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[Midnight] Escape from Shadow – OOC

Finally made it.

Here is my full blown orc ! In all his "glory". And I had described his sister bit more so she might became interesting NPC if You would like, DM. :p

Torak
Ironborn male orc charismatic channeler 1
Medium humanoid

Hit Die: [1d8+2] (hp 10)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 30 ft.
AC: 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10
Base Attack: +0, grapple +1

Attack: +1 melee (d4+1/x2, fist)
Full Attack: +1 melee (d4+1/x2, fist)

Saving Throws: Fortitude +2, Reflex +0, Will +2
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 16

Skills: Diplomacy +7, Intimidate +9, Wilderness Lore +6, Heal +4, Sense Motives +4, Spellcraft +5, Knowledge: Military Tactics +5.

Feats: Magecraft, Spellcasting (Universal, Transmutation, Lesser Conjuring), Improved Inititative.

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Languages: Orcish, Erenlander.

Heroic Path:
Incredible Resilence

Racial Traits:

Dark Vision 60'
Light sensitivity (-1 attack rating in bright light)
Night fighting (+1 attack rating without light)
Proficiency with vardatch.
Cold Resistance 5
+1 racial bonus to attack when in fight with 10 orcs or more, regardless of enmity.
+2 racial bonus to saves against spells and spellike abilities.
+1 racial bonus to attack against dwarves.
+2 racial bonus on Intimidation and Wilderness Lore checks.
Automatic languages: Black Tongue, Old Dwarven Pidgin, Hig Elven Pigdin, Orcish.
Class skill Knowledge: Northern Marches
Bonus languages: Any, except secret ones and Courtier.
Favored Class Barbarian.

Class Abilities:

Magecraft (Bonus Feat)
Bonus School (Universal, Transformation, Lesser Conjuring)
Bonus Spells
Art of magic
Channeler gift (Force of Personality)

Spells:
Base DC 13 + spell level
0-level spells per day: 6
Spell Energy: 4
Spells Known: 0—Mage Hand, Create Water, Prestidigitation, Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic;
1—Mage Armor, Cure Light Wounds, Spider Climb;

Physical Description:
In his 16 year he is standing 6' tall and weighting 260 lbs Torak isn't the biggest orc in the
world but is impressive and hansome in wild, predatory way. Black like charcoal, with gray
lionlike mane and amber eyes of cougar.

Background:
His life was charmed, until now. Being born in family of powerful matron-mother, who wielded her legate's power like many orc generals were wielding their vardatchs. With unmatched speed and irressitible force. Despite fact that he was born as male, he was raised as commander, his willpower crushing those of lesser spirit even when he was just a small runt. Nobody dared to raise hand against favored offspring of Mathron, even if it was just a boy. Only thing that was nagging him during his childhood was fact that house's women treated him as half witted fool, and visibly were favoring his stupid and ugly twin sister, Ruk'det. And why she had two part name just because she's a girl ? That was unfair, just unfair. His forceful personality barely standed it, and he were expressing his disagreement in small ways. When he saw that women treat slaves badly, he was kind to them. When his sister shouted that she want that ... he gently asked. When legate tutoring children of the rich was speaking that Great God relives them from the taint of forbidden magic ... he devolped secret desire for it. But was aware that such desires were forbidden, and gloated in his free will and cleverness when alone in his small, humble quarter. And was slowly groving to realisation that he differs from his brethen. While bad tempered as all orcs were alvays, Torak discovered fast that following someone's orders isn't satysfing. He was sure that only fools, like his sister, would mindlessly follow orders from more powerful, who were bowing in turn to those stronger than them. Desire to became strong ... was one of first well remebered from early childhood. As well as painful punishments for disobedient children.

When growing of age, Torak was frequently irritiated, especially with himself being treated as
mindless fool while his stupid sister was treated as adult whole year now. And was allowed to punish him regularly for his misbehaviors, opportunity she seized with great delight. And this had taught him patience. He wasn't aware how easy his sheltered life was until he volontuareed to Ruk'det's freshly forming warband. His first suprise was when she agreed. Despite mutual discontent they shared for each other, twins knew each other's strengths. Ruk'det was big and very strong. Torak was alvays capable of besting most foes, even those clearly stronger than him. This mystery surrounding her brother was very infuriating, as well as his ability to avoid conflict at all ... she had alvays to beat her subjects first into obedience, and he ? He just come by, smiled and had a follower ! No matter how often she beaten him, he alvays remided undefeated. With such qualities he should strive to became a warlord, train with vardatch all the time, like her, instead he was wasting time with all this daydreaming. And he was so easygoing !!! Torak was enjoying his newfound freedom, walking the wilderness with his warband. All aware that they were hateful towards him and his sister, filthy black highborns. But their lessers obeyed under mighty fist of Ruk'det and Torak's irressistible voice.

