Candlekeep Forum
Candlekeep Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Forgotten Realms Journals
 General Forgotten Realms Chat
 Fox-at-Twilight by de Bie and Costa
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Next Page
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
Page: of 12

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:18:03  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
So several months ago Erik and I talked about statting several of his characters. Here is Twilight. Look for Gargan and Tlork in another thread.

FROM THE DEPTHS OF MADNESS:
THE FOX AND THE DISPOSSESSED
By Erik Scott de Bie and Thomas M. Costa
Special thanks to Jared Rascher (a.k.a. KnightErrantJR of Candlekeep.com)

What You Need to Play
The Fox-at-Twilight appears in the short story, “The Greater Treasure,” in Realms of the Elves, and the novel, Depths of Madness, by Erik Scott de Bie, both of which are discussed by the author here: http://ww2.wizards.com/Books/Wizards/?doc=fr_depthsofmadnessinterview. Another character from the novels, the evil warlock, Davoren, was given official statistics on the WotC website here: http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070314

Twilight, a Trickster-touched creature, and Gargan the Dispossessed make use of information in the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, Monster Manual, Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, and Complete Scoundrel. In addition, their write ups include references to material in the Book of Vile Darkness, Complete Adventurer, Complete Arcane, Complete Warrior, Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, Fiend Folio, Magic Item Compendium, Magic of Faerûn, Player’s Guide to Faerûn, Races of Stone, and Spell Compendium. Although possession of any or all of these supplements will enhance your use of these write ups, they are not strictly necessary.

TRICKSTER-TOUCHED CREATURE
Trickster-touched creatures are blessed specially by Erevan Ilesere, the elven god of mischief, change, and rogues. They are nimbler, cleverer, and, of course, trickier than any normal member of their race. Some are born with the Trickster’s touch, others gain Erevan’s kiss later in life, but however these wayward creatures gain the attention of the Fey Jester, they are inevitably beings of chaos and misadventure.

FOX-AT-TWILIGHT
Yldar turned to find a mischievous smile waiting. He stood blinking, impressed with the vision before him.

Shifting her weight from one foot to the other sensuously, the moon elf was easily the most beautiful maid he had ever seen—on par with the high nobles of Evermeet, even.

Her laughing eyes were pale, of indeterminate color that seemed to shift with the light. Standing against her pale skin, the raven hair falling to her waist in a loose cascade gleamed like the sky at midnight. She wore tight black breaches, a white tunic, and a gray vest with a half cape of dark scarlet silk that covered her left arm. Only one hand—the right, in a scarlet glove—was visible, perched on a slim hip.

Most significantly, though, she wore certainty and strength of will about her like a cloak. Her gaze unnerved him even as it sent thrills down his spine, and her body.... Well….

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:19:02  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
FOX-AT-TWILIGHT CR 17
BoVD = Book of Vile Darkness, CAd = Complete Adventurer, CAr =Complete Arcane, CS = Complete Scoundrel, CW = Complete Warrior, FC2 = Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, Mag = Magic of Faerûn, PG = Player’s Guide to Faerûn, RS = Races of Stone, SC = Spell Compendium

Female Trickster-touched moon elf of Evermeet rogue 3/swashbucklerCW 2/uncanny tricksterCS 3/shadowdancer 4/divine seekerPG (Ereven Ilesere) 4
CN Medium humanoid (elf)
Init +7; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light vision; Listen +14, Spot +14
Languages Abyssal (Infernal alphabet), Celestial (Celestial alphabet), Chondathan (Thorass alphabet), Common (Thorass alphabet), Elven (Espruar [Elven] alphabet), Gol-KaaRS (Dethek [Dwarven] alphabet), Illuskan (Thorass alphabet), Sylvan (Espruar [Elven] alphabet); understand all spoken words

AC 22, touch 19, flat-footed 15 (+7 Dex, +3 armor, +2 deflection); Dodge, Elusive TargetCW, Mobility, Tumble skill, improved uncanny dodge, trap sense +1, uncanny dodge
hp 80 (16 HD; 10d6+4d8+2d10+16); defensive roll 1/day, divine perseverance (3d6+4) 1/day, light fortification (25% negate critical hit or sneak attack)
Immune sleep
Resist evasion, nondetection, sacred defense +2, tricky defense +1
Fort +10, +14 against poison (+18 against locklimb), Ref +26, +27 against traps, Will +9, +11 against enchantments

Speed 40 ft. (8 squares) in boots; base speed 30 ft.; shadow jump
Melee Neveren’s Betrayal (+1 hizagkuurMag rapier; see below) +20/+15/+10 (1d6+1+1 electricity +1 fire +6 insightful strike/18-20)
Ranged +1 hand crossbow +20 (1d4+1/19-20 plus locklimb poison)
Base Atk +12; Grp +12
Atk Options Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Elusive TargetCW, feint as a move action, insightful strike (+6 dmg), poison (locklimb, DC 19, paralysis 2d6 rds/paralysis 2d6 minutes; see below), sneak attack (+2 atk, +3d6+2 dmg)
Special Actions favorite tricks (Acrobatic Backstab, Group Fakeout, Shrouded Dance), skill tricks
Combat Gear Erevan’s shroud (see below), Neveren’s Betrayal (see below), 4 doses of locklimb poison

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 16th; Concentration +1):
3/day—detect law or detect magic
(CL 8th; Concentration +1):
1/day—locate creature, locate object
(CL 4th; Concentration +1):
1/day—shadow illusion (as silent image; DC 14)

Abilities Str 11 (+0), Dex 24 (+7, 22 without gauntlet), Con 12 (+1), Int 22 (+6), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 18 (+4, 16 without cape)
SQ able to notice secret and concealed doors, bardic knowledge +10, class features, grace +1, hide in plain sight, sacred stealth, summon shadow, thwart magic traps, trapfinding

Feats Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Elusive TargetCW, FreerunnerB CS, Mobility, Stealthy, Weapon FinesseB

Skills Balance +14, Bluff +19 (+21 to feint in combat), Climb +15, Decipher Script +21, Diplomacy +13, Disable Device +18 (+21 to disable or bypass magic traps), Disguise +4 (+6 to act in character), Gather Information +10, Hide +24, Intimidate +6, Jump +16, Knowledge (religion) +9, Listen +14, Move Silently +24, Open Lock +19, Perform (dance) +9, Search +20 (+23 to locate magic traps), Sense Motive +15, Sleight of Hand +14, Spot +14, Survival +0 (+2 when following tracks), Tumble +24
Skill Tricks*, CS Acrobatic Backstab, Back on Your Feet, Corner Perch, Group Fakeout, Nimble Charge, Shrouded Dance, Speedy AscentB, Social Recovery, Timely Misdirection, Twisted Charge, Walk the Walls, Wall JumperB
*Skill tricks are described in detail on pages 82-90 of Complete Scoundrel.

