Post by Salient on Jan 27, 2015 20:06:24 GMT
Chase Jaggar
Played by: Salient
Character Sheet: Link
Other Characters: None.
Race: Shifter (Extraplanar Humanoid Shapechanger)
Classes: Barbarian 2 / GitP Fighter 1 / Warblade 1 / Shadow LA 1
Effective Character Level: 5 (4 class levels, 1 LA)
Gender: Male
Age: 30
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Deity: None.
Height/Weight: 5'6" 170 lb
Personality:
No-nonsense and to-the-point. An indeterminate number of years spent trapped in the Shadow Plane had made him a survivor, but also robbed him of a lot of emotion. What remains has been honed to a cold edge that many would perceive as relentless and uncaring. At the same time, the strong sensations of the Material Plane, so different from what he had become accustomed to, threaten to overpower him if he is not careful. He is balanced on the knife-edge of rediscovering who and what he once was, while not losing himself forever in the process.
Appearance:
As a shadow denizen, Chase isn't seen when he doesn't want to be. Fading into the shadows comes naturally to him, and in his case is a very literal expression of who he has become. When seen in full daylight, it is almost as if the sun doesn't touch him. Like he is an inexplicable shadow that picked itself up off the ground and stood up. He often has a serious expression on his face.
His cloak billows of it's own accord, a shadowy mist that confuses the eye and distorts his features. If one looks carefully enough, a spear with a wicked hook on it can be seen attached to his back.
If one is unlucky enough to see him transform, they would see a large humanoid feline with black fur, sharp claws, fangs, and glowing eyes that pierce the soul.
History:
At a young age, Chase became trapped in the Shadow Plane, the details of exactly when or how or why elude his memory. He spent so long trapped there that he forgot everything but day-to-day survival for years, if not decades, at a time. His existence in the Shadow Realm was rough, but somehow he managed, though he fell into savagery and rose out of it again. But he did not arise unchanged. He had been remade into something new. Something dark: a creature of the shadows. Only the deepest core of him remained, a faint memory of times that once were brighter.
That might have been where the story of his life ended. He might have spent the rest of his life enshrouded in shadow.
But the story didn't end there because he found a portal: one that led him back to the Material Plane and opened the floodgates of sensation, emotion, memories, and ultimately questions of who and what he had been, why he had been banished to the Plane of Shadows, and upon whom he should take his revenge...
KAIRI JAGGAR
Relationship: Chase's Mother
Kairi was an influential bonecaster in the Black Rain clan. In Chase's youth, she was a trusted advisor to the clan leader, Tal Karre, and her husband was his first in command, Sere Jaggar. She was known for her wisdom, but also her strict demeanor. Despite this, she was very superstitious and enamored with the mystical. She held a well-respected position in the clan. Outside of the clan, she was known for her bonecarvings and amulets of protection, for which there was frequent demand.
She was devestated by Chase's unexpected disappearance, but despite her best efforts, both magical and mundane, she was unable to learn anything about his whereabouts or the circumstances behind his disappearance. Eventually she came to believe strongly that he must be dead, as even her strongest spells of scrying and divination failed her. Eventually her heart hardened to this fact, and she turned her attentions to her remaining child.
SERE JAGGAR
Relationship: Chase's Father
Sere had earned the coveted position of Hunt Leader of the Black Rain clan at an early age. Renowned for his tracking abilities, it was said there was no prey that could elude him, no fox that could outwit him, nor any beast that could match his strength. Around the fires, stories were told of his feats of prowess, while the youth of the clan looked up to him in awe.
But no one took it harder than him when Chase disappeared. He put on a strong face for the sake of the clan, but he could never dismiss the question: What was the use of all his strength if he couldn't even protect his own son?
MARCH JAGGAR
Relationship: Chase's Younger Brother
Always underfoot, he looked up to Chase, his older brother. When Chase disappeared, March's life was seriously destabilized. With his brother gone and his parents in no shape to look after him, he was often left to fend for himself. He learned to be emotionally tough, and he stepped up and did what was necessary when times were rough. In some ways, he was the only thing that kept his family together. But it was never easy.
As an adult, he's tough, but he has a soft spot for children, who get to experience life in a carefree way that was robbed from him.
TAL KARRE
Relationship: Clan Leader
Tal wasn't the most skilled hunter or warrior, nor was he the wisest, nor the most attractive member of his clan. But what he had was an strength of will unmatched by any other, a keen flame that everyone could recognize and follow. A way of bringing out the best in others, so that they sometimes even surprised themselves at what they were capable of. It was this quality, along with his ability to make quick and firm decisions, that earned him his position as the Black Rain Clan Leader.
