15 replies to this topic

[Mr Ennigma]

I've decided to take the plunge so here's an idea for an npc that's been rattling around in my skull for a bit. Be gentle.

Siluria

Race: Katane (Half-Vampire)
Class: Monk
Alignment: TN
Stats: provisional
Str: (above average) +2 |16
Dex: (catlike grace comes to mind) +2 |20
Con: (not sure, average) |12
Int: (at least average) |11
Wis: (strong willed) |14
Cha: (takes a hit here due to mood swings) +2 |12

Will romance male and female (if I can get a hand writing)

Personality
Siluria is constantly at war with her vampiric heritage (to the point it is almost a split personality). She can be feral and predatory one instant only to turn caring and concerned the next. To put it simply, she's very moody. Constants include a strong will and a fierce determination to accomplish whatever she sets out to do. She seems to take her pleasures when, how, and with whom she can. However, there is always a degree of distance. Sometimes indifference, sometimes hostility, and sometimes what appears to be...regret. She is aggressive when she knows what she wants and is confident in what she can give.
Her temper is fiery and can flare in an instant. Thankfully, the more agitated she becomes the stronger her eyes glow giving a warning of her mood. In battle, she is a ferocious fighter giving no quarter and reveling in the blood she spills. Treat her as an equal and she'll storm the gates of hell with you. Treat her as anything else and well....
She also suffers from chronic nightmares.

BIO
When asked about her past, Siluria shrugs. She tells you she remembers nothing except for the last few years. She was taken in by a mage who at first seemed to want to help her. It turned out he had alterior motives and subjected her to experiments (his word, hers would be torture) he said would reveal the answers he sought. This went on for some time but it seemed he could never find what he sought. Apparently he grew tired of the attempt and one night she found herself dumped in the slums. She made her way to the Copper Coronet where she offered her services as a pit fighter to Lehtinan. She has been fetching him quite a purse both due to her exoticness and her enthusiasm. Then you came on the scene and you know the rest. She seems determined to tell you nothing else at this time.

BACKGROUND EXPANDED
Irenicus found her in a feral state and was intrigued by her apparent heritage. She was more a beast at the time than anything but he sensed she might hold the key to lifting the curse from himself as well as Bodhi and cure her of her vampirism in the process. He took her in but she was of little use in her current state. He created the choker to do two things. One, it would suppress he beastal nature. Two, it made her his slave. A by-product of the creation process was an additionally granted "non-detection" property which shields the wearer from remote detection. At first grateful for his intervention she became dismayed when she learned what he had in mind. He experimented on her much the same way he did the PC but it seemed like something was actually fighting back. Everytime he thought he might have a grasp on what he sought it melted from his hands. He also discovered that when she was pushed too far, not even the choker could suppress her "Olath Dalninil" as he put it (Dark Sister). Worse, his hold on her thru the collar seemed to grow a little weaker as time went on. He was most perplexed by this. Eventually becoming bored with the attempt and hearing of other targets, he had her drugged and dumped in the slums. Siluria finds herself on her own and wanders into the Copper Coronet where a confrontation with a patron turns bloody. Lehtinan is impressed with her creativity in ending the fight and offers her a job as a pit fighter. Having no where else to go she accepts and her bloodlust truly stirs up the crowd and brings in the coin. Things continue like this till the PC shows up.

FULL BACKGROUND REVEALED
She is the creation of a necromancer (a follower of Velsharoon before he ascended) who was part of an order seeking to create stronger undead. Siluria's mother was vampirizied while pregnant and she was born soon after. Once she was old enough the order began to train her in martial arts for assassination purposes. While she took to the training readily enough she rebelled at the application she was to use it for. Thinking this a weakness of her human heritage and having been unable to duplicate her birth, experiments were begun to suppress her human side and perhaps the means to create more like her. During one such experiment, the order's complex was attacked by Knights of the Radiant heart and destroyed. There was a terrible thunderstorm that night and the magics used in the experiment seemed to draw in several of the bolts. The resulting destruction freed Siluria and gave her the means to escape. Unfortunately the experiment proved successful and while she was able to escape she was no longer herself. Her feral side in full control, she terrorized the countryside till Irenicus became aware of her.