Possessions combat gear plus earring of comprehend languages (see below), padded dueling leathers (+2 light fortification padded armor), ring of protection +2, rake’s cape +2 (see below), boots of striding and springing, Neveren’s Betrayal (see below), +1 hand crossbow with 20 bolts, rake’s gauntlet (as gloves of dexterity +2), masterwork thieves tools, and about 2000 gp worth of other gear, such as cure potions, a hand mirror and other utility items, jewelry, and coin. Twilight has been known to use a variety of non-magical equipment to supplement her deceptive and “tricky” fighting style, including spring-loaded blades and various non-lethal poisons found in sources such as Complete Scoundrel.
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:20:07  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Class Features From her uncanny trickster levels, Twilight gains swashbuckler and shadowdancer class features and treats her effective swashbuckler and shadowdancer class levels as if she were one level higher in both classes.

Darkvision (Su) Twilight can see as if she were affected a by permanent darkvision spell.

Defensive Roll (Ex) Once per day, when Twilight would be reduced to 0 hit points or less by damage in combat (from a weapon or other blow, not a spell or special ability), she can make a Reflex saving throw (DC = damage dealt) to take only half damage from the blow. She must be aware of the attack and able to react to it and not be denied her Dexterity bonus to AC in order to execute her defensive roll.

Divine Perseverance (Su) Once per day, if Twilight is brought to -1 hit points or lower, she automatically heals 3d6 + her Charisma bonus hit points.
Elusive TargetCW This feat enables Twilight the use of three tactical maneuvers.
Negate Power Attack: If Twilight designates a specific foe to be affected by her Dodge feat and that foe uses the Power Attack feat against her, that foe gains no bonuses on damage rolls, but still takes the penalty on the attack.
Diverting Defense: If Twilight is flanked and designates one of the flanking attackers to be affected by her Dodge feat, the first attack of the round from the designated attacker automatically misses her and may strike the other flanking foe instead; the attacking creature makes an attack roll normally, and its ally is considered flat-footed. If the designated attacker is making a full attack against Twilight, its subsequent attacks function normally.
Cause Overreach: If Twilight provokes an attack of opportunity from a foe by moving out of a threatened square and that foe misses her, she can make a free trip attempt against this foe, and the foe does not get a chance to trip her if her attempt fails.
Favorite Tricks (Ex) Twilight can use Acrobatic Backstab, Group Fakeout, and Shrouded Dance twice per encounter.

Grace (Ex) Twilight gains a +1 competence bonus on Reflex saves (included above).

Hide in Plain Sight (Su) Twilight can use the Hide skill even wile being observed. As long as she is within 10 feet of some sort of shadow, she can hide herself from view. She cannot hide in her own shadow

Insightful Strike (Ex) Twilight applies her Intelligence bonus (if any) as a bonus on damage rolls with any light weapons or weapons that can be used with Weapon Finesse (included above). Targets immune to sneak attacks or critical hits are immune to the insightful strike. Twilight cannot use this ability when wearing medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.

Sacred Defense (Ex) Twilight gains a +2 bonus on saving throws against divine spells, as well as the spell-like and supernatural abilities of outsiders.
Sacred Stealth (Su) As a standard action, Twilight can grant herself a +10 sacred bonus on Hide and Move Silently checks for 8 minutes. The duration need not be consecutive.

Shadow Jump (Su) Twilight can travel between shadows as if by means of a dimension door spell, except she must begin and end in an area with at least some shadow and can jump a total of 20 feet each day.
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:20:57  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Summon Shadow (Su) Twilight can summon a chaotic neutral shadow that cannot create spawn or be turned, rebuked, or commanded by a third party. If Twilight’s shadow companion is destroyed, or Twilight chooses to dismiss it, Twilight must attempt a DC 15 Fortitude save. If the saving throw fails, Twilight loses 200 experience points per shadowdancer level. A successful saving throw reduces the loss by half, to 100 XP per prestige class level. Twilight’s XP total can never go below 0 as the result of a shadow’s dismissal or destruction. A destroyed or dismissed shadow companion cannot be replaced for 30 days. Twilight’s shadow, being so difficult to detect, makes for a natural scout or spy. Twilight rarely uses her shadow companion in combat, and then only to complement her own fighting style (to aid her in flanking, etc). It has been known to take refuge in Twilight’s own shadow.

****
Shadow Companion; CR —
CN Medium undead (incorporeal)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Listen +7, Spot +7
Languages communicate intelligibly with Twilight

AC 13, touch 13, flat-footed 11 (+2 Dex, +1 deflection); Dodge
Miss Chance 50% (incorporeal)
hp 19 (3 HD; 3d12)
Immune turning, undead immunities (mind-affecting, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning, disease, death effects, critical hits, nonlethal damage, ability drain, energy drain, physical ability damage, fatigue, exhaustion)
Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4

Speed fly 40 ft. (8 squares)
Melee incorporeal touch +3 (1d6 Str)
Base Atk +1; Grp —
Atk Options strength damage

Abilities Str — (+0), Dex 14 (+2), Con — (+0), Int 6 (-2), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 13 (+1)
SQ incorporeal traits, undead traits
Feats Alertness, Dodge
Skills Hide +8 (+12 in shadowy illumination, +4 in brightly lit areas), Listen +7, Search +4, Spot +7

Strength Damage (Su) The touch of a shadow deals 1d6 points of Strength damage to a living foe. A creature reduced to Strength 0 by a shadow dies. This is a negative energy effect.
*****

Thwart Magic Trap (Ex) Twilight gains a +3 bonus on all Disable Device and Search checks made to locate, disable, or bypass magic traps (included above).

