Historical, Novel and Movie characters of Gothic Earth
- Olly
- Agent of the Fraternity
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Hmm... That depends. Technically, a dread revenant could work, but you could argue that the saltwater kept his body preserved enough to have a mummifying effect. Or something...
[Glances round nervously]
[Glances round nervously]
Home is behind,
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
- ScS of the Fraternity
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- Malus Black
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 301
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2003 2:43 am
- Location: Norway
Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of how Ancient Dead are typically revered both in life and death and given extravagant ritual burials (there are exceptions, but they are rare). Pirates, as a rule, are not. And then there's the whole vengeance thing, which is very Dread Revenant-ish.Gentleman wrote:Hmm... That depends. Technically, a dread revenant could work, but you could argue that the saltwater kept his body preserved enough to have a mummifying effect. Or something...
[Glances round nervously]
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream
-Edgar Allan Poe
Is but a dream within a dream
-Edgar Allan Poe
- Olly
- Agent of the Fraternity
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Well, I suppose that's true in certain cases, but, personally, I've always thought of such rituals as being merely windowdressing, and not really affecting the ressurection process in any way. Most Ancient Egyptians were mummified after death, and only the nobles were treated to such elaborate rituals and death preparation rites.
Besides, bodies can be mummified in several different ways, including the 'ice mummies' which are left preserved in frozen caverns and 'bog mummies' which are kept safe from the harming elements of the air by being entirely submerged in mire, ooze and muck.
As far as I'm aware, on Gothic Earth, the method by which a body is mummified has little effect on whether it rises as an ancient dead or not. As long as the Red Death wills it, it will rise, regardless of how it was buried...
However, I can see the dread revenant angle working, and Silver's lust for vengeance on the descendants of the Hispaniola's crew does seem very revenant-like. Plus, revenants, as creatures, are considerably more 'piratey'!
Personally, the reason I favour the ancient dead idea is because, basically, it seems like the last thing most players would be expecting. I think most people seem to associate the ancient dead with Egyptian mummies, and so, giving Long John Silver the abilities of an ancient dead creature (a creature which is very 'un-piratey') would, I believe, catch them quite unawares.
Besides, bodies can be mummified in several different ways, including the 'ice mummies' which are left preserved in frozen caverns and 'bog mummies' which are kept safe from the harming elements of the air by being entirely submerged in mire, ooze and muck.
As far as I'm aware, on Gothic Earth, the method by which a body is mummified has little effect on whether it rises as an ancient dead or not. As long as the Red Death wills it, it will rise, regardless of how it was buried...
However, I can see the dread revenant angle working, and Silver's lust for vengeance on the descendants of the Hispaniola's crew does seem very revenant-like. Plus, revenants, as creatures, are considerably more 'piratey'!
Personally, the reason I favour the ancient dead idea is because, basically, it seems like the last thing most players would be expecting. I think most people seem to associate the ancient dead with Egyptian mummies, and so, giving Long John Silver the abilities of an ancient dead creature (a creature which is very 'un-piratey') would, I believe, catch them quite unawares.
Home is behind,
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
- Olly
- Agent of the Fraternity
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:18 am
- Location: Englandchesterciestershire.
- Contact:
This is my new favourite thread, by the way!
Here's my own submissions...
Fagin
Criminal - Lawful evil
Despite being captured by the constabulary and sentenced to death by hanging, somehow, Fagin managed to escape his captors and made a break for it. Shaving off his bristly beard and donning a cunning disguise, the wily old Jew was able to evade re-capture, and after a few years living a vagabond's existence, sleeping in abandoned warehouses and keeping a low profile, London's police force have decided that they have fatter fish to fry. Many assume that Fagin is dead.
However, Fagin is very much alive and continuing his criminal activities, albeit on a much smaller scale than he once enjoyed. His vagabond gang of child pickpockets roam the city of London, bringing back their ill-gotten wealth to their master. Because people seldom notice the activities of scruffy street urchins, some of Fagin’s gang witness many strange and macabre events in the city, and as such, it may be worth the PCs while to interview a few of them.
The Cheshire Cat
Chaotic neutral.
(Stats for the Cheshire Cat can be found on the WoTC official website)
The Cheshire Cat is a strange, fey creature from the demiplane of Wonderland.
