* First Strike (@ Start of Encounter, gain CA Vs. Any Targets Who Have Not Acted Yet In Encounter) * Rogue Tactics: Artful Dodger (+Cha Mod to AC Vs. OA) * Rogue Weapon Talent (+1 to attack roll for dagger) * Sneak Attack (+2d8, Requires CA Vs. Target)
ITEMS Hand Crossbow (x2), Daggers (x8), Leather Armor, Adventurer's Kit
Haelirin The “Unstoppable Dreamer”
Background: For one whose name translates from the Drow tongue to Common as “Unstoppable Dreamer,” Haelirin’s life has been a testament to that namesake. Born in the Drow city of Erelhi-Cinlu, the Dark Gem of the Underdark, Haelirin was a true child of Lolth. Orphaned in his early childhood, his House falling in the chaos of the Priestess Wars. Forced into The House of Abandonment due to the loss of his family, Haelirin became one of the coldest and most ruthless Drow imaginable. Raised among the other orphans of the Ghetto of Artisans, Haelirin struggled for dominance over his weaker kin and the cruel overseers who pitted them against one another. Once he reached young adulthood, his life as a rake truly began. Rising from the poverty-stricken ranks of the “Abandoned,” Haelirin moved to the Ghetto of Performers. Joining up with the Riskallus Agency, he now serves as a guard, slaver-hunter (an abolitionist of sorts), and sellsword for one of the most infamous Agents in the business; working in the Underdark and the World Above with all manner of clients. He also occasionally works as a bouncer at the Demon’s Den, consorting with Zaetha and the other outcasts who he sees as kindred spirits.
Appearance: Keeping his hair cropped into a nest of spikes, Haelirin is a sight to behold. Clad in a full-length trench coat and lizard-skin boots, the young Drow makes his presence known when he decides to make an appearance. A customized hand crossbow rests on each hip, and dual bandoliers of ammo crisscross his chest. Peering out from behind a pair of stylized spectacles, Haelirin’s piercing eyes are like those of a predator eying its prey. His rather handsome features make him somewhat of a ladies-man, just another fact of his growing infamy.
Appearance (Identifying Marks): Haelirin bears numerous tattoos of Drow idioms. “Inorum lo’athi uvrastes” (“In darkness, there is opportunity“) is written across his shoulder blades , flanking a stylish spider design. “Su lidos verith” (“Only the strong survive“) is on the left side of his chest while “Alrenas Lolthu, nilos dulhar” (“Before Lolth, all are weak“) adorns the right side. In the center of his chest, the words “Artolth nilat unelte nilt peralath” (“A spider without a web is no hunter“) wraps around a decorative spider web. “Nilodi orhastho shiorell e farul” (Weakness is the spawn of contentment and affection”) and "Resilsh nielquosthos nilt resilsh" (Help freely offered is not free) is on the inside of his forearms, a constant reminder that everything comes at a price, and should not be squandered by those who earn it. "Elliya Lolthu" ("Test me, Lolth") encircles his neck just below his collar.
Personality: Though somewhat of a loner by nature, Haelirin is a puzzle within a puzzle. His frigid demeanor betrays nothing of his hard past, yet his fierce loyalty to those he is close to suggests an inward struggle to belong in a world that made him the outcast he is today.
For one whose name translates from the Drow tongue to Common as “Unstoppable Dreamer,” Haelirin’s life has been a testament to that namesake. Born in the Drow city of Erelhi-Cinlu, the Dark Gem of the Underdark, Haelirin was a true child of Lolth. Orphaned in his early childhood, his House falling in the chaos of the Priestess Wars. Forced into The House of Abandonment due to the loss of his family, Haelirin became one of the coldest and most ruthless Drow imaginable. Raised among the other orphans of the Ghetto of Artisans, Haelirin struggled for dominance over his weaker kin and the cruel overseers who pitted them against one another. Once he reached young adulthood, his life as a rake truly began. Rising from the poverty-stricken ranks of the “Abandoned,” Haelirin moved to the Ghetto of Performers. Joining up with the Riskallus Agency, he now serves as a guard, slave-hunter, and sellsword for one of the most infamous Agents in the business; working in the Underdark and the World Above with all manner of clients. He also occasionally works as a bouncer at the Demon’s Den, consorting with Zaetha and the other outcasts who he sees as kindred spirits.
