cdsaint
First Post
Calling all Forgotten Realms Gurus......
Monday the 24th I'm starting a new character in the Forgotten Realms, but I don't own any of the books, and what I know about the Realms wouldn't fill a thimble. I'll give a brief description of my character concept, and then hopefully get lots of suggestions on where the character should be from, and what diety he should worship. Any other pertinent suggestions will also be welcome.
Zhiva Varushkyn is a 21 year old human fighter specializing in 2 weapon fighting with a scimitar and kukri. He has 3 ranks (cc) in both perform dance and tumble and wears light armor. He is also an accomplished rider and accustomed to dealing with horses. He reveres the goddess/god of dancing and is working towards the Dervish prestige class.
Zhiva Varushkyn's name holds some meaning in that Zhiva means Lively, and Varushkyn is taken from Varushka, meaning stranger. Varushkyn is also a matrynomic, which will indicate to those who know the naming conventions of his adoptive people that his male parentage is unknown or considered unimportant. In actuality his mother was a wounded woman who found refuge with his adopted family, gave birth to him and died without ever speaking. She was simply called Varushka (stranger) for lack of a better name. Basically I guess the name would loosely translate as "the lively son of the female stranger", but would be open to possible misinterpretation as a sign of illegitimacy.
I picture Zhiva as sort of a happy Cossack. He loves to dance, drink, and make merry, but his mercurial mood makes him quick to take offense and fight as well as quick to forgive and make friends. He venerates a godess (or possibly god) of dancing and merriment. As a young man Zhiva tried hard to fit in with his dour and serious adoptive family in spite of the fact that his nature wasn't suited to it. At around 16 he took his place fighting alongside his father and brothers against (something, not sure what specifically). After a skirmish, a brother he admired greatly who lay dying told him "I was wrong Zhiva to try to make you what you aren't. Follow your heart, be happy. Drink all the (whiskey, vodka, schnapps, or other regionally appropriate intoxicating beverage) and kiss all the girls." Zhiva took this advice to heart, and hasn't stopped partying since.
After glancing through the GM's FR books, the closest match for a diety I've found is Lliira, but I'm not completely dead set on her. This will be important, because I see Zhiva as being very devout, and which diety he reveres will play a large part in how he's played. I have no real idea where he should be from. Is there anywhere analogous to russia in FR? Or somewhere where the scimitar is king and horses are the most important commodity?
Thanks, Chris
Monday the 24th I'm starting a new character in the Forgotten Realms, but I don't own any of the books, and what I know about the Realms wouldn't fill a thimble. I'll give a brief description of my character concept, and then hopefully get lots of suggestions on where the character should be from, and what diety he should worship. Any other pertinent suggestions will also be welcome.
Zhiva Varushkyn is a 21 year old human fighter specializing in 2 weapon fighting with a scimitar and kukri. He has 3 ranks (cc) in both perform dance and tumble and wears light armor. He is also an accomplished rider and accustomed to dealing with horses. He reveres the goddess/god of dancing and is working towards the Dervish prestige class.
Zhiva Varushkyn's name holds some meaning in that Zhiva means Lively, and Varushkyn is taken from Varushka, meaning stranger. Varushkyn is also a matrynomic, which will indicate to those who know the naming conventions of his adoptive people that his male parentage is unknown or considered unimportant. In actuality his mother was a wounded woman who found refuge with his adopted family, gave birth to him and died without ever speaking. She was simply called Varushka (stranger) for lack of a better name. Basically I guess the name would loosely translate as "the lively son of the female stranger", but would be open to possible misinterpretation as a sign of illegitimacy.
I picture Zhiva as sort of a happy Cossack. He loves to dance, drink, and make merry, but his mercurial mood makes him quick to take offense and fight as well as quick to forgive and make friends. He venerates a godess (or possibly god) of dancing and merriment. As a young man Zhiva tried hard to fit in with his dour and serious adoptive family in spite of the fact that his nature wasn't suited to it. At around 16 he took his place fighting alongside his father and brothers against (something, not sure what specifically). After a skirmish, a brother he admired greatly who lay dying told him "I was wrong Zhiva to try to make you what you aren't. Follow your heart, be happy. Drink all the (whiskey, vodka, schnapps, or other regionally appropriate intoxicating beverage) and kiss all the girls." Zhiva took this advice to heart, and hasn't stopped partying since.
After glancing through the GM's FR books, the closest match for a diety I've found is Lliira, but I'm not completely dead set on her. This will be important, because I see Zhiva as being very devout, and which diety he reveres will play a large part in how he's played. I have no real idea where he should be from. Is there anywhere analogous to russia in FR? Or somewhere where the scimitar is king and horses are the most important commodity?
Thanks, Chris
