Some of you from the defunct Wizards community might even recognize me as a guy who was crazy about Magic settings conversions years before Wizards actually started releasing their Planeshift documents.
A great DM I met back then in the community, and who was my biggest partner in the Zendikar-D&D project, actually became one of my dearest friends since, and played and mastered with and for me in many play-by-post campaigns that turned out to be awesome.
His name is Gonzalo Campoverde, and he has a very nice D&D blog named Codex Anathema, and is serious about the feel of his campaigns and the illustrated hand-outs, as you can see from these two posters for this new play-by-post he encharged me of recruiting for. :)
The only things I know, apart from the clues in these posters, are that we (yes, I'm obviously in!) are going to play as researchers and investigators connected with the famous Morgrave University of Sharn, and we are going to the far continent of Xen'Drik, which will also happen to be (or include, in some way) Zendikar, the Magic: The Gathering setting!! Yes, it's Zendikar (or a part of it) inside/alongside Eberron, and trust me, it works, I've seen it work. It's not actually a cross-over in the sense that it doesn't mix stuff too much: Zendikar stuff just happens to be unexplored sides of Xen'Drik, an already mysterious continent. And not all of Zendikar of course (would be five continents), but only some parts of it, most notably the deep jungles, swamps, underground locales, and maybe some floating island or two... :)
Our big question is this: is someone here interested in both settings? The campaign itself is not going to be heavy on lore to the point of requiring you to have experience in the settings, actually, so anyone interested in a fun, flavorful, and original game can surely join, but of course you could enjoy a bit more if you also happen to be a fan of at least one of the two settings, which by the way are very similar in tone: pulp fantasy focused on exploration, treasure-hunting, cliff-hanger action, and ultimately even cosmic-horror-battling!
Back in the days of our first conversions, we agreed that Zendikar adventures could focus a lot on exploration and movement across the incredible locales of the setting, and he has made me understand there will be a bit of that, but I can also anticipate that there will be a bit of everything, from investigation and puzzle-solving to good-old dungeon-crawling. Some of the members of the party could be natives of Xen'Drik/Zendikar, using any race featured in the official Planeshift: Zendikar doc released by Wizards, while some could be from the academic entourage of Sharn and its Morgrave University, or maybe just some mercenaries getting paid to escort these wimpy scholars. :)
I can tell you that my character will be some kind of discredited academic, specialized in monsters and monstrous botanics of Xen'Drik, but travelling to the continent only now for the first time, after having only studied it and admired it from afar. He is a true nerd, kind of a science-freak, but guided by an unknown spirit he believes to be an aspect of The Traveler deity (The Seeker, one of the Unearthed Arcana Warlock patrons, perfect chance to playtest!) and also not that wimpish after all, since he is also a rogue that specializes in combining magic usage with his mad whip skills. (Yes, some kind of Indiana Jones, but... Different! :P)
The starting level will be 4th, all Unearthed Arcana allowed (although final word will be of the DM, if something OP comes out), and Zendikar and Eberron related material obviously allowed, if it comes from Wizards (like the recent Artificer class playtest!)
As a fellow-player, playing a character who is a self-proclaimed expert of Xen'Drik/Zendikar, I can only tell you that your character should be ready for many hostile environments, and that there is a lot of secrets to be delved and dangers best avoided... ;)
I hope I didn't scare you or bore you more than I intrigued you, and you will hear from the DM soon, he is now busy prepping! Feel free to ask me any more clarifications, and/or share the excitement! :D
Wow... that's a very nice (and long!) introduction, hehe.
Hello everyone, I will be the DM. We'll use this thread to discuss the details on character creation, how and where to roll, how often to post, etc. If you're interestd in joining us, just let us know which one of the posters got your eye and what you expect from an Eberron campaign. You should also know that if no one decides to play an artificer, I may jump in as a PC just for the sake of giving the class some playtesting.
Wow! I like both posters, but I think the first one is my favourite. I'm interested, if I do play I think I'd like to be either an elf or merfolk barbarian.
I'd love to join (D&D starved atm). I really like the second poster, but the first one is great too. If I were allowed to play, I'd prefer mystic, but I'd be fine taking up the role of an artificer if no-one else wants it. I'd really love to explore Xen'drik in an Eberron campaign, interacting with the various people of the land (especially Drow and the citizens of Stormreach).
Please I need a spot in this! I'm DM a campaign in Eberron myself, and since in my group I'm the only one that knows the world I never get the chance to play in it! I loved the second poster but both are great!
The character I would love to try out is a concept character I though to put in my campaign as an NPC but would love to try it out here! It is a Fallen Aasimar Warlock of the Fiend of the Pact of the Blade that was born in Sharn during the Mabar's Conterminous and was touched, instead of by a Celestial by one of the Lords of Dust that fled the material plane when Eberron trapped the remaining Lords of Dust in Khyber.
Now his goal is to use this fiendish heritage to destroy that witch corrupted his soul causing his parents to abandon him in the temple of Aureon as to learn how the God managed to purge all evil he contained. He might join this adventure as to look for ancient texts or artifacts that could have been mentioned in the sacred doctrine.
I am a complete noob here and about DnD played 1 time with freind...can I join ? I'm willing to play an artificier it sound great.
Well, you have the correct name to play an artificer with a homunculus, hehehe.
But don't feel you must play an artificer, create any character you want. Are you familiar with the Eberron Campaign Setting? What about Zendikar? Maybe both?
