(YAY! Just when you thought the debates were over... Necromancy!)
Character:Name: Fellsoil Dreamender??? the Male Night Troll "Hrrrmm. This name will take some getting used too. If I decide I don't like it, I can ignore it until it goes away, or terrorize another settlement in hopes of getting a better one."
Physical Traits:
Arrow Lodged in Shoulder
Tattooed Arms "Prevents me from getting magic fatigued as easily, and even helps out a bit with casting. Also: Fashionable."
Springy Legs "I wish I could fly, but being able to jump like a flea and kick peoples ribs in is the next best thing."
Camouflaged Body "I can be invisible... at a glance or at a distance."
Hypnotic Gaze "I'm good at disabling a mortal's self preservation instinct... not so good at predicting his actions once I do."
Skills:
Eon Manipulation (+5) "Eon Manipulation is a family tradition. I hope to someday be as good as my father..."
Stealth (+4) "They can't escape what they can't see!"
Dark Manipulation (+2) "The night is my birthright and my greatest ally..."
Communication (+2) "Even for one as hideous as myself, a silver tongue goes a long way!"
Night Creature Empathy (+1) "Because it pays to be friends with other night dwellers."
Fire Manipulation (+1) "Fire is one of the few things capable of scaring mortals as much as I do. It makes sense that I should master it."
Plant Empathy (+1) "I can use this skill to navigate the forest... among other things."
Inventory:
A cursed bracelet of plant reading [+1 when listening to plants] (Worn, right arm, boosts Plant Empathy in some situations)
2 Bound Elves (Slung over each shoulder)
Steel Buckler (Wielded, left arm)
An Elf-Tooth Charm Necklace of Healing (Worn)
Alchemist's Work Outfit [Shirt, Apron, Pants] (Worn)
-A Soul Catcher Necklace (Worn)
-3 Full Coin Purses [Unsorted] (In pocket)
-28 Lockpicks (In pocket)
-1 Handheld mirror (In pocket)
-2 Large Rubies (In Pocket)
-2 Platinum Ingots (In Pockets, Straining Garmet)
-1 Human Brain of Phyros [Magically Preserved] (In pocket)
-1 Small Sack of Grey Powder Labeled 'Phoenix Ash' (In Pocket)
-1 Small Sack of Assorted Dragon Bits [Small Bones, Scales, Teeth, Ect] (In Pocket)
-1 Small Sack Labeled 'Warning: Gunpowder' (In Pocket)
-1 Book Titled 'Intro to the Inferno: The Scourge's Guide to Flame Manipulation' (In Pocket)
-1 Book Titled 'The Devil's Cookbook: Alchemy for Those Lacking in Moral Fiber' (In Pocket)
Thick Belt (Worn)
-Scorchedjade, An Artifact Rose Quartz Spear [Unknown Enchantment(s)]
-1 Large Knife (Sheathed, Hanging from Belt)
-1 Saber (Sheathed, Hanging from Belt)
-1 Steel Dagger (Sheathed, Hanging from Belt)
"I'm well equipped to handle any situation!"
Perks:
Magic Perks
Budding Animal Empath: You will gain the animal empathy skill if you succeed in 1 animal empathy actions, or successfully study it in a book
Improving Communicator: Your Communication skill will increase if you succeed in 1 communication actions, or train extensively under a superior communicator.
Time Displacement Specialist: Take a +1 to any attempt to send something foward in time.
Budding Fire Manipulator: You will gain the fire manipulation skill if you succeed in 2 fire manipulation actions or train with somebody who has it
Budding Lore Keeper of Notcheclaw: You will gain the loreminder [Notcheclaw] skill if you study her scripture or train with an instructor 4 more times.
Budding Priest of Notcheclaw: You will gain the Invocation [Notcheclaw] skill if you study her scripture or train with an instructor 2 more times.
Aspiring Water Manipulator: You will gain the water manipulation skill if you succeed in 6 water manipulation actions, or train extensively with somebody who has it
Aspiring Swordsman: You will gain the Armed Combat [Swords] skill if you succeed in 6 sword combat actions, or train extensively with somebody who has it
Bug Speaker: You do not suffer an untrained skill penalty for using animal empathy on bugs
Bird Speaker: You do not suffer an untrained skill penalty for using animal empathy on birds
Youth Speaker: Take a +1 to any attempt to communicate with a mortal who is under 30 (Or equivilant to being under 30 for non humans)
Reproductive Perks
Mature: You are physically and mentally capable of converting and impregnating mates. To do so you must spend a "Gift" perk. "Gift" perks can be gained by rolling very high, learning new skills, or through other supernatural means. If you create a child it may be born with some traits of it's mother in addition to whatever gift you use to conceive it.
