The Hands of Their Winged Overlords: (DnD 3.5/ NC-E)

[Idej]

Many millenia has passed since the first dragons took claim in the rulership of all the land known to lesser kind and began to carve their ancient, yet still existent nations throughout the world or Arisdraenil.  Dragons most in particular the metallic, the chromatic, and the gem dragons have created three world superpowers through a variety of alliances and pacts that have thus taken root on two continents and series of islands and smaller landmasses whose actions towards each other determines the fate of the entire planet.

Each power has fought multitude of wars with each other, and against each other.  Whether it be for resources, land, or a sheer clash in ideals the outcome of each war has been devastating on all sides.  It has been nearly 700 years since the last war has been fought and while the lesser races no longer feel the ravages of these wars dragonkind still does.  A truce was created that ended that conflict, only due to the fact that each side has lost enough to convince them otherwise.

The present conflicts consists of shadow wars, skirmishes, pirating, and even a few cases small battles, but each side is locked in resources, powers, and land that they can't afford to go to fullscale war without endangering everyone.

Many of the dragons in these nations have kept mainly out of the politics of the shorter-lived lesser races and have spread their blood to them creating a new caste of high nobility whose members are descendants of dragons and mainly keep control of the lands of their draconic forebearers.  They are the will and tools for the ruling dragons and can bring either salvation or devastation to all who live within their borders.

You are one of the denizens of Arisdraenil, and reside within the clawed grasp of one of the three draconic superpowers:  Metallic, Gem, and Chromatic.  You may support or reject the ideals of your scaly overlords, but you live within their grasp.

It is time to choose who you serve.  Do you serve the metallic dragons, the gem dragons, or the chromatic dragons?  Or do you not serve any of them?

RULES

This game is a 3.5 Dungeons and Dragons game.

36-Point Buy

Level 8 (1,000 EXP for creating items)

Hit Points:  Max at first and reroll any ones

Races:  All races are allowed just provide me the stats of said race if I don't have the book that has the description of the race.

Flaws and Traits:  They are allowed, but if you have a trait you must have a flaw that is equal to the trait.

Money:  27,000 gp no more than half can be spent on one item

Books Allowed:  Any, just nothing campaign specific unless presented to me and upon my approval.  Here are the non-campaign specific books that I own.

Please note that while you don't need them to play this game, three books are handy to have.  Draconomicon, Dragon Magic, Races of the Dragon.

Arms and Equipments Guide
Book of Erotic Fantasy
Book of Exalted Deeds
Book of Vile Darkness
Cityscape/ Dungeonscape
All of the Completes
Deities and Demigods
Draconomicon
Dragon Magic
Drow of the Underdark
DMG I and II
Elder Evils
Enemies and Allies
Exemplars of Evil
Expanded Psionics Handbook
Fiend Folio
Fiendish Codex I and II
Frostburn/ Sandstorm/ Stormwrack
Ghostwalk
Heroes of Battle and Horror
Libris Mortis
Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
Lords of Madness
Magic Item Compendium
Magic of Incarnum
Miniatures Handbook
Monster Manual I, II, III, IV, and V
Oriental Adventures
Planar Handbook
Player's Handbook I and II
All of the Races
Rules Compendium
Savage Species
Spell Compendium
Stronghold Builder's Guide
Tome of Battle and Tome of Magic
Unearthed Arcana
Weapons of Legacy

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

[Ryvaken]

Having inadvertently inspired the world and assisted in writing it, my character has been ready for a while.

Tylya ari'Aujirgix, Dragon Knight (homebrew modification of Dragon Shaman), Draconic Human, Descendant of Bronze, reporting ready.
Cohort Elvern Irisv, Human Favored Soul of Tamara, Descendant of Gold, reporting ready.

