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silver-gm · 3 months

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Baron(ess) as a companion prompt

To celebrate my return to Pathfinder fanfic, I'll share this prompt I did, shared by the lovely @undyingembers. My Baroness, Teliana, if she were a recruitable companion.

Her post can be found here:

https://www.tumblr.com/undyingembers/684917265992417280/baroness-as-a-companion-katala?source=share

Baron(ess) as a Companion

Name: Teliana

Race: Half-elf

Class: Paladin

Appearance:

Teliana is a Chelish woman, with pale skin, and a small beauty mark by her eye. She wears her raven black hair in a neat ponytail. She is rarely seen without a thoroughly polished silver symbol of Sarenrae and heavy armour. She doesn’t show much of her figure, but what she does show indicates that while she’s not exceptionally tall, she is very fit.

Favored Weapon/Equipment:

Heavy armour, sword and shield

Top Skills:

Persuasion, Lore (Religion), Knowledge (World)

Alignment:

Lawful Good

General Personality:

Teliana is noble, courteous, and friendly. Her highborn upbringing is clear to anyone that meets her, but she is never condescending. She is most enthusiastic when discussing her faith. She is caring for others in all she does, though she occasionally fails to consider that others might not want to hear the word of the Dawnflower. Teliana has taken Sarenrae’s teachings of mercy to heart, and her compassion for others is obvious. Seeing others get hurt always bothers her, and she is quick to give mercy to those that surrender.

Teliana once trained to be a Hellknight, and while she has abandoned many of their teachings, she is still a disciplined and orderly woman. She operates by-the-book. While she doesn’t abhor illegal activity, keenly aware that not all laws are just, it grates her.

What traits/values do they admire?

Above all, compassion. However, she hasn’t entirely shaken her Chelish upbringing, and places perhaps undue value in honour and tradition.

What traits/values do they disapprove of?

To her, exploiting another’s compassion is the worst of all evils. She has a general distaste for underhanded tactics and lawbreaking, but is willing to reluctantly accept it if convinced it’s for the greater good.

If the baron/ess tries to execute Tristian for his crimes when Teliana is present, she will intervene, insisting he be given a chance to atone for his crimes, and threatening to leave if Tristian is executed. The baron/ess then gets a chance to revise their order, reducing it to exile, which Teliana reluctantly accepts. Should Tristian be executed, Teliana will leave (regardless of whether or not she was present). Should the baron/ess attempt to seize the Occulus, she’ll attack, either alongside Tristian or ambushing the baron/ess with some fellow Sarenites in the capital

Are they affiliated with any deities?

She is a loyal servant of Sarenrae, much like Tristian, although their different backgrounds give them slightly different perspectives on their goddess.

Who are their friends among the other party members?

Linzi – The enthusiastic little bard awakens something maternal in Teliana, who eagerly protects and encourages Linzi. This nearly spills over into babying, but Linzi is able to notice, and the pair work out some boundaries that work for the both of them.

Valerie – The pair of noble front-line fighters have a lot in common. Teliana isn’t terribly bothered by Valerie’s atheism, understanding that not all gods are for all people, and does have a measure of respect for going it alone. Valerie, in turn, is pleasantly surprised by Teliana’s friendliness, and does develop a measure of respect for Teliana’s healing powers.

Tristian – The two Sarenites obviously bond closely over their faith. When Tristian’s past is revealed, Teliana is shocked and hurt, but then considers it her duty as a paladin of the Dawnflower to guide the poor sinner back into Sarenrae’s light. Tristian is deeply grateful for the support. When his past is revealed, he happily humours Teliana’s innumerable questions about their goddess and Nirvana. Linzi, Octavia, and Regongar occasionally tease the pair about a romantic relationship they think should happen between the two (but unfortunately doesn’t).

Octavia – Teliana becomes thoughtful when Octavia discusses her past. When Teliana opens up about her history as the child of slavers, Octavia reassures her that she is not to blame for her mother’s crimes. The pair’s shared compassion brings them close. Octavia also flirts with the paladin from time to time, each leaving Teliana completely flustered (much to Octavia’s amusement)

Ekundayo – The grim ranger’s presence brings to mind Teliana’s own family. The pair are honourable and compassionate, and Teliana laments that she can do nothing to ease Ekundayo’s pain. Teliana is also fond of his wolf.

What about rivals?

