It would, but I never got very far when I tried before. I DID get the stuff you see fleshed out, but it also took up a lot of the time that I could have spent writing up stuff for my current generation of players to do. So I just have a general vague idea of what that company of heroes did in the time before the party met them, and not much further at the moment.
More specifically, the Eladrin Nobilityof a crumbling empire are Royally Screwed Up. The common Eladrin aren't so bad, except for a superiority complex. Also remember that most of the Eladrin dickery is done in the shadows: they may secretly be a race of scheming, manipulative bastards, but publicly they are viewed as aloof, magical, and strangely alluring, making them Villains with Good Publicity, especially in Coralton, which they essentially built behind the scenes in order to have breeding stock loyal to their race. It's like the Angel Ilsington from Neverwhere: they look good on the surface, but open the lid and you'll see something writhing underneath.
My god, I just about had a nerdgasm at that plethora of wonderful Lit references. Not only TV Tropes (which is cool enough on its own - gave a great amount of discussion in my Advanced Placement English class that did) but also Neverwhere - one of the best books ever *Ahem* Thanks for bearing with my little fanboy moment there. Seriously though - I really like that take on them - Most fantasies have them as Arrogant bastards who are basically decent underneath - I really like the switch - Out of curiosity, how do their cousins the Elves fit into your world? Do they have a similar viewpoint, or are they a little more decent?
My god, I just about had a nerdgasm at that plethora of wonderful Lit references. Not only TV Tropes (which is cool enough on its own - gave a great amount of discussion in my Advanced Placement English class that did) but also Neverwhere - one of the best books ever *Ahem* Thanks for bearing with my little fanboy moment there. Seriously though - I really like that take on them - Most fantasies have them as Arrogant bastards who are basically decent underneath - I really like the switch - Out of curiosity, how do their cousins the Elves fit into your world? Do they have a similar viewpoint, or are they a little more decent?
:D Neil Gaiman r0xx0rs mt b0xx0rs, too. I've read just about everything of his I've gotten my hands on, from The Sandman to Neverwhere to American Gods to Anansi Boys.
I really wanted to use The Fair Folk as villains, and the Eladrin seemed to fit right in. The Elves are isolationist, but on the whole more reasonable and decent, since they are closer to The World and follow their passions more than the Eladrin do. As for the Drow...really, the only difference between the Drow and the Eladrin is that the Drow backed the wrong gods early in their history and were banished to the Shadowfell. So while both groups are manipulative and scheming, the Eladrin have good publicity and the Drow are hated and feared, so they have that bitter "hatred against the world" edge.
That said, there ARE Eladrin who fit the normal "Arrogant but decent underneath" mold...these are the ones who, for instance, truly believe in the ideals of the White Fox Society, and any Eladrin allies of the PCs are likely to be this way...but ALL Eladrin are creatures of magic and madness, and their perspective may be skewed because of that. And the Eladrin PC in our group was actually raised by Elves, so she actually acts more passionate and intense than aloof and quiet (naturally, the Elven cleric of The Raven Lord has the most Eladrin personality. It's really a fun reversal).
:D Neil Gaiman r0xx0rs mt b0xx0rs, too. I've read just about everything of his I've gotten my hands on, from The Sandman to Neverwhere to American Gods to Anansi Boys.
I really wanted to use The Fair Folk as villains, and the Eladrin seemed to fit right in. The Elves are isolationist, but on the whole more reasonable and decent, since they are closer to The World and follow their passions more than the Eladrin do. As for the Drow...really, the only difference between the Drow and the Eladrin is that the Drow backed the wrong gods early in their history and were banished to the Shadowfell. So while both groups are manipulative and scheming, the Eladrin have good publicity and the Drow are hated and feared, so they have that bitter "hatred against the world" edge.
That said, there ARE Eladrin who fit the normal "Arrogant but decent underneath" mold...these are the ones who, for instance, truly believe in the ideals of the White Fox Society, and any Eladrin allies of the PCs are likely to be this way...but ALL Eladrin are creatures of magic and madness, and their perspective may be skewed because of that. And the Eladrin PC in our group was actually raised by Elves, so she actually acts more passionate and intense than aloof and quiet (naturally, the Elven cleric of The Raven Lord has the most Eladrin personality. It's really a fun reversal).
That's really cool. I like that idea - and that Drow are from the Shadowfell. That's neat (out of curiosity, do you play the Shadowfell evil as evil, or just like the Feywild, alien and "above" mortal morality?)
I'm trying to find an anthology of some sort of Sandman since its been running FOREVER and I still want to read it. But no luck so far. I've alot of Gaiman's other stuff though. Have you read Good Omens? That is a true masterpiece.
Yes, I'll give it a go. Tharik is a dwarf warlord, multiclassed into wizard, who may become a real PC one day. Fingers crossed!
Step 1: write five things about your character’s concept and background, five things that you think are the most essential parts of your character. You don’t have to stop at five, if you like…this is just a minimum.
1) Tharik's a raucous buffoon who enjoys strong ale, singing(badly) and burlesque entertainment. He likes to dress in bright hues, and is fond of kitsch. No one has ever accused him of good taste - he obviously has none.
