In any case, these NPCs were generated using the 3.5 PHB, DMG, MM, and the "Complete" series books- some may or may not use other materials, but if so, I'll note which.
To start with, then, let me introduce one of the more prominent NPCs on the cover of Gaz1: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos:
Decius Arrenius Adjutor
Missionary
History: Decius was born in 972, to a wealthy Kerendan family in the Empire of Thyatis. Coming from a strong religious tradition, Decius forswore his inheritance and took vows with the Church of Thyatis when he was 15. Rather than follow the devout teachings of the clergy, however, he chose instead to follow the more militant traditions of the paladin. In this stead, he embarked upon holy endeavors across the mainland of Thyatis.
Upon first hearing stories of crimes perpetrated against Thyatian settlers in the barbaric land of Traladara to the west, Decius decided to pursue a new holy mission. He would travel the lands of Traladara- renamed Karameikos under its new Thyatian ruler- fight against injustices committed against Thyatians, and spread the word of the Church of Thyatis to gain new converts among the Traladaran natives.
Personality: Decius is a dedicated man, almost to the point of obsession. He firmly believes he is doing the good work of the Immortals in bringing the tenets of the Church of Thyatis to Karameikos. Even as he combats the evils of the land- undead, lycanthropes, and the like- he tries to combat the superstitious beliefs of the Traladaran people, lauding the Immortal patrons of the Church of Thyatis in their stead. He strongly dislikes members of the Order of the Griffon, feeling that they only protect the Thyatian members of the Church of Karameikos- a splinter sect of his own church- when they should be protecting the rights of all Thyatians in the land.
Appearance: Decius is of average height for a Thyatian- 5’ 11”- with a lean build. He has dark brown hair, blue eyes, and goes clean shaven. When on a mission, he wears his armor and full helm, and a purple tabard with red trim. His mount, Celeris, is a rare brown coated Kerendan warhorse with a white mane.
DMing Notes: Decius may be encountered in any inns across the land, as he refuses to take lodging in any Church of Karameikos. He can be a powerful ally to adventurers, though a very single-minded one. His strong pro-Thyatian and religious sentiments may also bring him into conflict with Traladaran characters.
Combat Notes: Male human paladin 6; CR 6; Medium humanoid; HD 6d10+6; hp 53; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +6; Grp +7; Atk +8 melee (1d8+2/x3, lance +1) or +8 melee (1d8/19-20, silvered masterwork longsword); Full Atk +8/+3 melee (1d8+2/x3, lance +1) or +8/+3 melee (1d8/19-20, silvered masterwork longsword); SA smite evil 2/day, turn undead 5/day; SQ aura of courage, aura of good, detect evil, divine grace, divine health, lay on hands, remove disease 1/week, special mount; AL LG; SV Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 12, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 15. *Statistics are age adjusted and include a +1 level bonus to Charisma.
Skills and Feats: Concentration +5, Diplomacy +8, Handle Animal +6, Heal +5, Knowledge (nobility) +5, Knowledge (religion) +9, Ride +4, Sense Motive +8; Divine Cleansing, Divine Resistance, Mounted Combat, Negotiator.
Paladin Spells Prepared (1; save DC 11 + spell level): 1st- bless.
Possessions: Half-plate +1, heavy steel shield, lance +1, potion of cure light wounds (x4), potion of shield of faith (x2), silvered masterwork longsword.
Celeris: Medium Kerendan warhorse; CR -; Large magical beast; HD 7d8+28; hp 66; Init +3; Spd 70 ft.; AC 23, touch 12, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +5; Grp +12; Atk +10 melee (1d4+4, hoof); Full Atk +10/+10 melee (1d4+4, 2 hooves) and +5 melee (1d3+2, bite); Space/Reach 10 ft./5 ft.; SQ improved evasion, low-light vision, scent, share spells, share saves; AL N; SV Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +4; Str 19, Dex 17, Con 19, Int 6, Wis 15, Cha 9.
Skills and Feats: Balance +4, Jump +9, Listen +4, Spot +4; Endurance, Run, Weapon Focus (hoof).
Possessions: Studded leather barding.
Nice idea making him a missionary. I haven't really heard much about missionaries in the Known World other than perhaps some vague references, so it's nice to see one "in the flesh", so to speak.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading more about the faces we've all become so familiar with over the years tomorrow. :D
And very nicely executed too! Personally, I'm more interested in the descriptions than the stats, of course - especially since 3rd edition stats mean even less to me than 2nd edition stats. :P
I agree with Thorf re. the stats (although I realise they're necessary), but the description is fantastic.