Between myself and my cohort, the group's healing duties are largely accounted for. Tylya retains the Dragon Shaman's healing abilities, including the "Vigor Aura" that freely heals all allie up to 50% HP and the double-strong Lay on Hands. Elvern has a fully charged Wand of Lesser Vigor and Cure Minor, Light, and Moderate Wounds and Lesser Restoration, with 6/7/5 slots per day.

That said, if anyone is interested in playing a cleric or the like, I basically whipped Elvern up in an hour and will be happy to alter him to a rogue or arcanist that will serve just as well. As for Tylya, she has more than a few other talents and isn't designed to be more than an adequate secondary healer anyway. Someone who can save the cleric a few spell slots.

Obviously I have the Leadership feat. In case you were curious, Tylya has a ship, a pinnace called The Caroline, and her followers are the ship's crew. Idej told me repeatedly that this is not a nautical campaign, and while it is probable the ship will see use, it currently sits as a very expensive set piece. I personally have no intentions of sailing off for parts unknown and derailing whatever plot Idej has come up with. While Gold, Topaz, Green, and Black dragons all have aquatic tendencies, the Bronze dragons are the ones most related to the ocean, and I could not see a noble of Bronze being anything less than a sea captain.

Full sheets can be found http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=173612 and http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=173682 for the curious.

More RP wise...

Tylya is noble-born and she knows it. While she can be kind and generous to her lessors, they are her lessors. She values honor, duty, loyalty, and other variations of that theme. Inspiring characters are Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pride and Prejudice and several officers from Horatio Hornblower.

Elvern is not noble-born and his draconic traits and geneology speak of one of his ancestors being an illegitimate and unclaimed son of a noble that was covered up to avoid a scandal. While being chosen by a goddess is enough to prevent any scandal falling on him, it is nonetheless the case that he is utterly unbred and untrained for the rigors of high society. Inspiring characters are anyone I can think of the married, bought, or was otherwise thrust from peasantry into high station.

[NobleWolf]

Here's my character concept.

Name: Numarra "Fleeting Rain"

Race: Catfolk (RotW)

Age: 18

Classes: Wilder/Thrallherd

Biography:
Her people are catfolk who dwell in the savanna bordering the Brass Sands. For generations her clan, "Fleeting Rain", had kept to themselves, not wanting any outside interference. As surrounding nations further developed, the catfolk saw a need to modernize and adapt.

Numarra was born with abilities granted from a draconic source. As she grew, she found others flocked around her. Most wrote it off as typical clique behavior, but over time it began to develop. Her teenage mind began to unlock strange powers, granting her control over others and the world around her.

Tapping these inner strengths, she developed further upon her social skills and quickly gathered a following. Before long she had attained a higher rank and respect amongst her peers.

Not too many years later she was sent to represent her clan in distant lands, bringing new resources in exchange for hides and similar trappings. While she herself doesn't feel a connection to the many dragon overlords and their underlings, she knows to disrespect or anger them is to harm business.

Her entourage of believers as well as her personal bodyguard named Raka always keep her company. Such a devoted following has inflated her already abundant ego and overall sense of self-worth. While speaking in courts and grand halls is her duty, Numarra would rather be exploring caverns or spending a warm night under the stars. She often does find this time between appointments and trips, all while keeping her company worried about her safety.

Numarra feels a heavy burden, always having to weigh options, barter for her people, and deciding how to treat her help. Perhaps she is still too young for such decision making, or maybe she lacks the sort of discipline required.

That's what I've got so far. It's been a while since I've written anything up, so forgive any glaring errors. I'll give it another look over when I find the time.

[Anathanasia]

I'm intrigued, NC-E DnD, huh? And just when I return and am looking for a game or two.

Before I get too deep, how is this gonna run? DM and players? How many players? Traditional PCs = adventuring party format?

[Relentless Imp]

Hmm. What sort of power level are you aiming for for characters in this game? If high-powered, then an Erudite (CPsi) 6/Beholder Mage (LoM) 2 going into Cerebremancer (XPH) could be a scion for metallic dragon agendas. If mid-powered, a Spellscale Sorcerer 5/Mindbender (CArc) 1/Incantatrix (PGtF) 2, eventually entering into Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil makes for a solid arcanist that supports the draconic overlords. If low-powered, then a Human Cleric dedicated to Bahamut or Tiamat would add to a party's survivability.

