The First of the Cult (57/365)
Where the hell am I supposed to start with Toran Zane?
Seriously; Toran is exceeded in age only by Joshua Numenor and then only by a year, maximum.
Well... I could start at the beginning and like so many things the idea that became Toran was spawned of a realization; a realization about the limitations of the 3.5 system. It all started when a friend showed me the two Samurai X movies and I got the notion in my head to make a D&D melee fighter that didn't rely on crushing power and heavy armor but on speed and superior ability.
Then I realized it couldn't be done. Not in any sort of feasible time frame at least. When I actually worked out the first build that bore the name Toran Zane he took 63 levels to come to fruition compared to the like... 6-8 a more conventional build would take. And Toran's initial build pretty much relied on feats from both AEG and Mongoose Publishing which meant that it'd basically never happen.
From this humble beginning he migrated into the Necroverse where he was a defining member of the Corshekites and later was the character who created the Cult of Blades. Not the founder, in universe, but the guy who basically walked up to me and said "Hey, this is what I do." The Cult of Blades can be thought of as a spiritual successor to the Corshekites though I don't know if Corshek himself has anything to do with them. Hadn't really considsered it but it's something to think about...though now that I am thinking about it Masai bears some striking similiarities to Corshek.
Toran Zane, the eventual Master of the Cult of Blades, was born into poverty. When he was born Toran was, in his own words, "small enough that my grandfather could hold me with one hand." Chances are Toran was born premature and that Toran Zane isn't even his birthname -- it's definitely his 'real' name though; the name he's gone by for basically his entire life.
Because of his small and frail appearance Toran was given up by his family because he was simply one more mouth to feed that couldn't contribute to the overall wellbeing of the family. I'm not sure how hard of a decision it was for his mother and father but I do know he wasn't sold into slavery. See, in return for a large lump sum of money Toran's family sold him into indentured servitude with the idea being he would be raised and cared for and fed by someone else for the first part of his life and then Toran would be obligated to repay that person or group of people with his service until some age -- sometime between 18 and 25 probably.
In was a good system, in theory.
In reality the system was abused and extra "costs" were tacked onto the contracts all the time to keep the servants indentured; Toran fell victim to that sort of trap after his contract was passed through multiple hands he wound up working at a public bathhouse/inn/resturant that was also a thinly disguised brothel. And, if not for a quirk of fate, Toran would've probably died, crushed under the weight of life and forgotten by history. But he met Eranyx Nightblade as a servant and attendant during her stay there.
Eranyx met him, briefly, and then that same night returned and more or less kidnapped Toran who was, at the time, between 8-10. He didn't know who to be more scared of; her or the bounty hunters sent to recover him. Eranyx, of course, killed the bounty hunters and that was Toran's introduction to what the members of The Cult refer to as "The Steel Road." While I've never quite put a number on the years they spent together I do know that by the end of it Toran had grown to love Eranyx as the only family he ever really had.
To quote him: "I killed thewoman who was my mother in all the ways that mattered and many ways that don't; she's buried in a forest in an unmarked grave. That is our way; we look to the future, not to the past. When I die the memories of Eranyx will die with me and when my student is killed by his or her own successor my memories will die out as well. It is our way."
Of all the members of the Cult of Blades only Edward Mallory, perhaps, has been more of a public figure and that's somewhat debatable.
But this isn't about the Cult, this is about Toran, the D&D character.
And when talking about that character isn't pretty much impossible for me not to talk about the Blademaster. This is the (current) culmination of my first attempt at creating a core class and I'm (almost) satisfied with it. The entire concept is about a weapon master; someone who, with weapon in hand, is more than just a warrior but rather a force of nature. I'm not sure how well I captured that feeling. There's also a few vestiges of my original concept (lightly armored but superbly skilled fighter) to be found in the class but overall I think I did a decent job.
I did get to play it, once, in the Silver Gryphons campaign where I seemed to measure up equally to every one else.
But this isn't about the class -- this is about the character and since the Blademaster Class was literally made with Toran in mind he was a straight 20 level build of Blademaster for its test run. That's the character which will be presented here.
Now, as far as race, Toran was, is, and will always be a human. Just.... human. It's part of his charm.
