Hi All,

As it seems like we have a really supportive and active community here with lots of us creating various supplements and enhancements to this awesome game, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in contributing to a supplement containing a collection of characters for use in the game?

I was thinking each character could contain stats and background notes, for use as a player character (ie, using the full PC generation rules) and for use as an NPC (ie, using the LM rules for such characters). That way such options would provide some flexibility as to how the character could be used within each person's game. We could also, where required, build applicable characters on greater than starting experience/advancement points to give variety to the content - ie, allowing for experienced war veterans, scholars, etc.

Thoughts? If interested, feel free to post them here. I'll then compile them up after a certain amount of time has passed.

Initially, I'll be posting the PCs my players created for my campaign when I have some spare time this weekend but thought it worth putting up the initial post to start things rolling in general.

Sounds like an excellent idea. I will certainly contribute something.

Okay, cool!

Thinking on, I thought it might be helpful to post an example so that i) you all knew what I was talking about and, ii) you could hack the formatting to save you all a little time, so...

Iwgar, the Woodman
[Starting character (ie, built on 0 advancement points, 0 experience points)]

General Information
Culture: Woodman
Cultural Blessing: Woodcrafty
Cultural Background: The Hound
Calling: Wanderer, Shadow Weakness: Wandering Madness
Traits: Folk Lore, Mirkwood Lore, Herb Lore
Distinctive Features: Bold, Elusive

Attributes
Body: 3, Favoured: 4
Heart: 4, Favoured: 7
Wits: 7, Favoured: 9

Common Skills
Awe: 0
Athletics: 2
Awareness: 2
Explore: 3
Song: 1
Craft: 1

Inspire: 1
Travel: 2
Insight: 1
Healing: 3
Courtesy: 0
Battle: 1

Persuade: 0
Stealth: 2
Search: 0
Hunting: 2
Riddle: 1
Lore: 0

Weapon Skills
Brawl / Dagger: 1
Spear: 1
Long-Hafted Axe: 3

Valour and Wisdom
Valour: 1
Wisdom: 2

Virtues
Hound of Mirkwood (Hunting)

Endurance
24

Hope
16

Parry
7 (Shield +2)

Armour
1d (Head Gear +1)

Damage
3 (Ranged +0)

Physical Description
Iwgar is of lean build, not powerful, but strong enough to survive the rigours of life in the wild. His straw coloured hair is worn shoulder length and a trimmed beard adorns his face. He has a ready smile and tends to a relaxed expression, though he is not comfortable when in social situations. His clothing is hard wearing, comfortable and usually rather worn and patched as well as wearing leather armour, round shield, and cap with nose-guard for protection. He arms himself with long-hafted axe, dagger, and spear. His hound companion, Wulf, is never far from his side and though only 28 summers of age, his skin, like that of many Woodmen is showing signs of the many days spent in the Wilderland – ruddy, tanned, and weather beaten.

Equipment Worn
Leather shirt, cap of leather, medium round shield, long-hafted axe, spear, and dagger.

Background
The small groups moved through the forest, driving the prey toward the hunters who would bring them down. The teams on the left flank were moving well, getting closer and closer to the unsuspecting prey when a shriek of horror shivered the silence. Iwgar and Vandil surged off toward the cry, with Iwgar’s young pup Brom bounding ahead to show them the way. Mere moments crawled past like hours before a figure burst from the bramble ahead of them. Vandil grabbed the woman (for a young woman it was) and lowered the sobbing Brerwyn to the floor.

“They have her,” she sobbed over and again as Vandil tried to comfort her. He turned to Iwgar for aid, but his friend was gone!

Iwgar ran though the foliage, ignorant of the branches that clawed and tugged at him. He didn’t need to ask who had been seized. Berwyn had been driving the prey nearby with another maid from the village, Acwyn, whom Iwgar had loved since he became aware of the beauty of women. Though he had not yet dared to suite her, he was not about to allow anyone to harm her.