[Idej]

I'm intrigued, NC-E DnD, huh? And just when I return and am looking for a game or two.

Before I get too deep, how is this gonna run? DM and players? How many players? Traditional PCs = adventuring party format?

This game is going to be have a major plot to it, but not all of the adventures in this game will revolve around the plot.

I'm not sure what you mean with your second question.

As for how many players, I am accepting from 3-10 people for this game, with the possibility of dividing that number into two groups.  As for party format, it is all really up to you to what you want to be.  I leave it all to the players to decide on what they want to do regarding party format.

Hmm. What sort of power level are you aiming for for characters in this game? If high-powered, then an Erudite (CPsi) 6/Beholder Mage (LoM) 2 going into Cerebremancer (XPH) could be a scion for metallic dragon agendas. If mid-powered, a Spellscale Sorcerer 5/Mindbender (CArc) 1/Incantatrix (PGtF) 2, eventually entering into Initiate of the Sevenfold Veil makes for a solid arcanist that supports the draconic overlords. If low-powered, then a Human Cleric dedicated to Bahamut or Tiamat would add to a party's survivability.

All books, besides campaign specific books unless otherwise approved by me are open for use, so that means you pick just about whatever you want to play.

Just one thing to know, don't pick something that could have a high possibility of clashing with the other players.  Other than that, the sky is pretty much the limit.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Hmmm, I could be interested in. So far we got knightly healing figure (draconic human dragon shaman), a charismatic mystic (catfolk wilder/Thrallherd) and also arcanist (spellscale sorcerer) or a psion or (third) cleric by based my latest player post.

Now if Ryvaken changeshis cohort into a rogue (if we get full blown cleric from Relentless Imp) then I guess I can be either filling arcanist slot or group needs someone fill role of a scoundrel (skill monkey plainly said). So I ask does anyone have offense (RP wise) deepwyrm drow ninja 2/Monk 3/Dragon Descendant 1? I wonder that as I will have Ascetic Stalker feat does it make PrC levels stack for Ki Power storage (not that I get many ninja powers but it determines how many times per day I can turn invisible for 1 round).

[Kate]

i would be interested.

I dont have access to all those books - i was hoping a sorcerer class that specialises in charming / mind domination preferably.

any suggestions?

[Mnemaxa]

i would be interested.

I dont have access to all those books - i was hoping a sorcerer class that specialises in charming / mind domination preferably.

any suggestions?

Beguiler from the Player's Handbook 2, who also serves as a moderately workable thief/rogue type.

[NobleWolf]

i would be interested.

I dont have access to all those books - i was hoping a sorcerer class that specialises in charming / mind domination preferably.

any suggestions?

I would have to second beguiler, if you have that book. If not, complete arcane has the mind bender prestige class. Mind Bender isn't that great though (IMO), which Is why I went the psionic route instead with Thrallherd. A good Bard build has potential too, but their low saving throw DCs tend to damper things a bit.

[Kate]

is there any that specialise in polymorphing myself or others ?

[Mnemaxa]

is there any that specialize in polymorphing myself or others ?

Well....druids self-polymorph, but m ostly into animals.  However there are prestige classes that grant a lot of abilities to shapeshift, the main ones being the Master of Many Forms and the WarShaper, which can go with either druid wildshape or with sorcerous polymorph sells.  However, you might want to look at how the GM is running polymorphs - they can be pretty limiting.  Daggerspell Shaper is also a potentially useful one.  I know Daggerspell Shaper is in the Complete Adventurer, but I'm not certain of the other two.

[NobleWolf]

is there any that specialise in polymorphing myself or others ?

