Character Portraits: From Necromancer Apprentices to Dragon Reincarnations
As a seasoned Dungeon Master and roleplayer in the Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) world, crafting dynamic and engaging characters is more than just a pastime; it's an art. In my current campaigns, from Pathfinder 2 to Pathfinder 1 and even 13th Age, these characters have evolved through trials and choices, each with their unique journey and origin story.
Daellan Blackhand: A Necromancer Apprenticeship
Daellan Blackhand is one of the many fascinating characters I've encountered in my DnD campaigns, marking the beginning of his character’s journey in a Pathfinder 2 setting. Born into the harsh reality of lowlife in the bustling city of Luskan, Daellan's cleverness saved him from the streets, leading him to a far from flattering arrangement for an apprenticeship with a minor lord and a wizard, who is sadly at best an incompetent practitioner of Transmutation magic. His proximity to death and dissension with the arcane world have driven him towards Necromancy, an art completely shunned by the Arcane Brotherhood, highlighting the deeply troubled relationship he has with the influence and community of wizards.
Ellauriel: Angelic Origins and Hellmouth in Axis
Ellauriel, a character from the 13th Age campaign, has an otherworldly heritage, having descended directly from an angel. Trained as a paladin, Ellauriel’s life took a profound and unexpected turn when the Great Gold Wyrm, a major icon in the campaign setting, reached into her mind. This divine intervention revealed a growing hellmouth in the city of Axis, threatening untold deaths. Left with a challenging decision, Ellauriel accepted her task to contain the hellmouth. Her journey is filled with both power and peril, as she must sometimes unleash demonic power to battle evil, drawing the attention of two formidable icons: the Crusader, who supports her methods, and the Diabolist, who stands ready for her inevitable explosion, a metaphorical and literal one that poses the ultimate questions about good and evil.
Callie: Kitsune in the Underworld
In the city of Kintargo in Cheliax, my Pathfinder 2 character, Callie, is a kitsune who has honed her shapeshifting abilities to many uses. Originally a stage performer in the many theaters of Kintargo, Callie found herself entwined in the politics of the city, a personal drama that leads to martial law and eventually a rebellion. When divine power from the goddess Callistria, the icon of vengeance, finds its way into her, her deception skills take on a new and potent form. While she initially used her abilities for minor, entertaining purposes, this divine power amplifies her talents, enabling her to outmaneuver even the most challenging of opponents.
Gnashrip Glitterjaws: A Goblin of Many Tricks
My upcoming Pathfinder 2 campaign introduces a unique character named Gnashrip Glitterjaws, a goblin known for his eclectic skill set. While not a traditional spellcaster, his quick mind and dexterity allow him to figure out strange items and relics, making him a valuable asset in battles against fiends and other creatures. Armed with two rows of sharp teeth and a mysterious goblet that charges blood with life energy, his offensive maneuvers are deadly. In addition to his shrewd abilities, Gnashrip can even use a mirror to misdirect its own reflection, providing him with the surprising advantage of being able to be in two places at once.
Vixy: Dragon Reincarnation with a Heart of Gold
Vixy, another interesting character, is a kobold in her current life but is also the reincarnation of Vixithraxus, an ancient blue dragon who ruled a city of dragons. Having lost her past to the weight of tyranny and conflict, Vixy now dedicates herself to helping others. She has joined the Magaambya, the oldest magic academy on the planet, where she studies and assists the community. Her dual identity as a sorcerer and a dragon is a reflection of her gradual growth and self-discovery, with a wingspan that grows and her ability to breathe lightning evolving naturally.
These characters, from Daellan Blackhand to Vixy, are not just fictional entities; they represent complex, multifaceted narratives that are bringing the Dungeons and Dragons world to life. Each of them embodies not just the core characteristics of their classes but also the unique challenges, decisions, and growth that come with living in a world filled with magic, adventure, and personal redemption.