To begin with, I am not trying to make a one for adaptation for the classes from mass effect for a D&D character. What I am going for is a rules legal narratively driven representation of Shepard.
The first problem narratively is the N7. What N7 is it represents Shepard pass elite military training. That military training as depicted is nuts. It is some sort of cross of the Ranger leadership course, Green Beret special warfare, Night stalker combat medic training, airborne warfare and SEAL team combat diver training. Mechanically the easiest way to depict it is through a combination of Fighter Battle Master and the Bard's Jack of all trades.
Second, for background is the game has three possible. Earth born where Shepard grew up on earth as a street urchin, colony born where they are the last survivors of a devastating raid, or they are space born knowing nothing of civilian life. These can be represented by Street Urchin, Criminal, Haunted one, Solder, Sailor or Marine backgrounds respectively.
Third, what is a Specter? A special tactics and recon operative in game acts like a SWAT officer rapped in a spy and deep fat fried in Interpol. Luckily there are a few way to accomplish this in game. Rogue is the first that comes to mind if your leaning for the recon aspect, College of Whispers for the spy aspects and Shadow Monk/paladins for special tactics.
Fourth the ME classes can be rebuilt through feats. For me since I choose variant human I picked up prodigy. Infiltrators would be Skulker and sharpshooter. Vanguard Charger and sentinel. Engineer would have to be represented through D&D class selection mainly Artivister. Same with the adept ME class.
So in conclusion, Commander Shepard as a D&D character is a variant human with the prodigy feat. Built around a core of 3 levels Battle Master Fighter and 2 Levels of Bard. They would have high abelites in Dexterity and Charisma. Their background would depict Shepard's early life. Levels 6-20 would be up to the player.
One thing to remember about Specters is that they are not trained, they are chosen. Yes, Specters can use the Council's resources for special training, but this is to improve on what already made them Specter material. They are chosen because they have displayed exemplary skills, incredible ingenuity and adaptability to any situation, and an aptitude to achieve their goals for the betterment of the galaxy, no matter the cause or method of success. And Shepard becomes a Specter regardless of background, class, or whether they are Paragon or Renegade.
As far as being a jack of all trades, another thing to remember is that while Shepard does have a knack for handling many situations on their own, their greatest achievements have involved using resources, and more importantly, a team of specialists to cover whatever holes in their own abilities they lacks. If your Shepard isn't an amazing sniper, you have a Garrus. Not as tech savvy? You have a Tali or a Mordin. Not the greatest biotic? You have a Miranda, Samara, or Jack. Need some tanky heavy hitters? You have a Grunt, or a Wrex. Not stealthy? How about a Kasumi or a Thane?
The one quality that shines through no matter what though is being a leader. This is the quality that has led Shepard to sway opinions, instill loyalty, end conflicts, and amass an army large enough to challenge the Reaper's dominance of the galaxy.
To begin with, I am not trying to make a one for adaptation for the classes from mass effect for a D&D character. What I am going for is a rules legal narratively driven representation of Shepard.
The first problem narratively is the N7. What N7 is it represents Shepard pass elite military training. That military training as depicted is nuts. It is some sort of cross of the Ranger leadership course, Green Beret special warfare, Night stalker combat medic training, airborne warfare and SEAL team combat diver training. Mechanically the easiest way to depict it is through a combination of Fighter Battle Master and the Bard's Jack of all trades.
Second, for background is the game has three possible. Earth born where Shepard grew up on earth as a street urchin, colony born where they are the last survivors of a devastating raid, or they are space born knowing nothing of civilian life. These can be represented by Street Urchin, Criminal, Haunted one, Solder, Sailor or Marine backgrounds respectively.
Third, what is a Specter? A special tactics and recon operative in game acts like a SWAT officer rapped in a spy and deep fat fried in Interpol. Luckily there are a few way to accomplish this in game. Rogue is the first that comes to mind if your leaning for the recon aspect, College of Whispers for the spy aspects and Shadow Monk/paladins for special tactics.
Fourth the ME classes can be rebuilt through feats. For me since I choose variant human I picked up prodigy. Infiltrators would be Skulker and sharpshooter. Vanguard Charger and sentinel. Engineer would have to be represented through D&D class selection mainly Artivister. Same with the adept ME class.
So in conclusion, Commander Shepard as a D&D character is a variant human with the prodigy feat. Built around a core of 3 levels Battle Master Fighter and 2 Levels of Bard. They would have high abelites in Dexterity and Charisma. Their background would depict Shepard's early life. Levels 6-20 would be up to the player.
Outside the Lines Fantasy – A collection of self published fiction stories.
One thing to remember about Specters is that they are not trained, they are chosen. Yes, Specters can use the Council's resources for special training, but this is to improve on what already made them Specter material. They are chosen because they have displayed exemplary skills, incredible ingenuity and adaptability to any situation, and an aptitude to achieve their goals for the betterment of the galaxy, no matter the cause or method of success. And Shepard becomes a Specter regardless of background, class, or whether they are Paragon or Renegade.
As far as being a jack of all trades, another thing to remember is that while Shepard does have a knack for handling many situations on their own, their greatest achievements have involved using resources, and more importantly, a team of specialists to cover whatever holes in their own abilities they lacks. If your Shepard isn't an amazing sniper, you have a Garrus. Not as tech savvy? You have a Tali or a Mordin. Not the greatest biotic? You have a Miranda, Samara, or Jack. Need some tanky heavy hitters? You have a Grunt, or a Wrex. Not stealthy? How about a Kasumi or a Thane?
The one quality that shines through no matter what though is being a leader. This is the quality that has led Shepard to sway opinions, instill loyalty, end conflicts, and amass an army large enough to challenge the Reaper's dominance of the galaxy.
"Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy and taste good with ketchup."
Characters for Tenebris Sine Fine
RoughCoronet's Greater Wills