Level
1 Blademaster Weapon Focus (Longsword), Hidden Talent, Improved Initiative
2 Blademaster
3 Blademaster Martial Study (Mountain Hammer)
4 Blademaster Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Ancestral Relic, Adaptive Style
5 Blademaster
6 Blademaster Freerunner
7 Blademaster
8 Blademaster
9 Blademaster Combat Intuition, Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword)
10 Blademaster
11 Blademaster
12 Blademaster Leap of the Heavens
13 Blademaster
14 Blademaster Greater Weapon Specialization (Longsword)
15 Blademaster Quick Recovery
16 Blademaster
17 Blademaster
18 Blademaster Vital Recovery
19 Blademaster Weapon Supremacy (Longsword)
20 Blademaster
Now, looking at this you'll notice two extra feats at 4th level -- those were bonus feats earned through the Silver Gryphons campaign.
Another enduring element of Toran's character is that he's always used a european influenced sword -- straight and heavy bladed; double edged with a cross shaped handguard and pommel knot for balance. In D&D parlance; a longsword -- the ubiquitious weapon of adventurers everywhere. So for the Blademaster's chosen weapon requirement Toran, of course, uses a longsword -- Firebreaker.
So let's break it down:
First Level -- Weapon Focus with the longsword which is a bonus from Blademaster. I also take Improved Initiative to reflect on the fact Toran's always, always had supremely fast reactions. Now, Hidden Talent is the odd man out at this level and I decided to take it on a whim (which set the tone for all of Toran's later feats). I figured it'd be nice to have a little something for when I need it -- and for Toran to have no idea that it was a psionic ability.
A note about Toran's later feats; alot of them were influenced by the campaign events and how Toran was developing as a character so they probably seem pretty random. The running joke was that I was picking them out with a dartboard and a blindfold. While I do have more martial adept feats than any other type
Third Level -- Martial Study to pick up Mountain Hammer. There was a need for Toran to have the ability to bring the pain and Mountain Hammer fit thematically with the rest of Toran.
Fourth Level -- 3 feats this level. Weapon Specialization for Longsword which is from the Blademaster class. Then Ancestral Relic (Book of Exalted Deeds) which allows me to turn my weapon in a kickass magical weapon that breaks some of the rules. And finally I get Adaptive Style; Toran's supposed to be versatile so this way he can change with circumstances in combat. I think I used it once, after I got it, but it's still a damn useful feat to have.
Sixth level -- Freerunner, from Complete Scoundrel. During the Silver Gryphons game Toran was making use of many skill tricks, almost all of them movement related. Freerunner, when taken at 6th level, immediately gives me the full benefits of learning two additional skill tricks for free. And, around 6th level, your skill ranks are going to be high enough to start qualifying for the really cool skill tricks so it's a really good time to go for it. This is also the last level I played Toran at before the game ended so from here on out it's all speculation.
Ninth Level -- 2 feat level. I get Greater Weapon Focus for the longsword thanks to my class and then pick Combat Intuition. I've always liked this feat for what it does for me and it really fits with the way I was playing Toran -- he went for the most dangerous opponents because he was confident in his ability to survive. He was the leader and it was his job to be on the front lines, defending his men. I would've taken this earlier except for the fact og the BAB requirement.
Twelfth Level -- Leap of the Heavens. If I'd thought about it I would've taken this feat much, much earlier because Toran was turning out to be a very athletic character. If I'd gotten another bonus feat from the campaign I'd've taken Leap of the Heavens right then and there.
Fourteenth Level -- Greater Weapon Specialization for Longsword. Thankyou Blademaster.
Fifteenth Level -- Quick Recovery. Now, this is a feat I imagine most of you don't know. It's from Lords of Madness and allows you to, at the beginning of every turn, make a saving through to recover from being stunned or dazed and I did chose it because I liked the idea of it reflecting his strength of will.
Eighteenth Level -- Vital Recovery; because he just kept going and going. And self healing was a good thing to have. It would also encourage me to use his ability to refresh maneuvers during combat which I normally didn't do.
Nineteenth Level -- Weapon Supremacy with the longsword. The pinnacle of the Blademaster's feat tree.