Jaethal – Something gives Teliana the impression that Jaethal can yet be brought be to the light, but she remarks more than once that that’s the only reason she doesn’t put the undead back in the ground

Regongar – Regongar’s chaotic and vengeful personality is almost anathema to an orderly servant of the goddess of redemption. Their arguments are pretty similar to the ones between Regongar and Tristian, though a little ironically, Regongar has a shred more respect for Teliana, since she’s a warrior.

Nok-nok – Teliana has nothing but spite for Lamashtu, and frequently tries to convince Nok-nok to reject the Mother Of Monsters. Nok-nok doesn’t appreciate her attempts, insisting that he needs to teach her to be a hero.

Can they be a kingdom advisor? If so, what sort of course of action do they generally prefer?

She can be the kingdom’s regent, being something of a mix of Valerie’s honour and Octavia’s compassion. She favours old style solutions, but never forgets the wellbeing of the people she is charged to protect.

She can also be the kingdom’s general, dealing with all situations with honour. She’s similar to Kassil, but has some different opinions regarding the make-up of the kingdom’s army. She favours a smaller, elite force, and has no compunctions about hiring mercenaries when need be (being a squire for an adventuring party, she knows that some mercenaries are worth the money)

Where do they hang out in the capital?

Not far from Tristian

What are their idle animations?

Pausing to pray, and polishing her armour

How/when do they join the Baron(ess)’s party?

The party encounters her crouching in the bushes just outside Oleg’s outpost as they arrive for the first time. When approached, she warns that she recently saw a large band of bandits enter the outpost. She direly wishes to bring them to justice, but she’s not so foolish as to take on the entire band alone. When hearing of the MC’s quest, she agrees that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and offers to help the party rout the bandits. When that is completed, she reveals that she had come to the Stolen Lands to bring the light of the Dawnflower to the realm. She agrees that the Stag Lord is a threat to both her goal and the safety of innocents, and offers to help the party bring him to justice. If refused, Teliana will remain at the trading post for a chapter or two, before leaving to spread the word of the Dawnflower elsewhere.

Describe their companion quest:

During or soon after Troll Trouble, a half-starved slave arrives at the capital, and begs the baron/ess for aid. They were part of a larger group of slaves seeking to settle, but they were captured by a Chelish inquisitor. The slave begs the baron/ess to rout the slavers and rescue their companions. Teliana insists the party helps, citing the violation of the River Freedoms, and the chance for more settlers. She also hints that she wishes to do so personally as part of her own redemption, but offers no further detail.

When the party arrives, Teliana recognises that the party is lead by her sister, Densi, much to the shock of all involved. The hostility between the sisters escalates into a fight. Once defeated, Densi holds a dagger to a nearby slave, taunting Teliana for sparing her. The party has to succeed at one of several possible skill checks to either kill Densi before she strikes, or convince her to surrender. Failure results in the slave being killed. Regardless, it’s revealed that most of the slaves recaptured used to work on Teliana’s family’s estate in Cheliax. It’s at this point Teliana’s full backstory becomes available, as she desperately begs forgiveness from the slaves she abandoned.

During Saving Grace, Teliana (if not already in the party) arrives at the end, wishing to help Tristian on his quest for redemption, but being delayed. If Tristian regains his status as an angel, Teliana falls to her knees in praise of the Dawnflower. Tristian then offers Teliana his place in the Celestial Host, saying she’s a better servant of the Dawnflower than he ever was. The baron/ess can nudge her to accept the offer, or convince her to remain mortal (in which case the events continue as normal). If Teliana accepts, Sarenrae infuses her with celestial power, turning her into an aasimar and giving her a protective aura.

The second stage of Teliana’s quest happens during the War Of The River Kings. An event at the castle heralds the arrival of Lady Elxia Korelli, a woman with a whole caravan of slaves escorted by a small army demanding to speak to Teliana. Upon hearing the name, Teliana sends for her wargear, before confronting the woman on the castle steps. Elxia is revealed to be Teliana’s mother. If Teliana is still mortal, Elxia tries to convince her to return to Cheliax. Teliana refuses, and demands the slaves released. Korelli also refuses. Should Teliana have accepted Tristian’s offer, becoming part angel, Elxia finds Teliana’s new form horrifying. Regardless, a fight ensues, in which Elxia is killed.

Throughout interactions with Teliana, a score is secretly tracked, with the baron/ess pushing Teliana to focus more on Sarenrae’s healer or warrior aspects. If Teliana is more of a healer, she grieves for her mother, and laments that she couldn’t be saved, but finds some comfort in the slaves she freed. If Teliana is more of a warrior, she berates herself for ever loving a monster like her mother, and rededicates herself to the fight against evil. If she didn’t accept Tristian’s offer, her Lay On Hands or Smite evil is upgraded, respective to each path.