I'd love to join (D&D starved atm). I really like the second poster, but the first one is great too. If I were allowed to play, I'd prefer mystic, but I'd be fine taking up the role of an artificer if no-one else wants it. I'd really love to explore Xen'drik in an Eberron campaign, interacting with the various people of the land (especially Drow and the citizens of Stormreach).
EDIT: When would this be happening?
Playing a Mystic would be great, one of the goals for my Play-by-Post campaign is playtesting material.
I guess we can define details for play in the following days and we'll start April 2nd, just not to match April's Fools ;)
Please I need a spot in this! I'm DM a campaign in Eberron myself, and since in my group I'm the only one that knows the world I never get the chance to play in it! I loved the second poster but both are great!
The character I would love to try out is a concept character I though to put in my campaign as an NPC but would love to try it out here! It is a Fallen Aasimar Warlock of the Fiend of the Pact of the Blade that was born in Sharn during the Mabar's Conterminous and was touched, instead of by a Celestial by one of the Lords of Dust that fled the material plane when Eberron trapped the remaining Lords of Dust in Khyber.
Now his goal is to use this fiendish heritage to destroy that witch corrupted his soul causing his parents to abandon him in the temple of Aureon as to learn how the God managed to purge all evil he contained. He might join this adventure as to look for ancient texts or artifacts that could have been mentioned in the sacred doctrine.
He would be Chaotic Good.
Oh, I'm so familiar with the feeling of mastering the setting you want to play because you're the one who knows it better than anyone else at the table!
Your character's background sounds very exciting, but I haven't seen any Aasimar rules out there for playtesting yet. Will you be using the example as given in the DungeonMaster's Guide?
Please, feel free to join the not-so-dark side of the Force.
(I really like the avatar, by the way!)
The first poster initially caught my attention; however, the second poster made me want to read more. :)
I'm interested in playing. I'd also love to be an artificer for the game.
I imagine my character as a Kor Artificer if that's ok. He's strayed from the typical Lawful Good lifestyle of the other Kor and has edged towards Chaotic Good. More often than not, his kinsmen have warned him that tinkering with the sacred artifacts found in Zendikar would lead to nothing but ruin. He's done it anyway... away from prying eyes in a hidden cavern he found upon a floating mass of land. He spent his childhood in there creating anything he could think of, driven mad with a desire to make his newest project work. Though not as agile on the ropes as the other Kor, he's always prided himself on being the brightest of his mates. Whenever the opportunity struck, he'd reveal a new contraption he's created to get the job done. Who needs an archaic bow and arrow or crossbow when you've just invented a Thunder Cannon.
Unfortunately the invention came at a cost. He crossed the line with this invention, fouling an artifact under his peoples protection. As tradition dictates, he was exiled from his tribe. And so his adventure begins.
Please I need a spot in this! I'm DM a campaign in Eberron myself, and since in my group I'm the only one that knows the world I never get the chance to play in it! I loved the second poster but both are great!
The character I would love to try out is a concept character I though to put in my campaign as an NPC but would love to try it out here! It is a Fallen Aasimar Warlock of the Fiend of the Pact of the Blade that was born in Sharn during the Mabar's Conterminous and was touched, instead of by a Celestial by one of the Lords of Dust that fled the material plane when Eberron trapped the remaining Lords of Dust in Khyber.
Now his goal is to use this fiendish heritage to destroy that witch corrupted his soul causing his parents to abandon him in the temple of Aureon as to learn how the God managed to purge all evil he contained. He might join this adventure as to look for ancient texts or artifacts that could have been mentioned in the sacred doctrine.
He would be Chaotic Good.
Oh, I'm so familiar with the feeling of mastering the setting you want to play because you're the one who knows it better than anyone else at the table!
Your character's background sounds very exciting, but I haven't seen any Aasimar rules out there for playtesting yet. Will you be using the example as given in the DungeonMaster's Guide?
The Fallen Aasimar is from the Volo's Guide to Monsters and I intend on using UA invocations (at least on 5th and 9th level, so we can playtest that as well)!
"The Hedron is showing me so much. It's more than just knowledge, it's... truth."
BACKSTORY
Born in Zulaport, Zendikar, the place Khorvaire people call Stormreach, in Xen'Drik, Sohar Gada, son of famous local expeditioner Zahr Gada, was spirited away from the continent at a very young age, in circumstances unknown, and adopted in Sharn by one of the most prominent of the Sixty Families of Sharn, one connected with Morgrave and in particular with the branch of it with an interest in Xen'Drik/Zendikar, a connection old enough to have influenced the very name of the family: ir'Zendorn.
Grown up in such an intellectual and eccentric family, Sorgen became interested in the study of his home continent since he was old enough to read. Being born there and then being adopted is a fact the family didn't hide from him. What they did hide from him is that they were really hoping he would get as obsessed as he did, and that he would actually go there. The reasons for this are secretly guarded by the family, and although Sorgen could be described as perceptive, he is also too naive and socially inept to even suspect something.
When he (easily) entered Morgrave as a student, he gradually got closer to the "maverick" students of Xen'Drik rather than the most credited, a fact that might have been connected to his crush on Dala Arand, a student without a sponsoring family that was nearly as obsessed with Xen'Drik as he was, and who enjoyed his attentions, although not for the reasons he wished for...
