[PF-1e] Cursed Commoner Carrion Crown

[triedtherest]

Application Name: Claude Maximillian Overton Transpire Dibbler Alignment: Lawful Neutral. Race: Human (Silver Tongued: Human are often adept at subtle manipulation and putting even sworn foes at ease. Humans with this trait gain a +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Bluff checks. In addition, when they use Diplomacy to shift a creature’s attitude, they can shift up to three steps up rather than just two. This racial trait replaces skilled.Silver Tongued) Appearance: While (technically) Human, he strongly resembles some kind of rodent and wears a long poachers coat that is covered in pockets. He is usually seen carrying a tray or pushing a barrow or cart (unless he has persuaded some other poor sod to carry it for him) filled with whatever he has picked up that he thinks he can reasonably flog to the next gullible soul! Background:   Luck? Luck appears and disappears on the flip of a coin tossed by Abadars hand, or at least that's how Dibbler has come to see it. On the day he was born, Dibbler Sr and his mother (who were well regarded in the highly religious, Abadar-centric community) claimed that he had been marked for greatness by Abadar himself. The Clergy remained neutral on these claims, but many people took their silence as confirmation and gave the family gifts to curry favour with their God. The young Dibbler did have a remarkably glib tongue as well as an eye for deals. His parents had him sign on as a cabin boy with a trading ship as soon as he was old enough, their outward reasoning being was that they wanted him to learn the Merchants trade from as many places as possible, but really it was so that all the attention/offerings would go to them!   All went well for the first couple of seasons, but then the ship was taken by pirates. Those crew who lived (including Dibbler, who cowered in the hold until everything was over) were sold into slavery. Due to his small and scrawny frame, Dibbler was bought up by a crew a sewerjacks for a pittance. The squalid conditions he was forced to work and live in over the next few years would affect his physical and mental well being for the rest of his life.   There were some benefits of these awful days, however. Over time, Dibbler somehow managed to exert his personality over the rats who lived in the sewers (even starting to resemble them after a fashion), and managed to train some of them to alert him to any shiny objects they spotted, which allowed him to make a decent side-trade as a Someone who scavenges in the sewers, a sewer-hunter.Tosher. Over time he was able to scrounge up enough funds to barter for his freedom, and to pay for his passage home.   Dibblers homecoming was not all he hoped it would be. His parents had lied for the past few years, telling people that he was in regular contact with them, and that he had become so successful that he was practically a He wishes!Merchant Prince In return for him leaving, and so not risk their lies being found out!never to return, they gave him all the Offerings the Community had brought them over the years. So without a home, but with money to invest and a Silver Tongue, he was well set up to start his career as a travelling Merchant, but how to best invest his money? Then, thinking about his events of the previous few years, it hits him! Using his gold, he went town to town working out a "prisoner release scheme" with the Wardens of the various Debtors prisons, and putting them to work doing the jobs they did when they were free. This allowed him to secure localized monopolies on skills normally not found in a given region. To his credit, he made sure they were comfortable and treated well, much better than they would have been otherwise! Once they had done enough to pay for themselves he tried to find something permanent in the outside world. His good treatment of them, Regular Diplomacy Check to improve Attitudes.and the fact that he was so personable anyway meant that people generally left him on good terms, giving him many contacts in different fields all over the place. It may have been these extensive contacts that brought Professor Lorimar to him in the first place. The good Professor was to require all manner of exotic items over the years, some of them quite expensive, and Mr Dibbler was more than happy to take his coin. Personality: Greedy, Mercantile, not evil or cruel but a true Businessman, will exaggerate an item or services worth to the point of ridiculousness, but he will honour every contract, just make sure you read the small print! Motivation: Dibbler is a simple man with a simple dream, and that dream is to own enough Gold Coins to drown a city! Obtaining wealth and putting himself in a position where he can obtain more wealth, is his primary concern. Of course, being alive to horde it, and having living people around to trade with, will certainly filter their way into his thinking as well! Connections: Warden Groahne, the greedy warden of a debtors prison. Has a deal going where CMOT will have a prisoner released for a set time, so they have the opportunity to work off their debts to whoever they owe them to. Experience with Carrion Crown: Minimal, I played part of the first Adventure when it first came out, but the game/group broke up before the end. How I'm attempting to be a benefit to the party: Social/Diplomacy skills (I have a feeling that we may have to talk our way out of/through many of the encounters of this Campaign. Extra hands to help us out (through Followers and Cohorts, purchased/caught/trained animals, and perhaps later on the Beastmastery Sphere). Over the course of the game, Economic and money making, to help the party gain resources/items they could not normally afford at their level(s). Weapon Proficiency: Sling (uses rocks, anything else is literally throwing money away) Feat: You gain two character traits of your choice. These traits must be chosen from different lists, and cannot be chosen from lists from which you have already selected a character trait. You must meet any additional qualifications for the character traits you chooseAdditional Traits: Whenever you are wearing clothing and/or jewelry worth at least 150 gp (and not otherwise covered in gore, sewage, or other things that mar your overall look), you gain a +1 trait bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks. One of these skills (Diplomacy) is a class skill for you.Extremely Fashionable, You gain a +2 trait bonus on Diplomacy checks to influence hostile or unfriendly creatures, and if you fail at such an attempt, you may retry it once.Patient Optimist Human Bonus Feat: Follower Package.Extra Combat Talent: Leadership Flaw: (-2 to every skill check or attack roll till the end the next round after failing a Skill check, unless it is re-rolling that check)Mark of Slavery Major Drawback: (-1 Hit Point per level)Frail Feat from Major Drawback: Expanded Leadership: Cohort PackageExtra Combat Talent Traits: Your years of hard work have paid off, granting you an additional 150 gp in starting wealth.On the Payroll, Your starting money increases by 900 gpChosen Child Notable Purchases: Sleeves of Many Garments Wagon, complete with horses to pull it. Guard dogs   Human Warrior: Initiative: +1 Movement 30' Attack: +4 Damage: 1d8+3 Slashing 19-20 x2(Longsword) AC: 18 (+5 Armour, +2 Shield, +1 Dexterity) Hit Dice d10+1 (11 HP); Saves Fort: +3 (good), Ref: +1 (bad), Will: + 2 (good); Ability Scores Str 16, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 11; Practitioner Modifier Con; Skill Points per Hit Die 4; Class Skills Intimidate +4, Knowledge (dungeoneering), Knowledge (local), Knowledge (nobility), Perception +4, Swim; Athlete: Warrior cohorts gain a bonus equal to half their Hit Dice on all Climb and Swim skill checks as well as on Constitution-based ability checks. Starting Equipment: Scale Armor, Longsword and shield Feat: Extra Combat Talent - Knightly Training: Gain Proficiency in the Flail, Greatsword, Halberd, Heavy Flail, Heavy Pick, Light Pick, Lance, Longsword, Shortsword and Warhammer. You may also wield the Bastard Sword as a two-handed martial weapon. In addition, you only suffer a -1 to AC when you Charge. Martial Tradition: Armoured Dreadnaught - Armour Training (Gain Medium and Heavy Armour Proficiency) - Shield Training (Gain Shield Proficiency) - Equipment Talent: Unfettering Armour (Move at normal Speed in Medium Armour) - Equipment Talent: Weaponmaster (as a Swift Action you can make your Weapon Damage Bludgeoning, Slashing, or Piercing instead of its regular type). CMOT Dibbler's Ability Scores: Str 8, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 15(17)