Tricky Defense (Ex) In any round when Twilight performs a skill trick, she gains a +1 competence bonus on saving throws until the start of her next turn.
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:23:09  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Hook “Four rules, handsome,” the elf said, holding up her fingers. “One: no questions about me.”
“But . . .”
“Two: no questions about the rules.”
“Ah. But—”
“Three: no stabbing me in the back, and I won’t do it to you.”
“Oh lass, but I rather think . . .”
“And four.” She smiled enticingly over the final, little finger. “No falling in love with me.”

Duelist and thief, con artist and seducer of the first order, the Fox-at-Twilight relies on wit and trickery as much as speed and skill—much like Erevan Ilesere, the trickster god she serves so reluctantly. She lies compulsively, as much to defeat foes as to keep “friends” at a distance: half the stories she tells are incredible falsehoods, and the others are dangerously accurate. “Twilight” isn’t even her real name, but just another mask.

Twilight had the following ability scores before racial and template adjustments, Hit Dice ability score increases, and equipment bonuses: Str 11, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.

Physical Description
Twilight (or ‘Light, as some call her) is petite but not tiny—5’3”, just shorter than the average elf or human woman. Her body is lithe and wiry, not overly muscular but carrying hardly any fat. She has been called beautiful by some, only handsome by others, but all agree that her charm and allure is palpable. She possesses light-colored eyes of that particular shade that changes depending on the light, often seeming to reflect her mood, and long blue-black hair she wears in a braid to her waist. She bears several scars (in particular the mark of a sword-thrust through her chest), which she covers with clothing, and a number of tattoos (three known: Erevan’s symbol in gold at the base of her spine, a gray-silver fox on her lower belly, a line of arcane runes that trace down the inside of her right leg) that she often does not cover.

Though she always dresses for the occasion, at leisure, Twilight dresses stylishly in the flashy colors of a professional duelist, wears a number of earrings, and favors tight breeches, billowing blouses, wide-brimmed hats, and her own scarlet cape and dueling gauntlet. Twilight frequents the best clothiers and tailors in the Realms so as to enhance her wardrobe (generally with stolen coin), though she has never been known to wear a lady’s dress (though there have been rumors).

Background and Relevant History
Twilight’s history is almost completely unknown—what fragments are known might well be lies she herself perpetuated. Though “a lady never tells,” from her youthful appearance, one can guess that she is around 80-90 years of age. It is also clear that she is uncomfortable with her elven heritage, preferring to “live fast like a human.” Originally from Evermeet, Twilight ran away from home as a child some time in the early fourteenth century and has lived completely by her wits ever since. She appears to have earned her “title” amongst humans, perhaps those of the North—in particular, certain stories circulate among some of the Uthgardt tribes about a fey “Silver Fox” with “moonlight” in her hair. Whether this is a reference to Twilight or not, no one is certain, and she just smiles and pretends never to have heard of it when asked.

Twilight trusts no one and relies on nothing. She weaves a web of truths, half-truths, half-lies, lies, and shameless lies, both to make herself seem bigger and more important than she truly is and as a defense to keep others at a distance. When someone can cut through her lies, however, her composure quickly erodes, to be replaced by a haunted but beautiful kind of wrath. She is her own woman; she thinks her own way and damned if anyone is going to hold her back. In a way, Twilight seems much like the humans she’s lived with most of her life, lacking the perspective and serenity of her heritage. Also like a human, she sleeps most nights, rather than taking Reverie (some elves think her insane, and Twilight doesn’t care). Life for her is a struggle to stay one step ahead of danger—and to look fabulous doing it.

On those occasions she sells her thieving services, Twilight makes little distinction about who she serves. For example, in Elversult, 1362, Year of the Helm, she stole an elven relic to give to a cult of demon worshippers, then stole it right back, along with two elves from Evermeet: Yldar (male CG sun elf fighter 2/rogue 3/wizard 5) and Cythara Nathalan (NE sun elf wizard 11/thrall of Graz'zt 4).
In Hammer of 1375 DR, Year of Risen Elfkin, Twilight discovered Negarath, the Depths of Madness, a fallen Netherese enclave, beneath the sands of Anauroch, from which she barely escaped with her life, her sanity, and a new companion, the exiled goliath Gargan the Dispossessed (male CG goliathRS barbarianRS 1/ranger 6/goliath liberatorRS 4/tempestCAd 5; see below).
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36779 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:23:46  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
If all of this was compiled into a pdf, I'm sure Big Al would be happy to host it.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:24:06  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Notable Allies and Enemies
Twilight is not an easy woman to get close to—at least not for any length of time. She’s had foul luck with “friends” in the past and has been known to claim that a person can be only a lover, a foe, or both, never a friend. She uses people to get what she wants, though she is not so ruthless as to do it without compunction. (For all her need to hide from others, Twilight loves deeply and passionately—seems cursed to it, in fact.) Though her romantic entanglements are many, Twilight has few constant allies (though her constant enemies are many and hidden).

In the wake of her misadventures in the Depths, Twilight has found herself traveling with a goliath exile called Gargan the Dispossessed (see below), who seems convinced that she carries the key to his destiny. (A creature of few words, Gargan speaks almost entirely in Gol-Kaa, which Twilight understands both through her earring [see below] and having learned the language during their travels. Occasionally, she lends him her earring to use.) Also while in the Depths, Twilight had a brief but intense liaison with Liet Sagrin of Harrowdale (male NG Chondathan human elite warrior 5).
Unfortunately, Liet fell prey to the machinations of Gestal, a thrall of Demogorgon, and never reached the surface Realms again. Similarly, Twilight's other companions in the Depths—Taslin Sunrise (female CG fighter 2/cleric 9 of Corellon Larethian) and Asson (male NG Chondathan human wizard 8)—also perished, and the halfling known as Slip (female LG lightfoot halfling rogue 4/favored soul of Yondalla 9) vanished, thought to be the victim of another demon servant called Daltyrex. Twilight's mortal nemesis Davoren Hellsheart (male LE Chondathan human warlock 10/hellfire warlockFC2 3/disciple of AsmoedusBoVD 2; see http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070314), somehow escaped and roves the realms still, looking to exact vengeance upon her for his ruined body and sanity.

