Yeah, @Heindrich has reminded me of something--starting BG2 level can be as high as the maximum allowed by the 161k XP cap in the first Baldur's Gate. Feel free to use all 161k. The adventure is intended for levels 6-9 and everyone (except for vanilla thieves, I think) is still in that range with that amount of XP.
@The_Potty_1, a kensai 7/thief 8 is under that XP cap so that would definitely be a possibility for your character.
How do spellcasters determine spells? Are we going to gain xp in the game and/or chances to improve items? I chose to use one of the most powerful/famous items in Wuxia and proxy it as Daystar, but if we are gonna find even better stuff pretty quickly and I can't upgrade my weapon, then I might rename it so as to not offend the legend of the Heaven Reliant Sword! lol (I mean this thing should be like +6 in BG 2 terms, lol)
And @booinyoureyes, is your character based on your girlfriend? That's a very Chinese/Shou name. :P
Yeah, @Heindrich has reminded me of something--starting BG2 level can be as high as the maximum allowed by the 161k XP cap in the first Baldur's Gate. Feel free to use all 161k. The adventure is intended for levels 6-9 and everyone (except for vanilla thieves, I think) is still in that range with that amount of XP.
Ooh, that makes me happy.
Here's a picture with the updated experience. (Yay, I have six more hit points! :'D)
The gear that I've picked out consists of:
-Mace +2 -Sling +1 -80 Normal Bullets, 80 Normal Bullets, 40 Bullets +1, 20 +2 Bullets -Sylvan Chain +2 -Medium Shield +2 -Metaspell of Influence (that amulet thing that lets you memorize an extra 2nd Level spell) -3 Potions of Extra Healing -3 Elixers of Health -1 Adventuring Kit
@Heindrich (and everyone else playing a mage), I will allow you to have in your spellbook 1 more spell per level than what is allowed at BG2 character creation. In other words: 6 level 1 spells, 5 level 2 spells, 4 level 3 spells, 3 level 4 spells, and 2 level 5 spells (if you are a level 9 wizard and able to cast level 5 spells).
There will be XP and magical items and other sorts of phat l00t. Not sure how fast leveling up will happen though--that depends on the pace of the game. As for upgrading items, that's not an existing part of the adventure but I could try to work in a Cromwell-type character to serve that function at some point.
@heindrich actually luludia means "flower" in Greek! Though my girl does have a passion for flowers, she is only 1/4 Chinese (as you would say, "the good quarter" ;D)
@Nonnahswriter, you can also have 20 +2 bullets. And I won't keep track of any non-enchanted ammo, so for all intents and purposes you can consider normal ammo unlimited.
And yes it looks like a typical Chinese girl's name. Dian would be a fairly uncommon, but possible, surname, and lots of Chinese girls have 'double names' like Jingjing, Linlin, Bingbing ... Lulu. lol It's supposed to be endearing and 'cute'.
@Kalesra I think I get what you mean, but just to confirm, you have just pointed out how many spells casters can have in their spellbook, but memorised, which is (presumably) the same as their memorization slots in BG 2. I will add Jin's spells to his character profile shortly.
And yes I'd greatly appreciate a Cromwell... or u know, it can be something internal to the character. Where I might find a brand new +4 sword, I'd love if you'd just allow Jin to 'discover' deeper secrets of the Heaven Reliant Sword, such that it became +4 basic, +6 vs evil. (For example, I don't know what the power level of your setting is.)
I'd love if you'd just allow Jin to 'discover' deeper secrets of the Heaven Reliant Sword, such that it became +4 basic, +6 vs evil. (For example, I don't know what the power level of your setting is.)
Lulu could add an ornamental flower to the hilt...
@Heindrich, yeah the numbers I gave were for known spells. The number of slots for memorized spells are the same as they would be in BG2.
The idea of having a special weapon grow with your character is interesting. Kind of like Dak'kon's blade from PST. I don't see why you couldn't opt to have a single weapon that becomes more powerful over time rather than getting new, more powerful items. This lands you with less loot anyway (because you can't sell the old items) and adds some nice flavor. I will have to think more carefully about how quickly and in which ways your weapon would be able to change over time. Whatever the case, it would be in line with the capabilities of weapons that the other characters acquire as the module progresses.
I don't think my character will start with any armor. She is a pacifist businesswoman who does not expect to fight. She uses her staff for gardening (summons an earth elemental to help her) so has some skill in using it, and she has always practiced using her sling for sporting competitions from a young age. She's not really expecting to be attacked by Drow or forced to fight, so she doesn't have armor fitted for herself, and all her potions are healing or nature related.
