This adventure is set in the world of Critical Role. The world of Exandria on the continent Wildemount. Your adventure begins on the Menagerie Coast.
Spanning the length of Wildemount's southwest coastline along the Lucidian Ocean, the Menagerie Coast is a lush, rain-swept, tropical region filled with scattered forests and jungles, rocky seaside cliffs and beaches, overgrown islands, and bustling trade routes that traverse the perilous seas. The coast is ruled by a nation comprised of seven city-states whose cultural and political leaders have united to form the Clovis Concord. This land is known far and wide as a place for lively trade, vibrant art, performance, and excellent food—as well as the indulgence of vice, piracy, and illicit business.
Five of the seven cities have open shipping ports, supporting a robust economy of goods, services, and contraband. The Myriad crime syndicate has had its hands in the affairs of the concord for decades, and while officials publicly deny that the Myriad is still active along the Menagerie Coast, local guildmasters and politicians fear that the Myriad is stronger than ever.
The major cities that comprise the Menagerie Coast are Port Damali, Feolinn, Othe, Nicodranas, Gwardan, Port Zoon, and Tussoa. Beyond the coastal cities, the Swavain Islands are scattered across the Lucidian Ocean, bearing shipping posts, dangerous reefs, and ancient secrets hidden in the bellies of hungry jungles. The pirates of the Revelry stalk the oceanic trade lanes, hassling merchants, marines, and adventurers alike. As any adventurer will attest, all this danger guarantees that travel along the Menagerie Coast is an anxious, thrilling, and profitable experience—if you know where to look.
You have been hired by Lord Agustin Montega to escort and protect an item of great value from Port Zoon to Port Damali. The item will be set for auction at the Exalted Collection Auction House within the Gilded Esplanade region of Port Damali. Though you have never actually met Lord Agustin, his reputation has spoken for itself. He pays well if the task is completed as described. He has offered 500 gold pieces to each of you as compensation for completing the task as described on the posted job board. Posting below:
"Mercenaries,
I require services for protection of an extremely valuable item of mine as it is transported from Port Zoon to Port Damali where it will be put up for auction to the wealthy. I require five highly skilled individuals to escort this item. You will travel by boat for a day and a half, ensuring nobody opens the crate, including yourselves...hmmm...ESPECIALLY yourselves. Once you arrive at Port Damali, a second escort will be waiting to take the item the rest of the way. Under NO circumstances shall you peek inside the crate or allow anyone to open it. If you can complete this task, I will reward you handsomely. 500 gold pieces upon completion.
-Lord Agustin"
Applications
I will look for one post per day. I Will post more frequently during combat sessions to keep things moving but mostly one post per day from me. If you cannot post for a period of time let me know. During a combat encounter, if you cannot post within 24 hours I will post for your character.
You will start at level 3. All official Races and Classes accepted. Homebrew will need to be reviewed before joining
Roll two sets of stats and take your preferred set
Character name
Race
Class
Backstory
Since this is set in the world of critical role please try and keep your backstories related to wildemount and if you require a deity to worship, please use the following. Prime Deities Avandra the Change Bringer Bahamut the Platinum Dragon Corellon the Arch Heart Erathis the Law Bearer Ioun the Knowing Mentor Kord the Storm Lord Melora the WIld Mother Moradin the All-hammer Pelor the Dawnfather Sarenrae the Everlight Sehanine the Moonweaver The Raven Queen the Matron of Death
Character name:Well…it’s a king Nani in orcish that no one can pronounce or remember. He sals himself Crunchface Bloodspur, cause that’s pretty much what it means
Race: Half-orc.
Class: Lunar sorcerer
Backstory: He served in the military for a short while. One night on the town, he was um, indulging in a bit of debauchery, and he got a bit too drunk and…had an affair with a minor moon goddess. He remembers none of this. All he knows is that he woke up the next morning and accidentally casted some storks, maybe lighting some of his things on fire…and he’s now god magic powers.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
If I haven’t offended you, don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll get to you eventually.
Taking first set of ability scores above. @Drcornwallis, should we wait for your acceptance (I'm assuming) or just join the linked campaign?
Character Name: Lyra Ravenscale (<-- Link to dndbeyond character sheet) Race: Custom Lineage (from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything) - flavored as quarter-elf. Feat from Custom Lineage: Fey Touched. Class: Hexblade Warlock (2) / Bard (1) - all future levels would be in Bard / College of Eloquence. Background/Backstory: See (first) spoiler below.