Rather good. However, I'm curious as to his interactions with other people. How was he influenced by those around him; how did he influence them in turn? Did he have true friends, true rivalries, a nemesis, lovers, mentors?
CWest wrote:
Though somewhat of a loner by nature, Haelirin is a puzzle within a puzzle. His frigid demeanor betrays nothing of his hard past, yet his fierce loyalty to those he is close to suggests an inward struggle to belong in a world that made him the outcast he is today.
Well, it seems to me his frigid demeanor reveals his hard past. He's not used to compassion, so he doesn't show it. If he behaves as an introvert and as a loner, it would seem to most strangers that he's had a hard past. Also, why does he wish to find a place to belong? Love, kinship, a foothold for power, comfort, personal peace?
All in all, the character seems strong, and reminds me of my own current character, a half-drow rogue in FR.
"I don't like X, they should remove it." "I like X, they should keep it." "They should replace X with Y." "Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better." "Why don't they include both X and Y." "Yeah, everybody can be happy then!" "But I don't like X, they should remove it." "X really needs to be replaced with Y." "But they can include both X and Y." "But I don't like X, they need to remove it." "Remove X, I don't like it."
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
Rather good. However, I'm curious as to his interactions with other people. How was he influenced by those around him; how did he influence them in turn? Did he have true friends, true rivalries, a nemesis, lovers, mentors?
Thank you very much LordManshoon!
His influences stemmed from the many "laws of the streets," growing up an orphan taught him that it was a hardened life to live as that of a houseless male drow in a matriarchal society, and he would witness that and all its cruelties firsthand. As far as him influencing others- those who were actually close to him (Riskallus, his lover Zaetha, and several others) know that beneath the hardened exterior lies a soul capable of great things that would one day bring him great fame, or infamy depending on how he played his role in life. His true friends, Riskallus (his Agent) Zaetha (his lover), as well an assorted bunch of others know his true self, that he is the calm before the storm- an unbridled force capable of devastating things...
LordManshoon wrote:
Well, it seems to me his frigid demeanor reveals his hard past. He's not used to compassion, so he doesn't show it. If he behaves as an introvert and as a loner, it would seem to most strangers that he's had a hard past. Also, why does he wish to find a place to belong? Love, kinship, a foothold for power, comfort, personal peace?
All in all, the character seems strong, and reminds me of my own current character, a half-drow rogue in FR.
As I said, he's a bit of a conundrum. He tends not to speak of his past though by his outward (initial) appearance to most, it can be seen that he's suffered through some hardship. His "sense of belonging" stems from the loss of his House/Family during the Priestess Wars; and though being a Drow, and a male at that- I would think he'd be grateful for his freedom though I think perhaps he would've liked to use his House to his own gain and now he seeks to reestablish himself in the Drow society (building a web of contacts/associates/etc)
His influences stemmed from the many "laws of the streets," growing up an orphan taught him that it was a hardened life to live as that of a houseless male drow in a matriarchal society, and he would witness that and all its cruelties firsthand. As far as him influencing others- those who were actually close to him (Riskallus, his lover Zaetha, and several others) know that beneath the hardened exterior lies a soul capable of great things that would one day bring him great fame, or infamy depending on how he played his role in life. His true friends, Riskallus (his Agent) Zaetha (his lover), as well an assorted bunch of others know his true self, that he is the calm before the storm- an unbridled force capable of devastating things...
Again, I can see the similarities between our characters. If you don't mind, I'd like to interrogate to help flesh him out.
Do his friends fear what might happen if he was to lose his way? How does he relate specifically to his companions? Is it full trust, the belief that he has such a strong bond with these people that he can rely on them and open himself up, or is it partial trust, in that he feels for these people, but hesitates to reveal too much about himself, the result of his hard life? Would he die for these people, fight for them, aid them in their darkest moments? Would he consider abandoning them if their bond weakened, fleeing them if his life was in danger, selling them out for personal power?
CWest wrote:
As I said, he's a bit of a conundrum. He tends not to speak of his past though by his outward (initial) appearance to most, it can be seen that he's suffered through some hardship. His "sense of belonging" stems from the loss of his House/Family during the Priestess Wars; and though being a Drow, and a male at that- I would think he'd be grateful for his freedom though I think perhaps he would've liked to use his House to his own gain and now he seeks to reestablish himself in the Drow society (building a web of contacts/associates/etc)
So it's a mix of reasons. Cool. Tell me, if he was to build up his own personal power, would he reference his lineage in order to appeal to the traditionalists, or would he cover up his bloodline for fear of retaliation? Would he involve his friends/allies, or would he try to keep them away so that no harm would befall them?
