[PF-1e] Way of the Wicked - Hound Style

[namo]

Thanks for the feedback. I always appreciate it.

[Ath]

Ready for feedback Name:Bendy of Talingarde Race: Undine. Age: 25 Crime: Heresy. General Appearance: Lithe & pale, her undine heritage is commonly Flesh Chameleon Source Advanced Race Guide pg. 175 Some undines can change their coloration to match human skin tones. As a standard action, an undine with this racial trait can change her natural blue hue to match any normal human skin tone and can revert to normal as a free action. This grants a +4 racial bonus on Disguise checks to appear human. This racial trait replaces energy resistance.Hidden both by her natural abilities & her long black hair meant to hide her webbed finlike ears. Bendy has a warm smile & limpid blue eyes common to many Undine & a demeanor & presence about her that makes one wish to trust her. Concept Idea: Psychic: Abomination Discipline, a woman craving vengeance for a cult slain. Possessive & protective after the loss of everything held dear. A believer that Dagon is the FORTH aspect of Mitra. Story:   There are three aspects of Mitra of the shining lord. That is the conventional wisdom, yet the sea & the stars whisper something else. Bendy has always been a religious woman, she has had a family who have always lingered close to the sea. She feels the water in her lungs, she lived for the dance & the brine flowing past her lips. She was raised upon stories of hero's & knights & let them flood deep into her. When she was sixteen, it was shared of a truth that blew her mind. That so many knew of a secret. That her grandfather, that her mother & father & her friends? All these special customs, all these little things that had always been so strange. The sacrifice of animals, the constant tests of strength, the disappearance of strangers in the night? Were to appease him, to appease an aspect of Mitra that only those of the sea knew. The Shadow of the Sea. That when the sun set, when one was lost, when one sunk into the darkest of emotions? Mitra was there, in every rage against savagery, in every catastrophe & in every moment where the sun crashes a ship or drowns one? In every monstrosity within the depth, is an expression of Mitra's strength. That the deformed amongst them, that hid in the shadows. Great granduncles & grandfathers, those who came during the grand harvests of fish were the servants of Mitra, the servants who knew his true name. Dagon. Bendy took to it like a fish takes to water. She launched herself into an eager union with these servants of the deeps, she bonded with her family. She prayed & was rewarded when she killed her first man, when his blood stained her palms. He'd been crude, rude & crass to her father, disrespected her mother at the inn that had come into prominence. He muttered disrespect to Mitra, spat in the sea & when his blood flowed, Bendy knew that she was a hero. When power was awakened deep within her, when so many priests had no spells to their, name & yet she was given power? Something unique awakened within her mind, she felt 'Mitra' & his love & knew this aspect to be the truth. She rose up, she spoke in confidence to her father. To her mother, to her community that they must whisper about the shadow. That it must be shared, she was twenty-two by the time that she met Sir Balin, those who followed the truth of the aspect of shadow had grown. His drive, his willingness to fight for what he believed was right? His catching of criminals & the stories that had spread about him were enough for her to almost launch herself at him when he visited her humble home. They hit it off, despite his gruff no-nonsense exterior, perhaps hearing someone so faithful? So excited might have hit him somewhere, that was what she always believed, what she tries to still believe. She sacrificed in the aspect of shadow's name, in Dagon's name. The shadow of the sea gave her strength, she was twenty-three when she gave any hints towards Sir Balin. She went out of her way, with money gained through looting sacrifices & searching shipwrecks to gift him a PFS Legal Secure Sheath Source Martial Arts Handbook pg. 31 Aura faint conjuration CL 4th Slot none; Price 500 gp ; Weight 1 lb. Description Common across the length and breadth of Golarion, secure sheaths take a hundred different forms, from simple loops to richly engraved scabbards. A secure sheath can be attuned to a new owner by that character wearing it continuously for 24 hours. If anyone other than the owner attempts to draw a weapon from a secure sheath, he finds that the weapon is stuck and must succeed at a DC 20 Strength check to pull it out. Construction Requirements , glue seal; Price 250 gpcustom made sheathe for one of his blades so none could take it from him. She gained some of the most experience of her life helping him in a small adventure besides his men & helped cook for them while they were out in the wild. It's this however that ultimately brought suspicion upon her, a usage of an ability that seemed off-putting during a Suprise attack in the night by some wild animals. A prodding that might have left him puzzled, when the only answer she could provide was that it was a gift of? Mitra. She was twenty-four when they met again. She was one of the most respected members of her village by that point, running the inn that her mother & father used to as it's full face. Him & his men's entry into the village that had burgeoned into a small town brought discontent from so many, but not from her. She knew, felt in her heart despite all the warnings? Despite the edict to keep the aspect of shadow secret, that he would understand, that as an inquisitor who burnt evil & fought the good fight? That sacrifices had to be made, that lives were spent, that Mitra's wrath within the sea was the same as the wrath wrought via flame. Bendy trusted him, Bendy believed in him & slowly over time? Small things, small whispers were spilled out into Sir Balin's ears, small truths that she'd learned & knew. Hints & gifts of jewelry, it was late in the year when she invited him. When an outlaw had been caught, someone that'd tried to take refuge in the village. A man to be a sacrifice to the fourth aspect of Mitra, to be a sacrifice to the true name, to Dagon. To calm the seas, to bring a justice, when she held the sacrificial dagger up high, offered it to Sir Balin with a grin. She blacked out, a fist having been slammed into her chin, she awoke to the smell of a home burning. To the feeling of a mark being branded upon her skin, to an explanation that he'd been waiting for just the right moment to put this heresy to rest. Been looking for proof to rumors that had plagued the area surrounding her home for decades. Bendy now sits in a cell, with her home destroyed. With three days left till she'll be burned alive, with a man she respected & admired having taken everything from her. She is a murderer, she is a heretic, she is a fool & having lost everything that mattered to her? Having betrayed an edict of the shadow of the sea she is drowned in despair, with only the desire to avenge everything lost. With the deep need to prove that she is no heretic, that she is CORRECT! Even if Talingarde must drown, she will slaughter Sir Balin for this betrayal, she will do her father & mother proud. She will see the truth of the fourth aspect prevail, she will submerge herself in it & all those of the sea. Will know her as a herald of Father Dagon, of the lord of the sea, of the fourth aspect & of the shadow in the sea.

