Thanks for the opportunity ... Hopefully I don't disappoint anyone! Let's go "Speaking" "Whispering" Thinking
Gerta, Female NG Neanderthal Ranger (variant) / Barbarian (mythweavers still in work)
Details
Spoiler
Level 2/1, Init +0, HP 24/24, Speed 40ft AC 14, Touch 10, Flat-footed 14 Fort +7, Ref +3, Will +0; BAB +3 Abilities Str 18, Dex 11, Con 15, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 9 Racial Abilities +2 Str/Con, -2 Dex/Int; +2 Listen, Spot, Survival; Primitive Weapon Mastery (+1 attack w/primitive weapons); Climate Tolerant (No Fort saves for -20 to 140 F, counts as Cold Endurance); Counts as Human; Illiteracy Feats Tireless (1st); Education (Flaw) - Nature/Geography Class abilities Lion Totem (Pounce); Alt Rage (Whirling Frenzy, 1/day for 7 rnds); Track; Wild Empathy; Favored Enemy: Human; Fast Movement (+10 ft) Flaws/Traits Murkey-eyed Skills (28) Listen (4) +7, Spot (4) +7, Search (5) +4, Survival (5) +7, Survival - Track +9; KS: Nature (2) +5, KS: Geography (2) +3, KS: History (1) +0, KS: Nobility (1) +0, KS: Religion (1) +0, KS: Arcana (1) +0, Literacy (2); KS: Local (4) +3 Languages Common Class variant: Gain Wild shape, as druid (Small/Medium only) and fast movement; lose combat style tree Weapons (Cost: 434 gps / 26lbs)
MW cold iron greataxe (+4 / 1d12+6 / x3 / 12lbs / S) 400gps
Spear (+8 / 1d8+6 / x3 / 6lbs / P) 2gps
Throwing Axe x4 (+8 or +4 / 1d6+4 / x2 / 2lbs / S) 32 gps Armor (Cost: 250 gps / 25 lbs)
MW Chain Shirt (+4 / +4 / -1 / 20% / 50ft / 25lbs), 250gps Equipment (Cost: 39.87gps / 36.5lbs)
pack (2gp / 2lbs); pouch (1gp / 0.5lbs); blanket (5sp / 3lbs); waterskin (1gp / 4lbs); flint & steel (1gp), iron pot (8sp / 4lbs); rations x5 (25sp / 5 lbs); whetstone (2cp / 1lb); tindertwigs x5 (5gp); sunrods x4 (8 gps / 4lbs); torches x5 (5cps / 5lbs); snow goggles (2gp); snowshoes (15gps / 8lbs) Money 176gp, 1 sp, 3 cps
Background:
Spoiler
Arra was the daughter of one of the families of reknown of Thenes; her mother held a minor title and land, and her father was Captain of the Guard. She was raised to look pretty, giggle appropriately, and avoid anything resembling critical thinking … at least in public. Behind the scenes, she was supposed to be as wily and conniving as a sewer rat or street whore. Such was the way of the city nobility.
However, for Arra, she found little pleasure in these political games and machinations. Instead, she spent as much time as possible with her personal guard, Gerta. Gerta was a large woman, a soldier in the armies for many years before being asked to take on the task of protecting the Captain’s daughter. She was a master of the greatsword, swing the giant blade with practiced ease. When Arra wasn’t attending balls, or dinners, or classes with the other children of the named families, she was with Gerta, who taught her to be aware of her surroundings, how to hunt and track a kill, and how to protect herself. The two were like sisters, years apart, but kindred spirits. Gerta vowed she would die before she saw harm come to young Arra.
During one of the particularly boring state dinners, Arra was approached by a small page who presented her with a letter. “Lady Arra, should you wish an opportunity to do more with your life than titter, swoon, and feign ignorant bliss, please join me on the balcony. I have what I feel is a most intriguing opportunity for you, and you alone.”
It was signed with a simple signet she recognized from a newly risen house, led by a reclusive world traveler whom few had met. He was supposedly a wizard of some skill, and rumors were that he had made his wealth by learning how to transmute lead into gold! Arra stared at the parchment for a moment, then looked around and slipped past the crowds into the hallway. Uncertain how this mysterious stranger would react to a giant warrioress, she said nothing to Gerta and found her way to the balcony alone.