"I don't like X, they should remove it." "I like X, they should keep it." "They should replace X with Y." "Anybody that likes X is dumb. Y is better." "Why don't they include both X and Y." "Yeah, everybody can be happy then!" "But I don't like X, they should remove it." "X really needs to be replaced with Y." "But they can include both X and Y." "But I don't like X, they need to remove it." "Remove X, I don't like it."
Until you've had an in-law tell you your choice of game was stupid, and just Warcraft on paper, and dumbed down for dumber players who can't handle a real RPG, you haven't lived.
Lady and gentlemen.... I present to you the Edition War without Contrition, the War of the Web, the Mighty Match-up!
We're using standard edition war rules. No posts of substance. Do not read the other person's posts with comprehension. Make frequent comparison to video games, MMOs, and CCGs. Use the words "fallacy" and "straw man", incorrectly and often. Passive aggressiveness gets you extra points and asking misleading and inflammatory questions is mandatory. If you're getting tired, just declare victory and leave the thread. Wait for the buzzer... and....
One, two, three, four, I declare Edition War Five, six, seven eight, I use the web to
D&D should not return to the days of blindfolding the DM and players. No tips on encounter power? No mention of expected party roles? No true meaning of level due to different level charts or tiered classes? Please, let's not sacrifice clear, helpful rules guidelines in favour of catering to the delicate sensibilities of the few who have problems with the ascetics of anything other than what they are familiar with.
Just a quick note on the MMORPG as an insult comparison...
MMORPGs, raking in money by the dumptruck full. Many options, tons of fans across many audiences, massive resources allocated to development.
TTRPGs, dying product. Squeaking out an existence that relys on low cost. Fans fit primarily into a few small demographics. R&D budgets small, often rushed to market and patched after deployment.
You're not really making much of an argument when you compare something to a MMORPG and assume people think that means bad. Lets face it, they make the money, have the audience and the budget. We here on this board are fans of TTRPGs but lets not try to pretend none of us play MMORPGs.
Something like Tactical Shift is more magical than martial healing.
Telling someone to move over a few feet is magical now? :|
I weep for this generation.
Given the laziness and morbid obsesity amongst D&Ders, being able to convince someone to get on their feet, do some heavy exercise, and use their words to make them be healthier must seem magical.
Though somewhat of a loner by nature, Haelirin is a puzzle within a puzzle. His frigid demeanor betrays nothing of his hard past, yet his fierce loyalty to those he is close to suggests an inward struggle to belong in a world that made him the outcast he is today.
Thats the only part that really comes up as incongrous to me. Drow society is vicious and unforgiving. Loyalty is a weakness to be exploited, friendship useful only as long as it is beneficial. Especially for one who pulled himself out of the dregs of society, and particularly one who works as essentially an infiltrator and bounty hunter.
Thats just me though, and I primarily play FR, so it may be a bit different.
Thats the only part that really comes up as incongrous to me. Drow society is vicious and unforgiving. Loyalty is a weakness to be exploited, friendship useful only as long as it is beneficial. Especially for one who pulled himself out of the dregs of society, and particularly one who works as essentially an infiltrator and bounty hunter.
Thats just me though, and I primarily play FR, so it may be a bit different.
It could all be a ruse my friend, make them think he's unquestionably loyal, then- BAM! Crossbow bolt through the carotid artery at the most opportune moment...it's all in the plan
Again, I can see the similarities between our characters. If you don't mind, I'd like to interrogate to help flesh him out.
Absolutely, I could definitely use some extra constructive & creative insight.
LordManshoon wrote:
Do his friends fear what might happen if he was to lose his way?
Of course, he is a Drow after all.
LordManshoon wrote:
How does he relate specifically to his companions?
Zaetha may be the only one he has nearly full trust in, there's always that twinge of doubt in the back of a Drow's mind...Riskallus falls into the same category since he's the only other "specifically named NPC" who directly relates to Haelirin; all others his view with outright mistrust and some hostility.
LordManshoon wrote:
Is it full trust, the belief that he has such a strong bond with these people that he can rely on them and open himself up, or is it partial trust, in that he feels for these people, but hesitates to reveal too much about himself, the result of his hard life?