[bookworm]

Originally Posted by Novawurmson

Yes, the progression option is fine. Does that mean you get a tradition?

Legendary talents (and by extension, advanced talents) on a case by case basis.

No tradition, you have to trade away martial or exotic weapon proficiency from your class to gain that (third paragraph here) so we're all ineligble.

I'd like to take the legendary talent Constructor from the Leadership sphere. I'd be taking the alternate ratfolk trait Familial Ties to gain the Leadership Sphere, along with the Construct Controller Drawback to restrict my ability to recruit followers to constructs only. I think it fits thematically within the setting, and my character concept of a ratfolk "alchemist" experimenting with science and magic. The power level is balanced with additional limitations to constructs compared to normal cohorts.

[CatCanCook]

@Erimine, fixed. That +1 was was from an earlier iteration which was pure fighter. The possibility of Basic Magical Training => Advanced Magical Training persuaded me that there could be some scalable magic even if it is tiny compared to a normal build.

[Novawurmson]

I will post a real response later, but as a Terry Pratchett lover whose wife is watching a lot of Voyager, these submissions are great (no promises about who I'll actually select, of course).

[Novawurmson]

Originally Posted by Ermine

Would you allow a major drawback to get an extra feat? (I don't know what I'd take for my extra feat yet, but I'd be taking the Blatant major drawback)

Allowed with the following exception/restrictions:
Animal Animosity - Banned unless you're using the feat to take the Beastmastery sphere or similar. There just aren't enough animals in the campaign.
Land Legs - Banned. This ain't Skulls and Shackles.
Magically Inept - Banned.
Nearsighted - Banned.
Slow Runner - Banned.
Spell Futility - I'm going to allow it with a gentleman's agreement that you take a Sphere (or other spellcasting ability) that is primarily offensive and allows spell resistance.
Farsighted - Requires a Strength of at least 14
Spell Vulnerability - Must be taken with the Necromancy or Enchantment schools.

Originally Posted by bookworm

I'd like to take the legendary talent Constructor from the Leadership sphere. I'd be taking the alternate ratfolk trait Familial Ties to gain the Leadership Sphere, along with the Construct Controller Drawback to restrict my ability to recruit followers to constructs only. I think it fits thematically within the setting, and my character concept of a ratfolk "alchemist" experimenting with science and magic. The power level is balanced with additional limitations to constructs compared to normal cohorts.

This is acceptable with the following caveat: You will only be able to take the talent once (i.e. you can't take it twice to get intelligent constructs. Just to make sure we're on the same page, the bonuses and penalties around recruiting a new cohort will continue to apply (instead of difficulty in finding a cohort, it's difficulty in finding the right tools and supplies). Some of the campaign takes place in more rural areas, and some of it takes place in more urban areas.

Originally Posted by CatCanCook

[FIELDSET="Questions"]

A few questions:
* Could "major drawback" (like Ermine) be used to take Basic Magical Training
* Then us "trade out standard feat progression for a talent progression" --> like bookworm above, but swap out 1, 5, 9, 13, 17 => Proficient progression, with all the talent purchases being Magical Talent not Combat Talent.
* Then with Advanced Magical Talent taken at 3rd level, the character progresses like a 1/3rd power mage.

-Yes, any feat.
-Unfortunately, I'm going to have to go combat talent progression only, as written.
-You could use your level 1 feat for Basic Magical Training and your bonus from a drawback for Advanced Magical Training (or wait until 3).

