Every year, at the stroke of midnight on the eve of the winter holiday, our world plays host to a grand spectacle brought about by the Winter King of the Feywild: A battle between two miniature kingdoms, a prince without memory, and the fairy princess he is destined to save. A group of mortals are chosen to take part in this conflict; the battle’s outcome rests upon their actions. The Archfey watch these events play out for entertainment. To them, it is a beautiful ballet. To the mortals who play a part in it, it’s far more serious.
A new place is chosen in the Material Plane for the Archfey to host their crossing every year. At the stroke of midnight on the eve of the winter holiday, a handful of mortals are turned into toys, and the armies of the land of sweets and the rat king do battle.The Winter King intervenes directly in these events, appearing on the Material Plane as an eccentric, half-elven toymaker. He hand selects the mortals he wishes to test.This year, the chosen place is a quaint little inn at the edge of a town covered in snow, where the Stahlbaum family and a few heroic guests gather for the holiday.
Additional World Info:
Within the Feywild there exists two miniature kingdoms: The fairy kingdom of sweets, and the kingdom of rats.
The kingdom of sweets is a land of spun sugar and glossy candy; its people a mixture of fairies, pixies, and living candy people. This kingdom was ruled over by a benevolent fairy princess adorned with sugar plums.
The kingdom of rats was made up of an army of rat soldiers, commanded by their rat queen and her son. On top of being the monarch of all rats, the rat queen was a powerful enchantress. She lead her starving people to the delicious kingdom of sweets, hoping to wed her son to the sugar plum fairy.
The sugar plum fairy refused these nuptials, as the mouse queen’s son was a cruel and vindictive creature. The rat queen was furious and cursed the sugar plum fairy with her magic. The sugar plum fairy’s essence was sealed inside of a Krakatuth Nut, the hardest nut in all the Feywild. While trying to escape, the rat queen and her son were caught by the kingdom’s army. The rat queen was killed, but her son escaped. He declared himself the rat king, and swore revenge against the kingdom of sweets, proclaiming he and his army would devour them all.
Upon seeing these events play out, the Kings and Queens of the Fey Courts (Summer, Winter, Spring, and Autumn) were fascinated by them. The spectacle, the drama, the tragedy, all of it was just so entertaining. The Fey cast a spell upon these two kingdoms, freezing their conflict in time to be re-enacted every year for their amusement.
The Winter King, lord of the winter fey, decided to take a more proactive approach to amusing his fellow Archfey: He would add an army of toys to aid the kingdom of sweets, whom he favored. Every time the conflict was renewed they would add mortals to it to see how things would change. These mortals would be transformed into toys, having until sunrise to reach the sugar plum fairy and end her curse, or else they’d remain toys in this realm forever.
To this he added one final touch: a hero of the story. If a nutcracker from a far away land was among the transformed mortals, this nutcracker would have the power to break the curse on the sugar plum fairy...but only if this nutcracker learned the meaning of the winter season before doing so.
And so a prophecy was made: “If the chosen mortals learn what the meaning of the season is, and free the sugar plum fairy from her Krakatuth prison, the Fey shall bestow a great boon upon them. But if they fail, they will remain toys in this realm forever”.
Currently seking a party of six Level 3 characters for this adventure.
Please submit an application with the following info:
Backstory: The product of a night of passion between a bar maid and a soldier Quin grew up running the streets of (insert city here). Abandoned by his father and trained by his mother Quin quickly developed a perceptive eye for spotting marks. Watching his mother work the clientele to maximize her profits taught Quin valuable insights into psychological traits and how to exploit them. He soon learned the value of trading in information. Learning to pick pockets from a fellow urchin was both boon and bust. His skills allow him to provide for himself but unfortunately they are the also the reason he must now travel. One night as retribution against a handsey guard captain that had been pawing at his mother he brazenly decided to alleviate the cad of his coin. Failing in his misguided attempt Quin was forced to flee and seek his fortune out in the wider world.
The snow had caught him off guard but thankfully he'd happened upon this quaint little inn. Seeing that the place seemed to be preparing for a party Quin decides that the storm pushing him off the road might be a score in disguise. LaRoche and his goons weren't likely to follow him into the storm. "Besides the ssssnoooowww. Will cover your trac I ss" An icey whisper tingles his spine as his spirt guide finishes his thought. Quin shudders ."Uuugh ... you know I hate it when you do that. But go ahead and have your fun because tonight we learn to cook. Might be the perfect cover. Some slight of hand and a bit of charm could drop a bit of coin in the pocket."
Character Class: Sourcer (Dracnoic Blood: Copper Dragon)
Ability Scores: Point buy or rolled, both work for me!
