AshDrunbar Character Creation

The Rudhir

What you need to know:
The Red Bloods are humans gifted with great physical strength. They draw favor from the Heroic Lion Spirit, an amalgam of all those human destroyers, warmongers, and strongmen who came before. As a result, they suffer mentally, to compensate for the increase in power.
All six of the Purebleeds have a "predominant type" which is very strong in their primary Virtue, and weak in others, not only their main weakness but other stats as well. They also have a "more neutral" version that is more on the level. If you desire, there is also a child version with altered stats.

Predominant Rudhir: Leon 6, Eyrie 4, Grand 4, Enlight 3, Nemesis 3, Daimon 5
Neutral Rudhir: Leon 5, Eyrie 5, Grand 4, Enlight 3, Nemesis 4, Daimon 5
Adolescent Rudhir: Leon 4, Eyrie 5, Grand 3, Enlight 2, Nemesis 3, Daimon 4

Lore:
Predators will avoid killing the Rudhir unless necessary, but may test them to prove the human's loyalty to the Lion Spirit. They tend to be formidable athletes, performing combatants, and soldiers. The most common place in Trimachae to find them is the Continent of Mountains, including such places as Enyon and Thenos. The more neutral personalities (typically the women in more traditional Rudhir societies, since they are less inclined to rampant destruction) have to keep a close eye on the dominant personality and especially the super-strong Bright-Blood variant (not available for play atm). Child rearing in Rudhir cultures is closer to training a very intelligent, potentially dangerous pet. Long hair is commonly seen as a symbol of power, with no gender norms. Not all men have it on top of their head, choosing instead to have a glorious beard. Bearded women are still rare, but not so much as in non-Rudhir cultures.
In ancient times, Rudhir cultures saw the rise of "Mother Earth" figures who were strong enough to fend off male raiders. The bigger and stronger the woman, the more noble her status. They also produced raiding tribes of men who turned their proclivity for destruction to their advantage. The ancient Rudhir only answered to a source of greater power; anyone weaker could not survive their onslaught. This breakdown led to the formation of "man's world" and "woman's world." Men were to be given respect when out in the field, but submit to women at home. Women were to be given respect at home, but were expected to keep their heads down and be calm when abroad. Over time, male-dominated cultures became more prominent, and female-dominated cultures slipped into the background. They still exist as tribes, but the scheme of global politics goes to Patriarchal societies. This is the same for all of humanity. Most Earth Mother cults became infiltrated by Demons, losing their bright red blood and becoming Cambions. Very few matriarchal Rudhir clans remain today.


The Zeel

What you need to know:
The Yellow Bloods are humans gifted with great physical speed. They draw favor from the Heroic Wing Spirit, an amalgam of all those human duelists, archers, dancers, and bloody nobles who came before. As a result, they suffer mentally, to compensate for the increase in power.

Predominant Zeel: Leon 4, Eyrie 6, Grand 3, Enlight 4, Nemesis 3, Daimon 5
Neutral Zeel: Leon 4, Eyrie 5, Grand 4, Enlight 4, Nemesis 3, Daimon 6
Adolescent Zeel: Leon 3, Eyrie 5, Grand 3, Enlight 3, Nemesis 2, Daimon 5

Lore:
Birds and other flying creatures will avoid killing the Zeel unless necessary, but may test them to prove the human's loyalty to the Wing Spirit. They tend to be gifted runners and acrobats. The most common place in Trimachae to find them is the Continent of Peace, specifically Cerbesia. The more neutral personalities are favored in legislation and law enforcement, because they are less prone to violence than the average population; they do the "ugly" work that the more skillful find beneath them. Women are no more or less prone to the dominant traits than men. Child rearing in Zeel cultures can be tedious, as they lack the mental faculties to do anything without specific instructions and frequent updates. They must be taught through rote recitation until they can develop problem-solving abilities. While the majority of the population are not Fury-type heroes with special powers, it has become expected that the Zeel have powerful sight and hearing. Likewise, they prefer edged or pointed weapons of a high quality over something capable of raw destructive force.
In ancient times, Zeel cultures saw the rise of Noble Mistresses, dominant female roles who had many skills the surrounding men did not, leading by example through prowess in and out of combat. They sought out mates who could prove themselves in ways other than a show of brawn. They also produced raiding tribes of marauders whose swiftness and lethal efficacy left many bodies. The ancient Zeel were not impressed by power, only by a competent ruler who could outshine the rest. This breakdown led to the formation of "man's world" and "woman's world." Men were to be given respect when out in the field, but submit to women at home. Women were to be given respect at home, but were expected to keep their heads down and be calm when abroad. Over time, male-dominated cultures became more prominent, and female-dominated cultures slipped into the background. They still exist as tribes, but the scheme of global politics goes to Patriarchal societies. This is the same for all of humanity. Most Noble Mistress cults became infiltrated by Blackwings, losing their yellow blood and becoming Nephilim. Very few matriarchal Zeel clans remain today.


The Sini

What you need to know:
The Blue Bloods are humans gifted with great personality and persuasive force. They draw favor from the Heroic Hooded Spirit, an amalgam of all those human charlatans, diplomats, and courtesans who came before. As a result, they suffer physically, to compensate for the increase in power.

Predominant Sini: Leon 4, Eyrie 4, Grand 3, Enlight 4, Nemesis 4, Daimon 6
Neutral Sini: Leon 4, Eyrie 4, Grand 4, Enlight 4, Nemesis 4, Daimon 5
Adolescent Sini: Leon 3, Eyrie 4, Grand 3, Enlight 3, Nemesis 3, Daimon 4

Lore:
Eldritch signs like cats, frogs, and spiders tend to linger near the Sini, to the point that some even take one on as a familiar spirit, though magical maladies do not tend to be frequent problem haunting the Sini. They tend to gather the attention and respect of those around them. The most common place in Trimachae to find them is Banbatol, the great Empire of man. The more neutral personalities have to care for their pretty yet sickly "betters," because neutrality means having an average bill of health, while the dominant type don't last as long. Women are no more or less prone to the dominant traits than men. Child rearing in Sini cultures is very rough, because of their persuasive temperament and propensity for sickness. The wealthy prefer to have one child, while the poor exhibit even shorter lifespans due to the stress of raising large families. While the majority of the population are not Aesthete-type heroes with special powers, it has become natural to take everything a Sini says with a grain of salt, and no good Sini trusts their senses.
In ancient times, Sini cultures saw the rise of Muses, divine beauties who inspired men and women alike with song, music, and elaborate pageantry. Men were rejected if they were boorish and ugly. They also produced traveling carnivals and shysters whose authority was based in their shrewd manipulation of other men. Sini cultures of both kinds acknowledged their short lifespan, and adjusted to this by breeding like rabbits. If the Sini were not eradicated in a given area, the whole region would be overrun in a few decades or less. This breakdown led to the formation of "man's world" and "woman's world." Men were to be given respect when out in the field, but submit to women at home. Women were to be given respect at home, but were expected to keep their heads down and be calm when abroad. Over time, male-dominated cultures became more prominent, and female-dominated cultures slipped into the background. They still exist as tribes, but the scheme of global politics goes to Patriarchal societies. This is the same for all of humanity. Most Cults of the Muse became infiltrated by Elves, losing their blue blood and becoming Fair Demures. Very few matriarchal Sini clans remain today.


The Porph

What you need to know:
The Black-Blooded humans gifted with great concrete understanding and skill with learning. They draw favor from the Heroic Sun Spirit, an amalgam of all those human scholars and justiciars who came before. As a result, they suffer physically, to compensate for the increase in power.

Predominant Porph: Leon 3, Eyrie 3, Grand 4, Enlight 6, Nemesis 4, Daimon 5
Neutral Porph: Leon 3, Eyrie 4, Grand 4, Enlight 5, Nemesis 5, Daimon 5
Adolescent Porph: Leon 2, Eyrie 4, Grand 3, Enlight 4, Nemesis 4, and Daimon 4

Lore:
Their most intelligent peers in the animal kingdom, like great apes, dogs, and dolphins, will only kill them if necessary, but may test them to prove their loyalty to the Sun Spirit. They are often well-learned and articulate. The most common place in Trimachae to find them is Heramar, the lost city sequestered far away on the Forge Continent. The more neutral personalities (typically the men, who tend to be more in favor of rampant destruction or feats of strength) have a much heavier workload, though they lack an understanding of the advanced sciences and philosophies made available to the dominant variety. Child rearing in Porph cultures is basically giving a home to an adult recovering from a degenerative disease; they get better every day, and there is little to teach them, but they start out a mature intelligence with a very weak body. Magic and psychic powers are very common among the Porph.
In ancient times, Porph cultures saw the rise of pragmatists who would discard or even kill mates to cover their tracks, and raise children in secrecy. They taught their children and fellow women to conceal their presence at all costs, leading lives of practical logic and survivalism. Any battle that could be avoided did not have to happen. They also produced hoarders of intellectual wealth whose authority was based in knowing more than anyone else, and controlling the supply of knowledge in their realm. Male rulers were scholars in every imaginable field, though their servants knew only what they were permitted. No power or skill in the world could displace them from their prey; only by matching wits and beating them at their own game, could anyone hope to live independent of their tyranny. This breakdown led to the formation of "man's world" and "woman's world." Men were to be given respect when out in the field, but submit to women at home. Women were to be given respect at home, but were expected to keep their heads down and be calm when abroad. Over time, male-dominated cultures became more prominent, and female-dominated cultures slipped into the background. They still exist as tribes, but the scheme of global politics goes to Patriarchal societies. This is the same for all of humanity. The Porph survival cells were discovered by Pixi, and this most often meant the decline of that clan as black-bloods, and the rise of a new group of Wild Demures. Very few matriarchal Porph clans remain today.

