As for where to start, looking at most our backgrounds I'd say Amn would be a great starting country. Marq's tribe was probably between the sword coast & cormyr, then he woulda fled south. I guess Amn has a big ogre/giant problem like in Rundish's background. And honestly idk how you wanna do it if at all @Charwoman_Gene(sorry idk how to tag people yet lol) but I'd say Jax and Marq could have easily met once even in passing seeing as Jax used to be staff and Marq used to be a fighter.
What do you all think of that? We could at least start fairly close together even if we don't really know one another. Edit:(And by all means I don't wanna step on whatever plans y'all may have for your characters! 😅 Just seems like some of our ideas work well)
....I just need to know where you all are starting in the world, whether you are alone or together as a group and what planet/continent/area you're in.
I agree with 'AdorilOnyxarm', Amn seems like a good location. I'd like to place my PC 'Neonine' somewhere near a 'fey crossroad' located in the 'Forest of Shadows'.
As for where to start, looking at most our backgrounds I'd say Amn would be a great starting country. Marq's tribe was probably between the sword coast & cormyr, then he woulda fled south. I guess Amn has a big ogre/giant problem like in Rundish's background. And honestly idk how you wanna do it if at all @Charwoman_Gene(sorry idk how to tag people yet lol) but I'd say Jax and Marq could have easily met once even in passing seeing as Jax used to be staff and Marq used to be a fighter.
What do you all think of that? We could at least start fairly close together even if we don't really know one another. Edit:(And by all means I don't wanna step on whatever plans y'all may have for your characters! 😅 Just seems like some of our ideas work well)
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
That all sounds great to me :) I'm cool starting out in a city near snakewood (doesn't matter to me which one tbh) And nabbing people with bounties on their head is definitely something he's always up for. Usually pays better lol
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
That all sounds great to me :) I'm cool starting out in a city near snakewood (doesn't matter to me which one tbh) And nabbing people with bounties on their head is definitely something he's always up for. Usually pays better lol
Edit: whoops sorry bout the double post.
Awesome!
So you're starting off on the path towards the Snakewood from Eshpurta.
For days you've been tracking the trail of a fugitive Elf named Elisa. She's been convicted of many crimes, too many to count for your liking. Theft, murder, impersonating multiple officials, and the list goes on.
Most recent reports from Eshpurta state that a woman , fitting the description you give them, left Eshpurta on the road towards the Snakewood. Before she left, she had pocketed a priceless amulet from one of the nobles in the city who is also now very eager to bring her to justice. He provides you with a couple of his personal guards and some rations to assist you on your journey through the Snakewood.
The guards seem a little leary about travelling through the wood at night. Being that you have been tracking Elisa for such a long time, you're desperate not to lose her. The noble offers the guards double their pay (since what Elisa stole has deep sentimental value to the noble), at which the guards quickly muster their courage.
As you continue, night starts to listlessly encroach upon the path which you walk. The gnarled branches of the wood crawl into view from the East, just as the sun's last rays blink out of existence.
The guards suggest that you all stay on the path, and make haste through the Snakewood. They say that it's not advisable to trek through the woods anymore than needed at night.
Is there anything that you would like to do or say at this point?
Awesome, these all look good. I will write up the first post either tomorrow or Monday.
I just need to know where you all are starting in the world, whether you are alone or together as a group and what planet/continent/area you're in.
I agree with 'AdorilOnyxarm', Amn seems like a good location. I'd like to place my PC 'Neonine' somewhere near a 'fey crossroad' located in the 'Forest of Shadows'.
For weeks now, your sleep has been heavily disturbed by nightmarish visions. Mist, dark energy, a shadowy figure, relics of great power reveal themselves as you observe yourself walking through a forest.
With each passing vision, you turn to yourself and smile before continuing your journey.
The dream ends when your physical self turns around and holds out a mirror. Your disembodied self hesitates, but eventually comes closer. Monstrous eyes stare at you as you are startled awake.
After some meditation, you think that the forest could be the Forest of Shadows.
You journey towards the Forest of Shadows, your curiousity (and some strange desire) overcoming the sense of dread that you have.
It's still day when you arrive, however the safety of the Sun's light will only last for possibly and hour or so. And even then, the forest itself is dense. Branches of trees cling close to one another forming a shield to keep out most, if not all, light from above.
The strange longing in your heart pulls you deeper in the forest. You often think that you should leave, but the thought seems silly after a second and you continue your trek.
