Topic: Shattered Star [Pathfinder]

[Callie Del Noire]

Here is what I got.. I have to admit that I would prefer 20 (or 25) point buy. The APs can be kinda hard. Like 15 point I did was in Carrion Crown and the group bought the farm hard. Considering Arcane trickster, Duelist or straight rogue if I get accepted.

Runt: A Forlorn Elf wandering the Inner Sea
 Male Elf (Forlorn) Rogue: 1
 HP 9 (Current: 9); AC 15/T:13/F:12; F:+1/R:+5/W:+0
Character Creation: Runt is a thief, plain and simple, having learned to fend for himself early on. His agile ability were almost created for picking locks and sneaking about.

Character History: Runt never knew his parents, actually he never met an elf till he was 20, growing up first as the adopted child of a Cheliaxian sage. Before he was 12, he was taken as payment for a debt. By the time he was 20, he had run away from his master five times before finally getting away in Abaslon. He wandered the Inner Sea, meeting his first elf and moving along. For the next century, he moved about again and again. Osirion, Taldor, Chelliax, Quadira and finally Varisa where he earned a field commission with the Pathfinder society for his skill as a 'sneak' and 'locksmith'. Arriving in Magmimar, he has decided to end his endless wandering and try and make a place for himself.

Character Appearance:  Ever youthful, Runt dresses to blend in with the working class of any area he is in, trying to blend in with the human thongs around him. Very little beyond his green-gold eyes and pointed ears point towards his elven heritage, and to be truthful he bears himself as a human. He speaks common (and Elvish) with the accent of someone from Abaslon (his most common point of origin).

Character Personality: Runt is looking for a place in the world. He's too 'human' to fit in with the few elves he's met and too 'elven' to remain in the human world he grew up in. How do you live in one place, when all you love and know will age and die in a handful of years. He masks the pain and loss in a sharp wit and love of drink. He plans to use the massive libraries of the Magmimar lodge to learn more of his heritage and build something that lasts more than a generation. In many ways, he's a human trapped in an elven body.

Character

Runt
Male Elf Rogue 1
CG Medium Humanoid (elf)
Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +6
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Defense
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AC 15, touch 13, flat-footed 12 (+2 armor, +3 Dex)
hp 9 (1d8+1)
Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +0; +2 vs. enchantments
Immune magic sleep; Resist elven immunities
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Offense
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Speed 30 ft.
Melee Dart +3 (1d4+1/x2) and
   Rapier +3 (1d6+1/18-20/x2)
Ranged Shortbow +3 (1d6/x3)
Special Attacks sneak attack +1d6
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Statistics
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Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 11, Cha 10
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 14
Feats Weapon Finesse
Traits Arcane Dabbler (Mage Hand) (1/day) (Sp), Magical Talent (Prestidigitation) (1/day) (Sp)
Skills Acrobatics +7, Bluff +4, Climb +5, Disable Device +8, Knowledge (local) +6, Linguistics +6, Perception +6 (+7 to locate traps), Sense Motive +4, Sleight of Hand +7, Stealth +7, Use Magic Device +4; Racial Modifiers +2 Perception
Languages Common, Draconic, Elven, Goblin, Varisian
SQ elven magic, trapfinding +1
Combat Gear Caltrops; Other Gear Leather armor, Arrows (20), Dart (10), Rapier, Shortbow, Backpack (33 @ 49 lbs), Bedroll, Belt pouch (3 @ 3 lbs), Flint and steel, Grappling hook, Mess kit, Mirror, Piton (10), Pot, Rope, Soap, Thieves' tools, Torch (10), Trail rations (5), Waterskin, 31 GP, 2 SP, 9 CP
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Special Abilities
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Elven Immunities +2 save bonus vs Enchantments.
Elven Immunities - Sleep You are immune to magic sleep effects.
Elven Magic +2 to spellcraft checks to determine the properties of a magic item.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Magical Talent (Prestidigitation) (1/day) (Sp) Choose one 0-level spell - it becomes a 1/day spell-like ability for you.
Sneak Attack +1d6 +1d6 damage if you flank your target or your target is flat-footed.
Trapfinding +1 Gain a bonus to find or disable traps, including magical ones.

[BraveEarth]

Tempted just to say yes on you taking Linguistics alone (And speaking the native language.) I like him although I'm curious why his Darts are listed as Melee.