So.... let's get some votes:
Multiterrain Shocktrooper, Balthas Kasra, Alarian Thrakos, Spellsmiter, Dragonmage, Melee-ist Fighter, "Standard Fighter", Master of Chains, Mounted Archer, Arisias, Whirlwind, Vykes, Cerberus Ranger, Kobold Pick Fighter, Magekiller, Ebin, William Corshek, Grappler, Stormlord Cleric, Storm Mage, Lucky Adventurer, Toguro Character, Slashing Killer, Meta-Mage, Hunter of Man, Force Mage, Bardic Dervish, Halberdier, Assassin Homage, Dragoon, Draco-Blade, Missile Mage, Aiel Homage, Graeme, Archer Mage, Vartyr Kellisk, Trapper, Blessed Hunter, Dwarven Thane, Lady Irae, Naruma, Pyro-Concept, Elemental Berserker, Goblin Cook, Cryo-Concept
Gestalt Builds:
Seige Engineer, Ubertrooper, Leon Thrakos, Ravenclaw Bard, Tri-Weapon Fighter, Warblade/Lurk Concept Char, Alikin, Bloodclaw Master, Wordspeaker, Dread Pirate Roberts, Disarmer, Joshua Numenor, Direfrost Mage, Incarnate Dragon, Fortress Sorcerer, Voice of the Forgotten, Voice of Gruumsh, Kalix of Black Iron, Shadow Hunter, Elias the Stormwalker, Njal the Warbringer, Randal Bernard, Marsarlis #113, Eddie the Pierce Sniper, Graul the Ice Fisted, Tero Dach, Armored Tank, Earthbender Sorcerer, Mindreader, Dusk Commando, Eldritch Fistfighter, Lucian Thrakos, Merek Stonebreaker, Flash, Captain America, Arhmis Diei, Liam Ironarm, Runecaster Dwarf, Horizon, Desmond Arlin, Undead Psy-Warrior, Paladin of Revelry, Lord of Moil, Master of Fears, Jokhan Thrakos, Arch Druid of Cair Moloch, Duskblade Vindicator, Anarok Tor, Fangborn Martial Artist, Original Gideon, Edward Mallory, Nature Mage, Ulric Vantir, Gideon of Incarnum, Knob, Tarman Vorse, Highlander Build, Kurth, Arazil Ra'Dauthi, Toran Zane
Seriously; Toran is exceeded in age only by Joshua Numenor and then only by a year, maximum.
Well... I could start at the beginning and like so many things the idea that became Toran was spawned of a realization; a realization about the limitations of the 3.5 system. It all started when a friend showed me the two Samurai X movies and I got the notion in my head to make a D&D melee fighter that didn't rely on crushing power and heavy armor but on speed and superior ability.
Then I realized it couldn't be done. Not in any sort of feasible time frame at least. When I actually worked out the first build that bore the name Toran Zane he took 63 levels to come to fruition compared to the like... 6-8 a more conventional build would take. And Toran's initial build pretty much relied on feats from both AEG and Mongoose Publishing which meant that it'd basically never happen.
From this humble beginning he migrated into the Necroverse where he was a defining member of the Corshekites and later was the character who created the Cult of Blades. Not the founder, in universe, but the guy who basically walked up to me and said "Hey, this is what I do." The Cult of Blades can be thought of as a spiritual successor to the Corshekites though I don't know if Corshek himself has anything to do with them. Hadn't really considsered it but it's something to think about...though now that I am thinking about it Masai bears some striking similiarities to Corshek.
Toran Zane, the eventual Master of the Cult of Blades, was born into poverty. When he was born Toran was, in his own words, "small enough that my grandfather could hold me with one hand." Chances are Toran was born premature and that Toran Zane isn't even his birthname -- it's definitely his 'real' name though; the name he's gone by for basically his entire life.
Because of his small and frail appearance Toran was given up by his family because he was simply one more mouth to feed that couldn't contribute to the overall wellbeing of the family. I'm not sure how hard of a decision it was for his mother and father but I do know he wasn't sold into slavery. See, in return for a large lump sum of money Toran's family sold him into indentured servitude with the idea being he would be raised and cared for and fed by someone else for the first part of his life and then Toran would be obligated to repay that person or group of people with his service until some age -- sometime between 18 and 25 probably.
In was a good system, in theory.
