lmaher@uokvax.UUCP (09/07/84)
#N:uokvax:2400064:000:13562
uokvax!lmaher Sep 7 07:44:00 1984
This is the second of two articles describing a powerful evil
character for AD&D. This article describes the character's
history and followers.
TAIRA OF THE THOUSAND NAMES
aka The Last Champion of the Dead Goddess
aka Walker-in-Shadows, Master of the North Wind
aka Kerelin tel Satien, Wizard
aka Lorien un-Nine, Druid
aka Kevra the Master Thief
aka Kelianistaira, Veilmaster
aka The Seventh Hand of Kali, The Dark Wanderer, Kestrel the
Grey, Deathsbane, ad millium.
Taira is Lawful Evil. Lawful because she has an unshakeable code
of honor, the cornerstone of which is that her word once given
freely will not be broken. Evil because she has absolutely no
respect for Human Life - she kills as casually - and easily - as
she pulls her boots on. Because of her vow to the Dead Goddess,
she has remained alive for a long time. She believes she cannot
die until the Dead Goddess rises again, but she's careful to take
steps to ensure she'll be around till then.
During the declining years of an empire whose name is now known
only to a handful of scholars, a ragged orphan offered her soul
to the temple of a Goddess of Earth and Blood. The Goddess
admired the child's presumption, and accepted her as a Champion.
The girl was trained in all the ways of the Goddess and War, and
vowed to die only in the service of the Dark Lady. She got her
chance when the frontiers of the empire crumbled and a wave of
barbarians poured over the Empire, destroying the Lady's temples
and slaying her followers as they went. Finally the barbarians
overwhelmed the last line of defenders and sacked the main
temple. Even The Dark Lady herself was slain. Of the countless
thousands that had worshipped her, only one remained. It is
whispered that the Dark Lady died at the hand of her Last
Champion, not the hordes, but suggesting that to Taira is a quick
way to get killed.
After the fall of The Temple and her escape from the barbarians
Taira wandered far, a Champion without a cause. Eventually she
took up with a group of Martial Ascetics, and traded her sword
for the discipline of their world view. But the tranquility was
not to last, because in her Combat to become the Master of the
North Wind, she called upon the Dark Touch to kill him, and was
cast out of the sanctuary. She wandered some more, and
eventually became a recluse in a deep forest. She became a druid
in the hopes of using nature's power to restore her slain
Mistress, and eventually was cast out of the Circle of the Nine
for her heresy and dangerous thinking. She retained her link
with the darker, bloodier side of Nature.
She worships only the Dead Goddess, but respects and will aid any
Cthonic Goddess who has not turned away from the blood ritual.
(My pantheon would be meaningless, so translate these into
whatever you use: She is usually an agent for Kali or the Triune
Goddess Diana/ Hecate/ Selene. She has only contempt for dainty
goddesses who have forgotten the link between blood and earth,
e.g. Demeter, Hestia, Hera, and especially Aphrodite that foam-
born tramp. She respects Athena. She has no use for male
deities, especially chauvinists and Uranic (sky/sun-oriented)
gods.) Her exploits against Demons have mostly been at the behest
of Kali, which gained her the name Seventh Hand.
After leaving the forest she was content to serve various deities
for a while, but eventually became interested in the possibility
of restoring the Goddess through Sorcery. With this in mind she
apprenticed herself to a Wizard, and after learning all he knew
disposed of him. She continued her studies on her own, gaining
her familiar Nyarlatokath the Imp. But her great spell
backfired, blasting away her memory and magic, and nearly killing
her imp. Not remembering who or what she was she descended back
into the gutter, stealing to survive. Her natural superiority
showed even in this, and she soon became a very good thief, even
gaining her own turf as a master thief. In the middle of a power
struggle her familiar found her again, and that brought back her
memories and powers. She made short work of the mere thief, and
set out once again in the service of any dark goddess who would
take her.
Eventually she apprenticed herself to an Illusionist and when she
learned everything she thought she needed to know she killed him.
Since then she has continued to wander, undertaking any quest if
the price and goddess are right.
She took the sword Kesteilian Demonbane from an Illusionist/Mage
who had tried to destroy her with it, mistaking her for a demon.