Okay, just had a look at the rules thread.
About birthrights, I'm tending towards a male Blue-blood (Sini) or Yellow-blood (Zeel). Although I would also probably have some fun with black or reds, depending on the story line and general background.

I'll make my final choice once I get a better look at the world setting, politics, general history etc. Should be a good help getting inspired.

Looking good, sofar, though.
Liking the D6 system also, reminds me a little of the Star Wars RPG, but with an interesting twist.

Edit: Just to check, have you followed the link to my Terms of Service yet?

That did give me some minor inspiration, but there were some kinks to work out. Hold on, I'm altering my post to inform you about the Rudhir, Zeel, Sini, and Porph, a good bunch for your first character options.

While I'm at it, have a link to my WorldAnvil WIP. When complete, it will give you a ton of in-depth information about the setting, but right now I've only spent a few days working on it.
https://www.worldanvil.com/w/trimachae-walkerofsorrow

Okay, had a look both at the terms of service (my agreement is posted in the appropriate thread), and a brief read-through of your worldanvil link (will go deeper as soon as time allows).

I am actually gravitating either towards an aggressive female duelist/assassin type (so probably Zeel or Rudhir), or a young Porph magic user / arcane scholar type (I even had considered making him an adolescent, for roleplaying's sake, although not sure that would be a balanced build in that case).
Another idea would be to play a big-boned, good-natured Jasil male, think "gentle-giant" type character. That could work, as well.

Now we'll have to decide, I guess...

It does seem like you've got a good sense of the Purebleed subraces, but I will inform you that a high Eyrie character like a Zeel can still make a talented mage or scholar, and a high Enlight character like a Porph makes for an excellent duelist or assassin. They're just good in different ways, depending on your combat style. Adolescents are objectively worse in most ways, but have great Eyrie. It's a solely roleplay decision to be an adolescent.

The gentle giant also sounds fun! I'll edit this post with the Jasil info when I get the chance.

The Jasil

What you need to know:
The Green Bloods are humans gifted with great physical hardiness. They draw favor from the Heroic Beast Spirit, an amalgam of all those burly, healthy, or long-lived humans who stayed in touch with their roots. As a result, they suffer mentally, to compensate for the increase in power.

Predominant Jasil: Leon 4, Eyrie 3, Grand 6, Enlight 4, Nemesis 4, Daimon 4
Neutral Rudhir: Leon 4, Eyrie 4, Grand 5, Enlight 5, Nemesis 4, Daimon 4
Adolescent Rudhir: Leon 3, Eyrie 4, Grand 4, Enlight 4, Nemesis 3, and Daimon 3.

Lore:
The largest beasts of land and sea will avoid killing the Jasil unless necessary, but may test them to prove the human's loyalty to the Beast Spirit. The most common places in Trimachae to find them are Temua and Fodlan. The more neutral personalities (typically the men in more traditional Jasil societies) get the better civilian jobs, but not the grunt-level military positions. Child rearing in Jasil cultures is not much different than normal; in fact, children meet the average levels of coordination, health, and intelligence expected of humans, be that grown or young, and are not especially lacking in anything. If anything, they are butt-ugly and totally lacking in social graces, by comparison to the children of the other five. Jasil commonly exhibit patterns of long sleep and long waking, voracious appetites for battle as well as meals, and excellent heavy lifting. Parents will routinely have their children pull a cart or plow, and this is not seen as abuse because the children can do it easily (and without harm). Many of them enjoy the challenge, and see it as no different than other household chores. Besides, if your child can approach, meet, or even exceed the output of a common ox, why pay to feed both?
In ancient times, Jasil cultures saw the rise of Broodmothers, whose health and long life allowed them to see their great-great-grandchildren rise up and become powerful. Their only concern was that a potential mate was healthy and useful for seeking out food, water, and shelter. They also produced migrant settlers who would squat on a parcel of land until they had drained it of all natural resources, then move on to the next place. While not necessarily fearsome in combat, these squatters proved extremely difficult to remove. This breakdown led to the formation of "man's world" and "woman's world." Men were to be given respect when out in the field, but submit to women at home. Women were to be given respect at home, but were expected to keep their heads down and be calm when abroad. Over time, male-dominated cultures became more prominent, and female-dominated cultures slipped into the background. They still exist as tribes, but the scheme of global politics goes to Patriarchal societies. This is the same for all of humanity. Most Broodmother cults became infiltrated by Dwarves and Goblins, losing their green blood and becoming Demures. Very few matriarchal Jasil clans remain today.

Okay... so, after having a look at both other players' character type choices, I have decided to go for the Zeel duelist/rogue/ninja type.

I guess I'd enjoy playing a female build, kind of the bounty hunter / hot-headed / femme fatale type (a little like your Violetta de Macci NPC, only with a street urchin background, and a slightly different kind of crazy...). Think Nikita meets Perdita Durango meets Atomic Blonde meets Jyn from Star Wars (Rogue One). You get the idea.

As far as abilities and character archetype, I'd try a Neutral Zeel, with a few changes:
what about this?
Leon 4(boosted), Eyrie 5(boosted), Grand 4(boosted), Enlight 4(reduced), Nemesis 3, Daimon 6(double-reduced)
or alernatively:
Leon 4(boosted), Eyrie 5, Grand 4, Enlight 4, Nemesis 3, Daimon 6(reduced)

Still hard to visualize the impact of a score of 6 being double-reduced in terms of game mechanics (still can't quite wrap my head about the PV check system).

Open to suggestions, but that basically the idea: a cocky, sexy and lethal female assassin / bounty hunter with a short fuse and a taste for violence (maybe some old accounts to settle, or simply an unstable personality).

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: ok for golden eyes and copper tan... can she be raven-haired, or at least dark brown ? If not, she's probably using hair dye.

PORTRAIT LINK:

The system seems complicated on the surface, but it's very easy to pick up on. All rolls are 1d6. Some rolls get bonus dice for a good result, or other conditions. With a double-reduction, your skill checks will be objectively lower, and the outcome of your lowest die is shifted all the way down to a 2 (the lowest possible success result) regardless of how high it was, but you will roll the same number of dice and your score will be counted as a 6, not a 4, wherever that is relevant.

If the lowest result was already a 2, it becomes a failure, meaning you have one fewer successes on a normal PV check. Unlike a reduction, this will see a more obvious effect on your non-skill rolls.

Despite saying you don't get it, you applied the boosts and reductions accurately on your first try! That is a joy to see. I like the sound of your build, and am pleased Violetta inspired you. All normal hair-colors are an option, because of biology, but the blood-color one is much more common. So you will see fellow Zeel with red hair, dark hair, auburn hair, etc. If you were Bright-Blooded, which you're not, then it would be very unlikely to have brown hair. Like albino unlikely or less.

Your portrait link is broken :'(

try that one...

Zafira Whysth

and let's go for these abilities, then:
Leon 4(boosted), Eyrie 5(boosted), Grand 4(boosted), Enlight 4(reduced), Nemesis 3, Daimon 6(double-reduced)

I like the picture! A good set of stats too. Now with the boosts where they are, your "highest" PV is Eyrie. That is what you wanted, I take it? There are three types of subclass for your consideration, in the Fury basic class.

The Assassin Type
A melee focused set of subclasses. Still capable of ranged combat and magic, but melee is what they're best at. The two options are the Rogue and Bouncer. The Rogue is an offense-based subclass skilled in dual-wielding and good at stealth/misdirection. The Bouncer is very similar to a Rogue but also the Shieldmaiden, a lightweight defender who is more focused on parrying than blocking, and uses light armor.
The Elite Type
A distance focused set of subclasses. The Motion Marksman isn't as focused on long-distance accuracy, but on darting around the battlefield at high speed, firing as many arrows as possible. The Sharpshooter is a more classic ranger, who stays put until they can take a shot, which goes a long way and hits exactly where it was wanted. The Light Cavalry is not an archer, but a melee combatant. However, they focus on using a horse in combat, allowing them to move about beyond their personal speed and strike down enemies from a height advantage.
The Scholar Type
A type of subclass that uses your crafty skills and blinding speed to other ends than hurting people, seeing violence as unnecessary to please the Wing Spirit. Your options here are Bowyer, Eyrie Mage, Messenger, Minstrel, Potter, Thief, and Weaver.

I think I'll take the Assassin Class.

Now if I take the Rogue option, I'd be back on known ground, somewhat... and the stealth will probably be very useful in-game.
But I'm curious about the Bouncer type, as well... you mentioned parrying, we're talking some sort of swashbuckler type of fighting style ? What are their skills and weapons of choice, compared to the rogue ?

Assassin Type, just to be clear. I know there's a lot of terminology, but very little of it is important in the long run. Fury Basic Class, Assassin Type, and Rogue subclass (if that's what you went with).

You ask excellent questions! The Bouncer's abilities are Resounding Arms and Parrying Combo. The first one modifies your ability to Block, and your second one modifies your ability to Parry.
Their traits are Get Back, Back to Back, and I'll Handle This. The first one moves someone out of the way, making you defend against an attack meant for them. The second one pairs you up with another defensive character, modifying how both of you defend. The third one moves an adjacent ally behind you while attacking.
Depending on how sophisticated your character's nation of origin is, you might use Cestus, Daggers, Sickles, Rapiers, Scimitars, Light Hammers, Handaxes, even Short Sword or Halberds. Typically, most of these are paired with a Buckler.
Where the Rogue has abilities and traits more directly involved with stealth, the Bouncer must rely on their skills and quick thinking for that purpose, as their abilities and traits deal more in defending yourself or others.

I don't think you've specified if you're doing magic or not, but I feel it's worth mentioning now because the Magic variant of the Bouncer is actually pretty special. It's called the Mystic Cloak. Instead of relying on scrappy defense moves and bucklers, most of your combat styles are paired with a magical cloak you wear. If you've seen RWBY or Doctor Strange, you'll probably get where this is going.