Gerta was scanning the crowds when she caught sight of her ward glancing surreptitiously around the room before ducking out into the corridor. Frowning, Gerta moved to cross the room, politely at first, then more forcefully as the crowds seemed reluctant to move. Once she reached the doorway, she found the hallway empty, but a few wiffs of the air and she caught scent of Arra’s perfume. Quickly, she followed the wafting odor, but found herself on an empty balcony. Standing there, confused for a moment, her ears caught a faint whimper from below her position.
Rushing to the edge, Gerta looked down to see a bag swinging halfway down the wall. Growling, the bodyguard prepared to climb over the side when she felt a stab in her backside. Snarling, she immediately spun and struck the individual behind her with a blow from her outstretched fist. The man crumpled backwards, his eyes rolling up in his head as he dropped a long needle.
However, she was unable to stop her swing for some reason, spinning around until she fell backwards. Blinking, she saw another figure leaning over her, this one in a hooded cloak. “Interesting. Very interesting ...” The amused voice faded away, as Gerta fell into nothing and darkness until she could no longer see, hear or feel ...
A dull thumping sound kept pounding on Gerta’s skull until she finally opened her eyes. It took a few moments to realize she was tied down - she felt ropes and chains around her arms, legs and waist, securing her tightly to some sort of talbe. She struggled to move, but the restraints wouldn't budge. Even her head was fixed in place, so she couldn’t look to the left or
right, but it was tilted up at an angle, giving her enough of a view of the room to know she'd never been here before.
Across the room was another table, where a young girl was tied down with straps. Numerous tubes and vials were attached to her, but what caught Gerta’s eyes was the blue-green twinkle from her right hand – the family ring Arra’s father had given her a year ago.
Howling, Gerta fought against her restraints, but she couldn’t find any purchase to break free. A voice from her left indicated she was not alone. “Excellent, you are awake. Ah, I see, you are admiring my latest experiment. Isn’t it grand?”
Gerta strained to free herself, tears forming in her eyes as she struggled. “Oh, perhaps you are not as enamored with it as I am,” the voice chuckled. “Maybe in time you will appreciate the genius of this moment.”
With a surge of strength fueled by rage and desperation, Gerta managed to rip one arm free, turning her torso slightly to where she caught sight of a man’s profile.
“Oh my, you certainly are stubborn! Fear not, my dear. This experiment is not for you. I have something entirely different in mind for you.”
A warm, flushed feeling ran up her legs, blurring everything around. As she faded off into unconsciousness, Gerta heard the voice whisper, “Do not worry. You are part of a glorious future we are creating. You will see. Everyone will see.” As the world faded around her, she thought she saw something flitter past her, something that reminded her of Arra, heard a gasp and then ...
Gerta sat, over the wash pot, splashing water on her face. It had been three years since the old man had died. Three long years, free from slavery, from his control, from his 'experiments.' It had taken almost a year just to convince him that she was broken, and another one to walk unchained in his presence. She had saved his life twice before she finally earned his trust, and had been declared his personal guard. Of course, it had all been a ruse ...
The old man learned his mistake when he woke up, courtesy of a blow from behind. The pain in his hands brought him to first, and when he looked down he could see his hands were crushed and broken. He tried to rise, but could put no weight on his left leg ... most likely from a cut tendon. He started to call out for help, but all he managed was a pitiful moan - even gagged, he could tell his tongue had been cut out. She had neutered him significantly, removing his ability to work his magic. Smart. Well, not now perhaps ... cunning might be more accurate.
Before him was the huge woman he had wronged, the woman who's life he had shattered. He wondered how she would kill him - would it be quickly, with a single snap of his neck? Or slow, perhaps by strangulation, as she gazed into his eyes? She might even open his wrists and leave him to die in the desert.
Staring at her rage-filled eyes for a long time, she finally spoke, slowly as normal. "Yer free ta go, m'lord ... git along now, and don't be lookin' back ..." Even now, the researcher in him couldn't help but wonder at the changes since the completion of his experiement. He could see that the transfer was still impacting her ability to think clearly, but showed marked improvement from her original state. The way she moved showed she had complete control of her physical abilities, however, something he wasn't initially convinced would ever happen. However, in those eyes, those crystal blue eyes, he could still see the little girl he had stolen and put into the hulking body before him.