Character Alignment/Background: NE and Criminal Feature: Criminal Contact: You have a reliable and trustworthy contact who acts as your liaison to a network of other criminals. You know how to get messages to and from your contact, even over great distances; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you.
Character Backstory: The early life of Kyrakir was, to put it in the best way, a slum and a mess. Her family was extremely poor and lived a live of poverty so it wasn't often that Kyrakir got more than one meal a day or had enough clothes to change into so it was no surprise when Kyrakir turned to crime to help try to support her family. Despite the lack of money her family had, her parents were always smiling even if they had to skip meals so that Kyrakir and her siblings could eat, they always had a smile plastered on their faces, and her mother once told her that even though they didn't have a lot of money, they had each other and that was al that mattered but Kyrakir didn't see it that way. The way she saw it was her family was suffering because the wealthy people didn't have the guts to spare a single silver piece on a family that was straving and she grew fond of the idea of stripping those people of their wealth and her life of crime took a huge step and she no longer just stole items, she stole the lives of others as well.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hey there, this looks awesome!
Name: Ryfus Merland
Race: Tabaxi
Class: Warlock, the Genie
Stats: Ability scores: 13158161218
Background and alignment: Soldier, Lawful Neutral
Backstory:
Ryfus' current tale is uncomplicated. One cruel winter's night many years ago, Master Stahlbaum came across a stray litter of orphaned tabaxi, who had taken refuge from the cold on the steps of his grand estate. They were immediately ushered inside, fed, and made comfortable beside a blazing hearth. The Master warmed to young Ryfus and his childish brazen, and decided to take the boy under his wing, as a squire.
Ryfus remained there for most of his youth, earning enough coin to support his feline family, and soon falling in love with one of the Stahlbaums' handmaids, Thelise - however, he knew that his lowly status made any hope of intimacy futile and risky. So, when at the age of seventeen he was offered an opportunity to prove his worth in the army, Ryfus did not hesitate. During the five years which followed, he travelled to distant and exotic lands, becoming a proficient swordsman and pillager. One item he looted was of particular importance: an incense lamp, confined to which was a Jiin - an entity of ancient and unfathomable power - who offered Ryfus an irresistible bargain...
Now homeward-bound, Ryfus hopes to confess his love to Thelise and begin a new life - one of his own making. But fate has other plans, it seems.
Ability Scores: Point Buy: Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Chr 9
Background / Alignment: Neutral Good Soldier
Backstory:
As an orphan with no prospects Mohs was eager to pick up a weapon and join the army. Although not as strong as the other recruits a senior officer, Corporal Glysor took him under his wing as Mohs had a nack for first aid. To Mohs it seemed like he finally found people he could call family, a place he could call home. That was until his regiment was ordered to stay back to slow down an advancing army. Mohs doesn’t remember much of what happened that day but he knows Glysor had sacrificed his life to let Mohs escape. That day Mohs died in the battle along with his comrades. What came out called themselves Slate, a man hiding numerous scares underneath his armor, and a burning, divine power ignited by the flames of war. Slate travels from town to town, providing aid to civilian and militant alike. Praying that he would never have to witness something like that day ever again.
Character Alignment/Background:chaotic good criminal
Character Backstory:brought to this realm by dark magic and is now a lowly thief. Although he’s a thief he’s soft hearted and kind.his source of power is feelings and will not do magic well while unhappy.when he’s angry he’ll relentlessly tear anything and everything apart.when he’s determined he’ll fight till the last breath. He has 2 flaws. He’s a stealing addict and likes working for and with devils. https://www.heroforge.com/load_config=506371674/
Character Alignment/Background: Chaotic Good, Entertainer
Character Backstory:
As a young adult Eladrin, Narisoa has ventured quite a bit of the world. Born to Elven parents that she scarcely remembers, much of Nari's childhood is bathed in the hazy gold glow of a dragon's flame. Though she does not know if a dragon had to do with her parents' early disappearance from her life, or if her draconic powers came from such a connection, she swears that the flames of her memories felt like more of a warm hug rather than a searing burn.
Traveling into distant towns starting from a very young age, Nari has long grown unaffected by the whisperings that follow her. The shimmer of golden scales across her face has always drawn attention, yet she remains undeterred in the face of the public. If anything, the natural attention only spurred on Narisoa's knack for entertaining. She eventually finds her home in the material plane, basking in the warmth of the farm-side sun and venturing around to quaint towns. With the help of an elderly lady residing in one of the towns, Nari was quickly able to pick up the cheerful tunes of a pan flute. Her first was simply a few chopped bamboo shoots, bound by a ragged strip of gray fabric. She has since found a much more expertly crafted pan flute, polished honey-brown wood bound with a strip of silky red cloth. Never one to stay in one place for too long, Nari continues her travels on the material plane, playing a soft tune and carrying a vague scent of smoke wherever she goes.
