Meet the Iconics: Quinn

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Introducing the next of the Advanced Class Guide's new iconic characters, Quinn the investigator. While the complete rules for making your own investigator characters debut in the Advanced Class Guide this August, Quinn features in our upcoming Free RPG Day adventure, Pathfinder Module: Risen from the Sands, available at participating game stores Saturday, June 21st.


Illustration by Wayne Reynolds

The rule of law is only as strong as the people who uphold it, and few know this fact better than Quinn.

The child of a former noble family of Galt, Quinn was raised to despise the chaos that had robbed his parents of their proper name and station, forcing them to hide as middle-class apothecaries. Yet for Quinn himself, trained as a legal clerk and never having personally known the aristocratic comforts his parents mourned, this was no true inconvenience. What frustrated him about his nation was not that power resided with the people, but rather that it was wielded in such a capricious fashion. His fellow citizens' constant false accusations and refusal to abide by court rulings—not to mention the Gray Gardeners' tendency to pronounce sentences completely outside the system—drove young Quinn to distraction.

When Quinn was 37, having recently lost both parents to an outbreak of plague, his simmering rage finally came to a head. After the ruling faction sentenced a man to death with flagrant disregard for due process, Quinn overstepped his usual role by investigating the matter himself, turning up irrefutable proof of the man's innocence. When his attempts to reopen the case were stymied, he returned the night before the scheduled execution and set the man free—only to run straight into a Gray Gardener patrol. The prisoner escaped in the ensuing fracas, and even as Quinn ran, he heard the Gardeners shouting his name.

Quinn fled for the Taldan border, knowing that there was now a price on his head. Yet despite all he'd lost, he found himself laughing—for here, in this tragic debacle, he had finally discovered a sense of satisfaction he'd been missing his whole life. He had upheld the law and defended the innocent in spite of government negligence and corruption. By working outside the legal system, he'd helped guide it back toward a righteous path. And he wanted more.

Thus began a new chapter in Quinn's life. Roaming the nations of the Inner Sea, he constantly keeps an ear out for allegations of unjust accusations or abuses of power. When he finds one, he investigates the case himself, using a lifetime of association with law enforcement agents and detective agencies like The Sleepless to help him ferret out the truth. If the legal system seems fair, he often shows up unexpectedly at the court proceedings, presenting sworn evidence and acting as defending counsel for the accused. If he finds a court to be corrupt, he takes a more direct hand in protecting the innocent. While he respects the law, he also knows that people are imperfect, and that breaking local laws is sometimes necessary in order to uphold more universal ones. Of course, his meddling is rarely popular with the opposition, and so Quinn generally moves along as soon as he's seen justice done and taken steps to ensure that the victim won't suffer further abuses.

Quinn is a genial, gentlemanly sort, quick with a joke and able to fit easily into both high society and low. His well-honed analytical mind is capable of astounding feats of logic and deduction, and he's fond of sharpening it still further with alchemical extracts learned from his parents and his own personal studies. While formidable in combat, he uses a sword cane so as not to unduly tip off his enemies to his abilities, believing that the best weapon is the one your foe never sees coming. He's loyal to his friends, and sometimes seems to have a connection in every town, yet is also wary of associating too long or too openly with his allies, knowing that his fight for justice has made him unpopular with various powerful factions.

Though now well into middle age, Quinn has no intentions of slowing down. As he's fond of telling companions, "a man needs only three things to change the world: a quick wit, a righteous heart, and a stylish coat."

James L. Sutter
Managing Editor

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Tags: Iconics Investigator Meet the Iconics Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Quinn Wayne Reynolds
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10 people marked this as a favorite.

Quinn definitely sounds like a cool character. I'd love to see him show up in the Pathfinder comic eventually.


Nice! Keep them coming!

Liberty's Edge Contributor

2 people marked this as a favorite.

This is the one class I'm most excited about, and I love this background and the art.

It took me a second, but the item hanging from the chain at Quinn's belt MUST be a nod to Diogenes. The image and Quinn's motivations are just too perfect for that to be coincidental.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Paris Crenshaw wrote:
It took me a second, but the item hanging from the chain at Quinn's belt MUST be a nod to Diogenes. The image and Quinn's motivations are just too perfect for that to be coincidental.