Eventually you're brought to an area where you feel a strong connection to the Feywild.
Is there anything that you would like to do at this point?
For weeks now, your sleep has been heavily disturbed by nightmarish visions. Mist, dark energy, a shadowy figure, relics of great power reveal themselves as you observe yourself walking through a forest.
With each passing vision, you turn to yourself and smile before continuing your journey.
The dream ends when your physical self turns around and holds out a mirror. Your disembodied self hesitates, but eventually comes closer. Monstrous eyes stare at you as you are startled awake.
After some meditation, you think that the forest could be the Forest of Shadows.
You journey towards the Forest of Shadows, your curiousity (and some strange desire) overcoming the sense of dread that you have.
It's still day when you arrive, however the safety of the Sun's light will only last for possibly and hour or so. And even then, the forest itself is dense. Branches of trees cling close to one another forming a shield to keep out most, if not all, light from above.
The strange longing in your heart pulls you deeper in the forest. You often think that you should leave, but the thought seems silly after a second and you continue your trek.
Eventually you're brought to an area where you feel a strong connection to the Feywild.
Is there anything that you would like to do at this point?
"Where am I? Where? Where? Where am I?"
Neonine screams in a voice that barely sounds like her own then goes silent as if she's been trying to gauge the reaction of an unseen entity. She will remain frozen in the middle of the dense forest keeping her arms locked across her chest, and shudders at the thought of crossing the barrier situated somewhere near the Forest of Shadows.
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
That all sounds great to me :) I'm cool starting out in a city near snakewood (doesn't matter to me which one tbh) And nabbing people with bounties on their head is definitely something he's always up for. Usually pays better lol
Edit: whoops sorry bout the double post.
Awesome!
So you're starting off on the path towards the Snakewood from Eshpurta.
For days you've been tracking the trail of a fugitive Elf named Elisa. She's been convicted of many crimes, too many to count for your liking. Theft, murder, impersonating multiple officials, and the list goes on.
Most recent reports from Eshpurta state that a woman , fitting the description you give them, left Eshpurta on the road towards the Snakewood. Before she left, she had pocketed a priceless amulet from one of the nobles in the city who is also now very eager to bring her to justice. He provides you with a couple of his personal guards and some rations to assist you on your journey through the Snakewood.
The guards seem a little leary about travelling through the wood at night. Being that you have been tracking Elisa for such a long time, you're desperate not to lose her. The noble offers the guards double their pay (since what Elisa stole has deep sentimental value to the noble), at which the guards quickly muster their courage.
As you continue, night starts to listlessly encroach upon the path which you walk. The gnarled branches of the wood crawl into view from the East, just as the sun's last rays blink out of existence.
The guards suggest that you all stay on the path, and make haste through the Snakewood. They say that it's not advisable to trek through the woods anymore than needed at night.
Is there anything that you would like to do or say at this point?
Marq gruffly agrees with the guards and adds, "We are of like mind men. I certainly do not want to run into anything that isn't Elisa either. Be ever vigilant." He quickly takes to scanning the tree line on the sides of the path as they press on. He wasn't intimidated by wild animals in some woods but losing men due to a rash decision never looked good to employers.
(So...I'm pretty much new to Curse of Strahd.. might I have some advice on where to start my character?)
(@The_Project_Delta, Ammus may start his journey in the 'Forest of Shadows' or 'Snakewood'. On the other hand, you can pick another location for your PC.)
(So...I'm pretty much new to Curse of Strahd.. might I have some advice on where to start my character?)
(@The_Project_Delta, Ammus may start his journey in the 'Forest of Shadows' or 'Snakewood'. On the other hand, you can pick another location for your PC.)
(Alright, thanks. @Ven_Electric, I'll start in Snakewood. Seems like a good idea, perhaps Ammus will encounter Marq during his journey)
For weeks now, your sleep has been heavily disturbed by nightmarish visions. Mist, dark energy, a shadowy figure, relics of great power reveal themselves as you observe yourself walking through a forest.
With each passing vision, you turn to yourself and smile before continuing your journey.
The dream ends when your physical self turns around and holds out a mirror. Your disembodied self hesitates, but eventually comes closer. Monstrous eyes stare at you as you are startled awake.
After some meditation, you think that the forest could be the Forest of Shadows.