Background: Faction Agent
Backstory: Lyra Ravenscale's prize possession is a dull black harmonica which always hangs around her neck. Plays haunting chords which act as the source of her magic. Through this instrument, she has made what at first was an unwitting pact with the Raven Queen. A mysterious, chaotic neutral demigoddess of Shadowfell whose gift also manifests as a jet black warhammer - the one which hangs seemingly to heavy for Lyra to lift at her belt.
Youngest child of a small merchant family and orphaned at an early age, Lyra ran off from her elven grandmother's home as soon as she was of age. Bound for the the Menagerie Coast. Always quick with words and music, Lyra's social encounters led her to become involved with a shadowy spy network, which in turn put her aboard this ship. With instructions to watch and gather information. Whether the orders are coming from the Myriad or some opposing force, she is unsure. But adventure calls and Lyra plays a sharp chord on her harmonica, finding that she doesn't care.
Class: Ranger (1, starting class, will go Swarmkeeper) / Monk (2, will go Cobalt Soul)
Background: Orphaned girl was raised by Cobalt Soul monks but left into the world to discover her unlikely heritage.
Short version:
After an extrasolar object impacted near one of their secluded monasteries, scholars of the Cobalt Soul found a sphere at the impact site. The blueish sphere contained a sleeping infant of an unknown heritage. Analysis of the sphere yielded little more than that it was made of a rare wood type, blue mahoe, but any magic, that it surely must have possessed to survive the impact, had vanished. The scholars adopted the baby girl, nursed it to childhood, educated it and trained it as one of their own. For lack of inspiration they dubbed her Blue Mahoe. In her teenage years, Blue began to question her heritage. This incinerated the questions about her origin all anew but all in vain. Ultimately, the only advise left for the order to give to Blue was that she must venture into the multiverse to find answer on her own.
Long version (in role):
"I don’t even recognize your species, from where are you exactly?" asks the bar tender after Bluestayed at his inn for a few days. She was waiting for someone, someone that she was guaranteed would pass this way. Someone who might actually have some answers, not like this nosy innkeeper. Well, you have to grant him that he is quite perceptive. Most people just assume she is half an elf without the signature pointy ears. It’s her lean build that’s the reason for most. More travelled folk would also point to her fair skin and sharp facial features to reinforce their classification. Few actually assert that her slight bluish taint most certainly suggests sea elven heritage. Though that would be at odds with her as she displays none of their traits. Maybe an actual sea elf would have noticed, but she never actually met one. No, the one thing that could give her away are her skin patterns, but no one outside her home has ever registered the fine lines on her skin that resemble natural grain patterns of worked wood. Mostly, because no one ever got close enough to actually investigate. So what was it that gave her away? Or was it just a stroke of luck? Well, why not indulge him? He won’t buy it, anyway, and perhaps it buys her drinks this evening.
"Aye, look that’s a real' long story,"she throws out her hook. "It’s not that you’ve much to do,"he bites, "no offense, but judging from the last few days, you’ll be still here for a few hours and there aren’t many customers for me to take care of."Now she reels it in, "No offence taken and you’re right but I’ve been outside all day and my throat is sore from all the dust. The last thing it needs is to rattle through a long story, at least not before it got some ale for a second wind."She avoids looking into his eye, trying to converse nonchalantly. Best he thinks it was his idea. She waits some more. The innkeeper smiles, "How about the house oils your throat? That‘d help?""That‘d be nice, indeed. Why, thank you,"she says. "Just know in advance that it’s an uncommon story and that you might not get the answers that you want but I tell you what I know.""You don’t know?" he asks intrigued and hands her a full tankard. "No, I’m actually here trying to find … ahem … my parents," she hesitates. "So where did you grow up,"he presses.
"Ok, let’s go back to the beginning. That’s how I have been told it happened, I don’t actually have memory of it myself. Listen, after an extrasolar object impacted near one of the secluded Cobalt Soul monasteries, their scholars found a strange sphere at the impact site. That sphere was made entirely out of wood. A wood with a rare bluish color. It contained a sleeping infant of an unknown heritage,"and her voice emphasized the last words. "You aren’t saying your off-world, now, are you? That’s just rich. I think we can stop here," the innkeeper shakes his head in disbelieve. "I haven’t said any such thing," she defends, "but perhaps if you’d listen to the full story..." He rolls his eyes, "Didn’t take you for a bard but, heck, might be a good ghost story is just what this night needs."
