Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Sudowoodo! Sunflora! Donphan!)

Where in all of your character write ups will go.
User avatar
Batgirl III
Posts: 3626
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2016 6:17 am
Location: Portland, Oregon

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Batgirl III »

[Insert Hillary Clinton joke here.]
BARON wrote:I'm talking batgirl with batgirl. I love you internet.
statue345
Posts: 23
Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:03 pm

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by statue345 »

Just letting you know, you repeated the spider monster complication in the hag entry
Jabroniville
Posts: 24689
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:05 pm

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Jabroniville »

It's funny how near-universal the dislike of ugly old women is. Something about it really creeps out humanity on a base level. Especially prominent in Europe, where Atropos of the Fates was one of the most frightening of the Greek immortals. Ugly old men are seen as creatures of mockery, pity and humor, but a woman that far out of her birthin' years seems to really frighten people.
User avatar
Ken
Posts: 3460
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 10:40 pm
Location: Sycalb, Madiganistan

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Ken »

Jabroniville wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:51 am It's funny how near-universal the dislike of ugly old women is. Something about it really creeps out humanity on a base level.
Which explains so much of 2016.
My Amazing Woman: a super-hero romantic comedy podcast.

When the most powerful super hero on Earth marries an ordinary man, hilarity ensues.
Hoid
Posts: 3556
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 7:52 pm
Location: The Forever Tree

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Hoid »

Pathfinder had the daughters of hags and male humanoids be born beautiful—-but, upon adulthood, should these daughters turn evil, they slowly transform into whatever type of hag their mother is. Called “changelings”, they were included as a race, fully playable, at ECL0.
User avatar
Batgirl III
Posts: 3626
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2016 6:17 am
Location: Portland, Oregon

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Batgirl III »

Jabroniville wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:51 am It's funny how near-universal the dislike of ugly old women is. Something about it really creeps out humanity on a base level. Especially prominent in Europe, where Atropos of the Fates was one of the most frightening of the Greek immortals. Ugly old men are seen as creatures of mockery, pity and humor, but a woman that far out of her birthin' years seems to really frighten people.
It’s really not until fairly modern times that we see a real dichotomy develop between “evil cruel hags” and “helpful fairy godmothers.” In the earlier literature, before being bowdlerized by the Victorians and Edwardians, it’s often very hard to tell the difference between the types.

If you go back even further, to the medieval or ancient folklore, there’s essentially zero difference between them. The fae — or whatever the equivalent are called locally – are alien, as likely to harm as help.

It was a long journey from Baba Yaga to Bibbity Bobbity Boo.
BARON wrote:I'm talking batgirl with batgirl. I love you internet.
User avatar
Woodclaw
Posts: 1462
Joined: Fri Sep 08, 2017 8:05 pm
Location: Como, Italy

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Woodclaw »

Batgirl III wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 3:27 pm
Jabroniville wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:51 am It's funny how near-universal the dislike of ugly old women is. Something about it really creeps out humanity on a base level. Especially prominent in Europe, where Atropos of the Fates was one of the most frightening of the Greek immortals. Ugly old men are seen as creatures of mockery, pity and humor, but a woman that far out of her birthin' years seems to really frighten people.
It’s really not until fairly modern times that we see a real dichotomy develop between “evil cruel hags” and “helpful fairy godmothers.” In the earlier literature, before being bowdlerized by the Victorians and Edwardians, it’s often very hard to tell the difference between the types.

If you go back even further, to the medieval or ancient folklore, there’s essentially zero difference between them. The fae — or whatever the equivalent are called locally – are alien, as likely to harm as help.

It was a long journey from Baba Yaga to Bibbity Bobbity Boo.
Thanks for pointing this out, I was busy looking for the sources.
"You're right. Sorry. Holy shit," I breathed, "heckhounds.”

WareHouse W (main build thread for M&M)
Jabroniville
Posts: 24689
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:05 pm

Homunculus

Post by Jabroniville »

Image

HOMUNCULUS
Role:
Wizard's Assistant
PL 0 (42)- Minion Rank 9, Sidekick Rank 3
Normal Version:
PL 0
STRENGTH -5 STAMINA -- AGILITY -2
FIGHTING -2 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE -2 AWARENESS 0 PRESENCE -2

Skills:
Athletics 10 (+5)
Close Combat (Bite) 2 (+4)
Expertise (Survival) 4 (+5)
Perception 4 (+5)

Advantages:
Close Attack 5

Powers:
"Animal Senses" Senses 3 (Acute & Extended Scent, Low-Light Vision) [3]
"Natural Weapons- Teeth" Strength-Damage +2 [2]

"Fun Size" Shrinking 12 (Feats: Innate) (Extras: Permanent +0) -- (6 inches) [25]
(-3 Strength, +6 Defenses, +12 Stealth, -6 Intimidation, -1 Speed)

Senses 1 (Communication Link- Wizard) [1]

"Construct"
Immunity 30 (Fortitude Effects) [30]
Protection -4 [-4]

Offense:
Unarmed +3 (-5 Damage, DC 5)
Bite +5 (-5 Damage, DC 5)
Initiative -2

Defenses:
Dodge +4 (DC 14), Parry +4 (DC 14), Toughness -4, Fortitude +0, Will +0

Complications:
Weakness (Small Size)- At their natural size, Homunculi are vulnerable to large creatures- even without good accuracy. Anything of Size Rank -2 or more (human size and up) using a melee attack on a Rat effectively strike with Burst Area Damage at their strength rank naturally.