SECRET REVEALED
Not Yet

IDEAS CURRENTLY SET IN STONE
*No Bodhi vamp-nap instead you will be able to either cure her "condition" or inflame it

[Urborg Vengrath]

The stats are good for a Katane. You might want to add some minor abilities to reflect her vampiric nature. In 3.5 ed the Katane gain health by feeding off of blood and have a chance of be turned or rebuked by a cleric. It would be a good idea to reflect on her alligment as well. She seems more choatic and less true neutral. The concept is good though and justifies her sub-race as well as her relationship to the Monk class. I'd like to see this reach a fuitful end.

[Sir-Kill]

Found this pic of Velsharoon. I could turn it into a bam if wanted

Edited by Sir-Kill, 14 July 2004 - 05:14 PM.

[yasu]

sorry this is stupid question..but...what do half-vampires and monks and half-vampires as monks look like?

[Mr Ennigma]

The stats are good for a Katane. You might want to add some minor abilities to reflect her vampiric nature. In 3.5 ed the Katane gain health by feeding off of blood and have a chance of be turned or rebuked by a cleric. It would be a good idea to reflect on her alligment as well. She seems more choatic and less true neutral. The concept is good though and justifies her sub-race as well as her relationship to the Monk class. I'd like to see this reach a fuitful end.

Thanks! I've already got her coded and in-game but I wanted to get some feedback before I did anymore with her. I'm familiar with the abilities for a Katane and have either already implemented abilites or have ideas on how I might do so. Thought about CN and she really almost has a split personality so that might, indeed, be better. Still trying to solidify her background and guage interest, hence pitching the idea.

Found this pic of Velsharoon. I could turn it into a bam if wanted

Thank you. You're the first person I think of for bam work and if I need any I will most certainly ask.

sorry this is stupid question..but...what do half-vampires and monks and half-vampires as monks look like?

No such thing in my book. Ask away. As to your question, here's the stock answer:
Pale, slender, black hair, pronounced canines, slightly pointed ears.
And here's the image I plan on using.

Edit: Removed the portrait for further consideration.

Edited by Mr Ennigma, 16 July 2004 - 04:31 PM.

[yasu]

ooohh....scary...

[BobTokyo]

So, I take it she's using the Naked Invulnerability rules? The more exposed flesh, the better the AC?

[Mr Ennigma]

She's currently not shy no. It was also another means of bringing in customers to the matches. Should you choose to "cure" her she becomes more modest clothing wise. As seen below. When I was coming up with the original concept these two portraits just clicked. It's all for the sake of story I assure you.

Attached Images

• 

[Mr Ennigma]

To give everybody a better idea of what I have in mind for Sil's personality here's the original joining dialogue. It's a bit graphic towards the end (violence wise) and I've made some background changes that will probably negate that aspect. The master/slave bit is most likely out as well. Does everything up to that point give you a good idea who/what you are dealing with or should I try and keep the gory details in?

SIL: *A striking woman appears from the back room carrying a tankard in one hand and using the back of the other to wipe a red sticky substance from her lips* You called? Then <PRO_HESHE> has agreed to take me off your hands?
PC:
A) I have indeed. I'm sure you will make an excellent addition to the group. By the way, what spirit do you drink that clings so to the lips? SEE SPIRIT
B: I have at that. Your skills could prove most useful in my search for a man called Irenicus. SEE IRENICUS
C) Indeed I have. I need aid if I am to acquire the funds necessary to locate my sister Imoen. SEE IMOEN

SPIRIT
SIL: *smiles before slowly licking her lips* This? It's blood.
PC:
1) BLOOD!? SEE SAYWHAT
2) I'm sorry, did you say blood? SEE BLOOD
3) Thavian Blood? From a tankard? Your constitution is strong indeed! SEE STRONG

IRENICUS
SIL: *stares at you pointedly over the rim of the tankard* Irenicus? Then it is good I shall travel with you for he and I have unfinished business.
PC:
1) Then you know of him? SEE HIM
2) How do you know Irenicus? SEE HOW
3) I care not for your desires. Let us simply be off. There is much to do. (END, Joins)

