Middle Earth PbP (Out of Character)

[foproy]

working for the king, orobably as a spy, or something similar.

[Catodon]

Here's a draft. Comments please. There are some spoilers within hiding information the other characters do not know I'll leave it up to you to decide if you would rather discover these little secrets in play.
I'm most worried about the spellcasting given this is Middle Earth.

A tall lean handsome elf dressed in the flowing grey and silver the people of the Golden Wood approaches. He looks like a slight youth of twenty but a his intense gaze carries the weight of ages. He carries little and is armed with only two elegant short swords

Gillion, who is also called Thurinir, speaks of a diplomatic mission to Rohan and Gondor. Goblins though, are now bold enough to range far and his party was attacked. Their boat was set ablaze. In order to cover the same ground without the speed of their boat the group split up.

(click to show/hide)

The above is a half truth. Galadriel has felt the world ‘turning’ and sensing dark forces afoot seeks to understand the current situation. What are the attitudes, rulers, strengths of the people of the West. Have Men fallen into the influence of shadow? What secrets are yet hidden? Can the old alliances be made to breathe again? Therefore the elves of Lothlorien have sent agents into the world. Gillion is one such agent.
The age of an elf is impossible to guess, Gillion is very old indeed but has spent most of his life in sheltered leisure deep in the Golden Wood. Only once before has he ventured out for any length of time; as a young soldier barely a century old he fought in the desperate battle against Sauron at the end of the Second Age. He was a warrior for a short time but this is well in the past, he has lived the life of a scholar and mystic since.
 

Lord Gillion, known as Thurinir

XP 25000
Elf Mystic
Sage1/Soldier 1/Sage 5
Thurinir is a Backer providing wise advice to the younger races. I have used Owl Nation to represent Lothlorien elves.
Type: Medium biped fey, reach 1
Speed: 40 ft.
Action dice: 4d6

Attribute
STR: 10   0
DEX: 11   0
CON:  9    -1
INT: 12   +1
WIS:  19   +4
CHA: 18   +4

Vitality: 56 (9x5, 1x11)
Wounds: = 9

Melee Attack: 5/6/9/10 = 5 + 0/+ note edge forte +1/ waring universe +4(cha) vs shadow/both
• Two Elven short swords with hurl   1d8lethal   19-20   keen4

Unarmed Attack:  5 /9= 5 + 0/ waring universe +4(cha) vs shadow
• chop (1d3 subdual, threat 20)
Why ‘chop’ well it just seems more agile than punch

Ranged Attack:  5/6/9/10 = 5 + /1 note hurled forte +1/ waring universe +4(cha) vs shadow/both
• Hurled Short sword    1d8lethal   19-20   keen4

Fortitude save: 3 = 4 -1
Reflex save: 3 = 3 + 0
Will save: 9 = 5 + 4

(click to show/hide)

His little secret:
Defense: 12= 10 + 3 (class) + 0 (dex) – 1DP
DR: 2 = 2
Resists: Edged 2

Initiative: 5 = 5 (class) + 0 (dex)

Lifestyle: 7=3+4
• Panache: 7 (Appearance 5 =+2+1origin+1feat+1gear, 70s income)
 •-10 disposition non-Sindar NPCs
• Prudence: 0 (15% Money saved/earned)

Legend: +6
Reputation: 10
Renown: Noble 2 – Ancient and Highborn equal to a human baron
Prizes Allowed: 3=2+1

Origin Abilities:
• Aloof
• Burden of ages
• Keen sight
• Natural elegance
• Sharp hearing
• Inquisitive Mind
• Pair skills (investigate/medicine)
• Sharp mind
• Darkvision 1

Class Abilities:
• Breadth of Experience
• Wise Council
• Assistance I
• Best of the Best 2/scene
• Cross-Training: Subtle and Quick to Anger
• Hand of Fate (1 feat)
• Fight on! (contempt was taken)

Spells
From 2 sources The Gift and cross-training. I have tried to avoid flashy effect and choose subtle magic more in keeping with the elves of Middle Earth’s 3rd Age. I am aware of corrupting magic, Gillion’s pride leads him to believe he can resist the taint.
Spell save DC  14 = 10+4Cha
Spell Points 0
The Gift
No spell casting check required. Casting level is 1. Spells/scene = starting action die
Endure Elements
Touch of light
Cross-Training: Subtle and Quick to Anger
Cast zero level spells. Casting level 4, Spell points 0.
Spells Known = 19+8=27 I intend to take zero level spells only. The core book contains only 16 zero level spells and many are more flashy than I would like. So until Spellbound is released assume I have access to all zero level spells printed but I will tend to use the spells from the following list of non-flashy spells more suitable to Middle Earth.
Endure Elements Read Magic Expeditious Retreat Magic Vestment I Touch of Light Detect Alignment Orient Self Detect Secret Doors.

