OOC: Been trying to get into a game, but as is my curse of the forever GM I cannot seem to get my character selected...so I guess it is back to the GM grindstone for me with a homebrew one-shot I am calling "...And That's Why He is the Best Man..." (as you no doubt gathered from the thread title). This game will be played here on the boards as a PbP (as opposed to discord or roll20 or whatever)
Premise: The neighboring kingdoms of Ulaborg and Wolgast have maintained an uneasy peace for the past 70 years. Sharing an island has never been particularly peaceful, and the citizens of the two nations are always quick to blame the other for anything that goes wrong, from natural disaster to the rise and fall of the price of wheat. But now...there is hope. The Prince of Ulaborg and Princess of Wolgast have finally come of age and their marriage, which has been pre-arranged but not set in stone since they were infants, has finally been agreed to by both parties and is moving forward. Most reasonable citizens on both sides of the border see this as a chance to unify the island into a single nation under a single royal family bringing prosperity to all.
Of course there are disgruntled consipratorials in both camps that worry that their unique national identity will be subsumed by the other...that the wily princess has played their prince for a fool, or that the brutish prince has forced their innocent princess into some uncivilized arrangement. Both royal families are on edge, concerned about revolts from their own people as well as foul play from the nobility on the other side. Armies are on high alert, but in order to keep the ceremony civil and respectful of the momentous occasion, it has been agreed that only a few members of the royal guard from each nation will actually be in attendance at the wedding. Most others of course are stationed in border outposts in case things go wrong and the inevitable conflict from the failure of this wedding breaks out in earnest.
Standing with the Prince of Ulaborg and his cousins are a Lieutenant of the Ulaborg guard that grew up with the prince and a few other members of his outfit. The Princesses' bridal party likewise has several members of the Wolgast guard hidden in their lovely ranks. In addition, one of her cousins in attendance happens to be a Captain in the Wolgast Riders, an elite scouting force that normally patrols the border unseen.
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This adventure will be starting as a Royal wedding, but when something goes awry (as it surely will, or otherwise we wouldn't have a story) the more militant members of both royal parties will be asked to work together to set right what has gone wrong. The basic premise of the adventure is pulling on the old tradition of the Best Man being the best because they were the one to either second or stand in for the groom if the need arose to duel someone that challenged the wedding, or to be the one to get into other general violence if someone attempted to kidnap the bride or something.
When constructing your character please consider which royal family you are attached to, what your thoughts are on the other nation that you are not aligned with and your thoughts on this marriage in general.
Notable NPCs that Cannot be played: Princess Erithinell of Wolgast (The Bride) Prince Doven of Ulaborg (The Groom) The King and Queen of Each respective country
Other characters motioned in the initial writeup are available as PCs (The Lieutenant of the Ulaborg Guard...the captain of the Wolgast Riders, etc) or create someone from scratch that would also be there (maybe the bride's nerdy third cousin that has been studying divination magics or the Prince's bastard brother that was dedicated to the temple (read hidden away) as is custom in royal families and is now a cleric or a paladin, to give a couple of examples).
The Countries: The island of Wol-Ula has been split in twain for centuries, longer than most can remember. Fairly large as islands go (think about the size of Texas) both nations are mostly self sufficient with a small amount of trade going back and forth when merchants are able to find enough common ground to trust each other. Populated mostly by humans, small populations of demi-humans (elves, dwarves, halflings, orcs etc.) have settlements throughout the island. They mostly keep to themselves, but do have a passing allegiance to one or the other of the human kingdoms, primarily just to keep the humans satisfied in knowing "what team" they are on. While no official survey has been done, estimates from the Ulaborgian House of Counts (the tax office in effect) say that about 80% of the population of Wol-Ula is human with the other 20% being made up of an indeterminate number of other races.
(If you want to play a non-human you will need an RP reason why they have any interest in these human affairs and are at the wedding. Most characters chosen will be Human, Half-Human (Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Genasi, Teifling, Aasimar), or Custom Lineage to describe some other Human-Hybrid species (like Half-Bugbear).)
Stats are your choice Rolled - Reroll 1s Once - or Pointbuy. You can roll first and then switch to point buy if what you roll ends up below the 27 point threshold or otherwise seems lousy. Starting with 3rd level characters - No Multiclassing. All official materials allowed, but keep in mind the racial makeup of the land you live in when choosing race. No Homebrew.
In addition to standard starting equipment you may have 1 uncommon magic item and 1,000 gold to purchase common gear from the player's handbook. Keep in mind, you are attending a wedding (albeit one where there is a possibility of violence). You may very well show up with a weapon, but you are not going to be arriving with your entire backpack of adventuring gear. Part of your 1,000 gold should be spent on what you are wearing to the wedding and reception afterwards.
Something else to mention, weapons will be peacebonded at the wedding. This is a process where the weapon is wrapped in a wire mesh while it is in its sheath to prevent if from being drawn or wielded. Drawing a peacebonded weapon requires a standard action as opposed to the normal process for a weapon where it can be done as part of your move action. Members of the various royal guard groups at the wedding will be under strict orders to not draw their peacebonded weapons or make any hostile acts unless responding to an agressor. Members of the royal families that aren't part of the guard will not be under such orders, but will likely have a better understanding of the political ramifications of being the first to bare steel at such a precarious event.
Hitdice are max for lv 1 and then average roll rounded up for 2 & 3...
1d12=7 1d10=6 1d8=5 1d6=4
This one-shot is intended to be a mixture of political intrigue and classic romantic high adventure. Please build characters accordingly, that can not only hack and slash or magically burn, but also investigate, participate in political banter, and the like.
Character Submission Form:
Name: Relation to the Royal Families: Thoughts on opposite Family: Thoughts on the wedding: Additional Backstory details:
Race: Character Class & Subclass: Character Sheet Link: Uncommon Magic Item selected:
I think that pretty much covers everything? If you have questions let me know.
Name: Xilbella Relation to the Royal Families: She is a close friend of the Prince of Ulaborg, the two having been close friends since childhood. Thoughts on opposite Family: As long as the prince is happy with the situation, then Bella will support him fully, even if his family does not. If he is unhappy, then, again, she will have his back. She is here as his truest friend, and will do whatever is needed to make sure he comes out of this happy. Thoughts on the wedding: Hesitantly optimistic, as this would end a lot of strife in the kingdom. She is worried that some might not wish the status quo to be changed though, so is concerned about someone working to stop the wedding. She is also somewhat worried that things are looking too-good, and wonders what is being hidden from her and the prince. Additional Backstory details: Xilbella is the younger daughter of a noble in the Ulaborg court. She has known the prince all of her life, the two having been best friends since as long as she can remember. She is a couple years older than the prince, so saw him as a younger brother in her earliest years, but that grew into the friendship they now maintain.
Race: Half-elf Character Class & Subclass: Rogue (Phantom) Character Sheet Link: TBD Uncommon Magic Item selected: TBD
Relation to the Royal Families: She is the wife of Duke Thelas the retired commander of the royal guard and a friend of Princess Erithinell as her father once served as an advisor and steward before his passing.