You journey towards the Forest of Shadows, your curiousity (and some strange desire) overcoming the sense of dread that you have.
It's still day when you arrive, however the safety of the Sun's light will only last for possibly and hour or so. And even then, the forest itself is dense. Branches of trees cling close to one another forming a shield to keep out most, if not all, light from above.
The strange longing in your heart pulls you deeper in the forest. You often think that you should leave, but the thought seems silly after a second and you continue your trek.
Eventually you're brought to an area where you feel a strong connection to the Feywild.
Is there anything that you would like to do at this point?
"Where am I? Where? Where? Where am I?"
Neonine screams in a voice that barely sounds like her own then goes silent as if she's been trying to gauge the reaction of an unseen entity. She will remain frozen in the middle of the dense forest keeping her arms locked across her chest, and shudders at the thought of crossing the barrier situated somewhere near the Forest of Shadows.
As you look around, your scenery shifts, but you haven't moved. An alien forest surrounds you with trees whose branches reach out like claws. Mist clings to the ground, creeping around you, almost stalking in a way.
Then you shift to a dimly lit room made of stone. A chair at the far end opposite to you houses a shadowy silhouette. The figure grins with teeth glinting, their eyes glowing a soft red.
You shift to what seems like a town now. Clouds swirling into the face of a humanoid you don't know. Lightning sparks forth from their misty mouth and strikes at bystanders on the ground. You hear the rush of water and turn to see the wave advancing forth at supernatural speeds.
And then, your vision comes back to the crossing. You hear laughter in your head.
(So...I'm pretty much new to Curse of Strahd.. might I have some advice on where to start my character?)
(@The_Project_Delta, Ammus may start his journey in the 'Forest of Shadows' or 'Snakewood'. On the other hand, you can pick another location for your PC.)
(Alright, thanks. @Ven_Electric, I'll start in Snakewood. Seems like a good idea, perhaps Ammus will encounter Marq during his journey)
:) Maybe!
You are walking down a trail through the Snakewood. You had thought it might be a good place to hunt, however the only things that you found were snakes, more snakes, and the occasional spider.
A little overzealous about executing a successful hunt, you neglected the time and didn't realize how late it was until the Sun was nearly set.
Since you're skilled with navigating forests, you have no trouble finding the trail that you're on, which leads to Amn.
Despite the occasional odd sound of a tree branch snapping and rustling in the woods, you kept your nerve and knew you would be out of the forest soon.
That is...until you heard a cry for help off into the woods. Back into the darkness.
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
That all sounds great to me :) I'm cool starting out in a city near snakewood (doesn't matter to me which one tbh) And nabbing people with bounties on their head is definitely something he's always up for. Usually pays better lol
Edit: whoops sorry bout the double post.
Awesome!
So you're starting off on the path towards the Snakewood from Eshpurta.
For days you've been tracking the trail of a fugitive Elf named Elisa. She's been convicted of many crimes, too many to count for your liking. Theft, murder, impersonating multiple officials, and the list goes on.
Most recent reports from Eshpurta state that a woman , fitting the description you give them, left Eshpurta on the road towards the Snakewood. Before she left, she had pocketed a priceless amulet from one of the nobles in the city who is also now very eager to bring her to justice. He provides you with a couple of his personal guards and some rations to assist you on your journey through the Snakewood.
The guards seem a little leary about travelling through the wood at night. Being that you have been tracking Elisa for such a long time, you're desperate not to lose her. The noble offers the guards double their pay (since what Elisa stole has deep sentimental value to the noble), at which the guards quickly muster their courage.
As you continue, night starts to listlessly encroach upon the path which you walk. The gnarled branches of the wood crawl into view from the East, just as the sun's last rays blink out of existence.
The guards suggest that you all stay on the path, and make haste through the Snakewood. They say that it's not advisable to trek through the woods anymore than needed at night.
Is there anything that you would like to do or say at this point?
Marq gruffly agrees with the guards and adds, "We are of like mind men. I certainly do not want to run into anything that isn't Elisa either. Be ever vigilant." He quickly takes to scanning the tree line on the sides of the path as they press on. He wasn't intimidated by wild animals in some woods but losing men due to a rash decision never looked good to employers.
The guards continue to walk behind you, letting you take point.
Darkness blankets the forest, almost smothering it save for the torches you all have.
One of the guards tries to start up a conversation: "Oi, you know what lives in these woods other than snakes?"