Skills: +1 extra rank per level sharp mind. Paired skills investigate medicine. With sharp mind: Soldier allowed to rank 5, sage level 1 7, rank10: Total Number of ranks: (soldier 6), sage (6x8=48), Sage core ability (2x4=8)
TOTAL: 62.
Total = Ranks + Attribute Modifier + Misc
% Soldier skill
! class skill for sage
#Inc Sage Core Abilty adds
*Origin Skills: Bluff & Impress

Spellcasting (crosstraining) 9= 8+1

#Acrobatics 5=5+0
%Athletics 5= 5+0
Blend 1= 0+4-3feat
*Bluff 5= 3+2
!Crafting 1= 0+1
!Disguise 1= 0+4-3feat
!Haggle 5= 1+4
*Impress 15+= 8+4+3feat+Appearance
#Intimidate 5 = 1+4
!Investigate 14 = 10+4
!Medicine 11= 10+1
!Notice 5= 1+4
Prestidigitation 0= 0+0
#Resolve 4 = 5-1
!Ride 1= 1+0 (water vehicles)
!Search 4= 3+1
!Sense Motive 12= 8+4
#Sneak 2=2+0
Survival 4= 0+4
!Tactics 5= 4+1

Feats: CL3, origin, soldier +1 combat
• The Gift (origin)
• Contempt (soldier)
• Owl Nation
• Comely
• Elegant

Stances:
•

Interests: 2+2 extra origin+2CL
Total number studies: 4
• Native Language: Sindarin
• Study: Homeland Lothlorien
• Alignment: Light
• Study Birds
• Study: War with Sauron and end of the Second Age
• Study: History of the Third Age
• Language Westron (Archaic)
• Language Quenya

Proficiencies: 7
Edged (forte)
Hurled (forte)
Bow
Blunt
Unarmed

Advanced tricks:
• Nil

Gear: Carrying capacity 50, 150.
Grooming case  2Lb +1App
Mages pouch 4Lb
Paper sheaf 0.5Lb
Ink common 0.25Lb
Lembas Bread 0.25Lb (treat as a sustaining potion)
‘Simple’ Elf Wine 3 uses 2Lb negates frightened (as spirits)
Two Elf make short swords with hurl 2Lb

(click to show/hide)

The short swords were standard issue for a soldier in the war with Sauron at the end of the Second Age. he has had them stored in mineral oil for 1000s of years. Those with knowledge of ancient history or elves might realise this
Hidden under his flowing clothes is a vest much like Bilbos but of steel
Partial chainmail with discrete and elf crafting 12Lb

Total: 23.1Lb

Money in hand: 42
Stake:

Prizes
Nil

[glimmerrat]

This is a nice character - input from the rest of you guys?

[Catodon]

Thankyou Glim,
I have tried to compliment the existing characters' capabilities. Is there anything here that doubles up with another character too much?
What's the deal for casting level from cross training?

[Bill Whitmore]

Looks good to me.  Ooh, Gorbo be so much likin' to be meetin' the elves again.

Actually on that note, given the awesomeness of the kitchens there, Gorbo makes it a point to stop by Rivendell when he makes the trip back and forth as liaison between Rohan and the Shire.

It is likely that he has NOT spent much time idle in Rohan over the last year or two and has actually made several trips to the Shire and back.  Gorbo's sees it as an extension of his old job as a Warden of the Shire adding Rohan to his patrol routes.  The rounds just take so much longer to complete these days.

Also, end of last adventure you had given us each a full rank of renown if we accepted the King's offer, which I am, I just need to get that added to my sheet as another Heroic level.

[glimmerrat]

What's the deal for casting level from cross training?

As far as I can tell, 2. Class level-based abilities count as 4 levels lower for the purposes of cross-training. You're a level 6 Sage, so 6-4=2.

Incidentally, you may wish to take a few level 1 spells. We level up roughly once per adventure with this group, and you're only 2 levels from getting Cross-Training: Circle of Power I. Some of those level 1 spells are very subtle and flavorful for Middle Earth. Just a suggestion.

@Bill: will do.

[Girlfriday]

Bella has been edited - she rocks! Hope no-one minds. I dropped that level of Explorer so now i'm just a pure Burglar. I used some stuff from the Adventurer's Companion too.

[Catodon]

What's the deal for casting level from cross training?

As far as I can tell, 2. Class level-based abilities count as 4 levels lower for the purposes of cross-training. You're a level 6 Sage, so 6-4=2.

Incidentally, you may wish to take a few level 1 spells. We level up roughly once per adventure with this group, and you're only 2 levels from getting Cross-Training: Circle of Power I. Some of those level 1 spells are very subtle and flavorful for Middle Earth. Just a suggestion.

