@Archmage MC As much I would love him to be comically evil and ham it up by "demanding tributes", I'm still not sure this is even his final draft. @Xaltwind brought a good point about him not fitting very well into the currently story. So I've been working on some revisions on the side.
Most of the normal roles seem to be covered, so I'm wondering how exactly to fit him in.
Incidentally, I've been meaning to ask, what exactly is missing from this group?
@BurningDaisies How do you think he'd get along with Gromgard's goblins? They don't like cute or fluffy. They just don't attack it on sight anymore.
Hmm, it would depend on his mood, I guess? It's not a cat, and it's not covered by his Oaths as the Minister of Fluff. Perhaps there's an uneasy truce? Despite appearances, he has his own agenda, so I imagine the two could cut a deal, if it was mutually beneficial.
How does he feel about being randomly selected to be carried around and played with by a certain metal maid and what are his thoughts about naive fat bunnies also populating the chateau as a resident cute fluffy creature?
Being the designated Minister of Fluff comes with a few responsibilities and privileges. He was given strict guidelines by C.L. to protect the other cute monsters in the Chataeu from harm, no matter how inferior they are or how tasty they appear. Cats, being the superior species in this arrangement, receive preferential treatment of course. However, there was also no rule about be cruel and condescending to the other furry creatures, so emotional abuse is free game.
On the other hand, all Guild Members must pay tribute to his greatness upon entering his Chapter, such as a random bauble or victim to provide temporary amusement. Players had the option of petting him instead. As long as tribute is paid, anyone was allowed to pet him. As Lord Chompy Bits would say "My Master's word is law! Defy this... and I shall tear apart your limbs and slowly suck the marrow from your bones!"
Edit; Haha! 666th post is about an evil, egomaniacal cat. How purrfect~
That said, here are my personal thoughts on Lord Chompy Bits.
The character feels like a combination of Salem, Chuunitrixx and Light. In the story, the character Graft has gone throguh a lot of effort to create vermin/animal-like spy-drones for Salem, a telekinetic doll. Lord Chompy Bits, if accepted, would completely negate the need for this, as he could just use his cats to perform undercover surveillance without anybody noticing or paying attention to a stray cat here or there. It would also clash somewhat with the story, since nobody would have thought of this yet as the character did not exist when the need for 'spies' was broguht up.
In addition to Salem's spiy-drones, Chuunitrixx also has a network of mimic-spies who are doing similar things. With Lord Chompy Bits presence, we would have three different people who specialize in espionage and undercover intelligence gathering. If that's what you want though, then that's up to you of course.
Also, his use of illusions, mind-control and fear are very similar to the effects of Light's insanity aura, albeit maybe not exactly the same, the end result is close enough.
To be honest, I started off with a concept and just ran with it while the thoughts were still fresh. I did skim through most of the other sheets, and at a glance, I can tell the Chateau has such a varied bunch that I would overlap with someone else no matter what I did. Melee DPS? Magic DPS? Tank? Support? Scout? You have multiple of each.
Edit; I have no idea how to solve for the "The other Characters should have thought of involving Lord Chompy Bits" part. That's kind of a glaring problem...
Edit2; I'm more attached to the character than his abilities, so if this problem can't be reconciled, I'll just redesign him completely.
Moreoever, when I read through the sheet, I get the feeling that he has no "true body", but can swap freely between the various cats. This isn't really fitting with the setting, as NPCs has to have a specific body which the Player who created them worked on. Even Salem who can swap bodyparts and take on various shapes or bodies, still has a 'true form', but I get the feeling that Lord Chompy Bits isn't so much a specific character as he is a 'consciousness', which is a bit too intangible. Of course, I may be wrong and he does have an actual body, but I didn't get that feeling when reading the sheet.
I read through the abilities again, and I see what you mean. To clarify, he does have a "true body". It's the one that wears the collar gifted from C.L. I will add that as a note somewhere, so it's significantly more obvious.