But if he had one flaw, it was that for all he could see the brightness of a man's soul, he was blind to the darkness hidden within...
JADA KARRE
Relationship: Clan Leader's Daughter and Chase's Beloved
Jada was more than just the Clan Leader's daughter. She had strong leadership abilities in her own right, and there were none that doubted she would be his successor. Her skill with the bow was unparalleled, and she even had some small talent at enchantment. She had a way of calming animals with her mere presence, and there were some who said she could even speak to them and they would understand.
Jada and Chase had been romantically involved for a couple years before his disappearance. It was a match that had won the approval of Tal Karre, both in his role as her father as well as in his capacity as Clan Leader. The Clan as a whole encouraged it, and Jada and Chase were content with the path that had been laid out for them.
But not all in the Clan were happy with the pair.
Unbeknownst to either of them, Chase's unfortunate disappearance was directly related to the jealousy that their romantic involvement caused in a young man named Klaive Skarn, and to the dark deal he made with his father, the ambitious and power-hungry Shaman, Lusis Skarn.
KLAIVE SKARN
Relationship: Jealous Rival
Klaive was always second-best and he didn't know why. In his mind, he was the equal of any one out there. He matched them on speed and strength, he could track with the best of them. He brought in more than his fair share of kills. But it was always someone else who got the attention. Someone else who got the credit. Why not him?
And then there was Jada. He loved her, but she always turned down his advances in favor of that Chase. What did Chase have that he didn't? Nothing... Nothing except that his father was Hunt Leader and his mother had the Clan Leader's ear firmly in her grasp. Chase didn't deserve what he had. Klaive worked twice as hard as him, but always ended up in the shadows. Second-best.
No longer.
It was better once Chase was gone. Jada took a few years to come around, but he knew she would. It was inevitable. As the son of the Clan Shaman, there was no one else who could compete with his status. Not anymore. He even started seeing the looks of respect that he so craved.
In some ways, the respect changed him, and he became a better man to match the expectations that were placed on him. Many years later, he could even nearly forget what he had done, a dark little secret of his past, easily forgotten in an equally dark corner. He might even have sought forgiveness, if he thought about it at all.
LUSIS SKARN
Relationship: Clan Shaman
Lusis was an ambitious man. The magic in his blood sang out to him from a young age, and he delighted in the power it granted him. But no matter how much power he had, no matter what riches and influence it brought him, it was never enough. Eventually his thirst for knowledge and power led him to experimenting with secret and dangerous arts, such as the summoning of shadow creatures from other Realms to do his dark bidding.
When he saw the jealousy that had hatched in his son, he sought upon the perfect solution. One that would, given time and patience, solidify his hold on the ultimate reins of power in the Black Rain clan. For if he could arrange matters so that his son became the next Clan Leader, it would be a simple matter to rule from the shadows.
And all that stood in the way, the only sacrifice that needed to be made, was one young man... by the name of Chase Jaggar.
Relationship: Chase's Mother
Kairi was an influential bonecaster in the Black Rain clan. In Chase's youth, she was a trusted advisor to the clan leader, Tal Karre, and her husband was his first in command, Sere Jaggar. She was known for her wisdom, but also her strict demeanor. Despite this, she was very superstitious and enamored with the mystical. She held a well-respected position in the clan. Outside of the clan, she was known for her bonecarvings and amulets of protection, for which there was frequent demand.
She was devestated by Chase's unexpected disappearance, but despite her best efforts, both magical and mundane, she was unable to learn anything about his whereabouts or the circumstances behind his disappearance. Eventually she came to believe strongly that he must be dead, as even her strongest spells of scrying and divination failed her. Eventually her heart hardened to this fact, and she turned her attentions to her remaining child.
SERE JAGGAR
Relationship: Chase's Father
Sere had earned the coveted position of Hunt Leader of the Black Rain clan at an early age. Renowned for his tracking abilities, it was said there was no prey that could elude him, no fox that could outwit him, nor any beast that could match his strength. Around the fires, stories were told of his feats of prowess, while the youth of the clan looked up to him in awe.
But no one took it harder than him when Chase disappeared. He put on a strong face for the sake of the clan, but he could never dismiss the question: What was the use of all his strength if he couldn't even protect his own son?