[Callie Del Noire]

Hero lab lists Melee first.

[EroticFantasyAuthor]

Is there any fluff or campaign info we need to read?

At this point I'm still not sure on a character.

Either a Halfling Rogue or a Tiefling Fighter or Magus.

Edit: I second the request/suggestion for higher point buy

[BraveEarth]

Usually these APs are written for 4 person party's of a 15 point buy. I think that the 6 PCs will make things easy enough. If things are looking bad during the running of it I'll allow it then.

As for Fluff I would reccommend the Player's Guide The set up though really sets you guys as just fresh and rather unaware though so while it's good to know about Golarion knowing the past machinations that have put the adventure in motion is less necessary.

(Also first non-core race suggestion)

[Callie Del Noire]

Yeah.. I've got it. The traits are PFS legal so I looked into them.

[BraveEarth]

Yeah if anyone wants to be a Druid there will be a strong incentive to have this trait.

[Callie Del Noire]

Yeah if anyone wants to be a Druid there will be a strong incentive to have this trait.

I found the 'Defender of the Society' very helpful for my PFS tower sheild specialist Rhea Silvermane

[BraveEarth]

I've actually never seen a tower shield specialist in my local PFS, or anyone who used a tower shield actually.

[Callie Del Noire]

I've actually never seen a tower shield specialist in my local PFS, or anyone who used a tower shield actually.

Rhea is fun.. she's level 6, has an AC of 28 and uses 'Bardbeater' her +1 Adamantine Bastard Sword.

[BraveEarth]

Ouch I cringed at that name, (I'm currently running a Bard PC)

[Callie Del Noire]

Ouch I cringed at that name, (I'm currently running a Bard PCs)

Two scenarios.. back to back.. she got dominated with a 'take care of your party'. She beat the bards bloody. (Dirty Trick, Sunder, and such)

[EroticFantasyAuthor]

Usually these APs are written for 4 person party's of a 15 point buy. I think that the 6 PCs will make things easy enough. If things are looking bad during the running of it I'll allow it then.

As for Fluff I would reccommend the Player's Guide The set up though really sets you guys as just fresh and rather unaware though so while it's good to know about Golarion knowing the past machinations that have put the adventure in motion is less necessary.

(Also first non-core race suggestion)

Thank you.

I'm afraid I don't know that much about Golarion and hoping that won't poorly impact background creation.

[Callie Del Noire]

Thank you.

I'm afraid I don't know that much about Golarion and hoping that won't poorly impact background creation.

The players guide has a bit and there is a Golarian wiki. 

[BraveEarth]

Okay after ruminating over it for a good long while I've added two more people to the list I really liked their characters and they can bring interesting things to the game.

[AndyZ]

^_^ Can't wait to start.

[Muse]

  Brave, can you clear some stuff up for me? 

  Was it likely that our characters did some training at the Pathfinder headquarters before we were assigned to Varisia?

[Callie Del Noire]

  Brave, can you clear some stuff up for me? 

  Was it likely that our characters did some training at the Pathfinder headquarters before we were assigned to Varisia?

There are two ways to get a commision in the society. 'Apprenticeship' in Absalon.. or field commisions.

[EroticFantasyAuthor]

What about joining the society? Is it possible for example, for a person to visit Magnimar(sp) Lodge House and join up?

Edit: How set in stone is the "shipped off to" bit of the opening fluff/story?

I was originally planning for my character to be a native of Varisia(sp) who joined the Society via Magnimar. It's sounding like that might not work?

[BraveEarth]

Basically the idea behind the recruitment in this game stems from the letter you all recieve. Which I did post on the first page I believe. Basically it is a plot device that frees up your character gen so you don't have to be a part of the Varisian Socirty initially.

[EroticFantasyAuthor]

Aye I understand that, but would it be possible for someone to join the Society via Magnimar rather than having to travel to the Society's home base?

Edit: I guess it's really not that important, my original plan/idea was just to have him be a Varisian native who traveled to Magnimar to join up via the city's Society lodge. But the more I think about it the more it seems better to have him be from the Society's home continent and visiting the society's home city to join up.