He appears to be a larger-than-ordinary house cat weighing between twenty and forty pounds with a rather unnerving smile frozen on it’s face. He often lurks in trees, waiting for the gullible and unwary to pass by so that he can tease them. The Cheshire cat enjoys using his controlled invisibility ability and spells to create mischief. Bravery and the Cheshire cat are not on intimate terms; his natural curiosity is tempered with caution, thus, he’s lived long. The Cheshire cat usually endeavours to avoid physical combat, preferring to solve conflicts diplomatically or through the judicious use of his spells.
PCs are advised to keep a vigilant eye on the resourceful cat, for, despite a taste for display, he is discreet and clever. Sometimes his advice will be helpful, if cryptic, but sometimes his madness makes for nonsensical quandaries that have no solution.
Here's my own submissions...
Fagin
Criminal - Lawful evil
Despite being captured by the constabulary and sentenced to death by hanging, somehow, Fagin managed to escape his captors and made a break for it. Shaving off his bristly beard and donning a cunning disguise, the wily old Jew was able to evade re-capture, and after a few years living a vagabond's existence, sleeping in abandoned warehouses and keeping a low profile, London's police force have decided that they have fatter fish to fry. Many assume that Fagin is dead.
However, Fagin is very much alive and continuing his criminal activities, albeit on a much smaller scale than he once enjoyed. His vagabond gang of child pickpockets roam the city of London, bringing back their ill-gotten wealth to their master. Because people seldom notice the activities of scruffy street urchins, some of Fagin’s gang witness many strange and macabre events in the city, and as such, it may be worth the PCs while to interview a few of them.
The Cheshire Cat
Chaotic neutral.
(Stats for the Cheshire Cat can be found on the WoTC official website)
The Cheshire Cat is a strange, fey creature from the demiplane of Wonderland.
He appears to be a larger-than-ordinary house cat weighing between twenty and forty pounds with a rather unnerving smile frozen on it’s face. He often lurks in trees, waiting for the gullible and unwary to pass by so that he can tease them. The Cheshire cat enjoys using his controlled invisibility ability and spells to create mischief. Bravery and the Cheshire cat are not on intimate terms; his natural curiosity is tempered with caution, thus, he’s lived long. The Cheshire cat usually endeavours to avoid physical combat, preferring to solve conflicts diplomatically or through the judicious use of his spells.
PCs are advised to keep a vigilant eye on the resourceful cat, for, despite a taste for display, he is discreet and clever. Sometimes his advice will be helpful, if cryptic, but sometimes his madness makes for nonsensical quandaries that have no solution.
Last edited by Olly on Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:14 am, edited 3 times in total.
Home is behind,
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
- Jester of the FoS
- Jester of the Dark Comedy
- Posts: 4536
- Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2003 12:19 am
- Location: A Canadian from Canadia
Going an alternate route from Drinnik
Peter
Vampire – CN
He is known by many names over the years: the Pan, Puck, and even Goodfellow Peter (Pitor or Pieter depending on the culture) is an immortal youth, a child vampire. Unlike other vampires turned at a young age, Peter embraces his eternal youth failing to see the benefits of growing up and becoming old. He lives where he pleases in forgotten places with his band of cohorts (thralls) where they play endless games for his amusement. When he grows tired of the current batch he sends them out into the real world and finds new recruits.
Every few generations he desires a girl, someone to play the role of mother. And so he finds one. They never last as long as the rest of his playmates. The current playmate is a young French girl and is beginning to grow tiring, Peter is thinking of trying London next time.
The only thing Peter fears is Hook, another immortal and presumably the vampire that created Peter although their relationship has been forgotten by all. Hook stalks Peter throughout the world hoping to one day extract his revenge for the loss of his hand.
Peter
Vampire – CN
He is known by many names over the years: the Pan, Puck, and even Goodfellow Peter (Pitor or Pieter depending on the culture) is an immortal youth, a child vampire. Unlike other vampires turned at a young age, Peter embraces his eternal youth failing to see the benefits of growing up and becoming old. He lives where he pleases in forgotten places with his band of cohorts (thralls) where they play endless games for his amusement. When he grows tired of the current batch he sends them out into the real world and finds new recruits.