Thoughts on opposite Family: She is wary of them due to the history between the two kingdoms, having grown up on stories of them being savages and the like. Thoughts on the wedding: Open to it as she understands the need for political marriages as that is how she herself became married to Duke Thelas.
Additional Backstory details: Raiza is the child of a minor noble house that had close ties with the royal family due to several members serving in the Wolgast Court. As a side effect of this and being the same age she spent a lot of time with Princess Erithinell as a confidant and as students due to having the same tutors (or attending the same school if that would work better.) During her early teenage years her father fell ill and passed away due to his disease. While this did leave the family on hard times her mother was shrewd and arranged a marriage for Raiza with the famous knight Duke Thelas once she came of age. While it was strange due to the age difference they developed an amicable relationship and married recently. Since the marriage she has kept up her studies of history and the arts, being know as a patron of the arts in Wolgast.
Race: Variant Human
Character Class & Subclass: Bard (College of Glamour)
I'm not sure why the ability scores are saying they're manipulated, but I'll go with point buy if you wish due to it. Ability scores: 81212161313
Name: Lucia Varlan Relation to the Royal Families: Distant Cousin of Prince Doven, on her father's side of the family. Thoughts on opposite Family: Lucia cares little about politics, and by extension holds little animosity towards the Wolgast royal family. Due to her position no longer allowing her to be entirely apathetic towards them, she often looks towards the royal family's achievements and failings to form an opinion based upon merit. Thoughts on the wedding: She is typically not a fan of parties, especially weddings, and came at the insistence of her father. Despite that, she understands the importance of the wedding, and wishes her cousin will be happy in the arrangement. Additional Backstory details: Lucia is the youngest daughter, and second youngest child in House Varlan, a family a few times removed from the Royal family of Ulaborg. She had little interest in court matters from an early age, and often was found in libraries or attempting to sneak out to explore. She had a knack for spellcasting as well, though her parents often wished to push her towards joining the Royal guard. Especially as one of her older brothers was studying to be a wizard. She has only recently relented to their wishes, and has begun the process of joining the Royal guard, though she attends the wedding as a guest.
Race: Human Character Class & Subclass: Eldritch Knight Fighter Character Sheet Link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/77059456 Uncommon Magic Item selected: Medallion of Thoughts
Thoughts on the opposite Family: Pele’s general takeaway from her interactions with the people of Wolgast is that they are uptight, conceited, and joyless - unable to laugh and afraid to smile. Though in return, they often say that Ulaborgs are indecorous, lacking in proper etiquette, and overly familiar - so who knows? She’s heard the rumors that Princess Erithinell plans to use her position as wife of the Prince to gain control of Ulaborg’s lucrative port trade, though she doesn’t quite believe the young lady capable of such a plot.
Thoughts on the Wedding: Pele has been invited as part of the wedding’s entertainment, and also as an additional measure of protection for the young (and too-often carefree) Prince Doven, should anything happen. Like most of the demi-human population of Wol-Ula, Pele wants to the marriage to be successful, if only to put a stop to the tensions between the kingdoms and raise the quality of the life for all.
Backstory: Pele comes from the coast on the Ulaborg side of the island. Trade via ship is plentiful for some things, but goods made in Wolgast have always been hard to come by, medicine in particular. This has meant that debilitating sickness and disease oftenspreads among the poorer classes in Ulaborg. A former gladiator, Pele was granted her freedom and stature by Ulaborg’s King, and as such she is extremely loyal to the Ulaborg crown, serving as an unofficial bodyguard (and supportive friend) to the Prince on special occasions.
DM: The Sunless Citadel, Candlekeep Mysteries, Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Death House (One-Shot) Player:B'Etor(Lost Mine of Phandelver), Sunfyre Fields (Tide of Retribution), Annika Fedorovna(Inustwaith - Blizzard's Fury)
Relation to the royal family: Sir Eackra is a knight, he is part of a special legion that was hired to specifically protect the royal family. He is a secret lover of the princess but knows that they can never be together because she is royalty and he is not.
Thoughts of opposite family: He resents the prince greatly as he thinks that the princess doesn't deserve him. He is wary to everyone else on the opposite family.
Thoughts on the wedding: He is happy to be here to support the princess, but that is the only reason he's happy to be here. As I said before he is a secret lover of the princess so he hates the prince and the wedding.
Additional backstory details: He was trained from year five and ever since has trained for hours every day. In doing so he has developed a need to price himself to everyone around him.
Relation to the Royal Families: Kennel master to the Ulaborg royal family
Thoughts on opposite Family: Not many. Robbin has spent all of his career in the kennels. He has tried his best to avoid any involvement or hold opinions about politics
Thoughts on the wedding: He wonders why he's been invited to attend, but understands that this is probably the most important wedding in his lifetime, so it's all hands on deck.
Additional Backstory details: His loyalty to the royal family is unquestionable. He has a personal relationship with the prince, from the countless hunts they've been on together. He has a better understanding of dogs than people, since he spends most of his waking hours training and caring for them, or making preparations for the next hunt.
Hi there, thank you for offering this adventure. I’d like to submit the following character.
Name: Amistan Aderfi
Relation to the Royal Families: Captain in the Wolgast Riders, an elite scouting force.
Thoughts on opposite Family: During the course of his duties patrolling the border, Amistan has seen atrocities committed by Ulaborg scouts, which have left him biased against Ulaborg nationals to some degree, but even more, disenchanted with human nature as a whole.
Thoughts on the wedding: Amistan is doubtful that a peace can be established, believing that the marriage will not in fact take place, or that even if it does, some political trifle will serve to reinvigorate conflict between the opposing sides. On a more personal note, while the ranger believes in love, he puts stronger stock in personal liberty and holds that his daily routine is what makes him who he is. The thought of someone else entering that routine seems preposterous; Amistan contends this is probably the case for most people, and therefore sees marriage as a dubious institution.
Additional Backstory details: Amistan is not the best archer, rider, politician, or fighter among the Wolgast Riders. His promotion to captain was made over the head of a plainly more proficient rival. It is commonly thought that this was due to Amistan’s mother’s ties to the royal family, however, the story might be more complex.
Uncommon Magic Item selected: Will decide between Bracers of Archery or Eldritch Claw Tattoo or Eyes of the Eagle or Gloves of Swimming and Climbing
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DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver// Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever//Dev Horndin Curious Critters//Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Name: Lady Bungaren Siniway. Relation to the Royal Families: Handmaiden to Princess Erithinell who she has nursed a deep crush/affection for since childhood. Thoughts on opposite Family: Mild distrust but she likes individuals she has met. Thoughts on the wedding: Sadness for herself even though she knows she never really had a shot, as long as Erith is happy she will try to be happy for her. Additional Backstory details: Younger daughter of a minor noble family she was put into the Royal Service at a young age and her infatuation and later affection for the princess has never wavered.