This. Partial.
LordManshoon wrote:
Would he die for these people, fight for them, aid them in their darkest moments? Would he consider abandoning them if their bond weakened, fleeing them if his life was in danger, selling them out for personal power?
This, except maybe Zaetha & Riskallus; he may break the sterotypical Drow "use only for personal gain, dispose of afterward" axiom for them.
LordManshoon wrote:
So it's a mix of reasons. Cool. Tell me, if he was to build up his own personal power, would he reference his lineage in order to appeal to the traditionalists, or would he cover up his bloodline for fear of retaliation?
Both. He would bring his old House into play (still debating on a suitable one for him, any ideas?) but he would be hesitant due to the numerous scandals it was linked to through other Houses (they are worried he may blackmail them and cause their Houses to fall as well)
LordManshoon wrote:
Would he involve his friends/allies, or would he try to keep them away so that no harm would befall them?
They would be involved as far as they were useful to him, but he would keep Zaetha and Riskallus from true harm.
Could someone refer to the 1st post and review the build there? I really need help figuring out if that's the best potential for him for 1st level, I want him to be in his prime throughout his upcoming campaign career
So since the Drow are so forgiving of slights and desertions (sarcasm), would it be safe to assume that lil' ol' Haerlin is prime rib for Drow bounty hunters and fences? Seems to me that this brooding tub of "Unstobbale Dreaming" is hell-bent on rocking the proverbial establishment and trying to look good doing it, but hey, which DnD character isn't?
Never been a big fan of the Drow. Even the casual viewer of Dragon Ball Z would know that human-looking pretty boys with grey/purple skin are bad mojo, which begs the question of how our protagonist dreams unstoppably without someone trying to stop him from unstoppably dreaming? (poor word choice)
I like this Drow, though. He's gangster. Growing up in the ghettos of an underground city ruled by a bunch of spider-chicks. One would be led to believe that his testosterone toting tendencies would've been curtailed by the erroneous estrogen evildoers that run poor old Haerlin's life, but by your description our home-boy is ready to pop a (wooden?) cap into the flubbery, protective-panty lined establishment booty that is Drow matriarchal dictatorship.
Here's the real question you should be asking: What fantastical substitute for mousse are you going to invent to justify that hairstyle?
So since the Drow are so forgiving of slights and desertions (sarcasm), would it be safe to assume that lil' ol' Haerlin is prime rib for Drow bounty hunters and fences? Seems to me that this brooding tub of "Unstobbale Dreaming" is hell-bent on rocking the proverbial establishment and trying to look good doing it, but hey, which DnD character isn't?
There are several matron-sponsored hit squads after him; he's attempting to establish a male-dominant House...
Nekros22 wrote:
Never been a big fan of the Drow. Even the casual viewer of Dragon Ball Z would know that human-looking pretty boys with grey/purple skin are bad mojo, which begs the question of how our protagonist dreams unstoppably without someone trying to stop him from unstoppably dreaming? (poor word choice)
Lol. So true. Unstoppable Dreamer is what his name actually translates into (Haelirin is a random Drow male name from the FR PHB for 4th ED...I liked it, and looked up the meaning in that 3.5 book Drow of the Underdark)
Nekros22 wrote:
I like this Drow, though. He's gangster. Growing up in the ghettos of an underground city ruled by a bunch of spider-chicks. One would be led to believe that his testosterone toting tendencies would've been curtailed by the erroneous estrogen evildoers that run poor old Haerlin's life, but by your description our home-boy is ready to pop a (wooden?) cap into the flubbery, protective-panty lined establishment booty that is Drow matriarchal dictatorship.
Damn right. He's a member of an underground crime syndicate (actually the Riskallus Agency from the aforemention 3.5 book) and he's trying to create his own male-dominant House...total badass...also thought about keeping the "hand crossbows" in the pics just like they are (gun style) and saying he shoots sling bullets rather than bolts...would that be too difficult? Same stats as the hand crossbow, just reflavoured)
Nekros22 wrote:
Here's the real question you should be asking: What fantastical substitute for mousse are you going to invent to justify that hairstyle?
Lolth's Priestess' blood, of course! lol! (actually i thought about that too, maybe spiderweb ichor?)
If you don't mind, I'd like to interrogate to help flesh him out.
(poor word choice)