Day that had to be fateful, started like any other. Torak avoke with heavy kick from his sister. One of lazy subordinates was in need of medical treatment ... so Torak burned his wound that it stopped bleeding. And they moved onvard, following route of patrol. It was said that human rebels were hiding somewhere there and many patrols, as their, were sent to investigate. Ruk'det choosed duty over comfort, as alvays.Torak knew that his sister was stubborn as mule, even he wouldn't convice her to change route on this where they would end up in warm tavern, not in wilderness. They weren't some goddamn cave-orcs to live like human-animals. But Torak didn't argued for long for he enjoyed all things that he earlier just read about ... thrill of hunt, when he tracked stag and killed it with well aimed bolt from his beloved crossbow. He gained much respect, even from his sister when he managed to set fire during rain, and knew how to preserve campfire from drowning in it. But the forest clearing they choosed for camp, were also occupied by someone sleeping in ragtag rags worn by humans. Soldiers laughed and shouted loudly, just as they spot easy victim. Stranger avoked, raised hands against onslaught and spoke one word. In place where was greatest number of orcs, exploded fiery death sending half burned corpses in every direction. Torak stood amazed with such display, oblivious of fact that of all fighters only his sister charged forward striking forcefully at nimble wizard with her vardatch. Other cowardly fools were too busy fleeing in every direction ... wich was probably planned by the stranger all the way. For fev breathtaking moments Ruk'det was exchanging blows with wounded enemy, who was faring quite well for someone wounded and armed with just a staff. Unable to perform another feat of magic without risking fatal blow, magician was loosing. Torak stepped forward, observing his sister's duel with interest and commenting loudly how much worth would be living magician to legates. That disturbed enemy for a moment that his sister used to score decisive blow. She barked at him to tie wounds and arms of the prisoner. While rest of the warband returned quickly ... fools shouting one trough another about on what they will use their share of reward. Ruk'det laughed them off and spoke that if they will be lucky ... they will live the day. And orcs fell on each other, as it was common for greed to overcome fear of the superior. Torak's sister was dealing with them in her usual, brutal and efficient way. Torak kneeled by the wounded one and saw that these wounds were mortal, and without his best hidden secret, without his secret power this stranger would die by the wayside like thousands of others. He considered for a moment to let the stranger die ... just to mock his sister. And raised hood of the magician. For the moment he was staring in amazement on the pale, alien features of an exotic woman with pointy ears and face more softer and delicate than the most prized human maiden he ever saw. Or had. And this spirit ... emanating from every curve, almost as strong as his own. He made his decision and muttered phrases remembered from old musty tomes from wich he learned trading tongue. Power flowed from his black hands into the lithe frame of woman lying on his knees. In meantime, he used strong alcohol to purify the wounds, raising moan of pain from elfless. Her breath stabilised and colours returned to her cheeks under power of Torak's magic. He were tired to no end, but smiled brightly when she opened her eyes. He winked to her and put a finger on his lips, while enjoying sight of her bright big eyes. So different from dull stares of humans, goblinoids and hateful glares of his fellow orcs. He didn't regretted that he put himself at risk by spending his power on healing her. He laid elf gently on the ground and charged on his sister, knowing that she wouldn't let elf to live. Ruk'det almost beheaded him with backswing, but he luckily managed to deflect the blow enough ... that hit didn't cost him life. While falling on the ground, he saw elf racing for the woods and smiled when blackness overcame him.

He avoke stripped of everything, hungry ... cold and in chains ! Several next days of slavery taught him much more about life than ten years in his house, or several weeks on the patrol. But why his sister sold him ? Did she hated him so much ? Indeed, his life was charmed ...
Until now.

Personality:
Depending on his shifty mood, Torak could be Your best buddy or bitterest enemy. His curiosity and open mind make him distinct from most other people, not only orcs. Very prideful he never take it lightly when mocked.
 
