Earthdawn 4E: Example Character 22 - Ork Thief

This is the twenty-second Example Character in an ongoing series about Earthdawn. Introduction and Index.

An ork Thief is an interesting combination. Mechanically, this isn't a match made in heaven. However, one of the iconic Thieves in the setting is an ork. Following the implied demographics of Barsaive, this is probably a fairly common combination. This particular character is an assassin, taking advantage of the physical power orks bring to any discipline. 

Each Circle saw this character improve one attribute (as noted after each Attribute Step) and take a new Talent Option. There are no Thread Items on this character, however unlikely it may be. 

Note: The entries in this series may be updated periodically as I master the coding to fit all eight of the Circles in a fashion which doesn't result in eye melting. Consider these living entries. Please leave comments if there is anyway this could be made more useful.

Discipline: Thief
Race: Ork

Attributes:
DEX: 18 (7) [+2]   STR: 16 (7) [+0]   TOU: 16 (7) [+2]
PER: 16 (7) [+1]   WIL: 10 (5) [+0]   CHA: 12 (5) [+2]

Characteristics:
Initiative: 7 (Recommended: Hide Armor [-1])
Physical Defense: 13
Mystic Defense: 9
Social Defense: 8

Physical Armor: 10 (Recommended: Hide Armor, Forged +5 [10])
Mystic Armor: 6 (Recommended: Hide Armor, Forged +3 [4])

Damage: 20 (Recommended: Broad Sword x2, Forged +8 [13]); 28 (with Surprise Strike)

Unconsciousness: 72
Death: 87
Wound Threshold: 10

Recovery Tests: 3
Knockdown: 7
Karma: 40
Karma: Charisma-based deception tests, Initiative, Attack against a Surprised or Blindsided opponent.

Talents: 
Awareness: 9 (16)
Lock Picking: 8 (15)
Picking Pockets: 8 (15)
Stealthy Stride: 9 (16)
Thief Weaving: 8 (15)
Danger Sense: 8 (15)
Melee Weapons: 8 (15)
Disarm Trap: 8 (15)
Avoid Blow: 8 (15)
Haggle: 8 (15)
Surprise Strike: 8 (15)
Conceal Object: 9 (16)
Climbing: 8 (15)
Engaging Banter: 8 (15)
Second Weapon: 8 (15)
Slough Blame: 9 (14)
Spot Armor Flaw: 8 (13)
Fast Hand: 8 (15)
Disguise Self: 8 (15)
False Sight: 9 (14)
Mimic Voice: 8 (13)

This adept likely started their career as a simple thug, then moved on to becoming a highly sought-after assassin. Their primary strength in this pursuit is infiltration, even beyond the impressive capabilities of the average Thief. By using Disguise Self and Mimic Voice, they can easily gain access to their target or gather intelligence. While their Action Step may not be impressive, False Sight should be able to help with that.

Even though they are not a true combat character, they can still carry their own weight. Offensively, there is a lot to like here, particularly against Blindsided opponents (make friends with someone who has Distract). Defensively, however, they have some problems. Their armor isn't terrible, but it also isn't great. It is a choice which should blend better than the more effective crystal ringlet. It's can be hard to be overlooked with all of that bling. There isn't an imminent danger of falling over dead, but their damage output can certainly draw more attention than they can easily handle.