It's great that you didn't base him in a particular town - it certainly adds to his usefulness for a DM.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Jesper(I know I'm biased on this, but it's cool to see one of the horses of Mystara used ;) . This also gives me a kick in the back-side to get some final template done for warhorses.)
Great thread!
And very nicely executed too! Personally, I'm more interested in the descriptions than the stats, of course - especially since 3rd edition stats mean even less to me than 2nd edition stats.
Yeah- I figured that the stats would only be of so much use to a lot of people here, so I want to try and use the other aspects as much as possible. This one was kind of light, as I get a feel for creating these NPCs. I may end up giving more info, and tinkering with the format a bit later.
I really like the way 3E gives the ability to make characters so different from one another through the use of feats and skills, but if I get a chance later, I'll post some OD&D style stats for those "old school" folks out there. Shouldn't take much time, really, and I should have done that initially.
Nice idea making him a missionary. I haven't really heard much about missionaries in the Known World other than perhaps some vague references, so it's nice to see one "in the flesh", so to speak.
His look sort of screamed Paladin/Knight to me, and my initial idea was to make him a Knight of the Griffon, but that seemed a bit too cliche to me- among other reasons (he's not wearing a griffon emblem, and one of the other NPCs I'm doing is a Griffon Knight), so I wanted to see how I could differentiate him. That's one thing I'm tyring to do with these NPCs- many of them (such as the central character on Gaz2) almost seem to fulfill archetypes by appearance alone, but I'd like to stretch them and twist them away from that for the most part- the old "don't judge a book by its cover" adage.
I'd thought about trying to post some adventure ideas along with the stats, if I think of any. Much of that I'll cover in the DM'ing Notes section, but if something particular strikes me, I'll flesh it out. In Decius' case, I have half an idea in my head for something (a typical undead killing that leads to misunderstanding and roleplaying consequences), but nothing concrete offhand. If I get a better idea, I'll try to make something more with it.
The Rusalka (Roxana Nastase)
Partisan
History: The Rusalka, in traditional Traladaran lore, is a river spirit that lures men to their doom by her entrancing song. To locals in the region of Luln, however, the Rusalka is a folk hero- a warrior maiden who draws bandits and shock troops of the hated Black Eagle Baron to their deaths. At times she taunts them from a distance, drawing them on horseback into ambushes set by local townsfolk. Other times, she wades into melee, challenging the leaders of enemy bands to one-on-one combat, breaking the morale of their troops when they meet their inevitable doom. The Black Eagle would pay good money to learn the identity of this masked woman. Community loyalty has so far kept her safe, but Ludwig von Hendriks periodically increases the reward…
The Rusalka’s true name is Roxana Nastase, the daughter of a tanner near Luln. Her homestead was raided by a band of goblinoids when she was barely fifteen. Her father crippled, her home ransacked, Roxana joined with a local militia seeking vengeance. With reinforcements from Luln, the goblins were routed, and Roxana returned home to take over the family business. She was never quite able to give up the fight against the Black Eagle’s tyranny, and so she adopted the guise of the Rusalka. Together with other locals, she continues to help homesteaders who are victimized in the region of Luln.
Personality: The Rusalka is a fiery crusader against injustices committed by evil forces in the western part of Karameikos, particularly around the Luln region. She does not understand why the Duke turns a blind eye to the depredations of his cousin in Fort Doom. She works closely with local militias to try and minimize the damage wrought by the forces of the Black Eagle, von Hendriks.
As Roxana, she is somewhat demure, even shy at first. Once she opens up around strangers, her passionate devotion to justice shines clearly through. She dotes on her father, and handles her business very well, considering her extracurricular activities.
Appearance: The Rusalka is of average height, but with a lean, strong build. Her black hair is thick and curly, and unfettered. She dresses in black leathers, high riding boots, and a chainmail mask that covers her face from the eyes down. The Rusalka is also fond of wearing jewelry and other precious articles that she has taken from her foes.
In her life as Roxana, she could not look more different. She dresses plainly, usually in a skirt, blouse, and smock, often dirty from a day’s work. Her hair is plaited and worn in a ponytail, and she wears no makeup.