She's skilled at healing and nature magic and has some useful knowledge, and has no problem traveling in the wild or in strange locations, but is also not really equipped for major combat. She believes in self defense and is interested in healing people and exploring wild terrain. She's an adventurer but not a fighter, if you know what I mean.
@Kalesra, is it possible for me (instead of having any armor at all) to have a staff that can summon my choice of an 8HD elemental type (Air, Earth or Fire)? Only once per day though, no matter the type.
The "Heaven Reliant Sword" (倚天劍) and the Dragon Slaying Sabre (屠龍刀) are the central and titular items of the third part of Jin Yong's Condor Heroes trilogy, which are amongst his most popular works in his 15-novel Wuxia series.
They are forged from the swords of the protagonist couple of part 2 (Dragon Maiden and her disciple lover, Yang Guo) and contain secrets from other heroes from part one of the trilogy and even earlier. In particular the Dragon Sabre holds the fictional military manual written by the famous (real life) general and Chinese hero, Yue Fei, and the Heavenly Sword holds the secrets to two of the most powerful martial arts techniques in the land, "Nine Yin Manual" and "Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms".
In "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre", all the warriors of China are searching and fighting each other for the weapons (without knowing its secrets) because of the widespread belief that "Honored by the wulin, the precious saber slays the dragon; it commands the world, who dares to disobey? If the Heaven Reliant does not appear, who can challenge it?" Or basically he who owns the Dragon Slaying Sabre is invincible unless he is challenged by the warrior wielding the Heaven Reliant Sword.
The two weapons are in fact metaphors...
From Wikipedia:
In Chinese culture, the Dragon is a symbol of the emperor or sovereign ruler. The full translated name of the Dragon Saber is "Dragon Slaying Saber" (屠龍刀), which implies that it is used to "slay the emperor". The "emperor" refers to the Mongol Emperor Huizong of Yuan in this case.
Throughout Chinese history, several monarchs have become tyrants, just like when the mythical Dragon goes out of control and becomes a menace. The Heavenly Sword's full translated name is "Heaven Reliant Sword" (倚天劍) as it embodies Heaven. In Chinese culture, the emperor is respectfully called the "Son of Heaven", which implies that Heaven is the ultimate authority in determining who will be ruler of China.
It can thus be interpreted as such: The secret in the Dragon Slaying Saber can be used to "kill" (dethrone) the (Mongol) emperor and replace him with another (Han Chinese) ruler. Ideally, a brilliant military leader can utilise the textbook to its full potential by staging a rebellion to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty and restore Han Chinese rule. However, if the new emperor turns out to be an incompetent monarch or tyrant, a martial artist can master the skills from the manuals in the Heaven Reliant Sword and assassinate the emperor and replace him with a wise and benevolent ruler.
Hence it makes sense if the sword 'improves', or offers Jin some new abilities as he levels up, given the FR setting.
I'm considering either a good natured but irresponsible dwarven defender who was exiled for failing in his duty or a deadly serious no sense of humor undead hunter who seeks revenge for the murder of his family by vampires. Opinions welcome
@booinyoureyes, I will allow that, since you're trading armor for that and since the elementals are significantly nerfed compared to the cleric elemental summoning spells you'll be able to cast eventually--let's call it a "Staff of Elemental Summoning +2". It summons one 8HD earth, air or fire elemental once per day (to mean a 24 hour period--you resting does not recharge the staff, as its abilities are not dependent on your mental state) for 1 hour. The elementals have the following stats (from the Monstrous Manual):
Earth: THAC0 13, AC 2, 1 attack/round, 4d8 damage (4d8 -2/die if creatures do not have their feet on the ground), requires a +2 or better weapon to hit, 1/2 normal movement rate, capable of leveling small buildings and bashing through (non-magically) reinforced doors. Can only be conjured in an area containing earth or stone. Air: THAC0 13, AC 2, 1 attack/round, 2d10 damage, requires a +2 or better weapon to hit, 3x normal movement rate (flying). Special ability: in an open space, can form a 40-ft (12 meter) whirlwind which takes 1 full turn to create and lasts for 1 round. The whirlwind kills all creatures under 3HD and does 2d8 damage to all other creatures. Fire: THAC0 13, AC 2, 1 attack/round, 3d8 damage (-1 /die for creatures with innate fire abilities, e.g. dragons), requires a +2 or better weapon to hit, normal movement rate. Cannot cross water or any other non-flammable liquid, and immune to fire damage.
Now, the elemental staffs also have other special abilities. You may choose a single type of elemental that will be killed upon being struck by the staff. You also have 10 charges worth of the following other abilities, and will need to decide how many charges of each ability the staff has:
-Sleep cloud (40 ft/12 m radius, duration 3 rounds--air ability) -Stone to Flesh (earth ability) -Fire Shield (fire ability)
Additionally, having an elemental under your control limits the use of the 3 charge abilities above. When you have an air elemental summoned by the staff under your control, you may only use the air ability (sleep cloud); when you have an earth elemental under your control, you may only use the earth ability; and when you have a fire elemental under your control you may only use the fire ability.