Without thought of stealth or care for his own safety, Iwgar rushed into the clearing. There before him lay the prone form of Acwyn, huge spiders clambering over her body. Without thought, his axe was in his hand and he smote the nearest of the beasts. The creature unleashed a hideous shriek as its carapace cracked beneath the blow. Alas its fellows were not cowed by this blow and rushed toward the young Woodman.

Though Vandil and two of the other hunters joined the fray, the Woodmen’s defeat seemed certain. As the hateful arachnids began to overwhelm the young men, salvation appeared. A series of arrows, their flights of light coloured feathers found their marks, piercing the shells of the spiders one after another. A party of Elves swiftly descended upon the glade, fighting alongside the Woodmen to drive off the foul beasts.

Alas, the lovely Acwyn had already been slain by the monsters’ poison and it was with heavy heart that the Woodmen and their Elven allies returned with her corpse to the Woodland Hall.

Iwgar took Acwyn’s death hard. With the support of his family and friends and from one of the Elves, Gilbrannon, who spoke kind and wise words of support to him, Iwgar recovered, but thereafter the Woodland Hall had lost something irreplaceable to him. Though he remained at Woodland Hall, he took to spending most of his time on the edges of Woodman society.

The role of warden and patroller suited him will, spending his time mostly with a small group (and his ever loyal hounds Brom and later his son, Wulf). Alas, this time spent away from his people, has left him uncomfortable and clumsy in social situations.

Loremaster NPC Statblock
Attribute Level: 5
Specialities: Folk Lore, Mirkwood Lore, Herb Lore
Distinctive Features: Bold, Elusive
Endurance: 17
Parry: 5 (Shield +2)
Armour: 1d (Head Gear +1)
Skills: Personality 0, Movement 2, Perception 2, Survival 3, Custom 2, Vocation 1
Weapon Skills: Dagger 1, Spear 1, Long-Hafted Axe 3

... Can anyone think of anything else we could add that would be needed?

An excellent idea Rich and one which I will happily add to, as soon as I get the Laketown book and see how LM NPC Statblocks work.

I'm just working off the rules for them in the Loremaster Book, Halbarad. Check out pages 24 thru' 27 of that book. That's all you should need!

Few more minutes to spare so here's another...

Thogrim Stonehammer, Dwarf of the Lonely Mountain
[Starting character (ie, built on 0 advancement points, 0 experience points)]

[Note: I've used a house rules with regard to the base spread of Common Skills for changing Riddle from 2 to 1 and Battle from 1 to 2]

General Information
Culture: Dwarf
Cultural Blessing: Redoubtable
Cultural Background: A Lesson in Revenge
Calling: Slayer, Shadow Weakness: Curse of Vengeance
Traits: Enemy Lore (Orcs), Firemaking, Smithcraft
Distinctive Features: Hardy, Lordly

Attributes
Body: 6, Favoured: 8
Heart: 3, Favoured: 6
Wits: 5, Favoured: 6

Common Skills
Awe: 1
Athletics: 1
Awareness: 1
Explore: 2
Song: 1
Craft: 3

Inspire: 2
Travel: 3
Insight: 0
Healing: 0
Courtesy: 1
Battle: 2

Persuade: 0
Stealth: 0
Search: 3
Hunting: 0
Riddle: 1
Lore: 0

Weapon Skills
Brawl / Dagger: 1
Shortsword: 1
(Axes): 3

Valour and Wisdom
Valour: 2
Wisdom: 1

Rewards
Dwarf-Wrought Hauberk

Endurance
31

Hope
9

Parry
5 (Shield +0)

Armour
5d (Head Gear +4)

Damage
6 (Ranged +0)[/QUOTE]

Physical Description
Thogrim is a sturdy young dwarf dressed in his dead father’s mail hauberk, full helm, and the rich well made clothing usual for his race. Lordly of appearance, his beard is brown with hints of red and blonde in it. He has a fine white scar running down his cheek from near the corner of his left eye (a trophy from the battle of five armies). He has a few other scars on his body from odd skirmishes, but nothing significant. Thogrim has forged his own long-hafted axe and wields it with pride. He is in the process of engraving the axe head with his family history and an account of his exploits. The part of the axe head near the haft is engraved with its name in Khuzdul; “Felakrakhas” (Hewer of Orcs).