DMing Notes: The Rusalka can be a strong ally for the PCs. She would certainly welcome assistance against her foes in the Luln region, and the opportunity to learn new combat tactics from skilled warriors. Alternatively, the PCs could meet Roxana while at the market, and strike up a friendship or romance. Imagine their surprise to learn that she is a strong warrior in her own right- or their embarrassment if the Rusalka has to rescue them from the clutches of the Black Eagle!
Combat Notes: Female human fighter 3/commoner 1; CR 3; Medium humanoid; HD 3d10+3 plus 1d4+1; hp 28; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk +6 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword); Full Atk +6 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword); AL NG; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 14. *Statistics are age adjusted and include a +1 level bonus to Strength.
Skills/Feats: Craft (leatherworking) +4, Handle Animal +6, Intimidate +6, Profession (cook) +4, Profession (tanner) +8, Ride +5; Animal Affinity, Force of Personality, Goad, Skill Focus (tanner), Weapon Focus (longsword).
Possessions: Bracers of armor +1, heavy steel shield +1, leather armor +1, longsword.
Imagine their surprise to learn that she is a strong warrior in her own right- or their embarrassment if the Rusalka has to rescue them from the clutches of the Black Eagle!
A female Zorro - I like it!
"Who was that masked woman?"
I have some problem with the images though. I assume that it is supposed to be an illustration of each character, but instead there is just an "image hosted by Angelfire" image. Whats up with that?
Looking forward to seeing more of these.
By the way, if you make it Roksana instead of Roxana, it sounds more slavic...
Håvard
I have some problem with the images though. I assume that it is supposed to be an illustration of each character, but instead there is just an "image hosted by Angelfire" image. Whats up with that?
Håvard
Me too
I do like the NPCs though, they will certainly be appearing IMC.
Regards,
Gary
Cool NPCs Cthul! I like both of them. Whoever came up with the idea for this thread, I like it!
I thought it was you, but I just rechecked the thread where the idea came up (the Heartstone Characters thread, and it turns out it was Hugin! Sorry, Hugin! I should have given proper credit for the idea where it was due!
I have some problem with the images though. I assume that it is supposed to be an illustration of each character, but instead there is just an "image hosted by Angelfire" image. Whats up with that?
Crud- is anyone else having this problem? I see them fine, but I'll try and figure out what's causing it...
By the way, if you make it Roksana instead of Roxana, it sounds more slavic...
Roxana is the Romanian version, which is where I picked it up from. Research shows that Roksana is the Russian version, though... it does look a little more rustic... I may change it. Hmm.
Roxana is the Romanian version, which is where I picked it up from. Research shows that Roksana is the Russian version, though... it does look a little more rustic... I may change it. Hmm.
Romanian isn't slavic, it is latin. Ofcourse, Sulescu is obviously a Romanian-style name, and the -escu ending is listed as a typical Traladaran name, so it could go either way I suppose.
Perhaps the Traldars living around Sulescu are a bit more Romanian-like. Then we have Koryszegy, which sounds very Hungarian. If it is it should probably be pronounced something like Koris-edge. Another non-slavic presence. Perhaps the entire western Karameikos isn't as slavic as I thought?
As for Luln, it probably contains a mix of all kinds of Traldars since so many of its population are escaped slaves who could have been captured anywhere in the country.
Håvard
Crud- is anyone else having this problem? I see them fine, but I'll try and figure out what's causing it...
If I visit the url for the picture (via 'view source' and copying the url to the address box) and then click the 'Back' button the image(s) then appear where they are supposed to.
Gary
I'm using Mozilla rather than Internet Explorer, don't know if that would make a difference.
I see the pictures fine.
I'm using Mozilla rather than Internet Explorer, don't know if that would make a difference.
Grrr, I only have internet access at work these days and I cant install new programs so im stuck with IE.
PS: Dont tell my boss how much time I am spending here! ;)
But, if I copy and paste the "Image hosted by AngelFire," I can see the picture fine.
Too bad my PC's excaped the Black Eagle as little as one game session ago :P and are now stuck defending Luln from a coming goblin horde attack, but I am sure I can find another way to introduce Roxana ;) What a kick-a.. girl!!
By the way, just a question: is this thread strictly for Andrew's Gaz NPC creations or should we all post our attempts here for comparison?
JesperBy the way, just a question: is this thread strictly for Andrew's Gaz NPC creations or should we all post our attempts here for comparison?
Post away! I'd love to see some different takes on these NPCs myself- there's so much that can be done with them.
As for the pictures- I'm using Mozilla, too, so maybe that's the difference. Does anyone else know how to post pictures more effectively in here?