Race: Human. Character Class & Subclass: Rogue ( " Thief") Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/76329851/5UcO29 Uncommon Magic Item selected: Dagger of Healing.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Name: Duchess Raiza Thelas
Relation to the Royal Families: She is the wife of Duke Thelas the retired commander of the royal guard and a friend of Princess Erithinell as her father once served as an advisor and steward before his passing.
Thoughts on opposite Family: She is wary of them due to the history between the two kingdoms, having grown up on stories of them being savages and the like. Thoughts on the wedding: Open to it as she understands the need for political marriages as that is how she herself became married to Duke Thelas.
Additional Backstory details: Raiza is the child of a minor noble house that had close ties with the royal family due to several members serving in the Wolgast Court. As a side effect of this and being the same age she spent a lot of time with Princess Erithinell as a confidant and as students due to having the same tutors (or attending the same school if that would work better.) During her early teenage years her father fell ill and passed away due to his disease. While this did leave the family on hard times her mother was shrewd and arranged a marriage for Raiza with the famous knight Duke Thelas once she came of age. While it was strange due to the age difference they developed an amicable relationship and married recently. Since the marriage she has kept up her studies of history and the arts, being know as a patron of the arts in Wolgast.
Race: Variant Human
Character Class & Subclass: Bard (College of Glamour)
Sorry about the messed up roles accidentally hit back while trying to fix a few typos and for whatever reason the rolls changed even though I didn't mess about. The original stat rolls are still on the sheet but I totally get it you want me to reroll or go point buy.
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Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
I am going to leave recruiting open for a few days because I know I always like to have a bit to think on my character. So recruiting will be open atleast until Wednesday, possibly Friday of it seems like there are people out there trying to get characters in.
To answer the questions:
@AaronFirehand - While I am not opposed to an interesting pvp, player running the bbeg in principle...it requires a lot of trust and coordination and I think that works better in an in person game than a PbP. I not opposed to you creating an adversarial character,maybe someone that is participating in the hopes of ultimately preventing the wedding and winning the hand of the prince or princess for themselves. Your character doesnt have to have goals perfectly aligned with others...but make sure you have A motivation to participate and dont be a jerk to other players. Characters can be agressive and jerky to eachother...but make sure that both pkayers are on the same page about it. (You will be working that kind of stuff out in ooc conversations in the feoup or onr on one.
But I will not be accepting applications to run the actual villain of the campaign.
@DarthDritzz and others asking about manipulated roll tags, I generally trust you guys to not cheat...so long as you are happy with your rolled stats so am I.
Having said that, please dint take advantage of my trusting nature and start cheating. Being a referee Foe people that are trying to break the rules is no fun, and this supposed to be a game fun for all of us.
Edit to add: Oof, lots of typos here...that's what happens when you type something up on your phone right before dropping into unconciousness for the night.
Name: Byron Vandebras Relation to the Royal Families: Sir Byron Vandebras is not a direct relative of either member of the royal couple, but his father, the Baron Otto Vandebras, was in his youth a Captain of the 3rd regiment Ulaborg lancers, whose forces struck the killing blow on the fields of Salador against the perfidious Wolgasts. Though the campaign was short lived, Baron Vandebras sealed his fame in the annals of Ulaborg history, and secured a small holding for his family line. As a celebrated military hero, he was sent an invitation - plagued, however, with an old battle wound and a strange recurring illness, he is unable to attend and so sends his son, as of yet hardly worthy of the title "baronet" to uphold the celebrated Vandebras reputation. Thoughts on opposite Family: The Wolgast is synonymous with the brute. Low and cunning, their best traits of avarice and villainy only serve to highlight the moral bankruptcy of their entire society. The (so-called) royal family of Wolgast is nothing but the result of generations of Might understood as Right. That those gargoyles have remained perched atop their castles against the valiant Ulaborg must assuredly entail that they have only maintained their power by filling their dungeons with their dissidents, which one assumes are by now full to bursting. Thoughts on the wedding: An utter farce and waste of time for all. One hopes, by some dint of secrecy and the imagination, that the Prince has some trickery planned by which to leverage this meeting into a killing blow against the enemies, though as more and more dignitaries arrive, from both sides, this vain hope fades like the setting sun. Assuredly, blood will be spilled this night - though, of course, only that of the Wolgast. Additional Backstory details: Though the Baron Vandebras' story began in martial glory, it did not end there. Consumed with the idea of reclaiming lost glory, Otto Vandebras sought out forbidden knowledge and made his estate into a haven of forbidden magics. He raised his sons to follow in his footsteps, sealing pacts with beings of lower planes to ensure their loyalty to his plans of future glory. Naturally, the practice of such magic is distasteful in the extreme, and so Vandebras has carefully maintained the public image of a rational gentleman, rarely seen off his small, somewhat unkempt estate. An opportunity such as this, however, is not to be missed - perhaps the dark whisperings of house Vandebras' new masters prompted the journey, or perhaps this union serves as a chance at redemption. While his purpose there is at present unclear, Byron's unshakeable faith in his master's calling will guide him through the political maneuverings of princes as the Great Scheme of the ones below at last comes into focus. Despite his split loyalties, all of house Vandebras remains deeply loyal to the throne and would gladly die before seeing the prince harmed in any way.
Rolls:
Ability scores: 12111081217
Race: Human Character Class & Subclass: Warlock/Pact of the Fiend Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/77073347/6KXbTN Uncommon Magic Item selected: A Stone of Good Luck (Luckstone)
Relation to Royal Family: Scribe for King of Wolgast and an apprentice to the Wolgast's Wizard, to bear witness and record the marriage of the prince and princess.
Thoughts on opposite Family: Beasts in the form of humans. Savages that have learned to talk but would rather fight to settle their arguments.
Thoughts on the Wedding: This is the first step in raising these primitive beasts into actual civilians.
Additional Backstory Details: While of common birth, Kiryl has managed to attain a spot as one of the apprentices for the kingdom's wizard. He's a studious fellow that only seeks to expand his knowledge, spurning martial prowess as a more simple minded pursuit. While being an apprentice, he has also applied himself to being one of the kingdom's scribes, taking note and recording mostly small dealings of the Wolgast, like appeals and formal requests for the royal family. This is his first major record and he hopes to do well, in hopes of either impressing the Royals or his master.
I generally do this to keep applications straight as I check through them to see if I have any questions, comments, or otherwise...
Your existence on this list or the order in which you appear is no comment on whether or not you will be in the game...just an organizational tool for me. On the otherhand if you have completed a character submission and your name is not on this list please let me know, because I have likely missed it.