First Gift: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have your four physical features. Gifts that grant more than two traits are rare, so this may be worth saving for somebody special. Bun in the Oven
Gift of Puppetry: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will be bound to follow your commands for as long as you both live. You will be made aware of any major changes to your puppet's health or location.
Gift of Hideousness: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will appear so unatural and ugly that it will almost always elicit a powerful emotional response (typically fear, disgust, or anger) in any mortal who lays eyes on it. Bun in the Oven
Gift of Inferno's Embrace: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will be able to make itself as one with any sufficiently large blaize. While merged with a fire a night troll is nearly invincible, has the ability to materialize anywhere near it, and exert some control over the direction and rate of it's spread.
Gift of Withering Touch: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have the ability to cause mortal beings to age upon physical contact. Humans can be brought from infancy to natural death in about 30 minutes. Dwarves take about three times that much. Elves and Goblins can be aged to physical maturity, but not beyond that point.
Gift of Amnesia: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have a hypnosis power capable of removing the last few minutes of a mortal's memory.
Gift of Battlelust: Can be spent to convert or impregnate a mate. The night troll created will have thick natural armor and the ability to enter into a martial trance when cornered.
Gift of the Left Stone: Can be spent to convert a female or impregnate a mate. Instead of producing a son or a consort, this gift creates a fully functional female night troll. The traits gained depends on the female converted or consort impregnated.
Recipes:
Drought of Perception Blotting: Causes the drinker to become invisible to members of a single sentient race unless the drinker tries to get their attention or is pointed out to them.
-1 Brain of the Race you wish to be not noticed by
-1 Fistfull of ash from burned oak
-1 1 Large Mug of digestive juices from a mammal
Other Party Members:
Gwendolyn, the Night Troll Consort (Healthy, Pregnant 9/10 Fear for Baby)
-Loincloth
-Oak Sword (Enchanted)
-Willow Sword (Enchanted)
-Steel Mace
-Steel Mace
-Wood Shovel
Cherlyn, the Night Troll Consort (Healthy, Unfamiliar with her own body)
-Black Thief's Clothing
-Steel Dagger
-23 Iron Lockpicks
Jimma, the Night Troll Consort Puppet (Healthy, Unfamiliar with her own body, Pregnant 0/?? Fear for Baby)
-Scrap Cloth Loincloth
-Steel Battleaxe
-Set of Steel Chain-mail (Don't fit, not equipped)
Alice, the Night Troll Consort (Healthy, Unfamiliar with her own body)
-Steel Combat Knife
-Steel Workman's Ax
-Coin Purse [33 Dwanmaiden Silver Coin, 3 Foghorn the Vile Aluminum Doubloons]
While mulling over Alice's fate, you decide to have a brief conversation with each of your current consorts. For inspiration of course. Since Jimma is around you grill her first.
Jimma is your puppet. No Communication Roll RequiredShe is 734 years old and was last married 240 years ago. She likely has children and other living descendents, but has no clue where they would be. After her last marriage she decided to do what many newly single elves do, and learn firsthand about another culture. She settled in a dwarven fort, and was ironically assigned the roll of woodcutter by the overseer. Jimma didn't mind however, she was neither religious nor particular good at plant empathy.
One day while out on her own collecting lumber she stumbled upon a camp of Kobolds preparing to sneak into and rob the fortress. Outnumbered 7-1 she managed to defeat them all without a single scratch, using only a copper woodsman's axe. Her deeds caught the attention of the mayor, and she was entered into the military. Jimma proved to be a natural with the war axe and within a few decades was the leader of her squadron. The then elf earned renown by playing a major roll in her fortresses war against the High Queen's Elven Alliance. She claims to have over 75 personal kills, not counting animals and beasts, not a bad record for a fortress that was generally peaceful.
When the baron died Jimma's name was tossed around as his replacement, but the mayor and some of his cronies objected to the idea of an elf in the nobility. Jimma chose to leave the fortress so as not to incite a civil war over a position she didn't even want. She moved to Everpine hoping that they would declare on the nearby allience settlement of Oakworshiped, but that never happened. Jimma has been living in the bachelor tree and rejecting all suitors for over 20 years...
Having heard the puppet's story you call in Cherlyn next. You ask about her past and preferences, and to your mild surprise the consort opens up to you.
1d20 = 11 + 2(Skill) + 3(Cherlyn is your consort)
"Honestly, I don't even know what I was doing in Everpine. I wasn't much of an Elf even before you changed me. I was raised goblin ya know? Was taught the kidnapping and theft were just and honest means of making a living. I value wealth and power, and not a whole lot else. And quite frankly I gain pleasure from hurting those in my way." Cherlyn shrugs.
"Not likely your goal huh?"You smile.
"I'm not entirely sure what my goal is, but I'm fairly sure it is not incompatible with you getting rich. You will fit in fine here. Nobody here will judge you on what you were."Cherlyn slaps you silly.