Dunno why some people (including me) couldn't see the image in the first place but this should be viewable to all. ;)
:-) Jesper
And might I suggest a few skill levels in Disguise for the Rusalka?
:-) Jesper
A few more comments on the Rusalka: could someone please tell me what the Force of Personality and Goad feats do and which source they are from?
Sure- both are from Complete Adventurer. Force of Personality allows one to use their Charisma bonus instead of Wisdom bonus on saves vs. mind-affecting spells/abilities. Goad allows one to essentially taunt one's opponents; if they fail a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 character level + Cha mod), they can only attack the Goader during that turn. Not a really useful feat, perhaps, but it fit her personality.
And might I suggest a few skill levels in Disguise for the Rusalka?
That's a pretty good idea- I didn't initially figure the "Rusalka" alter-ego was a big secret or anything, but it kind of developed that way a little bit, and it never occurred to me to give her some ranks in Disguise. I'll make an adjustment on that right away. Good catch!
Sorry, Hugin! I should have given proper credit for the idea where it was due!
No problem. Anyhow, an idea is worthless unless it is acted upon, so credit goes to you for making these excellent NPCs! Keep 'em coming! You've made me create yet another DnD folder; "Andrew's gaz-cover NPCs"! :D
Look for some new NPCs to come in the next couple of days!
All right- I know I've delayed quite a bit on this. I got stalled a bit working on NPC #3 on the cover of Gaz1. Actually, I was just going to have the woman in the middle be Aleena Halaran, who is already detailed in Gaz1, but I was going to use her as a Knight of the Griffon to flesh out that organization (and give it some history and depth). I've gotten a bit stuck on that, though, so I hope you'll forgive me if I go ahead and jump ahead to the Gaz2 NPCs, and hopefully finish Gaz1 soon.
Look for some new NPCs to come in the next couple of days!
We'll be looking forward to that! :D
:-) Jesper
All right- I know I've delayed quite a bit on this. I got stalled a bit working on NPC #3 on the cover of Gaz1. Actually, I was just going to have the woman in the middle be Aleena Halaran, who is already detailed in Gaz1, but I was going to use her as a Knight of the Griffon to flesh out that organization (and give it some history and depth). I've gotten a bit stuck on that, though, so I hope you'll forgive me if I go ahead and jump ahead to the Gaz2 NPCs, and hopefully finish Gaz1 soon.
I always believed she was Aleena too. What are you doing with the Order of the Griffon? I just posted a question about them on the MML...
Looking forward to seeing more Gaz Cover NPCs too!
Håvard
Combat Notes: Male human paladin 6; CR 6; Medium humanoid; HD 6d10+6; hp 53; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +6; Grp +7; Atk +8 melee (1d8+2/x3, lance +1) or +8 melee (1d8/19-20, silvered masterwork longsword); Full Atk +8/+3 melee (1d8+2/x3, lance +1) or +8/+3 melee (1d8/19-20, silvered masterwork longsword); SA smite evil 2/day, turn undead 5/day; SQ aura of courage, aura of good, detect evil, divine grace, divine health, lay on hands, remove disease 1/week, special mount; AL LG; SV Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 12, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 15. *Statistics are age adjusted and include a +1 level bonus to Charisma.
Skills and Feats: Concentration +5, Diplomacy +8, Handle Animal +6, Heal +5, Knowledge (nobility) +5, Knowledge (religion) +9, Ride +4, Sense Motive +8; Divine Cleansing, Divine Resistance, Mounted Combat, Negotiator.
Paladin Spells Prepared (1; save DC 11 + spell level): 1st- bless.
Possessions: Half-plate +1, heavy steel shield, lance +1, potion of cure light wounds (x4), potion of shield of faith (x2), silvered masterwork longsword.
or
F6, hp 28, AC:0, AL:L, Str12, Int12, Wis13, Dex10, Con12, Cha15
Plate +1, Shield, Lance +1, Normal Sword, Potion of Healing x 4, potion of heroism x2
if you use the Skill system from the GAZ and RC, you'll know better than me which ones he should have, but I'd suggest... Horseriding, Ceremony, Heraldry, Leadership, Healing (That right? a 6th level fighter with average int. would have 5 skills?)
if you use Weapon Master, Basic in Mace and Spear, Expert in Lance and Normal Sword. (Again, I think 6 wm slots is correct for a 6th level fighter.)
if you wanted him more paladin-like, I'd let him cast CLW once or twice a day and Cure Disease once a week.
horse - the warhorse stats from the RC.