"Oh not again..." The second guard moans.
"Is true though! I swear on it, a ghost! Much more fearsome than any werewolve that creeps through these lands!"
"Mavric, don't believe all those tall tales those adventurers tell ya. They're just trying to pull yer leg you know?"
"Ah, codswallop Jons. Codswallop I say! They were the most honest people I've seen in a long time!"
As you look around, your scenery shifts, but you haven't moved. An alien forest surrounds you with trees whose branches reach out like claws. Mist clings to the ground, creeping around you, almost stalking in a way.
Then you shift to a dimly lit room made of stone. A chair at the far end opposite to you houses a shadowy silhouette. The figure grins with teeth glinting, their eyes glowing a soft red.
You shift to what seems like a town now. Clouds swirling into the face of a humanoid you don't know. Lightning sparks forth from their misty mouth and strikes at bystanders on the ground. You hear the rush of water and turn to see the wave advancing forth at supernatural speeds.
And then, your vision comes back to the crossing. You hear laughter in your head.
Neonine immediately casts Dancing Lights while meshing together a small amount of glow worm dusts with her fingers that will emit light mauve-hued glow, then blows away the dust to evoke four glowing orbs. The glowing orbs illuminate her surrounding when these dancing lights gradually transform into twinkling stars, and help her to take control of her subconscious mind so that she might track down the fey crossroad.
As you look around, your scenery shifts, but you haven't moved. An alien forest surrounds you with trees whose branches reach out like claws. Mist clings to the ground, creeping around you, almost stalking in a way.
Then you shift to a dimly lit room made of stone. A chair at the far end opposite to you houses a shadowy silhouette. The figure grins with teeth glinting, their eyes glowing a soft red.
You shift to what seems like a town now. Clouds swirling into the face of a humanoid you don't know. Lightning sparks forth from their misty mouth and strikes at bystanders on the ground. You hear the rush of water and turn to see the wave advancing forth at supernatural speeds.
And then, your vision comes back to the crossing. You hear laughter in your head.
Neonine immediately casts Dancing Lights while meshing together a small amount of glow worm dusts with her fingers that will emit light mauve-hued glow, then blows away the dust to evoke four glowing orbs. The glowing orbs illuminate her surrounding when these dancing lights gradually transform into twinkling stars, and help her to take control of her subconscious mind so that she might track down the fey crossroad.
"Ivae nae nevae, nevae nae lvae"
The lights bounce about, but they flicker and faulter slightly. They don't blink out completely, but something is affecting them.
Roll a nature check to see if you can suss out where the crossing is.
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
That all sounds great to me :) I'm cool starting out in a city near snakewood (doesn't matter to me which one tbh) And nabbing people with bounties on their head is definitely something he's always up for. Usually pays better lol
Edit: whoops sorry bout the double post.
Awesome!
So you're starting off on the path towards the Snakewood from Eshpurta.
For days you've been tracking the trail of a fugitive Elf named Elisa. She's been convicted of many crimes, too many to count for your liking. Theft, murder, impersonating multiple officials, and the list goes on.
Most recent reports from Eshpurta state that a woman , fitting the description you give them, left Eshpurta on the road towards the Snakewood. Before she left, she had pocketed a priceless amulet from one of the nobles in the city who is also now very eager to bring her to justice. He provides you with a couple of his personal guards and some rations to assist you on your journey through the Snakewood.
The guards seem a little leary about travelling through the wood at night. Being that you have been tracking Elisa for such a long time, you're desperate not to lose her. The noble offers the guards double their pay (since what Elisa stole has deep sentimental value to the noble), at which the guards quickly muster their courage.
As you continue, night starts to listlessly encroach upon the path which you walk. The gnarled branches of the wood crawl into view from the East, just as the sun's last rays blink out of existence.
The guards suggest that you all stay on the path, and make haste through the Snakewood. They say that it's not advisable to trek through the woods anymore than needed at night.
Is there anything that you would like to do or say at this point?
Marq gruffly agrees with the guards and adds, "We are of like mind men. I certainly do not want to run into anything that isn't Elisa either. Be ever vigilant." He quickly takes to scanning the tree line on the sides of the path as they press on. He wasn't intimidated by wild animals in some woods but losing men due to a rash decision never looked good to employers.
The guards continue to walk behind you, letting you take point.
Darkness blankets the forest, almost smothering it save for the torches you all have.