DragonDenn - Xilbella the Half-elf Phantom Rogue - Character sheet pending Dndlover_2 - Sir Eackra the Human Fighter DarthDrizzt - Ducchess Raiza Thelas the Human Glamour Bard Nahbois - Lucia Varlan the Human Eldritch Knight Menelear - Pele the Half-Orc Valor Bard Shobob - Robbin Grey the Human Beast Master Ranger DandDSince1973 - Amistan Aderfi the Human Beast Master Ranger Damian_May - Lady Bungaren Siniway the Human Thief Rogue TheGreatWyrm - Byron Vandebras the Human Pact of the Fiend Warlock Virst - Kiryl Creek the Half-Elf Wolgastian Royal Scribe (Scribe Wizard) Kaemgen - TBD
Quick comments I noticed while putting together the list (this is why I do this):
DnDlover_2 - you have built a lvl 1 character. This adventure is for characters starting at lvl 3. Please bring your secret lothario up to 3rd level and select a subclass for him.
DarthDrizzt - no real feedback, but I wanted to compliment you on your choice of Feat. Observant is the perfect balance of utility and flavor for a nobleperson build. Of course you would have taught yourself to read lips while navigating the deep waters of political intrigue. 5 stars.
Nahbois - no feedback to speak of. I like the idea of a child that wants to be a wizard forced into the royal guard instead and so becoming and eldritch knight. Interesting story hook.
Menelear - I love that you have thought to include on your character sheet the gift you are bringing for the couple (which also happens to double as your melee weapon). The sentiment that it is two handed so they can crush their enemies together is such a beautiful orcish sentiment. great touch! My other thought is please keep in mind that the Barrier Tattoo essentially grants an Unarmored AC bonus while attuned. This is an absolutely fine pick if it is what you want...but since you have your breastplate, you will be at a better AC with that than with the barrier tattoo through most of the adventure. Again, no problem if this is the item you want for flavor reasons, but many will be picking their item based on it's utility first and flavor second...so something I wanted you to consider.
Shobob & DandDSince1973 - no feedback, but you both ended up wearing the same race and class to the party...how embarrassing!?! lol. In seriousness, I doubt I would pick both of you...but at the same time it is difficult to choose which one when you are both beast master rangers. If either or both of you would like to change to a different subclass or different class all together I make no objection. Or you can both stay where you are...either is fine. I would recommend sending PMs to each other to coordinate your decoordination if one of you is changing though, since you apparently both have the same mind on character creation.
Damian_May - again no feedback, I like the character concept and appreciate the queer representation in the character.
TheGreatWyrm - nothing constructive to say...just that I like the dark and brooding concept and the idea of a potential split loyalty. Very nice submission.
Vrist - a proper wizard! I was getting worried that the way I wrote up the adventure was scaring off the non-martial classes...everything looks good on your sheet.
General thoughts on submissions so far:
Man - now that I have looked through the character sheets I really have no idea how I will winnow it down to 5 or 6 when submissions close. There are already so many good ones. Part of the reason I like doing this is to have a compilation of everything put in so far in one place for everyone to see. Having done that it is apparent that we are currently light on divine casters and well represented by martial capabilities. We currently have:
Not saying more of those classes can't be submited if that is what you want to play...but if you have no inclination in what to play, maybe lean more towards a class that is not yet represented. Generally speaking I will be looking to create a party that is well suited to the challenges that are ahead...so for example I likely would not select a party of 6 fighters...
Just providing the input I know I would want.
Again, let me know if you have questions...I will be around.
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Founding Member of the High Roller Society.(Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Name: Prince Raiden Kurosaki
Relation to the Royal Families: He's not a direct relative to the bride or groom but his mother, who reunited with him ever since he was abandoned, is a close friend of Princess Erithinell because the latter saved the former from being hunted by several Ulaborg knights.
Thoughts on opposite Family: Raiden has no idea on what the Groom's family are like as he had lived in the woodlands for decades, but his mother says she had a strained relationship with their members, mainly because she was targeted by their knights for her magical powers and her beauty. When she heard that the two families are planning to unite together, she knows that the truce will not even last even 5 minutes. Raiden's mother desperately wants to return a favour that she could never achieve but also knows that she cannot go otherwise she would be an instant target for the opposing family.
Thoughts on the wedding: "If what my mother said was true, that the Ulaborg family are literal scumbags, all I know for sure is: The wedding will not go as smoothly as planned. However, my mother has longed to return a favour to the once friend that has resulted in her survival and hence, my birth. She needs to be thanked with gratitude, my mother says. I will attend the wedding disguised and hopefully deliver what my mother hoped to repay for the bride should anything go wrong in this tight schedule."
Additional Backstory details: Although abandoned by his father and the townsfolk in the wilds after his true heritage was discovered, Raiden has united with his mother (Maya Kurosaki) who had spent the last few centuries looking for her only long-lost son. Once reunited and living his days in treetop village with friendly townsfolk, Raiden sharpened his already aggressive prowess and even began to learn how conjure lightning and ice spells with the help of his mother. The long awaited reunion also enabled Raiden to display his soft sides more often towards the village, who treated him as their saviour; if he had not been found, Raiden would have been mentally unstable for the rest of his life. Several decades later, Raiden's mother asks him for help since she received an invitation to the wedding by the one who saved her but could not go because she fears being captured again. Agreeing to help her mother repay the favour to the friend that saved her life, Raiden decides to head to the wedding knowing that his mother would be proud of her grown-up son helping a familiar face and potentially preventing history repeating itself once again between the two kingdoms.
Race: Shifter (He's a Kitsune like his mother, but he'll stay in his human form for the whole campaign)
The Wildland Shifters Daisy Ethalena- Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer) Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars) Yurime Hanasaki- Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation) Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer(Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Menelear - I love that you have thought to include on your character sheet the gift you are bringing for the couple (which also happens to double as your melee weapon). The sentiment that it is two handed so they can crush their enemies together is such a beautiful orcish sentiment. great touch! My other thought is please keep in mind that the Barrier Tattoo essentially grants an Unarmored AC bonus while attuned. This is an absolutely fine pick if it is what you want...but since you have your breastplate, you will be at a better AC with that than with the barrier tattoo through most of the adventure. Again, no problem if this is the item you want for flavor reasons, but many will be picking their item based on it's utility first and flavor second...so something I wanted you to consider.
Thanks for the feedback! I chose the tattoo mostly for flavor, but also because I would plan for Pele to change out of the armor and into something more "appropriate" for the reception / her performance. Hehe I'm making a playlist of music right now - it's been a lot of fun building her and thinking about this island world.
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DM: The Sunless Citadel, Candlekeep Mysteries, Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Death House (One-Shot) Player:B'Etor(Lost Mine of Phandelver), Sunfyre Fields (Tide of Retribution), Annika Fedorovna(Inustwaith - Blizzard's Fury)
OOC: Been trying to get into a game, but as is my curse of the forever GM I cannot seem to get my character selected...so I guess it is back to the GM grindstone for me with a homebrew one-shot I am calling "...And That's Why He is the Best Man..." (as you no doubt gathered from the thread title). This game will be played here on the boards as a PbP (as opposed to discord or roll20 or whatever)
Premise: The neighboring kingdoms of Ulaborg and Wolgast have maintained an uneasy peace for the past 70 years. Sharing an island has never been particularly peaceful, and the citizens of the two nations are always quick to blame the other for anything that goes wrong, from natural disaster to the rise and fall of the price of wheat. But now...there is hope. The Prince of Ulaborg and Princess of Wolgast have finally come of age and their marriage, which has been pre-arranged but not set in stone since they were infants, has finally been agreed to by both parties and is moving forward. Most reasonable citizens on both sides of the border see this as a chance to unify the island into a single nation under a single royal family bringing prosperity to all.
