The Dresden Files > DFRPG
My first character for review
Wanderer:
Edit: I've updated character builds according to thread discussion and further ideas.
This is the tentative draft of my first DFRPG character, done in two slightly different versions that draw power from opposite mystical sources b/c I cannot make up my mind about which one I prefer. To help me shape the concept I developed it in several different power levels ranging from 10 to 21/22 Refresh; however I assume the concept requires at least 15/16 Refresh to be any barely realized and 18/19 Refresh to have all required features more or less in place. Everything below that is just preparatory work. I welcome constructive suggestions and opinions, especially as it concerns Aspects and their wording.
Notable concept features that may be Aspect-worthy include: being a half-sidhe changeling and a sorcerer/wizard; drawing power from mortal magic, Faerie, and Lower (or Higher) powers without becoming any especially evil or righteous; being eager for mystical (and martial) power and amoral with it (and violence) but not really unhinged or corrupted by it; being brash, hot-tempered, and rebellious to authority but honorable and loyal to friends; often doing the right thing for various reasons but being no kind of moral paragon; being good with flashy, freeform magic and martial arts but bad with subtle, ritual magic and technology; being plagued by an hyperactive Murphyonic field and/or a magnet for mystical weirdness but not having other kinds of bad luck; being the chivalrous kind of lech; being a biker.
Version A
(click to show/hide)Power Level: Submerged (10 RF, 35 SP, SC 5)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Sorcerer
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Sorcerer and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Anything Is Possible
Superb: Conviction, Discipline
Great: Fists, Lore
Good: Endurance, Might
Fair: Alertness, Athletics, Presence
Average: Empathy, Intimidation, Rapport, Resources, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron and the like, as well as trappings of Winter) (+3)
Seelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
Evocation: Elements (Fire, Earth, Spirit); Control (Fire +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: Snorkeling (13 RF, 45 SP, SC 5)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Sorcerer
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Sorcerer and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Anything Is Possible
Superb: Conviction, Discipline, Lore
Great: Athletics, Fists, Might
Good: Alertness, Endurance, Presence
Fair: Intimidation, Rapport, Resources
Average: Empathy, Scholarship, Stealth
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron and the like, as well as trappings of Winter) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation - specialty) (-3)
Seelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: Big Fish, Bigger Ocean (16 RF, 50 SP, SC 6)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Sorcerer
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Sorcerer and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Occasional Pawn of the Archangels
Fantastic: Conviction
Superb: Discipline, Lore
Great: Athletics, Fists, Might
Good: Alertness, Endurance, Presence
Fair: Intimidation, Rapport, Resources, Stealth
Average: Craftsmanship, Deceit, Empathy, Investigation, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron, trappings of Winter, and unholy stuff) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation - specialty) (-3)
Sponsored Magic (Soulfire) (-3)
Seelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: I Spy Atlantis (19 RF, 60 SP, SC 6)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Wizard
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Wizard and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Occasional Pawn of the Archangels
Fantastic: Conviction, Discipline
Superb: Fists, Lore
Great: Athletics, Endurance, Might
Good: Alertness, Intimidation, Presence, Rapport
Fair: Resources, Stealth, Survival, Weapons
Average: Burglary, Craftsmanship, Deceit, Empathy, Investigation, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron, trappings of Winter, and unholy stuff) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation – specialty x3) (-5)
Sponsored Magic (Soulfire) (-3)
Seelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
The Sight (-1)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Power (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: Look, Spanish Gold (22 RF, 70 SP, SC 6)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Wizard
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Wizard and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Occasional Pawn of the Archangels
Fantastic: Conviction, Discipline, Lore
Superb: Athletics, Fists, Might
Great: Alertness, Endurance, Presence
Good: Intimidation, Rapport, Resources, Stealth
Fair: Deceit, Empathy, Survival, Weapons
Average: Burglary, Contacts, Craftsmanship, Investigation, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron, trappings of Winter, and unholy stuff) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation – specialty x3) (-5)
Seelie Magic (-2)
Sponsored Magic (Soulfire) (-3)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
The Sight (-1)
Item of Power (Gauntlets of Might) (+2), affecting the following:
Claws (-1)
Inhuman Speed (-2)
Inhuman Strength (-2)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Power (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Version B
(click to show/hide)Power Level: Submerged (10 RF, 35 SP, SC 5)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Sorcerer