She takes a breath, "Where was I? Right - Analysis of the sphere yielded little more than that it was made of a rare wood type, blue mahoe, but any magic, that it surely must have possessed to survive the impact, had vanished. Nevertheless, the scholars kept the sphere safe as it was a rare artifact. With little else for an alternative, the scholars took in the baby girl, nursed it to childhood, educated it and trained it as one of their own. For lack of inspiration they dubbed her Blue Mahoe as her skin was oddly resembling the worked surface of the sphere that once held her. Only, when she approached adulthood and entered the final tests for her ascendancy to a full member of their order, they showed her the sphere and retold how she came to be there. She listened attentively for she always felt incomplete and couldn’t have guessed for what reason. Now, in the presence of the sphere she felt oddly fulfilled, comfortably at ease. Her hand slowly stroke over the sphere’s boards, almost caressing, while the scholars finished their tale. ‚Why haven’t you told me earlier?‘ she asked but they couldn’t produce a satisfying answer and they were clearly affected. She stroke again over the perfectly smooth surface - but what was that? There was a nick, or a splinter. She approached to inspect it. A tiny splinter stuck from the otherwise perfect surface - then it twitched. She refocused her vision, calming herself, and observed carefully as she'd learnt. The splinter twitched again as if it were an insects leg. In fact, it eerily resembled a leg, a spiny wooden one. She spared a glance to her tutors who, at the distance, didn't notice anything wrong. When she turned back, more splinters had appeared. All busy moving, pedaling in the air, witlessly battling each other, or pressing against the wooden surface. From somewhere had even appeared a creatures with spiny wooden legs, actually to was all wood, the same, from what she could tell, as the sphere. It could be a miniature twig blight, but could it be and from where it came? No, not one, several creatures, busy as ants on their ancestral hill. She stepped back a pace or two and before long, the entire spherical structure collapsed into a heap of twisting and squirming miniature twig blights. She was shocked by the event unfolding in front of her eyes, but at the same time she felt a proximity to the creatures, a bond almost. A feeling that she heard others describe when referring to their siblings. Instinctively, she holds out a hand, not expecting any reaction of the apparently mindless form of writhing creatures. Yet, the busy mound begun to thin, and rise. Slowly it turned into a tall, pole-like structure of endlessly moving bits, advancing in height towards her hand. As if programmed, she reached out for it and, when she finally grasps it, it solidifies. Stunned, her tutors marvelled at the solid, bluish quarterstaff that she suddenly held in her hand." Blue sips from the tankard that the innkeeper dutifully refilled, and places a brief glance to her side, where a bluish quarterstaff leans against the bar. The innkeeper follows her glance, blinking at the sight of the weapon, but says, "So that's the proof? You can make them little buggers come out, too? - Guess not. But good story," he nods to Blue, who replies, "No, I haven't been able to lure them out since that day. But prey, if there is a way, I'll find it.""Sure, you'll do," he says and turns away. She continues to sip on her free ale while waiting for her contact to finally arrive.
Additional Information for DM (Motivation and Character Concept):
Well, if you got through this wall of text, thanks. I hope it wasn't too bad. Still, there is a bit of meta-information that I would like to mention if you are interested in this character. This character would need a certain amount of DM interaction as it is designed with dormant powers that may or may not be activated during her 'life'. Don't worry, I'm not asking for bonus super powers. These powers are essentially class features. I mean the idea is that she would develop predominantly in only one class (Monk), but after achieving certain goals, she may advance one level in her origin class (Ranger) to gain access to her 'heritage' powers that are essentially class' features.
The character is Spelljammer inspired but I think it should work in any setting. The species (to avoid the term race since D&D wants to move away from that) is some alien species (therefore custom lineage) that isn't home to the setting, I'm not sure if this is something you'd want but it would be easy to just say she's a cultural mix, anything would work. However, specifically, the idea is that a dying, ancient god in the astral sea has transferred his vanishing power into a seed and launched that seed into the depth of the astral sea. Blue is the fruit of the seed along with a sentient twig blight swarm that served as vessel and to nourish her, and continues to support her throughout. Though, she knows nothing about any of that. Her personal quest is to find out about herself and should she gather enough information for a milestone, she would advance a ranger level (gaining spell casting and Shillelagh to upgrade her mundane quarterstaff), then the next milestone would grant access to another ranger level (to become a Swarmkeeper with a twig blight swarm). Both of these milestones would reflect nicely how she gains power by learning about herself. Still, this is something that needs help from the DM and this is why I go to this detail in my explanation.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ability scores set 1: 141612121513
Ability scores set 2: 101510161014
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Zane grew up in Rexxentrum, where he was surrounded by art and culture. From a young age, he was drawn to music and storytelling, and began to teach himself to play the flute. As he grew older, he became increasingly interested in the art world, and began to study the history of art and the techniques used by different artists.