Suddenly she sighed, rose and walked out. He looked around the room she had left him in. There was an open pouch, filled with gold, on the table. A walking stick sat near the door she left open. Did she think he would remain crippled? All he had to do was get back to his laboratory, take one of his elixirs, and he would be back to normal. Then he would hunt her down; then he would show her how cruel he could be. Her screams would become the stuff of legends.
As he started to rise, a noise at the door caught his attention. Looking up, he saw a couple of figures hovering in the shadows outside, quiet whisperings and mutterings chilling him to the bone. As the first shadow entered the room, he saw an unsavory sort, covered in dirt and muck, holding a knife in his hands. The ne'er-do-well's eyes darted around the room, taking in the gold on the table and the old man's state. However, when they alit upon his shirt, they hardened, and he beckoned the others in with his free hand.
Glancing down with a frown, the man saw that he was wearing an old city guard tunic, and understood the thief's concern. He thought him either an ex-guard, or one on the payroll ... and therefore a liability. Stumbling back, he tried to deny the implicit accusasion, but could not do more than grunt and groan past his gag. The shadows slowly entered the room, then closed the door.
Arra was already half-way across the town, having never paused or looked back.
After freeing herself from the old man, the woman who used to be Arra had fled the city, uncertain what sort of backlash she would experience if she stayed. With her former life gone, and no prospects in Thenes, she had headed for the nexus of continent. Horrified every time she looked in the mirror, Arra took the name of the woman who had guarded her for so long, the only honor she could pay to her former bodyguard. She had worn her modified body for so long that it only seemed fair to take use its original name. As she ran, she eventually found herself in Renakor, where rumors of the League and the offer of a new start came to her ears.
After months of guarding caravans and bouncing inns, perhaps this was her chance at something more ...
Description:
Spoiler
Tall and heavily muscled, Gerta is a beast of a woman. Her arms and legs are well chiseled, but somewhat long and bandy. Her face is broad and square, with deep set blue eyes and short black hair tied back into a ponytail. She walks with an almost loping gait, like she's about to break into a run at any moment. When standing still, her shoulders slump forward, and she has to consciously keep her mouth from hanging open.
She wears a well-kept chain shirt, and a huge axe obviously crafted by a master. She also carries a number of small throwing axes, and a long spear she uses for a walking stick.
Personality:
Spoiler
Don't make Gretta angry. You wouldn't like her when she's angry. The girl who used to be Arra is gone, and now only Gerta remains. She was a smart princess, but the transfer process left her mind sluggish and slow. Only now does she feel like her mind is breaking free of the chains that have held her back for so long.
When she lets her emotions run wild, she is a terror. Lunging forward, she becomes a whirling, frenzied monster. However, her day-to-day demeanor is quite different. During quiet moments, she is nothing like the hardened killer she appears to be, but is almost docile - whether from shyness or low intellect is often hard to tell. At other times, she is aggressively forward, grunting or barking out her needs and desires.
Then, there is the occasional odd moment, that truly marks her as different, when she responds to a question or comment in a thoughtful, coherent, insightful manner the belies her visage.
__________________ 4-day weekend with no wi-fi. Posting will be via cellphone - sporadic and short. Back on Tuesday!
DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
Me: "Because I never embraced the strategic value of running away."
Hello everyone! Good to be on board! (It looks like I'll have a bit of polishing to do tonight, to get her last few bibs and babs together.)
Can I call dibs on a light azure colour for Chiel's speech? It seems to suit a daughter of the wind.
I don't know how much introduction is appropriate here, but Chiel is a flighty air-blooded Battle Sorceress, raised in Jenador and now impressed into the Renakor Foreign Legion as she flees persecution there.
ETA: Well, I was a bit too slow writing that, wasn't I? Perhaps a darker blue for Chiel, if Greta's set on the lighter colour?
Last edited by Ellisande : 05-22-2013 at 07:12 PM.
And Ellisande, you can keep the light blue and I'll go dark orange.
As for Gerta, she is trying to escape from a past that is comprised of tears and pain. The RFL offered a chance at a new life. Maybe here she can start fresh. Maybe here she can create a new life.
Maybe here she can forget about days past ...
__________________ 4-day weekend with no wi-fi. Posting will be via cellphone - sporadic and short. Back on Tuesday!
DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
Me: "Because I never embraced the strategic value of running away."
Short version: Hardy Harrison makes enemies easily because of his cold survivalist attitude, so he's getting away from foolish people who hate survivalists to go meet people who don't just like him wanting to live, but also want to kill him. ... or something like that.