Thealassa begged her to spare his life, and Taira agreed to let
him live if the Sylph would give up her freedom. Thealassa
agreed, so Taira merely feebleminded the Mage and cut off his
spellcasting hand, then destroyed his keep after looting it. She
left him living, though, so 'lassa is bound to serve her until
her death.
She took Kse on as an apprentice after being tricked into giving
her word that she would train him. She did kill the person who
tricked her, so it wasn't a total loss.
Charalyn (pronounced Shar-ra-lin) was a young, hot-headed (are
there any other kind?) Paladin in the service of the Mother of
Lies. Taira met her on the way to reduce a bothersome
stronghold, and discovered they had the same goal. Seeing
something of her younger self in the impetuous champion, and at
the request of the Queen of Deceit, Taira agreed to team up. The
stronghold was eliminated, but 'Lin was slain. Taira offered to
raise her and train her in the mysteries of illusion, which the
Mother readily agreed to. After all, a live apprentice is much
better than a dead warrior. Taira used the ring Gialnar to raise
'Lin, and gave her a new name to go with her new life and new
profession - Charalyntiaskana (pronounced Ka-ra-lin).
PALADIN'S MOUNT
Darkling is a standard Paladin's Mount (Heavy Warhorse, Int 7,
5+5 HD, HP: 29, 18" move, AC 5), jetblack including the eyes. He
is the descendant of Taira's original mount, Shadow's Bane. Long
ago she did a great service for an elf, and in return he promised
to care for her steeds and provide her with a new mount when the
old one was retired or killed. The grandson of that elf now runs
the horse farm where Taira retires her mounts and chooses new
ones. He wouldn't think of selling or giving any of them to any
other person, although they are all exceptional horses.
Sometimes decades will pass before Taira will call for a steed,
but whenever she does there is always a jet black charger
waiting.
FAMILIAR
Nyarlatokath is Taira's Imp familiar as a mage. Currently she
has no familiar as an Illusionist. Ny'kath has remained in Raven
form ever since the explosion that ended Taira's research as a
mage.
He is AC2, 2+2 HD, 18 HP, Dex 18 (which gives +3 reaction/attack,
-4 defense), move 6"/18", 25% Magic Resistant, +2 on all STs, and
is never surprised. (Note that including Dex his AC is -2.)
When within 1" of Taira, she gains his 25% Magic Resistance and
regenerate 1 hp/round. When within 12", his hit points are added
to hers. Within a mile, her MU level is increased by one, and if
he is further away than a mile it is reduced by one.
Ny'kath is very afraid of the Demons that Taira deals with, but
he's more afraid of her displeasure.
HOLY SWORD
Kesteilian was created by the Wizard Drear to destroy demons, and
that's what he does best. But the Wizard wanted more than just the
ultimate weapon, he wanted a weapon that was smart enough to seek
out demons, and articulate enough to provide interesting
conversation on the long journeys involved. Kes is nearly as
intelligent as Taira, and very widely read. They often discuss
points of philosophy, and so far about even. Kes considers Taira
a nearly ideal focus (although he'd never let her know), but he
hates it when she deals with demons. To Kes, the only thing
better than a dead demon is two dead demons. Although his
Dominance factor is 39, hers is 49 so she has little trouble
forcing him to her will unless she's exhausted or seriously
injured. She usually keeps him at hand while summoning demons
(in case something goes wrong) and it drives him crazy to see her
let them go. The sacrifices she gives them mean nothing to Kes,
he has a fuzzy notion at best of mortality, and has the same
attitude towards people that tiger hunters have towards goats.
DEMONS
Taira traffics with demons. She finds most devils too spineless
and regimented to be worth bothering with, and the ring Gialnar
is especially effective against Demons. She knows several Names,
but usually deals with the Succubus Shalistrikar or the Ontrobus
(Type V) Katimalikan (those are just their nicknames, of course),
and is on as friendly of terms with them as you could expect.
She has threatened their Lord and Master, the Balor (type VI)
Zerzziram, with Spiritwrack, and has destroyed enough demons for
her words to be taken very seriously. She always carries the
materials for Demon summoning and chastisement with her, although
it might take a few days or weeks to prepare them.