Smoke sunk lower onto his seat and glared into his drink. 'Bastards', he snarled, then realised he said it aloud, and glared at the people at the surrounding tables, defying them to comment. No-one made eye contact, and some started edging away. Satisfied, he returned to drunken self-pity.
He had been a student of the legendary sword saints in the foothils of the Spine, North of Luskan. They had taken him on as a foundling, and for the last six years he had trained with the best. Perhaps there had been indications that they were displeased with his progress, but he had always struggled to read people. Finally he had received clear indication of their opinions. A letter, detailing his abilities, and his shortcomings. 'Unchanneled rage'. 'Too fond of drink, and brawling'. 'REALLY sleeps with his sword'. Along with it, a rather good sword (why had they laughed?), a useless helm (why had they laughed?), a very nice belt (why had she cried?), and an escort to the gate.
Actually they'd been unfalteringly nice to him, but the fact remained that they had wasted six years of his life. 'No understanding of form', he remembered. 'Poor commitment to practice'. A 'heart of stone' felt more personal, perhaps even an insult, but it actually felt rather apt. He drank deeply, but as always, the drink just dulled his reflexes and made him aggressive, when what he really wanted was .. well .. what? The depth of his betrayal seemed to warrant some sort of statement, perhaps getting paralytically drunk, beating up some guards, and ending the night hurling in the cooler? It suddenly seemed strangely pointless. He sighed, and studied the people around him more closely.
Near the fire a grizzled traveler was playing a game of 'find the lady' with anyone who would play. Quite a crowd had gathered, and money was flowing steadily to the card sharp. Smoke wandered over, and watched the cards for a bit. The guy was good. Suddenly he felt himself 'zone in' as he did when the sword seemed to be an extension of his body. Part of him reeled with astonishment at this, but he ignored that part and focused on the cards. The lady flowed like a drunken butterfly, and the other cards tried to draw his eye at every turn, but he ignored those too.
'Fancy a game' woke him from his reverie. He started, and glanced around. The crowd had dispersed, and the sharp was watching him appraisingly. 'Could you show me' he asked. The man snorted, then laughed. 'I'll pay you' got a sneering response 'With muscles like that, you'll be too slow, and even if you weren't, it would take years to teach you'. Smoke said nothing for so long, the traveller shrugged, gathered his gear, and stood up. Smoke stood too, and said 'Which way are you heading?' ...
Falagrim had reasons for being proud. Youngest son of a long line of dwarven warriors, he was the youngest dwarf to ever complete the tough training required to become a shield of his prople.
So he did the only thing any sensible dwarf would do in his situation. He got drunk. He drank and partied until he fell from exhaustion and anyone who knew him knew that making him drop drunken required a lot.
Of course the drow chose that night to attack and "Tough Axe" Falagrim, the shield of the dwarvenkind was nowhere to be found during combat.
He was later found by friends who helped him escape as there was talk of him being executed for treason. Someday he hopes to return home a hero and prove he was no traitor to his kind.
Sorry this is the short version, not a lot of time right now for details
Anyway I have attached a chr file of Falagrim fully equipped to make it easy to create a party in BG2 and manage the character.
Ok my internet on my computer isn't working properly, though it claims it is.... So had to take a pic of my monitor with my phone.
Nailo Kundar never met his parents. His mother died in child birth, and his father was already long gone by that time. His stepfather gave him up to be raised by Clerics of Helm before Nailo was even two years of age. He was taught to follow the teachings of the gods and to be honorable and just in all things. Upon reaching manhood, he left the temple, setting out to find himself in the vast world.
So, let's actually get started. First some housekeeping though:
@The_Potty_1, I doubt we'll get to combat for a little while, so don't feel rushed to post your character sheet. You can post it in the next day or two. Anyone who wants to make changes may still do so. I'll keep the original post updated with the most current sheet, as well as your current location and active quest. You can always check there to get a very brief rundown of what the party is doing at the moment.
Note: I initially said this would take place near Athkatla...however, it makes more sense and is much easier to go with the original location, which is in the Dalelands. We will say that your characters were attacked outside of Athkatla and wake up somewhere in the Dalelands.
Your head pounds. It feels like there's a pressure beating against the inside of your skull, palpitatating almost like a living thing and sending agony shooting through you with every movement.
How did I get here?
