iwatt
First Post
Have these guys floating around in my PC, might as well post them and see them get used by others as well.
Varadis Telamon
Excerpt from the Journal of Teobaris Hendalen, Lorekeeper of the Free Cities.
The challenge had been accepted. The young blood’s insolent approach had of course yielded what he sought. Not many can say they’ve crossed swords with The Blade from Sarsos. None could say they’d ever won. The towering reputation of Varadis Telamon’s blade has brought countless challengers to Sarsos, in hopes of besting the last of the Sword Dancers.
The latest challenger will mayhap become a footnote in history. His fame preceded him, and for the first time in decades, the bets laid in the Hall of Coins favored the challenger. Tales of the quickness of his blade have covered the Free Cities for many a year, telling of his daring raids on Imperial ships. ‘Tis said that he once held off a whole company of Imperial Marines single handedly, while his crew had cut loose the ship they guarded. As was to be expected the question arose; was his skill enough to best the Old Fox?
Varadis has been master of Blade and Dance for nine and thirty years now. His origins have been forgotten by most, but some of us still recall the young thief that became the youngest blade-master in history. Not many dare call him thief nowadays, yet since it was I who caught him red-handed and set him on the path to greatness, he forgives my indiscretions.
The duel promised to be great, and it didn’t disappoint. On one side of the field, the challenger appeared, gloriously golden, young and fit. On the other, a dried up old man held his sword calmly, with a calm air of nonchalance. Tis’ unfortunate the young blood decided to be so insulting when he issued the challenge. Varadis has always been the soul of self-control and restraint when it comes to these matches, only accepting First-Blood contests, or just simply humiliating his opponent into submission. But the fool had to bring up Varadis’ greatest shame, the loss of Imeralda to the duke of Gardell. ‘Till this day, the sole mention of her name brings the old fox into a towering rage. Alas, my old friend has always been a master of hiding his emotions, and to the untrained eye appeared to calmly wait what the new day would bring, a new day that could only end with either of the combatants lying in a grave.
‘Tis common knowledge here in the Free Cities that duels begin when the sun first raises it’s head from the sea. Many a fight has been won by the lightning reflexes of whoever sees the glorious orb rise. As the time for combat approached, visible tension appeared in the eyes of the challenger, who continuously tested the edge of his blade. On the other hand, the Old Fox had his sword lightly held, point down, and appeared to be studying a loose flagstone at his feet.
As the sun broke free from it’s watery nest, the challenger suddenly sprang into motion. His fluid steps brought him quickly and silently into reach of the unaware old man. As the young blood lunged at his rival, Varadis smoothly side-stepped his opponent and deftly struck at his exposed back. But the younger man was viper quick and easily parried his opponents attack. His own rapier was easily turned around by the Sword Dancer’s black blade. Quickly, the Old fox entered the famous Sarsos stance, which he has made world famous.
‘Tis said that the Sarsos stance is unbeatable, that a true master can dance away from any sword stroke while in this position. Yet the Young Blood had his own stance, which although not as effective as the legendary parrying of Varadis, was still able to turn all blows away.
As the dawn grew to morning, it seemed that Varadis age was finally taking its toll. His parries seemed not as quick, and his strikes seemed equally lethargic. As he cautiously backed step from step from his rival, it seemed certain the younger man would finally be the victor. Step by step, the old man reversed, clearly weakening after each strike. At last, in a moment of eternal slowness for those watching, the Old Fox stumbled to his knees because of a loose flagstone. The challenger, seen the opening he was looking for, attacked with all the deadliness of a rattlesnake. But a weasel is faster than any viper, and just as it seemed the Blade of Sarsos was lost, a deft roll sideways and an upwards lunge put an end to Joradis the Young Blood. The look of surprise on his face, was mirrored by al those watching the fight. It seems that as always, Varadis had been one step ahead from his rival during the whole battle. Unsullied, he walked away from the foolish youth who had once gain proved how deadly the blade of Varadis really is.
And so another page is added to the legend of Varadis the Old Fox, Master of Sword and Dance, the undefeated Blade of Sarsos. Seven and sixty years have passed since the day he was born, and till now he has not lost a fight that I know of.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
This guy was an experiment for a low-treasure world. His sole possesions are a +3 Defending Keen Adamantium Rapier and a +5 ring of deflection. These are heirlooms of the fencing school he runs. The whole object of this build was to develop a veteran sword-master. In the low magic setting he is untouchable, although he really can't lay down the smack anymore. When he goes into his "duel stance" he get's a +22 to AC (+10 parrying + 3 Defending +1 Dodge + 3 Fighting Defensively + 5 Combat Expertise) and takes a -12 hit to attack (-4 Fighting Defensively - 5 Combat Expertise - 3 Defending)
That makes him have AC 44 and an attack bonus of +15/+10/+5/+0. His usual tactic in a duel is either Springing in and out, or just going toe to toe and using Improved feint if possible. In a crowd fight he goes into the "Sarsos Stance" and just whirlwinds through.