Of course there are disgruntled consipratorials in both camps that worry that their unique national identity will be subsumed by the other...that the wily princess has played their prince for a fool, or that the brutish prince has forced their innocent princess into some uncivilized arrangement. Both royal families are on edge, concerned about revolts from their own people as well as foul play from the nobility on the other side. Armies are on high alert, but in order to keep the ceremony civil and respectful of the momentous occasion, it has been agreed that only a few members of the royal guard from each nation will actually be in attendance at the wedding. Most others of course are stationed in border outposts in case things go wrong and the inevitable conflict from the failure of this wedding breaks out in earnest.
Standing with the Prince of Ulaborg and his cousins are a Lieutenant of the Ulaborg guard that grew up with the prince and a few other members of his outfit. The Princesses' bridal party likewise has several members of the Wolgast guard hidden in their lovely ranks. In addition, one of her cousins in attendance happens to be a Captain in the Wolgast Riders, an elite scouting force that normally patrols the border unseen.
________
This adventure will be starting as a Royal wedding, but when something goes awry (as it surely will, or otherwise we wouldn't have a story) the more militant members of both royal parties will be asked to work together to set right what has gone wrong. The basic premise of the adventure is pulling on the old tradition of the Best Man being the best because they were the one to either second or stand in for the groom if the need arose to duel someone that challenged the wedding, or to be the one to get into other general violence if someone attempted to kidnap the bride or something.
When constructing your character please consider which royal family you are attached to, what your thoughts are on the other nation that you are not aligned with and your thoughts on this marriage in general.
Notable NPCs that Cannot be played:
Princess Erithinell of Wolgast (The Bride)
Prince Doven of Ulaborg (The Groom)
The King and Queen of Each respective country
Other characters motioned in the initial writeup are available as PCs (The Lieutenant of the Ulaborg Guard...the captain of the Wolgast Riders, etc) or create someone from scratch that would also be there (maybe the bride's nerdy third cousin that has been studying divination magics or the Prince's bastard brother that was dedicated to the temple (read hidden away) as is custom in royal families and is now a cleric or a paladin, to give a couple of examples).
The Countries: The island of Wol-Ula has been split in twain for centuries, longer than most can remember. Fairly large as islands go (think about the size of Texas) both nations are mostly self sufficient with a small amount of trade going back and forth when merchants are able to find enough common ground to trust each other. Populated mostly by humans, small populations of demi-humans (elves, dwarves, halflings, orcs etc.) have settlements throughout the island. They mostly keep to themselves, but do have a passing allegiance to one or the other of the human kingdoms, primarily just to keep the humans satisfied in knowing "what team" they are on. While no official survey has been done, estimates from the Ulaborgian House of Counts (the tax office in effect) say that about 80% of the population of Wol-Ula is human with the other 20% being made up of an indeterminate number of other races.
(If you want to play a non-human you will need an RP reason why they have any interest in these human affairs and are at the wedding. Most characters chosen will be Human, Half-Human (Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Genasi, Teifling, Aasimar), or Custom Lineage to describe some other Human-Hybrid species (like Half-Bugbear).)
Stats are your choice Rolled - Reroll 1s Once - or Pointbuy. You can roll first and then switch to point buy if what you roll ends up below the 27 point threshold or otherwise seems lousy.
Starting with 3rd level characters - No Multiclassing. All official materials allowed, but keep in mind the racial makeup of the land you live in when choosing race. No Homebrew.
In addition to standard starting equipment you may have 1 uncommon magic item and 1,000 gold to purchase common gear from the player's handbook. Keep in mind, you are attending a wedding (albeit one where there is a possibility of violence). You may very well show up with a weapon, but you are not going to be arriving with your entire backpack of adventuring gear. Part of your 1,000 gold should be spent on what you are wearing to the wedding and reception afterwards.
Something else to mention, weapons will be peacebonded at the wedding. This is a process where the weapon is wrapped in a wire mesh while it is in its sheath to prevent if from being drawn or wielded. Drawing a peacebonded weapon requires a standard action as opposed to the normal process for a weapon where it can be done as part of your move action. Members of the various royal guard groups at the wedding will be under strict orders to not draw their peacebonded weapons or make any hostile acts unless responding to an agressor. Members of the royal families that aren't part of the guard will not be under such orders, but will likely have a better understanding of the political ramifications of being the first to bare steel at such a precarious event.
Hitdice are max for lv 1 and then average roll rounded up for 2 & 3...
1d12=7
1d10=6
1d8=5
1d6=4
This one-shot is intended to be a mixture of political intrigue and classic romantic high adventure. Please build characters accordingly, that can not only hack and slash or magically burn, but also investigate, participate in political banter, and the like.
Character Submission Form:
Name:
Relation to the Royal Families:
Thoughts on opposite Family:
Thoughts on the wedding:
Additional Backstory details:
Race:
Character Class & Subclass:
Character Sheet Link:
Uncommon Magic Item selected:
I think that pretty much covers everything? If you have questions let me know.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Ability scores: 11 14 15 14 7 17
Name: Xilbella
Relation to the Royal Families: She is a close friend of the Prince of Ulaborg, the two having been close friends since childhood.
Thoughts on opposite Family: As long as the prince is happy with the situation, then Bella will support him fully, even if his family does not. If he is unhappy, then, again, she will have his back. She is here as his truest friend, and will do whatever is needed to make sure he comes out of this happy.
Thoughts on the wedding: Hesitantly optimistic, as this would end a lot of strife in the kingdom. She is worried that some might not wish the status quo to be changed though, so is concerned about someone working to stop the wedding. She is also somewhat worried that things are looking too-good, and wonders what is being hidden from her and the prince.
Additional Backstory details:
Xilbella is the younger daughter of a noble in the Ulaborg court. She has known the prince all of her life, the two having been best friends since as long as she can remember. She is a couple years older than the prince, so saw him as a younger brother in her earliest years, but that grew into the friendship they now maintain.
Race: Half-elf
Character Class & Subclass: Rogue (Phantom)
Character Sheet Link: TBD
Uncommon Magic Item selected: TBD
Placeholder
Could I work the villain of the campaign?
I enjoy writing, roleplaying, watching TVs and movies, and playing video games!
Currently playing the resident time lord in Las Aminour.
Want to check out my stuff? Here’s my campaign:
My Campaign
Name: Duchess Raiza Thelas
Relation to the Royal Families: She is the wife of Duke Thelas the retired commander of the royal guard and a friend of Princess Erithinell as her father once served as an advisor and steward before his passing.