Since their meeting in Elversult in 1362, Twilight has had occasional romantic liaisons with the treasure hunter Yldar, an heir of the Evermeet house Nathalan (male CG sun elf fighter 2/rogue 3/wizard 5), but her general frustrations with her own race have kept their relationship from blossoming beyond the occasional dalliance. Around 1350, Twilight was a known ally of Neveren Darkdance, a Night Mask operative of Westgate (male N half-moon elf rogue 4/swashbucklerCW 3/shadowdancer 5) and his companion, Shalis (female CG Mulhorandi human bard 7/celebrant of SharessPG 5), but her relationship with the pair ended on something of a minor note. Also, Twilight often refers to an “Uncle Nemesis,” though who or what she means by this is unknown. Some suspect this is a reference to her erstwhile patron, Erevan Ilesere, himself.

Strategies and Tactics
Twilight delights in her guile and constantly tries to assert herself over those with whom she interacts, and she is secretly drawn to those who can compete with her. She avoids direct (or at least fair) combat when possible, preferring to reach her goals through wit, bluff, and planning. When pressed, she is an observant and adroit combatant, who relies as much on cunning and misdirection, as quickness and bladework, to maneuvers herself and others into the positions most advantageous to her.

Twilight is truly brilliant, and she is usually at least two or three steps ahead of her foes, as well as her allies. Rarely does she meet anyone by chance—usually she has scouted out a potential foe or ally beforehand and has planned for countless eventualities. She is adept at arousing jealousies and sowing doubt in teams, and she enjoys using her charm on one or more characters she meets (usually those with high charisma scores). In an adventure where she is involved, Twilight is always in control, whether other characters realize it or not. If her plans go awry, however, Twilight’s careful composure and affability (feigned or genuine) erode very quickly. She can be a tenacious and dangerous foe, and also has no compunctions about fleeing to avenge herself another day.
In combat, Twilight usually fights defensively using her Combat Expertise feat (not included above) and relies on her uncanny dodge abilities, Dodge and Elusive Target feats, and skill tricks (including Shrouded Dance and Timely Misdirection, as well as her tricky defense ability) to further enhance her defenses. She does not hesitate to use her evasion, defensive roll, divine perseverance, and the powers of her magic items, such as her armor’s fortification and her amulet’s slippery mind powers to further increase her defenses. She avoids fighting multiple foes if she can manage it, but if pressed, she tries to play opponents against each other using her Elusive Target feat and her skill tricks. When her divine perseverance ability activates (manifesting as a disembodied laugh only she can hear) to indicate that she is near to death, Twilight usually makes good her escape—since she has limited usage, she often saves her shadow jumping for just such an occasion.

Twilight takes advantage of her enhanced speed, Mobility feat, Tumble skill, skill tricks (including Back on Your Feet, Corner Perch, Nimble Charge, Speedy Ascent, Twisted Charge, Walk the Walls, and Wall Jumper), and if necessary, shadow jump ability to make her way through the chaos of melee without drawing attacks of opportunity, whereupon she relies on her high initiative score, battlefield maneuvering, stealth abilities (including her Bluff and Hide skills and hide in plain sight and sacred stealth abilities), Combat Reflexes, skill tricks (including Acrobatic Backstab and Group Fakeout), and feinting in combat to leave opponents flat-footed to her sneak attacks and force opponents to provoke attacks of opportunity from her.

Twilight makes clever and effective use of her hand crossbow, poison, shadow illusion ability, and other abilities and equipment in battle as needs dictate. She has been known to combine her shadow illusion ability on her shadow companion to create a mirror image of herself, which generally only lasts until the shadow is struck.
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:25:49  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Unique Items
Twilight sometimes uses a rare poison and carries several unique magic items, all detailed below. While only one copy of each of these items is known to exist, spellcasters who study the items in question are able to duplicate their powers in most regards.

Locklimb Poison
Derived from the venom of the nar’talas centipede native to Evermeet, locklimb poison has paralytic effects (injury, Fort DC 19; initial effect: paralysis for 2d6 rounds; secondary effect: paralysis for 2d6 minutes; price 250 gp). Long term exposure to this poison (10 poisonings or DM’s discretion) builds up a tolerance, rather than a true immunity, giving a victim +4 on all saves to resist its effects.

Earring of Comprehend Languages
Price (Item Level): 2,000 gp (6th)
Body Slot: Head
Caster Level: 1st
Aura: Faint; (DC 16) divination
Activation: —
Weight: —

This stud is a simple but beautiful piece of crystal set in gold.

This magic earring allows you to understand the spoken words of any creature with a language. It does not grant you the ability speak, read, or write unknown languages.
Lore: Twilight obtained this item from the cleric Taslin Sunrise (see above), a companion of hers from her expedition into the Depths of Madness. Twilight treasures this little reminder of the elf (Gather Information DC 25).

Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, comprehend languages.
Cost to Create: 1,000 gp, 80 XP, 2 days.

Erevan’s Shroud
Price (Item Level): 50,000 gp (18th)
Body Slot: Throat
Caster Level: 9th
Aura: Moderate; (DC 20) abjuration
Activation: — and immediate (mental)
Weight: 1 lb.

This star-sapphire pendant hangs from a silver chain and twinkles with an almost whimsical light.

Erevan’s shroud protects you from scrying and magical location just as a nondetection spell does. If a divination spells is attempted against you, the caster of the divination must succeed on a caster level check (1d20 + caster level) against a DC of a 20 (as if the caster had used nondetection on herself).

In addition, twice per day you can tap into the power of the medallion. If you are affected by an enchantment spell or effect and fail your saving throw, you can attempt your saving throw again 1 round later as an immediate action at the same DC. You get only this one extra chance to succeed on the saving throw.

Lore: Twilight refuses to say where she obtained this item or who originally made it, though she has claimed that it was created by Erevan Ilesere himself. Rumors, mostly based upon her sword, Neveren’s Betrayal, point to a certain Neveren Darkdance, a member of the Night Masks in Westgate, who was known to use an amulet of similar description and powers about 20 years ago (Gather Information DC 30).

Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, break enchantment, nondetection.
Cost to Create: 25,000 gp, 2,000 XP, 50 days.

Neveren’s Betrayal
Price (Item Level): 21,320 gp (15th)
Body Slot: — (held)
Caster Level: 9th
Aura: Moderate; (DC 18) divination
Activation: —
Weight: 2 lb.