[Ermine]

So Blatant is an acceptable Major Drawback?

Edit: You don't have to answer if it's a yes, which it probably is.

I do hope everyone who's applied so far gets in~ just have to hope not many others show up so the choice is easier.

[CatCanCook]

OK -- Six will take Oblivious (-2 perception and other stuff), and magic will be an extremely minor theme then with more investment going into combat. I'll finish her up later.

[Ermine]

Right now, Se uses magic to summon a weapon and has a veil that gives natural armor (in addition to her extra HP trait), so she's fairly heavily combat, but will expand into more magic later.

Edit: I'm thinking of maybe switching to Destruction instead of Blood. I probably will. It makes more sense for a pure caster.
Edit 2: I did switch.

[Novawurmson]

Would it cause anyone interested a problem if I moved up the final day to 3/12, decision day on 3/13? I don't want to rush anyone or prevent someone from applying.

[Ermine]

Wouldn't bother me at all. I just hope we have enough people for it by then.

[triedtherest]

Originally Posted by Ermine

Wouldn't bother me at all. I just hope we have enough people for it by then.

I agree with both points.

[bookworm]

I'll have the basics of mine up later this evening, with some extra details added over the week so the new deadline should be fine.

[rhaiber]

Hey, since you are allowing a lot of 3rd party stuff, would you allow a custom race built using the ARG rules? Not trying to create something overly powerful, but I have a fun character concept for an awakened cat.

For your consideration:

Awakened Cat
Type:	Magical Beast	? RP
Size:	Tiny	4 RP
Base Speed:	Normal (30’)	0 RP
Ability Scores:	+4 Dex; +2 Int, Wis, Cha; -2 Str& Con	4 RP
Languages:	Standard	0 RP
Lucky, Lesser	Benefit: +1 racial bonus on all saving throws.	2 RP
Climb	Benefit: climb speed of 20 feet, +8 racial bonus on Climb checks	2 RP
Claws	Benefit: two claw natural attacks; damage based on size (1d2)	2 RP
Low-Light Vision		1 RP
	TOTAL	15RP