[Double or Nothing]

I revised my application. I think I added enough for the Oracle and hatred of Sir Balin, the Church of Mitra, and Talingarde.

[Admin Dirk]

Name: Seraphina Tenebris
Race: Changeling
Age: 23

 

Seraphina stands barely 5 foot tall. With long dark hair framing a thin, sharp face, she looks like a slightly healthier version of any of a dozen street urchins. She has a light scattering of freckles that bridge her nose and upper cheeks, very faded now that she is past the blush of her childhood. Her face remains delicately shaped, with high cheekbones and a soft, yet enigmatic expression. Her heterochromic eyes—one a deep, mesmerizing blue and the other shifting through shades of green and purple—continue to reflect her rebellious spirit and complex nature and carry a mesmerizing intensity that makes it hard for anyone to look away when she has fixed her gaze upon them. Thin and lithe, a result of her life on the streets since her conversion to Asmodeus, she has finally gained some extra mass, filling out into more womanly hips and chest.

Personality: Seraphina is a street child: wise, wary, and trusting of no one. She thinks of herself first, and then a very small circle of friends second. She is quick witted, and sharp. Many people consider her their friend, however, she considers very few people trustworthy enough to know her secrets. She is studious, a quick study, and has picked up a variety of skills during her hard life, not all of them legal. Born into a changeling family hidden within a strict and orthodox community, she grew up learning to blend in and hide her true nature. From a young age, she felt a deep spiritual connection and a curiosity that went beyond the rigid teachings of her society. She learned early on that with her charm and the right words, she could open doors and usually get inside. When her powers came to her, she discovered that they enhanced her abilities to weave stories, add sentimental touches, and get inside the minds of her audience. As she matured, her questioning spirit grew stronger.