Zane's interest in art led him to become a private detective, specializing in art theft. He uses his knowledge of art and his skills as a bard to gather information and track down stolen pieces. He is able to blend into various social settings and events, often using his performances as a cover to investigate and gather information. He's also able to charm people and convince them to give him information by playing a song that relates to their emotions, or singing a ballad about the stolen piece.
One day, Zane was approached by a wealthy collector who had lost a valuable piece of art, a painting that holds a deep sentimental value for him. The collector, who was a big fan of Zane's music and his reputation as a private detective, offered him a large sum of money to recover the painting and bring the thief to justice. Zane accepted the job, and begun his investigation. As he delved deeper into the case, he discovered that the painting was part of a larger art theft ring, and that many other valuable pieces of art had been stolen as well.
However, while Zane was on the case, the thieves found out that they were being tracked and decided to take action. They ambushed Zane and his team, killed Zane's partner and left him for dead. Zane barely survived the attack, but was left with severe physical and emotional scars. He was unable to continue his work as a detective, and his passion for art and music was also greatly diminished by the tragic event.
Zane, who now had nothing left, was approached by a group of mercenaries who offered him a job. He accepted it, as he needed a new purpose, a way to cope with his loss and his trauma. He started working as a mercenary and using his skills as a bard to gather information and help the team in battle. He found that the adrenaline rush of battle helped him to forget his pain and find a sense of purpose again. He also found solace in using his skills to help others and bring criminals to justice, in his own way.
backstory: thernalore never met his mother as she died before he could remember, his dad a fisherman from Othe moved back their and remarried his new step mum and thern never got along, eventually running away from his home to a temple of korg the storm lord becoming a preist and a member of his clergy. Now out to see the world and do some good looks at this contract with a smile
Backstory: Failed Merchant. Otag grew up in the Dwendalian Empire collecting pridesilk like his parents before him. They made good money, but Otag never believed they should be taxed by the empire and was of a mind to expand the family business to other lands. With two bolts of the precious pridesilk in tow, Otag headed for the menagerie coast and Nicodranus, but along the coast he was robbed and the silk taken. Not knowing how to return to his family without extreme embarrassment, he decided to seek his fortune in other ways, learning to sail and fight. When the job posting came up about a glorified package delivery paying 500 gold, he jumped at the opportunity.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ability scores: 141217141611
Ability scores: 13914131217
Character name: Midem Shidi
Race: Reborn
Class: Twilight Cleric/Monk
Backstory: Midem was the first son of a priest of Sehanine, born in Western Wynandir. Midem's family were poor and his father was treated with ridicule. Midem couldn't understand why his father never stood up for himself. However, Midem saw fit to look after his younger brother when he was the target of bullying from the other children. His father was disappointed with Midem's violent tendencies, and his obsession with war.
In his final years of childhood, Midem saw fit to become a soldier for the Dwendalian Empire. He spent several years in service to the Dwendalian Empire and became a notable fighter. Midem would lose himself to the right, and didn't return home when his father was sick. Only a few weeks after hearing the news of his father's illness did the news reach him that his father had died.
However, on one fateful day, Midem was killed in combat; a knife wound to the side. Yet, the gods, or specifically Sehanine, was done with Midem. Sehanine resurrected Midem as a reborn to be one of her soldiers.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Think I used reroll ones stats where way too op
Ability scores: 151518141510
Ability scores: 5111617149
Character name: Marten
Race: Human Variant
Class: Fighter (gunslinger)
Backstory: Marten was a highway man with a small group of bandits. He had a fairly good deal going with mist of the cavans paying their fair price for safe travel. That was till the Myraid Crime Syndicate moved into his turf. Quickly out matched and out gunned Marten turned to the less glamous job as a gun for higher. Most of the time he acted as a guard for some carvan or noble traveing between cities. This work eventually landed him the gig for Lord Agustin.