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Sorcerer and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Anything Is Possible
Superb: Conviction, Discipline
Great: Fists, Lore
Good: Endurance, Might
Fair: Alertness, Athletics, Presence
Average: Empathy, Intimidation, Rapport, Resources, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron and the like, as well as trappings of Summer) (+3)
Unseelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
Evocation: Elements (Fire, Earth, Spirit); Control (Fire +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: Snorkeling (13 RF, 45 SP, SC 5)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Sorcerer
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Sorcerer and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Anything Is Possible
Superb: Conviction, Discipline, Lore
Great: Athletics, Fists, Might
Good: Alertness, Endurance, Presence
Fair: Intimidation, Rapport, Resources
Average: Empathy, Scholarship, Stealth
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron and the like, as well as trappings of Summer) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation - specialty) (-3)
Unseelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: Scuba Diving (15 RF, 50 SP, SC 6)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Sorcerer
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Sorcerer and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Shadow of Ithuriel
Fantastic: Conviction
Superb: Discipline, Lore
Great: Athletics, Fists, Might
Good: Alertness, Endurance, Presence
Fair: Intimidation, Rapport, Resources, Stealth
Average: Craftsmanship, Deceit, Empathy, Investigation, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron, trappings of Summer, and holy stuff) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation - specialty) (-3)
Sponsored Magic (Hellfire) (-2)
Unseelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: Wish I Had A Submarine (18 RF, 60 SP, SC 6)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Wizard
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Wizard and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Shadow of Ithuriel
Fantastic: Conviction, Discipline
Superb: Fists, Lore
Great: Athletics, Endurance, Might
Good: Alertness, Intimidation, Presence, Rapport
Fair: Resources, Stealth, Survival, Weapons
Average: Burglary, Craftsmanship, Deceit, Empathy, Investigation, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron, trappings of Summer, and holy stuff) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation – specialty x3) (-5)
Sponsored Magic (Hellfire) (-2)
Unseelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
The Sight (-1)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Power (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
Power Level: In A Submarine (21 RF, 70 SP, SC 6)
Character's Name: Mark Viani
Template: Changeling Wizard
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Wizard and Martial Artist
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship, Honor, and Freedom of the Road
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Chivalrous Biker and Libertine
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Shadow of Ithuriel
Fantastic: Conviction, Discipline, Lore
Superb: Athletics, Fists, Might
Great: Alertness, Endurance, Presence
Good: Intimidation, Rapport, Resources, Stealth
Fair: Deceit, Empathy, Survival, Weapons
Average: Burglary, Contacts, Craftsmanship, Investigation, Scholarship
Evocation (-3)
Human Guise (+0)
Inhuman Recovery (-2)
Inhuman Toughness (-2)
The Catch (cold iron, trappings of Summer, and holy stuff) (+3)
Refinement (Evocation - element x2, Evocation – specialty x3) (-5)
Sponsored Magic (Hellfire) (-2)
Unseelie Magic (-2)
Thaumaturgy (-3)
The Sight (-1)
Item of Power (Gauntlets of Might) (+2), affecting the following:
Claws (-1)
Inhuman Speed (-2)
Inhuman Strength (-2)
Evocation: Elements (Air, Fire, Earth, Spirit, Water); Control (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1, Water +1); Power (Air +1, Earth +1, Fire +1, Spirit +1); Thaumaturgy: Complexity (Transformation and Disruption +1)
Bracelets: +1 Complexity for Transformation and Disruption and Wards; Pendant: +1 Offensive Control for Fire and Spirit
I avoided to buy Soulgaze despite being available for free since I deem it more trouble than it is worth. Conversely, if the character could have even more Refresh, additional powers that would fit the concept include: True Shapeshifting (NOT Glamours, despite Faerie ties), Swift Transition, and Wings, as well as removing the Item of Power limitation.
Sanctaphrax:
Looks pretty good at a glance. I didn't check your math, though.
I do have one criticism, but it's not about the character proper. It's just that
Superb: Conviction, Discipline
Great: Fists, Lore
Good: Endurance, Might
Fair: Alertness, Athletics, Presence
Average: Rapport, Resources, Scholarship, Empathy, Intimidation
is a fair bit easier to read than
Alertness: Fair (+2)
Athletics: Fair (+2)
Conviction: Superb (+5)
Discipline: Superb (+5)
Empathy: Average (+1)
Endurance: Good (+3)
Fists: Great (+4)
Intimidation: Average (+1)
Lore: Great (+4)
Might: Good (+3)
Presence: Fair (+2)
Rapport: Average (+1)
Resources: Average (+1)
Scholarship: Average (+1)
--- Quote from: Wanderer on May 30, 2017, 01:40:24 AM ---(I thought of adding something like "A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness" to the Aspects but I'm unsure how to make it fit in the list) .
--- End quote ---
You could make it your Trouble, since your current Trouble doesn't seem essential.