MARCH JAGGAR
Relationship: Chase's Younger Brother
Always underfoot, he looked up to Chase, his older brother. When Chase disappeared, March's life was seriously destabilized. With his brother gone and his parents in no shape to look after him, he was often left to fend for himself. He learned to be emotionally tough, and he stepped up and did what was necessary when times were rough. In some ways, he was the only thing that kept his family together. But it was never easy.
As an adult, he's tough, but he has a soft spot for children, who get to experience life in a carefree way that was robbed from him.
TAL KARRE
Relationship: Clan Leader
Tal wasn't the most skilled hunter or warrior, nor was he the wisest, nor the most attractive member of his clan. But what he had was an strength of will unmatched by any other, a keen flame that everyone could recognize and follow. A way of bringing out the best in others, so that they sometimes even surprised themselves at what they were capable of. It was this quality, along with his ability to make quick and firm decisions, that earned him his position as the Black Rain Clan Leader.
But if he had one flaw, it was that for all he could see the brightness of a man's soul, he was blind to the darkness hidden within...
JADA KARRE
Relationship: Clan Leader's Daughter and Chase's Beloved
Jada was more than just the Clan Leader's daughter. She had strong leadership abilities in her own right, and there were none that doubted she would be his successor. Her skill with the bow was unparalleled, and she even had some small talent at enchantment. She had a way of calming animals with her mere presence, and there were some who said she could even speak to them and they would understand.
Jada and Chase had been romantically involved for a couple years before his disappearance. It was a match that had won the approval of Tal Karre, both in his role as her father as well as in his capacity as Clan Leader. The Clan as a whole encouraged it, and Jada and Chase were content with the path that had been laid out for them.
But not all in the Clan were happy with the pair.
Unbeknownst to either of them, Chase's unfortunate disappearance was directly related to the jealousy that their romantic involvement caused in a young man named Klaive Skarn, and to the dark deal he made with his father, the ambitious and power-hungry Shaman, Lusis Skarn.
KLAIVE SKARN
Relationship: Jealous Rival
Klaive was always second-best and he didn't know why. In his mind, he was the equal of any one out there. He matched them on speed and strength, he could track with the best of them. He brought in more than his fair share of kills. But it was always someone else who got the attention. Someone else who got the credit. Why not him?
And then there was Jada. He loved her, but she always turned down his advances in favor of that Chase. What did Chase have that he didn't? Nothing... Nothing except that his father was Hunt Leader and his mother had the Clan Leader's ear firmly in her grasp. Chase didn't deserve what he had. Klaive worked twice as hard as him, but always ended up in the shadows. Second-best.
No longer.
It was better once Chase was gone. Jada took a few years to come around, but he knew she would. It was inevitable. As the son of the Clan Shaman, there was no one else who could compete with his status. Not anymore. He even started seeing the looks of respect that he so craved.
In some ways, the respect changed him, and he became a better man to match the expectations that were placed on him. Many years later, he could even nearly forget what he had done, a dark little secret of his past, easily forgotten in an equally dark corner. He might even have sought forgiveness, if he thought about it at all.
LUSIS SKARN
Relationship: Clan Shaman
Lusis was an ambitious man. The magic in his blood sang out to him from a young age, and he delighted in the power it granted him. But no matter how much power he had, no matter what riches and influence it brought him, it was never enough. Eventually his thirst for knowledge and power led him to experimenting with secret and dangerous arts, such as the summoning of shadow creatures from other Realms to do his dark bidding.
When he saw the jealousy that had hatched in his son, he sought upon the perfect solution. One that would, given time and patience, solidify his hold on the ultimate reins of power in the Black Rain clan. For if he could arrange matters so that his son became the next Clan Leader, it would be a simple matter to rule from the shadows.
And all that stood in the way, the only sacrifice that needed to be made, was one young man... by the name of Chase Jaggar.
Threads:
Party Role Proficiency:
Battlefield Control: 3 Trippy Barbarian.
Buffer: 4 Barbarian.
Curiosity: 4 Barbarian.
Debuffer: 4 Barbarian.
Dominator: 4 Barbarian.
Game Changer: 4 Barbarian.
Healer: 4 Barbarian.
Meat Shield: 3 Yay, this is what I'm best at.
Melee Damage: 3 Yay, this is what I'm best at.
Mobility: 3 Teleporty Barbarian.
Party Face: 4 Barbarian.
Ranged Damage: 4 Barbarian.