One of the guards tries to start up a conversation: "Oi, you know what lives in these woods other than snakes?"
"Oh not again..." The second guard moans.
"Is true though! I swear on it, a ghost! Much more fearsome than any werewolve that creeps through these lands!"
"Mavric, don't believe all those tall tales those adventurers tell ya. They're just trying to pull yer leg you know?"
"Ah, codswallop Jons. Codswallop I say! They were the most honest people I've seen in a long time!"
Marq gives the superstitious guard a quizzical look and replies, "Ghosts?? Bah! Those are just some silly tales told to children so they won't wander outta town. We've got real, corporeal problems to deal with"
Marq's never seen a ghost face to face so to him, as well as most the guards it seems, are just old wive's tales. However that isn't going to make him take this little excursion any lighter. In fact, he actively tries harder to scan for any beings that could be wandering through the woods on either side of him and the men.
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
That all sounds great to me :) I'm cool starting out in a city near snakewood (doesn't matter to me which one tbh) And nabbing people with bounties on their head is definitely something he's always up for. Usually pays better lol
Edit: whoops sorry bout the double post.
Awesome!
So you're starting off on the path towards the Snakewood from Eshpurta.
For days you've been tracking the trail of a fugitive Elf named Elisa. She's been convicted of many crimes, too many to count for your liking. Theft, murder, impersonating multiple officials, and the list goes on.
Most recent reports from Eshpurta state that a woman , fitting the description you give them, left Eshpurta on the road towards the Snakewood. Before she left, she had pocketed a priceless amulet from one of the nobles in the city who is also now very eager to bring her to justice. He provides you with a couple of his personal guards and some rations to assist you on your journey through the Snakewood.
The guards seem a little leary about travelling through the wood at night. Being that you have been tracking Elisa for such a long time, you're desperate not to lose her. The noble offers the guards double their pay (since what Elisa stole has deep sentimental value to the noble), at which the guards quickly muster their courage.
As you continue, night starts to listlessly encroach upon the path which you walk. The gnarled branches of the wood crawl into view from the East, just as the sun's last rays blink out of existence.
The guards suggest that you all stay on the path, and make haste through the Snakewood. They say that it's not advisable to trek through the woods anymore than needed at night.
Is there anything that you would like to do or say at this point?
Marq gruffly agrees with the guards and adds, "We are of like mind men. I certainly do not want to run into anything that isn't Elisa either. Be ever vigilant." He quickly takes to scanning the tree line on the sides of the path as they press on. He wasn't intimidated by wild animals in some woods but losing men due to a rash decision never looked good to employers.
The guards continue to walk behind you, letting you take point.
Darkness blankets the forest, almost smothering it save for the torches you all have.
One of the guards tries to start up a conversation: "Oi, you know what lives in these woods other than snakes?"
"Oh not again..." The second guard moans.
"Is true though! I swear on it, a ghost! Much more fearsome than any werewolve that creeps through these lands!"
"Mavric, don't believe all those tall tales those adventurers tell ya. They're just trying to pull yer leg you know?"
"Ah, codswallop Jons. Codswallop I say! They were the most honest people I've seen in a long time!"
Marq gives the superstitious guard a quizzical look and replies, "Ghosts?? Bah! Those are just some silly tales told to children so they won't wander outta town. We've got real, corporeal problems to deal with"
Marq's never seen a ghost face to face so to him, as well as most the guards it seems, are just old wive's tales. However that isn't going to make him take this little excursion any lighter. In fact, he actively tries harder to scan for any beings that could be wandering through the woods on either side of him and the men.
Marq: (Wis)Perception9
The guard Mavric scoffs at your dismissive tone. "Alright, alright. A man knows when 'is advice ain't wanted. Suit yerself when the ghost gets ya."
As you scan the area, you're not able to see anything out of the ordinary, but some form of mist seems to be blocking your perception slightly. It looks like it's crawling around the edges of the darkness, just beyond your lantern's reach.
You do, however, hear some faint noise off in the distance. Further into the woods. You can't quite make it out though, you would have to get closer to see what it might be.
For a moment, you're unable to determine a path to your destination. Then, you get an idea of a direction. It points deeper into the forest, where the mist coils and twists low to the ground.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
They/Them
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Very cool, looking forward to it!