One fateful night, she experienced a profound vision that showed her an alternative path, one that embraced change, diversity, and a more inclusive understanding of the divine. This vision was a turning point, awakening her to her true calling as a spiritual leader who could challenge the established order through the gospel of Asmodeus. Defying the norms of her community, she ran away to live in the streets, underground in the society of Talingarde. It was here that she began to explore forbidden texts and ancient knowledge, seeking out like-minded individuals who shared her vision and worship. Her charisma and conviction drew followers who were inspired by her message of transformation and spiritual awakening. She formed a secretive but growing group of believers who looked to her for guidance.

With her newfound power and wisdom, she emerged as a heretic priestess, quietly challenging the orthodox priesthood of Mitra. Her eloquence and passion swayed many to her cause, and her followers grew in number. She led them with a blend of strength and compassion, guiding them through rituals and teachings that celebrated diversity and personal transformation. Despite the constant threat of persecution, she remained steadfast in her beliefs, becoming a symbol of hope and change.

Concept Idea: Bard (brazen deceiver)/Cleric (Evangelist & Asmodean Advocate).

Crime: Heresy, what else would an evangelist be guilty of?

 

The hidden sanctum of worshippers was concealed beneath an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The underground chamber was dimly lit by flickering candlelight, casting long shadows on the rough stone walls. Crimson banners adorned with infernal symbols hung from the ceiling, and the pungent scent of incense filled the air. At the makeshift altar, Seraphina Tenebris stood in solemn prayer. Her captivating eyes, a mark of her changeling nature, were closed in reverence. Outside, the night was silent, save for the rustling of leaves and the distant howls of dogs. But that silence was shattered by the thunderous approach of armored knights. Sir Balin of the Knights of Alerion led a group of armed men toward the warehouse, their expressions set with determination and righteous fury.

Seraphina's prayers were interrupted by the sanctum doors crashing open. The heavy wooden doors groaned in protest, revealing Sir Balin standing at the threshold. His presence was imposing, his silver armor gleaming in the dim light. His piercing blue eyes locked onto Seraphina.

"Seraphina Tenebris, by the authority of the Crown and the Church of Mitra, you are under arrest for heresy," Sir Balin declared, his voice echoing through the chamber.

Seraphina turned to face him, her expression calm and composed. She had anticipated this moment, and she was prepared. "Sir Balin, you accuse me of heresy, yet you stand in the house of Asmodeus. Do you not fear the wrath of the Prince of Darkness?"

Sir Balin stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "I fear no devil, nor any of their followers. You have led innocent souls astray with your deceit and manipulation. It is time for you to answer for your crimes."

The knights moved to surround Seraphina, but she raised a hand, stopping them in their tracks. "I will come willingly," she said, her voice steady. "But know this, Sir Balin: you may take me from this sanctum, but the influence of Asmodeus will not be so easily eradicated. People must have free will, or else they have none. And under Mitra, they have none."

The knight was undeterred. He unrolled a small scroll, and began to read from it. "Seraphina Tenebris, you stand accused of heresy, witchcraft, and leading souls into damnation. How do you plead?"

Seraphina stood tall, her gaze unwavering. "I plead not guilty. I have done nothing but serve Asmodeus, and through him, I have brought order and strength to those who were lost."

Sir Balin looked at her askance, his face grim. He continued. "We have testimonies from those who claim you used dark magic to control them, to twist their wills to your own ends. What say you to these accusations?"

Seraphina smiled faintly. "The power of Asmodeus is not one of control, but of liberation. I have shown these people the strength they possess within themselves, the courage to seize their destinies. If they have mistaken that for control, it is their own misunderstanding. I have done nothing to control anyone, more so I have set their mind free of the chains that Mitra binds them with."

Sir Balin stepped forward, pointing to the trappings in the area, marking them as evidence of Seraphina's rituals and artifacts. "These objects, these rites, are tools of dark magic. They serve no purpose other than to bind souls to the will of demons."