You stare down at your arm again. You could almost imagine that you had a wild night out that ended with getting some idiotic mark branded on your arm. But memories of an attack, though still blurry, swim through your head. And the mark...whatever it is....is no ordinary tattoo. The five strange symbols parading down your forearm give off a dull blue light and reflect the sunbeams streaming through your window like stained glass. It feels oddly cool to the touch...
Where in the hells am I?
You were just east of Athkatla. Where you are now is anyone's guess. You have an odd sense that you have been asleep for a long time. The only memories you have from after the attack are the low murmering of voices, the creaking of wagon wheels, and darkness.
As Nona ( @Nonnahswriter) and Lulu ( @booinyoureyes) wake, they find themselves in the same sunny, spacious quarters on the upper floor of a building. A bustling, unfamiliar street can be seen below through the thin linen curtains. It appears to be mid-morning. A knock sounds on the door, and after a slight pause a young lady in a plain grey frock enters with a pile of sheets and towels. She stares wide-eyed at the two adventurers.
"You're-you're finally awake!" she gasps.
The other characters all wake together in a somewhat larger room with three sets of bunk beds. They have a view of the street from their window as well. A halfling boy enters the room with their laundry and immediately begins pelting them with questions.
"Woah! When'd ya wake up? Why'd ya sleep so long? Why ya all got them dumb tattoos?"
Edit:
Your characters were likely traveling together when you were ambushed. If so, you would remember this--your memories from before the attack are normal. It's also possible that some of you were attacked somewhere else, however, and have never met the other characters before. I leave this up to you to decide.
Nailo whipes the sleep from his eyes as he looks about the room, ignoring the jabbering Halfling for the moment. Seeing that his companions are safe, he relaxes slightly, at least as much as the large half- Orc ever relaxes. Finally giving his attention to the Halfling he scowls making the points of his tusks appear more prominent.
"Where is this place, and how did we arrive here?"
"You dumb or somethin'?" the boy demands, not seeming particularly disconcerted by the scowling half-orc even though Nailo is roughly ten times his size. "Windlord's Rest. Finest inn in Tilverton. Duhrrr. Dunno how you lot got here. Why would I know? I ain't come with you. Prolly came in past my bedtime. Nobody never tells me nothin' no way. Been askin' Thungor. He won't tell me. Ask 'im yesself if ya want. He'll just box me ears if I ask 'im again."
Nailo scratches his chin as he ponders the halflings words. Tilverton was a far way from where he had been. Could he have traveled so far without knowing? He had been tattooed without his knowledge, so being transported to another town hardly seemed unlikely at this point. Nailo looked to the others trying to see if these events were befuddling them as much as himself.
Jin wakes groggily to see a room full of strangers... memories struggle to the surface, vague glimpses that barely piece together logic and reason.
I was on my way to Athkatla... yes, that's right... I was going to negotiate on father's behalf with a merchant guild operating in Waukeen's Promenade... I was looking forward to seeing the Sword Coast for the first time...
His thoughts darken as memories of an attack comes to the fore. Fast figures darting infront of his vision, the screams of his servants and followers...
Jin snapped to alertness as he realised that he was likely in deadly peril. He instinctively reached for his sword, and was both surprised and relieved to find the Heaven Reliant Sword, a treasured family heirloom, safely at his belt. Thoughts raced through his head.
Why hasn't my attacker killed me? Why did they leave my precious weapons on my person? ... They didn't even touch the gold... Who are these strangers besides me? Be they victims also, or the culprits behind the attack?
In a swift motion he drew the Heaven Reliant Sword from its scabbard as he stood up, battling a lightness of head that threatened to send him collapsing to the floor. He felt somewhat reassured by the power flowing through the blade.
"Where am I!? Who are you!!? Explain yourselves immediately!" Jin demanded in Common language, with a strong accent of the Unapproachable East.
@Heindrich there are blades that improve with the User's level, they are 'Karach' blades, mind-controlled Chaos Matter formed into a blade of the desired length, sharpness and weight.
@booinyoureyes in spanish "Lulu" is used as a diminutive jokingly nickname to someone called "Lucy" ("Lucia" in spanish).