This dusky rapier is made of a pale silvery gray metal and has a hand guard of silver filigree. A many-pointed, asymmetrical star decorates its wide, spiral guard.

This +1 rapier is made of hizagkuurMag. If you have the Combat Expertise feat, it provides a +2 bonus on Bluff checks to feint in combat and allows you to feint as move action instead of a standard action. In addition, if you have the sneak attack (such as a rogue), sudden strike (such as a ninja), or skirmish (such as a scout) class feature, it also provides a +2 bonus on your attack and damage rolls when you are making a sneak attack, sudden strike, or skirmish with it.
Weapons made of hizagkuur Mag, like Neveren’s Betrayal, inflict an additional +1 point of electricity damage and +1 point of fire damage each time they hit.

Neveren’s Betrayal has a hardness of 12 and 15 hit points.

Lore: It is known for a certainty that a blade matching this description and powers was in the hands of Neveren Darkdance—whether Twilight stole the sword from him, killed him for it, or was given it freely is unknown (Gather Information DC 25). The weapon was allegedly crafted by dwarves of the Northland for elves long before the rise of Cormanthyr (Knowledge [arcana] 25).

Prerequisites: Craft Magic Arms and Armor, critical strikeSC, insightful feintSC.
Cost to Create: 9,000 gp plus 3,320 gp for the hizagkuur masterwork rapier, 720 XP, 18 days.

Rake’s Cape
Price (Item Level): 10,000 gp (12th) (+2); 40,000 gp (17th) (+4); 90,000 gp (20th) (+6)
Body Slot: Shoulders
Caster Level: 10th
Aura: Moderate; (DC 17) transmutation
Activation: —
Weight: 1 lb.

This half cape is sewn from dark scarlet silk and radiates a certain sultry aura of decadence and passion.

A rake’s cape adds an enhancement bonus to your Charisma score and offers magical protection in the form a of a resistance bonus on your saving throws equal to +2, +4, or +6 (Twilight’s cape is +4).

Lore: Unbeknownst to Twilight or most of its other wearers, the rare cloaks of this kind that still persist have a place in the ancient history of elven civilizations in the Realms, perhaps dating back as far as the Crown Wars. The gauntlet she wears—a glove of scarlet leather that functions as a glove of dexterity—has a similar history and has been called a rake’s gauntlet. These items were known by different names then, though their function—as accessories worn by elven bladechimers (the equivalent of swashbucklers, today)—was much the same (Knowledge [arcana] DC 30).

Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, eagle’s splendor, resistance.
Cost to Create: 5,000 gp, 400 XP, 5 days (+2); 20,000 gp, 1,600 XP, 40 days (+4); 45,000 gp, 3,600 XP, 90 days (+6)
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:26:41  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
CREATING A TRICKSTER-TOUCHED CREATURE
“Trickster-touched” is an acquired template that can be added to any nonlawful, corporeal, living creature (referred to hereafter as the base creature).

Challenge Rating: Same as the base creature +1.

Level Adjustment: Same as the base creature +1.

Alignment: Trickster touched creatures are unpredictable and unconcerned with social conventions. The base creature’s alignment changes to chaotic, if it is not already.

Resist: Trickster-touched creatures are undaunted by poison or poison traps. The base creature gains a +4 racial bonus on Fortitude saving throws against poison.

Spell-like Abilities: Trickster-touched creatures can often sense the presence of too much order and structure, as well as magical auras. The base creature gains the ability to detect law or detect magic as the spells cast by a cleric of her character level in any combination a total of 3/day.

Abilities: Trickster-touched creatures are nimble, clever, and amiable. Increase from the base creature as follows: Dex +4, Int +4, Cha +4. If the base creature has 5 or more HD or levels or upon gaining 5 HD or levels, the base creature gains additional increases as follows: Dex +2, Int +2.

Special Qualities: Trickster-touched creatures seem unable to keep their noses out of trouble, and thus collect stray bits of lore from wherever their adventures take them on topics as varied as local personalities, the history and powers of artifacts, and the traits of monstrous races just as a bard can with bardic knowledge. This ability functions like the bardic knowledge class feature, except that the bonus for the check equals the Trickster-touched creature’s racial bonus + her Int modifier. Trickster-touched creatures have a base +1 racial bonus to their check, which increases by +1 for every 5 HD or class levels of the base creatures. This ability stacks with a bard’s bardic knowledge and similar abilities such as a Harper agent’s Harper knowledge or a loremaster’s lore class features.

Feats: Trickster-touched creatures seem to have an endless supply of tricks up their sleeves. If the base creature has 5 or more HD or levels or upon gaining 5 HD or levels, the base creature gains Cool Head CS, Freerunner CS, Sure Hand CS, or Sweet Talker CS as a bonus feat, regardless of whether or not the base creature meets the prerequisites for the feat. The base creature must still meet the prerequisites for its chosen bonus skill tricks.

Possessions: Trickster-touched creatures seem to come into treasure and wealth easily. The base creature adds +50% to the standard applicable treasure and/or NPC gear value of a creature of their HD and/or level. Player character’s beginning with this template gain this bonus to their character wealth at character creation, but do not gain future increases to their character wealth.

TRICKSTER-TOUCHED CREATURE LORE
Characters with ranks in Knowledge (religion) can learn more about Trickster-touched creatures. When a character makes a successful skill check, the following lore is revealed, including the information from lower DCs.

The base creature and its characteristics must be identified using the appropriate skill according to the base creature’s type.

Knowledge (Religion)
DC Result
15 This is a Trickster-touched creature, sprung of Erevan Ilesere, the elf god of mischief, change, and rogues. Erevan blesses his chosen with a kiss, which often takes the form of a tattoo of some kind on the body.

15 + CR Trickster-touched creatures can be of almost any kind, and they have greatly increased Dexterity, Intelligence, and Charisma. These creatures of chaos are adept at skill tricks.

20 + CR Trickster-touched creatures can sense the presence of law and order, as well as magic. They are highly resistant to poison.

25 + CR Trickster-touched creatures have a knack for getting their hands on treasure.

SAMPLE ENCOUNTERS
Trickster-touched creatures are nomads and adventurers. Although they often form temporary alliances and friendships, they are most often found alone.