He was built using 32 point buy. The aging effect are already included (he's 67 which gives him -3 to physical stats and +2 to mental stats.
Varadis Telamon: Male Human Ftr6/Rog4/Due10;
Medium Humanoid; CR 20;
HD 4d6+16d10; hp 133;
Init +8; Spd 30 ft/x4;
AC 22 (+7 dex, +5 deflection), touch 22, flat-footed 22;
Base Atk/Grapple +19/+19;
Full Atk +27/+22/+17/+12 One-handed (1d6+2d6+5;15-20/x2, +3 Keen Defending Adamantium Rapier), +24/+19/+14/+9 Thrown (1d4;19-20/x2, Masterwork dagger(Thrown));
AL NG; SV Fort +9, Ref +19, Will +7;
Str 10(+0), Dex 18(+4), Con 10(+0), Int 16(+3), Wis 12(+1), Cha 14(+2);
Skills: Balance¹ +14, Bluff¹ +23, Climb¹ +13, Disable Device +10, Escape Artist¹ +27, Jump¹ +13, Move Silently¹ +7, Open Lock +11, Perform (Dance) +19, Ride¹ +10, Search¹ +10, Sense Motive¹ +23, Swim¹ +8, Tumble +24, Use Rope¹ +9.
Feats:
• Combat Expertise
• Improved Disarm
• Improved Feint
• Whirlwind Attack
• Dodge
• Mobility
• Spring Attack
• Quick Draw
• Weapon Finesse
• Weapon Focus(Rapier)
• Weapon Specialization(Rapier)
• Elusive Target
–– CLASS ABILITIES ––
• Proficient in all armor, and all shields(including tower shields)
• Proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with Hand Crossbow.
• Uncanny Dodge(Ex): Varadis retains his Dexterity bonus to AC even if
flatfooted or struck by an invisible attacker.
• Trap Sense(Ex): +1 to Reflex saves and AC against traps.
• Evasion(Ex): On a successful Reflex save against a magical attack, Varadis
takes no damage.
• Sneak Attack: Any time someone Varadis attacks is denied their Dexterity
bonus to AC, or he is flanking them, he inflict an extra 2d6 damage.
Ranged attacks must be within 30 feet to gain this, and this extra damage
is not increased on a critical hit. Creatures that are immune to critical hits
ignore this damage, as do creatures with concealment
• Trapfinding: Varadis can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task
has a DC higher than 20. He can use the Disable Device skill to disarm
magic traps.
• Canny Defense(Ex): When not wearing armor, Varadis add 3 to his Dex
bonus to modify Armor Class while wielding a melee weapon.
• Improved Reaction(Ex): Varadis has an additional +4 to initiative rolls.
• Enhanced Mobility(Ex): When unarmored and not using a shield, Varadis gains
an additional +4 bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity caused when
he moves out of or within a threatened area.
• Grace(Ex): When wearing no armor and not using a shield, Varadis gains an
additional +2 competence bonus to all Reflex saving throws.
• Precise Srike(Ex): Vardis has the ability to strike precisely with a one-
handed piercing weapon, gaining a bonus 2d6 damage added to his
normal damage roll.
• Acrobatic Charge(Ex): Varadis can charge in situations where others cannot.
• Elaborate Parry(Ex): If he chooses to fight defensively, or use all-out
defense in melee, Vardis gains an additional +10 dodge bonus to his AC.
• Deflect Arrows(Ex): Vardis gains the Deflect Arrows feat when using a
one-handed piercing weapon.
Black Blade of Sarsos: This legendary weapon has been used by sword-masters throughout the ages. Bardus Jultas, first of the Sword Dancers, brought the blade to Sarsos 300 years ago. Since then, only the Master of the Blade may wield it. It's said that the blade can't be broken, and that the sword need never be sharpened. (+3 Keen Defending Adamantium Rapier)
Ring of the Master: The signet ring is the true mark of the Master of the Blade. Passed on from master to master, it is said that only a true Sword Dancer may use it. (+5 Ring of Deflection).
Feel free to comment on him. Also, feel free to yoink him as an NPC. I didn't add more magic equipment because the world he's developed for has almost no magic gear at all. The ring and the sword are almost artifat level in this setting. I haven't thought out what other items to throw in if I take him into a higher magic world. Any ideas would be appreciated.