I thought the same thing. Obviously, we can't both be wrong. :)


2 people marked this as a favorite.

this...is really good


WOOO!


10 people marked this as a favorite.

Wowzas, Quinn just instantly became my favorite Iconic. I love that sword cane. Takes a certain amount of swagger to pull one of those off with out looking like a total wanker. I really enjoyed playing an Investigator during an ACG playtest. It felt great playing a more analytical character instead of the standard Murder Hobo. I loved that they broke schizo Rogue up into the killer Slayer and the skillful Investigator while still making them feel like meaningful classes.

Sovereign Court

2 people marked this as a favorite.

So far I've been really impressed with the new iconics. Keep 'em coming!

Silver Crusade

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Yesssss. This guy rules. Can't wait to get my hands on the class!

RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2013 Top 16

21 people marked this as a favorite.

...and when Quinn the Investigator gets here, everybody's gonna jump for joy.


He looks awesome. Love the sword-cane


4 people marked this as a favorite.

yet another example of the mad brilliance of James L. Sutter!
my main question? when exactly will he get his own novel:)


6 people marked this as a favorite.
captain yesterday wrote:

yet another example of the mad brilliance of James L. Sutter!

my main question? when exactly will he get his own novel:)

Since he's an investigator, I'd love to see him run across Varian and Radovan.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Paris Crenshaw wrote:

This is the one class I'm most excited about, and I love this background and the art.

It took me a second, but the item hanging from the chain at Quinn's belt MUST be a nod to Diogenes. The image and Quinn's motivations are just too perfect for that to be coincidental.

Ah, I totally missed that lantern, but it definitely fits Quinn's background.

Silver Crusade

3 people marked this as a favorite.

I love the "Ya really wanna go?" Look in his eyes as he's nonchalantly unsheathing his sword cane :3


Gentleman Alligator wrote:
captain yesterday wrote:

yet another example of the mad brilliance of James L. Sutter!

my main question? when exactly will he get his own novel:)
Since he's an investigator, I'd love to see him run across Varian and Radovan.

that would be awesome!


9 people marked this as a favorite.

Hurray for us old farts! I appreciate more representations of us older gamers.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

I'm guessing Good from the story, but I cant tell if he's neutral, lawful, or chaotic.


My interest in the investigator class has now increased tenfold. So much flavor! Quinn's description actually sort of reminds me of the protagonists from the Assassin's Creed series, which I'm a fan of.


Wow. I am happily impressed. Though I wanted the Warpriest.

Scarab Sages

1 person marked this as a favorite.

For when Quinn the investigator gets here,
everybody's gonna jump for joy.......

Liberty's Edge

Troodos wrote:
I'm guessing Good from the story, but I cant tell if he's neutral, lawful, or chaotic.

I'd guess NG (though someone with the Free RPG Day adventure could probably say for sure).

Verdant Wheel

I often forget the investigator class when i am listing the ACG new classes, with the stylish Quinn now it jumped to the top class i want to play.


6 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

As I said, it's Professor Badass. :)

Lantern Lodge RPG Superstar 2014 Top 4

1 person marked this as a favorite.

I have a new favorite iconic. Holy hell, this is fantastic.

RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32

28 people marked this as a favorite.

Is there anyone who would disagree with Idris Elba for the Pathfinder movie?


5 people marked this as a favorite.
Troodos wrote:
I'm guessing Good from the story, but I cant tell if he's neutral, lawful, or chaotic.

He has the Batman alignment: super lawful guy who breaks the law.

Dark Archive

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

I'd go NG. Respectful of the law when it's working, but not bound by its restrictions when it isn't.


2 people marked this as a favorite.

Dare I say it? So far the new iconics rival the old.

Quinn and Jirelle are awesome.


3 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

And just like that I have a new favorite Iconic...


Pathfinder Rulebook Subscriber

Really like the look of him, as well as his background. I can't wait to read some of the others.

Grand Lodge RPG Superstar 2014 Top 4, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Very cool stuff. :) Looking forward to meeting the rest of them!