Seraphina's eyes flashed with anger, but she maintained her composure. "You see darkness where there is light, Sir Balin. You fear what you do not understand. The power of Asmodeus is a path to greater knowledge, to true freedom."

The knight barely listened, his mind already ready to proceed to the foregone conviction. "The Church of Mitra believes that your practices are a threat to the spiritual well-being of Talingarde. Your influence must be contained."

Seraphina's voice stayed calm, resolved. "Containment will not stop the truth from spreading. Asmodeus offers a path that many seek, whether you acknowledge it or not. Deny it, and you only strengthen the resolve of those who follow."

Sir Balin let the words wash over his psyche like water over a rock, with the same effect. "Seraphina Tenebris, the evidence against you is overwhelming. You are hereby sentenced to imprisonment for heresy. You will be confined to the dungeons, where you will have no further influence over the people of Talingarde, until such time as your execution is carried out."

As they led her out of the underground chamber, Seraphina cast one last glance at the altar, a silent promise to return. She knew that her imprisonment was only a temporary setback. The seeds of Asmodeus's influence had already been sown, and she was determined to see them flourish. She knew that her time would come again, that she would rise from the darkness to reclaim her place as the emissary of Asmodeus, if she had the will. The night air was cold against her skin, and she could feel the weight of her chains as they clinked with each step.

 

[mightymconeshot]

As a follow up, would multiple sources of animal companions allow two companions? If I took Hunter- Packhunter that allows me to split my effective druid level, would I be able to do it from all total sources?

[Classic Gamer]

I believe Kel is now complete and any feedback would be welcome, but there is no rush at all.

[triedtherest]

I updated Midas' Backstory a little.

[Ath]

I'm hopeful this will be my first game of pathfinder, do hope everyone finds Bendy cool!

[Hound]

Double or Nothing

triedtherest

abc123

namo

The Rat Queen

MundayKnight

Imveros

Classic Gamer

Ath

Admin Dirk


~~~

Can someone explain why so many people want the prestige class Evangelist? I've read it and it seems *really* weak. Am I missing something obvious?

[abc123]

[Admin Dirk]

@hound: by prestige class evangelist, do you mean the archetype Evangelist? or the Prestige class?

I ask, because I chose the archetype, which is a charisma helped cleric and not that powerful, unless you are trying it into a specific build.

The prestige is generally considered good because of Aligned Class: At 2nd level, the evangelist must choose a class she belonged to before adding the prestige class to be her aligned class. She gains all the class features for this class, essentially adding every evangelist level beyond 1st to her aligned class to determine what class features she gains. She still retains the Hit Dice, base attack bonus, saving throw bonuses, and skill ranks of the prestige class, but gains all other class features of her aligned class as well as those of the evangelist prestige class.

This allows you to continue to gain goodies from your base class, along with bonuses from Evangelist. So, you lose a level, yes, but you then continue to advance everything normally for feats, abilities, spellcasting, etc. Quite nice.

[namo]

You may have missed that Evangelist, at levels 2-10, progresses ALL the class features of one class you had before.
So it's actually pretty strong, though not for all builds.

Thanks for the 2nd round of comments! I've rarely seen DMs do this. Admittedly it's a lot of work.

[MundayKnight]

I wanted it for thematic reasons of being a budding priestess of Asmodeus eventually but ultimately find the idea of dragging along a person to bleed every morning untenable upon further review.

[Double or Nothing]

If we get bonus general feats at 1st level Persuasive seems like it could work for my character. I also can't find the Magical Prodigy feat.

But given his backstory the Nemesis (Sir Balin or a NPC who was a high-ranking member of the Church of Mitra who my character feels personal enmity for) or Vengeance (Church of Mitra) general Story feats seem like they'd work well and provide a lot of roleplaying opportunities.

Nemesis would probably be better since it can be specifically tailored for this campaign. For example my character could have had a rival student who now sees it as his personal mission to bring my character to justice.

[Hound]

Ah. Now I understand. I missed read what the aligned feature did.