While they can pick an Ability or Trait from the Bouncer's list, they also get Magic Trait options: Vanishing Trick, Energy Pulse, and Repulsor Blast. Your fighting styles will be less about blocking/parrying, and more about using your cloak to perform neat tricks like defensive maneuvers, gliding, and even attacking.

Mmmh yeah I'm definitely tickled by the magic cloak thing.
Now,tell me more about rogues: what are their traits ? And what is their Magic Variant ?

The most ancient style of Rogue can fight unarmed, or with a Club, Light Mace, Shortspear, Dagger, Sickle, or Rhomphaia. The more sophisticated ones have other options. The Rogue's abilities are Eyrie Surge and Wings Unfurled. The first one lets them strike twice or strike true, as they prefer. The second one improves their use of general Eyrie PV checks. The Rogue's traits let them disarm enemies while attacking, strike weak points, and pull a hidden weapon for a sneak attack.

The Magic Slayer's weapon selection is more limited, but they can channel magic energy through their weapon to make it more effective, and they can cast spells.

ok I'll give it some thought and get back on this tomorrow. But I can already tell it's gonna be a thug-o-war between classic Rogue, Magic Slayer and Mystic Cloak.

Talk soon !

Look forward to continuing this with you!

Okay, I'm thinking I'd like a rogue / stealthy type, but definitely with a dueling sort of focus (so longsword / rapier / katana, that sort of thing).
She could be a magic user or not, but I'm going for a combination of fast, in-and-out combat style with a one-handed (or even dual wielding) fighting style, involving long, sharp blades.
Any way to find that in terms of Types and subclasses, like either a rogue or a mystic cloak/magic slayer subclass with a sword fighting trait maybe ?

In any case, the sword fighting can be combined with but takes preference over magic, rogue skills, stealth etc. It's just that's it's based more on Eyrie than Leon abilities, obviously, therefore the choice of a Zeel character.

Because Eastern weapons tend to have logical parallels in Western culture (i.e. Katana equals Scimitar), or would not be different enough for my purposes, I have left them out. At least mostly. Trust me when I say, it's come up before.

But a rapier or katana is definitely doable. Longsword's nothing like it though. More of a heavy two-hander.

Thing about the weapon is, you can find a rapier or scimitar in both Rogue or Bouncer. It's more about whether you want to be on the offense or defensive with your approach. Sounds like you'd be more into offense, so I'd say Rogue or Magic Slayer. I'll tell you this though, if you're not super attached to the cloak, I'd say just go with a nice non-magical Rogue, and we'll set you up with magic items as we go along. It's even possible to learn magic by using items, so you don't need a dedicated character for it. Sound fair?

Aye, sounds great. I'm not exactly that attached to katanas, I actually quite like scimitars, at least esthetically: I find them more inspiring than, say, glaives or longswords, in this character build at least.
I do still have a hangover from the old 3.5 D&D though, where they did a paltry d6 damage (never could understand why... sabers, okay, but scimitars...? Yet, that was corrected in the 5e version, it seems). Anyways, like I said, I'm fine with anything of the genre, rapier / sabers / scimitars, all works for me. A saber, now: that'd give a nice touch, wouldn't it? Proper dueling weapon, that. And yes: definitely more offense than defense (although probably will invest in some parrying/dodging if I can, she is not a meatshield after all...!).

Let's do the rogue thing, then, shall we?
We can figure out the magicky stuff as we go, sure.

Oh ho ho! You will be morbidly pleased at what I've done with combat and weapons specifically in Oldest World. You don't roll for damage. I'll explain in full later, but basically what you do is you roll to attack and the enemy rolls defense. If you are determined to be successful by the GM, then your weapon will do a fixed amount of damage based on the technique you used, and how high your attack roll was. Certain weapons and techniques have other nasty effects, like maiming and causing bleed. No more of this static dice block nonsense.

Here's what we got so far:
Race: Human (Zeel)
Virtues: Leon 4(boosted), Eyrie 5(boosted), Grand 4(boosted), Enlight 4(reduced), Nemesis 3, Daimon 6(double-reduced)
Basic Class: Fury
Subclass: Rogue
Physical Ability: Eagle Eye
Zoom in on objects up close or across great distances.
Physical Ability: Falcon Dive
Run about nearly-invisible and cross fragile surfaces.
Physical Ability: Hawk Wing
Turn segments of your land speed into a 5 ft. high fly speed to avoid obstacles.
Alignment: Choose one.
Combat Style: Scimitar
Skill Ranks: 16 (unassigned)
Special Ability: Eyrie Surge
Attack twice or strike true!
Special Ability: Wings Unfurled
Improve your Eyrie PV check.
Special Trait: Pick One

Mmh looking good indeed. I like it.

Guess I'll have to ask about skill ranks and alignment (the fun stuff) next.

Alignment's easy. If you are in favor of your people, be that your nation, all Zeel, all Purebleeds, or all Humans, then you are Exemplar. If you stand against your people (defined as such), then you are Dissent. If you waver from one to the other depending on the situation, then you're Neutral. Most people are Neutral.

Got it. Thought of her as a bit of a desperado, but I won't go out on a limb here, especially considering the group dynamics (obviously, a completely anti-social thug won't fly in a group, etc). So neutral, with a leg into dissent (she's not actively against her people, but don't owe allegiance to anyone but herself, basically... the usual roguish-outsider kinda thing...).

What about skills ? How do they work ?

Fair enough, moving right along.

You've got 16 points to spend, and you can put up to 2 of them into any one skill. That will improve as you gain levels, but this is what you have to start with. There are three kinds of Skill:

General
Acting, Appraise, Athletics, Ceramics, Comedy, Dance, Diplomacy, Escape Artist, Guile, Gymnastics, Hide, Keyboard, Language, Oratory, Painting, Percussion, Posture, Riding, Soft Steps, Song, Strings, Swim, Training, and Wind Music.
Knowledge
Archives, Bestiary, Engineering, Navigation, Occult, Religion, Seafaring, and Wilderness
Make
Alchemy, Blacksmithing, Bowyery, Carpentry, Cobbling, Glassmaking, Jewelry, Leathercraft, Locksmithing, Pottery, Scribing, Sculpting, Shipwright, Trapping, and Weaving.

Okay let's have a shot here

General
Appraise 1, Athletics 1, Escape Artist 1, Guile 1, Gymnastics 1, Hide 1, Posture 1, Soft Steps 1, Training 1,
Make
Alchemy 1

Okay I still have 6 extra points to put somewhere... let's see...
Just to be clear: I imagine Gymnastics must be similar to 5e's Acrobatics (at least partially). Now, Posture and Training ? What are these ? And is lock-picking included in Locksmithing, or Escape Artist ? Or not used that way?
Also, does Bestiary give advantage in fighting (kinda like the ranger's favored enemy)? If so, which beasts are covered by the skill? Humans/Humanoids considered part of said-bestiary ?

Let me help.

Athletics and Gymnastics are very similar, but one relies on Leon and one relies on Eyrie. I'd say you should stick with Gymnastics for now. Put the point from Athletics in something else.

Posture is part of a group that includes Dance and Gymnastics, being the most rigid and subtle of the three.

Training is something of a multi-tool. It lets you train people in one skill in which you have ranks. So if you wanted to take it in Training (Alchemy), you could instruct people, give them tips about Alchemy from what you know.

Locksmithing is two-pronged. Yes, making locks and keys is involved, but a clear and popular use for it is the reason you call a locksmith: you need to get into something, and the Locksmith can do that.

Oh, and as a side note: Hide and Soft Steps are sides of the same coin. Hide is a stealth skill, but it's only for staying unseen. Not quiet. Soft Steps is identical to D&D's Move Silently. It's not about visibility, but keeps you quiet.

On your Bestiary question, no. It's more like the Kratt brother or Steve Irwin. For fighting a particular creature, or just escaping them, you want Survival. Both are strictly regarding plants and animals. No fancy monsters, no humanoids. Nada.

Mmh, great, I see...

Then we can try this maybe:

General
Appraise 1, Escape Artist 1, Guile 1, Gymnastics 2, Hide 1, Riding 1, Soft Steps 2, Swim 1.
Knowledge
Engineering 1, Occult 1.
Make
Alchemy 1, Locksmith 2, Trapping 1.

I like it! That's all 16. Good!

By the way, I feel the need to inform you of two things before we continue. You've got a Zeel Rogue buddy who's using a scimitar. Also there is a group chat now.

Update: They have decided on Double Sickles style instead.

Aye, I've just had a look at Octopus's character. Magic Slayer redhead with double sickles, all dressed in black and hooded... pretty neat. Sounds like they'll be either colleagues, or competitors agreeing on a grudging truce for that one instance.

Could make for some interesting roleplay, for sure !

As far as equipment, how do we gear up ? I also thought about armor (light leather, probably... or nothing, according to what works best for her) and also considering a ranged weapon, maybe something thrown or a small hand crossbow / pistol (not sure gunpowder is part of your campaign, though).

Talking about gunpowder, what is the technological level all-in-all ? I noticed on the worldanvil that different countries / continents were attributed different levels...

You're not quite to equipment yet. :) The setting is a quasi-medieval fantasy one. However, this is a globe with a natural dispersion of populations and cultures, so many people have not yet hit their Middle Ages yet. Those between Stone Age and Iron Age are called First Class of Progression. Those between Roman Empire and British Empire are called Second Class of Progression. Those between late Imperial and early Industrial are called Third Class of Progression, which is the farthest that anyone has gone.

Now that you've done skills, Special Trait is next. As a Rogue, you get a choice from three.

Disarming Strike
When you activate this, an attack will also give you a chance to remove the person's weapon.

Weak Point
When you activate this, you focus all your attention on a particular weak point, wait for your moment, and then strike.