Although his family didn't approve much of the choice, they also couldn't oppose it too much, and in a short while Sorgen took a somewhat permanent residence in the Shava house, a place usually reserved to the students who don't have a noble family behind their back. He did this to be closer to Dala Arand, although the cunning student (secretly a spy for the Emerald Claw) was just using his deep knowledge, without corresponding his far less professional interest in her, if not with some short-lived flirt, that she enjoyed more because of Sorgen's actually handsome features than his very poor charisma and emotional sphere.
With time, Sorgen got more disillusioned about his academic career, in part due to the realization of his failure in conquering the heart of Dala, but also due to a not-so-brilliant record of marks at his exams. He started being a recluse. He would spend a long time in the Hadrill Gardens, where the only living specimens of flora from Xen'Drik were hosted, and there, he made a discovery that changed his life. Or better yet, once again he was discovered by someone who would change his life. Or something. After falling asleep near a Khalni Heart, he experienced vivid dreams in which he communicated with an entity that reminded him of The Traveler, but also of the Zendikarian deity called Talib by the race of the Kor, meaning "Body of The World", a deity connected to their eternal pilgrimages. He didn't think of course this was an accident, even less so when he discovered that after this dream, he had access to protective and movement-related magic that made him especially suited at exploring the infamous dangerous environments of Zendikar. Following the strange dreams that haunted him, he even discovered a tangible proof of him being some sort of "chosen one" of this "god": he found a particularly unique Hedron Archive hidden at the roots of a Zendikarian plant in the same university grounds as the Hadrill Gardens. This unique object he liked calling a "relic" was in some way stolen property, so he decided to keep it secret from everyone. Strangely enough though, after this discovery his university career started soaring high. His knowledge became unmatched even in fields not related to his homeland, and he graduated with flying colors.
After the graduation, he still wanted to prove to himself his unfathomable (although unearned) knowledge, and accepted the challenge of his family to apply for the Monsters & Mausoleums exam, which was supposedly going to be extra-difficult. He passed of course, and due to this, an incredible opportunity opened up for Sorgen: joining a Xen'Drik expedition. In no time, he saw himself joining the Covenant of the Forgotten Relics, a not-so-secret organization sponsoring this strange lecture at Morgrave, and in preparation for his first expedition, he had to pass an exhausting dungeoneering course, which proved to be quite his thing anyway, due to his multidisciplinary skills acquired in his "maverick student" years. In fact, Sorgen had always been more of a rogue type than anything else, his skill with exotic weapons and his agility being the proof of it, other than a genetic mark of his Zendikarian father, Zahr Gada.
His adventure was just about to begin, but his fabled homeland would not prove as welcoming as his dreams led him to believe...
BACKGROUND TRAITS
Sage (exchanging one language for exotic but inexpensive weapon proficiency (whip), like for Gladiator/Entertainer)
Specialty: Discredited academic
Personality Traits: - There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery. - I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen. (Acolyte)
Ideal: No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic)
Bond: I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back.
Flaw: Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization.
Notes: Sorgen learned to use the whip as part of his early strength and agility training, an activity that surely took some time away from his studies. He always strived to reach the physical requirements he thought a true Zendikarian survivalist (like his biological father) should have. This also explains why his abilities are not at all typical for a scholar. This process though, also led him in part to his chronic depression: he would never be as good an explorer (or performing athlete) as he was hoping to become (also to win the attention of Dala Arand, which he failed to), and at the same time his efforts were also consistent enough to drive him away from studies, making his career in university rather poor, until he received help from a mysterious extraplanar patron. At any rate, even with the help of the patron, he feels like he failed on multiple levels and he doesn't feel like he will be able to recover from the mistakes he made during his younger years. The awareness of having "sold his soul" to the extraplanar entity doesn't help his condition. Due to this, Sorgen's moral compass often spins out of control. He sometimes hates civilization, especially the academic world, even if he also feels grateful to it. In other cases, he can start hating the wilderness he studied so much, for being so hostile "after all he has done for it" It's clear even to himself, that these irrational fits of hate are actually manifestations of his hate for his own self. He tries to mask these dark sides of his personality, but ultimately, they make him unstable and unpredictable.
Alignment: Neutral
QUIRKS: - He guards his Hedron Archive in a little but heavy box with lead lining, to prevent others from locating the object magically. - He is afraid of damage in combat, unless he uses his protective pact power. - He takes risks in dangerous environments, confident in his movement-related skills and spells. - He likes to instruct others about Zendikar's nature and creatures, but usually does so with an unfriendly and entitled attitude, although not meaning anything bad with it. - If he needs to answer an important dilemma requiring knowledge, he would make sure to use the power of the Hedron Archive, so he would refuse to give answers if the power is not available, seeking opportunities to regain the power, finding random excuses.