As for where to start, looking at most our backgrounds I'd say Amn would be a great starting country. Marq's tribe was probably between the sword coast & cormyr, then he woulda fled south. I guess Amn has a big ogre/giant problem like in Rundish's background. And honestly idk how you wanna do it if at all @Charwoman_Gene (sorry idk how to tag people yet lol) but I'd say Jax and Marq could have easily met once even in passing seeing as Jax used to be staff and Marq used to be a fighter.
What do you all think of that? We could at least start fairly close together even if we don't really know one another. Edit:(And by all means I don't wanna step on whatever plans y'all may have for your characters! 😅 Just seems like some of our ideas work well)
I agree with 'AdorilOnyxarm', Amn seems like a good location. I'd like to place my PC 'Neonine' somewhere near a 'fey crossroad' located in the 'Forest of Shadows'.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
I think this sounds good. Keeping people separate, but still aware of each other to some extent gives a good amount of "I don't know you" and "I at least know you better than the strangers in this realm."
I can either place you in one of the cities, I think near the snakewood might be good since it's the closest to the Forest of Shadows. Or another city would work as well.
We can even have you start out already on a bounty hunting mission. Reading your backstory, it sounds like that type of work is right up your alley.
They/Them
That all sounds great to me :) I'm cool starting out in a city near snakewood (doesn't matter to me which one tbh) And nabbing people with bounties on their head is definitely something he's always up for. Usually pays better lol
Edit: whoops sorry bout the double post.
Awesome!
So you're starting off on the path towards the Snakewood from Eshpurta.
For days you've been tracking the trail of a fugitive Elf named Elisa. She's been convicted of many crimes, too many to count for your liking. Theft, murder, impersonating multiple officials, and the list goes on.
Most recent reports from Eshpurta state that a woman , fitting the description you give them, left Eshpurta on the road towards the Snakewood. Before she left, she had pocketed a priceless amulet from one of the nobles in the city who is also now very eager to bring her to justice. He provides you with a couple of his personal guards and some rations to assist you on your journey through the Snakewood.
The guards seem a little leary about travelling through the wood at night. Being that you have been tracking Elisa for such a long time, you're desperate not to lose her. The noble offers the guards double their pay (since what Elisa stole has deep sentimental value to the noble), at which the guards quickly muster their courage.
As you continue, night starts to listlessly encroach upon the path which you walk. The gnarled branches of the wood crawl into view from the East, just as the sun's last rays blink out of existence.
The guards suggest that you all stay on the path, and make haste through the Snakewood. They say that it's not advisable to trek through the woods anymore than needed at night.
Is there anything that you would like to do or say at this point?
They/Them
For weeks now, your sleep has been heavily disturbed by nightmarish visions. Mist, dark energy, a shadowy figure, relics of great power reveal themselves as you observe yourself walking through a forest.
With each passing vision, you turn to yourself and smile before continuing your journey.
The dream ends when your physical self turns around and holds out a mirror. Your disembodied self hesitates, but eventually comes closer. Monstrous eyes stare at you as you are startled awake.
After some meditation, you think that the forest could be the Forest of Shadows.
You journey towards the Forest of Shadows, your curiousity (and some strange desire) overcoming the sense of dread that you have.
It's still day when you arrive, however the safety of the Sun's light will only last for possibly and hour or so. And even then, the forest itself is dense. Branches of trees cling close to one another forming a shield to keep out most, if not all, light from above.
The strange longing in your heart pulls you deeper in the forest. You often think that you should leave, but the thought seems silly after a second and you continue your trek.
Eventually you're brought to an area where you feel a strong connection to the Feywild.
Is there anything that you would like to do at this point?
They/Them
"Where am I? Where? Where? Where am I?"
Neonine screams in a voice that barely sounds like her own then goes silent as if she's been trying to gauge the reaction of an unseen entity. She will remain frozen in the middle of the dense forest keeping her arms locked across her chest, and shudders at the thought of crossing the barrier situated somewhere near the Forest of Shadows.
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Marq gruffly agrees with the guards and adds, "We are of like mind men. I certainly do not want to run into anything that isn't Elisa either. Be ever vigilant." He quickly takes to scanning the tree line on the sides of the path as they press on. He wasn't intimidated by wild animals in some woods but losing men due to a rash decision never looked good to employers.
(So...I'm pretty much new to Curse of Strahd.. might I have some advice on where to start my character?)