IMOEN
SIL: You *lost* your sister? *waggles a finger at you before taking another drink* Tch, tch, how terribly careless of you.
PC:
1) I did not *lose* her! She was taken from me and I do not care for your tone! SEE TONE
2) She was spirited away by the Cowled Wizards. I intend to find where they have taken her and effect a rescue. SEE RESCUE
3) Perhaps once you've learned more of the situation you'll save you're barbs for the enemy. Let us go. (END, Joins)

SAYWHAT
SIL: *smile turning into a predatory grin* Yes blood. The same ichor I assume flows thru your veins? Well not the same, this came from whatever is being served for the next meal...not what I prefer but it still slakes the thirst.
PC:
1) What manner of creature are you woman? SEE MANNER
2) I see...we will have to speak of this later. For now, let us go. (END, Joins)
3) Fiend! I could never travel with such as you! SEE NODICE

BLOOD
SIL: You heard true. *dips a finger into the tankard stirring slowly* Not what I prefer, this came from whatever is being served for the next meal. *she raises the finger to her lips before sucking it between them* I prefer it from a fresher source.
PC:
1) *eyes narrowed* What manner of creature are you? SEE MANNER
2) You may join for now but I will want explanations later. (END, Joins)
3) I've changed my mind. I cannot travel the road ahead constantly worried about what lies behind. SEE NODICE

STRONG
SIL: *shakes head slowly* I've never had the pleasure. This is from whatever is being served for the next meal. I would prefer the former but as none is available one drinks what one can.
PC:
1) That's blood!? SEE SAYWHAT
2) You mean that's actually blood? SEE BLOOD
3) I did not bargain for this. I'm sorry but I cannot travel with you. SEE NODICE

HIM
SIL: Scarred face, emotionless, penchant for leather? Oh yes I know him. I was his "guest" for a time. *there seems to be a soft emerald glow to her eyes now, though it may be a trick of the tavern lighting* I owe him a debt of pain.
PC:
1) So be it. Now what ale do you drink? It looks to be one I'm not familiar with. SEE SPIRIT
2) I seek him because he will know where Imoen is. I must find her. SEE IMOEN
3) As do I. Join with me then and we will settle our debts together. (END, Joins)

HOW
SIL: I was his "guest" for a time. *her eyes glow a soft green and not from the firelight within the tavern* I owe him a debt of pain.
1) Then we're agreed. Let us drink to the road ahead! I'll have what she's having. SEE SPIRIT
2) Your debt can wait. He knows where Imoen is and her rescue comes first. SEE RESCUE
3) Then we have something in common. Join with me and when we find him I'll help you settle your debt. (END, Joins)

TONE
SIL: *her eyes seem to flash green for an instant but it is quickly gone* I am...sorry. I meant no offense. My time here has been unpleasant and I am still on edge.
PC:
1) Apology accepted. I could use something to take the edge off myself. What are you drinking? SEE SPIRIT
2) Bah! I do not need you or your poisoned tongue. I will find others to join me. SEE NODICE
3) Let's forget it then. Gather your equipment and we'll be off. (END, Joins)

RESCUE
SIL: Oh a rescue is it? And from the cowled ones no less. Well this should provide much more interesting opponents than have been my want of late. My skills are yours if for no other reason than a chance to actually exercise them.
PC
1) Then it is agreed. First I need something to wash the dust from my throat. What spirit are you drinking? SEE SPIRIT
2) Very well. Gather your equipment and we'll be off. (END, Joins)

MANNER
SIL: Let me just say I enjoy the sun's touch as much as anyone and I will not go on a killing rampage simply to do so. Trust is a dangerous thing and until there is more between us my secrets are mine to keep.
PC:
1) Very well but I will be keeping an eye on you. (END, Joins)
2) Then you will keep them here. I don't need you. SEE NODICE

NODICE
SIL: If that is your wish. I will remain here till you change your mind. END

EDIT: Now reflects revision.