Finally, his skils and equipment that allow him to turn his fangs and claws into Relic-class weaponry and use High-tier magic... That doesn't really seem to fit either, as he is below level 60... Due to how the roleplay is structured, the max tier of magic any of the NPCs can use is 6th tier, so I'm not certain if that is what you called 'high tier', or if you were implying that Lord CHompy Bits could use magic of an even higher tier then that - which would be impossible. In addtion, again, Relic-class weapons seem a bit too powerful for a character who is barely half-way to the level cap... But again, I don't know the actual parameters or "numbers" of what you categorize as Relic-weaponry, so I might just be making assumptions that are wrong.
Yeah.... I'm not attached to the Mantle of Dweomer Essence piece at all. My brain said "Oh, this would be cool!" and I went with it.
Naberal isn't much farther along than Lord Chompy Bits, and she can use 7th tier magic, as well as a few 5th tier ones. Maybe it's mid-tier instead of high-tier? *shrug* In any case, the tiers seem kinda loosely defined, so it's really just a matter of changing the semantics in the description, so he meets the expected power level of this game.
OTHER THAN THAT THOUGH!
I like his fuzzy little face. I imagine him sounding like an old, classy dandy when he speaks and I think he would be a fun character to have around and roleplay with, much because of his cat-like nature and personality.
Name: Lord Chompy Bits, The Hungering Darkness, Tyrant of Nightmares Voice Actor: Tim Curry Gender: Indeterminate, Identifies as male Age: 12 (65 in cat years) Appearance:
Occupation: Floor Guardian / Surveillance / Infiltrator / Master's pet / Minister of Fluff Residence: Chapter III, The Dreamlands Character Focus: A Boss Monster who hides in plain sight. Lord Chompy Bits expects his enemies to view him as a harmless animal, and exploits this misperception to his advantage. He specializes in control spells--illusions, misinformation, and powerful debuffs--to win a battle before it ever starts. Often his enemies never see his offensive spells, let alone his horrific transformation, as they are too busy fighting each other in the confusion.
Personality: Originally created to be a pet for his cat-loving master, Lord Chompy Bits has all the hallmarks of a normal housecat. He is ruthless, cunning, plays with his food, and quite often prefers to nap quietly on top of a bookshelf or sunbathe in a window. Gifted with a cruel, alien intellect, he is a dangerous adversary, and his spare foodallies should be grateful that he uses his genius for entertainment. Equally likely to be kind or cold, he is capricious and unpredictable. However, when he speaks, his voice commands attention. Hypnotic in a way. Every word is spoken with eloquence and gravitas, especially when he's telling a story. Despite his carefree nature, he has a guiding principle. His master left him with one simple order "Let's make The Dreamlands a paradise". Lord Chompy Bits gladly carries out this order and the result is a product of his twisted imagination, where traps more sinister than anything his master envisioned serve as tools for entertainment, and anything that is not a cat is a "toy". Moreover, should anything harm a cat inside the Dreamlands, a fate worse than death awaits them. A grudge from Lord Chompy Bits is eternal.
Notable Equipment: Bangle of Dweomer Essence While this item is intangible, it takes most of a character's item slots, and prevents them from equipping shields and armor. However, it also enhances the wearer's natural attacks-in Lord Chompy Bits' case his claws and fangs--to the point of being Relic-class weapons. It also provides a strong set bonus to magical defense.
Pet Collar Lord Chompy Bits, keeps his most precious memento on him at all times: a simple black collar with elaborate etchings. His master gave it to him, when he was first summoned. While it only gives him a minor buff to luck, it is a priceless treasure that cannot be replaced. The others of the Chateau can recognize his True Body among the Ulthar Cat Swarm (see below) based on this. Even if Lord Chompy Bits disguises himself with illusion, the collar always displayed with pride.
Notable Skills: Cats of Ulthar Lord Chompy Bits is not simply one cat. He is many. He is legion. He can dominate a number of cats based on his level and force them to join his swarm. The target cat must be within range of his telepathy. As the number of cats in the swarm increases, each cat gains MAG. ATK, MAG. DEF and MP, but also has their resistance to psychic spells lowered. However, every cat in the swarm is immune to fear.