As the winter season falls, Nari finds herself performing in a cozy little inn for the gathered Stahlbaum family and other far travelers warming themselves on the festive activities.
Backstory - Keeping a comfortable distance from the goings-on of others, Rez calls a tiny, abandoned mining camp in the foothills his home. The shy ranger does enjoy the presence of others but in only small quantities; so, he visits nearby towns and villages sparingly. When he does so, it is to bring small game he has hunted or fish he has caught to market. The silver he earns is then typically spent on a few things that are difficult to procure in the wild: ale, bread, and--to the surprise of many--books. "There's nothing like a good book to help a fellow start a fire," he jests after seeing a surprised look upon an onlooker's face. Accustomed to his aloofness, the townsfolk know that Rez is never too far away to be of help if there were any threat to life or property.
Ability Scores: STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 16 | INT 17 | WIS 10 | CHA 8
Alignment/Background: LN / Far Traveller
Backstory:
Calamus doesn’t remember much of his history, because he doesn’t really have much of one. Created many years ago and then put on ice, he was activated only 23 days prior, his “training” the only thing still imprinted within his mind. Along with his commander and 98 of his brethren he was given his orders, and fought for 10 days, his centuria eventually being decimated, but the enemy scattered and stopped in their tracks.
The orders of his now dead Centurion carried out, his function complete, he wondered what was next. His programming required input, so he decided he was now his own commander, and he needed to seek out “defined” tasks to fulfill his need to follow a set of commands. With his trusty metal friend Loquitur, he started marching.
It's (almost) that time of year again!
Every year, at the stroke of midnight on the eve of the winter holiday, our world plays host to a grand spectacle brought about by the Winter King of the Feywild: A battle between two miniature kingdoms, a prince without memory, and the fairy princess he is destined to save. A group of mortals are chosen to take part in this conflict; the battle’s outcome rests upon their actions. The Archfey watch these events play out for entertainment. To them, it is a beautiful ballet. To the mortals who play a part in it, it’s far more serious.
A new place is chosen in the Material Plane for the Archfey to host their crossing every year. At the stroke of midnight on the eve of the winter holiday, a handful of mortals are turned into toys, and the armies of the land of sweets and the rat king do battle.The Winter King intervenes directly in these events, appearing on the Material Plane as an eccentric, half-elven toymaker. He hand selects the mortals he wishes to test.This year, the chosen place is a quaint little inn at the edge of a town covered in snow, where the Stahlbaum family and a few heroic guests gather for the holiday.
Additional World Info:
Within the Feywild there exists two miniature kingdoms: The fairy kingdom of sweets, and the kingdom of rats.
The kingdom of sweets is a land of spun sugar and glossy candy; its people a mixture of fairies, pixies, and living candy people. This kingdom was ruled over by a benevolent fairy princess adorned with sugar plums.
The kingdom of rats was made up of an army of rat soldiers, commanded by their rat queen and her son. On top of being the monarch of all rats, the rat queen was a powerful enchantress. She lead her starving people to the delicious kingdom of sweets, hoping to wed her son to the sugar plum fairy.
The sugar plum fairy refused these nuptials, as the mouse queen’s son was a cruel and vindictive creature. The rat queen was furious and cursed the sugar plum fairy with her magic. The sugar plum fairy’s essence was sealed inside of a Krakatuth Nut, the hardest nut in all the Feywild. While trying to escape, the rat queen and her son were caught by the kingdom’s army. The rat queen was killed, but her son escaped. He declared himself the rat king, and swore revenge against the kingdom of sweets, proclaiming he and his army would devour them all.
Upon seeing these events play out, the Kings and Queens of the Fey Courts (Summer, Winter,
Spring, and Autumn) were fascinated by them. The spectacle, the drama, the tragedy, all of it was just so entertaining. The Fey cast a spell upon these two kingdoms, freezing their conflict in time to be re-enacted every year for their amusement.
The Winter King, lord of the winter fey, decided to take a more proactive approach to amusing his fellow Archfey: He would add an army of toys to aid the kingdom of sweets, whom he favored. Every time the conflict was renewed they would add mortals to it to see how things would change. These mortals would be transformed into toys, having until sunrise to reach the sugar plum fairy and end her curse, or else they’d remain toys in this realm forever.
To this he added one final touch: a hero of the story. If a nutcracker from a far away land was among the transformed mortals, this nutcracker would have the power to break the curse on the sugar plum fairy...but only if this nutcracker learned the meaning of the winter season before doing so.