Mew (and Mrrowr) art by Diego Cunha Name: Mew Race: see above (subject to change)Awakened Cat Age: actual number depends on whether we rule awakened cats to have a lifespan more comparable to humanoids, or if they are the same as ordinary catsMiddle-aged Alignment: Chaotic Good Experience with Carrion Crown: None whatsoever. Description: Appearance: Mew is a mostly white short-haired house-cat, though spots of deepest black stand out in sharp contrast to his snow white coat, including a large patch around one eye, a "saddle" across his back, and a mischievous little speck that dots the side of his otherwise pink nose. He stands about 9 inches tall, with a lean, wiry body. His wide golden eyes gleam with an intelligence and a curiosity that can be a little unnerving when his stare seems to look directly through others. His tail is longer than average for his size and seems to be eternally swishing about as though it had a mind of its own. His small, triangular ears are ever-alert, twitching and swiveling at the slightest sound. Mrrowr is a young human female of about 16 with auburn hair. She has wide, expressive eyes that display an almost feline intelligence. Some of the (more tolerable) humans that Mew has interacted with have told him that Mrrowr would be considered rather comely for her species, but it's hard for Mew to really judge that objectively. Personality Mew is an independent loner who sometimes comes off as a bit of a gruff misanthrope. He particularly has little patience for most humans, other than his former "partner" Rhiamon, and his familiar Mrrowr. Mew thinks of Mrrowr as more than just a pet, she is pretty much like a member of the family. He has a paternal affection for her and is fiercely protective of her. He is not particularly fond of other people though, and is not shy about it. Humans in particular are always so loud, messy, and seem like they can never sit still. They're basically giant, hairless kittens that never grew up. He lives with the frustration of knowing that he is often the smartest one in the room, and is almost never recognized as such. This has led to a never-ending disdain for stupidity that typically manifests itself through a biting sarcasm. Mrrowr is a loving and faithful pet who enjoys nothing more than to have her master curl up in her lap. Being a human raised by a cat, she doesn't always fit in well with other humans, who find her behavior a little ... odd. She is very curious about her human heritage and about their bizarre customs, though she is also rather shy to interact with other humans and feels as if she is constantly being judged for not knowing their strange ways. Background: Background Mew was once the familiar to a powerful human witch named Rhiamon. Rhiamon was a reclusive hermit who lived alone in a cottage in the middle of the dark forest, her only companions were Mew and her communion with the powerful forces of her patron. Eventually Rhiamon used the powerful magics at her disposal to awaken Mew so that she might better relate to her only living companion. One day, Mew noticed a strange change had begun to occur in his human friend. Rhiamon’s belly grew large with child. This seemed rather strange to Mew, since he had never seen her with interact another of her kind, but the child was brought to her by her shadowy patron. Sadly, what first appeared to be a great blessing soon turned tragic. It was a complicated pregnancy and Rhiamon did not survive the birthing process. Mew vowed to care for the child, who served as a reminder to him of his faithful friend, Rhiamon. Mew named the young girl Mrrowr and raised her as if she were his own kitten. Over time, it gradually became apparent that even in the absence of Rhiamon, Mew mysteriously remained connected to the arcane forces that had once bound him to the witch. Mrrowr herself turned out to be a sweet, endearing, but relatively simple and naive girl. Luckily, she had Mew to look out for her; otherwise she would be hopelessly lost. Motivation: Motivation The one thing Mew cares about more than anything is his adopted human daughter Mrrowr. He would be willing to sacrifice anything to keep her safe. Connection: Connection Mew has only ever felt a deep connection with two people: his departed mistress Rhiamon’s (the only person he ever respected) and his adopted daughter Mrrowr (the only person he has ever loved). Other than that, he will say that he could really do with our people and be fine. Of course, what he will never admit is that underneath all of his misanthropic facade, he has a soft spot for outcasts and orphans and will generally always look out for a true underdog (despite the terribly unfortunate term). Build Notes: Build Notes Stats Str 8 -2(size) -2(racial) -1(age)3 Dex 14 +2(size) +4(racial) -1(age)19 Con 13 -2(racial) -1(age)10 Int 15 +2(racial) +1(age)18 Wis 10 +2(racial) +1(age)13 Cha 12 +2(racial) +1(age)15 Traits: assuming this is compatible with spheres casting.Inspire by Greatness(campaign) Intimidate is always a class skill for you, and you may use your Intelligence modifier when making Intimidate checks instead of your Charisma modifier.Bruising Intellect(other) Flaw: You cast no shadow whatsoever. Under normal lighted conditions, creatures that succeed at a DC 15 Wisdom check notice it plainly (an additional Perception check may be required based on environmental conditions). This telltale sign of wickedness cannot be concealed by misdirection, nondetection, or illusions, except those that also affect shadows (such as invisibility)Umbral Unmasking Major Drawback: You suffer a -2 all Strength-based skill and ability checks, and cannot take 10 with such checks. You also suffer a -1 penalty to your CMD.Nonathletic Feats: Basic Magic Training, Advanced Magic Training HP:6 +1(FCB) = 7 Skills: 2 +4(int) +2(bkgrd)   RP Sample As the early morning sun struggled to cut its way through the thick sultry air that clung to the Emerald Marshes, a young girl stepped forward, looking somewhat out of place, even among this rather eclectic company. Unlike the seasoned veterans around her, the slight-framed girl appeared to have barely left childhood behind. Shoulder-length auburn hair hung loosely about her cherubic face and brushed against the collar of her simple peasant’s blouse. A large leather satchel rested on her hip, its strap slung across her body and over her opposite shoulder. Those hips were wrapped in a long olive green skirt criss-crossed with a number of wide leather belts. Of course, none of those traits made her particularly remarkable. What made her stand out were things like her bare feet that squelched in the soft marsh ground, cool mud rising up between her toes; or the way she stood slightly crouched with knees bent and heels raised, perched on the balls of her feet. Every muscle in her body was relaxed, and yet she appeared ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. Though her form was unmistakably human, her posture and bearing suggested something more feral. But what was most peculiar was probably the small cat she cradled in her arms. The girl’s eyes darted about the area, keenly taking in her surroundings, until she caught sight of the birds circling the ruined temple. She sunk lower into a crouch as her hips slowly rocked back and forth. “Not now Mrrowr,” a calm and dispassionate voice coming from the cat within her arms caused the girl to freeze mere seconds before leaping, “You’ll have time to chase them later. I’m afraid we’ve more important business to attend to at the moment.” The cat, which up until this moment had appeared to be sleeping, slowly opened his large, golden, almond-shaped eyes. The cat’s lithe body was mostly covered in short snow-white hair, though large batches of deepest black surrounded one of his eyes and straddled his back. Most peculiarly, the cat seemed to be outfitted in a collection of small leather plates and scales, fastened together to shield his back and torso. His head swiveled from side to side, allowing his round face to take in his surroundings. Once he completed his survey, he arched his hindquarters up and stretched his front legs out before him, flexing his paws to briefly expose his hook-shaped claws while his mouth dropped open into a wide, silent yawn. As Mew completed his waking routine, his young companion carried him in the direction of their warrior companion, just as the large man finished making his suggestion that they investigate the sunken temple. “Well done!” the cat praised with exactly the sort of congratulatory tone one might use when speaking to a child, sincere and yet inadvertently patronizing at the same time, “It’s quite nice to see you getting some use out of that grey matter between your ears. Your rationale for starting with the temple is remarkably sound. Although, I for one should rather like to have a look at those maps first. Seems a dreadful shame to go traipsing off into uncharted territory when someone has actually gone to the trouble of charting it for us … even if it may be somewhat out-of-date at present.”

[Ermine]

I...kinda wanna see the cat?

"Its type becomes magical beast (augmented animal)." Per the awaken spell.

[bookworm]