She is always interested in acquiring more Names, but unnamed
demons she feeds to Kesteilian to keep him quiet.
SYLPH
Thealassa was a sylph whose interest in illusions marked her as
different from other air-sprites, and led to her friendship with
the Wizard Drear (despite his name, a charming and Lawful
Illusionist). To save his life after Taira defeated him, she
agreed to become Taira's servant. Taira holds her no ill well,
but treats her in something of the manner a Bonsai artist molds
his tree. Bending her will, reshaping her morals ever so
patiently into a more aesthetic form. It's Taira's only hobby.
Thealassa is Neutral, 3 HD, AC 9, Move 12"/36", 50% MR,
Exceptionally intelligent, can turn invisible at will, and can
summon an air elemental once a week (usually Tuesdays :-) ).
has Illusionist ability at the 7th level, 4-3-2:
1st: Change Self, Color Spray, Darkness, Phantasmal Force
2nd: Blindness, Im. Ph. Force, Hypnotic Pattern
3rd: Paralyzation
She has a philter of love and a jewel of flawlessness.
KSE
LE Male Half-Elf Illusionist/Assassin 6th Level
Str 14 Int 16 Wis 12 Con 13 Dex 17 Cha 15
Age 44 HP 21 AC 1 5' tall 112 pounds
65% chance of knowing 7-11 spells.
+2 Reaction/Attack rolls, -3 Defense (included above).
+15% Loyalty/Reaction adjustment.
3x damage with Backstab.
Needs 19 to hit AC 0.
Saving Throws: Death 12 Stone 11 Staff 9 Breath 13 Spell 10.
Thieving Abilities (Dex and Racial modifiers included):
PP 60% OL 47% RT 35% MS 38% HS 35% Hear 15% Climb 88% Read 20%
Speaks Common, LE, Elvish, Gnoll, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling,
Hobgoblin, Orcish, and Sylph.
Knows all 1st-3rd level Illusionist Spells except the following,
which are unknowable:
1st: Dancing Lights, Det Illusions, Gaze Reflec, Light
2nd: Blind, Invis, Mirror Image
3rd: Fear, Invis 10'r, Nondetect, Spectral Force
In addition to his normal gear he has a Dagger of Venom, Potion
of Speed, Wand of Negation, Robe of Blending, Bracers of Defense
AC4, and a Scroll with 3 Illusionist spells (his latest lessons):
Det Illusion, NonDetect, Improved Invisibility.
Kse is a member of the Order of the Velvet Band, a secret
organization of mages and assassins dedicated to the elimination
of magic. He plans to use the knowledge he gains from Taira to
one day slay her, and doesn't realize she knows his plan.
He is severely annoyed that the spells most useful to an
Illusionist/ Assassin are exactly those he cannot figure out.
Lyn's teasing hardly improves his temper. Most serious is his
inability to Detect Illusions.
CHARALYNTIASKANA
(pronounced Ka-ra-lin)
LE Human Female 5th Level Paladin - 5th Level Illusionist
Str 15 Int 18 Wis 14 Con 14 Dex 16 Cha 17
Age 26 HP 35 AC 2 5'6 tall 138 pounds
85% chance of knowing 9-18 spells.
+1 Reaction/Attack, -2 Defense.
+30% Loyalty/Reaction adjustment.
Needs 19 to hit AC 2.
Saving Throws: Death 14 Stone 13 Staff 11 Breath 15 Spell 12.
Knows all 1st-3rd Level Illusionist spells except:
Unknown:
1st: Dancing Lights (learning)
Unknowable:
1st: Gaze Reflection
2nd: Deafness, Im. Ph. Force, Ventril.
3rd: Non-Detect, Paralysis
Speaks Common, LE, Elvish, Gnome, Orcish, Sylph, Dream-tongue,
and two others.
In addition to standard Illusionist Apprentice gear, she has a
Cloak of Elvenkind ("Got it off a dead elf. Want it back?"),
Bracers of Defense AC 4, and a Scroll of 3 Illusionist Spells:
Gaze Reflec, Dancing Lights, and Im. Ph. Force.