And so a prophecy was made: “If the chosen mortals learn what the meaning of the season is, and free the sugar plum fairy from her Krakatuth prison, the Fey shall bestow a great boon upon them. But if they fail, they will remain toys in this realm forever”.
Currently seking a party of six Level 3 characters for this adventure.
Please submit an application with the following info:
Character Name:
Character Race:
Character Class:
Ability Scores:
Character Alignment/Background:
Character Backstory:
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
DM of Night of the Nutcracker.
Interested.
Quin Oberon
Phantom
https://ddb.ac/characters/30799482/hIu4TU
Alignment NG
Backstory: The product of a night of passion between a bar maid and a soldier Quin grew up running the streets of (insert city here). Abandoned by his father and trained by his mother Quin quickly developed a perceptive eye for spotting marks. Watching his mother work the clientele to maximize her profits taught Quin valuable insights into psychological traits and how to exploit them. He soon learned the value of trading in information. Learning to pick pockets from a fellow urchin was both boon and bust. His skills allow him to provide for himself but unfortunately they are the also the reason he must now travel. One night as retribution against a handsey guard captain that had been pawing at his mother he brazenly decided to alleviate the cad of his coin. Failing in his misguided attempt Quin was forced to flee and seek his fortune out in the wider world.
The snow had caught him off guard but thankfully he'd happened upon this quaint little inn. Seeing that the place seemed to be preparing for a party Quin decides that the storm pushing him off the road might be a score in disguise. LaRoche and his goons weren't likely to follow him into the storm. "Besides the ssssnoooowww. Will cover your trac I ss" An icey whisper tingles his spine as his spirt guide finishes his thought. Quin shudders ."Uuugh ... you know I hate it when you do that. But go ahead and have your fun because tonight we learn to cook. Might be the perfect cover. Some slight of hand and a bit of charm could drop a bit of coin in the pocket."
Rogue Quin Oberon /Mercer's Tavern
Ranger Rigel Foresyth /LMOP
Fighter Barnabus Ironheel /North lands campaign
Fighter Flynt McGraw /Stormraider
Character Name: Kyrakir
Character Race: Earth Genasi
Character Class: Sourcer (Dracnoic Blood: Copper Dragon)
Ability Scores: Point buy or rolled, both work for me!
Character Alignment/Background: NE and Criminal Feature: Criminal Contact: You have a reliable and trustworthy contact who acts as your liaison to a network of other criminals. You know how to get messages to and from your contact, even over great distances; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you.
Character Backstory: The early life of Kyrakir was, to put it in the best way, a slum and a mess. Her family was extremely poor and lived a live of poverty so it wasn't often that Kyrakir got more than one meal a day or had enough clothes to change into so it was no surprise when Kyrakir turned to crime to help try to support her family. Despite the lack of money her family had, her parents were always smiling even if they had to skip meals so that Kyrakir and her siblings could eat, they always had a smile plastered on their faces, and her mother once told her that even though they didn't have a lot of money, they had each other and that was al that mattered but Kyrakir didn't see it that way. The way she saw it was her family was suffering because the wealthy people didn't have the guts to spare a single silver piece on a family that was straving and she grew fond of the idea of stripping those people of their wealth and her life of crime took a huge step and she no longer just stole items, she stole the lives of others as well.
Hey there, this looks awesome!
Name: Ryfus Merland
Race: Tabaxi
Class: Warlock, the Genie
Stats: Ability scores: 13 15 8 16 12 18
Background and alignment: Soldier, Lawful Neutral
Backstory:
Ryfus' current tale is uncomplicated. One cruel winter's night many years ago, Master Stahlbaum came across a stray litter of orphaned tabaxi, who had taken refuge from the cold on the steps of his grand estate. They were immediately ushered inside, fed, and made comfortable beside a blazing hearth. The Master warmed to young Ryfus and his childish brazen, and decided to take the boy under his wing, as a squire.
Ryfus remained there for most of his youth, earning enough coin to support his feline family, and soon falling in love with one of the Stahlbaums' handmaids, Thelise - however, he knew that his lowly status made any hope of intimacy futile and risky. So, when at the age of seventeen he was offered an opportunity to prove his worth in the army, Ryfus did not hesitate. During the five years which followed, he travelled to distant and exotic lands, becoming a proficient swordsman and pillager. One item he looted was of particular importance: an incense lamp, confined to which was a Jiin - an entity of ancient and unfathomable power - who offered Ryfus an irresistible bargain...