Every few generations he desires a girl, someone to play the role of mother. And so he finds one. They never last as long as the rest of his playmates. The current playmate is a young French girl and is beginning to grow tiring, Peter is thinking of trying London next time.
The only thing Peter fears is Hook, another immortal and presumably the vampire that created Peter although their relationship has been forgotten by all. Hook stalks Peter throughout the world hoping to one day extract his revenge for the loss of his hand.
- Olly
- Agent of the Fraternity
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:18 am
- Location: Englandchesterciestershire.
- Contact:
Alternatively, if you fancied a creature a little more obscure than a vampire, you could make Elizabeth Bathory a porcelain lady, as seen in Van Richten's Guide To The Walking Dead. The only problem with that is that porcelain ladies are, as far as I'm aware, incapable of speech.William Blackmoor wrote:Elizabeth Bathory, a.k.a. “The Blood Countess”
Dandy/ Unique Vampiress
Background: Born 1560 as Erzsebet Bathory, this Hungarian countess became infamous for murdering over 600 vigins just because she wanted to bath in their blood. She was counceled by witches that the girls blood would grant her youth. She supposedly died 1614 after being imprisoned for her crimes.
Forbidden Lore: Just before her death, the Red Death transformed Elizabeth into a vampire. To retain her dark beauty she must still drink/ or bath in the blood of virgin girls. She now often disguises as a minor noble named Elizabeth von Baden or Elisa Nadasdy (her husband family name). Recently she visited Istanbul, Vienna, Berlin and London.
(History/Legend)
Home is behind,
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
- Drinnik Shoehorn
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 1794
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 6:28 pm
- Location: Tiptree, Home of Jam
How about for a twist:Gentleman wrote:The Cheshire Cat
Chaotic neutral.
(Stats for the Cheshire Cat can be found on the WoTC official website)
The Cheshire Cat is a strange, fey creature from the demiplane of Wonderland.
He appears to be a larger-than-ordinary house cat weighing between twenty and forty pounds with a rather unnerving smile frozen on it’s face. He often lurks in trees, waiting for the gullible and unwary to pass by so that he can tease them. The Cheshire cat enjoys using his controlled invisibility ability and spells to create mischief. Bravery and the Cheshire cat are not on intimate terms; his natural curiosity is tempered with caution, thus, he’s lived long. The Cheshire cat usually endeavours to avoid physical combat, preferring to solve conflicts diplomatically or through the judicious use of his spells.
PCs are advised to keep a vigilant eye on the resourceful cat, for, despite a taste for display, he is discreet and clever. Sometimes his advice will be helpful, if cryptic, but sometimes his madness makes for nonsensical quandaries that have no solution.
"The Cheshire Cat works against the Red Death, often aiding investigators more often than working against them. The Cheshire Cat is on good terms with Dr Abraham Van Helsing.
It is bound to Wonderland and Britain. The Cat can appear in one or the other, but no where else. It is unusual, then, as sightings of a similar animal have been reported in Germany and France."
"Blood once flowed, a choice was made
Travel by night the smallest one bade" The Ballad of the Taverners.
The Galen Saga: 2000-2005
Travel by night the smallest one bade" The Ballad of the Taverners.
The Galen Saga: 2000-2005
- Olly
- Agent of the Fraternity
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:18 am
- Location: Englandchesterciestershire.
- Contact:
That, my friend, is a brilliant idea!Drinnik Shoehorn wrote:How about for a twist:
"The Cheshire Cat works against the Red Death, often aiding investigators more often than working against them. The Cheshire Cat is on good terms with Dr Abraham Van Helsing.
I modelled my interpretation of the Cheshire Cat primarily on his portrayal in the excellent video game, American McGee's Alice, in which he has a role as Alice's sidekick, and serves as a cryptic advisor of sorts, so having him as an informant/ally to Van Helsing and other investigators would fit perfectly.
However, I feel that if the Cheshire Cat ever does help an investigator, he wouldn't phrase things precisely and his advice should always be cryptic and ambiguous. As Wonderland's trickster, it would suit his character better.