[Muse]

Mirim
   A svelte and powerful woman in miniature, Mirim doesn’t quite stand three feet tall, but she is not easily mistaken for a child.  With light green eyes and ginger hair that falls to the bottoms of her shoulder blades, she favors a black leather skirt, boots, and hide bodice with a v-neck. 

http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=579542
   Mother told me that the dance would always be there for me, and it would lift me out of the darkest places.   Even as a child, I knew these words meant more than they seemed. 

   The dance lifted mother out of the kitchens of a Cheliaxan lord—where she scrubbed pots all day and slept on a bare floor—and into his cohort of dancers and musicians who entertained his guests.  I was born in a comfortable attic, the humans and halflings of the troop my aunts and sisters.  Children dance naturally, however the music moves them, and they copy the dances they see and love.  Sometimes, when one of us has just the right state of mind, we dance steps so true they unlock magic. 

   When mother saw me dancing with the little lights she knew I was special.  She worked with me in secret to develop the power.  When a Jorus--a scholar form the Pathfinder society—visited our master, we revealed my power too him.  He bought me from the Cheliaxan lord, freed me, and made me his apprentice.  He taught me more of music, dance, and magic, while his lover Sioban taught me that swordplay is a dance too. 

   With a scimitar in my hand, I learned another truth of the dance, friend and enemy alike are dance partner.  Wether we make love or war, we move in harmony, and we grow from the experience. 

[Question Mark]

Ada Stonewrought, the Banner of Mount Alister
Level 1 Human Sorcerer, Draconic Bloodline
Farmer, Fledgeling Explorer, Aspiring Pathfinder, Talented Archer, Illusionist, Support Caster



Ability Score Rationale
STR (10): Average person, not especially strong nor weak.
DEX (16): He is naturally dextrous due to his lanky frame and a steady hand.  The +2 racial bonus is due to his years of practice via archery.
CON (8): His initial foray into magic gave him a minor heart attack.  Although he recovered, it left him with a heart condition, making him physically vulnerable to trauma and injury
INT (12): He has a sharp mind, above average, and can learn most anything if he focuses on it long enough.
WIS (10): Focused on the here and now, Ada gives little thought to deeper meanings and miscellaneous details, and tends to develop tunnel vision when set on a task.  Not much experience with the world.
CHA (16): Although quiet and naturally introverted, Ada's striking appearance, straightforward honesty, and unflagging determination give him a charismatic gravitas.




Summary and Ancillary Notes

• Summary: Ada is a grief-stricken farmer who embraces his newly discovered magical potential and sets out to join the Pathfinder Society in search of adventure, destiny, and a new life.
• Brief Bio: Growing up on and eventually running a successful farm in Sandpoint, Ada has little experience with the world as a whole.  His parents and wife have died, his siblings departed for every corner of the world, and his daughter vanished to become a minstrel, leaving him to wallow in his loneliness.  Stricken by grief, he embraces his nascent sorcery and spends three years training and preparing to strike out into the world himself as an explorer, seeking a new life.  Hearing of the new Pathfinder Lodge, Ada decides that Magnimar is as good a place as any.  Ada is a very talented archer, and possesses an ancient and magical masterwork longbow known as the Bow of Alister.  The bow has been passed down through his family since the being who crafted it -- the brass dragon Alisterix -- gave it to her human lover centuries ago.
• Appearance: Tall with handsome, albeit sharp, features.  His lanky build, angular face, and olive skin indicate a mixed Chelaxian and Varisian heritage.  His clothing is fine and well made to the common eye, but surprisingly durable and travel-proof underneath its rich appearance.  Ada proudly wears the colors of his dynastic heritage -- jet black and vibrant orange -- either unaware or unconcerned of the attention such eye-catching colors will attract.  His sharp features, colorful and fine clothing, and the distinctive Bow of Alister ensure that Ada's face is not one to be easily forgotten.
• Combat: He is a novice sorcerer, and is not confident enough to use his magic in combat.  Because of this, most of his spells are non-damaging, and are intended to distract, delay, and disorient enemies while he peppers them with arrows.  He especially likes Illusion and Evocation, and has used spells like Dancing Lights and Silent Image to distract or confuse targets, whom he promptly turns into pincushions.
• Personality: Ada is a man of dualities.  He is kind and compassionate, but can be callous when impatient and suffers from a short temper.  He possesses great charisma, and yet he's reluctant to befriend others, and prefers to keep people at a distance.  Despite his intelligence and discerning instinct, he is prone to tunnel vision, and can even be ignorantly defiant when confronted with unpleasant or conflicting information.
• Alignment: Being Neutral Good, Ada acknowledges the usefulness of law and order in creating a prosperous society, but also realizes that Lawful Good can occasionally become Lawful Stupid.  As such, he has no compunction against disregarding laws or customs he finds unwise, pointless, or obstructive.  Being a man who is convicted and sincere in his beliefs, Ada will even take pride in breaking these unnecessary social mores, and may conflict with authorities on the matter.