Hello everyone! Glad to have been accepted into the Legion. Gurrock...has mixed feelings about having to put up with a bunch of humans (and a cat), but anticipates all the experiences of the aptly-named New World. He shall speak in Sienna, which seems to be the closest to his fur-color.
Sen Mao will use this one. She's from the Asia-land Nexutos, and she and her brother were run out on rails because they dared to ask if the river/water goddess they served came from foriegn clerics a long time ago. Currently enjoying the exiled life of a legionnaire, she's come out this way as according to her brothers letters there may be more Geshtai worshipers out in the boonies. And more catfolk.
I'm sure Gurrock will just love to have that explained to him.
__________________
"We understand that it's tough to tell someone you love them, but for the love of Robot Buddha, you are right now being chased by killer machines that are actively mutating hobos in their war to destroy you while the telephone of live-saving escape is screaming urgently into your face. A better (nay, perfect) time for this stumbling exchange would be after you've answered the phone and are back on your robot-free spaceship."
Last edited by tonberryking : 05-22-2013 at 10:12 PM.
Sen Mao will use this one. She's from the Asia-land Nexutos, and she and her bother were run out on rails because they dared to ask if the river/water goddess they served came from foriegn clerics a long time ago.
Freudian slip, or or just a typo? Only time will tell!
Just kidding, of course. My autocorrect screws with me all the time.
__________________ 4-day weekend with no wi-fi. Posting will be via cellphone - sporadic and short. Back on Tuesday!
DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
Me: "Because I never embraced the strategic value of running away."
(1d12)[3] Also, forgot to roll this. And please don't point out my typos, I get a little touchy abut that due to people in the past not letting me live them down.
__________________
"We understand that it's tough to tell someone you love them, but for the love of Robot Buddha, you are right now being chased by killer machines that are actively mutating hobos in their war to destroy you while the telephone of live-saving escape is screaming urgently into your face. A better (nay, perfect) time for this stumbling exchange would be after you've answered the phone and are back on your robot-free spaceship."
Last edited by tonberryking : 05-22-2013 at 10:12 PM.
All right, I'll happily vacate blue for sky blue, if Gerta (spelling right this time!) is genuinely content with orange. That leaves drack and maybe Guigarci to fight over proper blue.
Under feats/special. I believe it was earth/pride, with earth only readied for domains thus far. weapon, guess we'll go with an ax, though if you'd prefer knife is fine. (survival tool theme)
On a separate note, I've got a 4-day weekend coming up and looks like I'll be in Dark Territory - my in-laws do not have wi-fi (WTF?). Any posting I do will be via cell ... therefore spotty and short.
I'll try, it'll be Tuesday before my posting is normal. Well, normal for me.
__________________ 4-day weekend with no wi-fi. Posting will be via cellphone - sporadic and short. Back on Tuesday!
DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
Me: "Because I never embraced the strategic value of running away."
Under feats/special. I believe it was earth/pride, with earth only readied for domains thus far. weapon, guess we'll go with an ax, though if you'd prefer knife is fine. (survival tool theme)
I find I'd live longer with an axe myself. As a fun aside, a cleric from Entaurus would accuse you of being in league with the Demon Prince Gaz'zt due to your devotion to Pride.
The following Demon Princes are associated with these Sinful domains:
I find I'd live longer with an axe myself. As a fun aside, a cleric from Entaurus would accuse you of being in league with the Demon Prince Gaz'zt due to your devotion to Pride.
The following Demon Princes are associated with these Sinful domains:
-
And these Seven Virtues domains are associated with the following members of the Celestial Hebdomad (Book of Exalted Deeds):
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Fluffy.
Ooh, nifty.
Still, more persecution isn't much new to him, and pride is a great motivator to live. "I'm too _______ to die/fail/freeze/ect." Still his is the more stubborn subconscious kind that he doesn't much acknowledge as such. (The most heinous and demonic kind )
I find I'd live longer with an axe myself. As a fun aside, a cleric from Entaurus would accuse you of being in league with the Demon Prince Gaz'zt due to your devotion to Pride.
The following Demon Princes are associated with these Sinful domains:
~
Gluttony- Yeenoghu
~
Huh, didn't know the patron of the Gnolls was associated with Gluttony...makes sense, I suppose.
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