Being an Inspiring leader

(Another Character related post)

Kharask is an inspiring warlord. In game terms this means that he uses charisma based effects to heal and bolster his team. This post explains how he does this, and why he is inspiring at all.

Kharask is a powerful figure to look at. He is tall, has a powerful build and wields large, heavy weapons. His very form is naturally intimidating, and he barely has to make a remark at all to cause fear in those around him. Those that speak civil to Kharask quickly realize that the dragonborn is also fairly intelligent and articulate for his race. His words are truthful, and he always speaks in powerful and very audible tones. His body language is expressive, but mostly because he uses practiced and efficient motions. He does not pace or fidget, and most motions he performs are for a specific purpose. A slight nod, a tilt of the head, or a raising of the shoulders are rare, but extremely expressive. His nature is easy to read, and he is extremely reserved as is common for his race, but unlike many members of his race he is trained to take charge of situations that present themselves. He will speak when spoken to, volunteer if necessary, handle events that no one else will handle, and defend those that need defending, either verbaly or physically. It is because of this nature that people are drawn to him, he attracts his followers, he does not call to them. People of all races see something in the dragonborn that they themselves wish to express, perhaps it is his good nature in the heart of questionable times, perhaps it is his heightened sense of honor, or simply because he carries himself with pride. Its because of his reserved nature outside of combat that he is such an effective leader in combat. Once his blood begins heating up in tune with battle, the dragonborn becomes explosive on many levels. His loud voice becomes booming, terrifying to those who have not witnessed it before. Commands are snapped with roars and sharp gestures that are hard to ignore. As allies fall or falter Kharask has been known to blast out roars of such ferocity at there pain, that sheer adrenalin picks the comrade up. When striking out at enemies he seems to become larger than his foes, his very presence suffocating them, making them seem smaller, weaker, and his allies feed on this, able to attack there enemies without a sense of fear and without hesitation. His roars weaken his opponents resolve, and even failed attacks end with ferocious snarls, snapping gestures with his maw, or him burying his weapon into the ground to kick up dust and stone, making even his failures inspiring. During all this he is constantly bellowing orders as well. Although a presence on the battlefield, he uses tactics and positioning just as well as some tactically minded warlords. His commands usually come in the form of arm or head motions to his comrade, or sometimes a gesture with his maul after an attack. In all of these ways is Kharask inspiring, his allies have grown to know his way, and those that travel with him for the first time will not only be terrified, but in awe of his effectiveness.

Some war cries he's been known to bellow out before, during or after killing an opponent.
"May Tovik honor your bones!"
"Your destiny ends with me!"

Regardless, Kharask is not known to insult his enemies in combat unless attempting to bait them. He would rather honor himself and his gods with fair and decent combat, even if his foes are not so inclined.

Kharask inspires his allies in various ways as well. Below are some examples.

Dalanor - The wizard, as always, is difficult to figure out. When in combat Kharask uses verbal commands to dictate orders, as this seems to be most effective with the arcanist. The wizard usually requires tremendous focus to do his spells, and Kharask bellowing roars in his ears would no doubt disrupt that. Hand and weapon gestures along with an occasional verbal command is all he normally needs to direct the intelligent mage.

Baerd - Baerd responds to Kharask's roars and intensity with a deeper intensity. Kharasks control over Baerd lasts only a few moments in combat, and it is usually all the dragonborn can do to direct him to a troubling part of the battlefield, and then hope for the best. Still, Kharasks war cries and posturing do a lot to keep the dwarves momentum going, and Kharask has noted that as the battle goes on, Baerd adds some war cries of his own.

Azriel - Kharask's presence keeps the elf on his toes, keeps him focused and alert. Normally used to the quiet elements of nature, Kharask's bellowing, powerful form keeps the elf full of adrenalin and his mind centered in battle. Kharask uses powerful, loud commands or roars to motivate the elf, jolting him into action. Extended battles with the dragonborn can make the elf edgy and anxious, but also sharper, and more alert to danger and avoiding it.

Merric - Similar to provoking azriel to action, Kharask utilizes roars and posturing to motivate his small friend. Usually in combat it is hard for the dragonborn to keep an eye on his quick moving and elusive ally, so he does his best to simply target enemies that are becoming bothersome, using roars and challenges. Soon after there is almost always a dagger in that foes leg or back.

Erantaelik - Although responsive to most of Kharask's leading techniques due to his military training, the drow and the dragonborn usually have the same tactical mind about most combat situations. Usually Kharask uses roars and gestures towards the drow when he begins faltering, and the drow responds accordingly.

Ok, thats my character post for the week. Going to skip the regular gaming post since its a dungeon crawl, will finish it when the dungeon is finished.