Sample
You see him from a mile off; any half-blind fool could.  His dark brown hair stands a full head above the average Chelaxian in the crowd, crowning an angular and dark skinned face.  The smooth, thin end of a longbow of fine make pokes above his left shoulder.  Through the bustle of limbs and bodies clogging the Magnimar thoroughfare, you glimpse flashes of bright orange contrasted against midnight black.  The cloth is fine, suggesting a fine fat coinpurse or wealthy sponsor.  However, the way he moves indicates that the rich stranger is no easy mark.  He takes each step deliberately, sliding through the crowd like smoke through the branches of a tree.  Dark eyes periodically scan the surroundings, switching between impressed awe and suspicious alertness.  So he was new to the city then, unlikely to be involved with any of the sticky politics that the council and Lord-Mayor indulge in.

As you begin to wonder why the colorful stranger is in Magnimar, a bulky man roughly bumps into him, and you easily spot the flash of a dagger as the clumsy cutpurse robs the poor fellow.  Without missing a beat, the tall outsider whirls around, an orange and black fletched arrow suddenly in hand.  The crowd parts around the ongoing unpleasantness, not wanting to get involved, incidentally giving you a better view.  The outsider has the blade of the arrowhead pressed against the cutpurse's throat, his free hand holding the thief firmly in place by the shoulder.  The bulky man's eyes bulge as his would-be victim whispers something in his ear, and he hastily returns the stolen coinpurse.  After a moment's hesitation, he even gives him his own coinpurse as well.

As the cutpurse scurries away into a nearby alley and the colorful stranger melds back into the crowd, you smile to yourself.  Turns out you were right about the colorful stranger being no easy mark, but that won't stop you.  No, that just means you'll have to get creative.

Stats

Ada Stonewrought
Level 1 Human Sorcerer
Currently on his way to Heidmarch Manor, letter in hand.
HP: 6/6
Subdual: 6/6
Hit Dice: 1d6
Init: +5

Saves
Fort: +0
Reflex: +3
Will: +2
CMB: +0

Combat
AC: 13
Touch: 13
Flat: 10
Bow of Alister: 1d8+1 (x3), 100 ft.  Magical.  Point-Blank Shot, Arcane Strike
Claws (x2): 1d4 (x2).  Uses left: 5/5 rounds

Spell Slots
Cantrips- ∞
1st - 3

[BraveEarth]

Okay if you want to be considered for the spot still and not be competing with Andy I would recommend changing your bloodline because even though your secondary role is different I think having two Draconic bloodlines is too much of an overlap because you both get very similar class features from that choice. If you want to directly compete then leave him as is. Just know that it will limit your chances of getting in.

[Question Mark]

Okay if you want to be considered for the spot still and not be competing with Andy I would recommend changing your bloodline because even though your secondary role is different I think having two Draconic bloodlines is too much of an overlap because you both get very similar class features from that choice. If you want to directly compete then leave him as is. Just know that it will limit your chances of getting in.

Well, hmm.  I looked back over Andy's character and his character seems to have picked the Linnorm bloodline, where-as Ada is of the Brass Draconic.  I know Linnorms are supposed to be primordial dragons or some such, but I'd say those two bloodlines are distinct enough that there shouldn't be much conflict or overlap.  If it comes up in game, it could easily become a good connection between two otherwise separated characters.  "Oh, you also derive your power from ancient leviathans?  Intriguing, we should compare our dynastic histories and see if we can use this to our advantage."

Basically, what it comes down to is that one of the core facets of my character -- the Bow of Alister and it's connection to Ada's sorcery and past -- is reliant on the Draconic bloodline, and I'd probably have to make an entirely new character if I had to change it.  But I also want to play this game and don't want to risk having my chances for consideration be lowered over a minor detail.  Could you perhaps reconsider?