FEATURES AND TRAITS Otherworldly Patron (Seeker), Pact Magic, Expertise (Investigation, Nature), Thieves' Cant, Sneak Attack (1d6) Path of the Seeker (ignore difficult terrain, advantage on checks to escape grapples and constraints, advantage on saves vs paralysis), Mobile (+10 speed, no AoO from enemies attacked in melee), Hedron Archive[alt. Star Chain Pact Boon] (Advantage on one Int check per rest, Augury spell as a ritual), Shielding Aurora (Bonus Action: until end of next turn, resistance to all damage and enemies that end their turn within 10 feet take 2 radiant damage. Usable once per short rest)
Cantrips: Booming Blade, Mage Hand Spells Known: Augury (as a ritual, when pact chain/hedron is on person), Feather Fall, Jump (12 feet running high jump (+9 reach), 6 feet standing high jump (+9 reach), 36 feet running long jump (limited to 30 by speed), 18 feet standing long jump), Locate Object, Invisibility
Languages: Common, Elven, Merfolk
Equipment (starting) Bottle of black ink, quill, small knife, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, set of common clothes, belt pouch, component pouch, studded leather armor, dungeoneer's pack, light crossbow, 20 bolts, dagger, whip - Hedron Archive [alt Star Chain]
Equipment (acquired) Wooden box with magic lock and inner inscription ("The whole is greater than the sum of its parts")
Starting April 2? Well, seeing as I'll be going away from the end of the 28th, and getting back late on the 2nd (I live in Australia, so assuming you posted in the morning your time, I'd be back at the start of the day your time), that cuts it close, but it should work out well.
I'm thinking a Drow Soul Knife? I'm fairly sure I'd like to go Soul Knife, but if you don't want Drow, I'm happy to go with something else (Just wish there were rules for Kalashtar), probably Firbolg (if VGtM is allowed). Sidenote: How do you read the Soul Knife ability: 1d8 + Dex damage or without the modifier to damage?
If no-one else is going healing, I'll be sure to pick up Psionic Restoration alongside Iron Durability (because It looks like only one other is planning on being in the front line).
Born in Zulaport, Zendikar, the place Khorvaire people call Stormreach, in Xen'Drik, Sohar Gada, son of famous local expeditioner Zahr Gada, was spirited away from the continent at a very young age, in circumstances unknown, and adopted in Sharn by one of the most prominent of the Sixty Families of Sharn, one connected with Morgrave and in particular with the branch of it with an interest in Xen'Drik/Zendikar, a connection old enough to have influenced the very name of the family: ir'Zendorn.
Grown up in such an intellectual and eccentric family, Sorgen became interested in the study of his home continent since he was old enough to read. Being born there and then being adopted is a fact the family didn't hide from him. What they did hide from him is that they were really hoping he would get as obsessed as he did, and that he would actually go there. The reasons for this are secretly guarded by the family, and although Sorgen could be described as perceptive, he is also too naive and socially inept to even suspect something.
When he (easily) entered Morgrave as a student, he gradually got closer to the "maverick" students of Xen'Drik rather than the most credited, a fact that might have been connected to his crush on Dala Arand, a student without a sponsoring family that was nearly as obsessed with Xen'Drik as he was, and who enjoyed his attentions, although not for the reasons he wished for...
Although his family didn't approve much of the choice, they also couldn't oppose it too much, and in a short while Sorgen took a somewhat permanent residence in the Shava house, a place usually reserved to the students who don't have a noble family behind their back. He did this to be closer to Dala Arand, although the cunning student (secretly a spy for the Emerald Claw) was just using his deep knowledge, without corresponding his far less professional interest in her, if not with some short-lived flirt, that she enjoyed more because of Sorgen's actually handsome features than his very poor charisma and emotional sphere.
With time, Sorgen got more disillusioned about his academic career, in part due to the realization of his failure in conquering the heart of Dala, but also due to a not-so-brilliant record of marks at his exams. He started being a recluse. He would spend a long time in the Hadrill Gardens, where the only living specimens of flora from Xen'Drik were hosted, and there, he made a discovery that changed his life. Or better yet, once again he was discovered by someone who would change his life. Or something. After falling asleep near a Khalni Heart, he experienced vivid dreams in which he communicated with an entity that reminded him of The Traveler, but also of the Zendikarian deity called Talib by the race of the Kor, meaning "Body of The World", a deity connected to their eternal pilgrimages. He didn't think of course this was an accident, even less so when he discovered that after this dream, he had access to protective and movement-related magic that made him especially suited at exploring the infamous dangerous environments of Zendikar. Following the strange dreams that haunted him, he even discovered a tangible proof of him being some sort of "chosen one" of this "god": he found a particularly unique Hedron Archive hidden at the roots of a Zendikarian plant in the same university grounds as the Hadrill Gardens. This unique object he liked calling a "relic" was in some way stolen property, so he decided to keep it secret from everyone. Strangely enough though, after this discovery his university career started soaring high. His knowledge became unmatched even in fields not related to his homeland, and he graduated with flying colors.
After the graduation, he still wanted to prove to himself his unfathomable (although unearned) knowledge, and accepted the challenge of his family to apply for the Monsters & Mausoleums exam, which was supposedly going to be extra-difficult. He passed of course, and due to this, an incredible opportunity opened up for Sorgen: joining a Xen'Drik expedition. In no time, he saw himself joining the Covenant of the Forgotten Relics, a not-so-secret organization sponsoring this strange lecture at Morgrave, and in preparation for his first expedition, he had to pass an exhausting dungeoneering course, which proved to be quite his thing anyway, due to his multidisciplinary skills acquired in his "maverick student" years. In fact, Sorgen had always been more of a rogue type than anything else, his skill with exotic weapons and his agility being the proof of it, other than a genetic mark of his Zendikarian father, Zahr Gada.
His adventure was just about to begin, but his fabled homeland would not prove as welcoming as his dreams led him to believe...
That is quite a background! My lore of both Eberron and MtG is a bit lacking, but I'll try to play catch-up as groups and names and events are mentioned.