Hmm... [Strokes chin contemplatively] Who or, for that matter, what could this 'similar animal' be, then? Most interesting...It is bound to Wonderland and Britain. The Cat can appear in one or the other, but no where else. It is unusual, then, as sightings of a similar animal have been reported in Germany and France
Home is behind,
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
- Gemathustra
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 578
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2003 11:31 pm
- Location: The Cleft of Dimensions
A "copycat," of course.Gentleman wrote:Hmm... [Strokes chin contemplatively] Who or, for that matter, what could this 'similar animal' be, then? Most interesting...Drinnik Shoehorn wrote:It is bound to Wonderland and Britain. The Cat can appear in one or the other, but no where else. It is unusual, then, as sightings of a similar animal have been reported in Germany and France
"Arrogant mortal! You are in my world now and you will never leave this attic alive! I will destroy you, and then I will possess she whom you love the most. And there is not a single thing in the world you can do to stop me!"
*poke*
"OW!"
-Dracula
*poke*
"OW!"
-Dracula
- Olly
- Agent of the Fraternity
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:18 am
- Location: Englandchesterciestershire.
- Contact:
D'oh! What a terrible pun!Gemathustra wrote: A "copycat," of course.
I've had ideas about adding The Elephant Man and Sweeney Todd to this thread, but I don't think I know enough about either to fully do them justice.
Home is behind,
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
The world ahead,
And there are many paths to tread,
Through shadow,
To the edge of night,
Until the stars are all alight.
Mist and shadow,
Cloud and shade,
Hope shall fail,
All shall fade.
- Drinnik Shoehorn
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 1794
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 6:28 pm
- Location: Tiptree, Home of Jam
Sweeney Todd: Odem
Hanged in 1802, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street cheated death. The many people he murdered caused the Red Death to take Todd into its fold, turning him into an Odem. Todd still haunts Fleet Street, now home to some of Britian's most famous newspapers, stalking victims and possessing them, then using the bodies to kill. On each corpse he carves an S and a T. So far Scotland Yard has no clue to what these letters mean.
Hanged in 1802, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street cheated death. The many people he murdered caused the Red Death to take Todd into its fold, turning him into an Odem. Todd still haunts Fleet Street, now home to some of Britian's most famous newspapers, stalking victims and possessing them, then using the bodies to kill. On each corpse he carves an S and a T. So far Scotland Yard has no clue to what these letters mean.
Last edited by Drinnik Shoehorn on Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Blood once flowed, a choice was made
Travel by night the smallest one bade" The Ballad of the Taverners.
The Galen Saga: 2000-2005
Travel by night the smallest one bade" The Ballad of the Taverners.
The Galen Saga: 2000-2005
- ScS of the Fraternity
- Moderator
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- Location: Toronto
- Contact:
John Merrik - the elephantman
Expert - scholar 7
Str 15 Dex 7 Con 6 Int 18 Wiz 18 Cha 7
A mad cabal (led by dr. Moreau? the White Legion? Fredrik Niche?) is obsessed with creating the perfect human and has developed a method of "moulding" human development. By making injections of hormones into specific areas, the surgeons hoped to sculpt the body of street-waifs into superhumans. However, these attempts have failed miserably, creating a massive collection of maniacle brutes, physically perfect idiots, and sociopathic genius.
As a child, John Merrik was considered a failure by the qabal and left in the streets to die. Though his body is hideously warped, his mind was well developed. Indeed, his faculties are so developed that even his horrible state (physical and social) has not driven him mad. Merrik has found friends in London society and lives on the charity of the wealthy. In the meantime, he busies himself with a pet hobby of architecture - to which his vastly superior mind is well suited.
Sadly, not all of the other products of the qabal have been as benign. The cabal has created a numer of their ideal supermen, embodying the ideal of the Angolo-saxon race. These men and women, though physically perfect, are psychotic megalomaniacs. They have eliminated any of their creators who could not be intimidated. Slowly they martial their forces - preparing for the moment when they will seize power in London.
Several of these supermen have approached Merrik. Sympathetic to their deformed sibling, they have offered him a place in the new Order. Though afraid, Merrick seeks out brave adventurers to help stop the attack of these warped ubermensh. Though possessed of a gentle soul and a fragile body, Merrick is a genius, with an encycolpedic knowledge that rivals the mind of Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps with his help, some stalwart investigators may be able to root out the supermen and save the Empire.