Application Credit: Steve Wood Games (@stevewoodgames on twitter) Name: Nikola Rackov Race: Ratfolk (Alchemical Dabbler, Cleanliness, and Familial Ties alternate racial traits) Class: Commoner 1 (proficient with daggers, Feats for Adept talent progression) Campaign Trait: Teacher's Pet (Knowledge (engineering)) Party Role: Damage & healing with the alchemy sphere; knowledge skills; crafting alchemical items for party use e.g. to bypass energy resistance, heal, cure conditions; splash weapons (target touch AC and don’t need proficiency); construct will soak up some damage and buff everyone's defenses through the Shield Sphere Appearance & Personality: Those encountering Nikola for the first time are likely to come away with one of two very different impressions, though their intelligence and love of research shows in both. When away from their research and laboratory they present as a bit of dandy, and rather accustomed to a comfortable life within the university. Nikola dresses quite finely in clothes with a formal cut and elaborately patterned fabrics not usually seen on true formal wear. Their speech mirrors their clothes, with proper, but unnecessarily extensive and elaborate, manners on display and often long explanations of their current line of research. The other impression is one of a rather reckless and eccentric researcher. While within their laboratory they wear thick leathers as protection from the dangerous reagents they work with, evident in the stains and damage across the surface. The face protection obscures their expressions and limits visibility, issues Nikola has adapted to simply by using expansive gestures to communicate and getting real close to anything they’re studying. Connection: Nikola remains in contact with Solyce who is still in service to Pharasma at the Gravecharge Cathedral in Lepidstadt. As when they first met she is a great support for Nikola, and in some ways has taken up a parental role to fill the lack in Nikola’s life. Motivation: Nikola has two primary motivations. Their curiosity drives them to investigate and find (or create) situations to test out their experiments. The early loss of their family also means they highly value any friendship they have and will go out of their way to aid them. This care is also extended to the families of those friends, and Nikola’s intentions at the start of the game would include offering help to Professor Lorrimor’s family and friends as well as attending the funeral.

Background Nikola was born to the Keres clan who ran a trade ship along the Lesser Moutray River in Ustalav, mostly travelling between Lepidstat and Courtaud. They were still young enough to not be allowed to wander the deck unsupervised when the Keres clan set sail for the final time. During the trip a sudden, intense rainfall caused a flooded the river, and while skilled enough to keep the ship on course, they were unable to fight off the drowned dead that rose along with the flood waters. Nikola’s survival was pure chance. First they were knocked overboard and managed to cling to some debris as they were swept away from the ship, unnoticed by the undead. Secondly they were only stranded for two days before rescued by a passing ship. Solyce, a Pharasman cleric, was aboard and took care of Nikola while the ship completed it’s journey to Lepidstadt. Nikola’s grief and uncertainty about their future drove them deep into the basic education and lessons Solyce arranged, as if the answers could be found in their books. Their raw intelligence and hard work soon saw them qualify for study at the Lepidstat University. Among the academics there they found something similar to the community of the clan they came from. In particular Professor Lorrimor was a seemingly neverending source of stories and strange curios. He spent some time championing Nikola to the university staff, opening up opportunities for research that would have been unavailable otherwise. Since Professor Lorrimor’s retirement Nikola has significantly advanced their pet project, a construct running on a combination of mechanical engineering, alchemy, and magic. Nikola had hoped to demonstrate it to him, and is deeply disappointed they were unable to complete it before his death. Still they’ve arranged for it to crated up and transported with them, perhaps one of Professor’s Lorrimor’s friends will be interested.

OOC Experience with Carrion Crown: I've no previous experience with this campaign, though plenty with Pathfinder 1e. Construct Cohort: Happy to accept to the limitations placed on that. I've written up the adjusted text for utilizing construct cohorts in the below spoiler buttons for you to review and ensure we're on the same page. Mostly would like a check on the modifiers for recruiting cohorts so I know which definitely apply (in the Recruiting a Construct spoiler button). Also can I utilize the recruit action to repair my existing, but damaged construct? It's a flavor adjustment rather than anything mechanical. Custom Races: Is it possible to set a range or specific number for racial points so we can adjust our racial traits to be in roughly the same power range? Practitioner Modifier: Just noticed as I was double checking my mechanics, but without a class specifying a Sphere Practitioner Modifier the default one is Wisdom. I'd been assuming I could choose one of the mental ability scores, and obviously was going with Intelligence. Would you allow me to use Intelligence for my Practitioner modifier? There's no existing way to do it in Spheres of Might, but Spheres of Power does allow you to change your Casting Modifier through the Unorthodox Casting trait so we might be able to apply that? (Or you might feel that my character concept is sufficient justification to make it Intelligence without having to spend a trait?) Pre-Game Crafting: Can I craft some alchemical items prior to the game and stretch my starting funds a bit further?