Sage: 4 Barbarian.
Scout: 3 Sneaky Barbarian.
Thief: 3 Sneaky Barbarian.
Summoner: 4 Barbarian.
Trapfinder: 4 I'll know a trap when I step on one.
Buffer: 4 Barbarian.
Curiosity: 4 Barbarian.
Debuffer: 4 Barbarian.
Dominator: 4 Barbarian.
Game Changer: 4 Barbarian.
Healer: 4 Barbarian.
Meat Shield: 3 Yay, this is what I'm best at.
Melee Damage: 3 Yay, this is what I'm best at.
Mobility: 3 Teleporty Barbarian.
Party Face: 4 Barbarian.
Ranged Damage: 4 Barbarian.
Sage: 4 Barbarian.
Scout: 3 Sneaky Barbarian.
Thief: 3 Sneaky Barbarian.
Summoner: 4 Barbarian.
Trapfinder: 4 I'll know a trap when I step on one.
Racial Abilities:
1.5x Speed: I am a shadow, *whoosh*
Balance/Climb/Jump: +2 Racial Bonus to Balance, Climb, and Jump
Move Silently: +6 Racial bonus to Move Silently
Cold Resist 9: I like the cold.
DR 5/magic: Not as good as DR 10/silver, but I'll take it.
Darkvision: I can see without light.
Low-light Vision: I can see in very little light.
Shadow Blend: Total concealment in anything less than full daylight.
Shifting 2/day 8 rounds: This is how I pretend to be a Werepanther.
Razorclaw: Claws and +2 STR when I shift.
Feats:
1: Shifter Ferocity (RoE p. 115): Basically Diehard. I can keep fighting between 0 and -9 HP. Extends Shifting duration & uses.
3: Healing Factor (ECS p. 55): Regain HP equal to my character level after Shifting ends. Extends Shifting duration & uses.
Fighter Aspect (Tactician): Able Learner: Cross-class skills cost only 1 skill point per rank instead of per half rank.
Class Abilities:
Whirling Frenzy 1/day 6 rounds (UA p. 66): Replaces Rage. +4 STR, +2 AC, +2 Reflex, and an extra attack at penalty when I get mad.
Wolf Totem (UA p. 49): I lose Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense, and Improved Uncanny Dodge and gain Improved Trip at level 2 and Track at level 5.
Lion Spirit Totem (CC p. 46): I lose Fast Movement and gain POUNCE.
Skilled City Dweller (Cityscape Web Enchancement): Replace Ride with Tumble and Handle Animal with Gather Information as class skills for Barbarian.
Combat Versatility: 3 combat styles with 1 fighter bonus feat each. Changing fighting styles as a free action.
Warblade Maneuvers:
Wolf Fang Strike (ToB p. 90): I'll likely never use this. I only took it as a prereq for Hunter's Sense and Sudden Leap.
Sudden Leap (ToB p. 89): Swift action jump for repositioning.
Moment of Perfect Mind (ToB p. 64): Concentration check instead of Will save.
Warblade Stance:
Hunter's Sense (ToB p. 88): Scent: ALL THE BETTER TO SMELL YOU WITH, MY DEAR.
(NOTE: I will be in this stance 100% of the time. Part of pretending to be a Werepanther.)
Fighter Styles (3 styles, 1 fighter bonus feat per style):
Style 1: Power Attack
Style 2: Two-Weapon Fighting
Style 3: Combat Expertise
Equipment:
+1 Halberd (SRD): I'm fluffing this as a hooked spear: -2010gp
Kukri (SRD): I'm fluffing this as a curved machete: -8gp
Shadow Cloak (DotU p. 101): 3/day immediate action teleport, +1 deflection to AC: -5500gp
Mithral Shirt (SRD): 4 AC, 0 ACP, 6 max dex: -1100gp
Bone Amulet, carved like a Panther (Holy Symbol, SRD): carved by his mother, perhaps it would mean something if he could find the right person to show it to: -25gp
Total Inventory Cost: 8643gp (357 gp remaining for campaign prep)
Companions: None
Other Misc Information:
This is definitely not a super-optimized build, but I think it's pretty flavorful. The most overpowered thing I have is that Shadow Cloak, but I think it's pretty thematic. A creature from the Shadow Plane should be pretty slippery to hit, I think. As it is, I'm going to have to sink a ton of resources and feats into supporting two different fighting modes, neither of which is going to excel. Maybe it'll be fun anyway.