Hidden Weapon Strike
When you activate this out of combat, you hide a weapon on your person. Later on, when diplomacy or stealth affords it, you perform an astonishing SNEAK ATTACK!

Seeing as to her nature as a duelist, it'd have to be Weak Point.

With that done, that should put us in Focus territory. Since you're not using a magic variant, you cannot take a Magical Focus. However, the world of Non-Magical Foci is wide open. Do you want an Unarmed, Weapon-based, or Other?

The Other category is stuff like your preferred environment (city or the wild), being a fast sprinter or swimmer, etc.

Okay, I guess in her case a focus on scimitar may be in order... unless we're talking more general, like "long blades" ? Not sure how that works. But she would have a focus on sword-fighting, definitely.

I'm glad you're decisive! This speaks favorably of how you'll play a Zeel. Yes, a One-Handed Blade Focus will do nicely.

When using your scimitar, you will fight as if Master Trained, for a number of combat rounds per day equal to your character level (the rounds need not be consecutive). This means two extra dice on your attack rolls, and you have access to ALL techniques of the Scimitar. When you run out of those rounds, you resume acting as Trained.

When using other one-handed blades, like the short sword, rapier, even a dagger, you will behave as Trained, meaning one bonus die and a greater amount of techniques than you get with heavier blades or non-bladed weapons. All those remain untrained.


Confirm if this is what you want, and we'll move on to equipment.

Yeah, that sounds good. Let's make that one happen !

Onto equipment. Yay!

Please roll 2d10.

(will have to hit the sack now, but will be online tomorrow, we can take it from there... having fun sofar, getting impatient to try this out in the field *wink* g'night ! - it's 2.26am here, way past my bedtime...)

still will do the roll though, what the heck...

I know, I'm sorry things are taking long. It's mostly the pbp format, as usual. My cc process is actually really streamlined when you're doing it in person. The advantage here is on my end, because I can help all of you at once, where in reality I have but one mouth and one second at a time. We're so close to being done though. We've just got equipment, Devotion, and finishing touches.

We'll say your character is impoverished, since you're going with a street urchin background.

15x20 is 300, half and add 10 from background, +20 from being Human, +0 from not being Faery, +10 from Fury, +0 from no magic bonus. Total of 190 gp.

Your scimitar will cost 12 gp, so you now have 178 gp to work with, when you wake up. If you see this before my usual hours, feel free to look at other peoples' character creation threads and see what items cost what. If you want something that you don't see in there, I probably have it in my guide. I'll help you out when we talk again.

To be honest I don't mind the waiting and the slow pace related to most PbP gaming, it's usually more that evened out by the writing medium, allowing for in-depths descriptions, better in-character RP and, yes... multitasking for the DM, too. So, no sweat there.

As far as the items, I did have a look at your thread with HPotato and this what I'm thinking of choosing:

Backpack (1 cp)
Bedroll (3 tc)
Blanket (2 tc)
Caltrops (1 cp)
Candle (3 tc)
Chalk (5 tc)
Fishhook (1 sp)
Flask (6 tc)
Flint and Steel (1 sp)
Grappling Hook (4 tc)
Hammer (1 gp)
Lantern (3 gp)
Lock (1 gc)
Lockpicks (set; 1 gc)
Manacles (4 sp)
Map Case (2 sp)
Oil, 2 flasks (8 sp)
Parchment (1 cp)
8 Pitons (8 cp)
Pouch (3 tc)
Rations, 3 days (3 sp)
Rope (5 cp)
Sack (1 tc)
Sewing Needle (1 sp)
Soap (5 tc)
Spyglass (30 gp)
Tankard (3 tc)
Tent (6 tc)
4 Torches (12 tc)
3 Vials (6 cp)
Waterskin (3 tc)
Whetstone (2 tc)
Wine Bottle (3 cp)

Cost should be 34 gp, 2 gc, 20 sp, 25 cp, 58 tc

Which leaves me at exactly 143 gp, 3 cp and 2 tc if my math is correct.

Now should we consider a light armor and/or a ranged weapon for her ?
What about special / magic items ?

The light armors would be cloth robes, armor padding, leather armor, cloth tabard, and studded leather armor. What would you like for a ranged weapon?

I'll take a straight up leather armor (like a thick, but flexible padded leather tunic, or vest with arm and leg parts).

As fas ranged weapons, what are the choices ?
Anything resembling a hand crossbow or even an atlatl ?
From what you told me about technology, I take it that any kind of gun powder would be extremely rare -if not legendary- otherwise I'd have gone for an old-fashioned matchlock pistol sort-of-thing.

The standard Leather Armor I use is sculpted leather components for the upper and lower body, as well as arms and legs. It does not cover anything neck up, or the feet. It has normal quality and 1 inch of thickness, giving it 3 Health per covered region, and Hardness 1. That will cost you 4 gp.

The longest range weapon you've got access to is a longbow. Crossbows are not accessible because they are Third Class weapons. That means if you find one in game and figure out how to use it, you've got the basic level of functionality that anyone else could get out of the thing. I have not integrated spear-throwers as a weapon, because finding statistics about their use is too difficult.

Okay, let's go for a longbow then. Maybe a couple of throwing daggers or a throwing axe to boot ?

Armor-wise, I may still decide for studded leather instead, what is the protection rate on that? And, more importantly, does it generate negative armor modifiers on some skills, like in 5e ?

Can definitely do the daggers and axe as well, whatever you like. Studded Leather Armor does not provide penalties. My reasoning for this is that the Leather Armor does not, and lacks tiny metal studs. I don't see what little bits of metal in your armor would suddenly apply penalties to something that had none.

Studded Leather has normal quality, 1 inch of thickness, 4 Health per covered region, and Hardness 3.

Okay, that sounds good to me, studded leather it is, then.
Add in 1 throwing dagger and 1 throwing axe (like a small cleaver) on top of the longbow, and we should be golden.

Ehhhh...Throwing Axes and Knives are technically Third Class Weapons, because they're specially designed for that use. What I can do is give you a Handaxe (which can be thrown) and a fine quality Dagger, which should be slightly better for throwing. Normal daggers can be thrown anyway.

Studded Leather runs you 5 gp, the Dagger will run you 1 cp, the Handaxe is 1 gp, and the Longbow is 4 gp.

I see. So, I'm now at 133 gp, 2 cp and 2 tc.

Alright, we've done mundanes, we've done armor and weapons. If I'm remembering correctly, you haven't added magic to any of your items yet. Am I right?

Correct: no magic as of yet.

Would you like your scimitar to be magical?

Mmh I think that would give her a definite edge on swordplay, for sure.
So yes, that would be good.

How much money do you have left again?

only a little over 130 gp (see a few messages back)

You have enough for basic magic, but it won't leave you with much money. Definitely not more than 50 gp.

I'd rather have good magic and little cash, 50 gp pocket change works for me (or maybe even less, as long as I have enough for basic sustenance...). Hopefully we'll make more at some point...
Would that include a magic scimitar, then ? Anything else ?

A Singing Scimitar glows red or orange along its sharp edge, and emits a quiet hum. When it strikes, it does not permit any armor, shields, or other means to reduce the damage it deals. If armor or a shield deflects the attack entirely, the blade’s song cannot take effect.

Blessed Scimitars treat the enemy as if stabbed twice with a single attack, while Cursed Scimitars treat the enemy as if slashed twice.

Toxic Scimitars inflict harm that cannot be healed until the weapon is destroyed.

If these are not what you want, there are weapons with a spell charge, but Charged weapons are more expensive and the charge is gone after being used once, only returning when a mage has recharged it. What sort of effect would you like your Scimitar to have?

I like the idea of a really sharp, cutting blade, so I guess the Singing Scimitar is the closest option. Could also think of a type of vampiric weapon, that gives its wielder some part of the vitality it absorbs, but also demands constant feeding (think of it as a weaker version of Stormbringer, for instance). Maybe a little grim for what you had in mind, though. Or a blade that gives its wielder the equivalent of barbarian rage (followed by exhaustion). I'm thinking of something pretty lethal, but a little dangerous to use, as well.
Maybe a blade with a purpose of sorts ? Gives its wielder certain powers but demands something in return (doesn't have to be blood, could be a task of some kind...).

Not too grim at all! I could actually use one school of magic to do either one, but Singing Scimitar is also good. Here's the thing, charges are a one-off until you find the right mage for the job. They're also activated on a trigger, which means a constant passive is not an option. What entices me is this idea of the charge feeding off of you.

But first, a brief exception to my rules. I could give you a Toxic Blade with modified stats. Instead of its damage being incurable, it simply heals at half speed. While the injuries are healing, you get a temporary 50% increase to your own healing rate (stacking with each person you have injured in the same duration). Once they're gone, your healing rate is too. However, if you kill with the scimitar, bathing it in blood, then you instead find all your Health and half of all your Wounds healed, and you get boosted Grand Virtue that lasts for 1 hour (duration refreshed by kill). Obviously, this would not be a weapon you commissioned from an Artificer, but one you found or were given in some way. Then comes the drawback. Every hour, this weapon will ask for blood empathically. If you fail to deliver for 24 hours, you must resist its will to cut you and take some of yours, additionally reducing your Grand until 4 hours after your injury heals.

Second option: we go for a Sanguine Charge. Once activated, the blade will drink blood from a Wound it causes, healing you for the same amount of Wounds in any Target Area you choose, or double that damage in any Health Region you choose. The charge then expires and must be refilled by a mage. Drawback: every 4 hours that the blade remains charged, without being spent, it constantly harasses you empathically. No need to roll for resist, but any time you attempt something that needs concentration, you will count as very distracted.

Third option: we go for a Choleric Charge. Once activated, your Yellow Bile count spikes, causing a temporary change in PV for 1 minute per character level. This change is +1 Leon, boosted Eyrie, double-boosted Grand, -1 Enlight, double-reduced Nemesis, and reduced Daimon. In addition, you will count as exhausted after use, until you are fully rested. Exhaustion rules are pretty similar to what you're expecting, but we'll go over that later.