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Methuselas

Hi jeremy_dnd,

I've been trying to write up a story explaining the following choices but have not been able to finish it as of yet. My efforts have been mainly devoted to work with a little bit of time set aside for my own story hour. (By the way, I like how your's has started). Apologies for not providing you with this information before now, I was actually wondering when you were going to start up the game. If the game goes forward, people will follow. I'm ready to begin and I'll post that story on this thread when it's finished.

As such here are Methuselas's Skills and Feats:

Feats
Skill Focus (Bluff)
Improved Grapple

Skills
Bluff 4 Ranks [+9]
Listen 4 Ranks [+5]
Sense Motive 4 Ranks [+5]
Knowledge (Northlands) 4 Ranks [+1]
Move Silently 4 Ranks [+6]

Having been a slave for most of his life, he has had to survive by bluffing his way our of the daily situations confronting a slave and the whip. In addition, there have been times where fisticuffs between slaves has been needed to work out a pecking order or defend one's self or another. As such, he is good at subduing angry people and correcting them in their behaviour. He looks after the younger slaves and in particular any Dornish ones in terms of trouble with owners, masters or others. He is no stranger to taking the whip for another's indescretion - using his bluff abilities.

In essence though, he sees it his duty to help other Dorns learn of who they were. He struggles himself to learn more of his own background as part of House Orin but he tries his hardest. In him does the flame of Dornish pride, shame and memory reside.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise
 

Jeremy,

I am still interested in playing. I have been extremely busy with work. I should have a chance to get a character and a background done this weekend.

I'll keep you posted.
 

Eh he he. "Posted." *wipes a tear from one eye* Ah, that was funny. I'm a fan of puns, you see . . .

Looking forward to it, Eonthar
 

I am soooo interested in this PbP. I've been aching to play Midnight since it came out, but never had the chance. I'm swamped right now or I'd be posting a character. I'm going to lurk though, because I'm really interested in seeing Midnight in play.
 
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Hi jeremy_dnd,

Just posting back in to see if we can get the ball rolling on this one. What's happening, who's playing and when's it starting? I'm sure there's a fantastic game to be told here.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise
 

Finally ....

It took me a little longer than I thought to get the time to make him, but here he is. Don't worry though, when the game actually starts, I will be able to post more frequently and promptly :) :

Abdiel Lyanthra
Mystic Male Erenlander Wildlander 1

Medium humanoid

Hit Die: 1d8+1 (hp 9)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft.
AC: 14, touch 14, flat-footed 10
Base Attack: +1, grapple +1

Attack: +2 melee (1d3+2/x2, Unarmed)
Full Attack: +2 melee (1d3+2/x2, Unarmed)

Saving Throws: Fortitude +3, Reflex +4, Will +2
Abilities: Str 14, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 10
(+2 Dex, -2 Int chosen as bonus/penalty for Erenlander included above)

Skills: Climb +8, Handle Animal +4, Heal +6, Hide +10, Knowledge(nature) +4, Move Silently +10, Profession(Hunter) +6, Spot +6, Survival +6, Swim +8.
Feats: Weapon Proficiency(Simple, Martial), Armor Proficiency(Light, Medium), Shield Proficiency, Track, Athletic, Stealthy.

Alignment: Chaotic Good
Languages: Erenlander.

Heroic Path:

Burst: 1/day: Increase land speed by 10' as a swift action, lasts one round

Racial Traits:

2 Bonus feats at 1st level
8 extra skill points at 1st level, 2 extra skill points per level
4 Bonus ranks in one Craft or Profession skill
Knowledge (Central Erenland) as class skill

Class Abilities:

Wild Empathy: d20+Wildlander level+Cha bonus --> influence wild animals - like Diplomacy
Wildlander trait: Quick Stride (Ex): +10' speed when wearing light or no armor

Physical Description:

Abdiel, at 5'11" and 185lbs, is of average height and weight for an Erenlander. He has relatively pale skin that is currently deeply tanned from spending all of his time outside. He has short, wavy auburn hair, and piercing green eyes. Not having access to any blades to shave with, he has a scraggly beard that is finally starting to fill in. His back is covered in scars from the lashings that he has received at the hands of his captors. The upper part of his left forearm is covered in a strange patterned, almost tribal, tattoo, which he has had as long as he can remember. Abdiel is currently 18 years old.