Are they romanceable? Describe their romance quest/scenes if you want!

Teliana can be romanced by female characters, so long as they aren’t evil. She responds best to shows of compassion and is quickly flustered by some gentle flirting. Teliana’s view of romance is heavily tainted by her upbringing in a tyrannical society by a manipulative mother, and scenes often feature Teliana working through her emotions and how they conflict with her nature.

The romance must be initiated by the player through Teliana’s standard dialogue. The player has a variety of options for doing so, the most effective being fawning over her status as a knight in shining armour, earning an embarrassed blush from the paladin.

Teliana is later found at camp, praying fervently for forgiveness. If asked, she will confess to having ‘impure thoughts’ about the baroness. The baroness can reassure Teliana that merely having thoughts is hardly a crime, or gently tease her about it. If encouraged properly, Teliana will ask to formally court the baroness.

At some point, Teliana will express some concerns about their relationship to the baroness. As the romance is only available to women, Teliana becomes concerned that the pair are infertile, which has serious implications for the kingdom’s succession. Teliana becomes upset if the baroness is entirely dismissive of the matter. If the baroness instead promises that it’s a problem that can be solved, though adoption, changing the nature of succession, or even magic, Teliana is reassured, and the romance continues.

If Teliana is romanced, then she rejects Tristian’s offer to become an angel immediately, not wanting to leave her lover (If Tristian is romanced, he’s more insistent she accept, so he can be with his love).

What does Nyrissa show them in the House at the Edge of Time? How does she try to kill them?

Teliana is charging to save Linzi when she is killed, and the king/queen arrives just in time to stop Teliana having to fight the Horned Hunter one-on-one. Teliana tries to heal Linzi, her already dead. When she fails, she flies into a rage, and starts hearing the voice of Rovagug. If Teliana is on the healer’s path, she defaults to resisting it, if on the warrior’s path, she defaults to falling for it. If Tristian is present, his encouragement will mean she defaults to resisting it even if she’s on the warriors path. The King/Queen can roll Diplomacy to nudge her one direction or the other. If Ekundayo is present, he whispers something in Osiriani to her, and she will resist automatically.

If she resists, she is still enraged and determined to kill Nyrissa, but still has a glimmer of lucidity. If she falls, she totally snaps, becoming an insane antipaladin of Rovagug, only sticking with the party to get vengeance.

What would their ending slides be like?

If Teliana rejected or never received Tristian’s offer:

On the healer path, Teliana briefly returns to Cheliax, dissolving her family’s slave trading guild and exploiting some Chelish bankruptcy laws to leave the country with hundreds of slaves, all of which she frees and most becoming settlers in the kingdom. Teliana starts to lose interest in field work, having seen enough bloodshed for one lifetime. Instead, she founds a cathedral to Sarenrae in the kingdom, and trains the next generation of Sarenite paladins, a chapter more focused on healing than bloodshed.

On the warrior path, Teliana becomes uncertain whether she can truly complete her atonement for her crimes as a slaver. She builds a company and heads north, to the Worldwound, to join the battles against demons there, seeking redemption through her sacrifice. The kingdom soon receives word of Teliana’s heroics accounting for scores of demons.

On the antipaladin path, Teliana wanders off, on a destructive rampage, destroying everything she sees. She uncovers the location of one of Rovagug’s slumbering spawn before a legion of angels descend to slay her at great cost.

If Teliana accepted Tristian’s offer:

On the healer path, Teliana transforms into a balisse, or confessor angel, descending to Golarion to guide others on the path of redemption. Since she retains her mortal memories, she has a unique perspective that makes her very effective, even compared to her newfound sisters in the Celestial Host. She keeps contact with Golarion, corresponding with her mortal friends and even visiting on special occasions.

On the warrior path, Teliana transforms into a planetar, Sarenrae granting her a position as a general in the Celestial Host. She keeps contact with Golarion, corresponding with her mortal friends and even visiting on special occasions; each time, she has a story of a new fiend slain at her hand.

On the antipaladin path, Teliana is corrupted, transforming into a terrible demon. With the target of her rage gone, she burrows into the earth, never seen in the kingdom again. But soon, the kingdom hears whispers of terrible things beneath the earth, and neighbours face attacks by demons and fragments of Rovagug’s spawn

Any other fun facts?