I think I really like the Modified Toxic option. Could make for a really great roleplay opportunity too, a bit of a tortured soul and definitely some actual scarring in the bargain. She's bound to have a very dark worldview, too, with a burden like this one to bear.

Great stuff, I'll take it.

For purposes of balance, we'll subtract another 12 gp (the price of a scimitar) from your money.

Did you have more weapons or armor items you wanted charged?

mmh, could do... maybe something that could help either stealth or charm, for example some vials of truth serum, or a cloak of camouflage or something of the kind. Not really sure what's available, so makes it hard for me to guess.

Well, we can handle misc magic items later (as I need sleep) but as to stealth, here's a list of charges to consider. You can put one of them in your armor.

A Smoke spell could drop a cloud to keep you from being seen, but it would give away your original location from a long way off.
A Luminas spell could either blind enemies with light, or lower the light level to bathe your surroundings in darkness.
A Dimension spell could make you appear to be something you are not, like local foliage or an inanimate object.
A Perception spell could alter how people perceive time around you, making you move faster and making your movements harder to notice.

I'll talk to you again soon!

Morning !
Yeah, I had to get some shut-eye myself last night (I'm at GMT-3 here). As far as the armor charges, I'll take the Perception spell. How does the charge system work, here? I understood the magic has to be replenished by a mage or someone proficient in it.
Now, is there only one charge at one time, or various uses before having to go through the recharging process ? Also, what would be the usual cost of recharging the armor in this case (like, how many gp per charge, etc)?

Think of it like a battery. Most objects designed to hold Magical Charge can only hold one battery, and when you turn it on, it stays on until it has used up all its power. Now you have a toy with no power, until someone can charge the battery again. But unlike real ones, these batteries don't just rely on electricity. A Fire battery needs Fire, a Dimension battery relies of magical manipulation of dimensions in space, a Helios battery relies on the Sun, and so on. Only a mage capable of casting the same exact spell that's in your item can fill it up again, by casting with a target "location" of "in the item."

There is no standardized market value for charges. Some mages will do it for free, or a personal favor, or a steep cost in gold, platinum, or gems. Some items are supposedly attuned to divine power, and where they get their mysteriously self-charging fuel is unknown by the masses. These are extremely rare.

As a final note, your Charged items cannot be magically durable, and cannot inflict magical damage, as these are mutually exclusive properties from the Magically Charged ones. A charge can cause damage, but that's not the same thing in this case.

So, you want a Perception spell eh? What piece of your armor holds it?

I would say... the bracers (forearm piece). Or some sort of armband. Or the belt part. Basically, anything with easy access.

Here's the thing about it being both bracers. Alone, one piece will not do anything. You must be wearing both, and they must both be intact enough to work properly. If even one bracer takes too much damage, you lose the charge until both are fixed. That being said, you can most certainly have it be a pair of Magically Charged bracers. Alternatively, you could have it be just one bracer that does it. No effect on the spell.

Armbands and belts can't have armor charges, and require a more unique brand of Artifice Magic to create.

So here's what the Perception magic does. It's from the Time school, so it's time-based. Perception magic as a subschool operates on the subjective nature of the passage of time. You only see the present moment as time passes you by at a certain rate. The faster time passes, the sooner your oldest memories fade into obscurity, but the sooner you reach the future. By altering Perception, this brand of magic can let a person gaze into the past or future, or change the rate at which present moments trickle by. In your case, you would be accelerating Time relative to yourself, so that you perceive the surrounding world as being slower. When people look at you, they might see something, or you might seem entirely invisible; your actions occurring seemingly as a result of an invisible force. Once the charge is activated, you must roll a Nemesis PV check for 1 success. If you pass, those acting against you will get -1 success, and you will get +1 success when acting against others.

Failure will mean you are unable to adjust, making Simple Actions seem Easy, Easy seem Regular, and so on. If you get more than 1 success on this, you see time as that much slower.

Mmh I get it. So, I guess I'd better have it only on the left forearm/bracer, and I'll try to keep it away from harm.
As far as Nemesis checks go, she's not that proficient with a medium score of 3, but I guess that'll keep things interesting.

It's still 1 in 6 odds to fail. That's not bad for a roll that needs 1 success.

The Perception charge adds +60 gp to the cost of your armor. Meaning you now have about 40 left. Too little to buy any more charges. Time to proceed to your Devotion! Together with the Focus, your Devotion is more like an Alignment in the conventional RPG sense, but far more in depth. Instead of just being Lawful Good, or Chaotic Neutral, or Neutral Evil, your Focus shapes what you've spent your past preparing, and your Devotion shows the greater overtures of present and future. This is what you want from life, what you are both working toward in the present and hope to do in the days to come. That being said, what is your greatest desire?

I would say Zafira's greatest desire is revenge. Somehow, a wrong has been done to either her, or someone close to her (I'm thinking family revenge here, possibly). By pursuing the means of her vengeance she has been getting to know her dark side and she is torn between falling prey to its murderous calling and trying to retain a modicum of decency and humanity.
Maybe there's another personal tie there, something or someone that kept her from becoming a vilain, at least sofar. But let's say this: she is good at hurting peope and she's enjoying her power over others. Even though she tells herself it's all done in the name of revenge only, her darkest instincts are starting to relish the pain she inflicts on those she deems to be deserving of it.

So we could say this: revenge first, professional ambition second.

A few options for a Path come to mind here. That's how this works by the way. The Devotion is the overall category, and the Path is the more specific example.

The Warrior Devotion (Path: For Revenge) - Zafira fights to right a wrong done to her or a loved one. She may have once had friends, a family, a home, or combination of those, until one or more was taken away from her. Perhaps the person did not die, but was harmed or otherwise wronged. Justice is money to Zafira, and she aims to take it in hand.
The Warrior Devotion (Path: For Family) - Zafira fights to defend her home, specifically the place where her family lives. She fights to avoid taking on the above Path, valuing her estate, hovel, fiefdom, or country, because it holds the people she can't replace.
The Judge Devotion (Path: Slaughter) - Zafira stands against all those who perpetrate needless killings. Whether she was chosen, or took this path on herself, she is a Judge who fears not death, nor killing, but understands that every killing in good merit has a sound purpose behind it. She has the solemn goal of tracking down those who kill for no reason, and stopping them at once, even if it means another death must take place. At least that one will not be devoid of reason.
The Judge Devotion (Path: Horror) - Zafira has seen terrible monsters, or perhaps the monsters in her own kind, and has made it her life goal to purge the world of that horrific influence. She views one or more Birthrights, Classes, or creatures as monstrous horrors that are a bane to all that she encounters. She may even believe anything not her specific sub-Birthright is this. Or perhaps she believes her own sub-Birthright are the real monsters.
Seeing Red - There are many Paths under this Devotion, which is about the blind rage you feel when you encounter a particular kind of enemy, a rage that does not end until you have killed that creature personally, or someone has stopped you for long enough. Examples include Diabolical, Dragons (NOT advised), and Ghouls, but there are several others.

That's the one.

Yay! We've finished your Devotion, and that means you're ready for finishing touches. Question storm incoming, and I'll get your stats ready while you're at it. Also second yay: you're Warrior buddies with Happy_Potato's character, but his path is For Gold. When you're finished, I'll present you with all the information about your character in a nice, neat bundle. You can organize it in a "Custom" character sheet, to be in any order you like. I'll help with that to make sure things are easy to find.

As a Zeel, you could be from pretty much anywhere, but I'll help you pick from the more likely options. You could be from Orthrac, Cerbesia, Chimer, or Ventasa.
Orthrac is a former colony of the Empire, now independent. Your people are a subculture here, under the Sini majority, but are treated well enough. This country is still Second Class but is on its way to Third, might explain why you're not a Magic Slayer, but have a magic weapon.
Cerbesia is made up of territory seized from giants by Humans. Your people are the majority here, but there are many Baseborns.
Chimer is also made up of territory seized from the giants, and while Rudhir and your Zeel are very common, there are many Chems here as well. Like Orthrac, it is progressing into Third.
Ventasa was started by the Empire as a mining operation, but burgeoned into a once thriving kingdom. When their ruler angered the powers of heaven, a war like no other began, and now only a single settlement remains in the middle. Now they are legendary for their slayers of Angels and Demons. Aside from the majority Sini, there are also Mechans, Galura, Rudhir, and Zeel present.

When discovering your powers as an unusual Fury (not all your people are Furies, or heroic at all), did you first discover your Eagle Eye, your Falcon Dive, or your Hawk Wing? Note for clarity that you do not actually have physical wings.

Why did you train as a Rogue? Was this part of some organization that is responsible for your training, or is your subclass just a result of your own personal efforts?

As a non-magic character who possesses magical gear, you are one of two Tiers of Involvement where magic is concerned. Are you a Witch Hunter experienced in dealing with things of a magical nature, specifically hunting down those who use them, or are you a Sorcerer who has learned to draw power from her scimitar and bracers? Note: You can switch from the former to the latter during game, possibly even gaining a few Magic Levels in the process. The difference is that a Witch Hunter has very little practical experience with magic, while a Sorcerer lacks formal training but picked up a decent amount of experience just from having access to something.

How did you learn to exploit Weak Points? Did you just figure out how by trial and error, or did you learn through some special course of events?

(Application that may not be used) If we start in a nation other than the one where you were born, describe a few events that happened to lead you there. Use as much or as little detail as you like, but what's needed is a brief explanation of how you set sail and what happened out at sea. You don't need to know where we're going just yet, but if you need a placeholder name, use Heramar. It's DEFINITELY not going to be that, so I'll know what to replace with the real name.