Now homeward-bound, Ryfus hopes to confess his love to Thelise and begin a new life - one of his own making. But fate has other plans, it seems.
Character Name: Slate (Mohs)
Character Race: Earth Genasi
Charcter Class: Cleric (War)
Ability Scores: Point Buy: Str 16, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Chr 9
Background / Alignment: Neutral Good Soldier
Backstory:
As an orphan with no prospects Mohs was eager to pick up a weapon and join the army. Although not as strong as the other recruits a senior officer, Corporal Glysor took him under his wing as Mohs had a nack for first aid. To Mohs it seemed like he finally found people he could call family, a place he could call home. That was until his regiment was ordered to stay back to slow down an advancing army. Mohs doesn’t remember much of what happened that day but he knows Glysor had sacrificed his life to let Mohs escape. That day Mohs died in the battle along with his comrades. What came out called themselves Slate, a man hiding numerous scares underneath his armor, and a burning, divine power ignited by the flames of war. Slate travels from town to town, providing aid to civilian and militant alike. Praying that he would never have to witness something like that day ever again.
Character name:Ozwold
Character Race: high elf
Character Class: sorcerer
Ability Scores: standard array
Character Alignment/Background:chaotic good criminal
Character Backstory:brought to this realm by dark magic and is now a lowly thief. Although he’s a thief he’s soft hearted and kind.his source of power is feelings and will not do magic well while unhappy.when he’s angry he’ll relentlessly tear anything and everything apart.when he’s determined he’ll fight till the last breath. He has 2 flaws. He’s a stealing addict and likes working for and with devils.
https://www.heroforge.com/load_config=506371674/
Ability scores: 13 11 10 12 10 18
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Character Name & Sheet: Narisoa "Nari" Aecaryn
Character Race: Eladrin (Summer)
Character Class: Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer
Character Alignment/Background: Chaotic Good, Entertainer
Character Backstory:
As a young adult Eladrin, Narisoa has ventured quite a bit of the world. Born to Elven parents that she scarcely remembers, much of Nari's childhood is bathed in the hazy gold glow of a dragon's flame. Though she does not know if a dragon had to do with her parents' early disappearance from her life, or if her draconic powers came from such a connection, she swears that the flames of her memories felt like more of a warm hug rather than a searing burn.
Traveling into distant towns starting from a very young age, Nari has long grown unaffected by the whisperings that follow her. The shimmer of golden scales across her face has always drawn attention, yet she remains undeterred in the face of the public. If anything, the natural attention only spurred on Narisoa's knack for entertaining. She eventually finds her home in the material plane, basking in the warmth of the farm-side sun and venturing around to quaint towns. With the help of an elderly lady residing in one of the towns, Nari was quickly able to pick up the cheerful tunes of a pan flute. Her first was simply a few chopped bamboo shoots, bound by a ragged strip of gray fabric. She has since found a much more expertly crafted pan flute, polished honey-brown wood bound with a strip of silky red cloth. Never one to stay in one place for too long, Nari continues her travels on the material plane, playing a soft tune and carrying a vague scent of smoke wherever she goes.
As the winter season falls, Nari finds herself performing in a cozy little inn for the gathered Stahlbaum family and other far travelers warming themselves on the festive activities.
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Rez
Test sig
Calamus
(Warforged | L3 Artificer | Battle Smith)
No visible injuries
Shield equipped L arm
Spear on back
Loquitur
(Steel Defender | PB=2)
No visible injuries
All standard equipment stowed
Tinkered ball bearings (green & red) “in play” with human child
Tinkered ball bearing (white) stowed
TEST edit(s) to build posting header for sessions (aka, “stat block”)
Name: Calamus
DDB: https://ddb.ac/characters/87880838/bjB7Zu
Race: Warforged
Class: L3 Artificer (Battlesmith)
Ability Scores: STR 8 | DEX 14 | CON 16 | INT 17 | WIS 10 | CHA 8
Alignment/Background: LN / Far Traveller
Backstory:
Calamus doesn’t remember much of his history, because he doesn’t really have much of one. Created many years ago and then put on ice, he was activated only 23 days prior, his “training” the only thing still imprinted within his mind. Along with his commander and 98 of his brethren he was given his orders, and fought for 10 days, his centuria eventually being decimated, but the enemy scattered and stopped in their tracks.
The orders of his now dead Centurion carried out, his function complete, he wondered what was next. His programming required input, so he decided he was now his own commander, and he needed to seek out “defined” tasks to fulfill his need to follow a set of commands. With his trusty metal friend Loquitur, he started marching.
My choices for the party have been made. Thank you everyone for applying. If a new spot opens up, I'll let you all know.
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
DM of Night of the Nutcracker.