2) As a boy, Tharik broke into a forbidden sanctum once occupied by a notorious wizard, now long gone. He spent hours hiding in here, reading spellbooks and experimenting with ritual scrolls. Eventually, Tharik was caught and severely punished. Undaunted, he vowed to finish his education and become a wizard one day.
3) Right afterwards, his home city was attacked by a horde of orcs. Tharik hid during the worst of the slaughter, then rounded up the survivors. Skilfully utilising what his terrified companions knew, Tharik outmaneuvered the orcs and led his band to safety. Determined to win his home back, Tharik shocked his companions by engineering an alliance between a dragonborn clan and a hobgoblin tribe for the required muscle. The retake was successful, but several dwarves resented Tharik’s methods.
4) Tharik’s lowbrow conduct is partially a ruse to deflect attention away from his true intelligence. Surprisingly, he doesn’t hate orcs, seeing them as simple beasts in thrall to their nature. He loves war. A year after winning back his city, Tharik left for good, seeking an army to join. Commanders and fellow soldiers were at first bemused by the garish young dwarf, but soon learned to respect his tactical nous.
5) Tharik is meticulous about learning what his companions can do, seeing every bit of knowledge as potentially crucial. He is ruthlessly pragmatic, and “the end justifies the means” could be his motto. He has no patience for niceties or propriety. Tharik is fascinated by the arcane, having mastered the rudiments of wizardry from his youthful escapades. He’d like to learn more, but finds the thought of sitting through long lectures on arcane theory to be too unbearable for words.
Step 2: List two goals for the character that you, as a player, think would be cool to see accomplished in-game. Example:
1) To win a great war as a mighty general. 2) To marry an eladrin or a tiefling. Tharik believes that the children would be of outstanding quality.
Step 3: List two secrets about your character. One is a secret the character knows, one is a secret that involves him but that he is not actually aware of yet.
1) Tharik knows enough about his favorite brewmeister, the dastardly criminal Heron, to have him swinging from a rope. But Tharik likes Heron's ale so much that he keeps quiet, often secretly spoiling Heron's plans or warning his intended victims. 2) While experimenting with a scrying ritual, Tharik made a mistake, letting the villainous wizard Shord see into the sanctum he'd once occupied. While Tharik immediately realised his error and its possible consequence, he wasn't worried, as everyone told him Shord was dead.
Step 4: Describe three people that are tied to the character though blood, romance or honor. Two of them are friendly to the character, one is hostile.
1) The beautiful, feisty dwarf maid Feryth is determined to make Tharik her betrothed one day. Tharik is fascinated, and often tells her she'd be perfect if only she was an eladrin. He'd like to bed her at least once, but she stays just out of reach.
2) Shord is also interested in Tharik, in a different way. He is actually friendly, but is a prime example of "with friends like these...". Shord has been secretly observing Tharik's progress for years, and desires to enlist him as a commander in the vicious Skullblack cult. Such an allegiance would ruin Tharik's reputation forever.
3) In exchange for the dragonborn's and hobgoblins' help in retaking his city, Tharik gave away most of the treasury along with several precious heirlooms. The dwarf Karrock was enraged at Tharik giving away the beard of Karrock's grandfather, a greatly revered former king, for the hobgoblin chieftain to use as a pillow. Karrock has never forgiven Tharik, and has vowed to murder him. Despite a number of attempts, Karrock's hot-headedness and poor planning has stymied any chance of success.
Step 5: Describe three memories that your character has. They don't have to be elaborate, but they should provide some context and flavor. Spoiler:Show
"One moment, my father's giving me my first taste of ale. Then I'm watching his guts get wrapped round an orc blade. If I'd been ready, I'd have saved him. Since then, I've always been ready."
"There was this one stupid yokel who laughed when he first saw me. Said there was no way I'd be his sergeant, and spat on my head. I told Dragos exactly where to kick him. It was all yes sir, no sir from then on. The kid grew up fast, and soon saved our lives in a tough battle."
"My first time for that was either with the halfling waitress, the proprietor's wife, the elven dancing girl, or that corpulent little nobleman. Hey, I was drunk, and I only know I was with them all. Who cares who was first?"
I think we're on the same page. I'd like it to be self-contained enough to be inspiring to a DM, if I ever hand it in.
Because I'm verbose, I sometimes overcompensate by leaving some things vague. Would it be too much to ask for a list of points you'd like to see adressed? I doubt I need to include all the material in my subsequent posts.
Sorry it took me a bit to respond.
Some of the things I think you should add are:
- Why, in his mind, does he worship asmodeus? - Of the two accounts concerning his court martial, which is actually true? I know you explained this, but it should be in the TMB. You could also put the truest account (maybe niether of the two accounts are accurate) in his secrets section.
I just went back and read your TMB again, and I realized that you did address both of these in the personality section; however, it seems as if it's an after-thought, and not part of the actual background. You should try to find a way to make these two points I brought up more noticeable and relavent to his actions.