Expert - scholar 7
Str 15 Dex 7 Con 6 Int 18 Wiz 18 Cha 7
A mad cabal (led by dr. Moreau? the White Legion? Fredrik Niche?) is obsessed with creating the perfect human and has developed a method of "moulding" human development. By making injections of hormones into specific areas, the surgeons hoped to sculpt the body of street-waifs into superhumans. However, these attempts have failed miserably, creating a massive collection of maniacle brutes, physically perfect idiots, and sociopathic genius.
As a child, John Merrik was considered a failure by the qabal and left in the streets to die. Though his body is hideously warped, his mind was well developed. Indeed, his faculties are so developed that even his horrible state (physical and social) has not driven him mad. Merrik has found friends in London society and lives on the charity of the wealthy. In the meantime, he busies himself with a pet hobby of architecture - to which his vastly superior mind is well suited.
Sadly, not all of the other products of the qabal have been as benign. The cabal has created a numer of their ideal supermen, embodying the ideal of the Angolo-saxon race. These men and women, though physically perfect, are psychotic megalomaniacs. They have eliminated any of their creators who could not be intimidated. Slowly they martial their forces - preparing for the moment when they will seize power in London.
Several of these supermen have approached Merrik. Sympathetic to their deformed sibling, they have offered him a place in the new Order. Though afraid, Merrick seeks out brave adventurers to help stop the attack of these warped ubermensh. Though possessed of a gentle soul and a fragile body, Merrick is a genius, with an encycolpedic knowledge that rivals the mind of Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps with his help, some stalwart investigators may be able to root out the supermen and save the Empire.
Evil Reigns!!!!
-
- Arch-villain
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That's why I decided against a porcelain ladyGentleman wrote: Alternatively, if you fancied a creature a little more obscure than a vampire, you could make Elizabeth Bathory a porcelain lady, as seen in Van Richten's Guide To The Walking Dead. The only problem with that is that porcelain ladies are, as far as I'm aware, incapable of speech.
But instead of unique vampiress she might as well be a unique porcelain lady, capable of speech.
- Drinnik Shoehorn
- Evil Genius
- Posts: 1794
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2003 6:28 pm
- Location: Tiptree, Home of Jam
More ideas for the Kitty-Cat:Drinnik Shoehorn wrote:How about for a twist:Gentleman wrote:The Cheshire Cat
Chaotic neutral.
(Stats for the Cheshire Cat can be found on the WoTC official website)
The Cheshire Cat is a strange, fey creature from the demiplane of Wonderland.
He appears to be a larger-than-ordinary house cat weighing between twenty and forty pounds with a rather unnerving smile frozen on it’s face. He often lurks in trees, waiting for the gullible and unwary to pass by so that he can tease them. The Cheshire cat enjoys using his controlled invisibility ability and spells to create mischief. Bravery and the Cheshire cat are not on intimate terms; his natural curiosity is tempered with caution, thus, he’s lived long. The Cheshire cat usually endeavours to avoid physical combat, preferring to solve conflicts diplomatically or through the judicious use of his spells.
PCs are advised to keep a vigilant eye on the resourceful cat, for, despite a taste for display, he is discreet and clever. Sometimes his advice will be helpful, if cryptic, but sometimes his madness makes for nonsensical quandaries that have no solution.
"The Cheshire Cat works against the Red Death, often aiding investigators more often than working against them. The Cheshire Cat is on good terms with Dr Abraham Van Helsing.
It is bound to Wonderland and Britain. The Cat can appear in one or the other, but no where else. It is unusual, then, as sightings of a similar animal have been reported in Germany and France."
"Currently, the Cheshire Cat is exploring the feasiblity of a mass exodus from Wonderland. The Queen of Hearts has become even more maniacal of late, and her behaviour is beginning to affect others. The Cat loves Wonderland, but he prefares abstract whimsy to the Queen's chaotic terror. Only the Mad Hatter supports the Cat's plan, and only then on certain days, depending on the time and the colour of the sky.
The Cat knows he is more stable than most of Wonderland's inhabitants, but even he is bizarre by any normal "human" standards.
"Blood once flowed, a choice was made
Travel by night the smallest one bade" The Ballad of the Taverners.
The Galen Saga: 2000-2005
Travel by night the smallest one bade" The Ballad of the Taverners.
The Galen Saga: 2000-2005