R.A.
Combat Notes: Female human fighter 3/commoner 1; CR 3; Medium humanoid; HD 3d10+3 plus 1d4+1; hp 28; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk +6 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword); Full Atk +6 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword); AL NG; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 14. *Statistics are age adjusted and include a +1 level bonus to Strength.
Skills/Feats: Craft (leatherworking) +4, Handle Animal +6, Intimidate +6, Profession (cook) +4, Profession (tanner) +8, Ride +5; Animal Affinity, Force of Personality, Goad, Skill Focus (tanner), Weapon Focus (longsword).
Possessions: Bracers of armor +1, heavy steel shield +1, leather armor +1, longsword.
F3, hp 17, AC:3, AL:L, Str14, Int10, Wis11, Dex12, Con13, Cha14
Leather Armor +1, Shield +1, Ring of Prot. +1, Sword
Skills: Craft-Cook, Craft-Tanner, Horseriding, Animal Trainng
WM: Basic - Short bow, dagger, spear; Expert - Normal Sword
(Again, I don't use skills or WM much so I might be getting the # and exact names mixed up, but you get the idea.)
hope Cthulhudrew doesn't mind.
R.A.
Trying to cast resurrection on this thread...
:-) Jesper
Trying to cast resurrection on this thread...
:-) Jesper
Agreed!! What happened to this great topic??
Agreed!! What happened to this great topic??
I stalled on the third NPC on the cover (who was going to be Aleena Halaran, and would showcase the Order of the Griffon Prestige Class). I was just going to jump ahead to Gaz2, but again- stalled.
If anyone else has some Gaz Cover NPC ideas to post, though, feel free! I'd love to see them!
(I'll try and post a couple of my other NPCs in the next couple of days.)
(I'll try and post a couple of my other NPCs in the next couple of days.)
I look foreward to it.
Hello? Is this thing still working?Not wanting to nag or anything, but I'd really love to see more of these ...
Not wanting to nag or anything, but I'd really love to see more of these ...
Quoted for Truth. ;)
Not wanting to nag or anything, but I'd really love to see more of these ...
Quoted for Truth. ;)
Do I see a couple of volunteers? ;)
Regards
Gary
Do I see a couple of volunteers? ;)
Regards
Gary
Hey, I'd help...but all my Gaz's are in boxes, under boxes, in storage.
Do I see a couple of volunteers? ;)
Regards
Gary
Heh - wish I had the imagination, to tell the truth.
Plus, if I produced one, all the stats would be OD&D - not much use for the 3e'ers, I'm afraid.
Heh - wish I had the imagination, to tell the truth.
Plus, if I produced one, all the stats would be OD&D - not much use for the 3e'ers, I'm afraid.
I wish I had the imagination of some of people too! This was such a great thread idea that I hope more gaz NPCs are done up. Maybe I'll even give one a shot! ;)
One of the best things about this board is that stats from any system are welcome! As individuals we may be biased to the system we play with, but as a community, Mystara is what is important, not the rules set (or at least I'd like to think so).
One of the best things about this board is that stats from any system are welcome! As individuals we may be biased to the system we play with, but as a community, Mystara is what is important, not the rules set (or at least I'd like to think so).
I agree. I see no reason why both Classic D&D and 3E should be acceptable here, and they are so easy to convert between that any set of stats should be useful to most people on these boards.
Håvard
I agree. I see no reason why both Classic D&D and 3E should be acceptable here
I hope you mean shouldn't be acceptable here :D
And I agree! Let's get more Gaz NPC's - no matter the system!
:-) Jesper
I hope you mean shouldn't be acceptable here :D
And I agree! Let's get more Gaz NPC's - no matter the system!
Ah Jesper! Thanks for saving me!
Ofcourse I meant that any version of D&D is perfectly acceptable here. :embarrass
Other systems are also allowed ofcourse, and can be interesting at times, though sometimes less usable for most of the readers (I would think).
I should take a bit more time to read through what I'm actually writing next time... :P
Håvard
I should take a bit more time to read through what I'm actually writing next time... :P
Why? Isn't verbal diarrhea what the internet is for? :P
Not wanting to nag or anything, but I'd really love to see more of these ...
Huh? What's that? Think I fell asleep at the wheel there...
Was just thinking about this the other day, and really hope to have at least one new NPC up soon. I promise this time!
I promise this time!
w00t!!