Another idea would be for him to completely tell the truth in court. The main difference is that he does not see what he has done as wrong (and maybe the laws are a little ambiguous). He's found not-guilty by the law, but his superiors still put him on indefinate leave because of his lack of morals. :D
More specifically, the Eladrin Nobilityof a crumbling empire are Royally Screwed Up. The common Eladrin aren't so bad, except for a superiority complex. Also remember that most of the Eladrin dickery is done in the shadows: they may secretly be a race of scheming, manipulative bastards, but publicly they are viewed as aloof, magical, and strangely alluring, making them Villains with Good Publicity, especially in Coralton, which they essentially built behind the scenes in order to have breeding stock loyal to their race. It's like the Angel Ilsington from Neverwhere: they look good on the surface, but open the lid and you'll see something writhing underneath.
Now I want to play in your campaign with Roland Brahmson. :D
That's really cool. I like that idea - and that Drow are from the Shadowfell. That's neat (out of curiosity, do you play the Shadowfell evil as evil, or just like the Feywild, alien and "above" mortal morality?)
I'm trying to find an anthology of some sort of Sandman since its been running FOREVER and I still want to read it. But no luck so far. I've alot of Gaiman's other stuff though. Have you read Good Omens? That is a true masterpiece.
Ah, Good Omens. :D It's been a while, but yes. I especially liked the Four Horsemen as a biker gang.
On The Shadowfell, the place is gloomy, and undead have the run of the place, and the Shadar-Kai aren't especially hospitable, but it isn't intrinsically evil. It is the Land of the Dead, where the souls of the dead are lead to Styx, The River of Time, which flows into Oceanus, the River of Life, the source of souls in the Feywild. It's also the closest plane to The Elemental Chaos, so demons can reach it easier than they can reach The World.
So there is a lot of evil there, but it isn't, itself, a corrupting plane like the Seven Hells or The Abyss are.
Here is another character from my on-going game, this time the party's rogue. Again, I've cleaned up the grammar a little, and left my own notes in Italiacs.
The Ten-Minute Background of Bee, Changling Rogue/Warlock
Step 1: Five essential things that make up Bee
1) Bee's mother gave her an amulet when she was 5. The amulet signifies her mothers marriage with her father, and Bee's royal blood. She may not always be wearing it but does carry it with her at all times as a memento of her mother. She only knows that the symbol on the amulet has something to do with her father.
2) Bee doesn't wish to hold back Xat, so she seeks to get stronger, independent, and self reliant. While she strives to be all these she still doesn't wish to leave Xat.
3) Bee has been granted power by a powerful light creature . The fey creature opened up her third eye and taped into her eladrin blood allowing her to access some of her heretical power. (This creature turned out to be some sort of fairy bee spirit--Stray)
4) Bee is a compassionate soul, she can't stand seeing others being persecuted for the way they look. She can muster compassion in almost any situation. Bee is a good counter balance to Xats coldness. Because of this Bee and Xat tend to argue about how to go about stupid little things.
5) In her younger years Bee was very naive and too goodnatured for her own good. Over the years Xat's coldness has worn off a bit on her. She is less easily trusting now and more open to morally gray areas.
Step 2: List two goals for Bee
1) Bee wishes to find out what the symbol on her amulet means, and wants to discover the truth about her heritage and father.
2) Bee also wishes to see Xat's dream come true, so she helps him acquire wealth. Together she wants to create a safe place for changelings, as well as her and Xats children. *wink* *wink*
Step 3: One secret Bee knows; One secret Bee doesn't know
1) Bee is a changeling, which is a truth she doesn’t share to anyone. This is her most important secret because she thinks if anyone finds out her and Xat will be “burned at the stake” like her mother was. Because of this and her activity in keeping other changelings safe she is a wanted criminal by the Eladrin, for her crimes against elves. (what ever that’s supposed to mean.)
2) Bee's father was of eladrin royalty. He wished to wed her mother despite her being a changeling. Once he found out about the pregnancy he sent her mother and his unborn child away for safety. They eloped the night before she left.
3) (my secret--Stray) The Lamia, the Spirit that made the pact with Bee, was once an Eladrin, but succumbed to the Madness and remade by the Feywild into an immortal spirit. Her body is now composed of a thousand swarming bees that can coalesce into her natural form. She is a rival of The Queen of Air and Darkness, another Immortal, and vies for influence over the haunted Shroudmist Forest. She is aware of the Queen's influence over the local Eladrin, and seeks to thwart her. She seeks to turn the Shroudmist into her own private domain, but there are too many other fey influences on that patch of haunted forest to make this viable...for now.
Step 4: List three people Bee knows, two friendly, one not.
1) Xat and Bee are lovers as well as partners in crime. They are in near perfect harmony with each other and are always found together.
2) Lim is like a brother to Bee. He was always there to keep her and Xat safe when they got into trouble. For the longest time she looked up to him as a mentor, so much so that she acts a lot like him, even her fighting style.
If she discovers that Lim is actually alive he may of learned some information about her father.
3) It is a male and female cat burglar that Bee and Xat are rivals with. More information will come when we can think more about it.