Is this the type of background that Gonz is going to ask from us?
Question: Can I trade the armour proficiency from soul knife for Unarmoured Defence (Int)? I feel that it fits the flavour of a soul knife more, but if I can’t I’ll wear the armour. Also, do we get a starting allowance since we start at 4 level? Feats allowed or banned? (Either is fine, and I’d probably spend my 4th level ASI on upping Dex or Int anyway)
@subsistCyber: I thought so as well, but I’ll wait for confirmation from Archaon.
And without Further ado, may I present Ra'sakar (Ras to friends. But he has no friends) Gen'thac. (Keith Baker himself provided me with the first name! (and the bit in parenthesis)). This is the first draft of it anyway.
Born under the moon of Sypheros, Ra'sakar Gen'thac has always danced from shadow to shadow, from the shadow stuff his Umbragen father manipulated, to the shadows cast by the flames of his Sulatar mother. However, one day, years after having left his family, still dancing from shadow to shadow, the dark alleys of Stormreach, to the depths of the jungles of Xen’drik, he met a prophet of Il-Yannah, a Kalashtar who introduced him to the Order of the Soul Knife, and helped him to step into the light for the first time. After several years of training, running around in the jungle, hunting Inspired expeditions seeking Crysteel (A target suggested by his mentor), and causing havoc for the drow who would harm Stormreach, he has gotten a job to escort a group of academics from Morgrave who were planning to go on an expedition to the depths of his homeland – the jungles of Xen’drik.
Ra'sakar is cautious of strangers, waiting until after they have proven their worth to him before he communicates with them verbally. Among this small circle of people that he talks to (i.e. his circle of friends, though he refuses to call them that) are his mentor, Lakavakri (a female Kalashtar Mystic (Soul Knife)), his childhood friend, Ek’ann (A Scorrow), and his source of information and equipment (as well as his fence for the occasional deal in shadows), Gearbox (A Warforged Mystic (Immortal)).
Ra'sakar tends to stand in shadows, even moving subconsciously to hide from the rays of the sun. He has a tendency to pick up small things and fiddle with them, though he tends to accidently break them. His philosophy is that like the moons, life changes, and so should everyone with it. To him, his few friends are the most important thing, regardless of where they are. He writes down the name of every creature he slays, and name ones that are unnamed. He also has an irrational hatred for chairs, refusing to sit on them, preferring to stand or sit on the floor.
Background: Outlander Skills: Arcana, Athletics, Nature, Perception, and Survival (from Mystic, Elf, and Outlander)
Ah it's good to be back to some D&D forum!
Some of you from the defunct Wizards community might even recognize me as a guy who was crazy about Magic settings conversions years before Wizards actually started releasing their Planeshift documents.
A great DM I met back then in the community, and who was my biggest partner in the Zendikar-D&D project, actually became one of my dearest friends since, and played and mastered with and for me in many play-by-post campaigns that turned out to be awesome.
His name is Gonzalo Campoverde, and he has a very nice D&D blog named Codex Anathema, and is serious about the feel of his campaigns and the illustrated hand-outs, as you can see from these two posters for this new play-by-post he encharged me of recruiting for. :)
The only things I know, apart from the clues in these posters, are that we (yes, I'm obviously in!) are going to play as researchers and investigators connected with the famous Morgrave University of Sharn, and we are going to the far continent of Xen'Drik, which will also happen to be (or include, in some way) Zendikar, the Magic: The Gathering setting!! Yes, it's Zendikar (or a part of it) inside/alongside Eberron, and trust me, it works, I've seen it work. It's not actually a cross-over in the sense that it doesn't mix stuff too much: Zendikar stuff just happens to be unexplored sides of Xen'Drik, an already mysterious continent. And not all of Zendikar of course (would be five continents), but only some parts of it, most notably the deep jungles, swamps, underground locales, and maybe some floating island or two... :)
Our big question is this: is someone here interested in both settings? The campaign itself is not going to be heavy on lore to the point of requiring you to have experience in the settings, actually, so anyone interested in a fun, flavorful, and original game can surely join, but of course you could enjoy a bit more if you also happen to be a fan of at least one of the two settings, which by the way are very similar in tone: pulp fantasy focused on exploration, treasure-hunting, cliff-hanger action, and ultimately even cosmic-horror-battling!
Back in the days of our first conversions, we agreed that Zendikar adventures could focus a lot on exploration and movement across the incredible locales of the setting, and he has made me understand there will be a bit of that, but I can also anticipate that there will be a bit of everything, from investigation and puzzle-solving to good-old dungeon-crawling. Some of the members of the party could be natives of Xen'Drik/Zendikar, using any race featured in the official Planeshift: Zendikar doc released by Wizards, while some could be from the academic entourage of Sharn and its Morgrave University, or maybe just some mercenaries getting paid to escort these wimpy scholars. :)
I can tell you that my character will be some kind of discredited academic, specialized in monsters and monstrous botanics of Xen'Drik, but travelling to the continent only now for the first time, after having only studied it and admired it from afar. He is a true nerd, kind of a science-freak, but guided by an unknown spirit he believes to be an aspect of The Traveler deity (The Seeker, one of the Unearthed Arcana Warlock patrons, perfect chance to playtest!) and also not that wimpish after all, since he is also a rogue that specializes in combining magic usage with his mad whip skills. (Yes, some kind of Indiana Jones, but... Different! :P)
The starting level will be 4th, all Unearthed Arcana allowed (although final word will be of the DM, if something OP comes out), and Zendikar and Eberron related material obviously allowed, if it comes from Wizards (like the recent Artificer class playtest!)