I am the head of comms of the "oops, i accidently destroyed someone's brain" cult here is our terms and conditions
*smacks table* DRAGONS
Genius is merely insanity channeled correctly
(@The_Project_Delta, Ammus may start his journey in the 'Forest of Shadows' or 'Snakewood'. On the other hand, you can pick another location for your PC.)
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
(Alright, thanks. @Ven_Electric, I'll start in Snakewood. Seems like a good idea, perhaps Ammus will encounter Marq during his journey)
I am the head of comms of the "oops, i accidently destroyed someone's brain" cult here is our terms and conditions
*smacks table* DRAGONS
Genius is merely insanity channeled correctly
As you look around, your scenery shifts, but you haven't moved. An alien forest surrounds you with trees whose branches reach out like claws. Mist clings to the ground, creeping around you, almost stalking in a way.
Then you shift to a dimly lit room made of stone. A chair at the far end opposite to you houses a shadowy silhouette. The figure grins with teeth glinting, their eyes glowing a soft red.
You shift to what seems like a town now. Clouds swirling into the face of a humanoid you don't know. Lightning sparks forth from their misty mouth and strikes at bystanders on the ground. You hear the rush of water and turn to see the wave advancing forth at supernatural speeds.
And then, your vision comes back to the crossing. You hear laughter in your head.
They/Them
:) Maybe!
You are walking down a trail through the Snakewood. You had thought it might be a good place to hunt, however the only things that you found were snakes, more snakes, and the occasional spider.
A little overzealous about executing a successful hunt, you neglected the time and didn't realize how late it was until the Sun was nearly set.
Since you're skilled with navigating forests, you have no trouble finding the trail that you're on, which leads to Amn.
Despite the occasional odd sound of a tree branch snapping and rustling in the woods, you kept your nerve and knew you would be out of the forest soon.
That is...until you heard a cry for help off into the woods. Back into the darkness.
What would you like to do?
They/Them
The guards continue to walk behind you, letting you take point.
Darkness blankets the forest, almost smothering it save for the torches you all have.
One of the guards tries to start up a conversation: "Oi, you know what lives in these woods other than snakes?"
"Oh not again..." The second guard moans.
"Is true though! I swear on it, a ghost! Much more fearsome than any werewolve that creeps through these lands!"
"Mavric, don't believe all those tall tales those adventurers tell ya. They're just trying to pull yer leg you know?"
"Ah, codswallop Jons. Codswallop I say! They were the most honest people I've seen in a long time!"
They/Them
Neonine immediately casts Dancing Lights while meshing together a small amount of glow worm dusts with her fingers that will emit light mauve-hued glow, then blows away the dust to evoke four glowing orbs. The glowing orbs illuminate her surrounding when these dancing lights gradually transform into twinkling stars, and help her to take control of her subconscious mind so that she might track down the fey crossroad.
"Ivae nae nevae, nevae nae lvae"
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
The lights bounce about, but they flicker and faulter slightly. They don't blink out completely, but something is affecting them.
Roll a nature check to see if you can suss out where the crossing is.
They/Them
Neonine: Intelligence: Nature 7
InkedBee (Undead_Analyst)
Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts - Jenviel Tsumara: Fallen Aasimar- Monk|Crimson Sands of Time - Navarra Iltazyara: Human- Druid/Warlock| Bleak Prospect - Ermasnietsz: Reborn- Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Marq gives the superstitious guard a quizzical look and replies, "Ghosts?? Bah! Those are just some silly tales told to children so they won't wander outta town. We've got real, corporeal problems to deal with"
Marq's never seen a ghost face to face so to him, as well as most the guards it seems, are just old wive's tales. However that isn't going to make him take this little excursion any lighter. In fact, he actively tries harder to scan for any beings that could be wandering through the woods on either side of him and the men.
Marq: (Wis)Perception 19
The guard Mavric scoffs at your dismissive tone. "Alright, alright. A man knows when 'is advice ain't wanted. Suit yerself when the ghost gets ya."
As you scan the area, you're not able to see anything out of the ordinary, but some form of mist seems to be blocking your perception slightly. It looks like it's crawling around the edges of the darkness, just beyond your lantern's reach.
You do, however, hear some faint noise off in the distance. Further into the woods. You can't quite make it out though, you would have to get closer to see what it might be.
They/Them
For a moment, you're unable to determine a path to your destination. Then, you get an idea of a direction. It points deeper into the forest, where the mist coils and twists low to the ground.
They/Them