Thieving skills: Pick Pockets: 35 Open Locks: 80 Find Traps: 80 Move Silently: 30 Hide in Shadows: 75 Detect Illusion: 10 Set Traps: 50
Saving Throws: Save vs Death: 12 Save vs Wand: 9 Save vs Polymorph: 11 Save vs Breath Weapon: 13 Save vs Spell: 10
Weapon Proficiencies: Long Sword+ Scimitar/Washasaki/Ninja-To+ Short Bow+ Single Weapon Style+
Known Mage Spells: (one more of each level since @Kalesra said so) Level One: Magic Missile - Sleep - Blindness - Protection from Evil - Shocking Grasp - Find Familiar Level Two: Mirror Image - Blur - Strength - Melf's Acid Arrow - Agnazar's Scorcher Level Three: Haste - Ghost Armor - Skull Trap - Slow Level Four: Stoneskin - Fireshield (Blue) - Greater Malison
Equipment: Adhjatha+2 Tuigan Bow+1 Robe of the Good Archimagi Unlimited non-magical plain Arrows 40 Arrows+1 20 Arrows+2 Talos' Gift (Boots of Electricity Resistance) 3 Potions of Extra Healing 1 Potion of Perception 1 Potion of Absorption Ring of the Princess+1
With all my equipment I should have -1 AC, 14 THAC0 with the Long Sword and 12 with the Bow and non-magical plain arrows. Saving Throws improve by 2 points each one and I have 50% Electricity Resistance.
Calm down human we're all in the same boat. Someone dragged us halfway through the world and didn't even bother to steal from us. Whoever did this could have us killed any movement they wished.
Falagrim extends his hand toward his battle axe. Glowing dwarven runes cover the blade and shaft as the axe flies toward the dwarf.
Now this is better... I think what really matters now is discovering why we were brought here. We can smack the responsible on the head later. Bad manners kidnapping instead of inviting....
"Nona! Did that disgusting Thayvian spike our drinks? Can't he take no for an answer?" Lulu stares down at her arms. A disgusted look crosses her face as she notices the tattoo "Oh no. I hate tattoos. How did this happen? My mum is gonna kill me!"
A knock sounds on the door, and after a slight pause a young lady in a plain grey frock enters with a pile of sheets and towels. She stares wide-eyed at the two adventurers.
Kalesra, would it be okay if I made my animal companion summonable, as the Totemic Druid does? I just want the lion though, no other choices, and the same lion at that)
Comments
@The_Potty_1, a kensai 7/thief 8 is under that XP cap so that would definitely be a possibility for your character.
How do spellcasters determine spells? Are we going to gain xp in the game and/or chances to improve items? I chose to use one of the most powerful/famous items in Wuxia and proxy it as Daystar, but if we are gonna find even better stuff pretty quickly and I can't upgrade my weapon, then I might rename it so as to not offend the legend of the Heaven Reliant Sword! lol (I mean this thing should be like +6 in BG 2 terms, lol)
And @booinyoureyes, is your character based on your girlfriend? That's a very Chinese/Shou name. :P
Here's a picture with the updated experience. (Yay, I have six more hit points! :'D)
The gear that I've picked out consists of:
-Mace +2
-Sling +1
-80 Normal Bullets, 80 Normal Bullets, 40 Bullets +1, 20 +2 Bullets
-Sylvan Chain +2
-Medium Shield +2
-Metaspell of Influence (that amulet thing that lets you memorize an extra 2nd Level spell)
-3 Potions of Extra Healing
-3 Elixers of Health
-1 Adventuring Kit
Edit: Added the +2 bullets.
There will be XP and magical items and other sorts of phat l00t.
I wouldn't dream of saying such a thing
And yes it looks like a typical Chinese girl's name. Dian would be a fairly uncommon, but possible, surname, and lots of Chinese girls have 'double names' like Jingjing, Linlin, Bingbing ... Lulu. lol It's supposed to be endearing and 'cute'.
@Kalesra
I think I get what you mean, but just to confirm, you have just pointed out how many spells casters can have in their spellbook, but memorised, which is (presumably) the same as their memorization slots in BG 2. I will add Jin's spells to his character profile shortly.
And yes I'd greatly appreciate a Cromwell... or u know, it can be something internal to the character. Where I might find a brand new +4 sword, I'd love if you'd just allow Jin to 'discover' deeper secrets of the Heaven Reliant Sword, such that it became +4 basic, +6 vs evil. (For example, I don't know what the power level of your setting is.)
The idea of having a special weapon grow with your character is interesting. Kind of like Dak'kon's blade from PST. I don't see why you couldn't opt to have a single weapon that becomes more powerful over time rather than getting new, more powerful items. This lands you with less loot anyway (because you can't sell the old items) and adds some nice flavor. I will have to think more carefully about how quickly and in which ways your weapon would be able to change over time. Whatever the case, it would be in line with the capabilities of weapons that the other characters acquire as the module progresses.
She's skilled at healing and nature magic and has some useful knowledge, and has no problem traveling in the wild or in strange locations, but is also not really equipped for major combat. She believes in self defense and is interested in healing people and exploring wild terrain. She's an adventurer but not a fighter, if you know what I mean.
@Kalesra, is it possible for me (instead of having any armor at all) to have a staff that can summon my choice of an 8HD elemental type (Air, Earth or Fire)? Only once per day though, no matter the type.