Psychic Conduit Every cat in the swarm forms a telepathic link with Lord Chompy Bits and shares the same hive mind. They are constantly aware of each other's experiences and statuses. Additionally, every cat Lord Chompy Bits' extends his telepathic range and he can use any cat in the swarm as a proxy for casting his spells. Any cat which leaves the range of this telepathic link reverts to a normal cat.
Grudge of Ulthar When a cat inside his swarm is hit by a melee attack, another cat within short-range can immediately teleport to the enemy and make physical bite and claw attacks. If a cat inside the swarm is killed by an enemy, each cat in the swarm can make a ranged magical bite or claw attack, if they are within short-range of the enemy.
Curse of Bastet A limited use, high-tier curse which transforms a humanoid into a mundane cat until the curse is broken.
Horror Incarnate Once per day, Lord Chompy Bits may sacrifice all cats in his swarm to transform into an enormous fleshy mound of biting fangs, twitching eyes, and screeching mouths. Upon transforming, yellow miasma fills the air triggering an AoE curse effect that debuffs PHY. DEF and MAG. DEF. Every creature in short-range is debuffed further with the confused and frightened statuses. Many of his stats and abilities are greatly enhanced while in this form, but it only lasts for 10 minutes.
Support Magic When pulled into combat, Lord Chompy Bits has an arsenal of support spells to buff the cats in his swarm, and create illusions to confound the enemy.
Creator Information: CatLover/ᐠ.ᆺ.ᐟ\∫, a.k.a. "C.L.", was a bubbly, happy-go-lucky, and bloodthirsty PvP specialist who was obsessed with cats. So much so that she paid money to have a cat emoji added to her screen name. She had an arsenal of stupid puns ready to go at all times, and her dad jokes were in some ways more notorious than her top-tier PvP skills. Second to cats, she loved horror movies too, everything from the classics to suspense thrillers to the goriest of flicks.
Total Level: 56 Class Levels: (B) Psychic 10 (B) Illusionist 10 (B) Sage 2 (H) High Psychic 10 (H) Grand Illusionist 6 (R) Overmind 5
Dominion: For C.L., The Dreamlands of Chateau Gothika was a wonderland destination where she could "get lost for awhile" and "recharge her cations". A blanket of thin, yellow mist covers entire area, and many sets from her beloved horror movies and novels were recreated here. Everything from werewolves and vampires to carnivorous fog banks and starspawn populate this floor; each of them is secluded in their own specially-crafted territories, which gives the creature a home field advantage. Unless ordered to, most of these monsters cannot move beyond the boundaries of their designated territory, typically denoted by a wall of shimmering air. C.L. had strict rules about "not betraying the aesthetic". A few vampires make their home in an eerie medieval castle. Werewolves and evil fey stalk the forest and villages. Even the villagers are never as they seem; they lure in outsiders and sacrifice them to some nightmarish creatures beyond mortal imagination. The Dreamlands is a strange and macabre homage to both her love of cats and horror stories, and Lord Chompy Bits is its undisputed ruler. All cats on this floor share his hive mind, and through them, he commands all the creatures on this floor.
I'm still reading through the CS's, so I have an idea of what's there already.
At the moment, I'm torn between a few different character concepts, but since you guys seem to be more on the dark side, I thought I'd play an NPC named Lord Chompy Bits, who closely resembles a common housecat, but is dangerously intelligent, a gifted storyteller, an avid reader and bird watcher, and leaves pieces of intruders as "presents" for any other servant/NPC he believes to be a "bad hunter". Perhaps even a floor guardian? A nightmare creature in disguise, or just possessing a nightmarish personality? Dunno yet.
Marcus sighed, rubbing his temples. His “hopes,” if he could call it that, of no one else being affected were probably dashed at this point, because he could feel it. A lot of it. It was faint, nowhere near the sense he’d gotten while he and Scott had been talking, but it was the same kind of buzzing in his brain. And it was getting stronger as he wandered through the crowd. He’d like to think it was just population density, but… somehow he knew better.
So much for being the only ones. At least none of them are making idiots of themselves. Yet. Now he just had to find them. And then… do what?