Name: Bellamy Race: Tabaxi Class: Wizard/Order of Scribes Backstory: Bellamy hails from Gwardan the northernmost city state in the Menagerie Coast. He was a student of the Houses of Sagacity. That was where he learned the art of magic and nurtured his faith in Ioun the Knowing Mentor. His thirst for knowledge landed him a great deal of trouble when he was caught trying the unravel the mystery of Steamcasting. The strange process of turning cheap metal into something as hard as steel. The ruling Noldar exiled Bellamy for his crimes. Since then he has become a wanderer selling his services for coin. Character Sheet:https://ddb.ac/characters/92210765/D8uhAV
This adventure is set in the world of Critical Role. The world of Exandria on the continent Wildemount. Your adventure begins on the Menagerie Coast.
Spanning the length of Wildemount's southwest coastline along the Lucidian Ocean, the Menagerie Coast is a lush, rain-swept, tropical region filled with scattered forests and jungles, rocky seaside cliffs and beaches, overgrown islands, and bustling trade routes that traverse the perilous seas. The coast is ruled by a nation comprised of seven city-states whose cultural and political leaders have united to form the Clovis Concord. This land is known far and wide as a place for lively trade, vibrant art, performance, and excellent food—as well as the indulgence of vice, piracy, and illicit business.
Five of the seven cities have open shipping ports, supporting a robust economy of goods, services, and contraband. The Myriad crime syndicate has had its hands in the affairs of the concord for decades, and while officials publicly deny that the Myriad is still active along the Menagerie Coast, local guildmasters and politicians fear that the Myriad is stronger than ever.
The major cities that comprise the Menagerie Coast are Port Damali, Feolinn, Othe, Nicodranas, Gwardan, Port Zoon, and Tussoa. Beyond the coastal cities, the Swavain Islands are scattered across the Lucidian Ocean, bearing shipping posts, dangerous reefs, and ancient secrets hidden in the bellies of hungry jungles. The pirates of the Revelry stalk the oceanic trade lanes, hassling merchants, marines, and adventurers alike. As any adventurer will attest, all this danger guarantees that travel along the Menagerie Coast is an anxious, thrilling, and profitable experience—if you know where to look.
You have been hired by Lord Agustin Montega to escort and protect an item of great value from Port Zoon to Port Damali. The item will be set for auction at the Exalted Collection Auction House within the Gilded Esplanade region of Port Damali. Though you have never actually met Lord Agustin, his reputation has spoken for itself. He pays well if the task is completed as described. He has offered 500 gold pieces to each of you as compensation for completing the task as described on the posted job board. Posting below:
Applications
I will look for one post per day. I Will post more frequently during combat sessions to keep things moving but mostly one post per day from me. If you cannot post for a period of time let me know. During a combat encounter, if you cannot post within 24 hours I will post for your character.
You will start at level 3. All official Races and Classes accepted. Homebrew will need to be reviewed before joining
Roll two sets of stats and take your preferred set
Character name
Race
Class
Backstory
Since this is set in the world of critical role please try and keep your backstories related to wildemount and if you require a deity to worship, please use the following.
Prime Deities
Avandra the Change Bringer
Bahamut the Platinum Dragon
Corellon the Arch Heart
Erathis the Law Bearer
Ioun the Knowing Mentor
Kord the Storm Lord
Melora the WIld Mother
Moradin the All-hammer
Pelor the Dawnfather
Sarenrae the Everlight
Sehanine the Moonweaver
The Raven Queen the Matron of Death
Ability scores: 12 14 15 12 11 5
Ability scores: 10 8 10 17 16 13
Character to follow, sounds awesome!
Ability scores: 17 12 12 14 13 13
Ability scores: 14 9 13 11 14 13
NOTE: I don’t know squat about the world of Exandria, but I’m willing to join!
If I haven’t offended you, don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll get to you eventually.
Character name:Well…it’s a king Nani in orcish that no one can pronounce or remember. He sals himself Crunchface Bloodspur, cause that’s pretty much what it means
Race: Half-orc.
Class: Lunar sorcerer
Backstory: He served in the military for a short while. One night on the town, he was um, indulging in a bit of debauchery, and he got a bit too drunk and…had an affair with a minor moon goddess. He remembers none of this. All he knows is that he woke up the next morning and accidentally casted some storks, maybe lighting some of his things on fire…and he’s now god magic powers.
If I haven’t offended you, don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll get to you eventually.
Ability scores: Unable to parse dice roll. 12 17 12 9 16
Ability scores: 13 12 18 17 10 9
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Taking first set of ability scores above. @Drcornwallis, should we wait for your acceptance (I'm assuming) or just join the linked campaign?