I'll be adding other NPCs as time goes on.
Varadis Telamon
Excerpt from the Journal of Teobaris Hendalen, Lorekeeper of the Free Cities.
The challenge had been accepted. The young blood’s insolent approach had of course yielded what he sought. Not many can say they’ve crossed swords with The Blade from Sarsos. None could say they’d ever won. The towering reputation of Varadis Telamon’s blade has brought countless challengers to Sarsos, in hopes of besting the last of the Sword Dancers.
The latest challenger will mayhap become a footnote in history. His fame preceded him, and for the first time in decades, the bets laid in the Hall of Coins favored the challenger. Tales of the quickness of his blade have covered the Free Cities for many a year, telling of his daring raids on Imperial ships. ‘Tis said that he once held off a whole company of Imperial Marines single handedly, while his crew had cut loose the ship they guarded. As was to be expected the question arose; was his skill enough to best the Old Fox?
Varadis has been master of Blade and Dance for nine and thirty years now. His origins have been forgotten by most, but some of us still recall the young thief that became the youngest blade-master in history. Not many dare call him thief nowadays, yet since it was I who caught him red-handed and set him on the path to greatness, he forgives my indiscretions.
The duel promised to be great, and it didn’t disappoint. On one side of the field, the challenger appeared, gloriously golden, young and fit. On the other, a dried up old man held his sword calmly, with a calm air of nonchalance. Tis’ unfortunate the young blood decided to be so insulting when he issued the challenge. Varadis has always been the soul of self-control and restraint when it comes to these matches, only accepting First-Blood contests, or just simply humiliating his opponent into submission. But the fool had to bring up Varadis’ greatest shame, the loss of Imeralda to the duke of Gardell. ‘Till this day, the sole mention of her name brings the old fox into a towering rage. Alas, my old friend has always been a master of hiding his emotions, and to the untrained eye appeared to calmly wait what the new day would bring, a new day that could only end with either of the combatants lying in a grave.
‘Tis common knowledge here in the Free Cities that duels begin when the sun first raises it’s head from the sea. Many a fight has been won by the lightning reflexes of whoever sees the glorious orb rise. As the time for combat approached, visible tension appeared in the eyes of the challenger, who continuously tested the edge of his blade. On the other hand, the Old Fox had his sword lightly held, point down, and appeared to be studying a loose flagstone at his feet.
As the sun broke free from it’s watery nest, the challenger suddenly sprang into motion. His fluid steps brought him quickly and silently into reach of the unaware old man. As the young blood lunged at his rival, Varadis smoothly side-stepped his opponent and deftly struck at his exposed back. But the younger man was viper quick and easily parried his opponents attack. His own rapier was easily turned around by the Sword Dancer’s black blade. Quickly, the Old fox entered the famous Sarsos stance, which he has made world famous.
‘Tis said that the Sarsos stance is unbeatable, that a true master can dance away from any sword stroke while in this position. Yet the Young Blood had his own stance, which although not as effective as the legendary parrying of Varadis, was still able to turn all blows away.
As the dawn grew to morning, it seemed that Varadis age was finally taking its toll. His parries seemed not as quick, and his strikes seemed equally lethargic. As he cautiously backed step from step from his rival, it seemed certain the younger man would finally be the victor. Step by step, the old man reversed, clearly weakening after each strike. At last, in a moment of eternal slowness for those watching, the Old Fox stumbled to his knees because of a loose flagstone. The challenger, seen the opening he was looking for, attacked with all the deadliness of a rattlesnake. But a weasel is faster than any viper, and just as it seemed the Blade of Sarsos was lost, a deft roll sideways and an upwards lunge put an end to Joradis the Young Blood. The look of surprise on his face, was mirrored by al those watching the fight. It seems that as always, Varadis had been one step ahead from his rival during the whole battle. Unsullied, he walked away from the foolish youth who had once gain proved how deadly the blade of Varadis really is.
And so another page is added to the legend of Varadis the Old Fox, Master of Sword and Dance, the undefeated Blade of Sarsos. Seven and sixty years have passed since the day he was born, and till now he has not lost a fight that I know of.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
This guy was an experiment for a low-treasure world. His sole possesions are a +3 Defending Keen Adamantium Rapier and a +5 ring of deflection. These are heirlooms of the fencing school he runs. The whole object of this build was to develop a veteran sword-master. In the low magic setting he is untouchable, although he really can't lay down the smack anymore. When he goes into his "duel stance" he get's a +22 to AC (+10 parrying + 3 Defending +1 Dodge + 3 Fighting Defensively + 5 Combat Expertise) and takes a -12 hit to attack (-4 Fighting Defensively - 5 Combat Expertise - 3 Defending)
That makes him have AC 44 and an attack bonus of +15/+10/+5/+0. His usual tactic in a duel is either Springing in and out, or just going toe to toe and using Improved feint if possible. In a crowd fight he goes into the "Sarsos Stance" and just whirlwinds through.