Did you pick up fighting with a Scimitar out of practicality, or was there more of a story behind your chosen style? Bear in mind that One Handed Blade is your Focus, so this is canonically something you've put a lot of work into in your past, possibly a lot of thought.

More specifically, we need to know about your current Scimitar. In my setting, magic items are not exactly common or "easy" to make. Artificers are rare and powerful mages capable of making interesting changes to materials, or even building them where they can be charged with magic. For you to have gotten this sword, especially one of such unusual "toxins" as to not exist in my rules as written, you would have to have gone on some kind of adventure. Since the type of magic was likely not your choice to make, how did you come to possess it?

How old are you? Most cultures say 16-18 is the point where you become an adult.

How tall are you? This is usually between 4'5'' and 6'5''.

What color is your skin, hair, and eyes? If you've said it already, just repeat it for the answer.

How does your character feel about the other five kinds of Purebleed? Does he know they exist? Bear in mind, Porphs are quite rarely seen outside of their home nation, of which there is only one. Meeting the Porph player soon might be your character's first time meeting one, if he even knows that they're a Black Blood at all.

There are Mechans in my world, people who have had part of their body replaced with machinery. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Chems in my world, mutants created by exposure to volatile chemicals. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Sorcelled in my world, deceptively red-blooded folk who lack your strength, and are smarter than you. This is because they have special magic powers granted by some kind of permanent enchantment. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Neutrati in my world, white-blooded humanoids created by the Porph as genderless artificial servants. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Baseborns in my world, deceptively red-blooded folk who may be weaker than you, or stronger, and are likely smarter. This is because their parents or ancestors were not of the same Purebleed variety, like a Rudhir and a Sini for example. You likely know they exist, because they are very common, but do you? If so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Felbreeds in my world, who are only half-human. The other half is some kind of inhuman monster. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Faeries in my world, inhuman creatures of magic. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Angeli in my world, heavenly angels and demons. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Amorphae in my world, unnatural shapeshifting creatures of chaos. You likely do not comprehend the truth of their existence, relying instead of myths about werewolves or doppelgangers, but do you believe some version of them exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Nephs in my world, terrifying giants who crave human flesh. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Jinn in my world, mystical genies and nightmarish ghouls. Do you know they exist, and if so, how does your character feel about them?

There are Ancients in my world. It is impossible for you to not to know about them as great Behemoths, enormous sea serpents, or legendary Dragons. But are these creatures legends with no proven existence, or does your character have proof? Bear in mind that, when one of these things wake up anywhere near your civilization, entire towns and villages tend to go missing.

And finally, what is your Name?

Ooof, okay, that should keep me busy for quite a while.

Here is Zafira's basic story for starters:

As far as the more precise questions:

Name: Cayenne Blackstarr (born Zafira Whysth)
Age: 24 years old
Height: 5' 5''
Weight: 120 lbs
Hair: Black
Eyes: Green
Skin: copper

Description:
With dark and sultry looks, this petite woman is not to be underestimated, her lithe and agile body ready to strike like a lethal snake, and her lascivious lips and velvety cascade of dark curls belying her ruthless methods.

Very hard to fathom and even harder to predict, she is a fearless assassin and a ruthless hunter. Unveiling her plans to only a select, precious few, she prefers to operate alone but has been known to strike alliances of sorts, when the need arises.

1. Discovering her Powers
I'd say Falcon Dive came first and Hawk Wing probably a close second, as she probably discovered these at an early age, when she spent her youth of petty thievery on the streets of her native city.

2. Her Training
personal efforts (see backstory above)

3. Magical Tiers
witch hunter (see backstory)

4. Weak Points
Her training as a competitive duelist and swordswoman, I guess...? So trial and error.

The other purebleed:
Porph: YES from hear-say only / neutral, wary yet curious (considers them dangerous yet powerful)
Drudhir: YES / neutral, slightly disdainful (considers them brutish)
Jasil: YES / neutral, scornful (considers them sluggish and despondent)
Sini: YES / neutral, distrustful (considers them scheming and treacherous)
Galura: YES / neutral, cynical (respects their wisdom, yet is slightly jealous of it)

Excellent work. Let me start breaking that down, then I'll hand you your stats.Nothing out of the ordinary here. Interesting that you're technically of Patrician birth, not that anyone would know that, given your plebeian mother.

Sounds like the best place for you to be born is High Cerbesia, but the Green Griffin Slaughter probably happened in nearby Plokipto instead. Most other places would not be able to shrug off a massacre. Perhaps Cayenne moved there for a short time, but had to flee back to her home city to avoid being caught up in the rumors.This nicely cleans up the loose end of having a Patrician father. Now Cayenne is untethered.Ventasa is actually a country, and on the neighboring continent across a narrow gulf. We can arrange that if you like, but we could also set you up in the marshes of your home nation or a closer one. I think Chimer would be the best option there. It's the nation to the south of yours, and no one would look for you there. There's also definitely Witch Hunters there. Maybe House Pardalis would be a good name for the faction you joined. Chimer is divided into a cat-themed regal kingdom called Leonar, a goat-themed tribal conglomerate called Hirca, and a snake-themed military state called Squama. Pardalis is the scientific name of the Ocelot, so I thought that would suit nicely.

Cayenne Blackstarr
Birthright: Human
Sub-birthright: Purebleed (Zeel)
Virtues: Leon 4 (boosted), Eyrie 5 (boosted), Grand 4 (boosted), Enlight 4 (reduced), Nemesis 3, Daimon 6 (double-reduced)
Class: Fury
Sub-class: Rogue
Physical Ability: Eagle Eye
Allows you to gaze across great distances with ease, or scrutinize an object up close.
Physical Ability: Falcon Dive
Makes your movements hard to see and lets you dart across fragile surfaces.
Physical Ability: Hawk Wing
Allows you to replace 5 ft. segments of your land speed with fly speed, limited to 5 ft. in altitude, which allows you to avoid obstacles.
Special Ability: Eyrie Surge
Attack twice or strike true!
Special Ability: Wings Unfurled
Improve your Eyrie PV check.
Special Trait: Weak Point
Wait to attack an enemy where they're most vulnerable.
Skills: Alchemy 1, Appraise 1, Escape Artist, Guile 1, Gymnastics 2, Hide 1, Knowledge (engineering) 1, Knowledge (occult) 1, Locksmith 2, Riding 1, Soft Steps 2, Swim 1, Trapping 1
Class of Progression: Second
Combat Style: Scimitar
Alignment: Neutral
Focus: One Handed Blades
Equipment: Vampiric Scimitar, Longbow, Handaxe, Fine Dagger, Backpack, Bedroll, Blanket, Caltrops, Candle, Chalk, Fishhook, Flask, Flint and Steel, Grappling Hook, Hammer, Lantern, Lock, Lockpicks, Manacles, Map Case, Oil (2), Parchment, Pitons (8), Pouch, Rations (3), Rope, Sack, Sewing Needle, Soap, Spyglass, Tankard, Tent, Torches (4), Vials (3), Waterskin, Whetstone, Wine Bottle, Studded Leather (with magic Perception bracer),
Wealth: 115 gp 61 cp
Devotion: The Warrior
Path: For Revenge
Age: 24; Height: 5'5''; Weight: 120 lbs.; Skin color: Copper; Hair: Black; Eyes: Green
Lucky Hairs: 8; HUT - 8; LT - 6; Left Arm - 2; Right Arm - 2; Left Leg - 3; Right Leg - 3
Wounds:
Skullcap: 1; Face - 2; Left Eye - 1; Right Eye - 1; Neck - 3; Upper Torso - 4; Lower Torso - 4; Upper L Arm - 1;
Upper R Arm - 1; L Forearm - 1; R Forearm - 1; L Hand - 1; R Hand - 1; Upper L Leg - 3; Upper R Leg - 3; Lower L Leg - 3; Lower R Leg - 3; L Foot - 2; R Foot - 2
Span 1; Land Speed - 30 ft.

That looks great, many thanks for helping me with the geography / geopolitics there.
I guess we're all set, then. Do you have some sort of character sheet design already available, or do we improvize one ?

Well, I have not been able to create a template yet, but what I'm having the others do is make a "Custom" and stick this information in there. You can put it in the sheet as-is, or modify it first. Anything about the above that you want to reorganize, redesign, etc?

I don't think so, I reckon we're done, here, at least as far as I'm concerned.
Submitted my custom sheet to the Oldest World game page.

I like it! One point of concern is that it looks like you have alignment, combat style, and a couple of other things listed under Skills, because none of them are bolded. Will you be able to tell what's part of Skills and what is not?

Sure, I'm quite clear about that sheet, I reckon. No worries, there.

Cayenne, while you were visiting a foreign country, you have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the murder of a local noble. Stripped of your weapons, your money, and all useful gear, you were taken to a prison island and thrown in a cell. Dressed only in dingy rags, you have a hard time remembering when things were this bad. The cell you inhabit is about 4 cubic feet in size, too small for you to stand in. The bars are made of bronze, old and consumed by a green patina. The hinged door is held shut by a sturdy chain and a basic padlock. What you have in there with you amounts to: 1 mat (chewed upon by the rats), 1 chamber pot, and a cloudy piece of tin barely serviceable as a mirror. The edges are sharp, but...not very. Good way to get lockjaw if anything.

The cell directly across from you is a foot larger in each direction, and you find yourself strangely envious of the inhabitant: a tawny young man with a distinct point to his ears, and brilliant amber eyes. His mat is a little more fresh, his chamber pot is larger, and he actually has a glass mirror backed by silver. Also, and you're not sure what the deal is, he has gotten food twice and water four times since you arrived. You haven't gotten anything, and it's been two days.

You don't know much about the cell to your right, but from the one conversation you've struck up, the inmate is male, with a bassy voice and a cynical outlook on life. He hasn't told you much, but you know he's here because he slept with the governor's daughter.