@Bill: will do.

Circle of power is not a crosstrain option Sage is pretty limited as a spell caster but that's ok I only wanted a little.

[glimmerrat]

Circle of power is not a crosstrain option

It is in my copy of FC...

[Catodon]

Circle of power is not a crosstrain option

It is in my copy of FC...

Will consider.
Sage casting level is a static 4 (page 48)
Will Edit sheet above.Done

[glimmerrat]

I'll get you added, and we'll kick off in a week or so. In the meantime, I suggest you get to know the group and read through the previous adventures.

[Wolverine]

This is a nice character - input from the rest of you guys?

Looks good to me, too. The chosen spells are suitably subtle for the Middle Earth setting, and should complement the group well.

[Catodon]

Ok here is a final version:

Lord Gillion, known as Thurinir
Spoilers contain material unknown to the other characters.

(click to show/hide)

http://www.slacknhash.net/elf_name_generator.php
Language Sindarin
Gillion = star son first name modified from his father’s name.
Thurinir = ‘secret man’ sort of a nick name.
Istven = lore/knowledge husband/man personal intimate name given to him by his wife. The other PC’s will likely never hear him called by this name. His wife in not likely to enter play and therefore is not represented in game terms.

A tall lean handsome elf dressed in the flowing grey and silver the people of the Golden Wood approaches. He looks like a slight youth of twenty but a his intense gaze carries the weight of ages. He carries little and is armed with only two elegant short swords

Gillion, who is also called Thurinir, speaks of a diplomatic mission to Rohan and Gondor. Goblins though, are now bold enough to range far and his party was attacked. Their boat was set ablaze. In order to cover the same ground without the speed of their boat the group split up.

(click to show/hide)

The above is a half truth. Galadriel has felt the world ‘turning’ and sensing dark forces afoot seeks to understand the current situation. What are the attitudes, rulers, strengths of the people of the West. Have Men fallen into the influence of shadow? What secrets are yet hidden? Can the old alliances be made to breathe again? Therefore the elves of Lothlorien have sent agents into the world. Gillion is one such agent.
The age of an elf is impossible to guess, Gillion is very old indeed. His grandmother was one of the first Sindarin to settle in Lothlorien. However has spent most of his life in sheltered leisure deep in the Golden Wood. Only once before has he ventured out for any length of time; as a young soldier barely a century old he fought under Amdir in the War of the Last Aliance against Sauron at the end of the Second Age. They were cut off from their allies and were driven into the Dead Marshes. Amdir and over half his Elves were killed. Gillion was one of the lucky survivors. He has lived through the reign of Amdir, Amroth, remembers the arrival of Galadriel and Celeborn
He was a warrior for a short time but this is well in the past, he has lived the life of a scholar and mystic in the city of Caras Galadhon ever since.

XP 25000
Elf Mystic
Sage1/Soldier 1/Sage 5
Thurinir is a Backer providing wise advice to the younger races. I have used Owl Nation to represent Lothlorien elves.
Type: Medium biped fey, reach 1
Speed: 40 ft.
Action dice: 4d6

Attribute
STR: 10   0
DEX: 11   0
CON:  9    -1
INT: 12   +1
WIS:  19   +4
CHA: 18   +4

Vitality: 56 (9x5, 1x11)
Wounds: = 9

Melee Attack: 5/6/9/10 = 5 + 0/+ note edge forte +1/ waring universe +4(cha) vs shadow/both
• Two Elven short swords with hurl   1d8lethal   19-20   keen4

Unarmed Attack:  5 /9= 5 + 0/ waring universe +4(cha) vs shadow
• chop (1d3 subdual, threat 20)
Why ‘chop’ well it just seems more agile than punch

Ranged Attack:  5/6/9/10 = 5 + /1 note hurled forte +1/ waring universe +4(cha) vs shadow/both
• Hurled Short sword    1d8lethal   19-20   keen4

Fortitude save: 3 = 4 -1
Reflex save: 3 = 3 + 0
Will save: 9 = 5 + 4

(click to show/hide)

His little secret:
Defense: 12= 10 + 3 (class) + 0 (dex) – 1DP
DR: 2 = 2
Resists: Edged 2

Initiative: 5 = 5 (class) + 0 (dex)

Lifestyle: 7=3+4
• Panache: 7 (Appearance 5 =+2+1origin+1feat+1gear, 70s income)
 •-10 disposition non-Sindar NPCs
• Prudence: 0 (15% Money saved/earned)

Legend: +6
Reputation: 10
Renown: Noble 2 – Ancient and Highborn equal to a human baron
Prizes Allowed: 3=2+1

Origin Abilities:
• Aloof
• Burden of ages
• Keen sight
• Natural elegance
• Sharp hearing
• Inquisitive Mind
• Pair skills (investigate/medicine)
• Sharp mind
• Darkvision 1