Character Name: Lyra Ravenscale (<-- Link to dndbeyond character sheet)
Race: Custom Lineage (from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything) - flavored as quarter-elf. Feat from Custom Lineage: Fey Touched.
Class: Hexblade Warlock (2) / Bard (1) - all future levels would be in Bard / College of Eloquence.
Background/Backstory: See (first) spoiler below.
Background: Faction Agent
Backstory: Lyra Ravenscale's prize possession is a dull black harmonica which always hangs around her neck. Plays haunting chords which act as the source of her magic. Through this instrument, she has made what at first was an unwitting pact with the Raven Queen. A mysterious, chaotic neutral demigoddess of Shadowfell whose gift also manifests as a jet black warhammer - the one which hangs seemingly to heavy for Lyra to lift at her belt.
Youngest child of a small merchant family and orphaned at an early age, Lyra ran off from her elven grandmother's home as soon as she was of age. Bound for the the Menagerie Coast. Always quick with words and music, Lyra's social encounters led her to become involved with a shadowy spy network, which in turn put her aboard this ship. With instructions to watch and gather information. Whether the orders are coming from the Myriad or some opposing force, she is unsure. But adventure calls and Lyra plays a sharp chord on her harmonica, finding that she doesn't care.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Name: Blue Mahoe -- I added the character to your campaign, because you offered the link, but feel free to throw her out if you select other players.
Stats:
Race: Custom Lineage
Class: Ranger (1, starting class, will go Swarmkeeper) / Monk (2, will go Cobalt Soul)
Background: Orphaned girl was raised by Cobalt Soul monks but left into the world to discover her unlikely heritage.
Short version:
After an extrasolar object impacted near one of their secluded monasteries, scholars of the Cobalt Soul found a sphere at the impact site. The blueish sphere contained a sleeping infant of an unknown heritage. Analysis of the sphere yielded little more than that it was made of a rare wood type, blue mahoe, but any magic, that it surely must have possessed to survive the impact, had vanished. The scholars adopted the baby girl, nursed it to childhood, educated it and trained it as one of their own. For lack of inspiration they dubbed her Blue Mahoe. In her teenage years, Blue began to question her heritage. This incinerated the questions about her origin all anew but all in vain. Ultimately, the only advise left for the order to give to Blue was that she must venture into the multiverse to find answer on her own.
Long version (in role):
"I don’t even recognize your species, from where are you exactly?" asks the bar tender after Blue stayed at his inn for a few days. She was waiting for someone, someone that she was guaranteed would pass this way. Someone who might actually have some answers, not like this nosy innkeeper. Well, you have to grant him that he is quite perceptive. Most people just assume she is half an elf without the signature pointy ears. It’s her lean build that’s the reason for most. More travelled folk would also point to her fair skin and sharp facial features to reinforce their classification. Few actually assert that her slight bluish taint most certainly suggests sea elven heritage. Though that would be at odds with her as she displays none of their traits. Maybe an actual sea elf would have noticed, but she never actually met one. No, the one thing that could give her away are her skin patterns, but no one outside her home has ever registered the fine lines on her skin that resemble natural grain patterns of worked wood. Mostly, because no one ever got close enough to actually investigate. So what was it that gave her away? Or was it just a stroke of luck? Well, why not indulge him? He won’t buy it, anyway, and perhaps it buys her drinks this evening.
"Aye, look that’s a real' long story," she throws out her hook. "It’s not that you’ve much to do," he bites, "no offense, but judging from the last few days, you’ll be still here for a few hours and there aren’t many customers for me to take care of." Now she reels it in, "No offence taken and you’re right but I’ve been outside all day and my throat is sore from all the dust. The last thing it needs is to rattle through a long story, at least not before it got some ale for a second wind." She avoids looking into his eye, trying to converse nonchalantly. Best he thinks it was his idea. She waits some more. The innkeeper smiles, "How about the house oils your throat? That‘d help?" "That‘d be nice, indeed. Why, thank you," she says. "Just know in advance that it’s an uncommon story and that you might not get the answers that you want but I tell you what I know." "You don’t know?" he asks intrigued and hands her a full tankard. "No, I’m actually here trying to find … ahem … my parents," she hesitates. "So where did you grow up," he presses.