That depends on what you want. If you want to shapeshift into something big and nasty, Druid is the best for that (without prestige classes). If you just want a more physical disguise, any class that gives Alter Self can do that. That or playing a Changeling from Races of Eberron.
You could pull it off with Sorcerer to a lesser extent and keep charm/dominate spells an option, but I'd recommend sticking to a full spellcasting progression prestige class.

[Kate]

sorry for all these questions - but i can i be a lady dragon (who want to start her own cult thinking it may tip the favour in her kinds favour if if it managed properly?)

[Idej]

Hmmm, I could be interested in. So far we got knightly healing figure (draconic human dragon shaman), a charismatic mystic (catfolk wilder/Thrallherd) and also arcanist (spellscale sorcerer) or a psion or (third) cleric by based my latest player post.

Now if Ryvaken changeshis cohort into a rogue (if we get full blown cleric from Relentless Imp) then I guess I can be either filling arcanist slot or group needs someone fill role of a scoundrel (skill monkey plainly said). So I ask does anyone have offense (RP wise) deepwyrm drow ninja 2/Monk 3/Dragon Descendant 1? I wonder that as I will have Ascetic Stalker feat does it make PrC levels stack for Ki Power storage (not that I get many ninja powers but it determines how many times per day I can turn invisible for 1 round).

Ryvaken will most likely change his cohort to be whatever else the party does not have or something that will compliment his character's abilities.

As for the Ascetic Stalker feat I remember that it mentions that your monk and ninja levels stack for certain abilities that each class has.

If you can provide me a good explanation as to why the Ascetic Stalker feat should be able to be in use for what ever PrC you wish to use then I shall allow it.

i would be interested.

I dont have access to all those books - i was hoping a sorcerer class that specialises in charming / mind domination preferably.

any suggestions?

Beguiler is a good suggestion for a base class, but you have also said that you wanted to use shapeshifting too.

Well, it all really depends on what you want to do like what the others have said.  Do you want full big and nasty shapeshifting powers similar to that of a druid or is it more of a physical disguise.  There are plenty of PrCs that can help you with a plethora of shapeshifting powers it just all depends on what you are thinking of.

sorry for all these questions - but i can i be a lady dragon (who want to start her own cult thinking it may tip the favour in her kinds favour if if it managed properly?)

Now when you mean by a lady dragon do you mean an actual true dragon or am I mistaken?

No worries about all of these questions, questions are good. :)

[Kate]

yep a dragon - through and through ideally a purple dragon.

Ideally one that can at least change shape into a humaniod female.

yes they are evil but they are lawful evil - she will be honest in her intentions (sex cult) - which is not part of the existing values of good (thus evil) but she is consistent and true to her word and honest (lawful).

I don't mind if you have a savage level adjustment based on her being a purple dragon.

or an outright decision my starting items you choose perhaps one necklace that allows clothes to transform wiht me would be ideal.

[NobleWolf]

sorry for all these questions - but i can i be a lady dragon (who want to start her own cult thinking it may tip the favour in her kinds favour if if it managed properly?)

A true dragon would have too high of an effective character level to work.
The leadership feat could give you followers. Races of the Dragon has the Dragonborn template and Draconomicon has a feat that lets Druids Wild Shape into dragons. Between those, you could do fairly well at achieving that.
Oh, and not all dragons are evil, they come in all alignments and temperaments.
Hope that helps!
Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

[Idej]

I have to agree with Noble Wolf on that one.

Dragons can be created as characters, but in order to get to a decent LA for them they are really young and thus might not be the best choice for a character.

Now generally speaking dragons act typically of their color/ metal/ gem and follow the typical alignment that are associated with them.  Now there might be some oddballs out there, but those are usually rarities. :)

Feel free to continue asking questions and sending PMs to me or anyone who you would like to ask questions too. :)

[Relentless Imp]

How do you feel about homebrew? Specifically, this race.

[Kate]

i have an idea.