In reality the system was abused and extra "costs" were tacked onto the contracts all the time to keep the servants indentured; Toran fell victim to that sort of trap after his contract was passed through multiple hands he wound up working at a public bathhouse/inn/resturant that was also a thinly disguised brothel. And, if not for a quirk of fate, Toran would've probably died, crushed under the weight of life and forgotten by history. But he met Eranyx Nightblade as a servant and attendant during her stay there.
Eranyx met him, briefly, and then that same night returned and more or less kidnapped Toran who was, at the time, between 8-10. He didn't know who to be more scared of; her or the bounty hunters sent to recover him. Eranyx, of course, killed the bounty hunters and that was Toran's introduction to what the members of The Cult refer to as "The Steel Road." While I've never quite put a number on the years they spent together I do know that by the end of it Toran had grown to love Eranyx as the only family he ever really had.
To quote him: "I killed thewoman who was my mother in all the ways that mattered and many ways that don't; she's buried in a forest in an unmarked grave. That is our way; we look to the future, not to the past. When I die the memories of Eranyx will die with me and when my student is killed by his or her own successor my memories will die out as well. It is our way."
Of all the members of the Cult of Blades only Edward Mallory, perhaps, has been more of a public figure and that's somewhat debatable.
But this isn't about the Cult, this is about Toran, the D&D character.
And when talking about that character isn't pretty much impossible for me not to talk about the Blademaster. This is the (current) culmination of my first attempt at creating a core class and I'm (almost) satisfied with it. The entire concept is about a weapon master; someone who, with weapon in hand, is more than just a warrior but rather a force of nature. I'm not sure how well I captured that feeling. There's also a few vestiges of my original concept (lightly armored but superbly skilled fighter) to be found in the class but overall I think I did a decent job.
I did get to play it, once, in the Silver Gryphons campaign where I seemed to measure up equally to every one else.
But this isn't about the class -- this is about the character and since the Blademaster Class was literally made with Toran in mind he was a straight 20 level build of Blademaster for its test run. That's the character which will be presented here.
Now, as far as race, Toran was, is, and will always be a human. Just.... human. It's part of his charm.
Level
1 Blademaster Weapon Focus (Longsword), Hidden Talent, Improved Initiative
2 Blademaster
3 Blademaster Martial Study (Mountain Hammer)
4 Blademaster Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Ancestral Relic, Adaptive Style
5 Blademaster
6 Blademaster Freerunner
7 Blademaster
8 Blademaster
9 Blademaster Combat Intuition, Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword)
10 Blademaster
11 Blademaster
12 Blademaster Leap of the Heavens
13 Blademaster
14 Blademaster Greater Weapon Specialization (Longsword)
15 Blademaster Quick Recovery
16 Blademaster
17 Blademaster
18 Blademaster Vital Recovery
19 Blademaster Weapon Supremacy (Longsword)
20 Blademaster
Now, looking at this you'll notice two extra feats at 4th level -- those were bonus feats earned through the Silver Gryphons campaign.
Another enduring element of Toran's character is that he's always used a european influenced sword -- straight and heavy bladed; double edged with a cross shaped handguard and pommel knot for balance. In D&D parlance; a longsword -- the ubiquitious weapon of adventurers everywhere. So for the Blademaster's chosen weapon requirement Toran, of course, uses a longsword -- Firebreaker.
So let's break it down:
First Level -- Weapon Focus with the longsword which is a bonus from Blademaster. I also take Improved Initiative to reflect on the fact Toran's always, always had supremely fast reactions. Now, Hidden Talent is the odd man out at this level and I decided to take it on a whim (which set the tone for all of Toran's later feats). I figured it'd be nice to have a little something for when I need it -- and for Toran to have no idea that it was a psionic ability.
A note about Toran's later feats; alot of them were influenced by the campaign events and how Toran was developing as a character so they probably seem pretty random. The running joke was that I was picking them out with a dartboard and a blindfold. While I do have more martial adept feats than any other type
Third Level -- Martial Study to pick up Mountain Hammer. There was a need for Toran to have the ability to bring the pain and Mountain Hammer fit thematically with the rest of Toran.
Fourth Level -- 3 feats this level. Weapon Specialization for Longsword which is from the Blademaster class. Then Ancestral Relic (Book of Exalted Deeds) which allows me to turn my weapon in a kickass magical weapon that breaks some of the rules. And finally I get Adaptive Style; Toran's supposed to be versatile so this way he can change with circumstances in combat. I think I used it once, after I got it, but it's still a damn useful feat to have.