The Fox-at-Twilight (EL 17): Twilight (see above) is found in a tavern, plying her roguish skills to seduce, thieve, amuse herself, and plan her next misadventure. Having heard of the party’s skills, she tries to convince them (using her Bluff, Diplomacy, and other Charisma-based skills, as well as her Social Recovery skill trick) to help her recover an ancient artifact of great power from an evil cult or noble (not for any altruistic purpose—she has a buyer lined up). Her story has kernels of truth, but like all of the tales Twilight tells, it’s hard to tell where the lies stop and the truth begins. She may or may not have stolen the artifact and sold it to the evil cult in the first place, for instance . . . .
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:27:43  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
ECOLOGY
Most Trickster-touched are humanoid creatures. The majority are elves, mostly moon, wood, and half-elves of various ancestries, but any and all subraces are possible, even drow—the Fey Jester relates to all of his kin, and is known for shifting his face and coloration to match any of them. Erevan has been known occasionally to favor aasimar and celadrin (see Dragon Magazine #350 [December 2006]), and a very few gnomes and halflings (though they are drawn to his fellow mischiefmakers Garl Glittergold and Brandobaris or Tymora, respectively) carry his mark. Trickster-touched humans have never been documented to exist—perhaps pure human blood cannot carry his brand of trickery. Non-humanoids have been known to bear Erevan’s mark, especially intelligent, witty creatures like certain dragons (particularly copper, crystal, faerie, mercury, pseudo-, and song dragons), fey of almost all sorts, and outsiders (particularly coures and other eladrin), though some magical beasts (particularly cooshee and tressym) and even raccoons (who are awakened in conjunction with the gift) have been blessed by the Trickster.

Environment: A Trickster-touched creature can be found in any climate and any terrain, though they are most commonly found in urban centers among others with whom they socialize, trifle, and sometimes victimize with a prank, theft, or worse.

Typical Physical Characteristics: A Trickster-touched creature is more lithe and beautiful than ordinary creatures of its kind. Erevan’s kiss almost always leaves a permanent magic tattoo (often but not always in the shape of his sigil) that may glow, tingle, or react in some way when touched or when the creatures uses its template-granted powers and abilities. (This mark has no game mechanics associated with it). Some Trickster-touched also manifest their “blessing” through other means, like a particular mannerism or laugh).

Alignment: Trickster-touched creatures are unpredictable in the extreme, and while prone to small kindnesses and rarely cruel, are far from paragons of virtue. Most Trickster-touched creatures are chaotic neutral, but some stay true to their good or even their evil roots, using their talents to further the cause of good in the Realms or indulging in spiteful and wicked pranks and deception.

SOCIETY
Erevan’s favor is as rare and unpredictable as he is, and not many of his “blessed” exist. Many communities, however, can tell a story of a special and particularly irascible child who caused quite a bit of chaos in youth—and in age, as well. In some of these cases, they have the Fey Jester to thank—or curse.

Trickster-touched creatures are noticeably different from others of their age. As children, they are smarter and faster, outwitting even the biggest bullies with a speed of thought that can only be (and is) a divine gift. They are also very, very glib, and rarely is a young trickster caught in a lie, even by the cleverest and canniest of adults. The Trickster-touched are prone to wanderlust and generally grow bored at how easily they dominate the world around them; therefore, they often leave home to travel far and wide, trying out their tricks and pranks on a diverse world. They tend to be loners, either by nature or by choice; misfortune and danger have a habit of following them and catching those others who get too close, all too often with disastrous consequences.

How the Fey Jester chooses creatures to bless as Trickster-touched is not known with any certainty—appropriate, for a being whose existence is defined by trickery. The Trickster-touched may carry a bit of divine blood in their veins, being the legacy of past dalliances, or they could be favored servants of former lovers, or their selection as Trickster-touched may have been entirely random and without (apparent) purpose. All that is known for certain about the Trickster-touched is that, once Erevan blesses them, their lives are never the same.

Some sages and learned scholars have theorized that Erevan creates these creatures in much the same way gods like Mystra and Bane create Chosen, but this seems to be patently inaccurate. The Trickster-touched do not carry any of Erevan’s personal divine power, and he seems to take only a passing interest in them—usually just the one moment in which he confers his mixed “blessing.” If indeed Erevan Ilesere has one or more Chosen, he has yet to reveal them.

TYPICAL TREASURE
Trickster-touched creatures have a knack for getting their hands on . . . stuff. Sometimes this is due to sticky fingers and, other times, their subtle manipulations of others to their best business advantage. Whatever the reason, Trickster-touched have +50 percent more treasure than standard for the creature’s Challenge Rating and/or level. This treasure can take almost any form, from valuable personal equipment and magic items to rich pieces of art and jewelry to valuable property and holdings.
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:28:47  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
TRICKSTER-TOUCHED CREATURES WITH CLASS LEVELS
The Trickster-touched’s skills and natural inclinations make them natural rogues, swashbucklers, bards, and scoundrels of every sort. They generally don’t view theft as wrongdoing—if one is clever enough to obtain something others think one shouldn’t, then one is entitled to keep it. They are drawn to luck featsCS and skill tricksCS and many take up the fortune’s friendCS or uncanny tricksterCS prestige classes. Some become capable wizards and sorcerers, and are drawn to prestige classes like the arcane trickster, magical tricksterCS and fatespinnerCAr. Some Trickster-touched pursue religious careers, and most are drawn (unsurprisingly) to Erevan Ilesere or other gods of chance and trickery. Martial-oriented classes tend to bore the Trickster-touched, who often see them as too serious to be pursued seriously, though they find comfort in the battle tricksterCS prestige class. Due to their chaotic nature, the Trickster-touched never pursue the path of the paladin or monk—any lawful vocation grates on their very being.

Level Adjustment: +1.

TRICKSTER-TOUCHED CREATURES IN FAERÛN
The Trickster-touched rarely captain industry or exercise political power—most are far too whimsical and prone to wanderlust to build the necessary capital. Thus, they are drawn to a life of random but thrilling danger and excitement, both for entertainment and for their own sanity: they often become adventurers.