Background:

Abdiel does not remember much of his early childhood, he has vague memories of flames engulfing a building, a voyage in a stuffy, cramped and noisy boat, and a long voyage across the plains. His only reminders of that time are the strange tattoo that cover his upper left arm and a slight aversion to fire.

His childhood was spent in the refugee hamlet of Merranham, a small collection of buildings just within the Eastern border of Erethor near the Westlands. Since the village was inhabited mainly by children, along with a few, mostly elderly adults, there was very little manpower available to clear the land for farming. This meant that most of the people lived from small plots of vegetables along with whatever they could hunt or gather from their surroundings. Since the hamlet had little impact on the nearby environment, the local elven tribe let them live peacefully.

Abdiel spent much of his time running through the woods, climbing trees, swimming in the nearby river, befriending animals, hunting and gathering food. He was a great provider, he seemed to have a knack for being able to catch game that eluded everyone else, climb to the very highest branches of the trees to get the eggs in the nests that no one else could reach, and follow trails that no one else could find. He made many friends, often being the first to greet those that sought the hamlet for refuge.

By the time he was 15, Abdiel was the fastest, strongest man in Merranham, and indeed in the entire region. That fall, at the festival of Zimra, the harvest festival, an event where people from all of the nearby villages came to meet, trade and rejoice, a tournament was held for all of the single men of age, in which the winner would be allowed to chose any single woman to have as his wife. The contest was an obstacle course, which involved tree climbing, swimming, foot races, as well as an archery competition [Think of the modern Biathlon]. Abdiel entered and won the competition. As his wife, he selected Brianna, a pretty, sweet freckled girl of 14, with flaming red hair, hazel eyes and a dazzling smile, whom he had fallen in love with the year before.

They were very happy, and by the harvest festival of the next year, they were the proud parents of beautiful twin girls, Kiana and Kyra. Life could not get any better. Being the strongest, fastest, wisest male in the village, as well as its best provider, he was, for all intents and purposes, the leader of the village. Life could not get any better.

In fact, it got much, much worse.

At the zenith of the arc of Hisha, the winter solstice, Abdiel's life changed forever. A patrol of orcs on their way back to their camp came across the hamlet of Merranham. The party of orcs was too much for the valiant, but overmatched, defenders of the village and everyone was either killed or enslaved. Brianna and the twins were captured and sent to a female prison camp, while Abdiel was sent to a male prison camp. This was the last time that he ever saw his wife and children.

Abdiel has spent the last two years working in prison camps. He has made a number of unsuccessful attempts to run away and now bears the scars as a reminder of his failures. He believes that he will need partners in order to be able to successfully escape, and stay out of, these prison camps. He is currently searching for like-minded individuals who's abilities will complement his so that he can escape and try to find Briana, Kiana and Kyra.

Personality:

Abdiel is a very determined man, anything that he sets his mind to, he will accomplish ... eventually. While he is currently a little depressed, he is an eternal optimist believing that good things come to those who persevere. He believes in personal freedom and the greater good. He is not necessarily looking to defeat the dark lord, he is simply looking for a normal happy life with his family and friend around him.

-----------------------------

Let me know what you think.
 

Allrighty, updating the thread now.

I had been waiting to see if anyone else was going to submit a character, just to give everyone a chance. I know these boards have games that fill up very quickly, and didn't want to say, "Oops, sorry, no more spots for you!" to anyone that first week.

But now, we have three characters with, what looks like, no more interest from anyone else in developing a character. I'll update the first post, here, and we can start playing real soon.
 

Hello jeremy_dnd, Eonthar (Abdiel) and Rikandur Azebol (Torak)

It looks like we have a well rounded group to begin with, good players and a good DM. I'm really looking forward to this. Greetings from Methuselas.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise
 

Thank You for compliment, Herremann the Wise, now I will have to worry if I would come up to expectations ! :p

ANd indeed Our group is fine. Every one is less focused than in standard team, but rougly we have everything we need to surviwe. Now expect Torak to protest against eating raw meat in all cases ... less for the source of such meat:

"I'm not some cave orc ! Huh ? Maybe You are right ... he was all sick and would cause stomach problems. So what do You propose to do with this gobbo before it start stinking ?"
 

Into the Woods

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