"Ok, let’s go back to the beginning. That’s how I have been told it happened, I don’t actually have memory of it myself. Listen, after an extrasolar object impacted near one of the secluded Cobalt Soul monasteries, their scholars found a strange sphere at the impact site. That sphere was made entirely out of wood. A wood with a rare bluish color. It contained a sleeping infant of an unknown heritage," and her voice emphasized the last words. "You aren’t saying your off-world, now, are you? That’s just rich. I think we can stop here," the innkeeper shakes his head in disbelieve. "I haven’t said any such thing," she defends, "but perhaps if you’d listen to the full story..." He rolls his eyes, "Didn’t take you for a bard but, heck, might be a good ghost story is just what this night needs."
She takes a breath, "Where was I? Right - Analysis of the sphere yielded little more than that it was made of a rare wood type, blue mahoe, but any magic, that it surely must have possessed to survive the impact, had vanished. Nevertheless, the scholars kept the sphere safe as it was a rare artifact. With little else for an alternative, the scholars took in the baby girl, nursed it to childhood, educated it and trained it as one of their own. For lack of inspiration they dubbed her Blue Mahoe as her skin was oddly resembling the worked surface of the sphere that once held her. Only, when she approached adulthood and entered the final tests for her ascendancy to a full member of their order, they showed her the sphere and retold how she came to be there. She listened attentively for she always felt incomplete and couldn’t have guessed for what reason. Now, in the presence of the sphere she felt oddly fulfilled, comfortably at ease. Her hand slowly stroke over the sphere’s boards, almost caressing, while the scholars finished their tale. ‚Why haven’t you told me earlier?‘ she asked but they couldn’t produce a satisfying answer and they were clearly affected. She stroke again over the perfectly smooth surface - but what was that? There was a nick, or a splinter. She approached to inspect it. A tiny splinter stuck from the otherwise perfect surface - then it twitched. She refocused her vision, calming herself, and observed carefully as she'd learnt. The splinter twitched again as if it were an insects leg. In fact, it eerily resembled a leg, a spiny wooden one. She spared a glance to her tutors who, at the distance, didn't notice anything wrong. When she turned back, more splinters had appeared. All busy moving, pedaling in the air, witlessly battling each other, or pressing against the wooden surface. From somewhere had even appeared a creatures with spiny wooden legs, actually to was all wood, the same, from what she could tell, as the sphere. It could be a miniature twig blight, but could it be and from where it came? No, not one, several creatures, busy as ants on their ancestral hill. She stepped back a pace or two and before long, the entire spherical structure collapsed into a heap of twisting and squirming miniature twig blights. She was shocked by the event unfolding in front of her eyes, but at the same time she felt a proximity to the creatures, a bond almost. A feeling that she heard others describe when referring to their siblings. Instinctively, she holds out a hand, not expecting any reaction of the apparently mindless form of writhing creatures. Yet, the busy mound begun to thin, and rise. Slowly it turned into a tall, pole-like structure of endlessly moving bits, advancing in height towards her hand. As if programmed, she reached out for it and, when she finally grasps it, it solidifies. Stunned, her tutors marvelled at the solid, bluish quarterstaff that she suddenly held in her hand." Blue sips from the tankard that the innkeeper dutifully refilled, and places a brief glance to her side, where a bluish quarterstaff leans against the bar. The innkeeper follows her glance, blinking at the sight of the weapon, but says, "So that's the proof? You can make them little buggers come out, too? - Guess not. But good story," he nods to Blue, who replies, "No, I haven't been able to lure them out since that day. But prey, if there is a way, I'll find it." "Sure, you'll do," he says and turns away. She continues to sip on her free ale while waiting for her contact to finally arrive.
Additional Information for DM (Motivation and Character Concept):
Well, if you got through this wall of text, thanks. I hope it wasn't too bad. Still, there is a bit of meta-information that I would like to mention if you are interested in this character. This character would need a certain amount of DM interaction as it is designed with dormant powers that may or may not be activated during her 'life'. Don't worry, I'm not asking for bonus super powers. These powers are essentially class features. I mean the idea is that she would develop predominantly in only one class (Monk), but after achieving certain goals, she may advance one level in her origin class (Ranger) to gain access to her 'heritage' powers that are essentially class' features.
The character is Spelljammer inspired but I think it should work in any setting. The species (to avoid the term race since D&D wants to move away from that) is some alien species (therefore custom lineage) that isn't home to the setting, I'm not sure if this is something you'd want but it would be easy to just say she's a cultural mix, anything would work. However, specifically, the idea is that a dying, ancient god in the astral sea has transferred his vanishing power into a seed and launched that seed into the depth of the astral sea. Blue is the fruit of the seed along with a sentient twig blight swarm that served as vessel and to nourish her, and continues to support her throughout. Though, she knows nothing about any of that. Her personal quest is to find out about herself and should she gather enough information for a milestone, she would advance a ranger level (gaining spell casting and Shillelagh to upgrade her mundane quarterstaff), then the next milestone would grant access to another ranger level (to become a Swarmkeeper with a twig blight swarm). Both of these milestones would reflect nicely how she gains power by learning about herself. Still, this is something that needs help from the DM and this is why I go to this detail in my explanation.