Marcus stopped suddenly, as the thought occurred to him. What exactly was he doing here, anyway? Sure, he could find more people like him and Scott, but what then? What was his recruitment pitch? He didn’t even know what to do with his own powers, was he gonna dictate that to someone else?
He sighed, frustrated with himself. He really should have talked more with Scott about this, rather than flying blind. He moved a bit, trying to avoid jostling any of the other patrons--
TWANG.
Marcus stumbled as the resonance in his head suddenly intensified- not a lot, but enough- as he tried to edge around a woman and her… grandmother? Who seemed to be mourning. His stumble cost him, as he accidentally bumped the woman before he regained his balance.
An uncomfortable throbbed pulsed through her head, bringing her wandering thoughts back to reality. Before she could fully regain her senses, someone bumped into her and were it not for her newfound dexterity, she would have fallen.
Her her snapped around and with it a furious glare. “Hey, watch-”
Her face was a mix of confusion and anger, as the throbbing in her head only got worse. A fine and narrow tension stretched between them like a taught string. Both strange and familiar, Nalini felt an echo of herself looking back at her
Marcus winced as well, the throb suddenly intensifying further as he locked eyes with the angry woman. An understanding seemed to form, same as when it happened with Scott, and the pain diminished. Just like last time, but more intrusive. He let out a shaky breath, wondering what the hell had just happened.
I hope this isn’t what happens every time. Especially where Scott’s concerned. He seems more sensitive than I am.
Realizing he still probably looked like an ass, he straightened up. ”Sorry, my bad. I didn’t mean to, just… something happened. Sorry.”
He probably should move away, but… he couldn’t. Something kept him rooted. He needed to know if what he felt meant what he thought it did.
Elaine eyed the stranger suspiciously at first, until she read Nalini’s expression. “Do you two… know each other by chance?”
Nalini’s own thoughts came to a screeching halt as she tried to grapple with this bizarre, new feeling. The ESU logo on his hoodie caught her attention, and for the briefest of moments, recognition flashed in her eyes. “Yes, he’s one of my classmates.” She said without hesitation. “And we…. need to talk.” She smiled apologetically towards the old woman. “It’s a great pleasure to meet you, Miss Elaine, but please excuse us.”
Nalini hooked her arm around Marcus’s before he could reply. “Let’s go.” She demanded politely.
Marcus was startled by the forcefulness of the woman, but simply nodded. ”O… okay. Sure. Lead the way.”
Nalini’s face betrayed no emotion as she wore solemn expression and spoke with quiet determination. “Who are you? What just happened. Start talking.”
Marcus was silent for only a moment, before he complied. ”...’Classmate,’ huh? Then you were at ESU that day, too, hm? Let me guess- you wished you were dead for a few days, then you started to get better. Like, really better. Maybe you were stronger. Or faster. Or more graceful. Maybe weird stuff started happening after that--?”
“I get cravings to drink battery acid now, if that’s what you mean.” She interrupted.
He nodded. ”Yeah. Stuff like that. Only… I don’t have those same cravings. Guess I was right- we don’t all have the same… gifts.”
Nalini wrinkled her nose derisively and laughed with disgust. “Gift? These gloves aren’t for show! You would be on the ground foaming at the mouth if I took them off. I don’t consider them a gift.”
”Maybe. Maybe not. Go easy on me, I couldn’t think of a better word for it. Powers? Mutations? Take your pick. They’re complicated and messy and one of them is that power chord that played in our heads. Like a warning siren if something bad is about to happen. Or if you meet someone who breathed in the same toxic mojo as you. And who got the same weirdness from it as you did.”
“So I get migraines now when someone else with weird powers shows up?” She let out a defeated sigh. “Great… How many others like us are there?”
He shrugged. ”No clue. That’s what I came here to find out. I know of only me, my friend Scott, who apparently had freaky stuff going on before the gas attack, and now you. But there are others here, I can tell. Maybe you can too. Like a note, resonating in your head. Just at the back. You can’t notice it unless you pay attention to it, but when you do… you get it?”
Nalini was quiet for a long moment, her expression was inscrutable as her thoughts raced. Should she trust him? All the things he said so far made sense in a weird way. Most of his explanations rang true with recent experiences.
