| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Diffan |
Posted - 05 Nov 2010 : 15:46:11
As the title implies, I'm creating a half-vampire for my friends continuing Shadowdale: Scouring of the Land campaign. We're starting up where we left of (After chapter 3 I think) and we're defending Shadowdale from the Zhents and possibly infiltrating their fort soon.
The previous character I had before is alive and well, but I'm just not feeling him anymore. He's a great character (LN male Chondathan ftr 4/crusader 3/prp dragon knight 5) with a great backstory and loads of magical equipment but I'm just not interested in visiting him again. Plus, I don't get the option of doing many 3.5 only Campaigns that I can actually have a PC in so I want to make it highly enjoyable.
This is what brings me to the half-vampire character. Firstly, i know the whole vampire = cool motif that's current in todays media (Vampire Diaries, True Blood, Blade, Twilight, etc...) and that it's been over-played to death but I want to do the whole anti-hero, rebel against what I am style.
So I need some thoughts as to where he might have come from. As a half-vampire, I was thinking of Daggerdale (he's from the Dalelands and took the Bloodied feat) but I'm open to other suggestions. Other ideas about vampires in the area and why he might be fighting against the Zhentarim are other concerns I have about the character as well.
As for a name, I kinda like Tristan Locke. It sounds....vampirish and Old School though I dont' know if it's very Realmsian. And his class levels are Marshal 8/ Warblade 2 then probably go into the Bloodstorm Blade for 10 levels.
As far as his +2 level adjustment is concerned, I used the buy-off rules in Unearth Arcana so my actual ECL is 10 (the rest of the party is either level 12 or ECL 12).
For the special attack feature, I went with blood drain because I actually wanted the Blood Dependency weakness. I think it adds more to the character, provides deeper plot hooks, and limits what my character can really do. Plus it makes him WAAY more vampirish than the other features.
I used a hybrid version of the Marshal for his first 8 levels. It's much like the Miniatures Handbook class, with Minor/Major auras, though they provide a better progression. In addition, he also utilizes the Grand Move Action feature but also has a host of new abilities from the D&D Wiki Marshal. When I get home, I'll post his stat-block and the version of hybrid-Marshal he's using.
So thoughts, suggestions, inquiries about the character and how I can add more depth to him are much appreciated.
Thanks guys! |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Diffan |
Posted - 06 Dec 2010 : 02:26:02
quote:
Originally posted by Arik
I don't know anything about half-vampire lifespan. At least as long as a human, I'd imagine. Possibly related to frequency of feeding, quality or quantity of blood.
I'd figure something like a half-elf's lifespan (there-abouts). The frequency of the blood drain would probably affect their life as in, the more frequent the longer life-span.
quote:
Originally posted by Arik
When is the calendar of your campaign set?
Vampires (one vamp in particular) featured quite a bit in Pool of Radiance, set by canon in Phlan by the Moonsea circa 1356DR. Zhents are somewhat active in that module, so they could've picked up vampirism from there before returning to Ze Keep.
The time is set in 1375 DR I believe. It's during the Zhent occupation of the Dalelands in the Shadowdale: Scouring of the Land adventure.
I do like the idea of him being from Phlan, and could possibly use that in his backstory.
As for now, the character is on "hold" as my fighter/crusader/purple dragon knight is still holding strong.
Thanks for the feedback guys. |
| Ayrik |
Posted - 05 Dec 2010 : 22:49:56
I don't know anything about half-vampire lifespan. At least as long as a human, I'd imagine. Possibly related to frequency of feeding, quality or quantity of blood.
When is the calendar of your campaign set?
Vampires (one vamp in particular) featured quite a bit in Pool of Radiance, set by canon in Phlan by the Moonsea circa 1356DR. Zhents are somewhat active in that module, so they could've picked up vampirism from there before returning to Ze Keep. |
| Diffan |
Posted - 14 Nov 2010 : 13:58:47
Definitly a good idea Kno. I'll add that into his backround. I asked the DM about the character and advised me that I should at least play my previous character for a bit since we left the campaign at a critical point and he couldn't just swap out characters so easily.
So he'll have to go on the back burner until the time is right to dismiss my old character (I said he could be called back to Cormyr since he's a Purple Dragon Knight) and *bam* it's vampire time lol.
Also, any idea about half-vampires and their age? I don't know if they live much longer than the usual person or what. Nothing was written in the Libris Mortis book that I saw. |
| Zireael |
Posted - 14 Nov 2010 : 10:04:14
quote:
Originally posted by Kno
He was created by the vampire Manshoon just after the clones escaped, before he learned to feed properly
Good idea. |
| Kno |
Posted - 13 Nov 2010 : 19:44:52
He was created by the vampire Manshoon just after the clones escaped, before he learned to feed properly |
| Diffan |
Posted - 07 Nov 2010 : 06:35:11
quote:
Originally posted by Bladewind
Heh, a Dhamphyr terrorist eh? Nice idea. His hatred for the Zhents could possibly be linked to his progenitor, a vampiric father/mother hailing from Zhentil Keep.
Not a bad idea. His father could've been the blood-sucker from Zhentil Keep and his mother escaped his wrath and fled the city. Giving birth to him in some farm-stead a couple hundred leagues away in the Dalelands.
quote:
Originally posted by Bladewind
Daggerdale could be interesting; the place was infested with vampires a long time before your character was born (depending on his age... how old is your character anyway?). In 796 till 996 DR the Merrydale (renamed to Daggerdale during this time) was plagued by vampires who severely drained the local population. This weakened state later attracted Malar lycans who preyed upon the weak on the outskirts of the reduced villages.