Even a level adjustment of 9 or 10 so I am "first level" would be fine with me. what about that i am young dragon (hatchling - ie crap and effectively useless in battles ) - but having cult followers (not players just groups we find) gives me "experience" allowing me to grow. And yes i start out significantly outmatched by others (my effective power is a lot less than others in the party).

I would adore to be an odd ball dragon of some kind.

My plan was to undermine the powerful metallics, chromatics but taking their followers from underneath their noses.  Failing that some demonic futa chick but a dragon cult seems to fit this theme well.
(either way it would be my character pushing the "e" theme ).

[NobleWolf]

i have an idea.

Even a level adjustment of 9 or 10 so I am "first level" would be fine with me. what about that i am young dragon (hatchling - ie crap and effectively useless in battles ) - but having cult followers (not players just groups we find) gives me "experience" allowing me to grow. And yes i start out significantly outmatched by others (my effective power is a lot less than others in the party).

I would adore to be an odd ball dragon of some kind.

My plan was to undermine the powerful metallics, chromatics but taking their followers from underneath their noses.

It's a level 8 game. Going by the SRD, you could be...
Wyrmling Black Dragon, 4HD, +3LA, 1 class level
Wyrmling White Dragon, 3HD, +2LA, 2 class levels
Wyrmling Brass Dragon, 4HD, +2LA, 2 class levels
Wyrmling Copper Dragon, 5HD, +2LA, 1 class level
All of which are tiny in size, which I doubt is what you want.
I suppose the DM could throw the rules out and let you play an ECL 20+ character, but that would probably be unfair to everyone else.
Really, You'd be better off with taking the Dragonborn Template and Master of Many forms prestige class if you want to eventually be a large dragon.
I'm sorry to say there aren't any good supplements (That I'm aware of) to accomplish what your asking for.

Failing that some demonic futa chick but a dragon cult seems to fit this theme well.
(either way it would be my character pushing the "e" theme ).

Now this is very plausible with plenty of source books to back it up. Give us a concept and I'm sure we could throw dozens of ideas out, easliy.

[Kate]

then a demonic futa chick with domme exotic-extreme cult hungry issues it is... (if that is ok with others)

[Zaer Darkwail]

No issues with my drow .

Anycase I noticed I cannot qualify for ascetic stalker until I have 4th level as monk (as it asks ki strike [magic] as regs), but I do plan get the feat and final monk level needed later. But reason why it should stack with monk PrC is because the feat allows ninja/monk levels stack for unarmed strike dmg and ki strike feature from the monk, and ninja side just increase ki pool. So I thinked as Dragon Descendant improves pretty much all monk aspects (and is 'mystical power' PrC) I find it not unreasonable it would increase ki pool (but not improve ki strike feature as it does not affect that side of the monk). As full build what I had in mind for my drow in 20 level progress would be Ninja 4/Monk 4/Dragon Descendant 10.

[Delta Echo]

*throws hat in ring*

I'm already in 20-or-so games, what's one more awesome one? 

Thinking of going with class-to-be-determined/Occult Slayer, somebody who believes that (a) the dragons must go and (b) arcane magic is "of the dragons", therefore (c) arcanists must go*. 

* Sooner or later, those on the same team being 'later'. 

[Mnemaxa]

I'm idly wondering if the Monastic Training and Talsahtora Adept feats from Ebberon are allowed.  Monastic Trainign allows a second class to be taken as if it were part of the monk's training, allowing for multiclassing for that one class without monk penalties.  Talashtora adept allows a psionic class that the character has monastic training in to continue Flurry of Blows, Wisdom bonus to AC, and Unarmed strike damage to progress as if the monastic training class were equivalent levels of monk (but no other benefits accrue). 

A monk 1/Ardent 7 with Talashtora trainign would have the Unarmed Damage, Ac Bonus from Wisadom (while unarmed) and Flurry of Blows of an 8th level monk.  I was considering an Elan servant fo a lawful gem dragon of one sort or another....either a Sapphire or an Emerald gem dragon....