Being trained in Thuvia, Teliana speaks Osiriani, Ekundayo’s native tongue. If Teliana is in the party when first meeting the ranger, the pair trade a few words in the language.

Teliana knows Linxia, the Hellknight that pursues Darven, having trained together as armigers. Each is surprised to see the other, Linxia especially having believed Teliana was dead. Teliana takes the chance to provide Linxia with a formal statement of resignation from the organisation. The quest otherwise proceeds as normal

Provide some dialogue examples!

When selected: “Reporting.” / “Ready.”

When directed to do something: “Understood.” / “I’ll do it.”

When successfully completing a task: “Praise the Dawnflower!” / “It’s done.”

When failing a task: “Forgive me.” / “Damn.”

Spotted something: “Something’s off.” / “Be vigilant.”

Initiating combat: “Repent!” / “For the sun and the fury!”

Critical hit: “I am Sarenrae’s flaming blade!” / “Yield!”

Low on health: “Sarenrae, I ask for your healing light.” / “Medic!”

Falling unconscious: “Dawnflower… protect who I could not…” / “No… no…”

Provide some examples of companion banters!

Linzi: “What a day! You know, all these stories, and they never mention how much stuff we heroes have to carry!” / Teliana: “Indeed. Need any help with the load? I got used to carrying everything when I was a squire.”

Jaethal: “How does it feel, grovelling all day for powers you can’t even use for yourself?” / Teliana: “Bold words from someone I can kill with a touch.”

Harrim: “Why bother with healing, Teliana? You will only delay their inevitable death!” / Teliana: “Because… it makes people hurt less? What kind of question is that?”

Teliana: “Tell me, after you left Shelyn’s faith, did you consider converting to another deity? Iomedae, or perhaps Abadar? They tend to be more practical than Shelynites.” / Valerie: “Only briefly. I have my own strength in arms, and that’s more than enough for me. Divine power simply isn’t worth the effort.”

Teliana: “Ow! I think I twisted something. I think you’re a little too enthusiastic about arm wrestling.” / Amiri: “What, can’t handle someone playing rough? Just use some of that paladin healing you can do.”

Octavia: “You’re such a knight in shining armour, Teli! I feel so safe around you. Maybe I could… sleep a little closer to you?” / Teliana: “You- I- If you- But- I-. Um. Thank you, I- I’m flattered. Maybe, but- but not tonight.”

Regongar: “Why are you always so sad after a fight? I thought you Sarenites were supposed to be all fanatical.” / Teliana: “I don’t like seeing people get hurt. I find it strange how many are baffled by the concept.”

Teliana: “Merciful Sarenrae, we thank you for the light of the dawn. We thank you for your healing, and the chance to cleanse ourselves of our sins.” / Tristian: “We will be your healing light and flaming sword. We will uplift the wounded and strike down evil.”

(Post Betrayer’s Flight) Teliana: “Tristian… oh, I feel like a foolish girl for asking this, but it will bother me until I do… what is Sarenrae like?” / Tristian: “I don’t think there are words in the common tongue enough to describe the beauty of our goddess. But for you, my friend, I will try.”

Kalikke: “Unclean, the paladins called me. Untouched by Sarenrae’s light. Unworthy.” / Teliana: “Heretics. All those with a mortal soul are capable of repentance, and all those that repent are welcomed into the Dawnflower’s light.”

Kanerah: “So what if Sarenrae ordered you to kill an innocent, hm?” / Teliana: “She would not. If I received such an order, either the target is not truly innocent, or I am being deceived by dark forces. I would ascertain which before acting.”

Jubilost: “You’re Chelish, aren’t you? And I know a noble when I see one. You’re awfully friendly with Linzi, considering that you were no doubt served your entire life by… I believe ‘slips’ is the popular term down there?” / Teliana: “I am keenly aware! Of all the crimes committed in that terrible nation. It’s why I left. And why I have no intention to return.”

Teliana: “Once, my temple was contracted to provide guards for an auction of the Sun Orchid Elixir. I’ve never seen so many people packed into one place. Or heard prices so high.” / Ekundayo: “Have not been in Thuvia in a long time. But that hasn’t changed.”

Teliana: “Nok-nok, a hero is someone who sacrifices of themselves to save the innocent. Lamashtu endangers the innocent.” / Nok-nok: “Fireshanks has strange idea of being a hero. Being a hero means everyone talks about you! Lamashtu says I am hero, so you should be talking about me!”

#pathfinder: kingmaker #pathfinder kingmaker

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