Note that until 'Lyn reaches 6th level, anytime she uses her
Paladin abilities she gains no experience as an Illusionist. To
prevent her from being tempted, Taira made her give or throw away
all her weapons and armor. That hurt, but not as much as when
her Paladin's Mount rejected her. She is working hard at being
an illusionist so that the Mother of Lies, her deity, will return
Night's Whisper to her. But with her temper, it may be a while
yet. She still reacts like a Champion instead of a mage, and
even with only a dagger can wreak havoc.
She is aware that Kse plans to kill Taira someday, but dismisses
it as unlikely to succeed. In truth, 'Lyn admires Taira
immensely. So deep is her devotion that she has remained a
virgin in case a sacrifice is needed in some desparate situation.
It also annoys Kse no end.
That's it, and if anyone stuck it out this far and *still* has
any questions or comments, then by all means mail them to me.
Carl
..!ctvax!uokvax!lmaherlmaher@uokvax.UUCP (09/10/84)
#R:uokvax:2400064:uokvax:2400065:000:3265
uokvax!lmaher Sep 9 17:02:00 1984
This is the third of two articles describing a powerful evil
character for AD&D. This article gives the characters' appearance
and errata. "When you deal with Illusionists you're apt to
become confused."
TAIRA OF THE THOUSAND NAMES
Physical Looks:
Race: Human Hair Colour: White
Gender: Female Eye Colour: icy pale blue
Age: ? (late 20's) Skin Colour: Fair
Height: 5' 10" Hair Length: Short
Weight: 142 lbs Handedness: Ambidexterous
Taira can use her shape alteration to appear as anything
imaginable, and frequently does. She usually appears as an
attractive human female, and the above is one of her more common
forms.
Her Cloak is grey, and she favors grey clothes with black trim.
KSE
Race: Half-Elf Hair Colour: Black
Gender: Male Eye Colour: Black
Age: 44 Skin Colour: Tanned
Height: 5' 0" Hair Length: Short
Weight: 112 lbs Handedness: Ambidexterous
Note that Kse is not sensitive about his height. In his
business, it's an advantage; between his size and agility he can
get through very small openings.
Kse favors dark brown or black clothing.
CHARALYNTIASKANA
Race: Human Hair Colour: Fiery Red
Gender: Female Eye Colour: Jade Green
Age: 26 Skin Colour: Fair
Height: 5' 6" Hair Length: To shoulders
Weight: 138 lbs Handedness: Fights right, Spells left
When 'Lyn was a Paladin she wore her hair short so it wouldn't
get in her way. Since becoming an Illusionist she's let it grow.
She usually wears Dark Blue, but isn't fussy about clothes.
They're just there to soak up the blood from her enemies.
She lusts after Taira's Holy sword but respects Taira too
much to make a try for it. The sword sees 'Lyn as someone
he could influence more easily, and encourages her desire,
much to Taira's amusement.
THEALASSA
Race: Sylph Hair Colour: Golden
Gender: Female Eye Colour: Vivid Sky Blue
Age: What's that? Skin Colour: Fair
Height: 4' 9" Hair Length: Long
Weight: 74 lbs Handedness: To do what?
Thealassa favors very soft and silky clothing. She generally
wears clothes that are as soft as a breeze, and about as revealing.
CORRECTIONS
Delete the Dust of Choking from Taira's equipment list since she
can't afford it, but add a pair of Light and Dark wands. One has
Continual Light cast on the tip, the other has Continual Dark.
Each is in a lightproof sheath. Kse and 'Lyn each have a pair
too, since they're easily made.
Note that Taira became a Druid *after* she was a wizard. After
reaching 15L wizard she created the Ring Gialnar and attempted to
raise the goddess. The backlash from the failed attempt
destroyed her familiar and dropped her to 11L. Realizing that
Sorcery alone was not enough, she sought out the Druids and
joined them. Part of her Heresy was in combining Sorcery with
Worship, the other part was in uncovering the banned spell
"Woodland King." After leaving the Druids she continued her
studies, which eventually led to her losing her powers and
sinking into the gutter to become a thief.
Sorry for the mistake, but Taira's a difficult figure to pin
down.
Carl
..!ctvax!uokvax!lmaher