Alternately, you could compress I KNOW NO LAW BUT MY OWN and THE THINGS I DO FOR FRIENDS into I KNOW NO LAW BUT FRIENDSHIP. Sounds cheesy as heck, but in a way I appreciate.
--- Quote from: Wanderer on May 30, 2017, 01:40:24 AM ---At the highest power levels I left skill points unspent b/c I simply could not think of any way to use them that would fit the concept and the bloody pyramid system. The character is supposed to be bad, not interested, or have little use for certain skills and I already put points in a few other ones with considerable reluctance and distaste just to make the £$%& pyramid fit.
--- End quote ---
Why not take a bit of Weapons? Realistically, anyone who's Superb at hitting you with their bare hands will be at least minimally competent at hitting you with a knife.
Wanderer:
--- Quote from: Sanctaphrax on May 30, 2017, 05:50:29 AM ---Looks pretty good at a glance. I didn't check your math, though.
--- End quote ---
Well, I did check math with a character management program (DFRPG-CM) I found on the net.
You may have a point with skill-list readability on the forum but I found the way I used easier to manage when I wrote the character, and then I just copied and pasted my notes. I might rewrite my post the way you suggest when I get the time.
--- Quote ---You could make it your Trouble, since your current Trouble doesn't seem essential.
Alternately, you could compress I KNOW NO LAW BUT MY OWN and THE THINGS I DO FOR FRIENDS into I KNOW NO LAW BUT FRIENDSHIP. Sounds cheesy as heck, but in a way I appreciate.
--- End quote ---
The Trouble I picked is supposed to signify power is the character's preferred tool, way of life, and main temptation, for good and bad. Hmm, perhaps I may rewrite the Aspects list this way, following your suggestions:
Template: Changeling Wizard
High Concept Aspect: Half-Sidhe Wizard
Trouble Aspect: A Bane for Technology and A Magnet for Weirdness
Background Aspect: A Warlock and A Gentleman
Rising Conflict Aspect: I Know No Law But Friendship
The Story Aspect: Not So Subtle, Still Quick to Anger
Guest Star Aspect: Power Is My Tool, My Calling, and My Temptation
Guest Star Redux Aspect: Shadow of Ithuriel/Occasional Pawn of the Archangels
What do you think ?
--- Quote ---Why not take a bit of Weapons? Realistically, anyone who's Superb at hitting you with their bare hands will be at least minimally competent at hitting you with a knife.
--- End quote ---
I suppose so, but it would have little use in practice, barring the rare case of enchanted weapons too good not to be used, given the character's overwhelming focus on magic and unharmed combat as combat abilities. Then again, I acknowledge someone who trained in martial arts as extensively as the character may have inevitably picked up some minimal competence in melee weapons. I'm annoyed enough at the system for forcing me to put points in inappropriate skills like Burglary, Craftsmanship, and Investigation to complete the pyramid when the character is supposed to be terrible with technology. Unless perhaps such skills get reinterpreted to focus almost exclusively on low-tech uses and basic repair. But Guns and Driving looked even less appropriate, and the character is supposed to have no artistic aptitude. Unfortunately I found your suggestion of raising the skill ceiling and lowering the skill pool total too troublesome to implement, at least for now.
By the way, on second thoughts I suppose having Soulfire might justify including a vulnerability to unholy stuff in the Catch, for the sake of symmetry between the two versions of the character. Especially since the character is not righteous or saintly.
Taran:
As a skill, I really like investigation. Obviously, if it doesn't fit the concept that's fine but I was just curious if your dislike for investigation is a mechanical or role play reason.
Wanderer:
--- Quote from: Taran on May 30, 2017, 12:38:42 PM ---As a skill, I really like investigation. Obviously, if it doesn't fit the concept that's fine but I was just curious if your dislike for investigation is a mechanical or role play reason.
--- End quote ---
Generally speaking, I like Investigation too and find it somewhat useful, albeit much less so for magical characters that are often able to substitute it with Lore, esp. if they have The Sight. I only dislike the pyramid system kinda forcing its use for the present character. Besides the limited usefulness for mages, it looks inappropriate since the character is supposed to be terrible with technology due to an overactive Murphyonic field. Admittedly, this is only a problem in CSI-esque modern environments where the skill seems to be critically reliant on advanced equipment. In low-tech environments or the Nevernever, the skill is mostly supposed to be used the way Sherlock Holmes did it, with scarcely a problem for gremlin characters, hence no problem for me. As a matter of fact, Investigation is more or less the skill I find least troublesome among the concept-inappropriate ones, because low-tech uses are relatively important and easy to come by. Burglary, Craftsmanship, or potentially speaking Driving and Guns feel worse choices.
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