The book Shards of the City is full of NPCs and street scenes with which the player characters can interact. Each character write-up has plot hooks, suggesting ways to involve the NPC with the adventurers. Most are focused on a city environment, though a couple even include possible… personal entanglements.
In keeping with our usual February theme of RPG romance, this month we’ll offer some suggestions for ways player characters might become romantically involved with some of the NPCs from Shards of the City. In addition, although the book itself is system neutral and has no stats to contend with, we’ll offer game statistics for a couple of the NPCs, specifically for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
The book opens with “The Third Hanging of Terrance Olmerson,” a scene where Terrance—an experienced rogue who has managed to thwart the authorities before—is being carried to the gallows again. A group could interact with the events here, but probably wouldn’t have much chance to interact with Terrance himself.
A better opportunity to develop a relationship might come if adventurers encounter a younger Terrance. Perhaps the meeting comes shortly after his first hanging, when he’s beginning to gain notoriety. He would have some experience, a small but loyal company, and his sharp wit, but still be making his name.
At that point, Terrance might be struck by the looks of a victim and strike up a flirtation or try to persuade the traveler to come back with him to the bandit camp for a while. He might even be moved to seek out the object of his attraction in town, probably in disguise.
In these stats for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Terrance Olmerson is a human rogue level 6.
Terrance Olmerson CR 5
Human Rogue 6
N Medium Humanoid (Human)
Init +6; Senses Perception +11
DEFENSE
AC 18, Touch 14, Flat-Footed 14 (+4 Armor, +4 Dex)
hp 39
Fort +3, Ref +9, Will +4
Defensive Abilities Evasion, Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +2
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 Short Sword +9 (1d6+1/19-20)
Ranged Masterwork Composite Shortbow +9 (1d6/x3)
Special Attacks Sneak attack +3d6
STATISTICS
Str 10, Dex 18 (+4), Con 12 (+1), Int 12 (+1), Wis 14 (+2), Cha 14 (+2)
Base Atk +4; CMB +4; CMD 18
Feats Weapon Finesse, Improved Inititave, Deft Hands, Deceitful, Stealthy
Skills Bluff +13, Climb +9, Disable Device +15, Disguise +13, Escape Artist +15, Knowledge: Local +10, Perception +11, Sense Motive +11, Stealth +15
Languages Common, Orc
Special Qualities Trapfinding +3, Rogue Talents (Fast Stealth, Finesse Rogue, Trap Spotter)
Combat Gear Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds (2)
Other Gear +1 Short Sword, Masterwork Composite Shortbow, 30 Arrows, +1 Studded Leather, Noble’s Outfit, Disguise Kit, Thieves Tools, 50 gp
Terrance Olmerson is a dark-haired rogue who leads a group of bandits that robs travelers on the road to a near-by town. He is often genial, even gallant, as long as his victims do not resist. Those who cooperate will be inconvenienced but rarely harmed, while those who put up a fight can expect to lose their lives.
Shards of the City will be on sale at 20% off its usual price through February 19th at the Open Gaming Store, RPGNow, and DriveThruRPG. Pick up a copy today!