“Alright, let’s say I believe you. Let’s say a bunch of people are now walking around New York with brand new powers. Fine, whatever. The only thing I want to know is how I can get rid of them, or turn them off. Something. Any leads on that?”
”No.” His response is blunt. Sad. Like he knows it’s not the answer she wants. Or maybe it’s not the answer she wants. ”I’m gonna level with you: I don’t really want these powers, either. They made some things convenient, sure. But with how high-strung everyone is right now? With someone willing and able to gas a fucking college and get away with it? The last thing I want right now is to be in the thick of all of this. And I only just found out about the powers thing two days ago when my best friend stuck himself to my ceiling."
“I’m just trying to find more of us because, well… I think we kinda need that right now. Someone to talk to, or vent. Because I’m going out of my mind, even with Scott in my life. I can’t imagine not having anyone to talk to about this bullshit.”
“I’ve been talking to my airheaded brother for that.” She blurted without realizing.
He nodded. ”Okay, good… that’s… good.” He sighed, scratching the back of his head. ”I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know what made me think this was a good idea.”
Nalini studied him intently, watching him fidget. “You’re an airhead too, aren’t you?” She sighed, let go of his arm and drew in a long, breath of fresh air. “It’s not like anyone would know what to do in this situation, right? There’s no right or wrong answer. There’s just... here, now... So don’t blame yourself for trying.”
Marcus tapped a finger against his head as he mulled over Nalini’s words. ”I guess not.” He turned to glare at her, but in a… clearly joking sort of manner. ”...I resent being called an airhead, though.”
“What can I say? The truth hurts sometimes.” Nalini said with a devilish grin. “I’m Nalini by the way.”
”Nice to meet you, Nalini. I’m Marcus.” He contemplated holding a hand out for a handshake, but… given what she’d told him, that might be a tad insensitive.
Resting against the courtyard wall was a simple wooden picture frame. A candle and a carnation sat to either side of it. She stared long at the picture, seeing not just the person in the portrait, but a vivid technicolor memory of who the person used to be. Nalini had no tears left. The pit in her stomach, which had weighed on her like an anchor, was gone. Now she just felt hollow. A weak smile tugged her lips.
A woman stepped beside her. "That's one of my favorite pictures of her. I remember we hung it in the hallway next to one of her parents."
It took a moment for Nalini to process those words. She turned, slowly, and came face-to-face with a fair-skinned woman with bright, brown eyes that gleamed in the light. The lines of her face betrayed her advanced age, weathered by the sun and a full life. Her eyes were painfully familiar. Nalini studied her, lost in the moment. "She has your eyes..." She said absentmindedly.
The old woman grinned warmly as tears threatened to ruin her mascara. Her voice cracking. "I'm sorry. We're you one of Bobby's friends? I'm her grandmother, Elaine."
Realizing too late what she had said, Nalini opened her mouth to speak, to apologize, but the words caught in her throat. She averted her eyes, a bit embarassed. "No." She said quietly, and turned back to stare at the picture. Her mind wandered through the jumbled mess of feelings she had been struggling with for the past several days and found no good answer. "No, I don't know what we were... but I miss her all the same."
She eyed Nalini curiously, but didn't press for more details. Elaine knew the look all to well. "I miss her too. After her parents died in Palestine years ago, I was all she had. It's been hard for her growing up without them, so I'm glad she made friends with people who cared about her." She tightened her shawl to ward off the cool breeze. "Now, I just pray for the good Lord to finally take me home." A sigh escaped her, carrying a lifetime of regrets and such longing.
Hearing those words was a punch to the gut. Nalini shot her a look of disbelief, but Elaine payed her no mind. She was simply smiling at her granddaughter's portrait with a distant gaze. Her expression was gentle like she was lost in a nostalgic daydream, reliving a happy memory. Watching her, Nalini could feel her own cheeks warming with new tears. She took the old woman's gloved hand into her own, and squeezed it with gentle reassurance. "I'm sure you'll see them again."
The two of them stood there quietly, leaning upon another as they took a stroll down memory lane.
