortalize their deeds. They also identify with rogues because of their typically irreverent nature. The admonishments of clerics and monks are a constant source of annoyance. Fighters and rangers, and to a lesser extent barbarians, are accepted, as long as they are of lower experience level and their actions do not draw attention from the legend seeker. Sorcerers and wizards are somewhat respected by legend seekers, but only as useful tools.
Game Rule Information
Abilities: the primary abilities of a legend seeker are Strength and Charisma. Dexterity and Constitution are also important traits to his fighting and adventuring abilities. Intelligence and Wisdom are less vital to the legend seeker, since his primary purpose is to win the day and receive his just rewards.
Alignment: Any non-lawful alignment.
Hit die: d10
Class Skills: The legend seeker’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Perform (Cha), Ride (Dex), and Swim (Str).
Groupies: at 2nd level the legend seeker gains the groupie ability. The legend seeker has a small reputation, and locals recognize that there is something special about him. People want to bask in his limelight, and to do so are willing to buy him a meal, perform a minor task, or provide him with valuable information (+2 bonus on gather information checks). The legend seeker also receives a 20% discount on all equipment, supplies, weapons, armor, etc., that he purchases.
Entourage: at 8th level the legend seeker gains the entourage ability. The legend seeker gains a group of followers, which at a minimum include bard of 3rd level, a right-hand-man (who is a 2nd level fighter) and two to six other 1st level followers of any character core class. Members of a legend seeker’s entourage perform services and tasks at his direction. They only disobey his orders when their own lives are in great peril, and then must make a Will save (DC 10 +1/Legend Seeker’s experience level) to do so.