As a fellow-player, playing a character who is a self-proclaimed expert of Xen'Drik/Zendikar, I can only tell you that your character should be ready for many hostile environments, and that there is a lot of secrets to be delved and dangers best avoided... ;)
I hope I didn't scare you or bore you more than I intrigued you, and you will hear from the DM soon, he is now busy prepping! Feel free to ask me any more clarifications, and/or share the excitement! :D
PbP Character: Sorgen ir'Zendorn / Sohar Gada - Warlock (Seeker, Star Chain) 3, Rogue 1 (Eberron/Zendikar!)
-> Rolls for the campaign.
Wow... that's a very nice (and long!) introduction, hehe.
Hello everyone, I will be the DM. We'll use this thread to discuss the details on character creation, how and where to roll, how often to post, etc. If you're interestd in joining us, just let us know which one of the posters got your eye and what you expect from an Eberron campaign. You should also know that if no one decides to play an artificer, I may jump in as a PC just for the sake of giving the class some playtesting.
Hope to see you soon around here!
"Let your dice roll"
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You have no idea how tempting this is. O.o
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Wow! I like both posters, but I think the first one is my favourite. I'm interested, if I do play I think I'd like to be either an elf or merfolk barbarian.
Please, feel free to join the not-so-dark side of the Force.
(I really like the avatar, by the way!)
"Let your dice roll"
codexanathema.com
I am a complete noob here and about DnD played 1 time with freind...can I join ? I'm willing to play an artificier it sound great.
I'd love to join (D&D starved atm). I really like the second poster, but the first one is great too. If I were allowed to play, I'd prefer mystic, but I'd be fine taking up the role of an artificer if no-one else wants it. I'd really love to explore Xen'drik in an Eberron campaign, interacting with the various people of the land (especially Drow and the citizens of Stormreach).
EDIT: When would this be happening?
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Please I need a spot in this! I'm DM a campaign in Eberron myself, and since in my group I'm the only one that knows the world I never get the chance to play in it! I loved the second poster but both are great!
The character I would love to try out is a concept character I though to put in my campaign as an NPC but would love to try it out here! It is a Fallen Aasimar Warlock of the Fiend of the Pact of the Blade that was born in Sharn during the Mabar's Conterminous and was touched, instead of by a Celestial by one of the Lords of Dust that fled the material plane when Eberron trapped the remaining Lords of Dust in Khyber.
Now his goal is to use this fiendish heritage to destroy that witch corrupted his soul causing his parents to abandon him in the temple of Aureon as to learn how the God managed to purge all evil he contained. He might join this adventure as to look for ancient texts or artifacts that could have been mentioned in the sacred doctrine.
He would be Chaotic Good.
Check out the many mes here!
"Let your dice roll"
codexanathema.com
"Let your dice roll"
codexanathema.com
"Let your dice roll"
codexanathema.com
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There's a nice Aasimar in Volo's Monster... whatever it's called, even a darker subrace called Scourge Aasimar! :)
Mystics (psionics) come from Sarlona usually, right?
PbP Character: Sorgen ir'Zendorn / Sohar Gada - Warlock (Seeker, Star Chain) 3, Rogue 1 (Eberron/Zendikar!)
-> Rolls for the campaign.
Man, Stoneforge Mystic, Kor Artificer, banned from everywhere... You can't do it! :D (Joking, it's awesome! :D)
PbP Character: Sorgen ir'Zendorn / Sohar Gada - Warlock (Seeker, Star Chain) 3, Rogue 1 (Eberron/Zendikar!)
-> Rolls for the campaign.
Check out the many mes here!
Sorgen ir'Zendorn (Sohar Gada)
"The Hedron is showing me so much. It's more than just knowledge, it's... truth."
BACKSTORY
Born in Zulaport, Zendikar, the place Khorvaire people call Stormreach, in Xen'Drik, Sohar Gada, son of famous local expeditioner Zahr Gada, was spirited away from the continent at a very young age, in circumstances unknown, and adopted in Sharn by one of the most prominent of the Sixty Families of Sharn, one connected with Morgrave and in particular with the branch of it with an interest in Xen'Drik/Zendikar, a connection old enough to have influenced the very name of the family: ir'Zendorn.
Grown up in such an intellectual and eccentric family, Sorgen became interested in the study of his home continent since he was old enough to read. Being born there and then being adopted is a fact the family didn't hide from him. What they did hide from him is that they were really hoping he would get as obsessed as he did, and that he would actually go there. The reasons for this are secretly guarded by the family, and although Sorgen could be described as perceptive, he is also too naive and socially inept to even suspect something.
When he (easily) entered Morgrave as a student, he gradually got closer to the "maverick" students of Xen'Drik rather than the most credited, a fact that might have been connected to his crush on Dala Arand, a student without a sponsoring family that was nearly as obsessed with Xen'Drik as he was, and who enjoyed his attentions, although not for the reasons he wished for...
Although his family didn't approve much of the choice, they also couldn't oppose it too much, and in a short while Sorgen took a somewhat permanent residence in the Shava house, a place usually reserved to the students who don't have a noble family behind their back. He did this to be closer to Dala Arand, although the cunning student (secretly a spy for the Emerald Claw) was just using his deep knowledge, without corresponding his far less professional interest in her, if not with some short-lived flirt, that she enjoyed more because of Sorgen's actually handsome features than his very poor charisma and emotional sphere.