Thoughts on opposite Family: She is wary of them due to the history between the two kingdoms, having grown up on stories of them being savages and the like.
Thoughts on the wedding: Open to it as she understands the need for political marriages as that is how she herself became married to Duke Thelas.
Additional Backstory details: Raiza is the child of a minor noble house that had close ties with the royal family due to several members serving in the Wolgast Court. As a side effect of this and being the same age she spent a lot of time with Princess Erithinell as a confidant and as students due to having the same tutors (or attending the same school if that would work better.) During her early teenage years her father fell ill and passed away due to his disease. While this did leave the family on hard times her mother was shrewd and arranged a marriage for Raiza with the famous knight Duke Thelas once she came of age. While it was strange due to the age difference they developed an amicable relationship and married recently. Since the marriage she has kept up her studies of history and the arts, being know as a patron of the arts in Wolgast.
Race: Variant Human
Character Class & Subclass: Bard (College of Glamour)
Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/77052658/Ih6vit
Uncommon Magic Item selected: Stone of Goodluck
Ability scores: 16 10 14 15 12 17
Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
Kayassa Level 3 | Satyr | Warlock (Cleath13's LMoP)
Bertolt Silentlash Level 3 | Variant Human | Bard (Our Little Lives Kept in Equipoise: Death House)
Daerthe Narcion Level 4 | Drow | Rogue (Karmoli's Great Upheaval)
I'm not sure why the ability scores are saying they're manipulated, but I'll go with point buy if you wish due to it.
Ability scores: 8 12 12 16 13 13
Name: Lucia Varlan
Relation to the Royal Families: Distant Cousin of Prince Doven, on her father's side of the family.
Thoughts on opposite Family: Lucia cares little about politics, and by extension holds little animosity towards the Wolgast royal family. Due to her position no longer allowing her to be entirely apathetic towards them, she often looks towards the royal family's achievements and failings to form an opinion based upon merit.
Thoughts on the wedding: She is typically not a fan of parties, especially weddings, and came at the insistence of her father. Despite that, she understands the importance of the wedding, and wishes her cousin will be happy in the arrangement.
Additional Backstory details: Lucia is the youngest daughter, and second youngest child in House Varlan, a family a few times removed from the Royal family of Ulaborg. She had little interest in court matters from an early age, and often was found in libraries or attempting to sneak out to explore. She had a knack for spellcasting as well, though her parents often wished to push her towards joining the Royal guard. Especially as one of her older brothers was studying to be a wizard. She has only recently relented to their wishes, and has begun the process of joining the Royal guard, though she attends the wedding as a guest.
Race: Human
Character Class & Subclass: Eldritch Knight Fighter
Character Sheet Link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/77059456
Uncommon Magic Item selected: Medallion of Thoughts
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
Hope you get to be a player soon!
Name: Pele
Relation: Kingdom of Ulaborg
Thoughts on the opposite Family: Pele’s general takeaway from her interactions with the people of Wolgast is that they are uptight, conceited, and joyless - unable to laugh and afraid to smile. Though in return, they often say that Ulaborgs are indecorous, lacking in proper etiquette, and overly familiar - so who knows? She’s heard the rumors that Princess Erithinell plans to use her position as wife of the Prince to gain control of Ulaborg’s lucrative port trade, though she doesn’t quite believe the young lady capable of such a plot.
Thoughts on the Wedding: Pele has been invited as part of the wedding’s entertainment, and also as an additional measure of protection for the young (and too-often carefree) Prince Doven, should anything happen. Like most of the demi-human population of Wol-Ula, Pele wants to the marriage to be successful, if only to put a stop to the tensions between the kingdoms and raise the quality of the life for all.
Backstory: Pele comes from the coast on the Ulaborg side of the island. Trade via ship is plentiful for some things, but goods made in Wolgast have always been hard to come by, medicine in particular. This has meant that debilitating sickness and disease often spreads among the poorer classes in Ulaborg. A former gladiator, Pele was granted her freedom and stature by Ulaborg’s King, and as such she is extremely loyal to the Ulaborg crown, serving as an unofficial bodyguard (and supportive friend) to the Prince on special occasions.
Race: Half-Orc (Female)
Class: Bard / College of Valor
Character Sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/62767242
Uncommon Item: Barrier Tattoo
Ability scores: 15 15 15 13 16 11
DM: The Sunless Citadel, Candlekeep Mysteries, Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Death House (One-Shot)
Player: B'Etor (Lost Mine of Phandelver), Sunfyre Fields (Tide of Retribution), Annika Fedorovna (Inustwaith - Blizzard's Fury)
I've been told I am a Hobbit.
Name: Sir Eackra
Relation to the royal family: Sir Eackra is a knight, he is part of a special legion that was hired to specifically protect the royal family. He is a secret lover of the princess but knows that they can never be together because she is royalty and he is not.
Thoughts of opposite family: He resents the prince greatly as he thinks that the princess doesn't deserve him. He is wary to everyone else on the opposite family.
Thoughts on the wedding: He is happy to be here to support the princess, but that is the only reason he's happy to be here. As I said before he is a secret lover of the princess so he hates the prince and the wedding.
Additional backstory details: He was trained from year five and ever since has trained for hours every day. In doing so he has developed a need to price himself to everyone around him.
Race: human
Character class & subclass: fighter
Character sheet link: https://ddb.ac/characters/77053706/zUPwBW
Uncommon magic item selected: javelin of lightning
Name: Robbin Grey
Relation to the Royal Families: Kennel master to the Ulaborg royal family
Thoughts on opposite Family: Not many. Robbin has spent all of his career in the kennels. He has tried his best to avoid any involvement or hold opinions about politics
Thoughts on the wedding: He wonders why he's been invited to attend, but understands that this is probably the most important wedding in his lifetime, so it's all hands on deck.
Additional Backstory details: His loyalty to the royal family is unquestionable. He has a personal relationship with the prince, from the countless hunts they've been on together. He has a better understanding of dogs than people, since he spends most of his waking hours training and caring for them, or making preparations for the next hunt.
Race: Variant human
Ability scores Ability scores: 12 15 16 13 11 16
Character Class & Subclass: Beast master Ranger
Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/77051224/fPeCeR
Uncommon Magic Item selected: +1 Longbow
Wizard - Yoli Garrick, Wild Beyond the Witchlight
Hi there, thank you for offering this adventure. I’d like to submit the following character.
Name: Amistan Aderfi
Relation to the Royal Families: Captain in the Wolgast Riders, an elite scouting force.
Thoughts on opposite Family: During the course of his duties patrolling the border, Amistan has seen atrocities committed by Ulaborg scouts, which have left him biased against Ulaborg nationals to some degree, but even more, disenchanted with human nature as a whole.
Thoughts on the wedding: Amistan is doubtful that a peace can be established, believing that the marriage will not in fact take place, or that even if it does, some political trifle will serve to reinvigorate conflict between the opposing sides. On a more personal note, while the ranger believes in love, he puts stronger stock in personal liberty and holds that his daily routine is what makes him who he is. The thought of someone else entering that routine seems preposterous; Amistan contends this is probably the case for most people, and therefore sees marriage as a dubious institution.