Equipment Worn
Mail hauberk (dwarf-wrought hauberk), full helm, long-hafted axe, throwing axe, and dagger.

Background
Thogrim Stonehammer is the son of Thogrum Stonehammer. Thorgim is the second son, his older brother is Thogrund. His father was a noble man of the Stonehammer clan – related to the Ironfoot’s of which Dain Ironfoot II is the leader and King of the Dwarves Under the Mountain.

Thogrim was raised in the Iron Hills in an outlying community that was involved in more than the normal number of skirmishes with orcs. His mother was killed when he was young in an orc raid.

His father, Thogrum, was killed at the Battle of Five Armies after a troll scattered the group that he was leading - Thogrim was there with his father within his vanguard. They managed to regroup but it took a while to find Thogrum, who had fallen down a small cliff and was badly wounded and surrounded by orcs. The orcs were toying with him, but those that strayed too close were quickly slain by the injured old dwarf. By the time Thogrim and his companions climbed to the bottom of the cliff a particularly large and ugly orc had slain his father, skewering him with a great spear as well as taking the axe of his father and his father’s before him.

At the bottom of the gully, the band of dwarves were outnumbered and cornered. Their fate looked sealed, before a troop of elves arrived at the edge of the cliff and cut down the orcs with a rain of arrows. Alas, Thogrum’s slayer, nor his axe, could be found among the dead.

Thogrim now wears the armour of his father; expertly repaired to mend the spear hole in the chest.

After the battle, Thogrim joined or organised raids on orcs to look for the axe, but soon realised he was really motivated by an urge to destroy their kind more than to recover his family’s heirloom.

His father had always told him to fight with his head, and at the Battle of Five Armies many of the dwarves were undisciplined and over-eager in their attacks. This probably lead to them being scattered. Thogrim now tries to fight with caution and to reign in his enthusiasm and battle lust.

Thogrim’s brother has decided that he needs to spend less time in the field more time helping with family and clan matters with Thogrim continuing his search for their father’s axe.

Loremaster NPC Statblock
Attribute Level: 5
Specialities: Enemy Lore (Orcs), Firemaking, Smithcraft
Distinctive Features: Hardy, Lordly
Endurance: 23
Parry: 5
Armour: 5d (Head Gear +4)
Skills: Personality 2, Movement 2, Perception 2, Survival 1, Custom 1, Vocation 2
Weapon Skills: Dagger 1, Shortsword 1, (Axes) 3

Rich H

I think I have provided a few in my Fan Supplement in my sig (from past contributions), although I don't think the excellent loremaster statblocks were - where did you get the format for these??

Robin S.

I can't spot the names of the authors so although I could post here I'm not sure who to credit them to. Hopefully people will post them here again and we'll know who they belong to.

I just put it together from the elements I thought it needed. There may be some unconscious influence from things that I'm not aware of. Not sure.

Do we have to write them up as PC's or can we just do NPC stat blocks? The reason I'm asking is I have a few ideas for NPC's that are not covered by the current cultures.

I was thinking dual stats would be nice but I'm flexible - I could present the pdf with PC and NPC sections quite easily so different characters could be in each with overlap where stats are produced for both options. I certainly don't want to limit input in any way.

Are you only looking for 0 advancement PCs?

Already answered that in my opening post, Beran:

Slightly off-topic, but if you like making random characters to get some new ideas, follow the link in my thread.

Stephen "Trotter"

Okay here are my first two contributions. They are a pair of characters that I thought of when helping Tensen with his Dale Map (So they kind of belong in that thread as well ).

My idea for their use (apart from them just being colourful characters) is to have them as mouthpiece characters for if you ever fancy talking the characters east. They can be used to paint a mysterious picture of that far off distant place, telling tall tales and hinting of great adventure to be had.*


Kemic Farstrider


Physical Description & Mannerisms

Kemic is a dusky skinned man of middle years, with coal black hair and beard which are beginning to show signs of grey. His russet coloured eyes twinkle when he laughs, which is often. He walks with a noticeable limp, from a wound he received when he was a young man. His garments are always colourful and well made.