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Ability scores set 1: 14 16 12 12 15 13
Ability scores set 2: 10 15 10 16 10 14
Sorry, I'm beginning to enter a vacation period and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Ability scores: 12 13 9 15 16 10
Ability scores: 9 8 9 13 12 16
Sounds exciting!
Ability scores 1: 12 11 11 13 15 8
Ability scores 2: 16 16 14 13 17 11
Holy cow...
Character incoming soon
Meet Zane, the tabaxi bard - https://ddb.ac/characters/92196066/YbFFod
Background:
Name thernalore
race half sea elf
class cleric of the tempest domain
backstory: thernalore never met his mother as she died before he could remember, his dad a fisherman from Othe moved back their and remarried his new step mum and thern never got along, eventually running away from his home to a temple of korg the storm lord becoming a preist and a member of his clergy. Now out to see the world and do some good looks at this contract with a smile
Ability scores: 14 15 8 16 7 7
Ability scores: 11 18 10 13 18 12
Character name: Otag Silkstringer
Race: Mountain Dwarf
Class: Barbarian
Backstory: Failed Merchant. Otag grew up in the Dwendalian Empire collecting pridesilk like his parents before him. They made good money, but Otag never believed they should be taxed by the empire and was of a mind to expand the family business to other lands. With two bolts of the precious pridesilk in tow, Otag headed for the menagerie coast and Nicodranus, but along the coast he was robbed and the silk taken. Not knowing how to return to his family without extreme embarrassment, he decided to seek his fortune in other ways, learning to sail and fight. When the job posting came up about a glorified package delivery paying 500 gold, he jumped at the opportunity.
Think I used reroll ones stats where way too op
Ability scores: 14 16 14 10 12 16
Ability scores: 15 7 13 11 9 13
Ability scores: 14 12 17 14 16 11
Ability scores: 13 9 14 13 12 17
Character name: Midem Shidi
Race: Reborn
Class: Twilight Cleric/Monk
Backstory: Midem was the first son of a priest of Sehanine, born in Western Wynandir. Midem's family were poor and his father was treated with ridicule. Midem couldn't understand why his father never stood up for himself. However, Midem saw fit to look after his younger brother when he was the target of bullying from the other children. His father was disappointed with Midem's violent tendencies, and his obsession with war.
In his final years of childhood, Midem saw fit to become a soldier for the Dwendalian Empire. He spent several years in service to the Dwendalian Empire and became a notable fighter. Midem would lose himself to the right, and didn't return home when his father was sick. Only a few weeks after hearing the news of his father's illness did the news reach him that his father had died.
However, on one fateful day, Midem was killed in combat; a knife wound to the side. Yet, the gods, or specifically Sehanine, was done with Midem. Sehanine resurrected Midem as a reborn to be one of her soldiers.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Character name: Marten
Race: Human Variant
Class: Fighter (gunslinger)
Backstory: Marten was a highway man with a small group of bandits. He had a fairly good deal going with mist of the cavans paying their fair price for safe travel. That was till the Myraid Crime Syndicate moved into his turf. Quickly out matched and out gunned Marten turned to the less glamous job as a gun for higher. Most of the time he acted as a guard for some carvan or noble traveing between cities. This work eventually landed him the gig for Lord Agustin.
Ability scores: 17 9 12 8 15 7
Ability scores: 14 13 15 15 8 11
Using 1st set
Name: Bellamy
Race: Tabaxi
Class: Wizard/Order of Scribes
Backstory: Bellamy hails from Gwardan the northernmost city state in the Menagerie Coast. He was a student of the Houses of Sagacity. That was where he learned the art of magic and nurtured his faith in Ioun the Knowing Mentor. His thirst for knowledge landed him a great deal of trouble when he was caught trying the unravel the mystery of Steamcasting. The strange process of turning cheap metal into something as hard as steel. The ruling Noldar exiled Bellamy for his crimes. Since then he has become a wanderer selling his services for coin.
Character Sheet: https://ddb.ac/characters/92210765/D8uhAV
Closing Recruitment for the time being as I reach out to players.