Edited by Mr Ennigma, 16 July 2004 - 04:33 PM.

[SConrad]

Judging from that dialogue, she's *NOT* TN. More like NE or CE.

It's a great dialogue, and a great idea, btw. Good luck!

[SConrad]

You might want to lower the dexterity, though. I wanted Khadion to have 20, and very many people thought it'd be a bad idea.

So my suggestion is, drop a couple of points of dexterity, and put them on charisma.

[V. Lokai]

Ok. My biggest problem is that as a female, I can't help but be offended by this character. O_o

[Mr Ennigma]

Judging from that dialogue, she's *NOT* TN. More like NE or CE.

As I said, that's the original dialogue. I've made changes since because I thought it might be over the top. I begin to get the feeling I was correct.

Ok. My biggest problem is that as a female, I can't help but be offended by this character. O_o

Neither my purpose nor desire. Send me a PM and we'll talk. Good or bad I want the feedback as it'll only make an end product better.

Why?

Because she is seeking a connection on an emotional level and the physical shell doesn't concern her.

[Longinus]

Don't make excuses for your desire to create an "ideal" female character (it's funny how a bisexual woman is a [cave]man's ideal woman). A character should exist to provide more than mere titilation, don't you think?

"The physical shell" concerns me and every other straight person I know when it comes to seeking companionship. If she's bisexual fine, but don't sugar coat it as if she takes a more enlightened approach to love.

Edited by Longinus, 16 July 2004 - 03:27 PM.

[Mr Ennigma]

Your opinions are noted and I happen to agree with them. Thank you for the feedback/concern.

EDIT: Here's some feedback I received at G3 and my responses. I hope this shows more clearly my purpose. If anyone still has concerns or questions then please feel free to PM me and I'll be more than happy to address them.

What bothers me is the overtly graphical portrait posted at FW which places much more emphasis on the bare chest and thighs than on the NPC's face. I am afraid that it makes me to doubt the purpose of the mod off the bat, even if dialogue looks worked on thoroughly. See, when you use a line like: A striking woman appears... you sort of prescribe to the PC how he sees the character. In my case if I saw this portrait, my reaction would have been for example: "A nude appears"... so you might want to leave the initiative to PC and go with "Siluria appears..." leaving to the player to decide if he likes the look of the NPC in question. Otherwise such epitet might irritate a player.

I've gotten mixed reviews on the portrait but as they tend to swing to one extreme or the other I've decided to seek alternatives. I sometimes forget the power of pictures and will admit I certainly did in this case. Thank you for the dialogue tip, I hadn't thought about that, but can now see your point. I truly want this character to have substance, I have too much respect for the community at large to attempt to create anything less.

I mostly agree with Domi re: the portrait. Vampire or no, there's not much logic behind the whole nude warrior woman thing, unless you're talking about a game set in historical Thailand or somesuch. Amn does not have the climate for it, and even if i did the amount of negative attention it would draw would fairly quickly become absurdly inconvenient. Sooner or later even the most sociopathic is going to get tired of catcalls and killing drunks, and even the most hardened tavernkeep is going to call the watch.

Thank you Bob. I've been considering giving you a PM concerning this very thing. I've come to respect you from your posts and wanted to know if it was simply the portrait or the content that concerned you.

But, you know, feel free to include it as an alternate for once you've got the right message across.

In retrospect this would have been a much better idea I agree. Chalk it up to inexperience on my part. I will strive to make more careful decisions in the future.

Siluria seems to not mind being a slave at all, and yet she certainly gave Lehtinan a violent retribution! Is that an intended part of her personality? Did she just hate Lehtinan or does she just love violence? Sorry if this is already answered, I only had time to skim her info...

Actually, I've dropped that aspect completely. After further thought I decided it wasn't needed. The whole thing with Lehtinan is out as well. I wasn't sure about it to begin with and feedback indicates it casts her in a light that is not what I want. She has a bloodlust yes but she is not a bloodthirsty monster.

Again my thanks to all those who have given constructive criticism. It stops a stumble from putting me flat on my face.

Edited by Mr Ennigma, 17 July 2004 - 08:11 AM.