Although he speaks the Dalish language well, there is a noticeable twang in Kemic’s voice when he pronounces certain words. Kemic unconsciously fiddles with his beard when he talks.

Equipment Worn

At his belt he wears a curved knife, which has a beautiful garnet in its pommel. He wears clothing typical of the lakemen, favouring light shirts and sturdy breeches. Around his neck he wears a pendent of silver, fashioned to resemble a horse’s head.

Background

Kemic hails from the distant lands of the east, beyond the Sea of Rhun. He is well travelled and has seen many wondrous sights. Having led a life of adventure and danger, he has decided to settle down in the newly rebuilt settlement of Dale and has opened a feasting hall called the Laden Platter with his dwarven friend Regin Stonetears. A worldly man, many come to his feast hall just to hear his outlandish tales of adventure. He wiles away many long nights standing before the great hearth telling anecdotes to any who will listen.

Loremaster NPC Statblock
Attribute Level: 4
Specialities: Rhun-lore, Storytelling
Distinctive Features: Merry, True-hearted
Endurance: 10
Parry: 7
Armour: 1d
Skills: Personality 2, Movement 3, Perception 2, Survival 1, Custom 3, Vocation 2
Weapon Skills: Dagger 2, Sword 2


Regin Stonetears


Physical Description & Mannerisms

Regin would dearly love to claim the title of fattest dwarf from Bombur of Erebor. The only time you won’t see him eating something is when he’s snoring his head off. His copper coloured beard is bushy and decorated by the remains of long forgotten meals. Regin’s ever expanding girth is adorned with a mithral and gold belt buckle, which adorns his oft rumoured enchanted belt. His favourite colour is blue and all of his garments are of that hue.

Apart from his insatiable appetite , Regin’s most noticeable mannerisms are to call anyone he meets ‘my boy/lass’ even those of older years than him and also to wave around his food laden hands whilst talking in overblown gestures to get his point across.

Equipment Worn

Blue jerkin and blue breeches, a dark leather belt with a gold and mithral lined buckle depicting a mattock and a helm. A walking stick, which he rarely has need of these days and a sturdy dwarven dagger.

Background

Regin hails from the Iron Hills, yet he has spent many years travelling the lands of the east, as a member of a trade caravan. In his younger days Regin was vigorous and hearty dwarf, but his love of food and the finer things in life have taken a toll on his physique. During his travels he became fast friend with a man of the east named Kemic Farstrider. The two of them shared many adventures and saw many wondrous things, including the halls of Regin’s distant kin below the Red Mountains far to the east. Now the two friends have put their wandering days behind them and have opened a feast hall called the Laden Platter in the newly rebuilt city of Dale. They make a handsome income from their investment, even if it seems at times as if Regin is intent on eating the halls entire larder himself.

Loremaster NPC Statblock
Attribute Level: 4
Specialities: Smoking, Trading
Distinctive Features: Forthright, Robust
Endurance: 12
Parry: 5
Armour: 1D
Skills: Personality 3, Movement 1, Perception 2, Survival 2, Custom 2, Vocation 2
Weapon Skills: Dagger 2, Axe 2


Will have more NPC's later.

* Loremasters will have to fill in these tales themselves I'm not doing all the work for you

Nice one, Poosticks. Hopefully these two by yourself and my previous two will provide motivation for others to post their contributions. HINT!

Is the thread solely for PC's? I was thinking of adding a thread of NPC allies. Similar to the Orc adversary thread.
E.g. ( Dwarven axe-master, Hobbit bounder, Elven archer, Woodman scout, Barding warrior, Beorning Hunter, etc.....

Nope, those would all be great and welcomed.

"We could also, where required, build applicable characters on greater than starting experience/advancement points to give variety to the content..."

Please forgive me if I have this wrong...I'm really tired at the moment of writing. I take this to mean you are looking for beginning PCs at the moment, but hold open the possiblity of experienced PC being included. If this is the case let me know I have a couple I could include in the thread if you like.