The Trickster-touched often find themselves at odds with the lawful organizations of the world. Like their Seldarine patron, they are fickle and easily chafe under the weight of tradition and authority. Almost all Trickster-touched creatures encountered will be on the run from one bad situation or another, whether legal or romantic. The Trickster-touched are inherent loners—some are fine with this, while some become rather morose. Invariably, they fail at most attempts to start a family or even settle into a routine with friends or loved ones. Even if their tricks and pranks do not get them chased out of town, the call of the open road is one few of those who share the kiss of Erevan Ilesere can resist. Trickster-touched rarely get along together initially—they share too much, and each sees the loneliness in the other—but those who can avoid driving the other away with pranks and the constant game of one-upmanship often become fast and constant friends.

Outside these basic principles, the vocations and lifestyles of the Trickster-touched vary like the whims of their divine “patron.” At least one blubbery old merchant in Sembia—one Halifar the Haggler, a half-moon elf—uses his silver tongue and the smooth manner of speaking granted him by Erevan for his own benefit, and has amassed a not inconsiderable fortune in coin, gems, and land. At least one pirate lord in the Sea of Fallen Stars—the wood elf Felissan, who may be male or female (the stories are unclear on this point, and Felissan seems to dress radically differently for every raid)—is known to be Trickster-touched, bearing Erevan’s symbol across the whole of his (or her) back. (In truth, Felissan may or may not be a copper or song dragon—tales disagree on this point as well.) The affable and dexterous rake Mellart, a half-drow who haunts taverns up and down the Sword Coast, is said to laugh precisely like the Fey Jester. Even if one has never (knowingly) met Erevan, those with elf blood know the sound from dreams—it is for this reason Mellart always tells jests and never listens. Rashkatar Moridian, a sun elf warlock who serves Beshaba faithfully, is also Trickster-touched—the irises of his eyes are shaped like stars.
Go to Top of Page

The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31701 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:53:56  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
This is fantastic work guys. Great stuff!

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)

"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood

Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage

Edited by - The Sage on 12 Feb 2008 00:54:34
Go to Top of Page

AlorinDawn
Learned Scribe

USA
313 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  00:59:24  Show Profile  Visit AlorinDawn's Homepage Send AlorinDawn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
ummm...wow, not much else I can say other than I am once again reminded how much of an honor it is to be part of this fantastic community.

Thank you guys
Go to Top of Page

Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  01:47:07  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Well posted, Tom! Three cheers!

Wooly, we could certainly do something like that. I think I lost track of your email addy, but if you PM me?

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Go to Top of Page

Purple Dragon Knight
Master of Realmslore

Canada
1796 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  02:02:40  Show Profile Send Purple Dragon Knight a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Again: bring on Alaundo's Format Polisher, (Transmutation [Law,Acid,Teleportation,Light]), Sor/Wiz 6, Knowledge 6, Bard 4, FR Designer 9, CK Webmaster 2.

Go to Top of Page

Penknight
Senior Scribe

USA
538 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  03:43:33  Show Profile Send Penknight a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Very nice, thanks!!

Telethian Phoenix
Pathfinder Reference Document
Go to Top of Page

Alaundo
Head Moderator
Admin

United Kingdom
5692 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  09:17:29  Show Profile  Visit Alaundo's Homepage Send Alaundo a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Purple Dragon Knight

Again: bring on Alaundo's Format Polisher, (Transmutation [Law,Acid,Teleportation,Light]), Sor/Wiz 6, Knowledge 6, Bard 4, FR Designer 9, CK Webmaster 2.







Indeed, Erik has kindly sent me this material, which i'll convert to PDF later and have up on the site

Alaundo
Candlekeep Forums Head Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct


An Introduction to Candlekeep - by Ed Greenwood
The Candlekeep Compendium - Tomes of Realmslore penned by Scribes of Candlekeep
Go to Top of Page

Zanan
Senior Scribe

Germany
942 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  09:46:46  Show Profile  Visit Zanan's Homepage Send Zanan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by TomCosta
Twilight had the following ability scores before racial and template adjustments, Hit Dice ability score increases, and equipment bonuses: Str 11, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.


That is "just" 25-PB, isn't it? Not wanting to criticise, but I always get the impression - even with purpose-built high level NPC - that the designers are hesitant to give these people anything but just about average ability scores. Which would be okay for the average monster or the average townsman, yet with people who have managed a decent enough career, I always expect scores to match their superiority. So once I decide on NPC (those created for a certain purpose, e.g. an established leader of a cult), I use a PB system in relation to their levels and am thus not required to hand out buff-items to show the NPC's superiority.

NPC levels / PB method
1 - 4 / 25
5 - 9 / 28
10 - / 32 or unique scores

Now, enough of my babble on ability points. It is good to see that you two spent time on letting us know about Fox! She certainly was one of the highlights in Realms of the Elves and I enjoyed that particular story very much!

Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!

Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!

In memory of Alura Durshavin.

Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more.

Edited by - Zanan on 12 Feb 2008 09:50:47
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  14:46:38  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thanks everybody.

Zanan, I have no problem making a PC with more than a 25 PB, it just worked out that way and I was happy it did. That said, a 25 PB is not supposed to be average by any stretch. Average is all 10-11s or maybe the NPC spread with a high of 13. There are a lot of campaigns that use a 25 PB for their characters.
Go to Top of Page

Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  15:18:14  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Zanan

That is "just" 25-PB, isn't it? Not wanting to criticise, but I always get the impression - even with purpose-built high level NPC - that the designers are hesitant to give these people anything but just about average ability scores.

That is indeed 25 PB, and let it just be noted that if you want her to buff up her stats for your campaign, feel absolutely free! :)

I myself tend to run major NPCs with the same build (scores and equipment) as PCs (naughty, naughty Erik!).

If you want to build Twilight up, likely you're going to want to increase Dex, Int, and Cha, their importance depending on what you want from the character. Intelligence helps a lot at her skills and certain of her checks (also damage with insightful strike), dexterity helps her in combat (both attacking and defense) and with a goodly number of important skills (like hide and tumble, etc.), and charisma is good for the flair of the character and to buff up those bluff checks. (Note the emphasis on that skill.)

Additional Constitution may be a good bet as well, to make her last a little longer in a fight. Strength isn't terribly important to her character, and Wisdom . . . well, flavor-wise, Twilight has a fair sense of cause and effect but doesn't always make good decisions, so average is probably about right.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Go to Top of Page

Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader

USA
7106 Posts

Posted - 12 Feb 2008 :  20:53:17  Show Profile  Visit Rinonalyrna Fathomlin's Homepage Send Rinonalyrna Fathomlin a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I have to admit, I like it that she doesn't have "killer stats". Also, two scores of 14 is actually pretty good by some standards.

