Kingmaker - Valerie, the Brevic Fighter

In Pathfinder: Kingmaker Kickstarter update #4 we get to know Valerie:

Companions: Introducing Valerie, the Brevic Fighter

Dear Pathfinders,

The Stolen Lands are a dangerous place! Fortunately, you will meet other brave adventurers on your quest, who will fight by your side or who may ultimately choose to betray you, depending on your actions. They all have their own story, their own goals and motivations, their own reasons to join you. They are your companions, who will help you build and rule your kingdom. Some of these companions are familiar faces from the Adventure Path. Some may even be popular Pathfinder iconics. Others are completely new. We are going to introduce them to you in a series of updates. Our first companion update is dedicated to Valerie.

Due to her flawless, almost supernatural beauty, Valerie has been at the center of everyone's attention, even when she was still a child. Born into a noble Brevic family, the young girl soon became a shining star of high society. She quickly had to learn to resist the unwanted advances of her admirers, using cold arrogance and impeccable, distant manners as an impenetrable shield. Her father had chosen a great destiny for Valerie: she was supposed to become a paladin of Shelyn. However, the teachings of obedience and humbleness before the goddess of beauty and love appeared to be something that young Valerie wasn't too susceptible to - unlike the lessons of martial arts, which she mastered almost to perfection. The life of Valerie had changed dramatically when an act of blasphemy made her future path as Shelyn's paladin impossible. Having rejected the grace of the goddess, she left high society to take her fate into her own hands.

Today Valerie is not some nobleman's pampered daughter. Instead, she has become a seasoned mercenary, who has lived through dozens of battles under the banners of Swordlords. Having her gorgeous hair cut off and her silk dresses replaced by steel armor, she has broken with her past without hesitation. But is the past ready to stay behind the proud and confident mercenary? Even the kindest of gods don't take well to blasphemy, and the revenge of Shelyn may not only be harsh, but also incredibly poetic.

For those who appreciate her military talents, Valerie will become a reliable defender in every possible challenge. In battle, she uses a bastard sword and a tower shield. Valerie prefers full plate armor and defensive tactics: she waits patiently until the enemy reveals an opening, and only then she strikes with all her might.

Valerie is a natural-born leader, who can inspire and rally people. If she gets an important role in the Kingdom governance, she can show her talents not only in state defense but also in the field of diplomacy. Although she once has rejected the path of a lady in high society, Valerie still knows how to behave in aristocratic circles and how to save face in conflict situations. Though she may prefer the way of the blade, if necessary, Valerie can actively participate in diplomatic maneuvers as well as in straightforward battles.

[…]

More information.

Yes, we all agree this would be better in turn-based, but with every update I like this game more and more.
Can't wait to try this out next Summer!

Heh, I went to the site with 2 preconcieved notions:

1: If they want to make he look strong, they will make her look butch and strong as a woman on steroids.
2: If they want her to be pretty, they will make her armor virtually non existent and give her a men's fantasy "pleasing shape"

I was simply wrong. Kudos Owlcat games.

Reminds me of Joan of Arc. Not bad!

Originally Posted by Maylander
Reminds me of Joan of Arc. Not bad!

More like opposite of Joan of Arc lol

Originally Posted by Archangel
More like opposite of Joan of Arc lol

Yes, I like the "blasphemous act" angle and wonder what the poetic "justice" in her story arc will be. Sounds interesting!

I like what I've read about Valerie Can't wait to see more updates!

It's implied that Valerie is not a first level character, so either she's recruited later in the game or else Kingmaker's PC starts at a higher level.

Originally Posted by rjshae
It's implied that Valerie is not a first level character, so either she's recruited later in the game or else Kingmaker's PC starts at a higher level.

The PnP Kingmaker campaign start at level 1, I doubt they changed it.

Originally Posted by purpleblob
I like that I've read about Valerie Can't wait to see more updates!

Here you go: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects…/posts/1909212

I'm already in love.

( Anyone here had a crush on Aribeth?)

Man, Avellone looks a lot older than back in OBS. Could it be that working next to Sawyer rejuvenates people?

Originally Posted by BoboTheMighty
Man, Avellone looks a lot older than back in OBS. Could it be that working next to Sawyer rejuvenates people?

Maybe trying to work on a bazillion different projects at the same time instead of one actually makes you age faster…

My Daughter's name is Valerie.
Need I up my pledge now?

Would have loved to get an early bird collector's, but the regular one seems overpriced. How much is too much?

Valerie, the Brevic Fighter

Good example how NOT to write a character,

• perfect beauty
• seasoned mercenary of countless battles
• mastered martial arts to perfection
• diplomat and natural born leader

Is there anything she doesn't do well? Does she have any flaws?


typical populist bull

Originally Posted by luj1
Is there anything she doesn't do well? Does she have any flaws?


typical populist bull

I'm guessing arts and crafts. The perfect types can struggle to understand the struggles of ordinary people but they do exist albeit rarely. Perhaps she will be aloof and indifferent to others given her life of privilege. Single minded determination is fine for battle and her nobility helps in diplomacy but I'm sure she will piss off some factions pretty badly too and could prove a thorn in your side depending on the decisions you make.

I tend to agree with Silver. She earned the anger of goddess/Sherlyn - to me that sounds like she doesnt mind upsetting others if someone is trying to go agsinst her own motivation/decision etc which is opposite of being diplomatic.

Originally Posted by BoboTheMighty
I'm already in love.

( Anyone here had a crush on Aribeth?)

She reminds me of Alhandra (paladin) - I read about her in the book "Bloody Eye" where she is one of the main character along with other famous D&D characters like Jozan and Krusk.

Originally Posted by purpleblob
I tend to agree with Silver. She earned the anger of goddess/Sherlyn - to me that sounds like she doesnt mind upsetting others if someone is trying to go agsinst her own motivation/decision etc which is opposite of being diplomatic.

I'm entirely new to the setting and characters. Could you fill me in on the goddess Sherlyn and the conflict?

Originally Posted by Silver
I'm entirely new to the setting and characters. Could you fill me in on the goddess Sherlyn and the conflict?

I'm new to the setting too. I'm just assuming based on KS update:

Her father had chosen a great destiny for Valerie: she was supposed to become a paladin of Shelyn. However, the teachings of obedience and humbleness before the goddess of beauty and love appeared to be something that young Valerie wasn't too susceptible to - unlike the lessons of martial arts, which she mastered almost to perfection. The life of Valerie had changed dramatically when an act of blasphemy made her future path as Shelyn's paladin impossible. Having rejected the grace of the goddess, she left high society to take her fate into her own hands.

Today Valerie is not some nobleman's pampered daughter. Instead, she has become a seasoned mercenary, who has lived through dozens of battles under the banners of Swordlords. Having her gorgeous hair cut off and her silk dresses replaced by steel armor, she has broken with her past without hesitation. But is the past ready to stay behind the proud and confident mercenary? Even the kindest of gods don't take well to blasphemy, and the revenge of Shelyn may not only be harsh, but also incredibly poetic.

Originally Posted by luj1
Is there anything she doesn't do well? Does she have any flaws?

Shelyn probably cursed her with herpies. Her mouth is full of canker sores. Go on, kiss her.