Total: Abilities: -34 / Skills: 20--10 / Advantages: 5 / Powers: 57 / Defenses: 4 (42)

-A Homunculus is a Construct, created to act as an assistant or spy to the magic-using creature that created it. Creating a Homunculus is a week-long process requiring a pint of the creator's own blood and hours of spellcasting per day- the creature is barely intelligent, but stealthy and capable of communicating with its master from afar. Some Homunculi are created with a venomous bite, batlike wings, multiple limbs, or other additions.

Jab's Notes: Given some of the ugliest (but deliberately so) art in the 3e Monster Manual, this creature doesn't look impressive, but is probably quite useful for Wizards. More of a "Roleplaying Thing" than a combat creature- they're only CR 1!
statue345
Posts: 23
Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:03 pm

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by statue345 »

I think it’s cute tbh
Jabroniville
Posts: 24689
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:05 pm

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Jabroniville »

Batgirl III wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 3:27 pm
Jabroniville wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:51 am It's funny how near-universal the dislike of ugly old women is. Something about it really creeps out humanity on a base level. Especially prominent in Europe, where Atropos of the Fates was one of the most frightening of the Greek immortals. Ugly old men are seen as creatures of mockery, pity and humor, but a woman that far out of her birthin' years seems to really frighten people.
It’s really not until fairly modern times that we see a real dichotomy develop between “evil cruel hags” and “helpful fairy godmothers.” In the earlier literature, before being bowdlerized by the Victorians and Edwardians, it’s often very hard to tell the difference between the types.

If you go back even further, to the medieval or ancient folklore, there’s essentially zero difference between them. The fae — or whatever the equivalent are called locally – are alien, as likely to harm as help.

It was a long journey from Baba Yaga to Bibbity Bobbity Boo.
The Japanese also have similar things to Hags, so it's in places other than Europe, too- it implies a primal human fear of women that far out of child-baring years: http://jpninfo.com/35085
Thorpocalypse
Posts: 3239
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:52 pm

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Thorpocalypse »

Ken wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:53 am
Jabroniville wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:51 am It's funny how near-universal the dislike of ugly old women is. Something about it really creeps out humanity on a base level.
Which explains so much of 2016.
That would be really funny if there wasn't some sad truth to it. :(
Me fail English? That's unpossible. - Ralph Wiggum
Jabroniville
Posts: 24689
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:05 pm

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Jabroniville »

Thorpocalypse wrote: Sat Apr 21, 2018 4:02 pm
Ken wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:53 am
Jabroniville wrote: Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:51 am It's funny how near-universal the dislike of ugly old women is. Something about it really creeps out humanity on a base level.
Which explains so much of 2016.
That would be really funny if there wasn't some sad truth to it. :(
Look how hated Thatcher is in England, too. Her funeral procession had people writing "ROT IN HELL, MAGGIE" on the walls the procession passed. Granted, her policies screwed over SCORES of people in the UK, but yikes- she'd been out of office for years.
Last edited by Jabroniville on Sun Apr 22, 2018 8:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
Jabroniville
Posts: 24689
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:05 pm

Howler

Post by Jabroniville »

Image

HOWLER
Role:
Apex Predator, Pack Hunter
PL 6 (94)
Normal Version:
PL 3
STRENGTH 3 STAMINA 5 AGILITY 4
FIGHTING 7 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE -2 AWARENESS 2 PRESENCE -1

Skills:
Athletics 2 (+4)
Expertise (Hunters) 5 (+7)
Insight 2 (+4)
Intimidation 6 (+5)
Perception 6 (+8)
Stealth 1 (+5)

Advantages:
All-Out Attack, Great Endurance, Improved Critical (Natural Weapons), Fast Grab, Improved Trip, Set-Up, Teamwork

Powers:
"Animal Senses" Senses 6 (Acute & Extended Scent, Low-Light Vision, Scent-Tracking, Ultra & Extended Hearing) [6]
"Animal Physiology" Speed 2 [2]
"Natural Weapons- Quills" Strength-Damage +2 (Extras: Reaction +3 on 3 Ranks) Linked to "Quilled Hindquarters" Affliction 2 (Resisted by Parry, then by Fort; Impaired/Disabled) (Extras: Reaction +3, Continuous +3) (Flaws: Limited Degree, Limited to if Quills Are Not Removed -2) [19]
"Disorienting Howl" Damage 2 (Extras: Area- Audio Perception, Alternate Save- Will, Selective) [8]
"Indecipherable" Immunity 1 (Being Understood) [1]