I had fun reading about Twilight. At the same time, I'm glad it doesn't reveal too much about her. Twilight should be one of those characters who keeps you guessing (IMO, anyway).

"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time)
Go to Top of Page

Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  00:33:13  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin

I have to admit, I like it that she doesn't have "killer stats". Also, two scores of 14 is actually pretty good by some standards.

That was indeed my thinking as well. Tom and I did a little optimancy, of course, but when you think about it, Twilight is exactly the sort of character who would focus on her strengths and downplay her weaknesses.

She certainly has a few major strengths (speed and evasion, along with bluffing and thiefly talents), but she's also a decent generalist.

My favorite aspect of the build is that most of her skills rely more on natural talent (i.e. ability score modifiers) than on training, so a rogue of her level with lower ability scores could do better with more focus on those skill ranks.

quote:
Twilight should be one of those characters who keeps you guessing (IMO, anyway).

That O is mutual.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Go to Top of Page

Zanan
Senior Scribe

Germany
942 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  10:46:22  Show Profile  Visit Zanan's Homepage Send Zanan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
"No killer stats" ... well, I clearly understand your reasoning and points, rest assured. And I don't ask for improving her.
I just noted - not just in my games, where we actually roll for stats (or use PB 32), which is in turn the system I most commonly see amongst the gamers (though that can be just my experience!) - that many NPCs and monsters get quite an average ability set, simply taken out of the MM or the like. And once designers decide to improve NPC abilities, the latter's rather low gear "allowance" is either eaten up by "ability-buffers" or simply ignored. E.g., there's a top-notch 20th (22nd ECL) level NPC should not go by scores of STR 10, DEX 10, CON 12, INT 14, WIS 19, CHA 16, with no buff item included due to a couple of items which ate up all her "character gear". Thus, I would look to make a NPC special because of her/his stats (I mean, she IS special, else Erevan would not have chosen her - and personality - saying as it is - does not reflect in chara stats (beyond CHA)) too and hand her/him some more items instead of buff-stuff or adding templates. The last comment is not related to the above lass!
Yet, that is something for another thread.

Cave quid dicis, quando et cui!

Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel!

In memory of Alura Durshavin.

Visit my "Homepage" to find A Guide to the Drow NPCs of Faerûn, Drow and non-Drow PrC and much more.

Edited by - Zanan on 13 Feb 2008 10:53:29
Go to Top of Page

Kyrene
Senior Scribe

South Africa
716 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  11:23:42  Show Profile  Visit Kyrene's Homepage Send Kyrene a Private Message  Reply with Quote
If Fox's Rake’s Cape is the +4 version, shouldn't her modified Cha be 20, not 18?

Love the writeup regardless.

Lost for words? Find them in the Glossary of Phrases, Sayings & Words of the Realms
Go to Top of Page

Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  15:24:23  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
By the blazes, ye're right!

Base 12 CHA, +4 from template = modified 16 CHA, +4 cape = modified 20 CHA.

Tom--did we intend it to be the +4 cape or the +2 cape?

I admit that that was my addition--I wouldn't want to cast dispersions on Tom's excellent math skills.

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  16:49:35  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The cape should be +2 as it is listed in the stat block. The +4 listing under the magic item entry is a typo we never caught (my bad).
Go to Top of Page

Erik Scott de Bie
Forgotten Realms Author

USA
4598 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  18:13:06  Show Profile  Visit Erik Scott de Bie's Homepage Send Erik Scott de Bie a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Not your bad, Tom--mine. I'm 99% sure that's a typo that I created. Sorry guys!

Cheers

Erik Scott de Bie

'Tis easier to destroy than to create.

Author of a number of Realms novels (GHOSTWALKER, DEPTHS OF MADNESS, and the SHADOWBANE series), contributor to the NEVERWINTER CAMPAIGN GUIDE and SHADOWFELL: GLOOMWROUGHT AND BEYOND, Twitch DM of the Dungeon Scrawlers, currently playing "The Westgate Irregulars"
Go to Top of Page

Fillow
Master of Realmslore

France
1608 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  20:13:04  Show Profile  Visit Fillow's Homepage Send Fillow a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Great work ! really great ! as usual...

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

If all of this was compiled into a pdf, I'm sure Big Al would be happy to host it.


And what about this good idea ?

"Today is a good day to smile",
Fillow Big'n'Book Mahlemiut 'Lead-dog', Son of Garl, Wanderer of the Masked Leaf and Namer of Oghma.

- Fight in the arena and have fun ! :
La brute.com
- Feel free to take part to these projects : Post-Spellplague bibliography ; 4E index project ; Taverns and inns of the Realms ; Dogs of the Realms ; Descriptions of places in the novels ; forums, RPG, FR Abbreviations and Acronyms
- Come and have a look at the already asked questions from the Forgotten Realms Trivia Challenge

I am a French FR fan, so please forgive my lapses in English language and do not hesitate to correct me. Thanks a lot.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36779 Posts

Posted - 13 Feb 2008 :  20:33:22  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Fillow

Great work ! really great ! as usual...

quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert

If all of this was compiled into a pdf, I'm sure Big Al would be happy to host it.


And what about this good idea ?




Big Al posted it as part of yesterday's site update. Or you can use the direct links below.

http://www.candlekeep.com/downloads/tdom-part1.zip
http://www.candlekeep.com/downloads/tdom-part2.zip

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
Go to Top of Page

TomCosta
Forgotten Realms Designer

USA
948 Posts

Posted - 19 Mar 2008 :  12:27:11  Show Profile Send TomCosta a Private Message  Reply with Quote
FYI, Erik and I worked up Cythara and Yldar from Greater Treasure and Alaundo has posted them at the bottom of the Realmslore page: http://www.candlekeep.com/library/lore.htm

Thanks Alaundo.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36779 Posts

Posted - 19 Mar 2008 :  15:26:14  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I guess I've been saying Cythara wrong. I was pronouncing it SITH-ar-a.


Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
Go to Top of Page
Page: of 12 Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
Next Page
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Candlekeep Forum © 1999-2024 Candlekeep.com Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000