You got a quick view of the cell to your left, when you were being hauled in. The woman in there was graying and unkempt, likely having been here a lot longer than any of you. You two haven't spoken, and that just leaves you curious as to why an old lady like here would end up in a place like this.

There's at least five more cells in your block, and only one way out: the door they used when they brought you in. Your memory's a little hazy on the details, but there's a hallway out there leading to more cell blocks, a guard station, and eventually the courtyard. No one's gotten to walk the yard since you've been here, so it may just be a thoroughfare to haul prisoners into their new, permanent residence.

What do you do?

First thing I'm gonna do is try and get my cell the real once-over: every inch of it, every dank corner, every crack in the wall. I'm looking for anything that may give me an advantage or information. I'm particularly looking for anything that may have been left by previous ocupants of the cell and been overlooked by the guards.
Also, how often do the guards come ? At meal time?

And lastly, if my inspection doesn't give any results, I'll try and get to know the other prisoners better. I'll try to get the old woman to share some intel first.

The guards have come erratically in the last couple of days, and don't always give equal meals to every inmate. This suggests they do what they want, when they want, to a certain extent. You would need a longer period, in the months or years, to get a really good measure of their behavior.

For your thorough inspection, roll a Sight check (using the sense rules below). I'll be taking your Eagle Eye ability into consideration.

You make a thorough examination of the cell. Ordinarily, you wouldn't see anything with that roll that a normal person would miss, but you have an extra edge. With the power of your Eagle Eye, you are able to scrutinize each aspect of your cell up close. You have the time, after all. There are three things of note: the "mirror" looks like it can be moved, there is a weakness in the third and fifth bars, and there is a loose brick in the east wall of your cell.

Behind the mirror, you find that a past inmate had made a small chink in the bricks. Therein, they hid an improvised blade fashioned from a piece of the mirror and some bedding wrapped around the "handle." It's not much, but there you go. When you remove the brick, you find two things. The first and most important is an old key. The second is a small note scrawled in an unsteady hand. It reads, "They're coming for me. Didn't have the chance to make my getaway. Take this. Maybe it will serve you better." There's no name or other identification given.

Here we have a chance to examine the combat rules, specifically improvised weapon. Roll an Eyrie PV check.

Alright, that's one roll with one success. Now roll a second Eyrie PV check for "Attack 2."

okay so I just rolled a 2, here... (again!)
Since my virtue is boosted, would this count as my "highest die", even though it's my only die ? That would make it a 3 instead of a 2, adding a second dice ?

EDIT: I posted this before I saw your last post.

Also, how do I know my max number of die ? Is it 5 die for Eyrie 5 for example ?

Alright, let me try and break this down. There's a lot to unpack.

Yes, a roll with one die would mean that your highest is also your lowest. This is one reason why you can't have a boost and reduction on the same Virtue (aside from certain logical paradoxes).

That means it would in fact make it a three. This should allow you a second die. However, if one of your other two rolls is higher, then we have a problem. The best way to resolve this is to say that the boost only applies once. If used to get more dice, then it won't boost any future rolls. I'll make a note of this in my rules.

The OOC thread explains how PV checks work. If you still want information after giving it a read, then I will rewrite it.

I think it all starts to makes sense to me.

Okay, so let's say I choose to use my boost to make a second dice roll (and after reading the PV rules again, I realized an Eyrie score of 5 gives me only the possibility to get 3 rolls max, so I'll post my 2nd and eventual 3rd rolls for that first PV check here, under "Attack 1").
My 3 rolls for "Attack 2" will also be posted.

Aye! You've got it down now. Just like there's no zero, there's no seven either. Since you've got two sixes, the only roll left to modify is the 3, which becomes a 4 with no additional effects. These should both be great rolls, if you had a normal dagger. Would she give it two swings to test, or three?

She could try another swing, I guess... Now, forgive me if I'm still not completely clear on one point: I thought the Boosted condition on a virtue only gave the highest dice the +1 boost. In that case, I won't be able to boost the 3 on that attack roll, will I ?

She'll give it another stab, just to see how that thing handles itself.

It's a wrap-around rule. 6 can't go any higher, and two of the rolls were sixes. So the three is the only one that can be affected.

Go ahead and do all three dice for the third attack.

Okay, I got a 5, 4 and a 3. So in that case I am obliged to choose the 5 and make it into a 6 ? Still makes it 3 successes, it would seem.

Correct! Now, normally you would get a bonus die on each attack, because you'd be treated as Trained. But we're going to ignore those for simplicity this time.

Now I roll three percentile rolls at 25% success rate, because the weapon is improvised.

Edit: The feint seems to go well enough, but despite using your finest skills, the quarte and stab seem really sloppy. The weight distribution's all wrong...at least for an elegant weapon.

Okay, what exactly are the d100 for then ? Didn't the d6 already resolve the attack ?

Here's where I explain Improvised Weapons. There are three qualities of ordinary weapon (ignoring things like fine weapons, magic weapons, and so on). They are Improvised, Rough, and Normal. While the vast majority of weapons are Normal, you can find some, or make them, which are lesser in quality.

Rough weapons have a 50% rate of auto-fail per attack. You roll normally, but then the player or GM rolls percentile to see if that attack auto-fails, no matter how talented the wielder is, nor how shitty the defender is at protecting their own life.

Improvised weapons take this a step farther, with a 75% rate of auto-fail. If the roll is 1-25, you have a chance of making it work. If not, you're out of luck. You've learned an important lesson very early on, and nothing was at stake.

Indeed not something I'm ever likely to forget: Bring Good Weapons To A Fight ! Check.

Fortunately for you, your real weapons are all very nice!

Now that you've tested the knife, what's next?

I guess I'll try the key in the lock of the door... not even sure if there's a lock, actually.

There is. I mentioned it in the description.

You approach the bars and slip a hand through, eager to get the key in and get out of your tiny cell. The elf-eared inmate across the hall takes an interest, and wanders over.

"Oi, what's that you got there?"

The key slips in, turns, and you can feel tumblers clicking, the mechanism disengaged. The lock falls to the floor with a loud clack, and the casing bursts open. Tiny screws and pins scatter over the floor.

The elf man sneers, "Oh jolly good. You got yourself a key! Won't ask how you did that in just two days, pretty morsel. Prolly standing on the shoulders of some other poor sap who weren't as lucky. There's no escaping the island, pretty. Even if you step on out of here with your fancy knife and your little key, those guards are aching for a chance to put you in the ground. One less inmate they have to worry about, eh?"

As you approach his bars, the Impure one just keeps jeering, "Me, work with you, ha! You realize you're going to die, right? They're not going to take it easy on you, just because you're a pretty little Vanity? Anyone who sets foot outside that door is dead meat."

Cayenne purs as she approaches him: "You're really just a big scaredy-cat, aren't you? What a shame, such a strapping specimen like you...". She smiles teasingly and she starts toying almost distractedly with the irons of the elf's cell bars. "You really think I'm pretty ? I think I'm gonna jump into that cell with you in a minute, if you keep flattering me like that ! I bet you wouldn't mind that uh ? I never been with an Impure before, you know... You'd be my first. After all, if we can't get outta here, we may as well make it worth our while..."

Edit: Oh, no, wait. I see what happened here! You rolled the fourth die so that we'd have all four. My mistake.

The inmate seems put off by your aggressive approach, and scoffs, "Very seductive, opening up with the bigoted slurs. I'd ask if that works for most men, but it sounds like you lack experience."

You got it. Here goes:

And his reply...

You easily take him by surprise and slam him up against the bars. Now, unlike Guile, there is not an Intimidate skill. It is a combination of your Daimon PV check, roleplay, and how much of a threat you pose in general.

While your threatening stance gives him a moment of pause, he chuckles and relaxes in your grip. "Bit of a spark, I like that. But you've got a lot to learn when it comes to threatening hardened convicts. With the threat of death on the line, you really think anything less is going to matter? Put down the bit o' shine. It'll do you more harm than good."

He is now rolling Guile, which you must counter with your own, to keep him from getting the upper hand.

Rolling Guile:
3 + 6 + 2 + 1 (skill) = 12

So...close...

The rules as written are "If an enemy is opposing your Skill Check, you must roll higher than them as well as beating the difficulty." Because this is technically HIS roll that YOU are opposing, he fails. He did not roll higher than you.

How we'll interpret this "practically a tie" result is that you find his words rather convincing. He makes some very good points, but for a few complications. A) He's behind bars, B) You're not, C) You have a knife up to his eye socket, and D) You're not exactly willing to give up that position just because he's good with words. Interpret that how you will for your response, but there is no mechanical effect against you.

The Felbreed prisoner relents, "Alright, alright, you've made your point! Gods, you have a way with violence. If it's something interesting you want, I suppose that depends on your definition. The bloke on the left of your cell, my left, is a more capable fighter than myself. Heard he got hauled in here for a few brawls, and more wins than losses."

The big guy, who you haven't gotten a chance to see before now, snorts from behind you, "No losses, lest you count getting tossed in here like spoiled fish. For what it's worth."

The Felbreed smirks at this retort and continues, "And if you direct your attention to my right, you'll find a much more interesting candidate. Old crone is said to have been hauled in on witchcraft charges, some twenty or thirty years ago. Hard to believe she's survived that long in these conditions, hate to think of how..."

The old woman does not answer, but you hear her sniffle and move around a little in her cell, as if she heard you two talking about her.

"And then there's me," he finishes, "the one with the knowhow to get us both out of here. Provided you can keep us alive, which I still doubt. What'll it be?"

He wrings his wrist as you release it, glowering darkly, "You'd be surprised what I'm capable of. More to the point, it's not that I think you can't release every mook in this lockup. I don't think you should want to. How large a group d'you think those winning charms will keep in line? Maybe someone decides they want to be in charge instead, makes an example of you." He nods, indicating the old woman. "Could be the person you least expect."