Statblocks - IN PROGRESS   Nikola Nikola Rackov, Commoner 1 NG Small humanoid (ratfolk) Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft; Perception +5 DEFENSE AC 16, 14 touch, 13 flat-footed (+3 Dex, +2 leather armor, +1 size) HP 7/7 (1d6+1) Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +1; +2 vs disease Other exceeding disease DC by 5 counts as two consecutive successes OFFENSE Speed 20 ft Melee dagger +4 (1d3-1 P/S 19-20/x2) Range dagger (10ft) +4 (1d3-1 P/S); splash weapons +4 vs touch AC (as described in item) Aligned Liquid +4 vs touch AC (10ft) 2d4 direct; 1 splash (5ft); good (undead, evil outsiders), evil (living, good outsiders), chaotic (constructs, lawful outsiders), or lawful (elementals & chaotic outsiders) STATISTICS Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 17, Wis 13, Cha 8 BAB +0; CMB -2; CMD 15 Talents Alchemy Sphere (Formulae Package, Mana Chemistry Drawback, Aligned Liquid, Salve); Leadership Sphere (Cohort Package, Construct Controller Drawback, Constructor) Skills -2 to all untrained skills, Craft (alchemy) +7, Knowledge (arcana) +4, Knowledge (engineering) +9, Knowledge (history) +4, Knowledge (religion) +4, Knowledge (planes) +4, Linguistics +4, Perception +5, Sense Motive +2, Stealth +8 Languages Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Gnome, +1 Equipment leather armor; dagger; alchemy crafting kit [B]Prepared (formulae)   Construct Construct Cohort CR -1 N Medium construct (cohort) (warrior profession) Init acts on Nikola's; Senses darkvision 60 ft, low-light vision; Perception +0 DEFENSE AC 16, 11 touch, 15 flat-footed (+1 Dex, +3 studded leather armor, +2 heavy shield) HP 11/11 (1d10+1) destroyed at 0 HP; can only be repaired not healed (effective Con = 13) Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +2 (effective Con = 10) Immune mind-affecting (charm, compulsion, morale, pattern, phantasm); bleed, disease, death effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning; ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, energy drain, nonlethal damage; any effect with a Fort save unless harmless or can target objects; resurrection; death from massive damage; any effects that require target to be able to breath, eat or sleep OFFENSE Speed 30 ft Melee dagger +5 (1d4+3 P/S 19-20/x2), heavy steel shield +5 (1d6+3 P x2), light steel throwing shield +5 (1d3+3 B x2) Range dagger (10ft) +2 (1d4+3 P/S), light steel throwing shield +2 (1d3+3 B x2) STATISTICS Str 16, Dex 12, Con —, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 10 BAB +1; CMB +4; CMD 15 Shield Master Martial Tradition Shield Training; Shield Sphere; Throw Bash; Cover Ally Talents Extensive Defense Skills mindless, -4 ACP (-1 studded leather, -1 light shield, -2 heavy shield) Equipment leather armor & dagger; studded leather armor; spiked heavy steel shield; light steel throwing shield SPHERE ABILITIES Equipment Sphere Shield Training (discipline): proficient in all shields, including tower shields, and shield bashes. Throw Bash: proficient with throwing shields. Ranged attacks with a throwing shield still use shield spikes for damage. You can throw a shield as part of the Cover Ally talent, with the shield's reach being the first range increment. The benefits of Active Defense and (deflect) talents apply as normal. If the throwing shield can return after an attack, e.g. returning property, Throwing Mastery talent, then the shield also returns after using Cover Ally. Shield Sphere Active Defense: Must be using a shield, not flat-footed, and aware of the creature making the attack. Spend an Attack of Opportunity or Martial Focus to increase shield bonus to AC by +2 = 2 + 1/4 BAB. You can apply one (deflect) talent to each use of Active Defense. Cover Ally: Must have Martial Focus. You can use Active Defense to benefit an ally within reach of your shield when they are targeted by an attack. This only applies the bonus AC, not the AC of the shield itself. Extensive Defense: Spend Martial Focus as a free action. Apply Active Defense bonus to all triggering attacks against self and allies in reach of shield until start of next turn without expending Attacks of Opportunity.