The "Heaven Reliant Sword" (倚天劍) and the Dragon Slaying Sabre (屠龍刀) are the central and titular items of the third part of Jin Yong's Condor Heroes trilogy, which are amongst his most popular works in his 15-novel Wuxia series.
They are forged from the swords of the protagonist couple of part 2 (Dragon Maiden and her disciple lover, Yang Guo) and contain secrets from other heroes from part one of the trilogy and even earlier. In particular the Dragon Sabre holds the fictional military manual written by the famous (real life) general and Chinese hero, Yue Fei, and the Heavenly Sword holds the secrets to two of the most powerful martial arts techniques in the land, "Nine Yin Manual" and "Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms".
In "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre", all the warriors of China are searching and fighting each other for the weapons (without knowing its secrets) because of the widespread belief that "Honored by the wulin, the precious saber slays the dragon; it commands the world, who dares to disobey? If the Heaven Reliant does not appear, who can challenge it?" Or basically he who owns the Dragon Slaying Sabre is invincible unless he is challenged by the warrior wielding the Heaven Reliant Sword.
The two weapons are in fact metaphors...
From Wikipedia:
In Chinese culture, the Dragon is a symbol of the emperor or sovereign ruler. The full translated name of the Dragon Saber is "Dragon Slaying Saber" (屠龍刀), which implies that it is used to "slay the emperor". The "emperor" refers to the Mongol Emperor Huizong of Yuan in this case.
Throughout Chinese history, several monarchs have become tyrants, just like when the mythical Dragon goes out of control and becomes a menace. The Heavenly Sword's full translated name is "Heaven Reliant Sword" (倚天劍) as it embodies Heaven. In Chinese culture, the emperor is respectfully called the "Son of Heaven", which implies that Heaven is the ultimate authority in determining who will be ruler of China.
It can thus be interpreted as such: The secret in the Dragon Slaying Saber can be used to "kill" (dethrone) the (Mongol) emperor and replace him with another (Han Chinese) ruler. Ideally, a brilliant military leader can utilise the textbook to its full potential by staging a rebellion to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty and restore Han Chinese rule. However, if the new emperor turns out to be an incompetent monarch or tyrant, a martial artist can master the skills from the manuals in the Heaven Reliant Sword and assassinate the emperor and replace him with a wise and benevolent ruler.
Hence it makes sense if the sword 'improves', or offers Jin some new abilities as he levels up, given the FR setting.
Earth: THAC0 13, AC 2, 1 attack/round, 4d8 damage (4d8 -2/die if creatures do not have their feet on the ground), requires a +2 or better weapon to hit, 1/2 normal movement rate, capable of leveling small buildings and bashing through (non-magically) reinforced doors. Can only be conjured in an area containing earth or stone.
Air: THAC0 13, AC 2, 1 attack/round, 2d10 damage, requires a +2 or better weapon to hit, 3x normal movement rate (flying). Special ability: in an open space, can form a 40-ft (12 meter) whirlwind which takes 1 full turn to create and lasts for 1 round. The whirlwind kills all creatures under 3HD and does 2d8 damage to all other creatures.
Fire: THAC0 13, AC 2, 1 attack/round, 3d8 damage (-1 /die for creatures with innate fire abilities, e.g. dragons), requires a +2 or better weapon to hit, normal movement rate. Cannot cross water or any other non-flammable liquid, and immune to fire damage.
Now, the elemental staffs also have other special abilities. You may choose a single type of elemental that will be killed upon being struck by the staff. You also have 10 charges worth of the following other abilities, and will need to decide how many charges of each ability the staff has:
-Sleep cloud (40 ft/12 m radius, duration 3 rounds--air ability)
-Stone to Flesh (earth ability)
-Fire Shield (fire ability)
Additionally, having an elemental under your control limits the use of the 3 charge abilities above. When you have an air elemental summoned by the staff under your control, you may only use the air ability (sleep cloud); when you have an earth elemental under your control, you may only use the earth ability; and when you have a fire elemental under your control you may only use the fire ability.
Smoke sunk lower onto his seat and glared into his drink. 'Bastards', he snarled, then realised he said it aloud, and glared at the people at the surrounding tables, defying them to comment. No-one made eye contact, and some started edging away. Satisfied, he returned to drunken self-pity.
He had been a student of the legendary sword saints in the foothils of the Spine, North of Luskan. They had taken him on as a foundling, and for the last six years he had trained with the best. Perhaps there had been indications that they were displeased with his progress, but he had always struggled to read people. Finally he had received clear indication of their opinions. A letter, detailing his abilities, and his shortcomings. 'Unchanneled rage'. 'Too fond of drink, and brawling'. 'REALLY sleeps with his sword'. Along with it, a rather good sword (why had they laughed?), a useless helm (why had they laughed?), a very nice belt (why had she cried?), and an escort to the gate.
