Hello all,
This is another post of self-promotion with content on Prevail. There is a collection of posts showcasing three halfling characters imagined at levels 1, 4, and 9. All links below lead to the posts on Prevail. Each level build includes a downloadable character sheet.
These are built using only existing 1st edition Torchbearer rules.
The preface post introduces the characters in profile. The individual posts show precise builds and describe the process with a bit of additional character biography. The conclusion post wraps up my thoughts on the project and offers final comments.
Nothing from this project is behind a pay-wall. This is available to followers and supporters. I just want to freely contribute to the community with my creative content.
This is the end of single stock-class character builds. I will have a period of rest from this sort of project, but anything in the future will gather a diverse team of stocks and classes as an adventuring party. I am likely to set aside the project until 2nd edition Torchbearer rules are fully completed and published.
I joined the kickstarter, so I have been tracking the preview content; I’m aware of many revisions and alterations that may impact the three character build projects I’ve released. I will return to write addendums regarding how the 2nd edition rules would require changes or would invalidate the character builds.
Preface (link)
These three halflings are not in-play nor from a previous game, so the stories are entirely fabricated for this project. As such, I chose to draw upon inspiration from the Middarmark Gazetteer for added depth and anchoring the character growth in existing lore. I also used the Nature descriptors as leads to describe the conceptual profile behind each build.
I think it is fair to admit I have never played a halfling nor run an NPC halfling. I simply don’t find the need to portray these diminutive fantasy people as a separate race from humans, so I’ve always merely merged them with humans rather than giving them a distinct cultural or geographical niche. I feel it might be ethically responsible to mention that in case there are readers in the audience with particularly strong feelings about halflings (or the other rendered names for these fantasy people, such as kender or hobbit). If you, reader, feel I’ve got it all wrong or am missing the unique pleasure of halflings as a distinct people, please share your comments! I would love to hear more opinions and compare thoughts on the topic.
Ing Roan Gamwich of Holmon - the bloodletter
Ingr joins a roving band of huldufolk in the Doalrode caravan. He originates from Veihus from a temporarily settled family. After several adventures, he is ready to gain a companion and progress to some future outside the vagrant living of the Doalrode group.
I used the halfling descriptor, sneaking, as the conceptual foundation for his character profile. He is built as the most directly aggressive and martial rogue of the three characters. His fylgja is Raven.
Lorelei Fairbairn of Talbot - the merrymaker
Lori leaves a hostess role at a Tarn Tanleth estate to begin an adventuring life. She knows a bit of the history and legend of the fallen tower of Tanleth the magician, so that is an initial lead for her early adventures. After several adventures, she is ready for a companion to join her as she grows into a role as a power-broker and mediator for the upcoming generation of Tarn Tanleth Gotts.
I used the halfling descriptor, merrymaking, as the conceptual foundation for her character profile. She is built as the diplomatic, social, and arcane-trickster of the three characters. Her fylgja is Horse.
Romilda Jellesal of Orgullas - the soothsayer
Romi leaves a steward role at a Rimholm estate to begin an adventuring life. She knows a bit of the history and legend of the Sakki Downs, so that is an initial lead for her early adventures. After several adventures, she is ready for a companion to join her as she grows into a role as a cult figure and shrine maiden to Sigrun Shieldbreaker among the Bjornings.
I used the halfling descriptor, riddling, as the conceptual foundation for her character profile. She is built as the dark horse harbinger of doom and theologian of the three characters. Her fylgja is Gull.
Conclusion (link)
I hope everyone can enjoy the project and finds something to discuss from my rendering of these three halfling characters. I think these bring good insights for play, and have appealing stories to consider in play.
This is the third project of this type. I will have a restful break from this sort of project for the foreseeable future. When I return to this sort of project, I will write multi-stock-class teams.
I’ll return to review these three single-stock-class projects again following the release of Torchbearer 2nd edition to write addendums describing how the new rules impact the build and the process.