Your first time really getting a look at the man. He's easily three of you, his legs bigger around at mid-thigh than your waist. He's about 5'11'' at the shortest, and it looks like he's hunched over. Not a scrap of fat on the big fucker. You're used to a lot of fair-skinned, fair-haired boys back in Cerbesia, most of 'em scrawny and light of wits. This man looks like he'd eat a whole wagon of them for a light snack, and have room for dessert. He has a mess of coarse, dark hair; some of it in braids, but everything's all pulled back in a sloppy band of cloth to keep it under control. When you come over to his cell, he directs his gaze upon you, but his eyes don't seem right. There's rings of red and black around the lids, the skin scarred by blistering and peeling. What should be white is yellow, what should be brown is black in places, and what should be black is blue -- like water after you've made corn for supper. He's not so much looking at you, as in your vague direction, out of focus.

"What you care, what I want?"

He holds that pose for a while, and when silence lingers, his eyes wander. His jawline's consumed in scraggly hair out to his collarbones, and it doesn't look like it's gotten a tending in months. Strange, you don't remember the last male inmate having to deal with his facial hair.

"Aye, I want out. But what's a gel like you aim to do abou' it?" he admits, with a voice like tamed thunder.

The big guy grunts and moves away from the bars. When you rap on the bars of the other cell, the old lady looks up at you. Stringy bangs cover most of her face, but you can make out fuchsia eyes and the tip of a crooked nose. She grins, baring yellowed teeth. "Should I be flattered you came to see me last, dearie? What can Granny do for you, today?"

"I can hear you," the Felbreed says from his cell, tone half-mocking and half-offended.

The old woman studies you closely from behind her stringy hair, still not approaching the bars. "You have many questions for someone you don't find trustworthy. Yet you are so eager to ask! How...curious. Why do you think I have magical powers, dearie?"

Checking these locks...

The big lock on the one guy's cell would be pretty difficult to mess with, unless you were prepared to pick it correctly. The Felbreed's lock is not as hard, but you'd still need the right bashing implement and it would make noise. As you examine the other cells for a lockpick, you notice a fifth inmate who hadn't joined the conversation. Can't get a good angle til you're done talking to the old woman, but there's definitely somebody in the cell across from big man.

The old woman bobs her head like a bird, as she listens to you speak. When you are entirely done, she says, "Is he your friend then, dearie? Lots of good reasons to trust the lad? If you're not sure who to trust, I wouldn't recommend starting there. Specially when he makes such an outlandish claim about some poor old bird locked up on this rock. Now, while I don't take kindly to bein' told I should be dead, I suppose you're not far off the truth." When she hears you mention a magical lock, she looks at the bars and seems to lose interest in talking to you. "Hmm," she mutters, "now how about that..."

You look into the final cell and see...a dog? Big ol' friendly spaniel, just sleeping peacefully in the prison cell. No sign of any...

Your vision shifts, shudders. The dog gets up, but backwards? Its hindquarters just float off the ground until they are hovering over its big head and floppy ears. The image finally collapses, and you no longer see a dog, but a young girl. Can't be older than 14, and is likely much younger. Your brain tries to rationalize how you saw a dog where there clearly wasn't one. You have a headache.

Roll a Nemesis PV check.

Trying to make sense of what just happened...

That is correct. The sudden onset of your headache quickly fades to a dull ache, but no other effects occur. It seems, though you are not sure, that the image of the young girl before you is correct. That dog must have been some kind of illusion. The girl approaches the bars, but not close enough for you to reach. She is dressed in the same sort of rags as the rest of you, and they hang about her waifish frame.

"Are you sirs and madams breaking out of jail?" She looks at you expectantly.

She points to a drawing on the wall, scrawled in something you can't identify. There on the wall is an image of the big dog you saw...

Suddenly, your mind becomes clear. Images bloom away from the dog and cover the wall. Houses, ships, all sorts of people, flowers, fairies, swords, dragons, the ocean, pretty much everything. The images shimmer away as soon as they appear, but you can still see a faint outline on the wall.

"I made these."

"Um, sure," she answers, "I guess you can come in, but how? The bars are locked."

While you figure that out, she answers the rest of what you said, "I'm Titania. They put me in here about a week ago. Don't really know why." She looks over her collection of drawings, most of which are no longer visible except as faint scratchings in the brick. "I just find things to make marks on the walls. They won't let me have brushes."

"There is! Here." She hands you what she makes all the marks with, a long and sturdy iron needle.

You are quite correct. And 16 is a Difficult result, great job!

Though your tool is not the finest, you deftly pick the lock on Titania's cell and set it aside. The door opens, and she steps out, pausing wistfully to look at her empty cell.

Titania follows along as you talk, looking as though she finds you very strange. She says nothing in response, but nods. You can't be sure, but it looks like she's ready to help you. Where are you going first?

"Not sure there's anything holding these bars shut," the old woman answers, "looks like they're just sitting." The old woman turns her attention toward Titania. "Hello there, little girl. Where's your mommy and daddy?"

Titania waves shyly, but just hides behind your leg a little bit and doesn't say anything.

If you want to find out more about this social environment, you can try rolling a PV check in one of your mental Virtues, or selecting from one of your skills.

Maybe rolling a Knowledge (Occult) with the Enlight as base, to see if Cayenne detects sorcerous foulplay at work with the witch...
Either that or a Guile with Nemesis, to feel if anything's off with any of the two women's behaviour.

You are unsure if this is foul play on the old lady's part, or something to do with the bars, but your knowledge of the occult tells you that something is off about her cell. The bars themselves are made of ordinary iron, but each one is encircled with the tiny lettering of some kind of script you don't recognize etched into the floor, and the bricks of her cell don't look right. You'd have to examine each one closely to get more information, but you don't have that luxury...without opening the bars.

The old lady says nothing more. You return to the Felbreed's cell and he leers at the two of you.

"Are you still playing House with your friends the prison inmates? How precious. What do you want now?"

As you work the lock, Titania whispers to you, "Um, Miss, didn't you want me to tell you who I like?"

With a result of (5+1+2=8), you don't manage to pick the lock. You retrieve the iron needle without damaging it, and are able to try again.

Titania hesitates at first, and the Felbreed leans in to try and hear. But the girl speaks very softly, directly into your ear.

"I don't like him. He's scary. Not like a wolf or a big monster. He's scary like my uncle when he's drunk."

Edit: Titania gets a total of 7 on her skill check, which is a Normal result. The Felbreed gets one success on his Hearing check, giving him a result of Able. What this comes out to is that Titania's bad at whispering, and the Felbreed can obviously hear something which is not that quiet.

"No surprises there," the Felbreed says with a sneer, "I'll enjoy hearing about what the guards do to a couple of girls outside their cages."

"Since you are curious," the big man answers the unasked question, "they trussed me up like rawhide and let the Sun burn my eyes out."

You and Titania hear this as you return to his cell, and once again behold the burly fella with all the braids. The lock is about as easy to pick as the last one, but big and sturdy. There's no breaking this one by force. Not with the tools you have. Only way he's getting out is if you manage to pick it. Titania is in awe of him, but still hides behind you even though he likely can't see either of you.

10 almost hits Above Average, which would be needed to get through the lock. I'll give you a bump of 1 and say that the practice with the last two locks gives you an edge. The lock springs open and the giant is free.

Cayenne takes a step away from the door any looks at Titania, speaking to her softly: "You wanna go in there and get him ? He may need some help to find the door. I'm getting a feeling you will get along !". She waits to see her young companion's reaction, keeping a wary eye on the giant all the while.

"Hey handsome. The door's open. I'm sending my young friend in, so be a gent, will ya ?"

The big guy answers for her, placing one hand on the doorframe, then the other. Even when he's standing in the hall with you, he's hunched over. "Small space, I can get around okay." He opens a hand slowly, "I will need to know where the little one is, though. Don't want to...hurt her."

Titania raises a hand to meet him, and their palms touch. With her fingers fully spread, they don't even reach his. He jolts a little bit when he feels the contact, then chuckles. Sounds almost like a tiger growling. "There ya are." He quickly moves his hand away from her, like he's afraid of crushing her. "Name's Caedus," he addresses you, pronouncing it like 'kai-diss.' "You said to call you Black?"

Caedus shrugs, "For now, at least. I know where they're keeping our weapons. Mine for sure. My...er, I have a sword that I can find easy enough, whether or not I'm blind. Once I have that, I won't need much help."

Titania regards that with silent curiosity, but looks at you when addressed and nods appropriately, "Yes, Ma'am."

Your new friend points to the only door at the end of the hallway, "Through there. I can get through, but it will be a squeeze. You should probably go first, and the girl can follow me. Once you're on the other side, there will be guards, a hallway, and more cell-blocks. Don't be a hero."

"Hell yeah, they're armed. Shit for armor, but they've got clubs and swords. I hear the warden's a mean bastard, too. Never met 'im." Caedus rubs the back of his neck. "You're going first. Maybe me and girl wait while you sneak around. Get a feel for the situation."

The first Guard you notice is standing directly by the door, with his back to it. You could easily walk out, but he would probably see you, and would DEFINITELY see Caedus. He rolled Able, so he doesn't hear you sneaking around. The second guard is moving left along the hallway, away from you. He rolled Keen, but is too far away to automatically detect you, and Keen for him is about 12 (to your result of 18), so he keeps walking away. The third and final guard you are aware of is at the far left end of the hall, looking down that way instead of this way. He must be posted up to watch the corner. He also rolled Keen, but is more than 20 feet away, so he definitely didn't hear you.

We'll see how this method of mapping does. I may have to buck up and draw things, which I don't want to do. For your viewing pleasure, - is wall or not important; G is Caedus; T is Titania; C is you; g is guard; . is hallway; and X is a closed door. Not visible is the door you have open, because it opened in toward you and is sharing your space.