Not looking for just beginning PCs, Beran. The text you're quoting basically is saying that if you want to produce more experience characters then do so. It would be useful to disclose the number of extra Advancement and Experience Points they have been built on if you do, though.

The following are experienced action/combat NPC’s based on the LM guide pg. 26 for experience guide/worthy warrior. I have assumed Attribute levels and Hope points are equal and that hope point act the same as Hate Points

Elven Tracker

Attribute Level: 6
Specialities: Mirkwood-Lore, Woodwright
Distinctive Features: Keen-eyed, Quick of Hearing
Endurance: 18
Parry: 7
Armour: 2 d
Skills: Personality 2, Movement 3, Perception 3, Survival 2, Custom 2, Vocation 2
Weapon Skills: Bow 4, Short Sword 2
Special Ability: Deadly Archery
Spent a hope to add attribute level as damage bonus after a successful hit with a bow

Dwarven Warrior

Attribute Level: 6
Specialities: Smith-craft, Tunnelling
Distinctive Features: Determined, Hardy
Endurance: 24
Parry: 4+2
Armour: 4d
Skills:Personality 2, Movement 3, Perception 2, Survival 2, Custom 2, Vocation 3

Weapon Skills: Axe 4, Short, Sword Sword 2
Special Ability: Old Hatred
Spent a hope to add attribute level as damage bonus after a successful hit a melee weapon

Hobbit Bounder

Attribute Level: 5
Specialities: Smoking, Storytelling
Distinctive Features: Wary, Elusive
Endurance: 15
Parry: 6
Armour: 1d
Skills: Personality 2, Movement 3, Perception 2, Survival 1, Custom 3, Vocation 1
Weapon Skills: Bow 3, Short Sword 2
Special Abilities: Small Folk as a trait

I hope to post the human cultures next and then add more healers, scholars, dipolmats, etc..

Great stuff!

Keep 'em coming folks, we're starting to get some momentum here...

Good to know.

Look forward to seeing your contributions!

Scholar of Dale or Lake-town

Attribute Level: 5
Specialities: Old-lore, Storytelling
Distinctive Features: Clever, Curious
Endurance: 14
Parry: 7
Armour: 0
Skills: Personality 2, Movement 2, Perception 3, Survival 2,
Custom 3, Vocation 4
Weapon Skills: Staff 3, Sword 2

Back with another NPC, come on folks share your ideas! Anything that can help our fellow Lore Masters is worth posting, and useable NPCs are certainly helpful.



Dínathrad


Physical Description & Mannerisms
Dínathrad is a soft spoken silvan elf, whose demeanour is of someone who likes to let others do the talking. His pale grey eyes hint of a wisdom gained from his long years wandering the wild places of Middle-earth. His hair is a warm auburn colour. He is usually garbed in robes of subdued colours which match the season around him.

His mood can shift easily between a quiet melancholy and exuberant joy, usually triggered by his time among the younger folk.

Equipment Worn
Dínathrad wear finely made robes and carries a satchel of herbs and reagents. He wears a long sword at his side; though he is loathe to ever draw it.

Background
For many years Dínathrad has had a passion for all things that grow. He has learnt the names and properties of hundreds of plants found throughout Wilderland. Having spent many years travelling across Wilderland Dínathrad has learnt to appreciate the worth of the younger peoples of the land and has a fondness for the tenacity and indomitable spirit of the Men of the North and has spent some time amongst the folk of Dale, Esgaroth and the lands of the Beornings. He has passed on some of his knowledge of herb-lore to help the fragile race of man battle the effects of disease, poison and infection. He also helps fund a house of healing in the newly rebuilt city of Dale.

Loremaster NPC Statblock
Attribute Level: 6
Specialities: Herb-lore, Mirkwood Lore
Distinctive Features: Fair-spoken, Generous
Endurance: 22
Parry: 6
Armour: 2d
Skills: Personality 3, Movement 3, Perception 3, Survival 4, Custom 2, Vocation 2
Weapon Skills: Dagger 2, Sword 2