Details on Mechanical Build   Ability Score Elite Stat Array: Str 10; Dex 14; Con 12; Int 15; Wis 13; Cha 8 Ability Score Improvements: increase an ability score by 1 at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 20th level. Combat Training: talents gained (1st level) = 0. Gain Adept combat talent progression (2/3 of a combat talent per level) in exchange for the feats gained at 1st, 3rd, 5th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 17th and 19th level. Your Practitioner Modifier is Wisdom. Feats: gain a feat at 7th and 15th level. Traits: Teacher's Pet (Campaign): gain a +2 trait bonus to Knowledge (engineering) and treat it as a class skill. Meticulous (Drawback): take a -2 penalty to untrained skills. Additional Trait: TBD Background Skills: gain 2 skills ranks = 2 x level. These can only be spent on background skills i.e. Appraise, Craft, Handle Animal, Knowledge (engineering), Knowledge (geography), Knowledge (history), Knowledge (nobility), Linguistics, Perform, Profession, Sleight of Hand. Boon (Su) (2/2): As a free action that can be taken even when it is not your turn, you can add roll 1d6 and add it to any roll. This ability can be used even after the result of a roll is revealed (but before the GM determines if the result is a success or failure). You gain 2 uses of this ability. These uses are refreshed whenever you gain a level. At 2nd level, and every even level afterwards, your maximum number of uses increases by 1. There may be other benefits to being marked by fate. Elephant in the Room Feat Taxes: Risky Strike: if BAB +1 for all attacks until beginning of next turn can take -1 - 1/4 BAB penalty to attack & CMB and 2 +2 / 4 BAB bonus damage. Bonus damage is increased by 1/2 if using a weapon two-handed and reduced by half if using an off-hand weapon. Damage bonus does not apply to touch attacks or effects that do not deal HP damage. Defensive Stance: if BAB +1 for all attacks until beginning of next turn can take -1 -1/4 BAB to attack & CMB and +1 +1/4 BAB dodge bonus to AC. If choosing to deal nonlethal damage you cannot confirm a critical instead of taking a penalty to attack rolls. Finesse: Can use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack rolls with light melee weapons, elven curve blade, rapier, spiked chain, and whip.   Hit Die: d6 (max at first; then roll and take higher of result or 3) Class Skills: Climb, Craft, Handle Animal, Perception, Profession, Ride, Swim Skill Ranks: 5 = level x (2 + INT) BAB: 0 = 1/2 level Base Saves: 0 = 1/3 level Proficiency: proficient with daggers; not proficient with any other weapons and any type of armor or shield. Favored Class Bonus: TBD   Ability Scores: +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, -2 Strength Type: Humanoid (Ratfolk) Size: Small (+1 size bonus to AC, attack rolls; -1 size penalty to CMB, CMD; +4 size bonus to Stealth) Speed: 20ft Darkvision: 60ft Alchemical Dabbler: Gain the Alchemy Sphere Cleanliness: +2 bonus on saves vs disease; if exceed disease DC by 5 or more treat as if succeeded on two consecutive saves. Familial Ties: Gain the Leadership Sphere. Languages: Know Common. Choose Int modifier additional languages from Aklo, Draconic, Dwarven, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, Orc, and Undercommon (Draconis, Dwarven, and Gnome chosen)   have 150gp to spend on starting equipment. Combat Gear 2 gp - dagger 10 gp - leather armor Travelling Gear 2 gp - backpack (common) 1 gp - traveller's outfit Alchemical Gear 25 gp - alchemy crafting kit 12 gp - bombchucker 5 gp - scholar's outfit 1 gp - artisan's outfit 3 cp - earplugs 5 gp filter mask 5 sp bandolier For Construct 50 gp - conversion of light steel shield to throwing shield Starting Construct Equipment leather armor dagger studded leather armor spiked heavy steel shield light steel shield   Alchemy Sphere Skill Ranks: gain 5 ranks in Craft (alchemy) = 5 / talent spent in Alchemy Sphere Drawback (Mana Chemistry): (grants Salve) (formulae) are magical and subject to spell resistance and dispelling effects. Package (Formulae): (grants Aligned Liquid) can craft (formulae) which abide by the following rules. Craft Cost: none; also no value if sold Craft Time: 30 min (15 with alchemy lab or kit) to craft 1 (formulae) = 1 + (1/4 ranks) Craft DC: for each DC increment passed the (formulae) gains greater potency; below the Craft DC creates the (formulae) at the lowest potency; Damage: additional damage die from multiple ranks are bonus and not multiplied by Vital Strikes or critical hits Splash Damage: splash damage grants a DC 11 Reflex save to halve damage = 10 + 1/2 ranks + PM(WIS) Special (prepared): can only have 3 (formulae) prepared at one time = (1/2 ranks; Min 1) + number of (formulae) talents Special (expiry): (formulae) expire after 24 hours Special (refining): cannot be refined or enhanced by items such as focusing flasks or hybridization funnels Aligned Liquid (formulae): Craft DC: 20 +10 add 5ft to each damage increment Attack: ranged touch (10ft) Damage: direct 2d4 = 2d4 + (1d4 / 2 ranks) Splash: 1 (5ft) Special (incorporeal): can target incorporeal but thrown range limited to 5ft as must be poured instead of thrown; pouring doesn't provoke AoO Special (alignment): choose one alignment (good, evil, chaotic, lawful) when crafting Good: damages undead & evil outsiders Evil: damages living creatures & good outsiders Chaotic: damages constructs & lawful outsiders Lawful: damages elementals & chaotic outsiders Salve (formulae): Craft DC: 15 +10 add 5 healing Use: standard action on creature in natural reach Effect: 1d8+1 healing = (1d8 / 2 ranks; Min 1d8) + PM(WIS) Special (limit): a creature can only benefit from Salve 2 times per day = (1/2 ranks; Min 1) + PM(WIS) Special (bleeding): stops bleeding Special (constructs+): doesn't effect constructs, objects, or any creatures that heal through repairs or spells like make whole Special (undead+): does heal undead and other creatures that would be harmed by positive energy Leadership Sphere Skill Ranks: gain 5 ranks in Knowledge (engineering) = 5 / talent spent in Leadership Sphere Drawback (Construct Controller): (grants Constructor) can only recruit construct (cohorts) & (followers); use Knowledge (engineering) in place of Diplomacy for the Leadership Sphere; construct (followers) do not require or gather supplies. Package (Cohort): grants ability to recruit and lead a (cohort); see spoiler buttons Recruiting a Construct and Stats of a Construct for full details adjusted to account for the Construct Controller Drawback. Constructor: can recruit (cohort) with the construct type. These function as normal for a (cohort) with the following exceptions: Size: choose Small or Medium; if Small apply -2 to Strength and +2 Dexterity Ability Scores: no racial modifiers to ability scores Skills: mindless; gains no skill ranks; still gains ranks from Spheres and can use those skills normally HP: uses (cohort) Constitution as it's effective Constitution to calculate HP; this effective score can only be modified by magic items that grant a continuous bonus; do not gain bonus HP for size; destroyed at 0 HP Profession: can only have warrior or woodsman profession Feats: mindless; gains a combat talent instead of a feat Behavior: mindless; under player's control; will obey harmful and suicidal orders Recruit: take no penalties to Recruit DC for destruction of construct cohorts; as constructs as mindless you cannot maintain them as contacts and re-recruit them.   