Additional Backstory details: Amistan is not the best archer, rider, politician, or fighter among the Wolgast Riders. His promotion to captain was made over the head of a plainly more proficient rival. It is commonly thought that this was due to Amistan’s mother’s ties to the royal family, however, the story might be more complex.
Race: Human
Character Class & Subclass: Ranger / Beast master
Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/46101791/7GRG0R
Uncommon Magic Item selected: Will decide between Bracers of Archery or Eldritch Claw Tattoo or Eyes of the Eagle or Gloves of Swimming and Climbing
DM for Deathworld: Lost Mine of Phandelver // Story Guide for COYOTE and CROW: Cahokia Forever // Dev Hornd in Curious Critters // Co-creator: Princes of the Apocalypse - A DnD Story
Name: Lady Bungaren Siniway.
Relation to the Royal Families: Handmaiden to Princess Erithinell who she has nursed a deep crush/affection for since childhood.
Thoughts on opposite Family: Mild distrust but she likes individuals she has met.
Thoughts on the wedding: Sadness for herself even though she knows she never really had a shot, as long as Erith is happy she will try to be happy for her.
Additional Backstory details: Younger daughter of a minor noble family she was put into the Royal Service at a young age and her infatuation and later affection for the princess has never wavered.
Race: Human.
Character Class & Subclass: Rogue ( " Thief")
Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/76329851/5UcO29
Uncommon Magic Item selected: Dagger of Healing.
Sorry about the messed up roles accidentally hit back while trying to fix a few typos and for whatever reason the rolls changed even though I didn't mess about. The original stat rolls are still on the sheet but I totally get it you want me to reroll or go point buy.
Rekuberk Onc Level 8 | Half Orc | Barbarian (The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks)
Kayassa Level 3 | Satyr | Warlock (Cleath13's LMoP)
Bertolt Silentlash Level 3 | Variant Human | Bard (Our Little Lives Kept in Equipoise: Death House)
Daerthe Narcion Level 4 | Drow | Rogue (Karmoli's Great Upheaval)
Wow. Lots of great submissions already.
I am going to leave recruiting open for a few days because I know I always like to have a bit to think on my character. So recruiting will be open atleast until Wednesday, possibly Friday of it seems like there are people out there trying to get characters in.
To answer the questions:
@AaronFirehand - While I am not opposed to an interesting pvp, player running the bbeg in principle...it requires a lot of trust and coordination and I think that works better in an in person game than a PbP. I not opposed to you creating an adversarial character,maybe someone that is participating in the hopes of ultimately preventing the wedding and winning the hand of the prince or princess for themselves. Your character doesnt have to have goals perfectly aligned with others...but make sure you have A motivation to participate and dont be a jerk to other players. Characters can be agressive and jerky to eachother...but make sure that both pkayers are on the same page about it. (You will be working that kind of stuff out in ooc conversations in the feoup or onr on one.
But I will not be accepting applications to run the actual villain of the campaign.
@DarthDritzz and others asking about manipulated roll tags, I generally trust you guys to not cheat...so long as you are happy with your rolled stats so am I.
Having said that, please dint take advantage of my trusting nature and start cheating. Being a referee Foe people that are trying to break the rules is no fun, and this supposed to be a game fun for all of us.
Edit to add: Oof, lots of typos here...that's what happens when you type something up on your phone right before dropping into unconciousness for the night.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Name: Byron Vandebras
Relation to the Royal Families: Sir Byron Vandebras is not a direct relative of either member of the royal couple, but his father, the Baron Otto Vandebras, was in his youth a Captain of the 3rd regiment Ulaborg lancers, whose forces struck the killing blow on the fields of Salador against the perfidious Wolgasts. Though the campaign was short lived, Baron Vandebras sealed his fame in the annals of Ulaborg history, and secured a small holding for his family line. As a celebrated military hero, he was sent an invitation - plagued, however, with an old battle wound and a strange recurring illness, he is unable to attend and so sends his son, as of yet hardly worthy of the title "baronet" to uphold the celebrated Vandebras reputation.
Thoughts on opposite Family: The Wolgast is synonymous with the brute. Low and cunning, their best traits of avarice and villainy only serve to highlight the moral bankruptcy of their entire society. The (so-called) royal family of Wolgast is nothing but the result of generations of Might understood as Right. That those gargoyles have remained perched atop their castles against the valiant Ulaborg must assuredly entail that they have only maintained their power by filling their dungeons with their dissidents, which one assumes are by now full to bursting.
Thoughts on the wedding: An utter farce and waste of time for all. One hopes, by some dint of secrecy and the imagination, that the Prince has some trickery planned by which to leverage this meeting into a killing blow against the enemies, though as more and more dignitaries arrive, from both sides, this vain hope fades like the setting sun. Assuredly, blood will be spilled this night - though, of course, only that of the Wolgast.
Additional Backstory details: Though the Baron Vandebras' story began in martial glory, it did not end there. Consumed with the idea of reclaiming lost glory, Otto Vandebras sought out forbidden knowledge and made his estate into a haven of forbidden magics. He raised his sons to follow in his footsteps, sealing pacts with beings of lower planes to ensure their loyalty to his plans of future glory. Naturally, the practice of such magic is distasteful in the extreme, and so Vandebras has carefully maintained the public image of a rational gentleman, rarely seen off his small, somewhat unkempt estate. An opportunity such as this, however, is not to be missed - perhaps the dark whisperings of house Vandebras' new masters prompted the journey, or perhaps this union serves as a chance at redemption. While his purpose there is at present unclear, Byron's unshakeable faith in his master's calling will guide him through the political maneuverings of princes as the Great Scheme of the ones below at last comes into focus. Despite his split loyalties, all of house Vandebras remains deeply loyal to the throne and would gladly die before seeing the prince harmed in any way.
Rolls:
Ability scores: 12 11 10 8 12 17
Race: Human
Character Class & Subclass: Warlock/Pact of the Fiend
Character Sheet Link: https://ddb.ac/characters/77073347/6KXbTN
Uncommon Magic Item selected: A Stone of Good Luck (Luckstone)
Rolls:
Ability scores: 15 12 13 14 12 13
Sorry, something else came up so I’m withdrawing from consideration here. Thanks though, and good luck all…
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
I generally do this to keep applications straight as I check through them to see if I have any questions, comments, or otherwise...
Your existence on this list or the order in which you appear is no comment on whether or not you will be in the game...just an organizational tool for me. On the otherhand if you have completed a character submission and your name is not on this list please let me know, because I have likely missed it.
