Earthdawn 4E: Example Character 25 - Elf Elementalist

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

There isn't particularly an iconic race for the Elementalist discipline. However, like dwarfs, elfs have a natural aptitude for spellcasting. Unlike dwarfs, they may do best not drawing attention to themselves. This spread does give them some more options outside of combat and thus is designed as a support spellcaster, focused around maximizing the abilities of their group.

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: Elementalist
Race: Elf

Attributes:
DEX: 16 (7) [+1]   STR: 8 (4) [+0]   TOU: 13 (6) [+2]
PER: 19 (8) [+2]   WIL: 19 (8) [+2]   CHA: 14 (6) [+0]

Characteristics:
Initiative: 7
Physical Defense: 10
Mystic Defense: 14
Social Defense: 8

Physical Armor: 12 (Recommended: Fernweave, Forged +6 [8]; Air Armor [4])
Mystic Armor: 8 (Recommended: Fernweave, Forged +2 [5])

Damage: 12 (Recommended: Elemental Spear); 21 (with Willforce)

Unconsciousness: 50
Death: 64
Wound Threshold: 8

Recovery Tests: 4
Knockdown: 4
Karma: 32
Karma: Recovery Test, target an additional ally with a spell.

Talents: 
Awareness: 8 (16)
Elementalism: 9 (17)
Patterncraft: 8 (16)
Spellcasting: 9 (17)
Wood Skin: 9 (15)
Standard Matrix: 5
Fire Heal: 8 (16)
Astral Sight: 8 (16)
Elemental Tongues: 8 (16)
Avoid Blow: 8 (15)
Elemental Hold: 8 (16)
Arcane Mutterings: 8 (14)
Summon (Elementals): 8 (16)
Enhanced Matrix: 5
Willforce: 9 (17)
Dispel Magic: 8 (16)
Earth Skin: 9 (17)
Tenacious Weave: 8 (16)
Hold Thread: 8 (16)
Banish: 8 (16)

Spell Matrices: 
Standard Matrix: Venomous Fury
Standard Matrix: Air Armor [Constant; Extra Thread: Duration; Extra Thread: Effect]
Enhanced Matrix: Elemental Spear
Enhanced Matrix: Flameweapon [Extra Thread: Additional Targets]

To start with, almost every spellcaster is going to find a way to get more spell matrices long before this point. The spells listed make up the core competency of what this example character is about: supporting allies.

Like all spellcasters, this adept is extremely versatile. Outside of a situation where the are limited to only their spell matrices, they have a variety of spells at their disposal. In the interest of expediency, all of those options will not be discussed. Additionally, the ability to summon elementals opens up even more avenues, as long as they can pay the terms.

For talents, this is a defensive character. Wood Skin, Fire Heal, Avoid Blow, and Earth Skin all make this character difficult to put down. Air Armor only improve on the situation for the adept. While effective as a group healer, they are down one Recovery Test compared to the dwarf, which gives means they have a little less as their disposal.

In combat, this is a fairly generic, but effective set up. It is going to allow the magician to have a number of effects going at any given time and isn't likely to draw much attention on their own. Which is good, because they cannot take much punishment. Their primary ability is improving their allies (Air Armor, Flameweapon, and Venomous Fury), while adapting to the needs of the conflict with Elemental Spear. Water and Wood, at the very least, are must haves for this character.

Venomous Fury isn't going to be for every encounter, but it will give a significant boost if needed against tougher opponents. It is going to take at least one Thread to cast, which means Extra Threads for Effect, Additional Targets, or Range (if needed) may be helpful. Spending Karma for another ally is a must.

The opening action is Flameweapon on all of their allies. Afterwards, the various Elemental Spears should be able to support their allies as the conflict develops. Earth Darts, instead of Elemental Spear, is a more simple selection. While powerful, it isn't as flexible. However, it is still a solid alternative.

Even though they are a defensive discipline, this is for a magician. Any serious combatant will easily ruin this character's day. The key is to try and avoid attention.