Class Abilities:
• Breadth of Experience
• Wise Council
• Assistance I
• Best of the Best 2/scene
• Cross-Training: Subtle and Quick to Anger
• Hand of Fate (1 feat)
• Fight on! (contempt was taken)

Spells
From 2 sources The Gift and cross-training. I have tried to avoid flashy effect and choose subtle magic more in keeping with the elves of Middle Earth’s 3rd Age. I am aware of corrupting magic, Gillion’s pride leads him to believe he can resist the taint.
Spell save DC  14 = 10+4Cha
Spell Points 0
The Gift
No spell casting check required. Casting level is 1. Spells/scene = starting action die
Endure Elements
Touch of light
Cross-Training: Subtle and Quick to Anger
Cast zero level spells. Casting level ?(1 p111, or starts at 4th so is now 3?), Spell points 0.
Spells Known = 19+8=27 I intend to take zero level spells only. The core book contains only 16 zero level spells and many are more flashy than I would like. So until Spellbound is released assume I have access to all zero level spells printed but I will tend to use the spells from the following list of non-flashy spells more suitable to Middle Earth.
Endure Elements Read Magic Expeditious Retreat Magic Vestment I Touch of Light Detect Alignment Orient Self Detect Secret Doors.

Skills: +1 extra rank per level sharp mind. Paired skills investigate medicine. With sharp mind: Soldier allowed to rank 5, sage level 1 7, rank10: Total Number of ranks: (soldier 6), sage (6x8=48), Sage core ability (2x4=8)
TOTAL: 62. Focus observation and advice.
Total = Ranks + Attribute Modifier + Misc
% Soldier skill
! class skill for sage
#Inc Sage Core Abilty adds
*Origin Skills: Bluff & Impress

Spellcasting (crosstraining) 9= 8+1

#Acrobatics 5=5+0
%Athletics 5= 5+0
Blend 1= 0+4-3feat
*Bluff 5= 3+2
!Crafting 1= 0+1
!Disguise 1= 0+4-3feat
!Haggle 5= 1+4
*Impress 15+= 8+4+3feat+Appearance
#Intimidate 5 = 1+4
!Investigate 14 = 10+4
!Medicine 11= 10+1
!Notice 5= 1+4
Prestidigitation 0= 0+0
#Resolve 4 = 5-1
!Ride 1= 1+0 (water vehicles)
!Search 4= 3+1
!Sense Motive 12= 8+4
#Sneak 2=2+0
Survival 4= 0+4
!Tactics 5= 4+1
:

Feats: CL3, origin, soldier +1 combat
• The Gift (origin)
• Contempt (soldier)
• Owl Nation
• Comely
• Elegant

Stances:
•

Interests: 2+2 extra origin+2CL
Total number studies: 4
• Native Language: Sindarin
• Study: Homeland Lothlorien
• Alignment: Light
• Study Birds
• Study: War with Sauron and end of the Second Age
• Study: History of the Third Age
• Language Westron (Archaic)
• Language Quenya

Proficiencies: 7
Edged (forte)
Hurled (forte)
Bow
Blunt
Unarmed

Advanced tricks:
• Nil

Gear: Carrying capacity 50, 150.
Grooming case  2Lb +1App
Mages pouch 4Lb
Paper sheaf 0.5Lb
Ink common 0.25Lb
Lembas Bread 0.25Lb (treat as a sustaining potion)
‘Simple’ Elf Wine 3 uses 2Lb negates frightened (as spirits)
Two Elf make short swords with hurl 2Lb

(click to show/hide)

The short swords were standard issue for a soldier in the war with Sauron at the end of the Second Age. he has had them stored in mineral oil for 1000s of years. Those with knowledge of ancient history or elves might realise this
Hidden under his flowing clothes is a vest much like Bilbos but of steel
Partial chainmail with discrete and elf crafting 12Lb

Total: 23.1Lb

Money in hand: 42
Stake:

Prizes
Nil

[Catodon]

I'll get you added, and we'll kick off in a week or so. In the meantime, I suggest you get to know the group and read through the previous adventures.

Ok will do.

[Antilles]

Since my pleas for more feats earlier went unheard, I've concluded to make no further changes to Brannadan. Although seeing the Two-Weapon Guard feat makes me wish I didn't lobby for changing my sword's guard bonus to grip .

A question for the future though: If this next adventure will be dwarf-heavy, any chance I could pick up the Unbroken feat from the AC (Sunchaser chapter)? Would give me something to save Reputation for, other than Renown (Renown 5 is about right, if not a little high, for what he's done so far I think).

A thought just occurred to me: Fast-forwarding two years means we'll get 24 months of downtime, right? Right? _{A man can hope...}