With time, Sorgen got more disillusioned about his academic career, in part due to the realization of his failure in conquering the heart of Dala, but also due to a not-so-brilliant record of marks at his exams. He started being a recluse. He would spend a long time in the Hadrill Gardens, where the only living specimens of flora from Xen'Drik were hosted, and there, he made a discovery that changed his life. Or better yet, once again he was discovered by someone who would change his life. Or something.
After falling asleep near a Khalni Heart, he experienced vivid dreams in which he communicated with an entity that reminded him of The Traveler, but also of the Zendikarian deity called Talib by the race of the Kor, meaning "Body of The World", a deity connected to their eternal pilgrimages. He didn't think of course this was an accident, even less so when he discovered that after this dream, he had access to protective and movement-related magic that made him especially suited at exploring the infamous dangerous environments of Zendikar.
Following the strange dreams that haunted him, he even discovered a tangible proof of him being some sort of "chosen one" of this "god": he found a particularly unique Hedron Archive hidden at the roots of a Zendikarian plant in the same university grounds as the Hadrill Gardens. This unique object he liked calling a "relic" was in some way stolen property, so he decided to keep it secret from everyone. Strangely enough though, after this discovery his university career started soaring high. His knowledge became unmatched even in fields not related to his homeland, and he graduated with flying colors.
After the graduation, he still wanted to prove to himself his unfathomable (although unearned) knowledge, and accepted the challenge of his family to apply for the Monsters & Mausoleums exam, which was supposedly going to be extra-difficult. He passed of course, and due to this, an incredible opportunity opened up for Sorgen: joining a Xen'Drik expedition.
In no time, he saw himself joining the Covenant of the Forgotten Relics, a not-so-secret organization sponsoring this strange lecture at Morgrave, and in preparation for his first expedition, he had to pass an exhausting dungeoneering course, which proved to be quite his thing anyway, due to his multidisciplinary skills acquired in his "maverick student" years. In fact, Sorgen had always been more of a rogue type than anything else, his skill with exotic weapons and his agility being the proof of it, other than a genetic mark of his Zendikarian father, Zahr Gada.
His adventure was just about to begin, but his fabled homeland would not prove as welcoming as his dreams led him to believe...
BACKGROUND TRAITS
Sage (exchanging one language for exotic but inexpensive weapon proficiency (whip), like for Gladiator/Entertainer)
Specialty: Discredited academic
Personality Traits:
- There’s nothing I like more than a good mystery.
- I see omens in every event and action. The gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen. (Acolyte)
Ideal: No Limits. Nothing should fetter the infinite possibility inherent in all existence. (Chaotic)
Bond: I sold my soul for knowledge. I hope to do great deeds and win it back.
Flaw: Unlocking an ancient mystery is worth the price of a civilization.
Notes:
Sorgen learned to use the whip as part of his early strength and agility training, an activity that surely took some time away from his studies. He always strived to reach the physical requirements he thought a true Zendikarian survivalist (like his biological father) should have.
This also explains why his abilities are not at all typical for a scholar.
This process though, also led him in part to his chronic depression: he would never be as good an explorer (or performing athlete) as he was hoping to become (also to win the attention of Dala Arand, which he failed to), and at the same time his efforts were also consistent enough to drive him away from studies, making his career in university rather poor, until he received help from a mysterious extraplanar patron.
At any rate, even with the help of the patron, he feels like he failed on multiple levels and he doesn't feel like he will be able to recover from the mistakes he made during his younger years. The awareness of having "sold his soul" to the extraplanar entity doesn't help his condition.
Due to this, Sorgen's moral compass often spins out of control. He sometimes hates civilization, especially the academic world, even if he also feels grateful to it. In other cases, he can start hating the wilderness he studied so much, for being so hostile "after all he has done for it"
It's clear even to himself, that these irrational fits of hate are actually manifestations of his hate for his own self. He tries to mask these dark sides of his personality, but ultimately, they make him unstable and unpredictable.
Alignment: Neutral
QUIRKS:
- He guards his Hedron Archive in a little but heavy box with lead lining, to prevent others from locating the object magically.
- He is afraid of damage in combat, unless he uses his protective pact power.
- He takes risks in dangerous environments, confident in his movement-related skills and spells.
- He likes to instruct others about Zendikar's nature and creatures, but usually does so with an unfriendly and entitled attitude, although not meaning anything bad with it.
- If he needs to answer an important dilemma requiring knowledge, he would make sure to use the power of the Hedron Archive, so he would refuse to give answers if the power is not available, seeking opportunities to regain the power, finding random excuses.