6 people marked this as a favorite.

Whoooo iss the mannn...who will stannndd uppp forrr his brrrotthhherrr mannn?

QUINN!

Ya DAMN RIGHT! ^_^

Managing Editor

14 people marked this as a favorite.
Ross Byers wrote:
Is there anyone who would disagree with Idris Elba for the Pathfinder movie?

Interestingly enough, I *did* have a cast member of The Wire in mind the whole time I was writing this—but it was Clarke Peters, not Idris Elba. (Because really, Lester is the coolest character in that whole show.)

But Elba's a close second. ;)

Managing Editor

2 people marked this as a favorite.

Thanks for all the kind words, everyone! I've wanted to explore Quinn's backstory ever since we first saw the art, so I'm glad people like the direction we've taken. :)


3 people marked this as a favorite.

LG. Definitely LG - not - stupid and an absolute badass!


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber
Ross Byers wrote:
Is there anyone who would disagree with Idris Elba for the Pathfinder movie?

Oh my yes Ross ... I would completely agree!

@ James Sutter ... sorry no disrespect meant to Clarke Peters ... I just like Idris Elba a lot more.

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Awesome name, from Galt, and his attire being a perfect balance of dapper and badass...yeah, I love this guy!

Can't wait to hear what's been done with the class in the sneak-peak next week. :3

Grand Lodge

I think this is my new favorite iconic. Seriously, that is a bad ass background, and a bad ass look to him. Quinn rocks!

Can he be a main character in some upcoming media adaptation (comic or audio drama)? Please! Also a mini of him would be bad ass. Once this book comes out, I'm planning on playing an Investigator first chance I get!

Also, Ross, yes. That sounds just about perfect.

His alignment is certainly good. Just doesn't seem chaotic though, but Lawful or Neutral would seem to fit.

Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Nice job, James. :)


I don't know... I'd like to see Samuel L. Jackson run with this character


2 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
JBiggs78 wrote:
I don't know... I'd like to see Samuel L. Jackson run with this character

Nah, I disagree. Samuel L. Jackson is badass in the don't mess with me slamdown way. Quinn is more of a badass in a swave I'm going to wear you down until you destroy yourself, sort of way.


2 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber

I agree, LG. He believes in upholding the law, but will go around the "law" if following it would fail to obtain Justice.


I'd like to imagine him as Danny Glover's character from Lethal Weapon.

Silver Crusade

2 people marked this as a favorite.

So, would it be fair to say that Quinn is middle-aged like Ezren? If so, then that makes him even cooler in my book.

EDIT: Never mind... somehow missed that last paragraph. He is truly the coolest!


4 people marked this as a favorite.
Quote:
"...a man needs only three things to change the world: a quick wit, a righteous heart, and a stylish coat."

Sweet, I've got the stylish coat already! Now for quick wit and a righteous heart!

Silver Crusade

2 people marked this as a favorite.

I also agree with LG, it was that "universal laws" part that made me go "yeah, this guy upholds the LAW, but the law that helps people, not stupid, insignificant or corrupt laws.

Also, yeah, love him, great Iconic! Amiri is still my fave, but Quinn is a super close second! Very happy that he's a good guy too, I've been happy with all the Iconics stories that I've read.


2 people marked this as a favorite.

"Objection!"

Liberty's Edge

4 people marked this as a favorite.

Okay, Quinn is officially awesome. I'd say he's my new favorite Iconic...but Jirelle and he are so close I can't decide between them. It's definitely nice to see a really smart, nice, character who has principles and sticks to them shown. Good Iconics always make me happy, basically, and smart ones like this even more so.

Also, clearly LG. He doesn't actually violate rule of law if he can help it, and indeed his entire motivation is upholding the law and due process. That screams Lawful to me.

And I've got to agree with Mr. Sutter...Lester is the bomb (though I'd put a tie between him and Omar for my favorite character on The Wire), and Clarke Peters' performance as him is an excellent inspiration for this character, though Idris Elba (as Luther) is also pretty good.

Shadow Lodge

2 people marked this as a favorite.

Love the last line in the story, it says it all.

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