Offense:
Unarmed +7 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Quills +7 (+5 Damage & +2 Affliction, DC 20 & 12)
Howl +2 Area (+2 Damage, DC 17)
Initiative +4

Defenses:
Dodge +5 (DC 15), Parry +7 (DC 17), Toughness +5, Fortitude +6, Will +4

Complications:
Disabled (Animal)- Howlers cannot speak to humans, nor use their paws to easily manipulate objects.

Total: Abilities: 36 / Skills: 22--11 / Advantages: 7 / Powers: 36 / Defenses: 4 (94)

-Hailing from other Planes, the Howlers are vaguely dog or hyena-like, but possess a lethal intelligence and a comprehensive language that has so far eluded linguists and Mages alike- none have been able to understand what the creatures are saying. Howlers are pack-hunters that possess a magical "Howl" ability that can damage the very minds of those who hear them.

Jab's Notes: More Filler from the 3e Monster Manual. These ones fit the same role of a dozen other "Pack Hunter" creatures in the book, being dumber than people, but smarter than most animals. It also bizarrely includes a section on training & riding them, even though THEY HAVE FRIGGIN' QUILLS! I mean, of the ENTIRE Monster Manual, the only things that appear LESS ride-able are the things that literally have mouths all over their bodies. Where in the crap are you supposed to put that saddle?!?
User avatar
Batgirl III
Posts: 3626
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2016 6:17 am
Location: Portland, Oregon

Re: Castellia- A Fantasy Setting (Genies! Achairai! Arrowhawks! Hags!)

Post by Batgirl III »

Jabroniville wrote: Sun Apr 22, 2018 8:28 am Look how hated Thatcher is in England, too. Her funeral procession had people writing "ROT IN HELL, MAGGIE" on the walls the procession passed. Granted, her policies screwed over SCORES of people in the UK, but yikes- she'd been out of office for years.
And look how respected and admired The Baroness Thatcher is by conservatives, both in the UK and abroad. Republicans in the US absolutely love her.

It’s pure tribalism, I think, liberals/progressives all tend to regard the Iron Lady as this anti-christ boogeyman, far above and beyond the usual levels of disdain partisans of one side feel towards successful leaders of the other side. The “Left” hated Pres. Reagan too, but never with the same level of vitriol they had for her.

Then again, I’ve always felt like liberals/progressives seems to have a special enmity for conservatives/libertarians who they assume should be on their side. The hatred directed at African-Americans, women, and/or LGBTs who are openly conservative is insane.

Anyway, enough politics! Have some Power Girl:

Image
BARON wrote:I'm talking batgirl with batgirl. I love you internet.
Jabroniville
Posts: 24689
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 8:05 pm

Harpy

Post by Jabroniville »

ImageImage

HARPY
Role:
Flying Bitches
PL 7 (77)
STRENGTH
5 STAMINA 6 AGILITY 4
FIGHTING 9 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE -1 AWARENESS 0 PRESENCE -2

Skills:
Aerobatics 4 (+8)
Intimidation 9 (+7)
Expertise (Survival) 6 (+6)
Perception 7 (+7)

Advantages:
All-Out Attack, Fast Grab, Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improvised Weapon, Startle, Teamwork

Powers:
Flight 4 (30 mph) (Flaws: Winged) [4]
Senses 2 (Low-Light & Extended Vision, Acute Scent) [3]

Offense:
Unarmed +9 (+5 Damage, DC 20)
Initiative +4

Defenses:
Dodge +8 (DC 18), Parry +9 (DC 19), Toughness +5, Fortitude +6, Will +4

Complications:
Motivation (Destruction)- Harpies are devoted to causing mayhem.

Total: Abilities: 42 / Skills: 26--13 / Advantages: 6 / Powers: 7 / Defenses: 9 (77)

-SPEAKING OF Hillary Clinton & Margaret Thatcher...!

-Harpies are terrible creatures; vicious agents of the Gods, who use them to steal people away, or violently take back what has been stolen, or what the Gods desire. Harpies are either said to be beautiful or hideous, but are known to be savage, cruel and merciless, flying in on birdlike wings, despite having the faces of human women. They are never seen alone, and are often seen with makeshift weapons.

Jab's Notes: Harpies feature in Greek Mythology and legend, with people who disappear being said to "have been carried off by the Harpies". Descriptions vary, but they're mostly seen as ugly. D&D weirdly makes them akin to Sirens, with a luring call, but I left that out, keeping them as simple, savage agents of the Gods.
Post Reply