CHARACTER SHEET (PDF)
Sorgen ir'Zendorn (Sohar Gada) N Human (alternate) Warlock 3 (Seeker, Star Chain/Hedron Archive), Rogue 1 - Sage
HP 27 AC 15 Speed 40
Initiative +3 Perception 11 Prof. 2
WEAPONS
- Whip +5, 1d4+3 (Booming B.: 1d8 after target moves next turn)
- Crossbow +5, 1d8+3
STR 12 DEX 16 CON 12 INT 15 WIS 14 CHA 13 (Saving Throws: Wis & Cha)
Skills: Acrobatics +5, Arcana +4, Athletics +3, History +4, Investigation +6, Nature +6
FEATURES AND TRAITS
Otherworldly Patron (Seeker), Pact Magic, Expertise (Investigation, Nature), Thieves' Cant, Sneak Attack (1d6)
Path of the Seeker (ignore difficult terrain, advantage on checks to escape grapples and constraints, advantage on saves vs paralysis),
Mobile (+10 speed, no AoO from enemies attacked in melee),
Hedron Archive [alt. Star Chain Pact Boon] (Advantage on one Int check per rest, Augury spell as a ritual),
Shielding Aurora (Bonus Action: until end of next turn, resistance to all damage and enemies that end their turn within 10 feet take 2 radiant damage. Usable once per short rest)
Proficiencies: Light armor, simple weapons, whip, thieves' tools.
Cantrips: Booming Blade, Mage Hand
Spells Known: Augury (as a ritual, when pact chain/hedron is on person), Feather Fall, Jump (12 feet running high jump (+9 reach), 6 feet standing high jump (+9 reach), 36 feet running long jump (limited to 30 by speed), 18 feet standing long jump), Locate Object, Invisibility
Languages: Common, Elven, Merfolk
Equipment (starting) Bottle of black ink, quill, small knife, a letter from a dead colleague posing a question you have not yet been able to answer, set of common clothes, belt pouch, component pouch, studded leather armor, dungeoneer's pack, light crossbow, 20 bolts, dagger, whip - Hedron Archive [alt Star Chain]
Equipment (acquired) Wooden box with magic lock and inner inscription ("The whole is greater than the sum of its parts")
PbP Character: Sorgen ir'Zendorn / Sohar Gada - Warlock (Seeker, Star Chain) 3, Rogue 1 (Eberron/Zendikar!)
-> Rolls for the campaign.
Starting April 2? Well, seeing as I'll be going away from the end of the 28th, and getting back late on the 2nd (I live in Australia, so assuming you posted in the morning your time, I'd be back at the start of the day your time), that cuts it close, but it should work out well.
I'm thinking a Drow Soul Knife? I'm fairly sure I'd like to go Soul Knife, but if you don't want Drow, I'm happy to go with something else (Just wish there were rules for Kalashtar), probably Firbolg (if VGtM is allowed). Sidenote: How do you read the Soul Knife ability: 1d8 + Dex damage or without the modifier to damage?
If no-one else is going healing, I'll be sure to pick up Psionic Restoration alongside Iron Durability (because It looks like only one other is planning on being in the front line).
EDIT: This is what it looks like we have so far:
Radulov47 - Barbarian - Elf or Merfolk
Geppeto5 - Artificer - Unknown
Zynx (me) - Mystic (Soul Knife) - Drow
Alexandre - Warlock (Fiend, B) - Aasimar (Fallen)
subsistCyber - Artificer (Gunsmith)- Kor
Archaon - Warlock (Seeker)3/Rogue1 - VHuman
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Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
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Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
Question: Can I trade the armour proficiency from soul knife for Unarmoured Defence (Int)? I feel that it fits the flavour of a soul knife more, but if I can’t I’ll wear the armour. Also, do we get a starting allowance since we start at 4 level? Feats allowed or banned? (Either is fine, and I’d probably spend my 4th level ASI on upping Dex or Int anyway)
@subsistCyber: I thought so as well, but I’ll wait for confirmation from Archaon.
And without Further ado, may I present Ra'sakar (Ras to friends. But he has no friends) Gen'thac. (Keith Baker himself provided me with the first name! (and the bit in parenthesis)). This is the first draft of it anyway.
Born under the moon of Sypheros, Ra'sakar Gen'thac has always danced from shadow to shadow, from the shadow stuff his Umbragen father manipulated, to the shadows cast by the flames of his Sulatar mother. However, one day, years after having left his family, still dancing from shadow to shadow, the dark alleys of Stormreach, to the depths of the jungles of Xen’drik, he met a prophet of Il-Yannah, a Kalashtar who introduced him to the Order of the Soul Knife, and helped him to step into the light for the first time. After several years of training, running around in the jungle, hunting Inspired expeditions seeking Crysteel (A target suggested by his mentor), and causing havoc for the drow who would harm Stormreach, he has gotten a job to escort a group of academics from Morgrave who were planning to go on an expedition to the depths of his homeland – the jungles of Xen’drik.
Ra'sakar is cautious of strangers, waiting until after they have proven their worth to him before he communicates with them verbally. Among this small circle of people that he talks to (i.e. his circle of friends, though he refuses to call them that) are his mentor, Lakavakri (a female Kalashtar Mystic (Soul Knife)), his childhood friend, Ek’ann (A Scorrow), and his source of information and equipment (as well as his fence for the occasional deal in shadows), Gearbox (A Warforged Mystic (Immortal)).
Ra'sakar tends to stand in shadows, even moving subconsciously to hide from the rays of the sun. He has a tendency to pick up small things and fiddle with them, though he tends to accidently break them. His philosophy is that like the moons, life changes, and so should everyone with it. To him, his few friends are the most important thing, regardless of where they are. He writes down the name of every creature he slays, and name ones that are unnamed. He also has an irrational hatred for chairs, refusing to sit on them, preferring to stand or sit on the floor.
Background: Outlander
Skills: Arcana, Athletics, Nature, Perception, and Survival (from Mystic, Elf, and Outlander)
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