Actually they'd been unfalteringly nice to him, but the fact remained that they had wasted six years of his life. 'No understanding of form', he remembered. 'Poor commitment to practice'. A 'heart of stone' felt more personal, perhaps even an insult, but it actually felt rather apt. He drank deeply, but as always, the drink just dulled his reflexes and made him aggressive, when what he really wanted was .. well .. what? The depth of his betrayal seemed to warrant some sort of statement, perhaps getting paralytically drunk, beating up some guards, and ending the night hurling in the cooler? It suddenly seemed strangely pointless. He sighed, and studied the people around him more closely.
Near the fire a grizzled traveler was playing a game of 'find the lady' with anyone who would play. Quite a crowd had gathered, and money was flowing steadily to the card sharp. Smoke wandered over, and watched the cards for a bit. The guy was good. Suddenly he felt himself 'zone in' as he did when the sword seemed to be an extension of his body. Part of him reeled with astonishment at this, but he ignored that part and focused on the cards. The lady flowed like a drunken butterfly, and the other cards tried to draw his eye at every turn, but he ignored those too.
'Fancy a game' woke him from his reverie. He started, and glanced around. The crowd had dispersed, and the sharp was watching him appraisingly. 'Could you show me' he asked. The man snorted, then laughed. 'I'll pay you' got a sneering response 'With muscles like that, you'll be too slow, and even if you weren't, it would take years to teach you'. Smoke said nothing for so long, the traveller shrugged, gathered his gear, and stood up. Smoke stood too, and said 'Which way are you heading?' ...
Falagrim had reasons for being proud. Youngest son of a long line of dwarven warriors, he was the youngest dwarf to ever complete the tough training required to become a shield of his prople.
So he did the only thing any sensible dwarf would do in his situation. He got drunk. He drank and partied until he fell from exhaustion and anyone who knew him knew that making him drop drunken required a lot.
Of course the drow chose that night to attack and "Tough Axe" Falagrim, the shield of the dwarvenkind was nowhere to be found during combat.
He was later found by friends who helped him escape as there was talk of him being executed for treason. Someday he hopes to return home a hero and prove he was no traitor to his kind.
Sorry this is the short version, not a lot of time right now for details
Anyway I have attached a chr file of Falagrim fully equipped to make it easy to create a party in BG2 and manage the character.
Nailo Kundar never met his parents. His mother died in child birth, and his father was already long gone by that time. His stepfather gave him up to be raised by Clerics of Helm before Nailo was even two years of age.
He was taught to follow the teachings of the gods and to be honorable and just in all things.
Upon reaching manhood, he left the temple, setting out to find himself in the vast world.
Bastard Sword +++++
Sword&Shield +
Saving throws
Death 10
Wand 12
Polymorph 11
Breath 12
Spell 13
Items
+3 Bastard sword
Large shield
Full plate
Ring of Pronces (+1 AC ring)
Xarrnous Second Sword Arm (-1 Thaco bracers)
So with his equip
AC -3
Thaco 4
DMG 17-23
1. Lulu Dian, Human Totemic Druid ( @booinyoureyes).
2. Nona Silfonra, Half-Elf Cleric/Mage ( @Nonnahswriter)
3. Crevs Daak, Elven Mage/Thief ( @CrevsDaak)
Name: Crevs Daak
Race: Elf
Gender: Male
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Class: Mage/Thief
Abilities:
STR: 9
DEX: 19
CON: 10
INT: 18
WIS: 18
CHA: 11
Weapon Proficiencies:
Short Bow +
Long Sword +
Base THAC0: 20
Mage Spells:
Level one: Magic Missile - Sleep
Memorized:
Level one: Sleep
Saving Throws:
Save vs Death: 13
Save vs Wand: 11
Save vs Polymorph: 12
Save vs Breath Weapon: 15
Save vs Spell: 12
4. Sima Jin, Human Kensai/Mage ( @Heindrich)
5. Falagrim "Tough Axe" Daredsson, Dwarven...Dwarven Defender ( @mlnevese)
6. Nailo Kundar, Half-Orc Fighter ( @Delvarian)
7. Smoke, Human Kensai/Thief ( @The_Potty_1)
Note: I initially said this would take place near Athkatla...however, it makes more sense and is much easier to go with the original location, which is in the Dalelands. We will say that your characters were attacked outside of Athkatla and wake up somewhere in the Dalelands.
Your head pounds. It feels like there's a pressure beating against the inside of your skull, palpitatating almost like a living thing and sending agony shooting through you with every movement.
How did I get here?