"None of that sappy shit please. Just cause I'm your consort don't mean I like you. Now then, unless we are looking to liven the tower up with an elven lynch mob and our own blood, we need to set up proper traps. I know a foreign army is attacking the nearby human town. I can easily raid their camp for components."You sigh.
"I'll consider allowing that." Cherlyn's new instincts may force her to keep the best interests of your bloodline in mind, sadly you get the feeling that she could start calling the shots if you don't keep a close eye on her.
Dismissing Cherlyn you send for Gwendolyn. The highly pregnant consort waddles in. You find her more than willing to talk about her family.
I'm not going to make you roll for simple conversation with Gwen either...Her parent's marriage contract is long over, they have likely moved on to the next stage of their life. She has no clue where her brothers or cousins ended up either. She does however have three children from her marriage with Goldtuber.
Dalia is Gwendolyn's oldest daughter, and is in the Elven equivilant of her late teens. Dalia hated her father and his elven supremacy, so she ran off to the nearby human town to make her own living. Last Gwendolyn heard she was a prostitute.
Her next oldest daughter is Chillia. You learn Chillia is studying theology at a tropical retreat far to the north.
"She is a sacrificial candidate. Her father is sooooo proud." Gwen says sarcastically.
Daryl is Gwendolyn's youngest child and only son, the Elven equivalent of 9ish. He still lives in Everpine where he is the Beekeeper's apprentice.
You change the topic and discuss her future plans.
"You know, your instincts will only keep you madly in love with me until that kid of ours matures."
"Bullshit. The instincts make me want to protect you and the sister wives. I love you because you are a better husband than the jackass who sold me to you." Gwen pouts.
"We learn from each other and take care of each other. The bastard treated me like a child... I guess in some ways I get to treat you like a child."You shoot the consort a smile.
"I am a child. Or at least I was until very recently. I may have more experience with being a night-troll, but you have more experience in the woods and in the world. Anyway, I still want to know what you have planned for the future. Night Trolls, like elves, don't die unless killed. If living with me were to grow stale, what would you do?"Alice shrugs.
"I'd likely go and try to conquer a small settlement like Everpine somewhere. Hell that might be a good idea for the near future. They ain't affiliated with any major government, and they have no allies... Hmmm... The trees say my old husband is preaching that we are here to punish other towns for forsaking to traditional ways. We can make a fool out of him by terrorizing hick villages!"You chuckle. Not because you necessarily agree with Gwendolyn's idea, but because her words have helped you come to your decision for Alice. She will not be arbitrarily forced to love you. If Gwendolyn can be your lover, and Cherlyn a potential rival, Alice can continue to be your friend as a consort. You send Gwendolyn away and instruct her to send Alice up.
---
Alice enters the room, and you can tell she is quite afraid. This is more than enough to set off your instincts.
"Alright. Lets do this; not for the sake of myself, or my bloodline, but for the sake of your safety, self improvement, and father. Just give me permission to use your soul as I see fit, close your eyes, and await immortality."The human nods.
"Right then. My soul is yours. You better make me into something I'd enjoy being."You smirk and pull her in for deconstruction.
"I would never intentionally make a friend as you unhappy."Alice's young soul is quickly melted and infused into her body. With in 35 minutes she is a puddle of goop sitting on the ground. Then with a fiery red glow you bestow upon your friend the gift of the Phoenix.
With time a new body is formed, with skin of sickening green, a beaked face, and wings of flame. Her general size remains more or less the same, but you know her wings will prevent her old armor and quiver from fitting. You might have to get creative if you want to retain her services as an archer.
The mental bit of the reconstruction is a simple and enjoyable task. Like most new consorts she talks alot about her past, but unlike most consorts you already know much of what she tells you. You do however learn that her mother is witch from the frigid regions far to the south whom Foghorn met at a social gathering of wicked casters in Dawnmaiden. Alice's parents are on good terms, but are smart enough to know that a marriage between two egotistical casters would be a doomed one. Alice herself chose to live with Foghorn when she was 10, liking both her parents, but prefering the temperate climate of Foghorns turf to her mother's frozen wastes.
"I wonder if she will try to dabble in your affairs when she learns of my new... condition?"Alice informs you that she wouldn't mind having a kid or two for you at some point, but that she would rather take some time and work on her own maturity and needs before she considers motherhood.
"Plus, I want to watch the other consorts screw their kids up first so I can learn from their mistakes!"
You end up spending the night with Alice and Gwen waiting for Alice's body to stabilize, talking about your respective fathers, and speculating as to the potential of Alice's new wings.
Despite the fact that you have two pregnant consorts and not a prisoner to split between them, you can't help but feel contented for the moment. Still, you know that tomorrow should at the very least be spent in preparation for tomorrow night.