Wednesday, August 20, 2014

D&D Next characters: Gardain Torrhen, Cleric level 1

I like the way they've handled the spellcasters that need to prepare their spells in this edition. Really, I like the way the spells were handled in general. I like that the lower level spells can be prepared at higher slots. I like that some spells gain a power boost at set levels (an apparent remnant of 4th edition).

So yeah, the way it works now is you prepare a list of spells equal to your ability modifier plus your level, and then you can cast any of them using the spell slots you have. It's a bit like being a 3.5 Sorcerer who gets to decide what his spell list is every day.

So I enjoyed making my first D&D Next Dwarf as well as my first D&D Next Cleric. Meet Gardain.

Gardain Torrhen
Dwarf Cleric of Soran 1
LN
Speed 25 ft.
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HP 12
AC 18 (+6 Armor, +2 Shield)
Saving Throws: Wisdom, Charisma
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Attack:
Battleaxe +3 melee 1d8+1
Crossbow +1 ranged 1d8-1
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Abilities:
Str13, Con 16, Dex 8, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 12
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Class Features: Spellcasting, Divine Domain - War, War Priest (Extra attack as bonus action 3 times)
Racial Features: Darkvision, Dwarven Resilience (advantage on saves against poison, resistance to poison damage), Stonecunning (double proficiency bonus on history checks involving stonework), Dwarven Toughness (1 HP every level)
Skills: Religion, Persuasion, Insight, History
Feats:
Languages: Common, Dwarvish, Orc, Gnomish
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Proficiency Bonus: +2
Proficiencies:
Tools:
Dwarven Combat Training
Simple Weapons
Martial Weapons
Light Armor, Medium Armor, Heavy Armor, Shields
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Equipment:
Battleaxe, Chainmail, Light Crossbow, 20 Bolts, Shield, Holy Symbol of Soran, Priest's Pack, belt pouch, prayer book, 5 sticks of incense, 15 GP
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Spells Per Day: 2
Spell DC: 13
Spell Attack: +5
Cantrips Known: Sacred Flame, Spare the Dying, Guidance
Spells Prepared:
1: Divine Favor, Shield of Faith, Command, Cure Wounds, Detect Magic, Bless
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Background: Acolyte
Can receive aid from temples that share his faith
Idolizes the great Dwarven warrior and hero of the faith, Normandy
Ideal: Tradition. "The dwarves have always lived this way; the old ways protect us and keep us strong."
Bond: "I would die to recover a lost relic of my faith - Soran's Hammer."
Flaws: Inflexible in thinking
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Gardain Torrhen is a stout dwarf of middling height with light brown skin, bushy eyesbrows, and a long, black beard, which he wears braided. His eyes are dark and intense, as if he's seeing through you. He dresses in heavy dwarven crafted chainmail, and carries a Battleaxe and a heavy shield emblazoned with the holy symbol of Soran, the Forger of Dwarves.  He is 75 years old.

Gardain is quiet and deliberate, and many consider him rather somber for a dwarf. However, he burns with religious fervor and is quick to defend his church, in word or deed. He values tradition and the virtues of his faith very highly, and is quick to judge those who act irresponsibly, violate tradition, or commit another kind of sin. He is highly critical of the ways in which dwarven society has drifted away from its foundations, either by adopting the habits and values of other societies or compromising their integrity for the sake of greed.

Gardain was raised from a very young age in the Church of Soran. His parents were smiths, and were very pious, but Gardain always felt a special draw to Soran. Eventually he became an initiate, and over a few decades finally became a priest. The aging High Priest was growing feeble, and so Gardain was given more and more responsibility, until he was High Priest in all but name.

One night, as Gardain was praying, he saw a vision of a great calamity taking place. The nature of it was incomprehensible, but the aftermath was unimaginable destruction. He then saw a golden hammer descend from the heavens - and he knew it was Soran's sacred hammer, Soulforger, the one he used to create the dwarves and the mountains and valleys. And he knew the hammer could drive back the tide of chaos.

Gardain saw this as a calling, and so he did the only impulsive thing he's done in his life - he strapped on his battleaxe and shield, grabbed his backpack, and left the temple without a word, his eyes blazing with purpose. He would find Soran's sacred hammer and prevent the calamity he saw in his vision.

He's on a mission from God.

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