Sixth level -- Freerunner, from Complete Scoundrel. During the Silver Gryphons game Toran was making use of many skill tricks, almost all of them movement related. Freerunner, when taken at 6th level, immediately gives me the full benefits of learning two additional skill tricks for free. And, around 6th level, your skill ranks are going to be high enough to start qualifying for the really cool skill tricks so it's a really good time to go for it. This is also the last level I played Toran at before the game ended so from here on out it's all speculation.
Ninth Level -- 2 feat level. I get Greater Weapon Focus for the longsword thanks to my class and then pick Combat Intuition. I've always liked this feat for what it does for me and it really fits with the way I was playing Toran -- he went for the most dangerous opponents because he was confident in his ability to survive. He was the leader and it was his job to be on the front lines, defending his men. I would've taken this earlier except for the fact og the BAB requirement.
Twelfth Level -- Leap of the Heavens. If I'd thought about it I would've taken this feat much, much earlier because Toran was turning out to be a very athletic character. If I'd gotten another bonus feat from the campaign I'd've taken Leap of the Heavens right then and there.
Fourteenth Level -- Greater Weapon Specialization for Longsword. Thankyou Blademaster.
Fifteenth Level -- Quick Recovery. Now, this is a feat I imagine most of you don't know. It's from Lords of Madness and allows you to, at the beginning of every turn, make a saving through to recover from being stunned or dazed and I did chose it because I liked the idea of it reflecting his strength of will.
Eighteenth Level -- Vital Recovery; because he just kept going and going. And self healing was a good thing to have. It would also encourage me to use his ability to refresh maneuvers during combat which I normally didn't do.
Nineteenth Level -- Weapon Supremacy with the longsword. The pinnacle of the Blademaster's feat tree.
So.... let's get some votes:
Multiterrain Shocktrooper, Balthas Kasra, Alarian Thrakos, Spellsmiter, Dragonmage, Melee-ist Fighter, "Standard Fighter", Master of Chains, Mounted Archer, Arisias, Whirlwind, Vykes, Cerberus Ranger, Kobold Pick Fighter, Magekiller, Ebin, William Corshek, Grappler, Stormlord Cleric, Storm Mage, Lucky Adventurer, Toguro Character, Slashing Killer, Meta-Mage, Hunter of Man, Force Mage, Bardic Dervish, Halberdier, Assassin Homage, Dragoon, Draco-Blade, Missile Mage, Aiel Homage, Graeme, Archer Mage, Vartyr Kellisk, Trapper, Blessed Hunter, Dwarven Thane, Lady Irae, Naruma, Pyro-Concept, Elemental Berserker, Goblin Cook, Cryo-Concept
Gestalt Builds:
Seige Engineer, Ubertrooper, Leon Thrakos, Ravenclaw Bard, Tri-Weapon Fighter, Warblade/Lurk Concept Char, Alikin, Bloodclaw Master, Wordspeaker, Dread Pirate Roberts, Disarmer, Joshua Numenor, Direfrost Mage, Incarnate Dragon, Fortress Sorcerer, Voice of the Forgotten, Voice of Gruumsh, Kalix of Black Iron, Shadow Hunter, Elias the Stormwalker, Njal the Warbringer, Randal Bernard, Marsarlis #113, Eddie the Pierce Sniper, Graul the Ice Fisted, Tero Dach, Armored Tank, Earthbender Sorcerer, Mindreader, Dusk Commando, Eldritch Fistfighter, Lucian Thrakos, Merek Stonebreaker, Flash, Captain America, Arhmis Diei, Liam Ironarm, Runecaster Dwarf, Horizon, Desmond Arlin, Undead Psy-Warrior, Paladin of Revelry, Lord of Moil, Master of Fears, Jokhan Thrakos, Arch Druid of Cair Moloch, Duskblade Vindicator, Anarok Tor, Fangborn Martial Artist, Original Gideon, Edward Mallory, Nature Mage, Ulric Vantir, Gideon of Incarnum, Knob, Tarman Vorse, Highlander Build, Kurth, Arazil Ra'Dauthi, Toran Zane