You stare down at your arm again. You could almost imagine that you had a wild night out that ended with getting some idiotic mark branded on your arm. But memories of an attack, though still blurry, swim through your head. And the mark...whatever it is....is no ordinary tattoo. The five strange symbols parading down your forearm give off a dull blue light and reflect the sunbeams streaming through your window like stained glass. It feels oddly cool to the touch...
Where in the hells am I?
You were just east of Athkatla. Where you are now is anyone's guess. You have an odd sense that you have been asleep for a long time. The only memories you have from after the attack are the low murmering of voices, the creaking of wagon wheels, and darkness.
As Nona ( @Nonnahswriter) and Lulu ( @booinyoureyes) wake, they find themselves in the same sunny, spacious quarters on the upper floor of a building. A bustling, unfamiliar street can be seen below through the thin linen curtains. It appears to be mid-morning. A knock sounds on the door, and after a slight pause a young lady in a plain grey frock enters with a pile of sheets and towels. She stares wide-eyed at the two adventurers.
"You're-you're finally awake!" she gasps.
The other characters all wake together in a somewhat larger room with three sets of bunk beds. They have a view of the street from their window as well. A halfling boy enters the room with their laundry and immediately begins pelting them with questions.
"Woah! When'd ya wake up? Why'd ya sleep so long? Why ya all got them dumb tattoos?"
Edit:
Finally giving his attention to the Halfling he scowls making the points of his tusks appear more prominent.
"Where is this place, and how did we arrive here?"
Nailo looked to the others trying to see if these events were befuddling them as much as himself.
I was on my way to Athkatla... yes, that's right... I was going to negotiate on father's behalf with a merchant guild operating in Waukeen's Promenade... I was looking forward to seeing the Sword Coast for the first time...
His thoughts darken as memories of an attack comes to the fore. Fast figures darting infront of his vision, the screams of his servants and followers...
Jin snapped to alertness as he realised that he was likely in deadly peril. He instinctively reached for his sword, and was both surprised and relieved to find the Heaven Reliant Sword, a treasured family heirloom, safely at his belt. Thoughts raced through his head.
Why hasn't my attacker killed me? Why did they leave my precious weapons on my person? ... They didn't even touch the gold... Who are these strangers besides me? Be they victims also, or the culprits behind the attack?
In a swift motion he drew the Heaven Reliant Sword from its scabbard as he stood up, battling a lightness of head that threatened to send him collapsing to the floor. He felt somewhat reassured by the power flowing through the blade.
"Where am I!? Who are you!!? Explain yourselves immediately!" Jin demanded in Common language, with a strong accent of the Unapproachable East.
@booinyoureyes in spanish "Lulu" is used as a diminutive jokingly nickname to someone called "Lucy" ("Lucia" in spanish).
Thieving skills:
Pick Pockets: 35
Open Locks: 80
Find Traps: 80
Move Silently: 30
Hide in Shadows: 75
Detect Illusion: 10
Set Traps: 50
Saving Throws:
Save vs Death: 12
Save vs Wand: 9
Save vs Polymorph: 11
Save vs Breath Weapon: 13
Save vs Spell: 10
Weapon Proficiencies:
Long Sword+
Scimitar/Washasaki/Ninja-To+
Short Bow+
Single Weapon Style+
Known Mage Spells: (one more of each level since @Kalesra said so)
Level One: Magic Missile - Sleep - Blindness - Protection from Evil - Shocking Grasp - Find Familiar
Level Two: Mirror Image - Blur - Strength - Melf's Acid Arrow - Agnazar's Scorcher
Level Three: Haste - Ghost Armor - Skull Trap - Slow
Level Four: Stoneskin - Fireshield (Blue) - Greater Malison
Equipment:
Adhjatha+2
Tuigan Bow+1
Robe of the Good Archimagi
Unlimited non-magical plain Arrows
40 Arrows+1
20 Arrows+2
Talos' Gift (Boots of Electricity Resistance)
3 Potions of Extra Healing
1 Potion of Perception
1 Potion of Absorption
Ring of the Princess+1
With all my equipment I should have -1 AC, 14 THAC0 with the Long Sword and 12 with the Bow and non-magical plain arrows. Saving Throws improve by 2 points each one and I have 50% Electricity Resistance.
Falagrim extends his hand toward his battle axe. Glowing dwarven runes cover the blade and shaft as the axe flies toward the dwarf.
Now this is better... I think what really matters now is discovering why we were brought here.
We can smack the responsible on the head later. Bad manners kidnapping instead of inviting....
Lulu stares down at her arms. A disgusted look crosses her face as she notices the tattoo
"Oh no. I hate tattoos. How did this happen? My mum is gonna kill me!"
Just then Lulu turns and looks at Nona ( @nonnahswriter )