DragonDenn - Xilbella the Half-elf Phantom Rogue - Character sheet pending
Dndlover_2 - Sir Eackra the Human Fighter
DarthDrizzt - Ducchess Raiza Thelas the Human Glamour Bard
Nahbois - Lucia Varlan the Human Eldritch Knight
Menelear - Pele the Half-Orc Valor Bard
Shobob - Robbin Grey the Human Beast Master Ranger
DandDSince1973 - Amistan Aderfi the Human Beast Master Ranger
Damian_May - Lady Bungaren Siniway the Human Thief Rogue
TheGreatWyrm - Byron Vandebras the Human Pact of the Fiend Warlock
Virst - Kiryl Creek the Half-Elf Wolgastian Royal Scribe (Scribe Wizard)
Kaemgen - TBD
Quick comments I noticed while putting together the list (this is why I do this):
DnDlover_2 - you have built a lvl 1 character. This adventure is for characters starting at lvl 3. Please bring your secret lothario up to 3rd level and select a subclass for him.
DarthDrizzt - no real feedback, but I wanted to compliment you on your choice of Feat. Observant is the perfect balance of utility and flavor for a nobleperson build. Of course you would have taught yourself to read lips while navigating the deep waters of political intrigue. 5 stars.
Nahbois - no feedback to speak of. I like the idea of a child that wants to be a wizard forced into the royal guard instead and so becoming and eldritch knight. Interesting story hook.
Menelear - I love that you have thought to include on your character sheet the gift you are bringing for the couple (which also happens to double as your melee weapon). The sentiment that it is two handed so they can crush their enemies together is such a beautiful orcish sentiment. great touch! My other thought is please keep in mind that the Barrier Tattoo essentially grants an Unarmored AC bonus while attuned. This is an absolutely fine pick if it is what you want...but since you have your breastplate, you will be at a better AC with that than with the barrier tattoo through most of the adventure. Again, no problem if this is the item you want for flavor reasons, but many will be picking their item based on it's utility first and flavor second...so something I wanted you to consider.
Shobob & DandDSince1973 - no feedback, but you both ended up wearing the same race and class to the party...how embarrassing!?! lol. In seriousness, I doubt I would pick both of you...but at the same time it is difficult to choose which one when you are both beast master rangers. If either or both of you would like to change to a different subclass or different class all together I make no objection. Or you can both stay where you are...either is fine. I would recommend sending PMs to each other to coordinate your decoordination if one of you is changing though, since you apparently both have the same mind on character creation.
Damian_May - again no feedback, I like the character concept and appreciate the queer representation in the character.
TheGreatWyrm - nothing constructive to say...just that I like the dark and brooding concept and the idea of a potential split loyalty. Very nice submission.
Vrist - a proper wizard! I was getting worried that the way I wrote up the adventure was scaring off the non-martial classes...everything looks good on your sheet.
General thoughts on submissions so far:
Man - now that I have looked through the character sheets I really have no idea how I will winnow it down to 5 or 6 when submissions close. There are already so many good ones. Part of the reason I like doing this is to have a compilation of everything put in so far in one place for everyone to see. Having done that it is apparent that we are currently light on divine casters and well represented by martial capabilities. We currently have:
2 rogues, 2 fighters, 2 rangers, 2 bards, 1 warlock, and 1 wizard...
Not saying more of those classes can't be submited if that is what you want to play...but if you have no inclination in what to play, maybe lean more towards a class that is not yet represented. Generally speaking I will be looking to create a party that is well suited to the challenges that are ahead...so for example I likely would not select a party of 6 fighters...
Just providing the input I know I would want.
Again, let me know if you have questions...I will be around.
Founding Member of the High Roller Society. (Currently trying to roll max on 4d6)
Name: Prince Raiden Kurosaki
Relation to the Royal Families: He's not a direct relative to the bride or groom but his mother, who reunited with him ever since he was abandoned, is a close friend of Princess Erithinell because the latter saved the former from being hunted by several Ulaborg knights.
Thoughts on opposite Family: Raiden has no idea on what the Groom's family are like as he had lived in the woodlands for decades, but his mother says she had a strained relationship with their members, mainly because she was targeted by their knights for her magical powers and her beauty. When she heard that the two families are planning to unite together, she knows that the truce will not even last even 5 minutes. Raiden's mother desperately wants to return a favour that she could never achieve but also knows that she cannot go otherwise she would be an instant target for the opposing family.
Thoughts on the wedding: "If what my mother said was true, that the Ulaborg family are literal scumbags, all I know for sure is: The wedding will not go as smoothly as planned. However, my mother has longed to return a favour to the once friend that has resulted in her survival and hence, my birth. She needs to be thanked with gratitude, my mother says. I will attend the wedding disguised and hopefully deliver what my mother hoped to repay for the bride should anything go wrong in this tight schedule."
Additional Backstory details: Although abandoned by his father and the townsfolk in the wilds after his true heritage was discovered, Raiden has united with his mother (Maya Kurosaki) who had spent the last few centuries looking for her only long-lost son. Once reunited and living his days in treetop village with friendly townsfolk, Raiden sharpened his already aggressive prowess and even began to learn how conjure lightning and ice spells with the help of his mother. The long awaited reunion also enabled Raiden to display his soft sides more often towards the village, who treated him as their saviour; if he had not been found, Raiden would have been mentally unstable for the rest of his life. Several decades later, Raiden's mother asks him for help since she received an invitation to the wedding by the one who saved her but could not go because she fears being captured again. Agreeing to help her mother repay the favour to the friend that saved her life, Raiden decides to head to the wedding knowing that his mother would be proud of her grown-up son helping a familiar face and potentially preventing history repeating itself once again between the two kingdoms.
Race: Shifter (He's a Kitsune like his mother, but he'll stay in his human form for the whole campaign)
Character Class & Subclass: Wizard, Bladesinger
Character Sheet Link: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/75623044
Uncommon Magic Item selected: Dust Of Disappearance
Ability scores: 10 10 13 16 10 10
The Wildland Shifters
Daisy Ethalena - Female Wood Elf Ranger (Monster Slayer)
Ethan Wolftree - Male Simic Hybrid Warlock (The Hexblade); Crimson Sands of Time
Raiden Kurosaki - Male Kitsune Wizard (Bladesinger); Lancea
Rixian Nishinoya - Male Fire Genasi Paladin (Oath of Vengeance); Path Of Blood
Tenebris Amaro - Male Dark Elf Druid (Circle of Stars)
Yurime Hanasaki - Female Kumiho Bard (College Of Creation)
Mira Laurits - Female Harengon Sorcerer (Clockwork Soul); Lancea
Thanks for the feedback! I chose the tattoo mostly for flavor, but also because I would plan for Pele to change out of the armor and into something more "appropriate" for the reception / her performance. Hehe I'm making a playlist of music right now - it's been a lot of fun building her and thinking about this island world.
DM: The Sunless Citadel, Candlekeep Mysteries, Wild Beyond the Witchlight, Death House (One-Shot)
Player: B'Etor (Lost Mine of Phandelver), Sunfyre Fields (Tide of Retribution), Annika Fedorovna (Inustwaith - Blizzard's Fury)
I've been told I am a Hobbit.
Thanks!