Exactly! I rememberd that's where Jandar Sunstar was turned (or at least, was there during that time) so I figured it would be a great place for his backround. Maybe his mother made it from Zhentil Keep to Daggerdale, had the kid but died during child birth and was raised up pretty normal by normal folks and farmers. But when he came into his heritage like increased strength, charm and looks, and that strange....other-worldly aura he gave off it was soon known that he wasn't normal.
I don't have an exact age for this character since I'm not sure how Half-Vampires age. As their humanoid parent or with no aging as their supernatural, undead parent?
quote:
Originally posted by Bladewind
The Zhents eventually came to the Daggerdale in the early 1300's to fill in the economic vacuum the dwarven realm of Thethyamar left after its fall (1104 DR; by the hand of the wizardking of the goblinkin realm Hlundadim). So its not a stretch for Dalesfolk to resent their monopoly on lots of trade.
I hope you're character can keep that secret secure... there are lots of undead hunter groups active in the Dales (for example Kelemvors Knights of the Eternal Order) that would have a hard time turning a blind eye to a half-undead abomination. I know my own undead hunting elf Lynx would not hesitate to slay Tristan if he didn't step away from the Elven Court and Myth Drannors environs.
Yea, our party consists of mostly goodly folk, and even a cleric of Lathander  . That'll make it extra hard for me to keep the Dark Secret.
And the DM ruled that a permafrost canister won't alleviate my Blood Dependency since it's required of me to drink 1 Con of blood from a living creature, NOT 1 Con of blood from a cold bottle....bummer lol.
Thanks for the post and help Bladewind. Much appreciated!! |
| Bladewind |
Posted - 06 Nov 2010 : 12:29:56
Heh, a Dhamphyr terrorist eh? Nice idea. His hatred for the Zhents could possibly be linked to his progenitor, a vampiric father/mother hailing from Zhentil Keep.
Daggerdale could be interesting; the place was infested with vampires a long time before your character was born (depending on his age... how old is your character anyway?). In 796 till 996 DR the Merrydale (renamed to Daggerdale during this time) was plagued by vampires who severely drained the local population. This weakened state later attracted Malar lycans who preyed upon the weak on the outskirts of the reduced villages.
The Zhents eventually came to the Daggerdale in the early 1300's to fill in the economic vacuum the dwarven realm of Thethyamar left after its fall (1104 DR; by the hand of the wizardking of the goblinkin realm Hlundadim). So its not a stretch for Dalesfolk to resent their monopoly on lots of trade.
I hope you're character can keep that secret secure... there are lots of undead hunter groups active in the Dales (for example Kelemvors Knights of the Eternal Order) that would have a hard time turning a blind eye to a half-undead abomination. I know my own undead hunting elf Lynx would not hesitate to slay Tristan if he didn't step away from the Elven Court and Myth Drannors environs. |
| Diffan |
Posted - 06 Nov 2010 : 03:34:36
Wow, no replies so far? No creative juices guys or just not in a sharing mood? 
Anyways, here's his stat-block. Hopefully this will give a better mechanical perspective.
TRISTAN LOCKE; CR 11
Male Chondathan half-vampire marshal 8/ warblade 2
LE Medium humanoid (human)
Init +8; Senses Listen +7, Spot +9
Languages Chondathan, Common, Dwarven
=====================================================================
AC 26, touch 12, flat-footed 26
(+8 armor, +4 shield, +2 Dex, +2 natural)
hp 108 (10 HD); DR 5/silver
Resist cold 5, electricity 5
Immune shaken
Fort +17, Ref +11, Will +13
Weakness blood dependency
=====================================================================
Speed 20 ft. (4 squares); base 30 feet
Melee +2 sweeping longsword +18/+13 (1d8+9/19-20) or
Melee slam +15/+10 (1d6+7/x2)
Ranged mwk longbow +11/+6 (1d8/x3)
Base Atk +8; Grp +15
Atk Options Improved Trip (+13 trip), Frightful Presence (Will DC 21, 1d6+6 rounds), awesome blow (flash them!, in the gut, shake them up, tire them out, slow them down!) (Fort DC 22), blood drain (1d4 Con)
Special Actions battle orders (11/encounter), grant move action 3/day, no quarter (+3d6), stand your ground (2 allies; 30 hp)
=====================================================================
Auras Known
Minor--art of war, determined caster, master of tactics, over the top
Major--hardy soldiers, motivate attack
Maneuvers and Stances Known (IL 6th):
Stances--Punishing Stance
Strikes--leading the attack (1st), iron heart surge* (3rd), steel wind* (1st), white raven tactics* (3rd)
Disciplines: Iron Heart, White Raven
* maneuvers readied
=====================================================================
Abilities Str 24, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 22
SQ battle clarity (reflex), break free, fast healing 1, minor aura, major aura (+2), unbending determination, uncanny dodge, weapon aptitude
Feats Ability Focus (awesome blow), Bloodied, Combat Expertise, Curing Wave Strike, Frightful Presence, Improved Trip, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Weapon Focus (longsword)
Flaw Dark Secret (You have some sort of secret that, if revealed, would make you an outcast amongst your society and companions. While this secret is on your mind at all times, it will come up in game play only once in a while...but when it does, watch out!)
Skills Balance +8, Bluff +15, Climb +8, Concentration +3, Diplomacy +9, Intimidate +14, Jump +7, Knowledge (history) +4, Knowledge (local [Dalelands]) +2, Knowledge (tactics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Ride +7, Sense Motive +7, Survival +9, Swim +7
Possessions Downfall (+2 sweeping longsword), +3 breastplate, +2 heavy steel shield, belt of giant Strength +4, cloak of Charisma +2, masterwork longbow with 30 arrows, adventuring gear.
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