He was built using 32 point buy. The aging effect are already included (he's 67 which gives him -3 to physical stats and +2 to mental stats.
Varadis Telamon: Male Human Ftr6/Rog4/Due10;
Medium Humanoid; CR 20;
HD 4d6+16d10; hp 133;
Init +8; Spd 30 ft/x4;
AC 22 (+7 dex, +5 deflection), touch 22, flat-footed 22;
Base Atk/Grapple +19/+19;
Full Atk +27/+22/+17/+12 One-handed (1d6+2d6+5;15-20/x2, +3 Keen Defending Adamantium Rapier), +24/+19/+14/+9 Thrown (1d4;19-20/x2, Masterwork dagger(Thrown));
AL NG; SV Fort +9, Ref +19, Will +7;
Str 10(+0), Dex 18(+4), Con 10(+0), Int 16(+3), Wis 12(+1), Cha 14(+2);
Skills: Balance¹ +14, Bluff¹ +23, Climb¹ +13, Disable Device +10, Escape Artist¹ +27, Jump¹ +13, Move Silently¹ +7, Open Lock +11, Perform (Dance) +19, Ride¹ +10, Search¹ +10, Sense Motive¹ +23, Swim¹ +8, Tumble +24, Use Rope¹ +9.
Feats:
• Combat Expertise
• Improved Disarm
• Improved Feint
• Whirlwind Attack
• Dodge
• Mobility
• Spring Attack
• Quick Draw
• Weapon Finesse
• Weapon Focus(Rapier)
• Weapon Specialization(Rapier)
• Elusive Target
–– CLASS ABILITIES ––
• Proficient in all armor, and all shields(including tower shields)
• Proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with Hand Crossbow.
• Uncanny Dodge(Ex): Varadis retains his Dexterity bonus to AC even if
flatfooted or struck by an invisible attacker.
• Trap Sense(Ex): +1 to Reflex saves and AC against traps.
• Evasion(Ex): On a successful Reflex save against a magical attack, Varadis
takes no damage.
• Sneak Attack: Any time someone Varadis attacks is denied their Dexterity
bonus to AC, or he is flanking them, he inflict an extra 2d6 damage.
Ranged attacks must be within 30 feet to gain this, and this extra damage
is not increased on a critical hit. Creatures that are immune to critical hits
ignore this damage, as do creatures with concealment
• Trapfinding: Varadis can use the Search skill to locate traps when the task
has a DC higher than 20. He can use the Disable Device skill to disarm
magic traps.
• Canny Defense(Ex): When not wearing armor, Varadis add 3 to his Dex
bonus to modify Armor Class while wielding a melee weapon.
• Improved Reaction(Ex): Varadis has an additional +4 to initiative rolls.
• Enhanced Mobility(Ex): When unarmored and not using a shield, Varadis gains
an additional +4 bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity caused when
he moves out of or within a threatened area.
• Grace(Ex): When wearing no armor and not using a shield, Varadis gains an
additional +2 competence bonus to all Reflex saving throws.
• Precise Srike(Ex): Vardis has the ability to strike precisely with a one-
handed piercing weapon, gaining a bonus 2d6 damage added to his
normal damage roll.
• Acrobatic Charge(Ex): Varadis can charge in situations where others cannot.
• Elaborate Parry(Ex): If he chooses to fight defensively, or use all-out
defense in melee, Vardis gains an additional +10 dodge bonus to his AC.
• Deflect Arrows(Ex): Vardis gains the Deflect Arrows feat when using a
one-handed piercing weapon.
Black Blade of Sarsos: This legendary weapon has been used by sword-masters throughout the ages. Bardus Jultas, first of the Sword Dancers, brought the blade to Sarsos 300 years ago. Since then, only the Master of the Blade may wield it. It's said that the blade can't be broken, and that the sword need never be sharpened. (+3 Keen Defending Adamantium Rapier)
Ring of the Master: The signet ring is the true mark of the Master of the Blade. Passed on from master to master, it is said that only a true Sword Dancer may use it. (+5 Ring of Deflection).
Feel free to comment on him. Also, feel free to yoink him as an NPC. I didn't add more magic equipment because the world he's developed for has almost no magic gear at all. The ring and the sword are almost artifat level in this setting. I haven't thought out what other items to throw in if I take him into a higher magic world. Any ideas would be appreciated.
I'll be adding other NPCs as time goes on.
Last edited:
