I am starting a roleplay heavy campaign this weekend. I've decided on a kobold samurai (fighter) and am trying to work on a decent backstory with some historical parallels. Any additions will be greatly appreciated.
The basic is, I (Zarto) was once a samurai under a shogun style black dragon named Ketu that was the ruler of the area (Turnback Moutains). This area seemed to be cut off from other lands. We fought and pillaged for gold to add to the horde. After years, humanoids came into the area and began an attempt to take over. For years they had been held off until they returned to cannons and primitive firearms. The samurai were no match for the new weapons and quickly the numbers began to fade. My life was spared by a younger kobold that I had been training, taking a bullet to the chest. As he died in my arms, he made me promise to continue fighting with honor, but this was not a battle that could be won. The order began to desert and fell back. Some made it out alive and most did not. I found my way to civilization and attempted life a new, feeling like an outsider.
As far as starting equipment goes, the names have been changed to reflect proper weapons. Shortsword to katana. Dagger to tanto. Longbow to yimi.
I thought this was boring until I got to the backstory, then it was interesting. Then I got to the pic and realized how shortsighted I was. Awesome!
I think the backstory is good. Enough details without overly constraining to the DM. If you want more, you might want to consider taking an important artifact (non magical and probably a sword) to keep away from the invaders.
I, on the other hand, saw "Kobold Samurai" and jumped for joy. This backstory is fantastic for a DM, and sounds like a blast to play. I'd consider developing your relationship to the kobold who sacrificed himself for you. Otherwise, good luck Zarto!
The monster manual entry for Black Dragons states they'll do anything to stay alive save for giving another creature mastery over it. This includes abandoning its lair. Did Ketu flee? Or did he(she?) die bravely refusing to submit. Would Zarto like to see Ketu again and why or why not?
What's Zarto's background by the way? I assume soldier but being an warrior poet could be cool. Guild Artisan: Caligraphy? Eh? Your most treasured possession being a half finished poem with a bullet hole through it. Over the course the campaign you could reestablish your guild and form a historical society (black dragons covet the treasure of the ancients). Your experience raiding and plundering giving you the perfect excuse to go full tomb raider.
Samurai traditionally affiliated themselves with a fiefdom and a lord (shogun). Assuming that Ketu has perished, how does your PC feel about being without their shogun? If Ketu is still alive, is your character still loyal? If so, what does Zarto do or maintain in order to demonstrate that loyalty?
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I am starting a roleplay heavy campaign this weekend. I've decided on a kobold samurai (fighter) and am trying to work on a decent backstory with some historical parallels. Any additions will be greatly appreciated.
The basic is, I (Zarto) was once a samurai under a shogun style black dragon named Ketu that was the ruler of the area (Turnback Moutains). This area seemed to be cut off from other lands. We fought and pillaged for gold to add to the horde. After years, humanoids came into the area and began an attempt to take over. For years they had been held off until they returned to cannons and primitive firearms. The samurai were no match for the new weapons and quickly the numbers began to fade. My life was spared by a younger kobold that I had been training, taking a bullet to the chest. As he died in my arms, he made me promise to continue fighting with honor, but this was not a battle that could be won. The order began to desert and fell back. Some made it out alive and most did not. I found my way to civilization and attempted life a new, feeling like an outsider.
As far as starting equipment goes, the names have been changed to reflect proper weapons. Shortsword to katana. Dagger to tanto. Longbow to yimi.
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I thought this was boring until I got to the backstory, then it was interesting. Then I got to the pic and realized how shortsighted I was. Awesome!
I think the backstory is good. Enough details without overly constraining to the DM. If you want more, you might want to consider taking an important artifact (non magical and probably a sword) to keep away from the invaders.
Otherwise, I like it!
I, on the other hand, saw "Kobold Samurai" and jumped for joy. This backstory is fantastic for a DM, and sounds like a blast to play. I'd consider developing your relationship to the kobold who sacrificed himself for you. Otherwise, good luck Zarto!
I pay only in 2 cent increments.
-Sable
The monster manual entry for Black Dragons states they'll do anything to stay alive save for giving another creature mastery over it. This includes abandoning its lair. Did Ketu flee? Or did he(she?) die bravely refusing to submit. Would Zarto like to see Ketu again and why or why not?
What's Zarto's background by the way? I assume soldier but being an warrior poet could be cool. Guild Artisan: Caligraphy? Eh? Your most treasured possession being a half finished poem with a bullet hole through it. Over the course the campaign you could reestablish your guild and form a historical society (black dragons covet the treasure of the ancients). Your experience raiding and plundering giving you the perfect excuse to go full tomb raider.
Samurai traditionally affiliated themselves with a fiefdom and a lord (shogun). Assuming that Ketu has perished, how does your PC feel about being without their shogun? If Ketu is still alive, is your character still loyal? If so, what does Zarto do or maintain in order to demonstrate that loyalty?