Recruiting a Construct requires 8 hours in a settlement and a Knowledge (engineering) check. DC: is equal to 10 + the Hit Die of the Cohort. Additional modifiers may apply to the DC as shown in Table Recruit DC Modifiers below. Take 10: Yes Max HD: a cohort has a max HD of 1 = 3/4 x (ranks + 1) Total HD: the sum of your cohorts HD cannot exceed 1 = ranks Table: Recruit DC Modifiers (Settlement Size - Applies to Constructs) Recruit Factor DC Modifier Thorp (Fewer than 21) +8 Hamlet (21–60) +6 Village (61–200) +4 Small Town (201–2,000) +2 Large Town (2,001–5,000) +1 Small City (5,001–10,000) +0 Large City (10,001–25,000) -1 Metropolis (More than 25,000 ) -2 Table: Recruit DC Modifiers (Other - Applies to Constructs) Recruit Factor DC Modifier Rationale Settlement is predominantly of a different alignment to you. +1 per step settlement less likely to provide access to materials, space, equipment etc. Signing bonus of 10 gp per Hit Die. -1 (cumulative, may be applied up to 5 times) spend money to gain access to materials, space, equipment etc. Supplying magical equipment. Reduces DC equal to half the cumulative enhancement bonus of weapons and armor, (minimum reduction of -1). incorporate magical equipment into costruct to reduce need to find materials, magical power etc. Settlement is particularly insular, isolated, or opposed to you. Varies, GM decision settlement less likely to provide access to materials, space, equipment etc. Table: Recruit DC Modifiers (Other - Do Not Apply to Constructs) Recruit Factor DC Modifier Rationale Population of settlement is at least 50% of a particular race you are seeking. -2 construct not a race 5% to 25% of the population of the settlement is of a particular race you are seeking. +2 construct not a race Less than 5% of the population is of a particular race you are seeking. +2 construct not a race You are looking for your own race. -2 construct not a race You do not specify the profession. -2 am creating myself so can build in whatever profession I choose You do not specify tradition. -2 am creating myself so can build in whatever tradition I choose You are attempting to recruit a contact. -5, ignore DC modifications for alignment, race, profession, and tradition. rules specifically state that mindless creatures cannot become a contact A cohort has been killed and not resurrected. +5 (cumulative for each death, reduced by 1 for each month since the cohort’s death) rules specifically state that destruction of construct cohort does not increase the Recruit DC   A construct (cohort) stats are determined by their type, profession and HD. Construct Traits: Choose if Small or Medium size; if Small apply -2 to Strength and +2 Dexterity No Constitution score. Any DCs or other statistics that rely on a Constitution score treat a construct as having a score of 10 (no bonus or penalty). Low-light vision. Darkvision 60 feet. Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms). Immunity to bleed, disease, death effects, necromancy effects, paralysis, poison, sleep effects, and stunning. Cannot heal damage on its own, but often can be repaired via exposure to a certain kind of effect (see the creature’s description for details) or through the use of the Craft Construct feat. Constructs can also be healed through spells such as make whole. A construct with the fast healing special quality still benefits from that quality. Not subject to ability damage, ability drain, fatigue, exhaustion, energy drain, or nonlethal damage. Immunity to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also works on objects, or is harmless). Not at risk of death from massive damage. Immediately destroyed when reduced to 0 hit points or less. A construct cannot be raised or resurrected. Instead of gaining HP based on size a construct (cohort) gains HP based on the effective Constitution listed in Table: Professions. This effective Constitution can only be modified by through the use of magic items that grant a continuous bonus. Constructs do not breather, eat or sleep Cohort Traits: Initiative: a (cohort) always acts on your initiative. CR: a (cohort) has a CR rating equal to it's HD - 2. Behavior: A (cohort) is loyal and will follow you into and aid you in combat, it's mechanical actions are player controlled. A construct is mindless and will obey harmful and suicidal orders. Profession: a (cohort) gains a profession. A construct can only choose warrior or woodsman. See Table: Professions for details. Proficiency: a (cohort) is proficient with simple weapons, light armor, and bucklers Starting Equipment: each (cohort) starts with leather armor and a dagger and gains additional equipment based on their profession. Total cost of starting equipment cannot exceed 100gp. Starting equipment cannot be sold or used to benefit player in any other way. Warrior: scale mail or studded leather; one of simple or martial melee weapon; simple or martial ranged weapon; 20 pieces of ammunition simple or martial melee weapon; shield Woodsman: studded leather armor; simple or martial melee weapon; simple or martial ranged weapon; 20 pieces of ammunition Table: Professions Stat Warrior Woodsman HD d10 d10 Fort Good Good Ref Bad Good Will Good Bad Strength 16 12 Dexterity 12 16 Constitution - (construct) (13 for HP; 10 otherwise) - (construct) (13 for HP; 10 otherwise) Intelligence - (mindless) - (mindless) Wisdom 10 11 Charisma 10 10 Practitioner Modifier Constitution Wisdom Class Skills Intimidate Knowledge (dungeoneering) Knowledge (local) Knowledge (nobility) Perception Swim Knowledge (geography) Knowledge (nature) Perception Sense Motive Stealth Swim Special +1/2 HD to Climb, Swim and Con ability checks +1/2 HD to Survival Table: Construct Statistics Hit Die BAB Good Saves Bad Saves Combat Talents Special   1 +1 2 0 1 Martial tradition   2 +2 3 0 2 -   3 +3 3 1 3 -   4 +4 4 1 4 Ability score increase   5 +5 4 1 5 +2 enhancement   6 +6/+1 5 2 6 -   7 +7/+2 5 2 7 -   8 +8/+3 6 2 8 Ability score increase   9 +9/+4 6 3 9 +4/+2 enhancement   10 +10/+5 7 3 10 -   11 +11/+6/+1 7 3 11 -   12 +12/+7/+2 8 4 12 Ability score increase   13 +13/+8/+3 8 4 13 +6/+4/+2 enhancement   14 +14/+9/+4 9 4 14 -   15 +15/+10/+5 9 5 15 -   16 +16/+11/+6/+1 10 5 16 Ability score increase